Christmas Shoeboxes!

Did y'all notice the Bolts won last night?  It was all thanks to Selah!

Another day in the library study room sitting with Sam as he listens/watches his on line program for speech.  It's so repetitive, the same words over and over and over again.  and today the A/C is not working in here and I have Shad and Sarah with me also...... PURGATORY!!!

He's on his third video.  So we've watched over 80 repeats of the same two.  Purgatory for sure!

I can handle Florida heat is I'm outside.  I expect to be hot but I feel suffocated if I'm in an airless room.  I've told the library ladies and they act clueless at what to do.  Call me crazy but call the repair folks is where I'd start!  I get just a tab cranky when I'm hot......LOL


On top of that, my computer is messing up!  I've already cleaned it but something is off.  Hoe annoying!  I have horrible computer access at home and now away from home, my laptop wants to act stupid!  UGH!

Other than all of that....it's been a good day. LOL

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Christmas Shoeboxes!

We used to do these at our old school.  So a friend of mine put on FB that her mom is collecting for them.  I know you've hear of  Samaritan’s Purse's yearly gift program.  It's a great thing for kids to do for other kids! 

Well this year our church will be gathering things for this ministry.  If you live in this area, please feel free to drop things off at our church- just message me to let me know if you are dropping anything off.  Most every town has a church or two that participates in Samaritans Purses' Christmas Shoebox project.

Overview
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/

This article tells you the best things to give and what not to give
http://garrett.with.sim.org/index.php/archives/1675   

Here is where you can find a drop off point for your area
Place a rubber band around each closed shoebox and bring it to the drop-off location nearest you during National Collection Week, November 16–23, 2015. Visit our Drop-off Locations page to find the closest collection site. Or, call 1-800-353-5949

I'm excited to include this great ministry in our church this year! 

Of course in the back of my mind, I'm hoping we could do this for CUBA! 

Go Lightening!!!!!!

 

 

 

Selah says "Go Lightening!"

Her Nurse Rose is a big Lightening fan & now we are all getting interested in them:)

 

 

 

 

 

So I'm at the library with Sam, Sarah, Shad and Steve.  Sam is doing his GemIIni program.  The boys are looking for books and Sarah is getting mad, she is ready to get out of her chair.

 

Sam has had a rough couple of days, every 6-12 months he goes through a few days of just being inconsolable, like a baby with colic.   Since Saturday he has been so upset until today!  This morning I actually called the neurologist to set up an appointment thinking we need to try another drug to help him out.   We've tried two different drugs with no noticeable change.  We don't' really like the idea of giving him any meds but if you saw him when he gets like this, you'd be ready to give him anything that could help.   It seems to come when he is making new advances so we've wondered if the GemIIni program he is on, could have been the cause for this.  Not that it caused it but it's awakening some things in his brain and this is Sam's reaction to it.  Well the appointment is not till next month so we'll see how things are then. 

 

 

  We have some special things planned for the boys this weekend.  We are going to Homosassa Springs on Friday and MOSI on Saturday.  It's been years since we 've been to either.  The little ones will be happy at home with their babysitter.   The little ones are on a wait list for Med-Wavier and this year were told that Sam and Sarah could have some respite hours.  Thankfully we know a lovely young lady who can do respite hours for Med-Wavier.  This gives us a chance to do things with the older boys that the Sam and Sarah would not enjoy.  Of course Selah stays home with her nurse too.   When Steve was young we used to take him to all the attractions in Florida but Shad hasn't got to go to as much things since it's not feasible to take the little ones.  We plan on going kayaking next weekend, it will be the first time Jon and I have gotten to go kayaking at the same time.  Usually one of us (usually me) stays home with the kids so this will be a treat!   I'm so grateful for this little break!

 

Well hope you are having a good week!

 

 

Random Picture Tuesday

Is it only Tuesday?   I woke up this morning thinking it was Wednesday and had everything scheduled as if it were Wednesday THEN the Tuesday teachers came in!!!  LOL  Oh well it all worked out!

 

For the last few days, Sarah has decided to start exploring the house.  She's lived here for three years and now we're moving and she just decided to go down the hall.  She actually opened Selah's door last night.  I hope she will do ok when we move, but Sarah is NOT big on change!

 

 

 

Shad and the kittens.  They are so much fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

this a picture of our neighbor's wind chimes.....all from beer cans.  I don't think a pastor's wife could have THAT in her yard but I love the sound.  I could do it with Pepsi cans :)

 

 

 

 

me and my girl napping after lunch on Sunday!

 

 

 

Friday night our babysitter watched Sam and Sarah so we had some time with our older boys.  We went to one of our favorite restaurants Ling's where Shad ate oysters and frog legs! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hope you enjoyed some random pictures!  And hope your week is going good!

A Funny Story

Recently I was reminded of something that probably has not happened to anyone but ME!  It is quite funny....

Back about 8 years ago our church was going through "a hard time"  It got so bad and disruptive that a few people were kindly asked to find another church home that could meet their spiritual needs.....

So a few weeks later I checked the mail and got a small envelope address to us.  When I opened it, there was a coupon for SPAM and a small sticky note that read something like "I know you'll be needing this"......

Well I absolutely thought it was the FUNNIEST thing ever.....I laughed all the way back to the house.  By the time, I got inside and showed it to my husband I was in tears, from laughter.  I'm sure the person who sent it thought they'd mess with my mind BUT instead it reminded me of the scripture "I was young and now I'm old and yet I've never seen the righteous forsaken or seen His seed begging for bread" 

God spoke to my heart, through that silly little coupon and note that He was never going to leave or forsake us.  From that point on, I had the faith to know things  would change in our church and boy has it! 

As you go through life NEVER EVER look to man to meet your needs. 

We've learned that in ministry.  If you have people in your church that tithes and give that is wonderful, but don't count on that money.  Don't be a puppet or afraid to speak the truth even if it means losing your biggest donors.

We've seen miracles of provision happen in our children's adoptions, but it NEVER came from where I thought it might come from.  The miracles were more like the "widows mite"   Almost every gift that came in for both of our kids adoptions were from people who didn't really have it to give but they sacrificed and gave, 

We've been given two vans over the years.....neither time did we expect it (LOL I actually expected to win that contest last year but it didn't happen)  


Our new house.....really just had let the idea go and then we got a call from Habitat.....
God will provide!  He will use people but He speaks to the hearts of His people to do for others....

Right now I'm battling a little worry about Steve's college tuition, moving and all the expenses that come with that, our yearly trip to NY for Sam's eyes,  and starting the orphan ministry in Cuba.  But when thoughts come over me, like "how will we afford this or that?" IKNOW that God will provide. 
When you can look back and see the faithfulness of God, you can look forward with confidence.   That's one thing I can say, is God has been faithful to meet our needs.  And we've learned to be content with what we have. 

Anyhow I was reminded of that story yesterday, I hadn't thought of it in years but it spoke to my heart. 

Btw, I do not hold anything against anyone- I even thought the note was hysterically funny and something I would have enjoyed sending to someone to be a smart butt :)    But it is amazing how God spoke to my heart through it. 

Therapy and Programs

Sitting at the library with Sam as he does a new video from GemIIni  https://www.gemiini.org/home  We did over 40 views to the first video.  This one is much easier on my nerves LOL although the same funny children and ticked off older ballerina are still with us.  Sam is in 7th heaven watching this. So we down load it at the library and then he can use it on the App.  I can't wait (just 4 weeks and a few days) till we move and have good internet service!   He seems to love this program.  We have noticed two things since he started just two weeks ago. First he is making the B sound and he is babbling more over all.  I'm very glad we are trying this and would recommend it to everyone who have nonverbal kids.

 Although I have to say I'm about over the on line discussion board.  People get so obsessive about things.  There was a discussion about parents who leave the program because they feel it doesn't seem to help their kids and I had to sarcastically laugh at some comments.  For the record my comment was I think it's a good program but it probably won't help everyone. I'm realistic yet hopeful for all my little one with any therapy or program.  I think this might be a "key" for Sam and I'm committed to do it exactly as they recommend for 6 straight months then I will reevaluate.   But some of the comments just made me roll my eyes.  One person wrote something along the lines of "every child has potential in all areas."   I'm realistic enough not to believe that.   Having three differently disabled kids, I realize some things will never be able to be accomplished by them.   I don't expect Sarah to be potty trained, that doesn't mean I'm not going to try but I'm also not going to freak out about it.   Some things help some kids.  And some children are never going to be able to do some things even if you have 24/7 therapy for them AND THAT'S OK!!!!!!

While I always want to make everything accessible for our three little ones and give them the chance to see if a particular program or therapy might help them, IF that therapy or program doesn't help them, that's ok. 

In the Special Needs world, parents are desperate to help "fix" their children.  I get that, we've spent a lot of money to pay for things that insurance won't pay for our kids.  The most expensive was HBOT (Hyperbaric  Oxygen Therapy)  I do not regret trying it for Selah.  With HBOT, I met people who were crazy wild eye believers.....when I see that, I get suspicious. 

If anyone tells me the way to "fix" the kids is to do one specific therapy, my eyes begin their roll.....
When we did dolphin therapy, the therapist was NUTS!  She felt that it would change Sam's life, we saw no change with him.  We did enjoy the experience except for the weirdo therapist.  She was so sure that Dolphin Therapy alone would make Sam normal.....it was uncomfortable. 

So I see that in so many therapies.  Even when he was small we went to a therapist who wanted him to do "suit therapy" ( I think that is what it was called)  It would have involved him wearing an astronaut type suit for hours daily.  It was just too crazy for me and since I felt pressure to do it, I just left and found another therapist. 

One thing I've observed over the years is watch how my child's emotions are in therapy and how a therapist treats my child.  I've always refused to let my child cry in therapy and I've certainly never allowed a therapist to be mean to them.  So if my child is crying, I will intervene.  In my opinion, therapy should not upset a child.  That is not a good thing for a child to associate therapy with!  Now of course my kids have a lower understanding of things and I do not feel they try and manipulate, especially back when Sam was a baby or when the girls first got home.  Sometimes Selah has cried in physical therapy because she is having her muscles stretched out and it hurts!  But our therapist then stops and massages her legs. 

Right now Sam is misbehaving a little with one of his teachers, I think because she is new and younger, she just hasn't quite learned him enough.  But it's something we are working on with him.  He is misbehaving and throwing toys then laughing.  But when he was three, he did not have the ability to be "bad".  He responded more like an infant.  NOW he realizes he can disturb therapy if he is bored.  I actually love it because I think he is growing in his understanding. 

Anyhow if I'd give anyone any advice this would be it.....No ONE thing will solve your child's learning, delays, diagnosis problem.  Try things, try therapy, programs, teachers, look for the right doctors....but in the end, just love and accept your child just the way he or she was wonderfully made! 

If Sam never says anymore words, if Sarah never walks, if Selah never changes......we're are still going to love, accept and have a happy family with things JUST the way things are!!!!! 

PJ Thursday!

I'd swore off of "GoFundMe" pages because of their liberal political bent and the fact a tiny bit of the money goes to the company but I have to share what one of my blog readers shared with me. 


http://www.gofundme.com/u6g4v6eg  Read the story!

This little girl is living with EB a horrible skin disease.  A woman from the UK saw her when she visited Vietnam and wants to adopt her and take care of her.  She is in process.....If you can help please do, if you can't give can you share her on FB????

 

This little girl needs a family....

 

 

My husband laughs at me and says I have the mind of a conservative and a heart of a liberal so I'm breaking my own vow on GoFundMe after only a week or so LOL  but I hope to help this little girl!

Yeah!  Selah is continuing to do better daily.  It's still quite painful but she is up in her wheelchair some and has had PT today.  The PT was telling another teacher how involved the surgery was and I learned even more.  I knew Selah had been given donor bone to build up her hips socket, but didn't realize that her bone and been split to put the bone in!  Poor girl!  I'm so glad she had a epidural for those first 4 days!!!!

Summer has come with a vengeance here in Florida!  It's really really hot!  I feel more like it is July than May but that's ok we can take it!  I had to buy Sam and Sarah new PJs.  I've always kept Sarah in zip up PJs cause if she gets out from underneath her covers, she can't always figure out how to put them back on her.  I'm afraid she'd be cold.  Plus she has always been thin and long so for the PJs to fit her right, in length, they were usually too big at the waist and she'd literally come up out of them LOL!  I really didn't want that to happen but now it seems like her length and width is getting more in line. 

 

They also got new tennis shoes yesterday and new summer hair cuts!!!

Their PJs are both Minions I think that is so cute!

 

Great news for Steve!  He got another $3000 (for the year) scholarship for college!!!  He has more than half of his college paid for in scholarships and grants!  He was quite pleased with the news.

 

 

Shad is enjoying end of the year things at school.  Today they went and saw a new Disney movie about monkeys.  Tomorrow they have water day at school with giant slip and slides etc.  He's done such a good job this year, did some changing and got on track with everything.  He's also pleased with himself which is important.  He is working on his 7th grade work and trying to figure out how to graduate from high school early LOL  at this rate he certainly will!!!!

 

 

 Thought you'd enjoy this funny picture of two of our kittens!

 

 

 

But then sissy had to get in the middle

 

 

 

These kittens are so much fun.  I've never had kittens born in the house like these.  I believe they think they are human.  We aren't giving any of them away but we are getting their Mama spayed and all four of the kittens too as soon as they are old enough. 

 

Hope you all have a good week!

 

 

Re-Adoption and Cuban contact!

This is a RARE day for me, I got everything done that was on my to do list!!!  

Selah is doing much better overall, still sore but she had a huge surgery.  I'm not sure if I shared or not that she had a bit of a bone graft done in her hip.  The doctor used donor bone tissue to build her a better hip socket.  Because of all the years of being in a bed in Ukraine, her hips did not develop correctly and there is not much of a socket.   So she is one week post op and doing pretty good!

We filed paperwork to "readopt" Shad, Selah and Sarah in the US back in 2013.  Their adoptions were legal overseas and the US government accepts the adoptions as legal but it's a good idea to readopt so the child has a US birth certificate.  The girls are already US citizens but Shad is not.  That is because I alone went to pick him up.  The law requires both parents to meet the child in person before the adoption is final overseas for the child to enter the country as a citizen.  With the girls, they legally became citizens as soon as our feet hit the ground at the Dulles   Shad is legal, he is a Permanent Resident and has a Social Security card etc..... But we want him to be a citizen and this is the best way to go about it in our state. 

Originally the paperwork was done by a lawyer friend and I submitted it....late 2013!  We kept expecting to hear back but I never took the time to go back to the courthouse to check  on it as that is the only way to check on it.  Well I went today and everything was done expect for a Final Hearing.  I actually did the Motion for a Final Hearing myself with some help from the wonderful woman in the law library!!!  It reminded me of my old life and all the court paper work I submitted daily LOL.  This time I was quite nervous making sure I did it all right since it's been so long since I've done anything like that!

So now we wait and soon we'll have the hearing and do their readoption.  I'm looking forward to it and then being able to do Shad's citizenship paperwork.  He wants a US passport so bad!!!  I think he can get one as a Permanent Resident but I'll wait so I don't have to pay the fee twice! 



Do any of you use Consignment Shops?  I do for myself and the little kids.  Well today I stopped by the Ladies Consignment shop and found I had a check for $122!!!!   Then I called the main Children's Consignment shop I use and found I have a check for $368!   All together I have enough to buy the porch swing I want for our new house  (move in date 5 weeks from tomorrow)   I also have some things to take to another consignment shop the next time I go to Lakeland.  I bet over the past two years I've made $1000 or close to it with consignment!  I still give things away because the shops I go to are very picky but this is a way to get rid of things you don't use or wear anymore and make a little money!  You can also find some great buys at them too. 


The best news is I have a contact in Cuba!!!  I found them on line at  http://friendstocuba.weebly.com/  They are Canadian and have been involved in various humanitarian efforts in Cuba for almost two decades.   They have helped out an orphanage and are going back next month.  They have long term contacts in Cuba and they are going to scout our some special needs orphanages for us.   I hope to be able to make contacts and have somewhere to focus our efforts on soon!!!!!   I hope to be able to share more later with you all!!!

Well hope you all have a good night, I'm going to sit with Sam and do his GemIIni lessons now.....pray for me, it is tedious to say the least but it seems to be working for him!