Thursday, October 15, 2009

Apple Picking

Cortney achieved a HUGE milestone this year. Let me back up and give you some background info.......Cort has many, many sensory issues and one of them includes the motion of stopping and going. Any activities that require her to stop and go, such as: shopping, going to the zoo, driving in a car, going to the museum......or picking apples, would usually end up with my girl in tears, tantrum mode, and banging her head off the back of her headrest. It wasn't fun........for MANY years. At one point, my family suggested I just not take her out......yep....leave her at home. Seriously? Am I doomed to never get a gallon of milk from Jewel because Cort would end up in full blown tantrum mode? I never gave in.......I MADE her go out.....MADE her shop.....MADE her go to the mall......and yes......MADE her go apple picking! Well, this year she didn't end up in tantrum mode.....no crying.....no head banging! She actually enjoyed picking the apples off the trees and putting them in the bag. She loved having her lunch outside. She fed the goats and cows without tears, rode on the hay ride happily, and shopped in the gift store! When we decided to leave she actually said in her sweet sing songy voice, "No."
I replied, "No what Cort?"
She said, "No go home.....apple pick!"
Well that was enough to make this mother quite teary eyed. I guess my little girl is finally growing up! : )

Everything is from Noel Mignon's scrap kits. I used her 31st kit, Core Curriculum, and Rise & Shine. (All sold out) I added a 7 Gypsies tag, a couple of doilies, and used a JustRite's Autumn Blessings and Borders stamp. I colored that in with my Copics, did some airbrushing, and then used my oval Nestibilities. I loved that it said, "Thankful for the Little Things." Which I am......everyday. : )
I made my lil' apples shiny with some Crystal Effects. And don't forget....the Mill Street kit is up for preorder....and the last time I checked there were only 9 kits left! If interested, go HERE!
I can't believe today is Thursday....that means work and then off to Spanish class tonight. Busy, busy day......but it's all good. : )
Thanks so much for stopping by today! Your visits and comments are incredibly appreciated! (Now if I could only teach my wonderful family how to leave comments too! )


21 comments:

DeeDee said...

Congrats on this milestone! I'm so glad she enjoyed herself, and the layout is darling. :)

Anonymous said...

How great to hear this refreshing story. It is so nice to hear good news. You are such a good mom!

Desire Fourie said...

Gorgeous layout and the story behind it is so heart warming. You really have a nack with words.
Hugs
Desire

Heather said...

I know you're so happy you didn't give in to the suggestions to just leave her at home. What a great milestone, and totally love the scrapbook page you did to commemorate it. Great job! The shiny apples are adorable! :)

Crystal said...

WOW what a GREAT page, I LOVE your basket of apples...yummy!!!!

Jingle said...

This is a fantastic layout! I really like it! We were hoping to go apple picking on Saturday, but it may rain or, it may actually snow, so we will have to see. I hope we are surprised by a lovely perfect fall day! LOL!

Virginia said...

Such a sweet story & photos on your beautiful layout! I love that you are so honest about your feelings and insight into your daily life. Yay for Courtney & You! I'm so glad for you!

Hearts Turned said...

What a sweet & encouraging story--I love hearing things like this. Life is good! Love the layouts you made from your special day.

Jocelyn said...

This one is just PERFECT!!!! Love the pics and Cort's smile lights up the page!!!! You are a great Momma and see.....she did so well and most of all enjoyed herself.. This one made me teary eyed!!!

Leslie Deering said...

I know how happy you are. God Bless Cort !
Beautiful layout such a talented heart you have !

Mrs. Nancy G said...

That's so wonderful. Thank you for sharing. I feel touched and teary eyed.

Smiles,
~nance

Janiel/ janny said...

What a gorgeous layout!! I love the cute little striped glasses!! :o)
Love love love th shine on the apples!
hugs, janny

Allison Rankin said...

Love your Court story! Yay for graduating through another stage! I know my challenges with Ave are minute in comparison but I too am happy when she gets past certain "blocks". (Like last nights when she got up only four times instead of every 1/2 hour!).

Your mix of stamping and scrapping on this layout is beautiful...super job!

Cheryl said...

A gorgeous LO and a beautiful story you have shared.......something you will treasure forever!!!
xx

Lynda said...

Since I am the Grandmother of this beautiful child...I can personally attest to her ability to make your heart soar with pride at all her accomplishments. She truly is a ray of sunshine...her smile lights up even the grayest day. And then there is Chele (my DIL)...SHE is responsible for so much of Cort's growth..her patience and love have nutured Cortney in so many ways. She is a special mom.

Jana Eubank said...

Yay, Cort!!! So proud of her, and I got tears in my eyes just reading your emotions about it, Michele! You can tell in these pictures how completely happy she is. Beautiful page! :D

Danni said...

How heartwarming!! What a wonderful accomplishment and a wonderful page!

Linda Beeson said...

What a great layout and I love the look of that Crystal Lacquer on there.

Unknown said...

Wonderful Michele!! I love the story and the layout is so cute!! :)

mary stuart said...

You are a wonderful mom!
Congratulations on this step forward.
Love the layout - your daughter is so beautiful.
I enjoy your blog!

Rose Ann said...

Congratulations on that wonderful milestone!! Your page sure captures the moment!! Fabulous!!