A Busy Spring and Summer

We have been doing lots of fun activities with everyone plus remodeling all summer.  Our current home is in Mary's old room downstairs.  Everything we need is down there except the bathroom.  Rats!  We have to climb the stairs in the middle of the night which kind of wakes you up - Ha! Throughout this process, I have been shut out of the house as the workers thought no one lived here, stripped the windows and air vents in the last two rooms of the house(please don't paint your woodwork!!), cooked with the piano in the middle of the kitchen, enjoyed the bedroom doors in the bathroom by the toilet(a bit crunchy too say the least) plus numerous other heart warming expeiences.  With good luck, we will be back in the first floor of the house this Friday.  Then onto the basement flooring and upstairs playroom walls.  Randy will be home for a couple of weeks the first part of August so hopefully we can get things back together but then August 10th I'm back at school.  Randy commented that our house is just like camping!!  Below is our picture gallery of events.

Front room after the plaster was removed and new beams.

Looking towards the kitchen-new walls up.

Sanding of the wooden floors.

Windows stripped to their original wood after at least 3 layers.

Floors refinished and ready to go.

May 7, 2016 Erik's graduation in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

May 8, 2016 Emily's baptism on Mother's Day in Wichita.

May 14, 2016 Celebrating Mother's Day at the pasture.

June 19, 2016 Father's Day with Randy and the grandchildren at Charles' place. 

Grandpa getting ready to open his special present for Father's Day.

July 3, 2016 Oliver's dedication.

July 4, 2016 - 4th of July Parade.

July 4th swimming.

 July 11,2016 Mary and Kurtis standing by the baby shower gifts.  More came the next day.

Here we are at Mary and Kurtis' baby shower given by friends in New York.

July 24, 2016 Swimming Fun for this special day.

July 24, 2016 - 40 years of marriage.  We enjoyed a great family dinner at Dave and Cassi's on Sunday, July 17th and then a nice get together with Aunt Carol and Charles for their birthdays on our day. 

Hello from the Shooks!

I am glad to see that others apologize for their late posts because this one is really,  really late!
I can usually write fairly quickly but need lots of time to post pictures.  So here it is on Sunday afternoon, much toooo hot to work in the yard:)

Since I last posted we attended Erik's graduation.  A fun event of course!  We also packed up his belongings and brought them back to Wichita until his next away adventure.  I'll let him tell you happenings in his life.

Samuel was able to go with us and we were glad to have his and Andrew's  additional muscle for the packing.  Samuel continues to progress.  He has been trying some new recipes such as the curry below.  He traveled with us to Chicago and Minnesota in June and July.  Since returning he has played some shows, continued therapy and started "Job Preparation" classes offered through vocational rehab.  Everyone we have worked with there has been great.  They are very patient,  do not try to stress anyone out, and always encourage cheerfully.

The trip to Chicago was fun.  Hannah rode with us and James flew to Chicago directly.  We took the evening architecture tour which is a river ride with a guide who gives history and building info.  Very enjoyable! The first picture shows a loaded barge.  When an empty one came back it was 2 feet out of the water!   We also saw the new Dory movie and had family pictures taken.  This was a mother's day gift from the offspring:).  We are having a hard time deciding which ones to print.

Then on to Minnesota to gather with Dorothy's relatives and have a memorial service for her.  Shortly before it was scheduled, the transformer blew so we had to call Lake Country Power.  They said it would take about an hour to fix and would be rather noisy so we waited.  It was fun to watch as the huge cherry-picker truck barreled in, backed up, lifted the man who spent about 20 minutes, and then backed all the way out without hitting a single picnic table, car or person!  We also did the annual strawberry picking.

I am back at work.  Tim is taking one last short trip to regroup before the school year starts again.  He is on the train riding from Newton, to Chicago, to California and back to Newton.  He can share those adventures with you later.

Wishing everyone lots of cool drinks, or cool dips in the pool, or maybe cold showers to combat the heat:)  Love Vicki

Updates

Hello Everyone,

I'm a little bit late but it has worked out well since I now have interesting new material to show you than I would have had this blog been on time. :) But I'll get to that in a minute. First a quick update as to what's been going on in mine and my dog's life. For once - we actually have been up to some things.

First, I started volunteering at the 4-H extension office. This is my first time really successfully volunteering as normally it fills me with anxiety. The goal is for this to hopefully give me the confidence to one day have a job. The 4-H office is the perfect place for me to go because I'm so comfortable there. I spent ten years in 4-H and the atmosphere is still the same (I'm convinced it will never change and that is very comforting). The 4-H agent is new and I really, really like her. In fact, I wish she would have been around when I was in 4-H. She's much more involved than any we had when I was active. She's very understanding about my anxiety and PTSD and more than welcoming to Gus. Right now I'm helping prepare for the 4-H fair but this fall it sounds like I will be helping with their 4-H school program which I'm very excited about. I've only gone a couple of times but I'm enjoying it and not filled with anxiety at the thought of going which is what I need.

Second, Gus and I got a chance to go to a Nosework seminar. Benny and I attempted nosework awhile back but he didn't take to it mostly because of his anxiety. Nosework is an activity where the dog's are asked to find treats in boxes and then later certain scents. Eventually, they will search entire rooms or vehicles. I'll try and attach a video of Gus's first or second attempt at hunting. He was enjoying himself but not really interested in the hunting aspect so much. He's funny to watch but know what you are seeing is in no way, shape or form what is supposed to be happening.

Another newsworthy item is that my Disney World trip is cancelled sadly. The woman who I am really comfortable with is not able to go and I did not want to go without her. However, The National Eating Disorder Awareness conference is in Chicago this year at the end of September/beginning of October and I think I am going to be attending that instead. I will also have a chance to see one of my best friend's Katie who I have never had the chance to meet in person. So I'm fine with the substitute of trips. Andrew - if you and Katie aren't busy I'd love to see you guys too!

Of course the 4th of July happened and I'll share some pics I took during the day at the end of the post. Benny got to attend breakfast and he was a very happy dog to be there. He was drugged however as he now has doggy Xanax for occasions like this (and for extra effect we rub lavender essential oil on his back to increase his relaxation). Benny was happy to see everyone but especially grandma and was especially happy that he didn't have to share her with any great grandchildren. Benny is not good at sharing with cute human children that outshine him (although rightfully so). Gus attended the parade and the rest of the festivities although I don't think Grandma's carpet thanked me for that. I was holding baby Emily and Gus came to tell me he had to go potty. Well, I was in a baby haze and ignored him and poor Gus just couldn't hold it and pottied in the purple bedroom. Luckily, Adelynn caught him and was able to tell me so I could clean it up. And then while I was cleaning that up he managed to throw-up outside the kitchen. Thanks to Sarah and Grandma for that help as I wasn't even done cleaning up the first mess! As Cassi has rightfully stated dogs truly are like toddlers.

Last, my bonus item. The Ulster project (kids from Northern Ireland visit and are paired with teens from Hutchinson) visited Reins of Hope when I was riding this Monday. Two boys (ages 15) both Irish were paired to walk with me and my horse Nitro. Let's just say they were very much 15 year old boys and their sense of humor reflected it. The News also visited and I appeared on the front page of the paper today riding Nitro with the two teens walking beside me. Nitro is by far my favorite horse I have ridden. I used to be scared of him because he nips his walkers (which I did very graciously inform the Irish boys of) but he just hates being led. Another favorite activity of his is to push his walkers into the wall. Which I also informed the boys of. If it was later in the morning I might not have. Anyways, when you are his rider he is great and listens pretty well but what I love most about him is that he gives snuggles and kisses when you talk to him after you ride. I love that he nuzzles me and wants attention. I've gone from being scared of him to absolutely adoring his feisty and loving personality.  

And now for some pictures:

Gus at nosework:

Adelynn waves at the 4th of July Parade

Ava, Adelynn and Olivia watch the parade - they made out with a ton of candy 

Emily in her parade attire (I only got a back shot of Oliver unfortunately)

Gus wishing everyone a Happy 4th of July

Riding Nitro while the Irish teens walk along side (picture by Hutchinson News)

Rivers Ripple

Trip to Botanica June 2

Emily's baptism May 8th

Visiting GGma and GGpa June 17--Em loves GGpa's voice.

Summer is in full swing! Between Aunt Carol's pool, the backyard kiddie pool, and the Y pool we have been keeping cool!

Dan is in transition to his new job at Gray Communications. He's doing web and app development for them. They own KWCH. Dan is helping transition things at KWCH.  He'll eventually work primarily from home, but for now continues to go in most days.  His work schedule changed last week to 7am-4pm so he's been home earlier, which has been nice.

Sarah had the equivalent of a mini vacation this past week since the girls were at VBS. I had a small list of things to do, Emily got one on one time too.  Sarah is back to work two Saturday's a month.  It's been a good transition back and Dan has been more than capable--getting all three girls to a 9am soccer game the first Saturday on his own.  In between caring for the girls, doing housework, and the day to day, I try to make it to the Y twice a week.

Together Dan and I have been tossing house updating ideas around...so we'll see what project wins for this year. 

Olivia is 5 1/2.  Most days she is enjoyable and a bit stubborn/testing some limits.  I think this is a 5 1/2 thing, but it's hard to say!  Olivia has spent her summer days with her imagination in full swing--most days in various parts of the house there is evidence of whatever her most recent idea has been.  This can be anything from treasure hunting to house to doctor office to hair salon.  Olivia has been doing Little Lambs Preschool Summer Camp two days a week and seems to really enjoy it.  She finished preschool in May and had a good year--lots of friends.  We have toured her school for next year so she's ready for Kindergarten.  The past few months Olivia took swimming lessons at the Y and also continued in gymnastics.  She also played soccer this spring, which she also really enjoyed. 

Kinley June 17

Kinley is 3 1/2.  She just celebrated her half birthday and enjoyed that special day.  Most days Kinley plays hard--Lalaloopsies, ponies, and LEGOS or whatever Olivia has dreamed up.  She has emotional times and struggles with how her clothing feels many days.  Kinley tried out soccer this spring.  She also took swim lessons, which she was very excited about. 

Emily sharing some smiles. :)

Emily is 4 months.  She is easy going and is the perfect edition to our family.  The older girls love her and Olivia especially likes to tote her around and include her.  Emily has been doing well developmentally.  She's holding her own--propping on her elbows when on her tummy, holding onto toys, reaching out to get some toys/blankets/hands, and making cooing and gooing sounds.  At times she is stingy with her smiles, but she has a good one!  She has therapy 2x a month.  Most recently we're trying some kinesiotaping to facilitate some abdominal muscle use.  Emily is up to 11.7 lbs and 23 inches.  One the growth chart for Down Syndrome that is right at the 50% range.  She's holding her own at the 5% range on a regular chart.

Family Pictures May 15

Mr. Brisco is doing well on his new allergy medication.  He's been a bit more spry and active since starting it.  He also still likes to do naughty things--eat small toy pieces, take toliet paper off the roll, and tear up paper.  He's also been a hungry hippo lately, we increased his food to see if that will help. 
We've settled into somewhat of a routine and are enjoying summer and each other. 

I'm trying to blog when I get a free moment, so feel free to check in there too--theriverscurrent.blogspot.com