Vacation

How can you not love that face!?! He is a happy boy!

Ella and Papa Dana fishing

We recently took a vacation to a lake- Ella learned to fish and Jack enjoyed all the love from grandparents and cousins and attention he received. It was a great trip. We're learning the struggle of how to keep a 3 year old, visually impaired, toddler occupied during a 10 hour car trip! It was tough for the little guy. He struggles with sensory issues- so he was sensory seeking the entire trip!! So we kicked into high gear when we arrived home and started some intense sensory play time with him. I'll post pictures soon of his sensory play time. We're always looking for new ideas of ways to engage him in play.

Happy Birthday Jack!

Jack turned 3 this week! Birthday's for Jack are simple and sweet. We're always looking for the "right" gifts for Jack. One Jack isn't engaged much by most toys- he's still figuring out how to play and how to explore with his hands rather than his eyes. So this year Jack received some counting maracas, bubbles and a big ball. He loves the big ball and the bubbles make him giggle! We learned about 10 weeks ago that Jack has CP and we're still learning what that means for him. He has more complex baby babbling with each passing day- and his speech therapist has heard him say "Hi!" and his teacher at school hears him say "Momma and DaDa" often. So with the coming year we're hoping Jack will develop some skills to communicate what he wants and needs. We've seen so much progress in Jack- we recognize we have a long road ahead of us- but he's doing so well! We're proud of him.

Race for the Cure 2009

Each year my family participates in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure- this is our 5th year to walk- we do so for my mom Mary and cousin Annette who are both breast cancer survivors, and my Aunts Alberta Ruth and Betty Jean who both passed away after long battles with breast cancer. So today we walked- and we're moved by the tens of thousands of people who were walking for the same reason- because they too have been touched by breast cancer.

I love to see you smile

We just learned from Jack's neurologist that we have a much steeper hill to climb as we prepare him for the future. It was quite sad for us to learn that his introduction into this world was more difficult than we originally knew. This week we've been buoyed by the support of friends and family- their prayers, kind words and encouragment has given us hope for the future- for Jack's future. The thing I've been reminded of over and over again this week is just how much I love this little family of ours- I was taking everyone to school one day and this song came on "I love to see you smile" and I realize- yes- my happiest times are watching the smiles of my sweet, sweet children. So I put this together for them.

Ice Storm 2009

A view of our back yard

The roof was hit several times!

This is a view from the street


It's been a crazy few days- an ice storm hit Tuesday and after a few hours we felt we needed to get out of our home- and head for safety! We stayed with my parents. Our trees suffered the greatest amount of damage. We will need a new roof and a new fence. It's a mess. But we're all safe and we're hoping for power by the weekend. Keep us in your thoughts!



Here are a few pictures of our home.

2008 Our Blessings

Our Blessings
Jack who’s laugh and curious nature gives us hope…Mom and Dad for everything they do for us to support us on this journey…Kathy for her kindness to us…Our sweet friends at BBBS…A safe trip to Africa….Our new friends the Scotts who share this journey of raising visually impaired children…Our lovely friend Jeannie, the artist and her sweet Bob…Janet and the amazing gift of our new oasis…our friends Jody…Hasson…Jessica…Jane….Danae…Cyndi…Rachel…Adrain… all have been incredibly kind to us this year….Dannie our sweet friend who we miss dearly and loved having near us for two years….Amy and JP who came for a visit….Annie who came for two visits and is my pastor….Our new church Rolling Hills where I’m learning about being church again….Jack’s new teacher LaDonna- who sees all his potential and truly loves him and he has blossomed with her…My work at the University and having the job of my dreams…My VAC students who make this work a joy…The CLCE staff I’m so grateful for them…Micha- my wonderful intern…And our sweet, sweet Ella- who give us so much joy….and Scott, I couldn't ask for a better companion and friend for this journey....and so many more…life is sweet!

Baking cookies!

Ella and YaYa

For the last 4 years Ella, my mom and I have baked holiday cookies. It's always really fun and really messy. We had a great time yesterday baking cookies for our friends. We made some fabulous tasty treats!