Life with the Tomlin Family

Photo Card

2011-11-20T17:44:00.001-05:00

Merry Montage Christmas

Shutterfly has elegant Christmas party invitations for your holiday party.

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CADSA Stars past and present 2010

2010-10-23T17:41:00.001-04:00

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CADSA Stars...Past and Present 2010 at OneTrueMedia.com

2010-10-23T17:39:00.001-04:00

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Stars among us.... CADSA Stars past and present

2010-10-23T17:33:00.002-04:00

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FALL IN THE AIR!

2010-10-18T22:19:00.007-04:00

Well, I must say I have not been so good about my blog lately. So here's a summary of this summer and fall....

Summer: June we enjoyed some camping Memorial Day(May actually) to start the season out. Then a couple of other weekends in June. Then July we spent a week at Somerset for the later part of Family Camp, and into the following week so Cody could go to day camp. Cody loves to camp and he learned how to shoot archery, and now he loves that too. Among other sports like swimming, soccer, baseball, tennis, football, and biking. You name it, Cody can do it! He also loves to run!!!

Brady enjoyed walking and riding his bike, wagon or stroller about the camp grounds. Then also swimming, horseback riding, playgrounds etc.

August was Cody's 5th b day and of course we had a great time bowling. Brady and Cody both started school in Sept. just after a great weekend camping in Port Huron, KOA with the Tomlin's. That was a great weekend. Camping, bumper boats, miniature golf, banana bikes, campfires, great food, and fellowship.

School started along with soccer... and I as the coach! We just ended our fall season 8-1 and Cody got his first two goals! I enjoyed the coaching role and really enjoyed each of the kids and to see them blossom during the several weeks.

Now it is October and we are enjoying the perfect fall weather. Today, as I was driving home from work, I took a different route. Boy, I am so glad I did. As I was coming up a hill on our street, the trees were an orange arch opening up to the heavens... as the sun shown threw the trees to my path.... Amazing... very picturesque. I loved it, and wished I could have captured it on photo... however, you just will have to believe me or imagine it! It was breath-taking!

So there you have it in a nutshell.... Well I am sure there was so much more. Buddy Walk was a wonderful and amazing time. Over 2000 people were there and we raised over $38,000!!! This week we will be celebrating more of Down Syndrome with a Dance... on Oct. 23, 2010 at 7pm. Charlar Place in Holt, MI. So come on out to share in our joys! Cost is $5.00 a person or all special needs persons are FREE!!!!

Well, I guess I should post a few pictures of the last few months! Here you go and keep posted for more!!! Happy Fall!!!

Buddy Walk is coming soon!!!

2010-08-20T08:54:00.001-04:00

Me and my boys May 2010

2010-07-10T18:56:00.000-04:00

Free digital scrapbooking design made with Smilebox

Fundraising Events

2010-06-20T14:10:00.002-04:00

www.firstgiving.com/dawntomlin

Just wanted to share the updates on some great opportunities to raise money for Down syndrome. If you are interested in becoming a part of Brady's Buddies or just coming out to have some fun... come check out this website and here all about what Brady is doing, as well as the Capital Area Down Syndrome Association!

Have a great day! Happy Summer!!!!

Sign Language (ASL) DVDs & Videos From Signing Time

2010-06-11T01:12:00.000-04:00

Sign Language (ASL) DVDs & Videos From Signing Time

In case you were interested in learning some sign language.... visit this great resource. I was able to help teach Cody and he loved these videos. Now we are teaching the signs to Brady who knows more than 90 plus signs! Give as gifts or use for your classroom. I believe anyone can learn to speak a second language! So why not give signing a chance? F you like music and action here is a great place to have all your senses put to the test. Enjoy.

Have a blessed day!

Easter 2010

2010-04-17T21:48:00.004-04:00

We had a wonderful Easter Sunday. The week had started out with Brady celebrating his birthday in h
is classroom. His friends enjoyed singing to him and sharing in his birthday treat of oreo dessert cupcakes. Saturday we had a wonderful 3rd birthday Fireman party. Fireman Kevin was out putting out fires and was able to show up just in time for us to leave. Brady was a little uncertain at first but he warmed up to him after a few minutes.

We had an egg hunt during the party and everyone enjoyed their treats and the firetruck cake. Cody had a big part in planning the party and baking, decorating and eating the cake! Cody stated his favorite part was the egg hunt!

Easter we spent with Ken's family. We enjoyed another egg hunt and some more birthday cake! The boys are still eating all the easter candy.

So enjoy some fun times we had this Easter with family and friends!

Bradys 3rd Bday and Easter Card

2010-04-10T13:11:00.002-04:00

Here is the thank you note I have sent out to those who came to the birthday parties, but I also wanted to share it with anyone who has been apart of our lives since Brady came into the world 3 years ago! Thank you to all! Happy 3rd Birthday Brady! WE LOVE YOU!

Personalize a free digital invite

March here and almost gone!

2010-03-26T23:37:00.006-04:00

Ok, So people want you to blog more and they make the suggestion. Well I guess I would if I had more time.. that is a way of getting out of doing something that I enjoy... life just keeps going. I am excited that spring is here, well, is it? According to the calendar it is, the sun seems to shine brighter, and well, the temperature does sometimes say it is spring. I also see signs of spring like the flowers are peeking through and will be in bloom soon! Easter is just around the corner. I loved the shamrock shakes this month, and I turned a year older! So March is a wonderful month and I love my birthday, because I know good weather is coming!

What's been going on?? Well, all of us have had a difficult month of sicknesses. Ken was in the hospital for an infection, we've been to the Dr. office at least 2 times and I have been once myself. I also went to Kansas City last weekend for a National Down syndrome Affiliates in Action conference. I must say, it was a wonderful experience and I gained lot of knowledge and resources!

I am happy to report that life is overall doing well. The boys are amazing! School is going well for the both of them. We have Brady's first parent/teacher conference on Monday. So I am excited to hear how he is doing, even though I have seen him in action and feel he is making great strides. Cody is learning to spell and sound out words. He will come to me and say, "this is how you spell 'IRONMAN' after reading it on a book/etc. Of course, he is proud of himself and so are we. We are gearing up for Brady's 3rd birthday party on his actual birthday. We are having a fireman/firetruck theme. One of the local fireman who works at his school as the maintenance man will be there with his fireman gear and maybe even a truck too! Cody has helped with the planning and seems excited to share in the party. He does not know the truck thing yet or that we are going to have an egg hunt too!

So if I have my spring pic on my laptop, I will share them, if not, it will have to wait til I go and download them from the main computer. The boys had fun on St. Patrick's Day. Cody will have to tell you about the Leprechauns that came into his classroom and made a mess! Then they left some gold coins in each of the students cubby! He was so excited about it and talked about them all week! On my birthday I spent the day with my boys. We hung out at Cody's class and we learned the little bunny foo-foo song.. and made bunny masks! Enjoy the video of the class doing it at the end of the day. The class also made my day by singing Happy birthday to me! Weird to be called "Mrs.Tomlin". Then we met friends Heather and Josiah for lunch at McDonalds and enjoyed shamrock shakes! The pics were from that day!

Just want to mention a prayer request for Ken's dad. He has been in the hospital and now a rehab center for the last few weeks. Since we have been sick too, we have not been able to go see him. Pray for continued strength and healing as he recovers from various illnesses.

February and others...

2010-02-21T20:37:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to share a few photos from the last month or so. We have had a busy month 'of being sick and other fun things when we can. Valentine's day and enjoying the winter is some of the highlights.

The boys had fun opening all their valentine's from their classmates. Plus getting balloons from mom and dad.

Brady is really liking school and loves riding the bus. He is learning about Dinosaurs this week and loves them too. He roars like a dinosaur when we talk about it. I think he learned that from Cody.

Cody is doing really good at school. He had made some improvements in several areas on his report card. He can write all letters and is also starting to write his numbers. This week he celebrates 100 days in school. He had to collect 100 things and he collected pop tabs. He also enjoys riding the bus to day care.

Today Cody woke up and said we should make a cake to celebrate Brady. So this afternoon, he helped me make a cake. He cracked the eggs, and counted them, and did the mixing with some help. He also helped with decorating and setting the atmosphere in turning the lights off so we could sing Happy Birthday to Brady. Then while we were eating the cake Cody turned to Brady and patted him on the head and said, "You are a good brother". Ok, this just made my day and let me know that Cody really does care for Brady!

So enjoy some great photos!!!

Calling all money savers!

2010-02-09T19:31:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to share with you a blog that I follow and you should too... that is if you like freebies and fun things. It is www.Money Saving Mama in Michigan.blogspot.com She is full of exciting giveaways, and ideas. Check her out and enter to win. If you do... I would say you might like to share that with me too! Just kidding!

Hope everyone is getting healthier as the week goes on and enjoying the snow coming down. So far we are about 5 inches and it is still coming down.. snow day tomorrow is a big possibility... however, I will be heading to work... as most people would be. Well have a wonderful night/day! Til next time...

Bye the way, we are getting better. Cody was sick today.. so I hope this is it for a while.

End of sickness we hope

2010-02-07T17:37:00.003-05:00

Well, as luck would have it, Brady and I have been sick for the last few days. I took Brady in to the dr. on Tues, for his rash/staph infection. Dr. or NP gave us another round of antitbotics. By thursday evening he had a fever and another rash on his face. Then he got the dry heaves and just wanted to be held. I was doing fine until I came home from the Mom to Mom sale and must have eaten something that didnt settle and I have been recovering from that today!

So thats how exciting of a week we have had. Ken and Cody are still healhty. Ken has been super dad in taking care of us and making sure the laundry, dishes and kids are cleaned. I have been taking it easy and helping out as I can.

Photos of the week: Well, we took a trip to a local sledding hill a few weeks ago. The boys loved it! Brady did great and loved it. Cody was a go getter and loved it too. Hope we can get out and do some more soon.

Brady's first day of school!!!

2010-01-26T23:30:00.002-05:00

Well, yesterday was Brady's first day of school at Lockwood Elem. in the ECDD classroom. We are very proud of him and all that he has accomplished in his 2 1/2 yrs! So enjoy a few fun shots of him in the classroom. HE will start riding the bus next week, to day care 3 days of week. He goes to school 8:20-11:20AM Mon-Fri. I am still figuring it all out. Dropping Cody off at his school, then making sure Brady gets to his school. Of course it is only the second day! We had a dentist appointment today and both boys did really well.

So as January comes to an end... the start of Feb. brings more joy and adventures in our lives. It is very interesting how a growing and nurturing community we live in. I am glad to have the many friends in our lives here in Eaton Rapids. That does not say I don't forget about or think about those away from us too. I just wanted to give praise to those who have come into our lives since moving here about 7 yrs ago.

So here is to the Eaton Rapids schools! Go Greyhounds and Dragons (mascot at Cody's school, which also in ER it is a Charter school).

Here's to Brady's first day of school! Go Brady!

2009 Part 2

2009-12-31T13:05:00.002-05:00

MOPS Candlelight 2009

2009-12-31T11:00:00.003-05:00

Here are pictures of the Christmas by Candlelight presented by the First United Methodist Church. I hosted a table for the MOPS women! It was a beautiful start to the Christmas traditions!

Jan. - June 2009

2009-12-31T10:57:00.000-05:00

Here is a slide show of the first part of the year! Enjoy!

Day with boys in Grand Rapids

2009-12-14T15:28:00.003-05:00

Here are some fun shots I and Cody took one day we went to Grand Rapids. We had some time before a doctor appointment for Brady. It was a beautiful fall day and so I decided to take them over to the fish ladder. We were actually able to see some of the salmon "jump" the ladder. Of course, I did not have my camera handy then, but it was a cool thing to see! Then we just enjoyed the scenery and went on to the doctor appointment. Some of the photos Cody actually took. He is becoming a good photographer!

Pictures of Brady!

2009-12-14T13:58:00.003-05:00

Well, here is a cool slide show of Brady and his therapies and or just being him! Enjoy!

Our little performer!

2009-12-06T21:36:00.006-05:00

Cody is doing so well in school. He is learning lots of fun things. Here is his performance of the"Bubble Gum song, and the Chicken dance." He did it a couple of different times during thankgiving weekend. This one was at Grandpa Andy and Grandma Shirley's house. So enjoy.

Happy Decemeber!

2009-12-06T21:05:00.004-05:00

Well, here it is now Dec. 6.2009. So I have missed several months of excitement... or I just have been busy in other words.

I guess I need to say... Merry Christmas! In case I do not get back to the computer before then! I have a few pictures to share... so here they are!

A lot is happening in the Tomlin household... Cody is writing his name and really loves school. He likes being able to ride the bus to day care on Wed, and Thursdays. He is maturing and seems to be very knowledgeable about his surroundings. He has much excitement about Christmas coming, yet he did not want to tell Santa what he wanted for Christmas, but he did finally go up and talk to him.

Brady, well, let's say he is almost 3 and looks up to his brother more than I even know! He copies everything Cody does, or at least attempts them. He knows over 80+ signs in american sign language! He is walking 5-10 steps on his own, when he wants too that is. He can express himself and you spend enough time with him, he does communicate in his own way! He is amazing for his age, and knows it! He is interested in animals, and even saw a squirrel the other day crossing the road and pointed to it, I showed him the sign for squirrel and he copied it, and was so proud of himself! Hopefully in the next few months he will be attending school in the Special Ed. program for ages 3-5! This is sooooo exciting and I am looking forward to what is ahead. Brady continues to attend group therapy weekly and has made some great friends. Some of which will probably be in his class in the future. He also attends hippotherapy once a month and loves to trot! He is still getting PT, OT, and SLP at least weekly in the home.

We are so thankful for good health, besides a few colds and fluish symptoms, that have only lasted a few days!

This weekend was the Hometown Christmas in Eaton Rapids, and again we enjoyed all the festivities!

Count down to Christmas and the Advent or coming of Christ is here... So Say Merry Christmas to those you encounter and share the light of Christ! Peace on Earth and Goodwill to Men/Women of all ages! Blessings, until the next time and I wish you all a blessed Christmas.

Fun and Free and what nots

2009-10-24T19:28:00.002-04:00

Well, I have been enjoying my saturday. It has been a long week and today my emotions seemed to be up and down. First I had to help out at the Family Fun Event for toddlers. Then off to a funeral of a dear friend Marie Florian. She was a wonderful mentor, Christian woman, friend and someone who loved people especially the children. Marie is truly a part of my life and she will be remembered! (I also think today was the anniversary of my grandfather's death 4 yrs ago.) So the memories of those I love and cherish were forefront in my heart.

Next I follow a blog called Money making Momma in Michigan. She is a friend, fellow MOPS mom and local here in Eaton Rapids. She has a blog where she does give aways and finds great deals.. So check it out at http://moneysavingmamainmichigan.blogspot.com. Find out for yourself if you think she has some great ideas and deals!!! Thanks Wendy for being a go getter!

I have enjoyed the day and now I am planning to go out to see a movie with a friend. Heather and I have been doing some fun things lately (applesauce, play dates, etc). So since she has been going through some uncertainities and such this week, we just wanted to get out of our "depression" of being inside and go out to a local movie theatre for a girls night out! I was just summoned to hang out with my boys before I go... so there.

Well, I am in the search for a new camera and will post some pictures I have taken next time! Take care and Share your passion with those around you!

Little funny conversation...

2009-10-11T11:17:00.003-04:00

Last night during dinner we were just talking about the day and remembering years past. Here is what the conversation sounded/looked like:

C: "Mom do you remember when I was 3?" (As we were talking about different things we did over the years.)
Mom: "Yes, I do." Do you remember when you were in my belly?"
C: "Yes I do!" "It was kinda of scary!" (He thinks several things are scary now as we are close to halloween, and he likes it.)
M: "What made it scary?"
C: "There were no doors to get out!", "So I just wanted to get out."

At this point we were all laughing and we continued the conversation about fire safety. Yesterday we went to the Hamlin Township Fire Department for their Fire Prevention Open House. We enjoyed footlong hotdogs, rootbeer floats, popcorn and learning all about fires. Cody had learned much this week in school about fire safety too. "Stop, Drop and Roll" "Call 9-1-1" and that we do not need to be afraid of fireman/woman they help us.

While at the open house, we all went in the smoke house. This was very interesting as it was a house filled with smoke and you walked your way through the house filled with smoke. Like a real fire. I think this is where the above conversation came from in Cody's head. We had to crawl along the wall keeping our one hand on the wall. There was a firewoman leading us with the flash light, but is was really hard to see and even Brady was getting scared too. The wall would eventually lead us to a door/exit. Same as in our house. So I learned to how to respond in a fire. The boys of course loved the firetruck and ambulance and spraying the fire hose. The end of the event was a demonstration of different types of fires that we typically see in our house and how to put them out. Another thing I learned was to put a grease fire out with baking soda. Then they did a magnesium fire. It was very bright, but you do not put a magnesium fire out with water or at least a small amount of water! It makes it more of a fire!

So today, the boys are off to see Ken's parents (Old Grandpa and Old Grandma's house). I am going to be canning some applesauce and apple pie filling! So fall is here and we are all doing well health wise and overall! Enjoy the fall day and celebrate Oct 11, 2009 in some fall way!