This Journey of Life

http://www.mobilityawarenessmonth.com/entrant/selah-clanton-zephyrhills-fl/
Today's answer is the bottom one LOL  I forgot how it is worded!
Thanks for your votes!

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Got the first check today from Bonnie in Florida for Sonya (and the movie coupons THANKS!)  I've decided my goal to raise for her is $600.  I'd love to raise more, but I'm pledging  we will raise that much through the blog/church.  I've already donated but will donate again at the end.  SO you can give either through their website at http://www.gofundme.com/78kap0  they are at almost 13,000 Euros!!!!!   Or you can mail a check to our church marked Orphan Care (again she is NOT an orphan-that's just the designation the church gives to what comes through my blog as it is usually for orphans)  and I will put it all on their account at the end of the month.  They actually have a paypal account that will take less or no fees that I'll be putting it on and then it will show on their other account.  I've asked if we can start posting that account info and am waiting to hear back from her mom.  I'll let you guys know.  Church info is 7060 Berry Road, Zephyrhills Fl 33540.  That gift is tax deductible and you will get a receipt at the end of the year.  

I'm excited about helping to raise money for her, have you read her story?  This little girl is in 24 hour pain if she moves......how awful....   You and I have the chance to really make a difference in her day to day life...in a BIG way. It's not going to make everything perfect for her, she still will have physical issues BUT she won't be in horrible pain after this surgery is done.  From the little I've read, this is a surgery that takes place in the US all the time and helps so many kids to never get to this point of pain.  Let's do what we can to help.  I know we can't do everything for everyone in the world....but we know about this little one, let's change her life.  And don't feel bad about small gifts, every penny adds up!  I really believe God does something supernatural when we give to help others, I don't understand it, and I won't make a silly doctrine about it but there is a blessing in the heart when we help others and somehow God meets the need.  That is one thing I've seen so many times over.....


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I have an urgent prayer request tonight.....

A sweet 18 year old girl, tried to commit suicide last weekend by using a gun.  Steve and her started preschool together, went to kindergarten and 1st grade together until the family moved.  Her mom was a teacher at the school and I cried when they left because she was to be Steve's 2nd grade teacher (instead we got a witch!)  Katie was Steve's first crush, we just thought the world of the family....  They are a great family, nothing odd about them.  But we all know depression is a horrible thing....I've been there as a teenager....had thoughts about suicide myself.....the teen years totally suck!  Please pray she is very critical right now, it is a miracle that she survived but things are very very serious.  My mind just goes back to that little girl I knew and that sweet family and it breaks my heart!  The family is remaining strong in their faith in God.  The dad is a pastor, a very loving and kind pastor.   The mom is someone you'd just love to be friends with, so pleasant and great to be around.  And Katie was a sweetheart back then and from the comments on her page, STILL the same sweet girl, just battling her demons....  Pray for them please.....

Thank you all for all the prayers for our family and for caring about things I share on here about others....Life is hard, it is a journey, and one thing is true, we can help each other on this journey of Life.   Thank you! 

St Leo's University

Integrated manual backup systems is the answer today!
http://www.mobilityawarenessmonth.com/entrant/selah-clanton-zephyrhills-fl/
We're at 5985.......  please vote!

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http://www.gofundme.com/78kap0

I'm excited about the responses I've gotten thus far for Sonya!  Two people emailed me to let me know they are writing checks to send for her.  You can give through the church
Grace Church
7060 Berry road
Zephyrhills Fl 33540 
OR
you can give directly through their site  http://www.gofundme.com/78kap0
Whatever comes to the church in this month Marked Sonya or Orphan fund (she is not an orphan but that's how we designate the gifts that come in through the website)  will be given to them through their website at the end of the month.  Their site is set up to receive Euros and the exchange rate is about 72 Euros for $100 dollars.  I love to see the increase from 11,000 something last night to 12,940 tonight!!!!  I read that there is a German charity that might help them IF they can get to the 25,000 euro mark......They are more than halfway there:)  Please pray for this little girl who lives in pain, pray for her parents who are strong for her......

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The last few days we've gotten increasingly worried about Selah.    Her heart rates were up all the time (100-110), and would spike at times (up to 150-160).  We had been told by the doctor it might take some time for her to adjust to not being on the heart /blood pressure meds but as time went on we knew she was struggling.  Her BPs have been picture perfect, just her heart rates too high.  I called the doctor yesterday and he advised us to put her back on one of the meds, Atenaol (probably spelled wrong)  She had a dose this morning and today has been great!  She still is a little high (highest 90's) but Atenaol takes time to build up in the system.  At least we are on the right track again.  So she can manage her blood pressures just fine, but the part of her brain that manages the heart rate, is just not there yet.   It is discouraging to go back on any medication but it certainly has solved the problem.

We've added Mirelax to her feeds and she has been having nice poops:)  We've also added Pear juice to her daily intake of fluids.  The GI said it causes less tummy upset than apple juice.  The ONLY place I could find pear juice was in Publix in the area where they have foods from other countries, it's a Goya brand.  

This morning Selah was lifting and turning her head so nicely.  I LOVE when she is more aware.  She also turned towards me and her nurse Aaron everytime we called her name.  Sometimes it would take a few seconds for her to respond but she was doing it every time.  

I'm so thankful that we are able to ensure she gets wonderful care.  She has so many services now that come in the home, her nurses are so good and focused on her, we have the best set of doctors for her.  It's been a fight and I'm sure we will have more but things right now are just great!  Now we just pray for more progress.  We had NOT given her the new med that could stimulate her mind more, her heart rates have just been too high but if things continue going good & normal, maybe we can start it next Monday.  It is a drug that has added some patients in having more awareness.

I had a fun day, one of my friends and her son came over today.  Her son helped Steve on the church lawn and his mom hung out with me.  Friendship is so refreshing.  We both have a child with  very special needs and we understand each others heart.  We were going to pick up Shad from school and a song came on the radio and we were singing it together, KNOWING what the other one was thinking.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnDTDLOM0rY&feature=kp   

Yours will be the only Name that matters to me
The only One Whose favor I seek
The only Name that matters to me

Yours will be
The friendship and affection I need
To feel my Father smiling on me
The only Name that matters to me

Yours is the Name the Name that has saved me
Mercy and grace the power that forgave me
And Your love is all I’ve ever needed

When I wake up in the Land of Glory
And with the saints I will tell my story
There will be one Name that I proclaim

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, just that Name

)Music & Lyrics: Benji Cowart)

the highlighted lines gets my heart every time!  
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Tonight I'm hanging out at St Leo University while Steve is at a youth event.  It was a little far for him to drive by himself, since he has only been driving for 6 months!  My husband went here for awhile back in the 80's while he was pursuing a Criminal Justice degree.  It is a GORGEOUS campus!

Darth Vader at the library?

here is Shad from a couple of nights ago.  he was sitting on my bed, watching tv and petting the cat, both he and the cat fell asleep.  he slept through us taking pictures and laughing.  I have never seen anyone so young sleep like he does.  It is so funny!

Take care and thank you for your prayers and support!

Let's help Sonya!!!!!!!

http://www.mobilityawarenessmonth.com/entrant/selah-clanton-zephyrhills-fl/  today's answer....
BOTH A & B!

I have something exciting to share with you guys.  A friend of mine shared about a little girl in Ukraine who needs a surgery.  This friend Carissa, knows the family of the little girl personally.  The family also goes to the church  of a well known (in the adoption world) pastor.  The story is true and we can help.

I'm still getting donations for the two children Timothy  (China) and Angela (Ukraine) and that money is set aside for them.  However we have had issues with Timothy's paperwork.  He may age out before things can be straightened out.  Angela, is posted on a few adoption groups, and if anyone steps forward a grant will be given to them.  It will be divided between them equally unless one is unable to be adopted (due to age or other issues)  There is more than $1000 set aside for them at this point. 

BUT for the month of April, I'd like to focus on this little girl.   Her name is Sonya and she is NOT an orphan.  Her Christian parents chose to keep her and raise her even tho that is not very acceptable in their country. 

My friend Carissa wrote "This beautiful young lady, Sonya, is the daughter of a sweet friend of mine in Ukraine. She has CP and needs a surgery to fix her dislocated hip. ( She needs the same surgery I had when I was 16!! ) The cost is $50,00...0. If they can raise 50% the hospital will consider helping them with the cost. They are at $10,800. They need $14,200 to be at their halfway mark.

This incredible family took a leap of FAITH and did what most parents in Ukraine do not do when they have a child with special needs, they kept their beloved daughter. Let's help them with the cost to help her be rid of the agonizing pain. We all know how hard it is to watch your own child suffer. Please donate!
 

 

 

http://www.gofundme.com/78kap0

Read and donate at the link above.

You can let them know you found out about their story on this blog in the remarks.  I like to keep up with how much we give yearly!

Or you can give through our church by sending a check ( I have a few people who give monthly by checks and I will post it to their site at the end of the month.)

Grace Church

7060 Berry Road

Zephyrhills Fl 33540

 

 

http://themoneyconverter.com/USD/EUR.aspx

On the site in is in Euros so go here to convert Euros to dollars.  I did that and paypal also did it at the end for me.

 

I'm going to challenge you to give!  When I read their story, my heart was moved for this family.  I know how we have had to fight for the various things our little ones have needed.  And I know how it is to have to travel to get medical help for a child.  PLEASE let's just bless this family and help them reach their goal! 

 

Here is the story from her parents

Message from Sonya’s parents:

When Sonya was to be born, doctors gave us little chance – my placenta detached on my way to maternity house, in 5 minutes after my examination the surgery room was filled with medical personnel – I barely had time to say ‘God be with us!’ before anesthesia kicked in and these words echoed through the room as the doctors passed them along. Sonya and I have survived, despite all the odds.

When Sonya at the age of 3 months got sick with meningitis, the doctors, our friends and acquaintances gave us little chance (except, maybe, for the Head of ICU where Sonya was stationed) and when 30 days later Sonya had rallied from coma, her neurologist told us, “You have no choice but to fight along with her, because your daughter has such a strong will to live.”

Now Sonya is 10 years old – she has a very painful hip dislocation, and.. yes, they give us little chance. “Let it be, don’t subject her to extra sufferings, she will never walk anyway, with her spastic quadriplegia, the pain will return, think of yourselves – you’re not getting younger..”  But how can we think of ourselves and come to terms with her constant pain, how can we ignore Sonya’s desire to move? How can we ignore God’s plan in her life – and we do believe that God has a plan for every soul, no matter how badly the soul’s outer shell may be damaged. How can we explain that side by side with dry facts and medical statistical data there exists another plane, or dimension, which operates with quite different units of measurement, and Sonya has been the living proof of this throughout her life?

About Sonya’s present condition: before her hip had dislocated, she was able to roll over, sit for some time unassisted, stood on her knees with support, and made attempts at crawling.  Now she prefers to stay still since every single movement causes her pain.  The only option proposed to us in Poland and Ukraine was femoral head resection (amputation).  For us, it was too extreme, and we kept searching – on 14 February we had an examination in Heidelberg Orthopedic Clinic, Germany, and we were strongly recommended an angulation osteotomy – according to the surgeons, this procedure will enable Sonya to sit, crawl (if she learns how to do it), and stand in a special device.  The femoral head resection would just leave her leg floppy and her pain would return in a matter of weeks.  While our savings were enough to cover the cost of surgery in Ukraine, in present situation they’ll be only sufficient to cover the cost of transportation, lodging, and daily living expenses.  Cost of the surgery (angulation osteotomy and surgical treatment of knee flexion contractures), including 5-6 weeks of in-patient treatment, is 48.5K Euros. 

Due to the urgency of the situation (because of her high hip dislocation, Sonya has severe pelvic obliquity and pronounced lumbar scoliosis which progresses quickly (Cobb angle of 42.6°- at spine deformation of 50°and higher scoliosis can be corrected only with surgery)), we have set up the fund-raising page on this site and, in parallel, are applying to charity foundations.  If we’re able to find a charity foundation which would agree to cover the surgery cost in part or in full, we will use the funds collected here for 3-4 weeks of intensive physical rehabilitation highly

recommended by the clinic after Sonya’s discharge from the hospital and for the brace manufacture and wheelchair adjustments (due to the severity of her scoliosis, she needs to have Chêneau brace made, preferably before the surgery, followed by regular check-ups).  We will stop the meter the moment we have the required amount.  Every single penny (eurocent) will go to Sonya’s medical needs, not for our daily expenses, and will be accounted for.  Foreign currency will be converted to euros automatically. Help Sonya move!

The surgery is scheduled for 22 May - if we’re able to collect the required amount prior to this date, it will happen, otherwise, we’ll have to postpone it and we’ll be put back on the waiting list. Since cost of Chêneau brace manufacture in Heidelberg clinic would be ~3-3.5k Euros, we went back to Poland and are now trying to locate a good orthopedic surgeon in Poznan who would prescribe the brace for Sonya and have it made here (there is a certified plant in Poznan that manufactures Chêneau braces).  We’ll have brace fittings/adjustments/check-ups in Poland while waiting for the surgery.

Please join with me to help this precious family and this little girl.  Every penny counts!

THANK YOU!!!

Monday

http://www.mobilityawarenessmonth.com/entrant/selah-clanton-zephyrhills-fl/
Answer for extra vote is the top one
Contact a NMEDA dealer.....


Mondays are the time to hit the ground running for me!  Got Steve signed up for the ACT ( OMG_is all I can say!  I think if you can get signed up, you should be able to pass the stupid test with a perfect score-what a pain!)  Did the computer work for Shad's reoccurring scholarship from Step Up for Students, did the yearly Sunbiz report for the church on line, touched base with the admission's department of the university that Steve is going to next year....made a dozen or so calls regarding various things AND cooked chicken parm, garlic bread and tortellini ....I've been productive today!  Let me hold on to it for a few more minutes.....

Well I got a call saying my biopsy has been moved from Tuesday to Wednesday....fun times, at least I know my time with one of my BFF's (Traditional Tuesday) won't be touched!!!  I had already imagined me telling the doctor to hurry up cuz it was time for me to meet my friend for lunch!  Have to have those priorities  straight!

I have about 5 blogs inside of me but I'm too wasted by the time I get a chance to sit down to do them  Right now its 6 pm, supper is done (I actually already ate some since I hadn't eaten all day) it's time for Jon to come home ......my mind is running but I'm tired and Sarah wants mommy to "hold me!"  Lord if she ever starts talking, that will probably be what she says all the time.  She'd love for me to do one of those baby carriers, strap on thingys.....but she got an old mama with a sore neck and back so my holding is sitting in "our" chair with her!    (Btw, my neck has been terrible but I started using cold wraps on my neck and that has helped again.  I think the heat bothers it even tho it seems like I want the hot packs or heating pad.  And my foot still hurts from the "little procedure" Whine Whine whine......)

Here's some adorable Sam pictures from Sunday  He was "talking" to me, I had walked him up on stage, on the steep handicapped ramp and he didn't like it.  He was mumbling and making his cute little sounds to tell me that:)

 

 

 

Sam's so cute:)

Well hope you all have a good night, VOTE if you can!!!!  THANKS!

Voting

http://www.mobilityawarenessmonth.com/entrant/selah-clanton-zephyrhills-fl/
the answer is Threshold sensor mats

Hey I've had some questions about the voting.  Seems if you try and vote through your email address, and ask for a password, quite a few aren't getting the password.  That happened to me also!  I never got a password for my email account although I asked several times.   Others are having no issues with it.  I sign in through FB and haven't had an issue with that at all.  Thanks for all your trying and voting!  I really appreciate you taking the time to do it!

Hope you all had a great weekend.  It's now Sunday night, I'm at the church, the Spanish church is going strong, it's been a good weekend. My favorite part is after church on Sundays, going out to eat with my friends and then hanging out for awhile.  Sometimes you just need each other to prepare for the start of the new week!  This is going to be another crazy week for us as always!

Just heard a young man who grew up in the same church I did, died last night.  He was younger than me, I can remember when he was born.  His parents taught my Sunday School class.  I can remember when his mom was pregnant with him and when he was a little guy.  Of course I can't imagine him as a grown up, in my mind he is just a little boy still.  Surely, his parents are remembering him as their little boy, my heart just goes out to them.   Please say a prayer for this family, their grief must be overwhelming!

Hope you all have a good week!

5 inches of rain!

http://www.mobilityawarenessmonth.com/entrant/selah-clanton-zephyrhills-fl/ the answer is true!  Thank for your vote!


Rainy weekend here.  We got 1.75 inches of rain last night and 3.5 inches today, over 5 inches in an 18 hour period.  I love it and so does my garden!  We are going to start harvesting some thing today:)  I'm cutting some lettuce for the nurse and some collards for us.    I love rain, it just refreshes me.  I think rainy days are cozy not depressing at all.  We seem to get a lot of rain which is fine with me
When we first moved here, we were in a drought and our old well was bringing out dirt when we turned on the facets.  We had a new well put in, a much deeper one and the rains came:)  It's interesting to live with well water, we had to have a system put in to purify the water.  The water was fine just too much iron. 

The boys and I saw The new Muppets movie last night, it was cute.  Muppet movies are some of my favorite movies, Kermit & Miss Piggy are my favs  We were the ONLY ones in the late showing for the Muppets, guess it was not the cool movie to see.  I want to see the movie "God's not Dead" but it is not showing in our small town.  We may go and see it next week.    Honestly I like very lite movies, that are funny.  I have more than enough drama in my own life to go and pay money to see make believe drama! 

Hope everyone has a great weekend! 

Merry go Round

http://www.mobilityawarenessmonth.com/entrant/selah-clanton-zephyrhills-fl/
the extra vote answer is DEEP DISH - as in steering NOT pizza. 
And YES you can vote DAILY
YES you can vote from any country!
Thank you so much!!!!!

Jon had a bunch of doctor appointments this week.  He had several heart tests done on him, nothing invasive, just a stress test, nuclear stress test, EKG and a sonogram of his heart.  All were great, no issues.  Jon's family history with heart disease is just awful so he has always been careful and is an avid exerciser.  He also has watched his fat intake since before we were married.  I remember him eating a Lean Cuisine when we were dating.  (we'd never eat something like that now LOL!)

Now we still watch our fat intake but we are a bit more concerned about eating organically   When we were younger, I ignored his healthy food habits but as I got older, I realized I'd better follow his lead!  I always say if I wasn't married to Jon, I'd be about 600 pounds.  He is such a healthy eater, he has won me over BUT I still have to have my fried chicken every now and then! 

He went to the dermatologist this morning and had to have a precancerous growth burned off his ear.  Jon is also such the careful one with wearing hats, long sleeves, sunscreen while I am NOT!  I still like to get sun still thinking I might ONE day have a tan LOL!~   But somehow he had a little place on him.  I was surprised. 

Anyhow I'm making sure he sees the doctors too, it's been two years since we had gone to a doctor for anything so we're making up for it. 

Tuesday morning is my "big" day, to have the biopsy done of my thyroid.  The doctor tried to reassure me that most are non cancer.  For me, everyone I know who has had a biopsy, it has been cancer.....  maybe I'll be lucky and not have to deal with that, I sure hope so. 

After Jon's little procedure, we took our van in for a oil change and to have the back up camera replaced.  Where we go is right near a mall, so we took the kids too.  We all had a great time.  Sam loved the merry-go-round, I think he needs his own one. I did some more clothes shopping, which is really not me at all but I just have to blame it on the fact it is spring, almost Easter and everyone has grown!  Yesterday I had gotten Sarah's, Sam's, Shad's, Steve's and my Easter outfit.  Today I found Selah's and it is perfect and comfy, can't have a dress with a big bow to bother her.  I also found me a few things too LOL! 



                                                                         

      

Sam and daddy....

 

 

 

 

 

 

this picture is the calm before the storm....

 

 

 

 

 

the storm!

 

they were going so fast, I couldn't watch them!  Sarah loved it

 

 

Look at Sarah's pretty hair and she had on the cutest outfit, a little Sailor long shirt with leggings to match.  I should have taken a better picture of her!

 

 

 

fun times!

 

 

 

 

Here is a sweet picture of Sam from the other night.  He loves listening to his Ipod! 

 

 

And here are the little sisters!

they both got "fixed" last week- neutered/spayed whatever you call it

they did great.  For the first time I was given take home meds and it really seemed to help them just bounce back, we love that they are usually up and running, sweet babies!

 

they love each other AND my bed!

 

I have to say we have enjoyed these little girls! What good kittens they've been, hardly any trouble and so sweet.

 

 

http://reflectionsofaphilalethist.blogspot.com/

 

A really close friend of mine has started a blog.  This friend is really smart and I love his/her ideas.  The writer is remaining anonymous at this time.  So I won't let the 'cat out of the bag" but I think it will be an interesting, thought provoking blog!  Go visit it!

 

 

I want to write an anonymous blog so bad.  You have NO idea!  Cause if I wrote exactly what I WANT to write about, I'd probably have no friends left.  I'd probably have 5 million hits but no friends - I think I'd better stick with having friends!   I don't want to write anything mean, don't get me wrong, just very honest and what I really think about a lot of things....

 

Tonight I have a date with TWO men, Steve & Shad, we are going to the movies and Jon is going to watch the little ones.  He's not too keen on watching The Muppets ( that I love!) We also want to go see "God's Not Dead!"  Maybe we'll see that tomorrow.  I LOVE going to a movie, something about a theater and the popcorn.....I just love it!

 

Have a great weekend!  Thanks for your prayers, thoughts and votes:)