Test result, appts and updates

I'm sorry for not updating sooner.  Things have just been busy and it's been hard to find much computer time.

Cardiology - We met with our cardiologist on Monday.  It was our first appt in 6 months!  What a long time that seemed after being in there sooooo often.  It was a long day - 4 hours there - but a good one.  Eliana had an EKG which is a simple, painless test that she didn't mind at all.  She did well on that.  We saw our card briefly then before heading to get an echo. 

This is where it took a loooooong time.  We answered questions, then it was time for her to get sedated - and she really fought it!  I was surprised at how long she hung in after being given the sedating meds (directly into her tummy too!).  The echo then took about an hour.  There was a fellow there learning and she spent time looking taking pics after the other gal finished. 

Then we went back to see our card.  The great news is that her repairs look wonderful!  She does have some small leakage around one of her valves, but this is not related to her surgery.  This is not a problem at this point, but will be monitored, as will her repairs, for life. 

At one point our card smiled at me and reminded me that he had said that the heart repair would be the easy part - now came the work.  I'm not sure on that though.  Going through the trial of heart failure and surgery was so very hard - frightening and overwhelming.  It was scary.  I'm sure that learning to deal with all of the issues surrounding Down syndrome will also be a challenge - but hopefully not in the dramatic and life-threatening way of heart surgery.  I do know that this did cause me to lean on God in ways I've never had to do.  I would not choose this for anyone, but I can see good that has come from it.  So while the situation wasn't good - it was worthwhile.

ENT - We went to our appointment only to find out that I had the date wrong.  *blush*  What a silly thing for me to have done.  I wrote down the 5th and instead it was the 25th.  Guess we'll be waiting a couple more weeks for news on her hearing.

Therapies - She is doing well.  We are seeing improvements in all areas which is encouraging.

   Physical - She is learning to climb the stairs.  A necessary skill, but not one I'm thrilled about teaching her.  LOL  We have always discouraged this in the past.  She is still working on pulling to a stand.  She can do this on low objects (like me when I lie on the floor) but has trouble with higher things like the sofa.

   OT/Feeding - Improved from last week when her tongue seemed to be in the way.  She is eating about 1/2 of a square container of baby food once a day.  Slow going, I know, but it is progress.  She is doing well with her formula and we haven't used the tube in months!  Oh, her weight gain looked great at a couple of appts this week so I'm encouraged that we will soon get the approval for the removal of the tube!

   Speech - We hadn't seen the therapist in about 10 days and she was really impressed with Eliana's improvement.  :-)  She is pointing to a baby in the book when we ask where is baby.  She is learning and responding to things we are asking which is really fun to see.

I need to go help Eliana so will write more later on the Down syndrome clinic, Chinese New year and more.

Blessings,

Leslie

 

A Look at our Week

I'm going to apologize in advance if this entry is dry.  I'm battling some sinus stuff and my head really hurts.  I do want to update on our week though as it is a busy one. 

Today we are relaxing and hanging out at home.  I enjoy those days.  I waver between wanting to play and wanting to "get something done".  It's hard to rest at times when I look around and see so many things that need to be done.  Those things will still be there tomorrow though. 

Monday - We have an appointment with Eliana's cardiologist.  It's been since last summer since we saw him.  (We did see him on various week-ends at our daughter's soccer games as well as at heart functions.)  I'm not sure what types of tests will be run, but am anticipating a good report.  I'm hoping it won't be a really long day, but am thankful that we have been able to go months without having to visit there!

Tuesday - We have a return visit to the ENT.  Again, I'm anticipating a good report.  Her hearing looked good at the last visit and we have seen no reasons for concern regarding her hearing.  Thankfully she has not dealt with any ear infections!

I'm considering a week-end away next month with friends.  I'm concerned about flying with Eliana and any difficulties it might pose for her.  I'm hoping he can share information on this as well.  We flew when Isaiah was a baby and he had difficulty with his ears adjusting to the altitude (fell asleep before the flight).  It was a miserable trip for all of us.  I don't want to repeat this!

Wednesday - Our therapy day.  We are working with Daniel on various sensory things - trying to help him learn to deal better with things and not just "melt down".  It's hard at times to discern what it just misbehaviour and being whiney (yuck!) and what is a real issue for him!  We are working on it though.

Eliana is learning more and more.  We are helping her learn to climb the steps.  (I'm not really sure I want her to know how to do this though I do realize that it is a necessary skill.)  She is able to do is with some assistance, though it often tires her out.  We are also helping her learn to pull to a stand.  She can do this on low objects, but not higher ones (like our sofa) yet. 

Thursday - We have a field trip with our homeschool group.  We are doing a program at the library on Chinese New Year.  There is an ESL class meeting there before our program and a Chinese man in the class has agreed to talk with our children about his perspective on this holiday.  Isn't that cool?  Afterwards we will be going out to lunch at a Chinese restaurant.

Friday - Speech therapy.  We are working on helping Eliana learn to identify objects and begin to point to them.  All of the things that children typically just learn and do on their own.  We are having to be more intentional about teaching these things to Eliana.  One of the things we are doing is reading a peek-a-book book with baby faces in it.  She enjoys this book.  We are hoping she will begin to point or pat the baby when we ask "Where is baby?"  She enjoys doing this which is fun.

We also do a small co-op type activity with another friend on this day.  The older boys do a science lab while the younger children are doing an art lesson.  We are hoping to add in an electronics class to this too.  It's a fun afternoon.

That's about it for the week - I think.  I will update on the various appointments as I'm able to.

Blessings,

Leslie

Ministry ... God's calling of us!

I've been corresponding over the last year with a dear friend from college.  I've been blessed by her prayers and encouragment and thankful to have her as a sweet part of my life.  One of the things we have been talking about is purpose and God's calling on our lives.  Both of us are searching and talking with God about what exactly it is He is calling us to do.

She shared with me a portion from a friend's carepages that I wanted to share with you.  This was written by a Mom who has recently lost her 13 yo daughter to cancer.  It was an aggressive and quick illness.  My friend notes that through it all this dear sister has been an encouragment to keep our eyes on God.  I know that her words encouraged me and I hope that they will you too.

God's timing is always perfect and this was no exception. I have been studying the life of Elijah. Today, I focused on I Kings 18 where Elijah had to challenge Ahab to determine which god was the strongest...God or Baal. Elijah's ministry was not his idea but God's. He did not come up the idea and then ask God to bless it. He was simply walking w/God and obeying what God had told him to do.

Later in the morning, John (her husband) came to me and said "we have a new ministry and I do not like it." He was referring to our new ministry of helping parents cope when they lose a child. Right now we can hardly cope ourselves, however, we know the day will come when someone will need our support which will be unmatched by others who have not walked this path. John did not realize I had studied the passage earlier in the day which followed exactly his thoughts. John and I did not sit in a chair and raise our hand acting like an anxious student saying "oh, oh, oh, pick me, pick me, pick me!" You know the scene to which I am referring. We never asked for this ministry.

What I learned from Elijah was that true ministry is initiated by God, which means it is received, not achieved. A God-initiated ministry comes only through following God in a relationship of dependence. We have no say in the gifts God gives us. We must use whatever He gives us and follow Him.

The ministry I envisioned was that Ashley would be completely healed on this side of heaven and I was going to take her on tour to visit the youth groups who had been praying for her so that the kids could see a walking miracle of God. Instead, He chose to completely heal her on the other side and allow her life to impact the world. It is up to John and I to continue to walk closely w/God and to do the work He has called us to do...even with huge broken hearts!

Colossians 4:17 "Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it."

I know that I identify with the vision of ministry that she describes.  I was content in the ministry opportunities that I had - ones that I had "signed up" for voluntarily.  I did not want a new ministry.  I saw a friend (that I haven't seen in awhile) earlier this week and as we talked she said that she remembered me saying before Eliana was born that I didn't think I could handle being the mom of a special needs child.  She also said that she told her Sunday school about me when she was talking about God's grace in watching all that unfolded after Eliana was born.  That blessed me incredibly!

I know that I had friends tell me shortly after Eliana was born that "I would have a story to tell".  I also remember thinking - and perhaps saying - that I didn't *want* a story to tell.  Guess my heart was pretty hard about it all, huh?

Well, I think I'm becoming more comfortable with this new ministry.  I called my OB office this week and said that I would love to be a contact for anyone with an ultrasound screen of Down syndrome or that has had a child born with Down syndrome.  They seemed really excited at the idea of having me as a contact.  I know that there are a lot of negative misperceptions about having a special needs child and if I can help encourage someone in any way, I would count it a privilege.

I am also being given another opportunity to tell Eliana's story.  This time it will be during Duke Children's hospital's Radioathon fundraiser.  I'll be interviewed (with Eliana) on Valentines Day.  They liked the heart connection for that day.  I'm not sure what I'll be sharing, but hopefully it will be a message of hope and encouragment.

Rebecca may be making another donation on that day as well.  If any of you are interested in helping with her sales, please email me.  As of now, she doesn't have a large amount to donate (compared to the fall) so I'm not sure if that will happen or not.

Thank you friends for walking this path with us.  I'm thankful to be on this road. 

Blessings,

Leslie 

Living, Loving and Making a Difference

So many things to ponder - and I find myself pondering things often.  I know that though I pray often throughout my day that I need to spend more time in the word - alone.  Why is that so hard for me at times?  Why haven't I learned this lesson that keeps coming back in my life - over and over again.  I know that the days I start with God are richer and more peaceful so why do I let things get in the way of that?  Why is this still a struggle?  I do know that when I pay attention, that it is a good reminder to be patient with my children when they struggle over and over with the same thing(s). 

For those that know me in real life, you know I'm not a morning person - and never have been.  I love the quiet of the night and waking up early is tough.  I don't find my mind is very alert then either.  So while I love the idea of an early morning quiet time, my body fights it all the way - and probably my mind/attitude too!  Sounds like a discipline problem doesn't it?  I do think my day starts better though when I spend time with God.   

A friend sent me this video/poem called The Dash   I think you will be encouraged by it.  I know I was.  I know that I want to make a difference.  I want to live my life fully - loving those that are around me!  I know that God has called me to be a Mom and that raising my children is an incredible task.  I am so thankful to have this calling!  Some days I feel like I've blown it - like yesterday when one of my children confronted me about complaining about his/her behavior to a friend on the phone.  Ouch!  I need to watch my tongue.  A lesson that I think is never fully learned. 

I think that the role of a Mom is an important one - and not limited to just serving your family.  I think this is true of whatever God has called you to do in your life.  I think at times we watch others who are "going" out to serve and think that they are somehow doing more.  There are many other ways we can serve - praying for others is one of my favorites.  I know that I personally have been incredibly blessed by the willingness of others to pray - and even to fast - for Eliana and our family.  God has touched my heart many times through this selfless and faithful act of others.  There are other ways I have found to serve during this season of life as well.   

• Encouragment - This can come in so many forms from a word well spoken, a note/email or even just a hug.  Don't underestimate the power of encouragment to help someone get out of a hole or even have the desire to then encourage others in their lives. 


• Service - There are so many opportunities in our families, neighborhoods, churches and communities to serve.  We just need to open our eyes to them.  My daughter Rebecca is especially good at doing this.  She has been bringing bags of food and other things to a homeless man that we often see on our way to church.  I love her heart for him and the way that she remembers him.  Just this week she decided she wanted to make Valentines for children that may not get them.  We are hoping to make bags with a card and candy to take to a local group of children.  I love that Rebecca doesn't feel bound by her circumstances, but looks for ways to work within them. 


• Financial - There are always groups that need our support.  We have found two that we wanted to support this year.  I wanted to share them with you. 

The first is Reece's Rainbow.  This is a group that helps facilitate the adoption of children in foreign countries with Down syndrome.  There are pictures of many of these children.  One of my friends who has adopted children with Down syndrome once told me that she wanted to help people see value in these beautiful children.  I can understand that.  I know that before Eliana was born that I couldn't image choosing Down syndrome.  Now though, I can.  Would I have chosen for Eliana to have Down syndrome - no.  Though my life is so much richer for it now! 

Eliana has brought such joy, love and blessing to our lives - I can't imagine life without her.  I'm so thankful she is ours!  At the same time, I realize that others may look at us and not see the blessing of this special child - I hope that won't be the case though.  I hope that we will live our lives in such a way that they will see that there is great worth in each child created by God. 

The second group is called Kiva.  This groups helps make loans to people in foreign countries who are trying to start or build their business.  You look through the profiles of those wanting a loan and then can choose to make a loan in $25 increments.  You will receive a note when the loan is made - and I'm not sure if you get any in the midst of the loan period.  (There is a specified time for each loan.)  When the loan is repaid, you will get your money back and then can loan it to someone else.  I think this is a neat way to have a heart for those in other countries and to appreciate and encourage the work that they are doing.  The repayment rate for the loans is very high too.  We have just made our first loan last month thanks to a gift from friends and it will be a neat thing to follow along. 

I hope none of this sounds preachy.  Just wanted to share some of what is in my heart.  I am thankful for the work that God calls each of us to do - and it does look different for each of us. 

With love, 

Leslie

Creatures of Creation

We went on a neat field trip with our  homeschool group a couple of weeks ago.  I haven't talked much about our homeschool group - but I love it!!!  It's a small group of families that use the Five in a Row curriculum.  We plan field trips around the books used in our curriculum.  We go on a field trip every other week and have Mom's meetings once per month.  I am very thankful to have this sweet group of friends with whom to share the journey of homeschooling.

Back to the field trip.  We hosted Dan Breeding who presented a Creatures of Creation program for our group.  (Click on the title to visit his website.)  The program was awesome!  He talked about animals and how they were specifically created to live and do what they do by a Creator.  He also showed us the animals that he talked about.  We were up close too!

The first animal we saw was a porcupine.  This animal fluffs out his quills when he feels threatened to try to scare away the threat.  He will back into the enemy if needed - but does not shoot his quills.  I thought it was fascinating to watch him eat a banana - peeling the skin off with his teeth and then eating the sweet fruit.

The next animal was an owl.  This was the tie-in for our family as we have been reading Owl Moon this week.  He talked about the size of the owl's  eyes relative to it's head size (would be like our eyes being the size of a softball).  He showed us how the owl could rotate his head and explained why their flight is so quiet (fringed tips of the feathers) - and then had the owl flap it's wings so we could hear for ourselves.

The third animal was a gibbon - sooo cute.  The moms were all impressed to watch him change his diaper with just one hand while perched on his knee.  LOL  The gibbon is able to hang from it's hands for up to 30 minutes.  He also talked about training varieties of monkeys in film projects over the years.

The last animal was an alligator - 7 feet long.  We were sitting close to the table edge and I kept hoping none of the animals would hop down.  He talked about how alligators have a special valve in the backs of their throats that stays closed when they swim through water so that they won't drown.  When they want to eat, they lift the mouth into the air so the valve opens to let in the food.  He let anyone that wanted to  have a photo with the alligator.

All through the morning Dan talked about God and the awesome design He had for animals - and most especially for us because we are created in His image.  It was fun, exciting and interactive.  He does travel if anyone wants to talk with him about doing a program in their area. 

He told us about a movie he had worked on and our family rented it and really enjoyed it.  It is called Most Vertical Primate about a monkey that learns how to snowboard.  Dan even had a small role in the movie and it was fun to see him in it!  We are planning to rent some of the other movies in this series too.

Will update more later on the rest of the family.  We are all well and there is much to share from therapies and such.  At the moment though I have a wiggly girl on my lap and I need to get off  of the computer.

Love,

Leslie

 

Snow Days

I thought I’d share a few pics of what snow in NC looked like for us this week. Don’t laugh too hard. Well, go ahead – I know I did. There is sooooo much brown for a "snow day".

The snow began late Sat afternoon. It was first rain, then a snowflake here and there. The children wanted to go out right away, but I asked them to wait a little longer until it was really snow and not just freezing rain. They went out and played – made tiny snowmen and tried to sled. We haven’t had a good snow in years and they are just thrilled with any little bit that they can get.

The following day they went out sledding with their Daddy. There is a hill in the woods behind our house with a steep path. It was perfect for sledding. When I looked at the picture I commented that I was surprised that they could sled at all as I didn’t see any snow! Roger said that there was a layer of ice on the leaves that made things slick so that it worked like a charm.

I’m glad that they were able to enjoy the snow – and I’m still hoping we’ll get at least one good snow this year.  (There are no pics of my oldest and youngest as they skipped the  "snow" and stayed inside.)

With love,

Leslie

Prayers for health

We would love prayers for health here.  Sweet Eliana is having drainage - which at times is a runny nose (clear).  This is making it hard for her to eat.  Today was especially poor.  Only 3.5 bottles from the 5 she is supposed to have.

I forgot to share another piece of her ped visit the other day.  We talked about removing the g-tube.  I want it out - and our ped knows that.  She wants to wait through the sick season in case we need to use the tube to avoid a hospital trip for dehydration.  I understand that and have agreed that this is for the best.  I also don't want to use the tube at all!!!  I don't want to have it delayed if we do choose to use it.  I know she can go a short time with less food, but not for long.  It's hard to know sometimes.  We just pray and do our best.  I've spent much time being dehydrated myself (pregnancies) and hope that I would recognize it in my daughter. 

Our ped asked when I was thinking about getting it out - and I replied probably April.  She sighed and responded that was great as she was thinking end of March.  She wants to see another couple of months of increased weight gain before she is comfortable recommending removal of the tube. 

In other news, we had snow!  Not much - but the children enjoyed what there was of it.  We have photos that I'll try to post tomorrow.  I think  you will get a real chuckle out of most of them!  I know I did.

Thank you once again for prayers for our sweet girl.  I held her for many hours today in order to keep her upright to help with her breathing.  What a privilege to have the time to just hold our precious girl.

With love,

Leslie

News from this week ...

We've had a busy week - and I thought I'd share about the last couple of days. 

Wednesday was our therapy day.  It feels like a really long day - and one in which it is hard to get much else done.  I am trying to keep my focus on the good things that come from these therapies though.  Daniel LOVES going to his therapy and asks frequently if he can go see Miss L.  He wants to have her come here - and I agree - though for his needs there is better.  She told me that she was going to really focus on Daniel's sensory issues.  She doesn't think we will make much progress with eating until we can work through some of the sensory things first.

Some of the things we are going to be working on at home with Daniel include "brushing" him (soft bristled special brush) several times a day.  He hated this the first time we tried it, but has gotten better with tolerating it.  I tried it on myself and thought it felt good - like a deep massaging brush.  For my sweet little sensory avoider though it was just too much.  We will be trying other sensory things with his hands like writing in flour, playing with play-doh or in rice or beans.  He is liking these things.  He does not like getting his hands messy or dirty though.  He is the first of my children to want to wash his hands when something gets on them.

All of this sensory stuff is still really new to me.  I don't understand it and will probably be seeking out some books to help me get a better grasp on things.  The therapist said that most of us have sensory issues - things that affect us - but we are able to deal with them.  Things like not liking loud noises or bright lights or the touch/feel of certain things.  For others, the sensory issues can affect how they are able to manage living. 

Eliana tried a new food at her therapy time - noodles.  Her therapist thinks she likes textured foods better than the soft baby foods and wants us to try giving her more of these.  She also liked eating a club cracker stick.  She gave her some water to drink and she closed her mouth (instead of leaving it open) which is also great news!

Physical therapy was also on this day.  We spent most of the time working on the steps.  Eliana has gotten good at crawling over things (usually my legs) and the steps are the next thing for her to master.  Now, I really don't want her to know how to climb the stairs.  I mean, we'll have to keep her from climbing them as soon as she figures out how to do it.  LOL  She worked hard - though cries and wants to cuddle when she is just tired of the work. 

Wednesday was also Roger's birthday.  The children all made cards/e-cards for him.  I love seeing their thoughts and how it comes out in words and pictures.  The also gave him a great greeting.  The older children decided to pool their money to buy a dinner out for both of us.  We tried to go that evening, but Joshua gagged (literally) on a green bean.  We wanted to be sure that he wasn't sick so we postponed the dinner date.

Thursday we had our monthly visit to the pediatrician.  Eliana has gained weight!!!  She is up to 18lb 2oz.  This was her main concern last month and her ped believes it is essential to her getting the g-tube removed.  She is progressing along a curve - lower than before - but has a pattern from the last 2 months.  Her ped wants her to make 2 more moves up the curve before she recommends the tube being removed.  She also commented though during her exam of  Eliana that she looks well and has enough "fat'.  She's just a petite little thing. 

Otherwise she is doing well.  Her ears look good.  Her ped is amazed that she has dodged the ear infection even when she had a cold.  I'm hoping that she will continue on that path too!  Dr L also commented on how well she engages with people.  I love hearing things like this. 

Last night, Roger and I were able to go out to dinner.  Eliana came with us and slept through it all.  It was quiet in the restaurant as we went out late.  It was a nice time together. 

Today has been a full day AT HOME!!!  I've always loved those days, but with things that cause us to go out during the week, I'm especially thankful for our days with nothing to go do.  We are staying home.  Friends are coming over for pizza and a movie.  I'm hoping to scrapbook some this week-end.  I haven't done this since Eliana was born so I'm even further behind than I was a year ago.  (I'm not sure I'll ever catch up though.) 

The thing that most excites my children is that snow is forecasted for tomorrow.  We have not had a good snow in a couple of years and this would be a lot of fun.  It would be nice for it to happen on a week-end so that Roger can be outside with them.  Between Eliana and my foot, I'm not sure I'm a good candidate for playing in the snow. 

I continue to reflect on God's call on my life.  What does it mean to serve Him?  How do I need to move out of my comfort zone to love on others?  How can I serve with my family?  Are we worshipping God in a way that is pleasing to Him.  I want to have God's heart for others.  I feel like He opening my heart to new things - some I know are due to how my eyes and heart have been forever changed by having Eliana join our family.  I remain thankful and blessed.

With love,

Leslie 

New Year's Eve fun - and photos!

I'm not sure if I've mentioned before, but I really enjoy holidays and creating traditions around them.  I've begun to enjoy things being simpler though so as not to be stressed out during the holidays so that I don't enjoy them.  Well, this year some friends on the Five in a Row board were talking about these "New Year's Eve bags".  It sounded like fun and I thought while I was sitting around with my foot propped up that I could plan something fun with these.

Well, I didn't get to it until the night before and it still turned out wonderfully.  I was helped in large part by many of my friends.  They posted their activities and rhymes.  I copied some, changed some and did a little (very little) of my own to make the night our own.

We invited friends to come over about 5pm and then the fun started.  There was a little prep work in advance and some last minute shopping, but all in all it was pretty simple.  Did I mention that I'm really liking simple?!  Just wanted to share that part because I'm not a super mom by any stretch and this is something fun that anyone could do.

I downloaded a picture of a clock face from the internet and drew the hands on to represent the time that the bag could be opened.  Inside each bag was a small rhyme and items to go along with the "hourly" activity.  (Mine didn't always end up being on the hour - just adjusted so it worked for us!).

Here are the bags:

*5:00 – In the bag: paper plates, beans, stapler, markers

It’s time to get loud, it’s time to celebrate,
The party has just begun!
With markers and beans a noisemaker we will shape,
And have some FUN, FUN, FUN!

My younger boys especially loved making these - and then making lots of noise with them.  Eliana also likes to shake things so she had a shaker of her own.

 *5:30 – In the bag: cardstock with questions, pens, lollipops

We’ll also think ahead - 2008 is almost here.

This surprise comes on a stick,
You'll enjoy it with a lick!
It’s fun to reflect and think back on the year

We took some time to answer the following questions and share our answers.  I'll put mine in after the questions.  I think it will be fun to save these and look back on them next year or in the years to come.  A fun item for my scrapbook - whenever I might get around to doing it.  LOL

 *Favorite book you’ve read this year  So You Don't Want to Go To Church Anymore.  It's not what it sounds like, but rather is a fictionalized story about a man and his walk with Christ.  One of the main characters asks a lot of questions to get the other main character to really examine his relationship with God.  It has given me a lot of food for thought too.  I borrowed the book and liked it enough that I'm planning on buying it so I can reread it and share it with friends.

*Favorite trip you’ve taken this year The beach with my family.  It was our first trip with Eliana and she was 9 months old.  It was fun and relaxing and just nice to be together as a family.

*Name something you are most thankful for - Eliana's repaired heart.  There are many other things I could list, but this was the first thing that popped into my mind.  It was also what Roger listed.

*Something you have learned - This has been a process for me and I've shared it before.  I have learned that God is good - even when my circumstances aren't.  He loves me and it isn't shown by how things are going in my life.  It's all about my relationship with Him.

*Something you hope to do next year - Travel with my family.  I miss our trips around North Carolina.  I miss long field trips. I think I'm feeling like this is something we can do again sometime soon. 

*6:00 - In the bag: pizza crusts, olives, mushrooms

Is your tummy getting rumbly?

Are you ready for some food?

Pepperoni, olives, & cheese,
Sauce and dough ~ Make dinner please!

 *7:00 – In the bag: Spoons game, colored cardstock, markers to make a "Goodbye 2007, Hello 2008" sign.

If your tummys are full and you are ready to race
You’ll be grabbing a spoon to stay in the chase

Then let’s make a sign to say goodbye

And welcome the new year with a loud cry!

 Yes, I'm in the background on the computer.  I'd been on my feet and was taking a break to prop up my foot.  Spoons is a fun game that can be played with a group. 

*8:00 – In the Bag: Makings for cookies – cutters, sprinkles

A better snack there never will be,
You can use your skill and creativity

You can add frosting, sprinkles too

As we wait for the year that is new.

*9:00 – In the Bag: Pictionary Jr, Bible Outburst, Cranberry limeade

Let’s get out a game ... and test your skills
Drawing and knowledge ... this isn’t a drill!
Let’s play a board game for a minute or so,
Only 3 more hours to go!

This has been a fun game for our whole family.  It works well with a wide spread of ages - and is short (can play as many times as you want) and interesting. 

*10:00 – In the Bag: Movie – Ratatoille, popcorn

By now it’s time for some laughs and a movie.
Has this been fun? Has this been groovy?
Let’s all grab a spot and start the show,
Let’s eat popcorn…. 1, 2, 3 … GO!

We hung a sheet up over the fireplace and used a borrowed projector to make a great big screen for our movie showing.  During the evening, Eliana hung out, crawled around and played with lots of people. 

*11:45 – In the bag: A scripture for each person to read. shake noise makers, take pictures, cups for bubbly drinks

It's time to say good-bye to '07,

 

A hug, a prayer, a sweet drink for the toast,

Happy New Year, it's 2008

Watching the ball drop will be great!

I think this was one of my favorite New Year's Eves.  I look forward to doing this again!

With love,

Leslie
   
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit

Romans 15:13

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

 

A short update on what is going on here ...

Things have been busy here the last few days.  We've had my sweet friend that moved (and her children) here to visit so my time on the computer has been minimal.  It's been crazy and fun having 10 children running around the house.  Here's an update on what's been happening.

Mon - We met with a speech therapist as well as Eliana's case worker (that coordinates therapy services for us).  The therapist played with her and observed her doing various things.  The activity that was the most fun for *me* was watching her do some "pretend play".  I was stunned that she would do some of this.  Now, I realize that it is just copying at this point, but I was still amazed.  The therapist took out a small (doll sized) bottle, bowl and spoon and cup.  She pretended to feed Eliana's little cow.  (It's one of her favorite toys.)  Eliana did some of the same things - though not always the one that she had just seen.  It was really cute!

Wed - Feeding therapy for both Eliana and Daniel.  Physical therapy for Eliana.  It's a busy day.  One of my children today asked what we had going on tomorrow and my answer was "Therapy, therapy and therapy".  The response was "Is that all?"  It's also Roger's birthday - so if you see him or want to phone/email - give him some birthday greetings!

Thur - We have a visit with our Ped.  In the afternoon, I'm having a gal come over to show me and a friend some skin care things.  Hopefully it will be relaxing and fun too.

Fri - Nothing in the morning.  Science lab and other activities for the older girls here with a sweet friend and her children.

My foot is doing fine.  I'm still able to get around on it, though it does hurt more over the last couple of days.  I'm not sure if it's because I know where the break is now, but I can feel it at times.  My heel (in the boot) has been getting sore some too.  Trying to stay off of it is tough, though I don't feel like I'm too active most days. 

Before I close I want to list some things for which I'm thankful.

*Good health - This is always a nice thing, and especially appreciated after having dealt with sickness on and off the last couple of months.  We have no sickness here now and I'm thankful for that!

*Friends - I'm thankful for friends that send encouraging notes, offer hugs and share wisdom.  I'm thankful for the experiences of others from which I'm learning.  I'm thankful to have been able to visit from friends living far away over the last couple of weeks.  We had friends from MI visit for a few days.  We hadn't seen them in a couple of years and what fun our children had playing - and the adults too!  What a busy house with 7 boys running around in it!  (The girls just didn't seem as loud.  LOL)

*Family - I've been incredibly blessed.  I'm thankful, very thankful, for the precious people God has given to me as family.

 I'm going to go try to add in the New Year's post separately and hope I don't lose it this time.

Blessings and hugs to you,

Leslie