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Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
My Husband
So I know most women think they have the most amazing husband in the world and it's wonderful to feel that way. To have someone that is your very best friend and that is your biggest supporter is very special and rare. I have this husband who gets me. I don't even have to talk and he understands and is there for me. It's hard when you are raising a special needs child, it's isolating and even lonely at times. I don't feel that way often because Barry picks up the slack in so many areas. He shares the responsibilities of the kids and even with his busy football schedule he finds times to give me breaks and allow me time for myself. So this post is dedicated to my main man.
When Barry and I first met he was very ROUGH around the edges. Without going into details I can explain it like Sandra D and Danny. I'm not really that innocent and pure but it's a good analogy. So, over the years I've understood that it wasn't that way at all really, the part about him being rough. I just didn't know him like I do now. He's gentle and kind and loving and devoted and more loyal than you could even imagine. He's funny, childish, "old" school, conservative and very dedicated to his family and strong values. He is a very hard worker for my family and I appreciate that he goes out everyday and makes a difference in the lives of so many college men. He has such a wonderful opportunity to be a positive influence on the future of America. I'm so proud of this man that I get the privilege of calling my husband. This gift that God gave to me of a friend that I get to share my life with. He cares so deeply and is passionate about influencing those around him and sharing his belief in Jesus Christ with them. In a world where men are seduced by the world and selfish desires, I have a man who has learned to give his life to Christ and realize that we have to let HIM be in control of our thoughts, feelings, and actions in order for us to be better people. I am so thankful for my husband.
September Pics
Football season is here! The kids sporting one of my designs.
I love this one. Picnik.com allows you to do so many fun things with pics. This one wasn't very good but with some editing it turned out very cute.
Star Wars t-shirt had to be highlighted in this one.
She's just beautiful.
Baylie and I went to the park and I got some great shots of her. 
This one is my favorite. She had so much fun watching the ducks.This and That
I have not journaled in so long. Are we so busy that I can't take the time to sit and just write something, anything? Well, I'm going to tonight if it kills me. Quick updates on the kids will suffice for tonight so that years from now when they read this they will know exactly what was going on in September 2009.
Davis - Right now Davis is in 2nd grade. His teacher is Mrs. Kearns and his reading teacher is Ms. Turner. He is in the accelerated reading program and is currently doing 3rd grade material. It is much more difficult than last year and since he skipped an entire year's curriculum it's an adjustment to learn what is expected of him. He likes school and enjoys playing at recess with Adain P., Adin L., and Carsyn V. This is the Star Wars group that has carried over from last year. They have a blast! Davis is entering into his 2nd year of Cub Scouts. What an amazing organization to be associated with. Scouts is a big family commitment but I believe it is the best thing to be a part of outside of church activities. The Cub Scout Promise says it all "I promise to do my best, to do my duty, to God and my country, to help other people, and to obey the law of the Pack." How's that? It doesn't get much bettter. Davis is very active in our church PSR (Parish School of Religion) and this year (in May) he will celebrate his First Communion. I am so excited, maybe more than he is. Davis loves building legos, reading, and hanging out with our neighbors Alex and Josh. He is so helpful around the house with his chores and caring for the dogs. He is an amazing kid.
Breianna - Brei just started Kindergarten at Clinton Massie. We decided over the summer not to do another year of preschool and just go on into Kindergarten. For me it wasn't a matter of readiness as much as it being a matter of safety and creating an environment more conducive to her learning. Brei has an aide who she just loves (Kim Lay) and her Multi-Handicapped classroom teacher is Mrs. Jodi Dillow. Her kindergarten teacher is Mrs. Woods. Currently she's in the MH room with Mrs. Dillow for intervention before going with her aide to Kindergarten for the latter part of the day. I visited the school yesterday to find that one of the playgrounds (for the bigger kids) is the playground where she goes for her main recess. I thought she went to the Kindergarten playground but it was decided that the walk is too far and by the time she is able to get there recess is practically over. So, Mrs. Lay walked me around the playground to let me know that I need to start talking to the school about making the playground more accessible for Brei and her classmates. Oh man, it's like starting over.....the playground I mean. I believe lots needs to be done before I feel like it will be safe for her to play on independently. So, I'm putting together my game plan before I meet with the school next week. Breianna has started talking more and more and since the detox started I've seen so many improvements in her health and development. It's exciting to watch the miracles taking place in her life. She's starting to exhibit problem solving skills. Example: The other day we were frantically looking for my keys so that we could go to Cub Scouts. Davis and I were looking everywhere. A few minutes later Brei walking over to me with my keys. She had gone and found them. Amazing! Lots of stuff like that going on around here. Brei is also active in our church PSR and she has an amazing teenager names Katelyn Dillow (Mrs. Dillow's daughter) who volunteered to be her aide during PSR classes after mass. How amazing! Katelyn saw a need and jumped right in to help. Brei's favorite thing to do is swing in our backyard. I think she would swing for hours if I'd let her. She loves our dogs but favors Libby. She plays with her all the time.
Baylie - Baylie is 2 years old. She is a very independent child who loves to play with Brei and Davis. She really enjoys watching Toy Story right now. Buzz Lightyear is her absolute favorite. She's starting to really love baby dolls and playing "mommy". She loves to eat pizza and spaghetti and drink apple juice. She loves our dogs and being mommy's helper. Today I was in the shower so I had the chains locked (to keep Brei from escaping). Barry had gotten home so Baylie comes in.."mommy.....daddy" and points to the door. I said, daddy will be home later. She said "no, daddy" ";lka]-09iu4poihj f DADDY". I said "OH, daddy is here now?" she said "Yes". I said ok and ran out and sure enough Barry was home trying to get in the house with all the chains and deadbolts locked up tigher than Fort Knox. I can keep Brei from getting out but no one can get in either! Baylie is in gymnastics at Aerials in Wilmington. She loves it. She's jumpy and dancy and very active so I think this is perfect for her for now. She may decide she hates it in a few years but for now she's in heaven. She won't even take her leotard off when we get home. Baylie is also in early intervention due to her medical diagnosis so she attends Toddler Class once a week. It's basically toddler school. She loves it. I think Gross Motor is her favorite. She loves the indoor gym. Early intervention took her and her daddy to Young's Dairy a few weeks ago and in 2 weeks we get to go to the pumpkin patch. She loves having her special time with mommy when Davis and Brei are at school. We run errands and hang out at home playing or head to the park to feed the ducks.
Davis - Right now Davis is in 2nd grade. His teacher is Mrs. Kearns and his reading teacher is Ms. Turner. He is in the accelerated reading program and is currently doing 3rd grade material. It is much more difficult than last year and since he skipped an entire year's curriculum it's an adjustment to learn what is expected of him. He likes school and enjoys playing at recess with Adain P., Adin L., and Carsyn V. This is the Star Wars group that has carried over from last year. They have a blast! Davis is entering into his 2nd year of Cub Scouts. What an amazing organization to be associated with. Scouts is a big family commitment but I believe it is the best thing to be a part of outside of church activities. The Cub Scout Promise says it all "I promise to do my best, to do my duty, to God and my country, to help other people, and to obey the law of the Pack." How's that? It doesn't get much bettter. Davis is very active in our church PSR (Parish School of Religion) and this year (in May) he will celebrate his First Communion. I am so excited, maybe more than he is. Davis loves building legos, reading, and hanging out with our neighbors Alex and Josh. He is so helpful around the house with his chores and caring for the dogs. He is an amazing kid.
Breianna - Brei just started Kindergarten at Clinton Massie. We decided over the summer not to do another year of preschool and just go on into Kindergarten. For me it wasn't a matter of readiness as much as it being a matter of safety and creating an environment more conducive to her learning. Brei has an aide who she just loves (Kim Lay) and her Multi-Handicapped classroom teacher is Mrs. Jodi Dillow. Her kindergarten teacher is Mrs. Woods. Currently she's in the MH room with Mrs. Dillow for intervention before going with her aide to Kindergarten for the latter part of the day. I visited the school yesterday to find that one of the playgrounds (for the bigger kids) is the playground where she goes for her main recess. I thought she went to the Kindergarten playground but it was decided that the walk is too far and by the time she is able to get there recess is practically over. So, Mrs. Lay walked me around the playground to let me know that I need to start talking to the school about making the playground more accessible for Brei and her classmates. Oh man, it's like starting over.....the playground I mean. I believe lots needs to be done before I feel like it will be safe for her to play on independently. So, I'm putting together my game plan before I meet with the school next week. Breianna has started talking more and more and since the detox started I've seen so many improvements in her health and development. It's exciting to watch the miracles taking place in her life. She's starting to exhibit problem solving skills. Example: The other day we were frantically looking for my keys so that we could go to Cub Scouts. Davis and I were looking everywhere. A few minutes later Brei walking over to me with my keys. She had gone and found them. Amazing! Lots of stuff like that going on around here. Brei is also active in our church PSR and she has an amazing teenager names Katelyn Dillow (Mrs. Dillow's daughter) who volunteered to be her aide during PSR classes after mass. How amazing! Katelyn saw a need and jumped right in to help. Brei's favorite thing to do is swing in our backyard. I think she would swing for hours if I'd let her. She loves our dogs but favors Libby. She plays with her all the time.
Baylie - Baylie is 2 years old. She is a very independent child who loves to play with Brei and Davis. She really enjoys watching Toy Story right now. Buzz Lightyear is her absolute favorite. She's starting to really love baby dolls and playing "mommy". She loves to eat pizza and spaghetti and drink apple juice. She loves our dogs and being mommy's helper. Today I was in the shower so I had the chains locked (to keep Brei from escaping). Barry had gotten home so Baylie comes in.."mommy.....daddy" and points to the door. I said, daddy will be home later. She said "no, daddy" ";lka]-09iu4poihj f DADDY". I said "OH, daddy is here now?" she said "Yes". I said ok and ran out and sure enough Barry was home trying to get in the house with all the chains and deadbolts locked up tigher than Fort Knox. I can keep Brei from getting out but no one can get in either! Baylie is in gymnastics at Aerials in Wilmington. She loves it. She's jumpy and dancy and very active so I think this is perfect for her for now. She may decide she hates it in a few years but for now she's in heaven. She won't even take her leotard off when we get home. Baylie is also in early intervention due to her medical diagnosis so she attends Toddler Class once a week. It's basically toddler school. She loves it. I think Gross Motor is her favorite. She loves the indoor gym. Early intervention took her and her daddy to Young's Dairy a few weeks ago and in 2 weeks we get to go to the pumpkin patch. She loves having her special time with mommy when Davis and Brei are at school. We run errands and hang out at home playing or head to the park to feed the ducks.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Our Life
Well, we've been detoxing Breianna for 2 solid weeks. It's evident that she has a gluten/casein intolerance due to her reaction to being taken off of the casein. She's gotta have it!!!!! She licks the tv after I clean it (apparently there's gluten in the cleaner), she licks the cabinets after I wipe them down, and she chews on anything with adhesive on it. It's like she's a drug addict. Kinda funny, but then she gets the gluten and we start all over again. Looking at the world differently now, hand creams, soaps, laundry detergent, shampoo/conditioner etc....all need to be gluten/casein free or she'll absorb them. So, we've been shopping differently, we were already very conscious of reading labels, try to be as natural and organic as possible. This, is new though. Casein and gluten are in EVERYTHING! So with the help of some online resources and friends who have kiddos with the same lifestyle we've managed to make it through these 2 weeks without losing our minds.
Davis and Baylie are being very good sports. Drinking fruit/veggie smoothies and eating new foods that are Breianna friendly for fear of cross-contamination. I'm finding new recipes that I can't wait to try and learning about almond and potato flour.
We are slowly introducing Brei's supplements (very extensive list with 27 doses per day). This requires a very regimented schedule so we have our days planned out for us as far as what time to do certain dosages and when to do her g-tube feeds. We are learning, to say it's running smoothly would be lying. We are getting there though.
Life is challenging to say the least. We are adjusting everyday to the new challenges that Brei faces as she grows up. As we learn more about her illness there will likely be more changes and adjustments.
I am so thankful to have such an amazing family. The kids are so supportive and Davis is so extremely helpful with everything. Barry is knowledgeable and can do everything that Brei needs if I need breaks. My friends are priceless. Most of them have special needs children so they are fighting their own daily battles with meds/supplements/machines/therapies/ etc. I am in awe of how these families just GET IT DONE. They tackle it head on. My husband call us pit bulls, I guess we are, us mom's of special special children that need cared for around the clock.
God has given me such a responsibility and I lean on him for strength to make it through the overwhelming days. He has given me the tools needed to make it through with a smile if I just remember to give him control.
Dear Lord, Please help me to have the strength to endure the struggles of this world with a quiet endurance. Help me not to complain or feel sorry for myself. You have blessed me with so many wonderful things and I thank you for my hardships and pain. They teach me to lean on you and rely on you for all that I need to make it through. Amen
Davis and Baylie are being very good sports. Drinking fruit/veggie smoothies and eating new foods that are Breianna friendly for fear of cross-contamination. I'm finding new recipes that I can't wait to try and learning about almond and potato flour.
We are slowly introducing Brei's supplements (very extensive list with 27 doses per day). This requires a very regimented schedule so we have our days planned out for us as far as what time to do certain dosages and when to do her g-tube feeds. We are learning, to say it's running smoothly would be lying. We are getting there though.
Life is challenging to say the least. We are adjusting everyday to the new challenges that Brei faces as she grows up. As we learn more about her illness there will likely be more changes and adjustments.
I am so thankful to have such an amazing family. The kids are so supportive and Davis is so extremely helpful with everything. Barry is knowledgeable and can do everything that Brei needs if I need breaks. My friends are priceless. Most of them have special needs children so they are fighting their own daily battles with meds/supplements/machines/therapies/ etc. I am in awe of how these families just GET IT DONE. They tackle it head on. My husband call us pit bulls, I guess we are, us mom's of special special children that need cared for around the clock.
God has given me such a responsibility and I lean on him for strength to make it through the overwhelming days. He has given me the tools needed to make it through with a smile if I just remember to give him control.
Dear Lord, Please help me to have the strength to endure the struggles of this world with a quiet endurance. Help me not to complain or feel sorry for myself. You have blessed me with so many wonderful things and I thank you for my hardships and pain. They teach me to lean on you and rely on you for all that I need to make it through. Amen
Today's Scripture: Psalm 118
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.
2 Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
3 Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
4 Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
5 I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place.
6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
7 The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.
8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.
10 All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them.
11 They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.
12 They compassed me about like bees: they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.
13 Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me.
14 The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.
15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.
16 The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.
17 I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.
18 The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death.
19 Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:
20 This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.
21 I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.
22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
23 This is the LORD's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.
24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
25 Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.
26 Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.
27 God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.
28 Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.
29 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
2 Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
3 Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
4 Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
5 I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place.
6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
7 The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.
8 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.
10 All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them.
11 They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.
12 They compassed me about like bees: they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.
13 Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me.
14 The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.
15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.
16 The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.
17 I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.
18 The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death.
19 Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:
20 This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.
21 I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.
22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
23 This is the LORD's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.
24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
25 Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.
26 Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.
27 God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.
28 Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.
29 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Monday, July 13, 2009
4th of July in a small town
I grew up in a small town. I know there are stereotypes about the "hicks" from the farming communities. I used to hate it. Having to drive 45 minutes just to go to a real grocery store, or to the mall or to the movies. Living out in the country with no friends to hang out with, as a teenager that was just the worst. So, my husband and I moved our family to the country 2 years ago. To the thing I grew up hating. Looking back, I didn't really hate it, I remember only the good that came from it. The close knit community that always had your back, the friends that you grew up with and have known since Kindergarten, the work ethic of middle class America, the pride of working the ground and helping on the family farm, and the patriotism at the small town parade. Yes, it's great to go to the "big city" parades and see all of the hoopla and the big "bang" of the 4th of July fireworks. I think that it's even better, though, to be a part of a "small town" parade, and sit on a trailer next to my son, the proud Cub Scout who is learning all about loving his country, honoring and respecting his parents and other adults, and knowing the love of Jesus. So, we didn't see Rozzi's fireworks this year, but we did spend time with family and enjoyed a very small town's 4th of July parade that was BIG on patriotism and honor.
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