As you all know, our little Josiah has Cerebral Palsy. It was almost a year ago that I flew down to Liberia to finish up our adoption. He was in the hospital with Malaria and Pneumonia, and had a few pretty scary episodes of not breathing well. While he was in the hospital, I had the opportunity to pray over an infant baby girl. She was there with severe malnutrition and having a very difficult time breathing. Of course I prayed for her healing, but her healing took place in Our Father's arms. She had passed during the night and is now resting in perfect peace with Him. With the limited medical facitilities and care in Liberia, this is such a common, everyday occurance. This baby girl left a lasting immpression on my heart.
Then, soon after we had Josiah home, recognizing his 'special needs', I was very certain God had some plans in store for these experiences. 'Forget Me Not' Children's Home is a dream come true for so many of us parents who have a heart and passion for the 'special needs' kids in Liberia. This home will become a wonderful place for these children, where they would have otherwise been abandoned, left to die, or have very limited access to getting help with therapy, equipment, medical care. Forget Me Not children will have all this, plus a loving staff to care for them. This orphanage is so close to my heart, I hope you can understand the need, the hope we have for these kids, and the passion that God has placed in our hearts for this children's home.
Please take a little time and go to the link below.
www.supportforgetmenot.com
Monday, November 24, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
WHATSUP!!
We are still trying to sell our other home. This will start being a huge financial burden if it does not sell in the next couple months. We will have an 'extra' tight Christmas this year. Clearance racks and thrift stores have been my best friend this past year. I love bargain hunting, always have. It's almost like a treasure hunt for me...trying to see how far I can stretch a $20 bill. My most recently prized purchase, is a pair of 'farming boots' that would have cost over $50 bucks, but I got them for $3! Today I found a few more pair for Scott and Anthony for $5! (Okay, stop laughing)!
Alpaca farming is turning out to be such a beautiful thing! Going out to the barn to do the 'chores', is very therapeutic for me. I love being out there with my herd. They are the most peaceful animals to be around, and fun to figure out all the different personalities. You just don't want to be around when they start spitting at each other, it STINKS like no other smell!
Gave a few shots yesterday, but need a lot more practice. I haven't given a shot since nursing school, uh...too long ago!
Still haven't fully unpacked our belongings yet. I'm hoping to get all caught up when we are in hibernation mode this winter.
We are dealing with some attitude issues with our girls since starting public school. UGH!!
We have another teenager living with us. Not our son, but a friend of his. She fits right in, and truly is a HUGE blessing with helping me out with Josiah. Scott and I were able to have a real date, which will be starting every week now. We all love having her here.
Last week we had another follow up at Gillette for Josiah's MRI of his brain. His diagnosis is CP. They found the "dark spots that are consistant with oxygen deprivation that first hour of life." This type of brain trauma, resulted in his CP. Hearing the diagnosis was more difficult than I imagined. From the history we received from Josiah's birthmom, there was no inclination that there was any difficulty after his birth. This is obviously not the case.
Now that the news has had time to be absorbed, I'm moving on. Josiah has been getting a lot of therapy, as well as our whole family incorporating therapy into everything we do with him. We are working on 'independent sitting' (without falling), holding a bottle/cup, and learning to chew more solid foods. Even though he is 18 months, we measure milestones by setting a goal and reaching it. 6 months ago, he couldn't keep his left hand open without us prying his fingers loose. Now he gives us 'high fives' with a nice open hand. 6 months ago, his ribcage sat so high on his chest cavity because of having weak abdominal muscles, to now almost being able to sit on his own. 6 months ago he was not mobile AT ALL. Now he creeps around the house at lightning speed!
He is our little trooper and the light of our family. He is a true blessing and joy to each one of us. I would not change one thing about our son. He has helped us grow in so many ways, and continues teaching us everyday. Our son having CP has changed the way we live, just a little. It's part of our lives now, and we can't imagine it any other way.
Alpaca farming is turning out to be such a beautiful thing! Going out to the barn to do the 'chores', is very therapeutic for me. I love being out there with my herd. They are the most peaceful animals to be around, and fun to figure out all the different personalities. You just don't want to be around when they start spitting at each other, it STINKS like no other smell!
Gave a few shots yesterday, but need a lot more practice. I haven't given a shot since nursing school, uh...too long ago!
Still haven't fully unpacked our belongings yet. I'm hoping to get all caught up when we are in hibernation mode this winter.
We are dealing with some attitude issues with our girls since starting public school. UGH!!
We have another teenager living with us. Not our son, but a friend of his. She fits right in, and truly is a HUGE blessing with helping me out with Josiah. Scott and I were able to have a real date, which will be starting every week now. We all love having her here.
Last week we had another follow up at Gillette for Josiah's MRI of his brain. His diagnosis is CP. They found the "dark spots that are consistant with oxygen deprivation that first hour of life." This type of brain trauma, resulted in his CP. Hearing the diagnosis was more difficult than I imagined. From the history we received from Josiah's birthmom, there was no inclination that there was any difficulty after his birth. This is obviously not the case.
Now that the news has had time to be absorbed, I'm moving on. Josiah has been getting a lot of therapy, as well as our whole family incorporating therapy into everything we do with him. We are working on 'independent sitting' (without falling), holding a bottle/cup, and learning to chew more solid foods. Even though he is 18 months, we measure milestones by setting a goal and reaching it. 6 months ago, he couldn't keep his left hand open without us prying his fingers loose. Now he gives us 'high fives' with a nice open hand. 6 months ago, his ribcage sat so high on his chest cavity because of having weak abdominal muscles, to now almost being able to sit on his own. 6 months ago he was not mobile AT ALL. Now he creeps around the house at lightning speed!
He is our little trooper and the light of our family. He is a true blessing and joy to each one of us. I would not change one thing about our son. He has helped us grow in so many ways, and continues teaching us everyday. Our son having CP has changed the way we live, just a little. It's part of our lives now, and we can't imagine it any other way.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Just some thoughts...
There has been a lot going on in our lives lately, but I'm still trying to absorb some of it. I would humbly ask for prayer.
I would like to leave you with some thoughts that give me hope and streangth...
"God equips us to do, what He calls us to do!" (Is. 61:1-3).
Any attempt to comprehend Gods Complexities, or liken God to man, minimizes Gods greatness and power!
Power resides in remembering Gods promise!
"He is our protector and the source of our life-purpose!"
"God is our refuge and streangth, always ready to help in times of trouble." (Psalm 46:1).
I would like to leave you with some thoughts that give me hope and streangth...
"God equips us to do, what He calls us to do!" (Is. 61:1-3).
Any attempt to comprehend Gods Complexities, or liken God to man, minimizes Gods greatness and power!
Power resides in remembering Gods promise!
"He is our protector and the source of our life-purpose!"
"God is our refuge and streangth, always ready to help in times of trouble." (Psalm 46:1).
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Forget Me Not...
Forget Me Not Children's Home, is an orphanage for "special needs" kids in Liberia.
Go to...www.globalorphanoutreach.com and click on the 'Forget Me Not' link.
I am so proud to be part of this project. The vision of this orphanage came from a real need to take care of these special little ones. Having adopted our own child with special needs, this is very close to our hearts. We are excited to see what God will be doing through these precious ones!
Launching the website is a big step, but sponsorship is the next biggie! If you feel led to give in any way, please consider this project. These kids are so special, and deserve a home to be safe, loved on, and get the help they need to blossom into Gods full potential for them! These children are true blessings!
Go to...www.globalorphanoutreach.com and click on the 'Forget Me Not' link.
I am so proud to be part of this project. The vision of this orphanage came from a real need to take care of these special little ones. Having adopted our own child with special needs, this is very close to our hearts. We are excited to see what God will be doing through these precious ones!
Launching the website is a big step, but sponsorship is the next biggie! If you feel led to give in any way, please consider this project. These kids are so special, and deserve a home to be safe, loved on, and get the help they need to blossom into Gods full potential for them! These children are true blessings!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Alpaca farmers are we...
Today was our first official day as alpaca farmers! We brought our herd home yesterday and have been keeping a close eye on their adjustment here. The girls seem to be pretty happy, loving their pasture and barn. Our stud boy is a little lonely with a pasture to himself, so we will be adding another male to be his buddy. Barn chores were easy this morning, soooo peaceful out there. Just watching our herd is so calming and peaceful. I can see why being an alpaca owner can be such a great job.
This dream started almost two years ago. I pitched this "idea" of being a small farm owner, to my husband. I researched different animals and came to the conculusion of alpacas, due to their easy maintainence, breeding and fiber market.
We've owned our animals for a year and a half, but had to keep them at our breeders farm until ours was ready.
I still can't believe they are finally here!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Volunteering for Daddy's birthday...
The kids did some volunteer work for the "Feed My Starving Children" program. Scott wanted this as a present for his birthday. Great job kids!!!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Vote!
I took this from one of my yahoo groups. I am not Catholic, but this video is for ALL followers of Christ!
http://www.catholicvote.com/
http://www.catholicvote.com/
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Fall...
I love Fall!! The colors are amazing and the crisp cool air is so refreshing. I am able to see views for miles from our upstairs bedroom. The views are getting quite colorful...but...another vivid reminder that winter is coming, (yuck).
Some updates...
Our barn is up and is beautiful! Fencing is going up this week. Maybe our alpacas will be living with us by the end of the month?
Josiah's MRI results are not in yet. I'm not concerned or worried, but it would be nice to have an answer on the possible brain trauma that is causing CP symptoms.
Physical Therapy is going great! Most weeks there is noticable improvement in his motor skills. We do work with him all the time, so he does get quite a bit of therapy. He is almost stable enough to sit on his own. He is able to, but will tip over on either side. His "creeping" is improving, and his strength in his trunk and legs is allowing him to be able to stand with assistance for small periods of time. We utilize a "trainer." It's basically a walker that has a lot of stability for his upper body. We will be getting a "stander" also, to work more on those trunk muscles for his stability. We do a lot of hand therapy on his good hand. He is opening and grasping more than he ever was before. His good hand was not getting utilized much because of the tightness. His little hand he does a lot with. He can pull and push, and even turn book pages with it. His feet are still pretty tight and flexed most days. A little work out and rubbing seem to loosen them both up pretty well. Medication has been recommended to reduce his "all over body" muscle tone. It has been proven to allow the body to move better and to train the muscles to do what they need to do, when the brain tells them. I'm still on the fence with the decision to put Josiah on such a strong med. I'm seeking more peace on this decision.
He still is such a charmer and knows how loved he really is. Sometimes when I am rocking him, I am just overwhelmed by this beautiful gift from God!
Homeschooling the boys is going slow...keeping Alex on task is proving to be tough. He would rather play all day. This kid is in motion almost all day! I'm hoping by month 6, he will be settled into our school schedule.
The girls are in our public school system. Love is the social butterfly, telling us "everything" that "everyone" has said or done. She's smart, but talks ALL THE TIME. As a matter of fact, she is not allowed to talk at meal time until her food is gone. Her mouth is constantly going! Thank goodness her teacher has such a godly attitude towards this...ummm...positive trait? Edline is doing okay with her LD teacher and regular classroom schedule. She is a little overwhelmed toward the evening. Something as simple as a letter sound, color, shape can be very difficult to remember. Her reading has really improved though. I would much rather see her reading than anything else. We had her teacher drop the science and social studies/history. This is something that has too many concepts and retension learning, for her to even grasp. So we are spending more time on just the basics.
Andrew is doing well in college. We talk almost daily, which really helps me. I'm really missing my baby, (yes he's 18, but always my baby)!
Africa has been so close to my thoughts lately. After having our friend from Liberia here, another whose visiting Liberia now, I am really missing it.
There are a few things that are "in the works", that will always keep Liberia close to us. One of these days I'll be able to share, not just yet!
Well, gotta go, laundry is calling!
Some updates...
Our barn is up and is beautiful! Fencing is going up this week. Maybe our alpacas will be living with us by the end of the month?
Josiah's MRI results are not in yet. I'm not concerned or worried, but it would be nice to have an answer on the possible brain trauma that is causing CP symptoms.
Physical Therapy is going great! Most weeks there is noticable improvement in his motor skills. We do work with him all the time, so he does get quite a bit of therapy. He is almost stable enough to sit on his own. He is able to, but will tip over on either side. His "creeping" is improving, and his strength in his trunk and legs is allowing him to be able to stand with assistance for small periods of time. We utilize a "trainer." It's basically a walker that has a lot of stability for his upper body. We will be getting a "stander" also, to work more on those trunk muscles for his stability. We do a lot of hand therapy on his good hand. He is opening and grasping more than he ever was before. His good hand was not getting utilized much because of the tightness. His little hand he does a lot with. He can pull and push, and even turn book pages with it. His feet are still pretty tight and flexed most days. A little work out and rubbing seem to loosen them both up pretty well. Medication has been recommended to reduce his "all over body" muscle tone. It has been proven to allow the body to move better and to train the muscles to do what they need to do, when the brain tells them. I'm still on the fence with the decision to put Josiah on such a strong med. I'm seeking more peace on this decision.
He still is such a charmer and knows how loved he really is. Sometimes when I am rocking him, I am just overwhelmed by this beautiful gift from God!
Homeschooling the boys is going slow...keeping Alex on task is proving to be tough. He would rather play all day. This kid is in motion almost all day! I'm hoping by month 6, he will be settled into our school schedule.
The girls are in our public school system. Love is the social butterfly, telling us "everything" that "everyone" has said or done. She's smart, but talks ALL THE TIME. As a matter of fact, she is not allowed to talk at meal time until her food is gone. Her mouth is constantly going! Thank goodness her teacher has such a godly attitude towards this...ummm...positive trait? Edline is doing okay with her LD teacher and regular classroom schedule. She is a little overwhelmed toward the evening. Something as simple as a letter sound, color, shape can be very difficult to remember. Her reading has really improved though. I would much rather see her reading than anything else. We had her teacher drop the science and social studies/history. This is something that has too many concepts and retension learning, for her to even grasp. So we are spending more time on just the basics.
Andrew is doing well in college. We talk almost daily, which really helps me. I'm really missing my baby, (yes he's 18, but always my baby)!
Africa has been so close to my thoughts lately. After having our friend from Liberia here, another whose visiting Liberia now, I am really missing it.
There are a few things that are "in the works", that will always keep Liberia close to us. One of these days I'll be able to share, not just yet!
Well, gotta go, laundry is calling!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
September...
This month has flown by...but for good reason! We have been OVER THE TOP busy!!
School started...my mom came to visit...Scott and I went on a cruise...Josiah had more dr. appointments...a friend from Liberia stayed with us for a little while...barn getting built...Alex turns 9!...still trying to sell our other home (asking for prayers for this please)...and all the other every day/week things we have going on!! I think October will be a much slower month, I hope.
A little update on our Josiah...
We went to Gillette for his CP appointment. We really didn't learn too much more than we already knew. The Dr. said if she was to diagnos him from his over all "tone" from his muscles, then yes he has CP. We will be getting an MRI of his brain to "try" to see any brain injury. This is not a sure bet that anything will show up. For his physical, he was tight all over, so the doc was able to see him at his "worst" (as far as his muscle tightness). Medication was recommended to release some of the tightness so we can get him moving better and controlling the muscles the way his brain is wanting him to. Increase therapy to two times a week, include speech, OT, and get a swallow test to rule out anything there.
As far as how therapy is going now, he is doing great. He is almost sitting independently, almost able to crasp with is good hand...still working on the finger pinch, verbalizing with more sounds...working on the word "hi". He can understand verbal commands well, very interactive and expresses his emotions very well...even throwing a tiny tantrum once in awhile. We can tell he is working through the 'normal' baby/toddler stages. This is such an awesome accoplishment, show us that his cognative abilities are great! Yeah!!
Our 'moving in' is going very slow. The weather has been so nice, that we are outside a lot. The cold will come soon enough, so hopefully I'll start unpacking some things when we are stuck in the house!
I miss our oldest terribly. We do talk almost every day, but it's still not enough for this mom! There is such an emptiness there. He is doing well in Ohio, just a little home sick.
Our next project wil be putting up our fencing for our alpacas. Who knows how long this will take.
The four kids and daddy are filling up bags of nutritional bag meals at the "feed my starving children" program. Scott wanted the kids to volunteer their time as a birthday present to him. Thank goodness their was no complaining this morning for having to get up early.
School started...my mom came to visit...Scott and I went on a cruise...Josiah had more dr. appointments...a friend from Liberia stayed with us for a little while...barn getting built...Alex turns 9!...still trying to sell our other home (asking for prayers for this please)...and all the other every day/week things we have going on!! I think October will be a much slower month, I hope.
A little update on our Josiah...
We went to Gillette for his CP appointment. We really didn't learn too much more than we already knew. The Dr. said if she was to diagnos him from his over all "tone" from his muscles, then yes he has CP. We will be getting an MRI of his brain to "try" to see any brain injury. This is not a sure bet that anything will show up. For his physical, he was tight all over, so the doc was able to see him at his "worst" (as far as his muscle tightness). Medication was recommended to release some of the tightness so we can get him moving better and controlling the muscles the way his brain is wanting him to. Increase therapy to two times a week, include speech, OT, and get a swallow test to rule out anything there.
As far as how therapy is going now, he is doing great. He is almost sitting independently, almost able to crasp with is good hand...still working on the finger pinch, verbalizing with more sounds...working on the word "hi". He can understand verbal commands well, very interactive and expresses his emotions very well...even throwing a tiny tantrum once in awhile. We can tell he is working through the 'normal' baby/toddler stages. This is such an awesome accoplishment, show us that his cognative abilities are great! Yeah!!
Our 'moving in' is going very slow. The weather has been so nice, that we are outside a lot. The cold will come soon enough, so hopefully I'll start unpacking some things when we are stuck in the house!
I miss our oldest terribly. We do talk almost every day, but it's still not enough for this mom! There is such an emptiness there. He is doing well in Ohio, just a little home sick.
Our next project wil be putting up our fencing for our alpacas. Who knows how long this will take.
The four kids and daddy are filling up bags of nutritional bag meals at the "feed my starving children" program. Scott wanted the kids to volunteer their time as a birthday present to him. Thank goodness their was no complaining this morning for having to get up early.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Pics for August
Getting my last hug before leaving my baby in Ohio!
Look who wants to drive!
Andrews school pics.
Look who wants to drive!
Andrews school pics.
Monday, August 25, 2008
My baby left the nest...
After 18.5 years, my oldest baby has left our nest. (Well, at least for a year). We drove the LONG drive to Cleveland, Ohio, moved him into his college apartment, got him set up for what was needed for living on his own, then left for the LONG drive back. I am so sad right now. It is tough seeing my child all grown and moving onto this next chapter in his life. I know he will be home on breaks, but it's hard knowing I just can't see him anytime I would like. I know moms must go through this, eventually. It just doesn't make it any easier. I'm just a sad mom right now...
On a lighter note, Josiah did great on the drive. He was the only other "baby" we took along for the ride. We didn't get much sleep from the last 4 days, so we are all exhausted. But Josiah has done amazing! All the other kids were farmed out to grandparents and cousins. They all had such a great time, I don't think we were missed much:)
As soon as I get my camera loaded, I will be posting some new pics. We are still just so busy with so many balls in the air right now. I will be posting better, once school starts.
On a lighter note, Josiah did great on the drive. He was the only other "baby" we took along for the ride. We didn't get much sleep from the last 4 days, so we are all exhausted. But Josiah has done amazing! All the other kids were farmed out to grandparents and cousins. They all had such a great time, I don't think we were missed much:)
As soon as I get my camera loaded, I will be posting some new pics. We are still just so busy with so many balls in the air right now. I will be posting better, once school starts.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Snip-its of updates...
*Still trying to get our new house organized and finding it almost impossible! We do love our home and the beauty that surrounds us. I still have to pinch myself. Took a short hike with the kids and found we have wild grapes everywhere, a huge apple tree, and poison ivy! Plus patches of wild flowers everywhere. Still can't see all our property until Fall, it's just too thick with bushes and trees, then maybe we can get to our little creek.
*Still working on getting our other house sold. Really need prayers here! Getting it sold quick would be such a huge blessing!
*Trying to prepare for our oldest going off to college in ohio in another week. I get teary eyed thinking about it.
*Our girls are now enrolled in the local school, and will be homeschooling our boys. Haven't purchase their curriculum yet!
*our barn will be going up mid Sept., fencing will have to wait until then. Alpacas will be moved in soon after. CAN'T WAIT!
*Josiah's follow up on his hand was fine. He has one bone possibly growing in his little wrist/palm and his other "normal" hand is progressing with therapy. (He is very stiff and has limited grasp in his normal hand). Next month will be his big appointment at Gillette to get a proper diagnosis, (possible Cerebral Pulsy).
Probably could report more, but have been progressively losing brain cells throughout the summer busyness!!!
*Still working on getting our other house sold. Really need prayers here! Getting it sold quick would be such a huge blessing!
*Trying to prepare for our oldest going off to college in ohio in another week. I get teary eyed thinking about it.
*Our girls are now enrolled in the local school, and will be homeschooling our boys. Haven't purchase their curriculum yet!
*our barn will be going up mid Sept., fencing will have to wait until then. Alpacas will be moved in soon after. CAN'T WAIT!
*Josiah's follow up on his hand was fine. He has one bone possibly growing in his little wrist/palm and his other "normal" hand is progressing with therapy. (He is very stiff and has limited grasp in his normal hand). Next month will be his big appointment at Gillette to get a proper diagnosis, (possible Cerebral Pulsy).
Probably could report more, but have been progressively losing brain cells throughout the summer busyness!!!
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