Disney

 

Look I'm wearing my glasses!

 

 

 

the castle

 

 

 

Sarah's first ride....

JUNGLE CRUISE

 

 

 

Sam loved it and his daddy!

 

 

 

 

Then on to Aladdin's Carpet ride

 

the princess likes it too!

 

 

 

 

 

Hi guys!

 

 

 

Then Pirates of the Caribbean

that was a little scary but she liked it too

even tho you can't tell from this picture! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sarah looking scary on the Haunted Mansion! 

 

 

I took a picture!

 

 

 

then on to the Merry Go Round!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the castle in the background

 

 

 

 

The Mad Tea Cups!

this was Sam and Sarah's favorite ride.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pure Joy!

 

 

 

 

Buzz Lightyear!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My fav ride the People Mover.....

 

 

this is NOT a made up picture

they BOTH fell asleep on it, we rode it 2x~

 

In the dark section, Steve scared the poop out of me by reaching up and touching my shoulder!  I caught him with the camera!

 

 

 

 

 

This is the new ride "Under the Sea"  it was cute

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh I WISH I had one of these LOL

 

 

 

Crazy Squirrel! 

 

 

 

 

It's official!  We survived!

 

Hope you enjoy the pictures.  For some reason I had a very hard time uploading them. 

 

Disney was challenging.  The new disability policy was not good and caused us a lot of delays.  Basically you used to be able to just go in a short line and get on the rides.  We never did it but for the rides that Sam could ride.  For example if the boys wanted to go on Space Mountain, they would get a fast pass and come back later.  So when the guys were on a more adult ride, I'd do something else with Sam.  Now you have to wait at the guest relations, get a card that works somewhat like a fast pass.  You take it and get it signed and then come back at the time they tell you  and you can only have one ride pending.  So for example we were signed up to come back to Winnie the Pooh (that never worked) and couldn't sign up for anything else.  So we just had to walk around with the kids.  I don't ever want to take advantage of my children's disabilities....I WISH we had no idea about handicapped processes....but they can't stand for 30 or 45 minutes in line (and once in the regular line, no stroller) and we can't hold them that long either.  Not only are we old but they can't stand that much touch!  It's just not worth it. 

 

We got our tickets free from a friend but had to buy one for Sarah.  It was $97!  I was shocked!  If I would have spent that much money on everyone for a day at Disney, and then gone through so much hassle, I would have been very upset!  I'm grateful that our friend thought of us and it was fun for everyone BUT I had to work hard on keeping Sam & Sarah satisfied and occupied.  Everyone pitched in but I was ready for a meltdown.  Just because they don't understand why they were in the stroller so much.  They did enjoy the rides but the waits in between were hard. 

 

Splash Mountain, Winnie the Pooh and It's a Small World was not working.  The Monorail system had issues when we were leaving.. Disney just doesn't seem so magical anymore to me. 

 

I've never been one that loved Disney too much especially with little kids. Going once every couple of years is more than enough for me but now I can't really see taking the little ones again.  They did ok because I was expecting the worst knowing things had changed.   The staff did try and be helpful and kind.  It was just very hard. 

 

Selah continues to do good.  Her weekend nurse had her outside today and we had some noisy birds and every  time they'd start up, Selah would  turn her head:)  It was cute!

 

Tomorrow is our big Christmas dinner at the church.  I still have so much to do but hey sitting on the couch is easier! 

 

 

 

 

A Great Need for the Burman family!

Yes we had a good time at Disney and I took some great pictures that I can't wait to share with you all....BUT I have to tell you about a need....

remember the Burman family?  Remember you all helped me to raise $1020 for them a few months ago?   I sent a check to GraceHaven Ministries for that amount.  Well they have been working HARD ever since to do all the paperchase required to adopt those three...now FOUR children.  BUT the MAIN amount of the money raised for these children have been held by another "ministry"  The Burman family has jumped through hoops and are still jumping through hoops....

They need a miracle NOW!  God is not dependent on anyone ministry or person to make something happen!

Her close friend wrote this....

 Carissa Lanning

 

Ok, it's down to the wire and my BFF Shelly Burman needs a real pre-Christmas miracle. She leaves on SUNDAY to go and rescue 4 ORPHANS and bring those lonlies into her family. I have seen their beds and their pretty clothes all laid out. ...

I have witnessed Shelly seeing new pics of her son for the first time and the tears of love well in her eyes. I have listened to her son jabber on and on about having a brother his age who can play with him and share his room. They are all beyond excited! But they are VERY VERY short on funds.
See, they were counting on $30+K that was lovingly raised by many donors, and the funds have yet to be released. They have jumped through hoops when they were told to jump, and more hoops are produced instead of the ransom. The first small bit of the ransom has been raised through Grace Haven Ministries and Project HOPEFUL,NFP, round of airfare are paid for and the bags are packed. Shelly is leaving on faith that God will provide. Let's all be the hands and feet of God and raise the $$ they need to finish what God has started so many months ago!!! Let's RALLY around this wonderful family!!! I know it's Christmas time and funds are short for everyone. But if we all work together, as the body of Christ, we can make this happen.

PLEASE SHARE, PRAY, DONATE, BLOG and PRAY some more!

 

Please go to

http://gracehavenhome.com/families/burman-family/

and give, even if it is only $5 it will help!

 

You know I saw these children, I played with the girls, I have pictures and memoires....one of the girls, who we "named " Sally, we were going to go back and adopt....then the accident happened.....but NOW she has another chance for a mommy and daddy....  Let's Rally again and help make this happen!

 

Shelly leaves in just a couple of days....

 

 

(I will post picture of our trip later, having some issues with my computer, I don't know WHY)  But I knew this was too important NOT to write about tonight!

 

 

 

 

It's On

Well it looks like we are ON for Disney tomorrow.  That meant today I had to have all my church work done and ready to go to the bookkeeper.  I also had to shop for Sunday's big Christmas Dinner at church.  And I have to pack the Diaper Bag....  you have no idea what a chore that is to make sure we have everything!

I bought a turkey and ham for Sunday's Christmas lunch.  It's a "ready to go " turkey....you just put it in that roasting pan and COOK it!  That is my kind of turkey.  It says you don't even have to defrost it!  YAY!!  The Ham is pre cooked also!  YAY!  Hopefully I won't kill anyone!  I'm also using my new crock pot that has 3 crock pots in it to do baked beans, sweet corn and green beans:)  There is going to be some good food on Sunday!  Another lady is doing a turkey also so we won't go hungry!
If you live in our area, come and check out our church! 

We are hoping that Disney's policy on helping the disabled will still be in place.  I called today and was told it was a case by case situation.  I'm hoping they'll look at our case and work with us or otherwise it may not be a very good day.  You know I'm not one for pulling the disabled card out and I never abuse having a handicapped parking sticker.  If one of the little ones is NOT with me, I would never think about using it.  (well I did ONE time when it was pouring and I was getting meds for one of them!  I confess but the parking lot was basically empty and there were numerous handicapped parking spaces.)  But that is the only time.  I'm thankful I don't need a handicapped sticker for myself and I am glad to walk, I need to walk anyhow!  Anyhow I hope things go smooth tomorrow.  I want the kids to enjoy themselves.

Last night I had such a vivid dream.  I was alone in Ukraine working in an orphanage.  It was so real, I even discussed with the caretakers some of the children's diagnosis's.  In the dream, I wept a lot, at first I was helping to move some kids from a bad orphanage to a nicer one.  I held one child in a van as we traveled to the new orphanage.  Oh my God was this dream real.......I think that dream represents my heart and what I would want to do if I had the opportunity.  Of course I have my little ones here to take care of now. 

Sarah does not seem to care for vision therapy.  Today was her second day and she cried and cried.  I was working at the church and no one came to get me or called me so I didn't' know about it till it was over.  When I was leaving, she was not too happy and I suggested working with her on her horse.  The teacher of vision therapy is a lot like an Occupational Therapist.  There is a lot of fine motor skill being worked on.  So Sam is happy to sit with the teacher, put pegs in holes, but Sarah wants to be moving!!!!   I thought she'd be happier if she was on the horse and could rock some during the time, but evidently she was screaming!  Sarah NEVER does that!  I'm not sure what we will do about this but I think the teacher will have to work with her in a totally different way than she does with Sam or other VI kids.  In most situations I'd say the child had to get used to things BUT not with Sarah.  She has been through too much, was tied to a bed and CRAVES movement.  So we have to figure out how to work with that!

Next week the kids all start with their Academics teacher.  She is scheduled to come from 3:15- 5:45 pm 3 days a week.  That is really late for Sam.  If he can't deal with that, then we'll have to move some things around. 

Wish us luck tomorrow.....I hope Sam and Sarah enjoy themselves,  We've taken Sam to Disney before and he loved all the rides and did fine.  This will be new for Princess Sarah:)  We think she will love the rides, I can't wait to take her on some of them!  Selah is doing good=stable.  She is enjoying going outside daily and she is using her stander for an hour a day.  She tolerates everything quite well.  thank you for still praying for her!

Pictures and Christmas plans.....

 

 

 Here are some of our critters...

Vermont, named after the state that the person who gave us is from.  she did not work as an indoor cat for him!

 

 

 

 

 she loves my lilac bush

 

 

 

 Our sweet Brownie!

She is the greatest dog in the world

 

 

 

 Getting a bit gray.....

 

 

 

 

 Happy girl

 

 

Sam was pushing himself with his foot!!!!! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Look at Sarah's giant foot!

 

 

 

 

I LOVE her sweet smile

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

she has hair blowing in the breeze, who'd ever thought that:) 

 

 

 

 

We are enjoying our 80 degree weather with low humidity  THIS is why folks move to Florida!

The kids go out every day and so does Selah. 

 

The kids are getting excited about Christmas and a break from school for Shad.  Shad has asked for a baby kitten.  We are in process of getting one.  A friend of a friend does a cat rescue and they will have some kittens ready to leave their mama the week before Christmas so Shad gets to pick out a kitten.  I really do not want anymore responsibility,  Shad will take care of the cat, I'm not worried about that, but I don't' want anyone else to worry about!   But Shad wants a pet of his own and I want him to have one. 

 

Someone is giving our family tickets to Disney.  We plan on going before Christmas so everyone is all excited about that too.  I am somewhat.....it will be a fun challenge..... but a challenge!

 

We have some parties coming up and so much going on.  I'm really trying to enjoy this Christmas season. 

 

 

Last night I dreamed I was holding Selah on my hip and she was supporting her trunk, neck and head.  In my dream I was so very happy.....Please keep praying for her!

 

 

 

 

Hanging out at the Prison

Not many women can say their husband took them out to dinner at a prison:)  Tonight was the annual volunteer banquet and I  helped serve the food.  I wish I could have taken pictures, but.....I couldn't' bring in my camera.  Jon enjoys working at his prison very much.  Over the last 16 years, he has worked at four prisons as he was promoted. When you work in the prions system, you usually have to  be willing to relocate or drive to get promotions.   Each had a "personality" and a reputation.  The one he is at now is a great one for staff and inmates alike.  The staff all seem to work together and actually enjoy & respect each other for the most part .  The inmates have more services at this prison than at others and it is a very unique prison that serves the needs of the handicapped, the ill, mental health,  hospice patients and elderly. 

Tonight the prison choir sang and some of the staff & volunteers spoke.  The volunteer of the year Bob, was honored.  He kept the chapel running while we were away with Selah last year.  Then we had a remarkable good dinner:)  I got the opportunity to hang out with some of the staff that I'd never met and we really hit if off and I laughed a lot tonight:)  It was a really good night! 

Jon's prison leads the state in volunteer hours, they had 4000 hours in the last 3 months!   He averages 300 volunteers a month working with the inmates!!   He has sought to grow the program, even tho a lot was in place when he came there.  He makes place for every religion and seeks to find volunteers for each religion represented.  Jon preaches a clear Christian message but he works with different religions and treats them all with respect. 

For example tonight he had a Jewish volunteer doing a Hanukkah service for the Jewish inmates  and a Muslim giving the key note speech for the volunteers......he works with everyone and has been complimented by several non Christian inmates for treating them and their religion with respect.  That being said, he and I believe there is only ONE way to God and that is through Jesus....but we are to show love to others and not hatred. 

So we had a great "date" night!

The kids are all doing good.  Selah had a great day and enjoyed being outside this morning.  She just looked so good today,  I love seeing her look healthy.

And YES she got her formula today......  Geez I hope this is the last time we have a problem with that!

Please keep her in prayer, I'm always encouraged when I hear from others who still pray for her daily.  Please know no matter what is going on in my life, I call out to God throughout my day in my heart to heal my little girl.  Sometimes I get up in the night to go to the bathroom and lay back down and pray for her till I fall asleep.  There is seldom a day that tears don't fill my eyes at some point or another, I just hide it and get control of my emotions.  I want her to be herself again, I want to see her smile and hear her laugh, I don't even have the words to convey to you how deeply I still want that.  I've not accepted that this will be her situation for the rest of her life.....  So please continue in prayer for her.  I don't understand everything, I don't know what moves God to do miracles I just know we need one!

My CRAZY day

You would not believe my absolute crazy day......

I've been going strong it seems for days since vacations are not really vacations for a mommy!  Then we cleaned the church, then it was Sunday which is far from a day of rest in our home!  Then came Monday....

Got up, got the little ones ready....here comes the therapists....

9-10 am Sarah has PT
10-11 am Selah has PT
11:15- 12:15 Sam had Vision Therapy
12:15- 1:15 Sarah had VT BUT......
12:30-1:30 Sam had Occupational Therapy OT which today was working with him with feeding....so Sarah got mad that Sam was eating...
So 12:45 till 1:45 or so SARAH had OT and got to eat LOL
Then off to take Steve to Driver's Ed at 2:30 and pick up Shad at 2:30.....
drop off somethings for the church
Then like an idiot off to buy groceries at 2:45 with all three little ones.....Sarah peed while I stopped to check my blood pressure, all over the floor, through her diaper....YET my blood pressure was 101/68...I was making myself think of white beaches......
Then home to cook supper and oh yes, I did 5 loads of laundry! 

Oh and had a HUGE fight for Selah....

She gets a formula that is hard to find outside of the company that delivers it to us.  We have not been able to have this company get the order right since she was changed from Pedisure to this formula......I talked to someone the week BEFORE last and went through the whole order,  The lady assured me it was being sent out that day.....our nurse also called and was assured of the same thing.....it should have been here no later than last Wednesday as we have NO extra feeds....well it didn't come.  Thankfully our nurse had picked up 2.5 days of the formula from one of the doctor's offices for me.  Even still we ran out and her last full feed was on Friday night.  Saturday we had 2 servings of it, it comes in little boxes like juice boxes.  We had to add Pedilyle to the formula Saturday night and on Sunday night she only had Pedilyite.   THEN the boxes came today with the WRONG formula.....can you believe that???????

I had called the company first thing this morning and they started working on it.  Then after I got the shipment, the WRONG shipment, I got a call from a head manager.  I was so upset.  This is the third month this has happened.  It is unreal and probably unlawful.  It's like they want to stretch out her servings so she isn't given all she should be....  I firmly told them I expect a month's reserve of formula to be sent with this new shipment tomorrow.  Our doctor had even signed a order for that so we didn't have to worry if there was a storm and the company couldn't ship it (they are up north).  But the lady who helps me in this area actually brought over 3 serving boxes for Selah tonight even tho she is supposed to have 4 boxes a night.  I do appreciate that this lady drove over a hundred miles round trip to do that for us.  And I was not even here to thank her in person.  (see above reasons) 

It just seems there is always another battle to fight, nothing can ever go smoothly....and people wonder why I am hostile????????   LOL

My husband says the reason I have absurdly low blood pressure is because I GIVE high blood pressure to everyone I deal with LOL  You'd think as mad as I get, I'd have some high BP going on!  It is a great medical mystery to us LOL

So that was my day.....

Boy I LOVE my life but had I known how complicated my life was going to get, I sure would have enjoyed those SINGLE years a lot more and those married years before we had kids a lot more too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

So how was your day???

Oh yeah....and Shad is asking for a baby kitten for Christmas......  I may need an extra month of my happy pills on reserve.......

Please pray for Ukraine

Saturday was an incredibly busy day for me.  We started at 9 am and cleaned our Fellowship Hall at the church.   It has not been used since the accident and had become somewhat of a storage room since we got new church chairs back at Easter but with a Christmas dinner coming up and a new Sunday School class starting in January that needs to meet in there, we cleaned it from top to bottom.   I got to get rid of some tings too!  YEAH LOL:)  We had lots of help including some of the Spanish church members. 

Then after all that was done, Steve and I went and got our Christmas Tree and some things for the church.  Then we put up the tree.....and cleaned up after ourselves....by then it was 10pm.  As you can imagine I FELL into bed after a hot shower....I was completely exhausted!  But it looks GREAT!

So we took some pictures in front of the tree this morning. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the last picture is the best except Sam was getting mad and hungry.    Selah had a beautiful red dress on but we had talked so long after church with various people that our nurse had taken her home by the time we got a chance to take pictures and she was resting.  ONE day I will have that PERFECT PICTURE I KEEP STRIVING FOR !!!!  You know the one, where everyone is looking towards the camera with a smile on their faces!

========================================================================




If you are wondering about what is going on in Ukraine, here is a good article that explains things to some degree.

We love Ukraine, our daughters' country, where we lived for 6 weeks. It's a country I did not know a lot about but now I have studied its' sad history. I pray that Ukraine will be able to break with Russia and have a successful future. I am afraid the country is very divided. From what we saw & experienced, there are some who want to become more Western, and some who love the past/Russia/Lenin. There is a big difference between many in the Western side of Ukraine, near Kiev and the Eastern side near Russia (where our girls are from)     Where our girls were from, there were many Lenin statutes, that were revered by some. There seemed to be a huge political divide. We pray the best for Ukraine!

http://www.forbes.com/sites/gregsatell/2013/12/01/why-ukraine-matters/


Here are some pictures of the protests.....  I'm not an international expert by any means, but I can't help but hope and pray that finally Ukraine can be completely free from Russia and able to break all the shackles that has been on that country for so many years.  I loved the Ukraine people that we met and feel honored by the time they spent with us.  We came to love them all so much.  We had such a strong feeling, I kept saying to Jon that we must have Ukrainian roots and not know it!  I hope the very best for our daughters' birth country and hope the people there can live in peace and prosperity! I pray there is no bloodshed or anymore hard times ahead for this country.  Ukraine has suffered so much over the years.   

 We have been here, to Independence Square, this is a sight to see.......

So in your prayers, remember the country of Ukraine.....and Selah also.  Thank you!