Check out this News Story about a 4paws dog!
http://www.myfoxstl.com/myfox/MyFox/pages/sidebar_video.jsp?contentId=6706789&version=1&locale=EN-US
Article on autism and premature girls
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Healthday/story?id=4978945&page=1
Friday, June 6, 2008
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Last Day of PPCD
Well, today is the last day for Hannah at Franklin Elementary. She has no idea although I've been talking about it for a month. She just can't comprehend it, and I can't seem to figure out how to convey it on her level. She will miss it alot. She loves her Mrs. GiGi, Ms. Crystal, Ms. Angie, Mrs. Wheeler and Mrs. Garrett. And oh how she'll miss her little friends. Layne, Alexis, Eric, Israel, Tony, Ceasar, Oscar, and Charlie. Those are just the people that had direct contact with her. I know that she'll also miss the teachers that told her "good morning" everyday when she got out of the van, the cafeteria ladies, and so many more that touched her life.
I'm very thankful that our first special needs school experience was with the staff at Franklin. Every one of them were so kind, gracious, helpful, and truly cared for Hannah. She loves them and they love her. I have no doubt about that. I wish she could stay with them forever.
It's really hard to trust people to care for her. There are so many unknowns. I mean she can't be left to fend for herself. She has to have help. I could trust that she was never going to be without the help she needed at Franklin. Now, it's time to move to the next school. I met the staff and toured the school, but still I'm uneasy. I'm sure there is no way to be at ease when so much of your world revolves around routine and absolute management of life. So many things to worry about. Will someone be there to walk her to PE and stay with her and help her participate, or will she be dropped off and be expected to participate on the same level as the kids that are there? The same goes for lunch, art, music, and recess. Will the new staff be as gracious with my questions and concerns? Will they treat me with respect or dismiss me with a wave of the hand? Those are just the beginning. Then you add in all the health concerns and therapy concerns and well, it can be a little daunting.
But she has to grow up. I can't keep her in a box. She would be miserable in a box. She loves people, learning, and just being Hannah. What is a life if it can't be lived? I mean, she's fought some pretty hard battles to live. Obviously, she wants to be in this world. Who am I to hold her safely at my side? She's earned the right to be.......Hannah.
So, off to Hillsboro Elementary we'll go, and pray as we have every other time she's had to face something new. God's been faithful. He's provided for her every need. Actually he's gone above and beyond what we needed for her at times. It's amazing.
Today as Mrs. Wheeler stood to present the awards, she cried. I cried too. I know they have gotten so attached to these kids and they have to send them on. At least we as parents get to keep them and continue to see them. I hadn't thought about how hard it would be on them. She said the sweetest things. She told the other parents that they should meet us(parents) because we are special people and that it takes VERY special people to raise these kids. It felt good to be acknowleged, but for the first time I realized what a special task she as their teacher has had. She was their first experience with people outside of the homes. What an awesome responsibility. Can you imagine? These people truly are angels without halos!
Well, this post turned into alot of rambling, but I felt like sharing all that. Please continue to pray for us as we "survive" the summer.
God Bless!
I'm very thankful that our first special needs school experience was with the staff at Franklin. Every one of them were so kind, gracious, helpful, and truly cared for Hannah. She loves them and they love her. I have no doubt about that. I wish she could stay with them forever.
It's really hard to trust people to care for her. There are so many unknowns. I mean she can't be left to fend for herself. She has to have help. I could trust that she was never going to be without the help she needed at Franklin. Now, it's time to move to the next school. I met the staff and toured the school, but still I'm uneasy. I'm sure there is no way to be at ease when so much of your world revolves around routine and absolute management of life. So many things to worry about. Will someone be there to walk her to PE and stay with her and help her participate, or will she be dropped off and be expected to participate on the same level as the kids that are there? The same goes for lunch, art, music, and recess. Will the new staff be as gracious with my questions and concerns? Will they treat me with respect or dismiss me with a wave of the hand? Those are just the beginning. Then you add in all the health concerns and therapy concerns and well, it can be a little daunting.
But she has to grow up. I can't keep her in a box. She would be miserable in a box. She loves people, learning, and just being Hannah. What is a life if it can't be lived? I mean, she's fought some pretty hard battles to live. Obviously, she wants to be in this world. Who am I to hold her safely at my side? She's earned the right to be.......Hannah.
So, off to Hillsboro Elementary we'll go, and pray as we have every other time she's had to face something new. God's been faithful. He's provided for her every need. Actually he's gone above and beyond what we needed for her at times. It's amazing.
Today as Mrs. Wheeler stood to present the awards, she cried. I cried too. I know they have gotten so attached to these kids and they have to send them on. At least we as parents get to keep them and continue to see them. I hadn't thought about how hard it would be on them. She said the sweetest things. She told the other parents that they should meet us(parents) because we are special people and that it takes VERY special people to raise these kids. It felt good to be acknowleged, but for the first time I realized what a special task she as their teacher has had. She was their first experience with people outside of the homes. What an awesome responsibility. Can you imagine? These people truly are angels without halos!
Well, this post turned into alot of rambling, but I felt like sharing all that. Please continue to pray for us as we "survive" the summer.
God Bless!
Pictures From End of Year Awards
These were pictures of Awards today. Mrs. Duncan, Mrs Wheeler and Mrs. Crystal are helping the kids. Hannah, Layne, and Israel all got awards. The background makes the photographs dark. The little boy with the bear is Eric.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
First Zoo Trip
I'd say the zoo was a success. Hannah seemed to enjoy it. I think she liked riding in her wagon the best. She didn't want to get out of it. She liked the bears, fish, owls, and elephants the most. I think the more she does these type of things the more comfortable she'll become. So, we'll definately do another zoo trip. David and Kyle went with her and I. Kyle manned the wagon the whole day. She didn't mind having bubba close by. We went to AppleBees after the zoo and she loved it. She had chicken strips and fries. Her favorite meal. We're all tired but very pleased with the way the day went.
Happy Birthday Hannah....
Today May 30th, is Hannah's birthday. Tomorrow we are taking her to the zoo. It will be her first time. Every time we've had plans to go, it either got too hot, or she got ill. I'm hoping she enjoys it. She got a radio flyer deluxe wagon for her birthday. She loves it!
This year has been an interesting one. We finally got a diagnosis of autism. Hannah's seizures returned in July. She also went to school full time. She loves school. We applied for her service dog in January and she was approved in February and her donation requirement was fully raised in April. We are slated to go get the dog and train with it March of '09. Hannah's getting more interested in the idea everyday and tells everyone she's going to get a "woof woof"!
Overall I think this has been a year of acceptance. I've been so wrapped up in getting answers that I have found it hard to enjoy the precious girl before me. When I do step back from all that, I experience pure joy. This child is really a gift. She smiles alot, she loves more, and she has taught me more about life in her short 7 years than I learned in the 30 before her. I can't imagine my life without her.
All I want is for this little angel to enjoy her life. I want her to be confident in who she is, and to know that she is loved to pieces.
To Hannah: I accept you, celebrate you, and love you, my precious Hannah! Happy Birthday! momma
Marcey
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Wallace Park Field Trip
The pre-k at Franklin Elementary spent the day at Wallace Park. Hannah's special needs class go to go for a couple of hours and they had a wonderful time. Hannah tried out her new cooling vest and it worked well. She was able to stay out and play much longer and more safely than she would have in the past. Actually Hannah wouldn't have been able to have this experience without the vest. I thanked God all day for scientist and inventors. All the kids had a wonderful time. Hannah especially liked the little yellow chair that you sat in and someone rocked it. Kind of feels like riding a horse. 
Sunday, May 25, 2008
You've Got to see This....
I was moved beyond words this morning. At the end of church today, during altar service, a lady in our congregation named Joan came up to me and handed me an envelope. She then began telling me about her boyfriend that is in prison, and how his Bible Study group prays for Hannah when they get together. Well, they annointed this hankerchief, prayed over it, and mailed it to her to give to us. It is incredible. I had to share it. It's the most encouraging thing to know that there are people out there going before the throne of God on behalf of our angel and they've never even met her! What an awesome world we live in! Enjoy the photos and be blessed today!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Here Comes Summer....
Well, we're readying for the summer and have approximately 9 mths until we go get Hannah's dog. I'm looking for things to keep Hannah busy and so far we only have Vacation Bible School for a week at Central Baptist. Rachael was so kind to let us attend. I know Hannah will have a blast.
I really don't know what our summer will look like with Hannah. She LOVES school so much. I think I'll keep looking and hopefully find some kind of play group for her. I also am going to set up a little school area in the living room and give her activities to do. We'll paint, cut, color, and try to do as much school type things as we can so she won't lose any of her skills that she has learned or hopefully we can improve and build on them.
I am supposed to get her cooling vest this week and that will make alot of activites that were once off limits possible now. We can maybe go to the zoo and park some.
For the most part Hannah is still doing well. She has been a bit cranky lately, but I think it's because her allergies are bothering. If hers feel anything like mine, then know wonder she's cranky.
David and I are going to Switzerland in July. Aunt Sissy is goign to come and stay a week with the kids and nanna while we're away. It will be the first time I've left Hannah in someone's care for that length of time since she came home. I'm so not sure I can do it. LOL! She probably won't even miss me, she'll be having so much fun with Aunt Sissy.
It's time to get dinner so I'll let y'all know again soon how things are.
I really don't know what our summer will look like with Hannah. She LOVES school so much. I think I'll keep looking and hopefully find some kind of play group for her. I also am going to set up a little school area in the living room and give her activities to do. We'll paint, cut, color, and try to do as much school type things as we can so she won't lose any of her skills that she has learned or hopefully we can improve and build on them.
I am supposed to get her cooling vest this week and that will make alot of activites that were once off limits possible now. We can maybe go to the zoo and park some.
For the most part Hannah is still doing well. She has been a bit cranky lately, but I think it's because her allergies are bothering. If hers feel anything like mine, then know wonder she's cranky.
David and I are going to Switzerland in July. Aunt Sissy is goign to come and stay a week with the kids and nanna while we're away. It will be the first time I've left Hannah in someone's care for that length of time since she came home. I'm so not sure I can do it. LOL! She probably won't even miss me, she'll be having so much fun with Aunt Sissy.
It's time to get dinner so I'll let y'all know again soon how things are.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Please Pray for this Family....
This little girl with autism lost her life eloping. The biggest fear that comes with autism happened to this family. They need prayer.
Ashley Brock 2002-2008
http://adventuresinautism.blogspot.com
Ashley Brock 2002-2008
http://adventuresinautism.blogspot.com
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Trip to New School....
Above: This is Layne and his parents Jonathan and Vicki. I wish I had taken the time to zoom in, but I didn't. They are such a nice family.
We made a visit to the school here in Hillsboro that Hannah would attend next year. I couldn't get her to look at me on the bus. She was so entranced with what was going on around her. Ms. Driver drove us to the school, and Mrs. Wheeler and Israel did the tour as well. We met the Asst. principal, the new teacher, the paraprofessionals, nurse, music teacher, counselor, and PE teachers. We also saw all the rooms Hannah would be in next year.
My baby is growing up!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
The details....
I'm so sorry it has taken me so long to get to a post. It's been a hectic couple weeks around here. So, here's the details....
First of all, our fund raising requirement was met and exceeding by $4,500. That extra money goes to another child that has been fund raising a very long time trying to meet the requirements to get their dog. So, not only are y'all helping Hannah, you helped another child as well. Amazing!
Hannah is in the March '09 training class. That is when we will go to Ohio for 10 days and get her dog. We will fly up there, get her dog, and it will stay with us 24 hours a day while we are there. We are required to stay in a hotel 15 miles or less from the facility, and we will take the dog to the facility everyday to train with it. We will then graduate from the training class and fly home with our newest family member.
In the meantime, we have to video Hannah in all her elements. As well as her melt downs, etc. We also have to video each family member and let them tell how they feel about Hannah getting the dog. Oh, and we'll have to video our cat, "Precious", lazying around the house. LOL! I also have to gather t-shirts with Hannah's scent on them. They have to have t-shirts or clothes with her scent when she isn't having seizures as well as when she is and I have to keep the clothes totally seperate. The two scents can't be mixed.
We also have to prepare for the dog. We do not presently have a dog and have never had an inside dog before. The dog has to have special crate, toys, food, snacks, etc. So, we have plenty to keep us busy until our training class.
The Central Baptist church is doing a fund raiser for us at the end of summer to help with the expenses we'll have going to training and when we get home with the dog. Plane tickets, hotel stay and supplies for the dog. Also, Jennifer's husband works for Southwest and they are putting us in for a possible ticket donation. People are really reaching out to help us in ways I never imagined.
We feel so blessed. There are people who have been raising money for over a year and we did it in two months! And that was without one fund raiser. The response to Hannah's brochure's was very impressive. She's a very blessed little girl to have so many angels in this world.
I'll continue to keep you all posted on the developments. I'm sure it's not over. Just yesterday we had a family get together and one of David's cousins gave us a $100 to go towards our trip to training in March. I am going tomorrow to start a savings account to have a place to house these donations until we go in March. I'm in awe at God and how you've all helped our family. Especially our Hannah.
First of all, our fund raising requirement was met and exceeding by $4,500. That extra money goes to another child that has been fund raising a very long time trying to meet the requirements to get their dog. So, not only are y'all helping Hannah, you helped another child as well. Amazing!
Hannah is in the March '09 training class. That is when we will go to Ohio for 10 days and get her dog. We will fly up there, get her dog, and it will stay with us 24 hours a day while we are there. We are required to stay in a hotel 15 miles or less from the facility, and we will take the dog to the facility everyday to train with it. We will then graduate from the training class and fly home with our newest family member.
In the meantime, we have to video Hannah in all her elements. As well as her melt downs, etc. We also have to video each family member and let them tell how they feel about Hannah getting the dog. Oh, and we'll have to video our cat, "Precious", lazying around the house. LOL! I also have to gather t-shirts with Hannah's scent on them. They have to have t-shirts or clothes with her scent when she isn't having seizures as well as when she is and I have to keep the clothes totally seperate. The two scents can't be mixed.
We also have to prepare for the dog. We do not presently have a dog and have never had an inside dog before. The dog has to have special crate, toys, food, snacks, etc. So, we have plenty to keep us busy until our training class.
The Central Baptist church is doing a fund raiser for us at the end of summer to help with the expenses we'll have going to training and when we get home with the dog. Plane tickets, hotel stay and supplies for the dog. Also, Jennifer's husband works for Southwest and they are putting us in for a possible ticket donation. People are really reaching out to help us in ways I never imagined.
We feel so blessed. There are people who have been raising money for over a year and we did it in two months! And that was without one fund raiser. The response to Hannah's brochure's was very impressive. She's a very blessed little girl to have so many angels in this world.
I'll continue to keep you all posted on the developments. I'm sure it's not over. Just yesterday we had a family get together and one of David's cousins gave us a $100 to go towards our trip to training in March. I am going tomorrow to start a savings account to have a place to house these donations until we go in March. I'm in awe at God and how you've all helped our family. Especially our Hannah.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Unofficially...
Well, I will get totals from 4paws on Tuesday. From my figures we should only be about $1280 away from completion. We're ALMOST done! I'm in awe!
Hannah's been sick. On Friday I had to pick her up from school. She was having an asthma attack. Not a severe one, but it was constant. It wouldn't let up. Her albuterol treatments weren't relieving it. She just couldn't quit coughing and there was this little whistle on the end when she quit. I called the doctor and she had me keep giving her the albuterol and told me to give Hannah a teaspoon of honey every 5 minutes for 15 minutes and then every 15 minutes up to an hour. I did it, and within the first 15 minutes we noticed her coughing had lessened. She slept well with the vaporizer on. I was so glad she got some rest. She's still coughing some and congested but not as bad as she was on Friday. I think she'll be good to go tomorrow for school.
David's car is in the shop. It has a leaking head gasket and is going to cost $1300 to fix. LOVELY! LOL! Oh, well, we decided yesterday that these things are happening as a way to distract us from the really good things that are happening in our lives right now.
Love to all!
Hannah's been sick. On Friday I had to pick her up from school. She was having an asthma attack. Not a severe one, but it was constant. It wouldn't let up. Her albuterol treatments weren't relieving it. She just couldn't quit coughing and there was this little whistle on the end when she quit. I called the doctor and she had me keep giving her the albuterol and told me to give Hannah a teaspoon of honey every 5 minutes for 15 minutes and then every 15 minutes up to an hour. I did it, and within the first 15 minutes we noticed her coughing had lessened. She slept well with the vaporizer on. I was so glad she got some rest. She's still coughing some and congested but not as bad as she was on Friday. I think she'll be good to go tomorrow for school.
David's car is in the shop. It has a leaking head gasket and is going to cost $1300 to fix. LOVELY! LOL! Oh, well, we decided yesterday that these things are happening as a way to distract us from the really good things that are happening in our lives right now.
Love to all!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
I've been Waiting...
I won't officially post a new total until the 15th. I got news today though that the owner of David's company has approved a $5,500 donation. When that donation goes in we'll only be $1950 away from having donations raised for the dog! On the 15th we'll have been at this 2 months! Do you believe me when I say I'm in AWE! Harwood has been awesome to us in our efforts to make this happen for Hannah!
In the past week I've been blessed to have some others jump in our efforts and wanting to help in a BIG way. I'll have more details on that after the 16th. I can't even begin to descibe what a relief it has been to have someone want to help make this happen. Stay tuned for details. You won't want to miss them.
We all just got over a stomach virus. It went through all of us. Hannah first, then David and I, and yesterday the boys. The only one left is Billie and so far she hans't had it. Hopefully she won't. It was not a good weekend to say the least.
Well, I'm behind on school work from missing Friday and Monday with kids sick with virus. Better get caught up. Thanks so much everyone for all you've done and all you are going to do! This is AWESOME!
In the past week I've been blessed to have some others jump in our efforts and wanting to help in a BIG way. I'll have more details on that after the 16th. I can't even begin to descibe what a relief it has been to have someone want to help make this happen. Stay tuned for details. You won't want to miss them.
We all just got over a stomach virus. It went through all of us. Hannah first, then David and I, and yesterday the boys. The only one left is Billie and so far she hans't had it. Hopefully she won't. It was not a good weekend to say the least.
Well, I'm behind on school work from missing Friday and Monday with kids sick with virus. Better get caught up. Thanks so much everyone for all you've done and all you are going to do! This is AWESOME!
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