tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185809142024-02-28T05:27:17.645-06:00These Broken Vases | Finding Beauty in Unexpected PlacesWife, Mom and Writer. Down syndrome, Cerebral palsy, and Adoption advocate. Coffee drinker and Nutella lover. Blogging about finding beauty in the broken places.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09611345201573528750noreply@blogger.comBlogger765125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18580914.post-23379266276496899992013-09-28T20:44:00.001-05:002013-09-28T20:44:55.812-05:00I'm hanging out over at ellenstumbo.comHello friends,<br />
<br />
It has been a long time since I updated this blog. I mean to come back here, but keeping two blogs has been harder than I thought it would be. I have more writing commitments and deadlines, so I find myself with little time to update here.<br />
<br />
But, I haven't been absent, I am still hanging out on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ellenstumbowriter" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/EllenStumbo" target="_blank">twitter!</a><br />
<br />
As for blogging, I am writing over at <a href="http://ellenstumbo.com/">ellenstumbo.com</a>. I have to make a better plan to keep up on this blog, but on the meantime, I hope we can stay in touch.<br />
<br />
To make things even easier, I wanted to extend the invitation so you get all my posts delivered directly to your inbox.<br />
<br />
<!-- Begin MailChimp Signup Form -->
<link href="//cdn-images.mailchimp.com/embedcode/slim-081711.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link>
<style type="text/css">
#mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; }
/* Add your own MailChimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block.
We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. */
</style>
<br />
<div id="mc_embed_signup">
<form action="http://ellenstumbo.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=4b91a83e4932e8eac50c9be2b&id=b50e453be3" class="validate" id="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" method="post" name="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" novalidate="" target="_blank">
<label for="mce-EMAIL">Subscribe to ellenstumbo.com</label>
<input class="email" id="mce-EMAIL" name="EMAIL" placeholder="email address" required="" type="email" value="" />
<br />
<div class="clear">
<input class="button" id="mc-embedded-subscribe" name="subscribe" type="submit" value="Subscribe" /></div>
</form>
</div>
<!--End mc_embed_signup-->
Let's stay connected!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09611345201573528750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18580914.post-3493467082453874682013-06-17T12:25:00.001-05:002013-06-17T12:25:37.579-05:00When Kids With Special Needs Wander (Elope) {a guest post by Staci Conrad}Last week I wrote about <a href="http://www.ellenstumbo.com/when-i-conducted-a-steakout-eloping/" target="_blank"><u>conducting a stakeout</u></a> outside my daughter's school because I was terrified of her bolting during recces. If you didn't get to read that post, please do so, I did my best attempt at being funny in light of a real concern we have for our little eloper.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHPXllZvqLT5agnXYcx5tlE7EVs23FxQWI_OHL3HZbEAEjoirqeYLEaBi6ukYnSqLpHShQ3THUtrRxDQWtBIrxUflOvqgJPF-CZoK-3QfT8cfCAqK04MlXieLAVeI0UzQIkNuYw/s1600/eloping+special+needs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHPXllZvqLT5agnXYcx5tlE7EVs23FxQWI_OHL3HZbEAEjoirqeYLEaBi6ukYnSqLpHShQ3THUtrRxDQWtBIrxUflOvqgJPF-CZoK-3QfT8cfCAqK04MlXieLAVeI0UzQIkNuYw/s400/eloping+special+needs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
My friend Staci responded by sending me some links for me to look at in case some of those worked for us. I was so impressed with all the information she had, I asked her to write a blog post, and she did!<br />
<br />
So let;s welcome Staci and the advice and resources she has for any parent that has a kid with special needs that wanders (or a typical kid that struggles with this too!)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<br />
Wandering…eloping…these words strike fear in the core of
many special needs parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have tried
to find some stats to share with you, but it seems that no one collects this
data!? Most sites just say that “TOO MANY” children with disabilities wander
off each year and many of them aren’t found in time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;">Why do kids wander?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some get distracted and some just NEED to
explore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many are impulsive and have no
understanding of consequences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is
the case for my precious wanderer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRh_8GD5oUCT7ImKJN0CN6FRGwZWrSuMaw52ycmicrN0YN2aCLyEX7VtROP1MjHC8eXNWMxF8Bopj5bRr_0dNMYo2eTseuGeHqtEbI7yzIn9IRJd9RZhP631pncl9vPlT0Ea8Umw/s1600/wandering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRh_8GD5oUCT7ImKJN0CN6FRGwZWrSuMaw52ycmicrN0YN2aCLyEX7VtROP1MjHC8eXNWMxF8Bopj5bRr_0dNMYo2eTseuGeHqtEbI7yzIn9IRJd9RZhP631pncl9vPlT0Ea8Umw/s1600/wandering.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;">The International Classification of
Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) has added a code<span class="tp-label"> for wandering</span> that was effective October 1,
2011.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is designed to promote better
data collection and understanding of wandering, and to prompt important
discussions about safety among healthcare providers, caregivers, and the person
with a disability to the fullest extent possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your child is a wanderer, please talk to
your provider and have this code added to your child’s official diagnoses. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;">There are several safety devices
available to help keep track of your loved one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even though you watch them like a hawk, they are so sneaky!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone has to blink sometimes and that’s
all it takes, especially at crowded events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;">Mine likes to take off at night
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have an alarm on her bedroom
door and window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also have STOP signs
on each door that leads outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
going to add another lock to the back door, as she recently got out at
4AM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are lots of printable
resources at: </span><a href="http://nationalautismassociation.org/docs/BigRedSafetyToolkit.pdf"><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;">http://nationalautismassociation.org/docs/BigRedSafetyToolkit.pdf</span><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;">. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;">For those interested in what technology
has to offer, I have compiled the following list of resources that vary
considerably in price.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of these are
still not financially feasible for most special needs families. Although it
might be possible to get state waivers or family support funding to help
alleviate the cost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I could not reach
our case worker to confirm or deny.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These are only a sample of what is out there!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be sure to look around to see what might fit
your family the best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"><b>Adiant Solutions</b><br />
Adiant Solutions is revolutionizing the GPS industry by providing solutions
that transform lives. You are in control… you decide how to better manage
"what matters most". Whether you are looking for tracking devices
that locate a wanderer with dementia, a child with autism who is eloping, a
low-level criminal, your fleet or cargo, or even a teen driver, we have the
answer with our easy-to-use, customizable technology. Adiant's products
ensure that people and property are where they belong…..and when. The devices
are easy to use and can be managed from any computer or smart phone with
Adiant's easy-to-use LocationNow Software.<br />
</span><a href="http://www.adiant-solutions.com/"><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;">www.adiant-solutions.com</span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"><b>Care Trak</b><br />
The Original Law Enforcement Rescue Program that electronically tracks people
with Alzheimer's who wander and special needs kids. Sheriffs, Police, Fire
Departments, SAR Teams, etc. use Care Trak to quickly locate at risk
individuals.<br />
</span><a href="http://www.caretrak.com/"><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;">www.caretrak.com</span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"><b>EmFinders</b><br />
The Emergency Locator Device "EmSeeQ" helps rapidly locate and
recover your loved ones via the 9-1-1 cellular network.<br />
</span><a href="http://www.emfinders.com/"><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;">www.emfinders.com</span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"><b>EZ100 Personal Emergency Notifier
and GPS Tracker</b><br />
The EZ-100 from EYEZ gives families of wandering special needs children added
peace of mind and the confidence to engage in activities and adventures with
the whole family.<br />
</span><a href="http://www.eye-zon.com/EYEZON2010/autism-community.html"><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;">www-eye-zon.com</span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"><b>LifePROTEKT</b><br />
LifePROTEKT is dedicated to providing care givers, individuals and
organizations with the most superior, innovative personal location based GPS
technologies available while providing a network of support for those who care
for special needs individuals. We want to give back to those communities who
rely on our technology to assist them in safeguarding their loved ones.<br />
</span><a href="http://www.lifeprotekt.com/"><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;">www.lifeprotekt.com</span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"><b>LoJack SafetyNet</b><br />
Personal locator bracelets for individuals with autism with a tendency to
wander. After contacting authorities when your loved one goes missing, law
enforcement and public safety officials use LoJack Search and Rescue Receivers
to track the radio signal being emitted from the Personal Locator Bracelet on
your loved one's wrist or ankle.<br />
</span><a href="http://www.lojack.com/safetynet/Pages/index.aspx"><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;">www.lojack.com/safetynet</span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"><b>Loved One Locator from Mobile
Health Technologies LLC</b><br />
Mobile Health Technologies provides the ultimate solution for Mobile Personal
Safety - Anytime, Anywhere. ASD children at risk for bolting should not be
without our products! Our service combines on-demand GPS location, automatic
alerts when a user leaves a pre-defined "safe zone", and Automatic
Fall Detection. Our devices also feature 2-way voice, and 24/7 monitoring by
EMTs.<br />
</span><a href="http://www.lovedonelocator.com/"><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;">www.lovedonelocator.com</span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"><b>Please Find My Kid </b><br />
What do you do when a loved one suddenly disappears? If your loved one were
using SecuraPal or LifeTrac, you could simply go to a secure web interface and
find them on a map. With SecuraPal and LifeTrac you get peace of mind and your
loved one gets to keep the independence they deserve and desire.<br />
</span><a href="http://www.pleasefindmykid.com/"><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;">www.pleasefindmykid.com</span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"><b>Project Lifesaver International</b><br />
Project Lifesaver International helps provide rapid response to save lives and
reduce potential for serious injury for adults and children who wander due to
Alzheimer’s, autism, Down syndrome, dementia and other related cognitive
conditions. Project Lifesaver provides equipment, training, certification and
support to law enforcement, public safety organizations and community groups
throughout the country and nation.</span><br />
<span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"></span><a href="http://www.projectlifesaver.org/"><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;">www.projectlifesaver.org</span></a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have just one
final tip for special needs families with wanderers today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please let your neighbors know that you have
a wanderer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just a couple of other
families on your block that know to watch out for your child can be a huge
help!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">***</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Staci is </span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">a follower of Christ, single-momma to 2 amazing adopted girls with special needs, and foster mom to many. Staci blogs at <a href="http://ourdifferentreality.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><u><b>Our Different Reality</b></u></a> you can also follow her on <a href="https://twitter.com/stacianne" target="_blank">twitter @stacianne</a> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09611345201573528750noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18580914.post-65200033744565639572013-06-13T16:54:00.001-05:002013-06-13T16:54:06.632-05:00Transitioning to KindergartenIt feels as if the baby years are officially behind for my rascal. My "baby" will be transitioning into Kindergarten, and already we are celebrating some of the transitions, while trying to hold on a little bit longer in other ways. Yet, can we really hold on?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2g9TuxOt9Cn3104iiCYiveWl-r4pVcHJoa2_504NAzSPfNdLIZsDY90dDaQe2684Z4rdyxpasaG2rnrNZ0AJaw0nD1BCBqasGG_WNIFp3PIxKgV6T97m8tARSEazkWhgUG1TXIg/s1600/update.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2g9TuxOt9Cn3104iiCYiveWl-r4pVcHJoa2_504NAzSPfNdLIZsDY90dDaQe2684Z4rdyxpasaG2rnrNZ0AJaw0nD1BCBqasGG_WNIFp3PIxKgV6T97m8tARSEazkWhgUG1TXIg/s1600/update.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Preschool years are now behind us. This last year, Nichole had the most incredible teachers. She was in an inclusive classroom, with a regular teacher and a special education teacher. Her special ed teacher was...fantastic! She believed in Nichole, she saw her potential, and she loved her. She went above and beyond and was able to look at things from my perspective - the parent's perspective.<br />
<br />
I received a note from her teacher and her aide, both of them expressing what a treat it was to have Nichole. They believed in her potential and really loved her. We were blessed to have them be a part of Nichole's life.<br />
<br />
Nichole is now attending summer school getting ready for Kindergarten. She loves it, and she really likes her teacher, so I feel like we will have a successful year. it also helps that her teacher is my friend and she knows my concerns with Nichole so well.<br />
<br />
Another new development is that Nichole was recently diagnosed with speech Apraxia. While I wish I had pushed for this sooner, now we have pretty "tried and true" resources to work on her speech. It might sound crazy, but already I feel she is doing better.<br />
<br />
And a celebration, we are done with pull-ups! One day we ran out of pull-ups and I got her in underwear. She was fine all day. She is a rascal, she had us, she conned us for who knows how long. So we are done! It is so nice not to worry about this anymore, and perfect to have her potty trained before starting Kindergarten. She finished preschool with big girl undies, and so far, no accidents at school!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09611345201573528750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18580914.post-88562039104505410962013-05-22T08:30:00.000-05:002013-05-22T08:30:02.776-05:00Going On a Field Trip!Last week, I got to join Ellie and Nina on their school field trip. It was a hot day at a farm, but it was so much fun!<br />
<br />
I took lots of pictures, and so you get a photo-dump post today!<br />
<br />
Of course I asked the girls to pose, and Nina is a more willing participant, since she is not running around all over the place (which is actually something I appreciate about CP, Nina actually gets to hang around and I spend more time with her) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMh9Jx5CP72A7DX8YmEP97j6WnBm_TxNZpSgd_7wWoqNl5d-IiiFXc_C2b-PmvbNfNA9t4eZhFRjYngD1N6s7BmBGxIKYqi1dHe2qh0TYvw8qU3edghPmCavt-5nk4IOC0EtfyDQ/s1600/field+trip+19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMh9Jx5CP72A7DX8YmEP97j6WnBm_TxNZpSgd_7wWoqNl5d-IiiFXc_C2b-PmvbNfNA9t4eZhFRjYngD1N6s7BmBGxIKYqi1dHe2qh0TYvw8qU3edghPmCavt-5nk4IOC0EtfyDQ/s1600/field+trip+19.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The plan was to use Nina's walker, but we soon realized that the terrain was not ideal for the walker. Not to mention the farm was pretty large and I wasn't sure how much she would last there. One of the owners approached us and asked if we would like to use one of their wagons. I was so thankful! So we got Nina in her fancy ride, then I folded up her walker and put it in there, along with my heavy backpack. I also had the other friends help me push it, Nina loved it! Sometimes, she would lay down and close her eyes with a smile of contentment in her face. Love this girl!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUQ94iD9Bg4Z6OkmfxqP1B_WKuneo_YLmmZ1wCwFkFBJeV1BJ_sVgCbfDpxPPN0PO4Jh91Bnwp1gEBgPDGFw-jz0tVcbAnA-GGaw3ejcWq1NuaysaKr2rJ5d5GAFwCdE8w0YbAA/s1600/field+trip+16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUQ94iD9Bg4Z6OkmfxqP1B_WKuneo_YLmmZ1wCwFkFBJeV1BJ_sVgCbfDpxPPN0PO4Jh91Bnwp1gEBgPDGFw-jz0tVcbAnA-GGaw3ejcWq1NuaysaKr2rJ5d5GAFwCdE8w0YbAA/s1600/field+trip+16.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our first activity involved these bouncy horses. There were three different sizes and the kids loved them!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgarMUooHuPbN0FMSR3m42V2BiK-Hovfff75h4J-I6Moo07P7bcEERN4F64ySbfyIjobGSppoaq4v0LRWLhNqef1zYAoUkssxy9-drhctCmDInZyI-ONiOwrbZJAyRdJgcumt7ksQ/s1600/field+trip+21.JPG" /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
They also had stilts. I tried them too!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8GA9Rb-wjjBb4yOFFD_N0qU75710cJqIrAURBFoH6RdOqBuIi8VHkU-_MBArNE5j4A8zMsuRd29-enn2f62klQuDsF7PeiiHdRTWsn5AY_1zEduiAylRkkfQsco_qbl_v5vJpgw/s1600/field+trip+20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8GA9Rb-wjjBb4yOFFD_N0qU75710cJqIrAURBFoH6RdOqBuIi8VHkU-_MBArNE5j4A8zMsuRd29-enn2f62klQuDsF7PeiiHdRTWsn5AY_1zEduiAylRkkfQsco_qbl_v5vJpgw/s1600/field+trip+20.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of the favorite activities was feeding the goats. It took the kids a little getting used to having the goats lick their hands, but once they got used to it, they loved it!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And yes, Nina was balancing like a super star, even while feeding the goat!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3YTZEpmE6kStgftoUOdzYg9vUnXhM-JQ-ucG1seFytN6194SsWHV7_eJvSMbuz3K3BT-oiEYPzQifWXryAeWPztfhlgN5oZj7IKg1RtRXO1jj5cxhkfDONpqmz0S7x-buujyurw/s1600/field+trip+17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3YTZEpmE6kStgftoUOdzYg9vUnXhM-JQ-ucG1seFytN6194SsWHV7_eJvSMbuz3K3BT-oiEYPzQifWXryAeWPztfhlgN5oZj7IKg1RtRXO1jj5cxhkfDONpqmz0S7x-buujyurw/s1600/field+trip+17.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4BXICe3WoODBVz1RiFL8PkXNlBEv3zfdgkqDZF7kCEiDcOPWZ7w65mSk8NnCh3C3tS2Z16usAyKRF0NdD4wvh_o7_i6yVBw9rJSyyj0X7OKZ6oMwmRcK3JcXQQ7jjMmJJyFpEw/s1600/field+trip+18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP4BXICe3WoODBVz1RiFL8PkXNlBEv3zfdgkqDZF7kCEiDcOPWZ7w65mSk8NnCh3C3tS2Z16usAyKRF0NdD4wvh_o7_i6yVBw9rJSyyj0X7OKZ6oMwmRcK3JcXQQ7jjMmJJyFpEw/s1600/field+trip+18.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Another favorite activity was petting the bunnies. Now, I will say that some kids were mean to the bunnies, picking them up and dropping them, or jumping on them (one little bunny had his back broken). These poor animals were terrified of the children and trying to get away from little hands, so I had to intervene and help Nina hold a bunny. You cannot see this here, but I had three other bunnies hiding between my legs trying to stay away from the children.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglC8H-li4FUZ6hR7Ch61Kg-Z2rmnqSj7ZNYCZx9I_Zw0O1SqhFDwnJ1laYMiHGmQ-4PS-NXxQWVfmUi1XFhpd5m3oIfnXqGcAISFz7E2Kg39XOsPO8utP8CxKKBBt-xtQhdyPpEg/s1600/field+trip+15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglC8H-li4FUZ6hR7Ch61Kg-Z2rmnqSj7ZNYCZx9I_Zw0O1SqhFDwnJ1laYMiHGmQ-4PS-NXxQWVfmUi1XFhpd5m3oIfnXqGcAISFz7E2Kg39XOsPO8utP8CxKKBBt-xtQhdyPpEg/s1600/field+trip+15.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And of course there was petting the kitty. Nina loved it, Ellie was scared of the kitty, afraid she would get scratched!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4ohTBuhI2ewcMPa8-JNweYTyh4-mk1K7A5WDVnYOZhWWD6ZE6uUbTM0LnwkUPjLNm_Z3R5noUjPVAIhiChyQUW4zl_zNeZVtOAO2QdF46d2G7yv62LMMWuCs8KthuOKabEURHQ/s1600/field+trip+12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4ohTBuhI2ewcMPa8-JNweYTyh4-mk1K7A5WDVnYOZhWWD6ZE6uUbTM0LnwkUPjLNm_Z3R5noUjPVAIhiChyQUW4zl_zNeZVtOAO2QdF46d2G7yv62LMMWuCs8KthuOKabEURHQ/s1600/field+trip+12.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQzxM8HJt2g_Y_WBnYoRcylCiswMxyzFQd4gfxj60reHrTrRDH5z0zogJvtMmkX52ryNh9vu2eqz59qwFD6MBTGaIo8VSf1fsd-hdjtolcVqMpk2oSOYUxmqt1_Zz75avzOPPLA/s1600/field+trip+14.JPG" /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
There were a couple of rope swings, Ellie did amazing! We tried to get Nina to do it but that proved to be challenging.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MGWFCFzdWLaoDcsgX5_xBbM_cujtscbL3NnWHtBxr8WnaGP9OZD9uR8l_yPii-Yz5HwEymAQqhwbqZdT1XtFY9kvl0oTlfQzMjn36kiTwRd7tyn0mXDlcRmXd0ru0ZNx-Rh6Ug/s1600/field+trip+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MGWFCFzdWLaoDcsgX5_xBbM_cujtscbL3NnWHtBxr8WnaGP9OZD9uR8l_yPii-Yz5HwEymAQqhwbqZdT1XtFY9kvl0oTlfQzMjn36kiTwRd7tyn0mXDlcRmXd0ru0ZNx-Rh6Ug/s1600/field+trip+11.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Next to the ropes, there were these long tunnels, I love the pics, and there is a story to this photo, but I will share more about it at the end of the post, because it was a God moment, and we are framing the picture with a special saying for Nina. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQ847kTa3r-iygEimIWL4yRPnFqM6-MH2T_qX6YOSX7RtFsEhASXvvpwlYE1_LzoiIrlCmccoDR13BjB0SgUwoGC-PXnHNx268TueitQiiX1pMSrecpl10cNfwgqS3wXrgRuFQQ/s1600/field+trip+13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQ847kTa3r-iygEimIWL4yRPnFqM6-MH2T_qX6YOSX7RtFsEhASXvvpwlYE1_LzoiIrlCmccoDR13BjB0SgUwoGC-PXnHNx268TueitQiiX1pMSrecpl10cNfwgqS3wXrgRuFQQ/s1600/field+trip+13.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
The girls with their teachers. We have AMAZING teachers. I love them to pieces. Both of them! Ellie's teacher challenges her and affirms her, as a mom I appreciate that so much! Kids need to hear praise form other adults in their life, not just their parents! Nina's teacher has been such an encouragement to ME. There have been times when I have had doubts about what Nina can or cannot do, she looks at me straight in the eye and says, "She can do this." and I just need to hear that from someone else! So often I am the one having to advocate for my daughter. She is one remarkable lady, how blessed we are that she is Nina's teacher!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NgFM7B0QQhIHs_xeEGXwvdBtfXERP7WTbElZ-b7N9dj9-WUBv8tnqFwosHc7Op_0OqK16OcHFkcp41XeK5oAqtZ3opOjbX2HfqUtPjMFMoJw9DHjDStapSmzs0XGMbiF8S6fyw/s1600/field+trip+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NgFM7B0QQhIHs_xeEGXwvdBtfXERP7WTbElZ-b7N9dj9-WUBv8tnqFwosHc7Op_0OqK16OcHFkcp41XeK5oAqtZ3opOjbX2HfqUtPjMFMoJw9DHjDStapSmzs0XGMbiF8S6fyw/s1600/field+trip+1.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nina got the "hamster wheel" turning!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdzS7i-ss2inp_wVSZEVt0BJdx_KnWuVE-svkTXHJI1BZZaxdIGEJnndv3zkjTaw6FZv9V67GKxeD6ESuU7ecnwibVU8QjPScy1g32ovF0tzdEaoVUmiaNpOUF-GA0FwE_9JqO6Q/s1600/field+trip+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdzS7i-ss2inp_wVSZEVt0BJdx_KnWuVE-svkTXHJI1BZZaxdIGEJnndv3zkjTaw6FZv9V67GKxeD6ESuU7ecnwibVU8QjPScy1g32ovF0tzdEaoVUmiaNpOUF-GA0FwE_9JqO6Q/s1600/field+trip+9.JPG" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They had these sections of large pipes (same as the long tunnel material). Except these were set on some sort of rails. The kids then got in them and rolled them from one end of the rails to the next. I tried it, and fell a couple of times. it was fun!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Lb_Iax_nCEd20NVu5bGOB2gwXmEz7ZrSa3M4P3jwNr13xxaz7v_VFx7pt4nBwiav3PFROcqZLIiOxjOilU9R6BaKCkqJ7Z_wsZV5CyrUsjGHs4I6Yb3UH7-T7or22VrQsBeXnw/s1600/field+trip+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Lb_Iax_nCEd20NVu5bGOB2gwXmEz7ZrSa3M4P3jwNr13xxaz7v_VFx7pt4nBwiav3PFROcqZLIiOxjOilU9R6BaKCkqJ7Z_wsZV5CyrUsjGHs4I6Yb3UH7-T7or22VrQsBeXnw/s1600/field+trip+2.JPG" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Fun tractor!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQJP6NstgeJfLhgSIxOJqJ_NmmUb29mW9lEiipzSv9Lrny-BlONqtedvLkv7DPVdZsRlmsKWdjRMStsrjXo4k4ZyN8h96Q04JelPyCYyH16SGK2ibWtAf8kiXfZDIqVTl4RcOJg/s1600/field+trip+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQJP6NstgeJfLhgSIxOJqJ_NmmUb29mW9lEiipzSv9Lrny-BlONqtedvLkv7DPVdZsRlmsKWdjRMStsrjXo4k4ZyN8h96Q04JelPyCYyH16SGK2ibWtAf8kiXfZDIqVTl4RcOJg/s1600/field+trip+3.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GGO7tsNKbLoCHdIV86SngFYk2ye_QecYs8YHzTVy5Jw5E2AYzKg62jsl2YmlTqs4nsFQG1BKHMH-3QJ3zfe1G_7yO-5f44r8gKthgx9KKXH-rliFVnh6-LKpg-pmI5t9-haquQ/s1600/field+trip+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GGO7tsNKbLoCHdIV86SngFYk2ye_QecYs8YHzTVy5Jw5E2AYzKg62jsl2YmlTqs4nsFQG1BKHMH-3QJ3zfe1G_7yO-5f44r8gKthgx9KKXH-rliFVnh6-LKpg-pmI5t9-haquQ/s1600/field+trip+4.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wooden horses, and swing horses. No real ones but hey, the farm had horses kids could ride! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGUIVFcyHSTt0eZtWZMx62pSqitRXSd2uPkZ-Lgv3HfNdI5h88Oru7q5bPXLEYUyku92pI1wjo_AzZY_mVv3RW4NoOS_1gkP5tEQsfoXX3rvossheTxm5jc_zO-a4N171yKKyRA/s1600/field+trip+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGUIVFcyHSTt0eZtWZMx62pSqitRXSd2uPkZ-Lgv3HfNdI5h88Oru7q5bPXLEYUyku92pI1wjo_AzZY_mVv3RW4NoOS_1gkP5tEQsfoXX3rvossheTxm5jc_zO-a4N171yKKyRA/s1600/field+trip+5.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZ4J89_LykwiPuodS-e973-KgGU2sriuo50HXOWYXOzPv6oQySsNPs5FCRVbYszO_OISw25O8goeiaYbGJZMzF7p7ngoygyaGyKwTDYVP1VltKovK6V8yqmHoO7B4O22eEmZ60Q/s1600/field+trip+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZ4J89_LykwiPuodS-e973-KgGU2sriuo50HXOWYXOzPv6oQySsNPs5FCRVbYszO_OISw25O8goeiaYbGJZMzF7p7ngoygyaGyKwTDYVP1VltKovK6V8yqmHoO7B4O22eEmZ60Q/s1600/field+trip+6.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And proof that I was there with my girls! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5UKAfpekBBWcDSPnswMv8Z2OiPQSN7hwFBauSnQWZmXUaCOygcxuUNK04p3pw34kiklyb1d4pBIeEnwL3BHx8ycI8B_R55en0z-MG_4kyfibv2sGzMNGQO-RUSiHcFt_LjOnmw/s1600/field+trip+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5UKAfpekBBWcDSPnswMv8Z2OiPQSN7hwFBauSnQWZmXUaCOygcxuUNK04p3pw34kiklyb1d4pBIeEnwL3BHx8ycI8B_R55en0z-MG_4kyfibv2sGzMNGQO-RUSiHcFt_LjOnmw/s1600/field+trip+7.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYboGfz4mlM43h9OA9cAncXkBy9Blz7dXSswzPJM6zWz9GjCgRhRQKb_bgcV6t3IStFPI75BHp9ERSwY8P70yBhhlhZwCjFn1c4NdWcpwIBU5tR8Nei3LIo9STWsBMLR3U9udLLw/s1600/field+trip+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYboGfz4mlM43h9OA9cAncXkBy9Blz7dXSswzPJM6zWz9GjCgRhRQKb_bgcV6t3IStFPI75BHp9ERSwY8P70yBhhlhZwCjFn1c4NdWcpwIBU5tR8Nei3LIo9STWsBMLR3U9udLLw/s1600/field+trip+8.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
This was not an ordinary field trip, God met me there in a meaningful way. The picture below was a gift from God.<br />
<br />
I actually wrote about it for <i>Not Alone</i>. If you want to read that post, <a href="http://not-alone.org/2013/05/16/field-trip/" target="_blank"><b>click here</b></a>. I highly recommend you do! And it is a pretty short read ;)<br />
<br />
Here is the significance of this photo:<br />
<br />
God had been showing me His love for Nina throughout the day. His love, His delight, His pleasure. Then we got in the tunnels, and it was so bright I could hardly see. Then I snapped this picture and God reminded me once more that Nina is His beloved, and His light shines bright on her, illuminating her, reminding me, and showing her, how much He loves her. it was a Holy moment, right there at the farm. <br />
<br />
And this might just be one of my favorite pictures of all times, because somehow God allowed me to capture a Holy moment.<br />
<br />
So to get the full story, do check the post for <i>Not Alone</i> in the link above.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDOu5RtsYoPc45a4YUAkxoB9m83TqReuzzQWlWsYmC_FaiH8vhfWkPsQNzxJB_vlS9BqDzz2xGvsC39PqdKD5mwkpC6t7VD1t8BDRWtoVnNnvYExvzTywFlftT_zkRC3mD4rn_A/s1600/field+trip+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDOu5RtsYoPc45a4YUAkxoB9m83TqReuzzQWlWsYmC_FaiH8vhfWkPsQNzxJB_vlS9BqDzz2xGvsC39PqdKD5mwkpC6t7VD1t8BDRWtoVnNnvYExvzTywFlftT_zkRC3mD4rn_A/s1600/field+trip+10.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09611345201573528750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18580914.post-76824299107830661222013-05-20T13:40:00.002-05:002013-05-20T16:31:37.248-05:00Our First Dance RecitalI have so many pictures to share and all sorts of catching up to do. I will begin with most recent events and work my way back, so bear with me.<br />
<br />
To start, Ellie had her first ballet recital last Friday. She did amazing! I know I am her mom, and I am most likely biased, but I think she stood out in her dance. She was poised, graceful, and she flowed with the music. This girl has the gift of dance!<br />
<br />
I was a dancer since I was little. I danced ballet through the Royal Academy of dance, and danced tap, jazz (modern theater), and national dances through the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance. My Junior year in high school after one of my examinations, the examiner offered me a possible slot in one of their companies, she said if I kept it up, she would help me get to England and continue my dancing with them. Then we moved to the US and there was no ISTD studio in our area.<br />
<br />
To say the least, dancing has been a part of my life for a long time. I teach Zumba (which is close enough for now) but I hope to be involved in dance again.<br />
<br />
I did not realize how invested I was in dance until Ellie and Nichole began dancing this year. As we got ready for recital, I understood the "parents living through their kids." I could get really caught up in this, so I have to watch out my attitude (because I had a bad attitude most of the year, expecting the same quality and standard I grew up with) and I don't want to take the enjoyment of dance away from Ellie.<br />
<br />
Ellie was a shining star (I am her mother, what can I say!).<br />
<br />
My little ballerina!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The studio sent very detailed instructions on how to do makeup. Including what eye shadow color to use, and making a V on the eye corners. Ellie hated the makeup. We did makeup for rehearsal and there were minor tears involved not wanting to do eye liner. This was enough for her to say she did not want to be in dance if she had to do makeup like this. Imagine my surprise when we got to rehersal to find out nobody was making sure that makeup was done properly, and there were several girls that did not follow the "guidelines." I promised her we would go lighter on recital day.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifA8yreCZe-7HfowkCkf6pP_zFCg0mYBCNDzcG8cOiswQLkAQd5OtzcX1DKmznciQlVJJNQruZltigX3LPK2ZhVGB-VJAEz0p1XhGfvo5fGFg1AgFlD58z6pRYf1BHchv-0EELMw/s1600/dance+recital+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifA8yreCZe-7HfowkCkf6pP_zFCg0mYBCNDzcG8cOiswQLkAQd5OtzcX1DKmznciQlVJJNQruZltigX3LPK2ZhVGB-VJAEz0p1XhGfvo5fGFg1AgFlD58z6pRYf1BHchv-0EELMw/s1600/dance+recital+1.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The day of the performance with my little ballerina! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjuMHIav9qCz4bJBYDa7ECDhfSQ66Igd9bRe5tcKxyRqh0wYRwWnQsisf29Mi6hwy5uglKE8fjjIABdIsB4c1mwO6spv3-RaK7Q6ypfo1m6uxakM-PGogpzZWhoZG5YLhA2ZsfA/s1600/dance+recital+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjuMHIav9qCz4bJBYDa7ECDhfSQ66Igd9bRe5tcKxyRqh0wYRwWnQsisf29Mi6hwy5uglKE8fjjIABdIsB4c1mwO6spv3-RaK7Q6ypfo1m6uxakM-PGogpzZWhoZG5YLhA2ZsfA/s1600/dance+recital+2.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We got Ellie flowers and she posed for us after her fabulous performance! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-FugJxfDURYPITLJKTd_t_Fs2SSbQ5yenzKgPTb_tQBiQpvw_L_DH1A6TWIyWHBmVzldb3ym_v8RJ69OqMIpYU-Lazk3pFK_IZoQCjg_wYPwpRQM9YcNorwXDU6_XCoTKk7hHg/s1600/dance+recital+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-FugJxfDURYPITLJKTd_t_Fs2SSbQ5yenzKgPTb_tQBiQpvw_L_DH1A6TWIyWHBmVzldb3ym_v8RJ69OqMIpYU-Lazk3pFK_IZoQCjg_wYPwpRQM9YcNorwXDU6_XCoTKk7hHg/s1600/dance+recital+3.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Proud mama and daddy! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MU4PIqn2Qx3gbBoB28-iaHQQ5Cb9AcSSIWwtJaoDNXhTX65ClTczH0ntZwwZmzXcAux4zl18h6tGcYOjEMrBWBak7Phvau2uRb0ifKNFXmIgnDoHYfiU-N4ui7F9JMyqmFIK7g/s1600/dance+recital+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MU4PIqn2Qx3gbBoB28-iaHQQ5Cb9AcSSIWwtJaoDNXhTX65ClTczH0ntZwwZmzXcAux4zl18h6tGcYOjEMrBWBak7Phvau2uRb0ifKNFXmIgnDoHYfiU-N4ui7F9JMyqmFIK7g/s1600/dance+recital+4.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
I already promised Ellie we won't bother with eye liner next year, I think she might stick with dance then!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09611345201573528750noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18580914.post-39955041466579977102013-05-02T12:08:00.000-05:002013-05-02T12:08:07.602-05:00Cerebral Palsy, Rhizotomy, and Gait Lab Study<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-G-5bAHL-xxAsvHBow3FXpMN_d1D2S8buXdjUKncDNXC28gkW5decR2Kz06VYBx31-KOj-q-Ez7WUUyVR9jO7D5_rnfyQt5bY3WgDrTayFudCLe39cUSvwQqjSPct9KV_vtN2Q/s1600/Nina's+gait+lab.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-G-5bAHL-xxAsvHBow3FXpMN_d1D2S8buXdjUKncDNXC28gkW5decR2Kz06VYBx31-KOj-q-Ez7WUUyVR9jO7D5_rnfyQt5bY3WgDrTayFudCLe39cUSvwQqjSPct9KV_vtN2Q/s1600/Nina's+gait+lab.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
A Gait Lab Study is done to determine the way someone walks (their gait). People with cerebral palsy have difficulty walking, and looking closely at how they walk provides information about how their body works, and what muscle groups are affected, shortened, etc.<br />
<br />
My daughter, Nina, has spastic diplegia. Before her <a href="http://www.thesebrokenvases.com/search/label/rhizotomy" target="_blank"><b>rhizotomy</b></a> (SDR: selective dorzal rhizotomy) her cerebral palsy was quite involved. They chart kids in a 1-4 scale. One being mild, and<b> </b>four being most involved. My daughter was at a four before this surgery.<br />
<br />
Before her rhizotomy, Nina had a gait lab analysis. This last Monday, she had another gait lab done to determine her progress two years following her surgery, and determine the next steps.<br />
<br />
The progress she has made in two years is pretty amazing! Here is a before and after video.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/XhgRg9Rglkc?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09611345201573528750noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18580914.post-60224901896434339472013-04-29T09:00:00.000-05:002013-04-29T09:00:04.672-05:00These Girls Got Wheels!One of the great and exciting rites of childhood is learning how to ride a bike.<br />
<br />
I lived in a fenced-in neighborhood in Mexico City. Although we did not have freedom to wander anywhere we wanted, the neighborhood kids and I owned the safe streets of our small community. We had hills, empty lots where we built forts, and trees to climb. Oh the many days spent on my bike riding with my friends, the wind on my face, sun on my back, and the promise of fresh lemonade waiting for us when we needed a break.<br />
<br />
The thing is, riding a bike is not the same for kids with special needs.<br />
<br />
Last summer, Nina got to borrow an adaptive bike from the school so that we could work with her at home. Nina had an IEP last Tuesday, and Andy asked if we could borrow it again this summer. For many kids with cerebral palsy, things like riding a bike can be challenging because of coordination and strength.<br />
<br />
But then Friday came along, and Nina decided, <i>forget the adaptive bike, I want to feel that wind on my face the same way all typical kids do, I am not missing out on that!</i><br />
<br />
So she got on the little bike with training wheels...and she took off!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hY6o9S7zXOk?rel=0" width="420"></iframe>
</div>
<br />
This girl is ready to prove that she is full of potential. Amazing how chasing her as she rides her bike reminds me of where she would be at if we had not adopted her. Yet here she is, feeling the wind on her face, flying down the street on her bike!
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And you know what? I think someday those training wheels will come off. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now here is the deal, Ellie (my oldest) witnessed Nina riding her bike and thought, <i>I am older than my sister, maybe it is about time I lose the training wheels.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So on Saturday she asked Andy to take the training wheels off and asked, "Do you think I can learn how to ride my bike today?" And he said, "Well, maybe it will take a little while, but we can start working on it." But she said, "No, I want to learn to-day!"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
She has heard us say plenty of times, "You can do anything you set your mind to" and she believes it. She wanted to loose the training wheels on Saturday and learn how to ride her bike...so that is exactly what she did!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwYsyzdxO9XCW8hLhXexAXOcUezSXPtGr4xP6V2aLK8sVhQLs1IKLXBS1cZ3w2nNtW7GrT_3LjsGfs' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Today, both Andy and I have gone around the block with her a few times, and she already tried to ride "as fast as I can" which almost resulted in a wipe-out. Thankfully, she saved her balance and kept going.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I call this one memorable weekend!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now to get the rascal to show an interest in riding a bike!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09611345201573528750noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18580914.post-84755798314658948962013-04-17T11:57:00.001-05:002013-04-17T11:57:45.755-05:00An Independent Walker, Cerebral Palsy Won't Stop This Girl!Two years ago Nina had a <a href="http://www.thesebrokenvases.com/search/label/rhizotomy" target="_blank">Selective Dorzal Rhizotomy</a>. It basically means that half of the nerve rootlings from her spinal chord were cut.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9jX8h06OwXyBXrKyKE4VMg8d3uHLHlZMEjjtSKec2o8DMqr0iojjYSQmJrKhqZfoyPNcHMcmquHcCBcXrcLTGrlTjDxzNfPOF7RG9cVusZuHuWpPPbovjCCeqNRa_QZgJUVPIQ/s1600/rhizotomy+incision.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9jX8h06OwXyBXrKyKE4VMg8d3uHLHlZMEjjtSKec2o8DMqr0iojjYSQmJrKhqZfoyPNcHMcmquHcCBcXrcLTGrlTjDxzNfPOF7RG9cVusZuHuWpPPbovjCCeqNRa_QZgJUVPIQ/s1600/rhizotomy+incision.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She has spactic diplegia cerebral palsy, which means that mainly her legs were affected...and they were really affected. The truth is, we had very little hope of her ever walking independently. In the picture bellow you can see how high she was on her toes, and that was her trying to get her heels down, mostly her weight was on her big toes. You can also see that even with her braces on, her heels did not touch the floor, she was still high on her toes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPy_-BZ98qCdIs5jQTlKoYZXaScqa_O74RqGA1Gd79QofKNy_uyewWcEJbcHD9avz7Wj053R1u90w5aLTohYj_FnEZmUBRNOO_QmkQlLBLu1DERSnzhK_jhMkluXthOCpD3PrfsQ/s1600/Nina's+spasticity1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPy_-BZ98qCdIs5jQTlKoYZXaScqa_O74RqGA1Gd79QofKNy_uyewWcEJbcHD9avz7Wj053R1u90w5aLTohYj_FnEZmUBRNOO_QmkQlLBLu1DERSnzhK_jhMkluXthOCpD3PrfsQ/s1600/Nina's+spasticity1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
But Nina is a fighter, a survivor, and she is walking independently. That is, most of the time, except for very morning at school as she walked down the hall to her classroom.<br />
<br />
Well, this morning we realized her teacher forgot to drop off the walker in the office, where we usually pick it up. I told Nina to go ahead and begin walking while I got checked in so I could help her. it turns out, she did not need my help.<br />
<br />
Yeah, today, I am claiming my daughter to be an independent walker! Watch her go!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8ejpjGguOTA?rel=0" width="420"></iframe></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09611345201573528750noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18580914.post-35308624078802885122013-04-11T17:29:00.002-05:002013-04-11T17:47:32.850-05:00When blogging blew me awayI began to blog because I am a writer, and writers write. But I also blogged because I wanted to connect with other parents that walked the same journey I walk.<br />
<br />
Through this blog, I began to share about life with a baby
with Down syndrome. After a while, I began to receive emails from other
women who were struggling with a new or a prenatal diagnosis of Down
syndrome. Somehow, it seemed, my words touched their heart and they
needed someone to talk to. I prayed for each one of these women, and
soon I recognized I was part of a greater story where I only had a small
part to play. But however small, I considered it to be an honor and a “high calling” so I continued to write.<br />
<br />
When our “special needs” family expanded by adopting a child with cerebral palsy,
I began to write about adoption. Mainly, I was writing about the
emotions of adoption, because I wanted to be honest and real about the
process. Adoption was hard. I wish someone had reached out to me and
affirmed that my emotions were normal. <br />
<br />
I write because I want to offer hope, courage, and <b>community</b> to those reading my words.<br />
<br />
I write because I don’t want the hurting, struggling, or broken to think that they are alone in this journey of life.<br />
<br />
And I write honestly, because if I only tell you what makes me sound
good, perfect, or like a worthy pastor’s wife, then I have cheated you
in some way. If I tell you that <b><a href="http://www.ellenstumbo.com/the-significance-of-a-new-year/" target="_blank" title="The significance of a New Year">adoption is hard</a></b>,
but I don’t tell you that it took me more than a year to feel any love
for my child, I have alienated you if you too are an adopting parent
struggling with love. If I tell you that <a href="http://www.elliestumbo.blogspot.com/2013/01/why-i-didnt-write-review-about-last-year.html" target="_blank" title="Why I didn't write a review for last year"><b>I struggle with anxiety</b></a>, but I don’t tell you that almost a year ago I had to ask for help, then I have made you feel lonely in your
own struggles thinking nobody will understand or that you are “worse
off” than the rest. If I tell you that being a parent is a joy, but I
don’t tell you that at times I feel like a failure as a mother because
of <b>my media addiction</b>, then I am not allowing a level of accountability or honesty to enter into my life, and maybe yours too.<br />
<br />
Last week, I wrote about special needs parents feeling invisible. I wanted to affirm them that they are not alone, and that I see them. You can read that post <a href="http://www.ellenstumbo.com/special-needs-parents-i-see-you/" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>.<br />
<br />
Wow.<br />
<br />
That is where blogging blew me away.<br />
<br />
In a week, that post has been shared more than 10,000 times on Facebook through my blog and through Not Alone. <br />
<br />
And I want to say thank you! Thank you to all of you who shared that post.<br />
<br />
Mainly, I am simply <b>humbled </b>that my words were able to encourage so many special needs parents. <b>B</b>ecause I do, I see you!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nGncUe_UYsYuN-5eCNtytIgahyphenhyphen61vOBOTGqYyIPMMJQAwvvrmQnypWeBfwAs8oqPGmX58f-Oek81w9YeMCJMp0t4trSHDyZ0Y_DacwIXNCr44QkwzeYxkXmYeEWY2uH1RujAew/s1600/I+see+you-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_nGncUe_UYsYuN-5eCNtytIgahyphenhyphen61vOBOTGqYyIPMMJQAwvvrmQnypWeBfwAs8oqPGmX58f-Oek81w9YeMCJMp0t4trSHDyZ0Y_DacwIXNCr44QkwzeYxkXmYeEWY2uH1RujAew/s400/I+see+you-001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09611345201573528750noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18580914.post-19326865288416213522013-04-10T07:30:00.000-05:002013-04-10T16:16:40.757-05:00The typical sibling AKA the "normal" sisterApril 10th is National Sibling day. In other words, a day set apart to celebrate siblings of kids (or adults) with special needs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohIgvvEkAMpwrhIP7ugTxYv0zHiHco1u0Wb_u3g4M__PW3T1ipgthTXxwcDjN2u3O3Mglhc0kc6d0Hg9RGUy0Xq14i1bsMAqqZjIMnlnsXSZEYAlrYQAlxGuX1YVF4zZMHbBNjg/s1600/IMG_1456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohIgvvEkAMpwrhIP7ugTxYv0zHiHco1u0Wb_u3g4M__PW3T1ipgthTXxwcDjN2u3O3Mglhc0kc6d0Hg9RGUy0Xq14i1bsMAqqZjIMnlnsXSZEYAlrYQAlxGuX1YVF4zZMHbBNjg/s1600/IMG_1456.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
If you have been around here, you know I have 3 girls. My oldest daughter is my "normal" child. I use this term because I think this is what most people outside the special needs community use, but here is a little "educational moment" it is really more appropriate to use the term "typical." You know that little saying, "Normal is a setting on a washing machine" yeah, that applies for special needs too.<br />
<br />
Because of the nature of this blog (and my writing) I really don't talk much about my oldest. And the thing is, she is pretty phenomenal.<br />
<br />
Because of her sisters, she is one of the most accepting and understanding kids I know. I love her heart of compassion, and how well she "gets it" when it comes to other kids (not her sisters) having special needs.<br />
<br />
I am proud of her. Okay, that might even be an understatement. But she really makes me proud, and in so many ways I look up to her.<br />
<br />
So today, in honor of sibling week, I am sharing with you her newest passion: playing the piano. Ellie has been taking piano lessons for over a year. All of a sudden it just clicked and she plays every single day on her own, because it is fun. She works on her songs for her lessons, and then she learns her own songs, by ear.<br />
<br />
Oh this girl is so talented! but she is also very shy! We have asked her several times if she would like to sing (she has a great voice too) but she does not want that type of attention. She might consider playing the piano, she said maybe for Mother's day. I think that would be really sweet.<br />
<br />
So here it is, her first recital (and you all get to be the attendees).<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
From her piano lesson.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwxhmnXwr8FWv7-uKUyJpBjmObzBJdCwA3ucYtpkRCDuRG5elFTzDmaoc-t3GdCJfCaII3ilqR5oK0' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
From her love for music, she figured it out by ear.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxA0j-CkKaxsUi3b4ntq26ttji1SEau0LO4uOI_4y6Jig505DxX8MCSXoKkPSwcW4jdRZZ5L0jupA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
EDITED TO ADD: this post was inspired by my friend Shasta, who thought about making sibling's day sibling's week. <a href="http://www.outrageousfortune.net/2013/04/Special-Needs-Sibling-Week.html" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a> to visit her blog and the other blogs linked up. If you write a post about your typical kids, join us!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09611345201573528750noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18580914.post-21705424610707997572013-04-08T07:30:00.000-05:002013-04-08T07:30:01.406-05:00I think soon she will be running!Nina is doing a phenomenal job with her walking. I cannot believe that it will be almost 2 years since she had a <a href="http://www.thesebrokenvases.com/search/label/rhizotomy" target="_blank">rhizotomy</a>. Sometimes, I really do forget she has cerebral palsy because she is becoming more and more independent.<br />
<br />
She is walking all the time, on her own, and loving it!<br />
<br />
Here is a video of her walking. Now, her gait is far from perfect. Her right leg is almost completely turned in, making her knees touch every time she takes a step, and her right foot is completely facing to the left. She hips are rotated and she needs to swing one arm to balance that difference.<br />
<br />
We are headed to Mayo clinic and discussing her next surgery coming up this summer. It will be pretty involved as we deal with her hip displagia, bone malformation, and short muscles that need to be released a little. Just thinking about it makes me cringe for my girl, but the difference it will make in her gait (the way she walks) her balance, and her ease of movement will be so great for her.<br />
<br />
Nonetheless, here is my girl, and you better believe we are incredibly proud of her!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Z5o6IYBj450" width="420"></iframe>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09611345201573528750noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18580914.post-23414589195887997602013-04-05T12:44:00.005-05:002013-04-05T12:44:58.003-05:00Recovery after surgery...For the last 5 years of her life, Nichole is on a mission to surprise us and challenge any expectations even <i>we</i> - her parents - have of her. This surgery was no different.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSq-zGGrYs1HK4fEsPknS3OL2so7mHfwP0u9btAMSVfmqzJwJX4GfsfYrnYAjoHuCxuBNfTe7nBQg2rEnCXeVin5MQs21zuwRmdVoqyL4reZtwRBL8Y07Ecdk2i2Co4Zos5_Nnwg/s1600/inside+box.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSq-zGGrYs1HK4fEsPknS3OL2so7mHfwP0u9btAMSVfmqzJwJX4GfsfYrnYAjoHuCxuBNfTe7nBQg2rEnCXeVin5MQs21zuwRmdVoqyL4reZtwRBL8Y07Ecdk2i2Co4Zos5_Nnwg/s320/inside+box.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
First of all, the plan was for Nichole to get ear tubes, at least for one of her ears as there was fluid there. However, when they went in, her ears had no fluid, although the doctor did mention one of her ear drums looked peculiar. Not sure what that means, but I am sure we will talk about it later. In 3 weeks we go back for a check-up and a hearing test.<br />
<br />
Recovery was hard. How do you help with pain when your child refuses to take oral medication? I think the chemistry of Tylenol did not feel good going down her throat. She spit most of it out, refused to take it, so I think she was not getting enough relief from her pain. We could get her to drink a little bit, and eat a little bit, but it was hard.<br />
<br />
And this is where I discovered that I don't handle my kids in pain well at all. It was hard with Nina, but with Nichole, my feeling of helplessness was even greater. While Nichole cried refusing to take her meds, I was crying too,begging her to take them, yelling in desperation "Nichole, please, take you medicine sweetheart, you have to take it!", and of course making the sisters cry too. <br />
<br />
So I got suppositories.<br />
<br />
Oh how I love suppositories! Nichole did not mind them that much either. No more crying to get meds, it was so easy and fast she really didn't have a chance to fight it. I tried to avoid it, I mean, who wants to use suppositories? But after that she began perking up and this girl likes to eat noodles and eggs, and drink her juice! So that is what she had for about a week.<br />
<br />
Same day we started the suppositories, she started asking for chicken and french fries. Yes, my kid is a McDonald's junkie, and for some reason this was exactly what she wanted to eat. She kept bringing me her coat and shoes and asking to go get them. She is not a fan of a soft diet, and the poor girl has sensory processing issues, so textures are a big thing. That is why we only ate noodles and eggs. Those are okay.<br />
<br />
We considered sending her to school today, but she wanted to stay. Next week we are back to normal. praise God!<br />
<br />
Oh, and since she is all better now, guess what treat I got her. Asi es! A Happy Meal! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09611345201573528750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18580914.post-91904658166737682412013-03-26T16:12:00.000-05:002013-03-26T16:12:00.986-05:00Update on Nichole's SurgeryThis morning, we arrived at 6:15 am at Children's Hospital for Nichole's <a href="http://www.thesebrokenvases.com/2013/03/tonsils-adenoids-and-ear-tubesoh-my.html" target="_blank">tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, and possible ear tubes</a>. It was an early morning, but Nichole was happy as we got out of the car. I kept thinking, <i>she has no idea what is about to happen!</i><br />
<br />
We talked about the surgery with Nichole. We do think she understood it to some extent, and she was mildly cooperative in the morning. That is, until they had her take her pajamas off and put on the hospital gown. I can't figure out how to paste video from my phone here, so check out this link<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151797109752802" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151797109752802</a> on my Facebook page. It was pretty cute, and you get a pretty good sense of Nichole's communication skills.<br />
<br />
Nichole gets pretty worked up with doctors and getting her vitals checked. At first, we thought she would loose it, but she pulled it together. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here she is, resigned to wear her scrubs and right before surgery.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77EKmF_xz_Kcnn2s6D02q5klYc5Q_PBayrsiFdsEeiLRIQqj5kPTYCVpxMPBea3Wy3ZIKSMuSW0vkUwD-CW23ClPW_YL6euO2UUuRQxCtDSlHqn7gzb9rpKb2Q3iYmR1jZJ96Yg/s1600/IMG_2626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77EKmF_xz_Kcnn2s6D02q5klYc5Q_PBayrsiFdsEeiLRIQqj5kPTYCVpxMPBea3Wy3ZIKSMuSW0vkUwD-CW23ClPW_YL6euO2UUuRQxCtDSlHqn7gzb9rpKb2Q3iYmR1jZJ96Yg/s1600/IMG_2626.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
She is a daddy's little girls, and was happy having daddy with her. Although she did not like daddy getting scrubs on either.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqSBDR38yIriIC-cRZQQNLoHbrPxTt8YLiHce9-nV1cuzz_neEARa9LGqBVG0eagpwiBOXJk25gRlIQV637P2fbSC2FVuHSvmz84KXRts2_mwkhriLn-V4vWR3oe8-mGJcqqPYg/s1600/IMG_2627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqSBDR38yIriIC-cRZQQNLoHbrPxTt8YLiHce9-nV1cuzz_neEARa9LGqBVG0eagpwiBOXJk25gRlIQV637P2fbSC2FVuHSvmz84KXRts2_mwkhriLn-V4vWR3oe8-mGJcqqPYg/s1600/IMG_2627.JPG" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And here they go, ready for surgery and Nichole is waving good-bye. At this point, she really had no idea that when she saw me again, she would be in pain.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyqDGLHD_RrND7CN0iguyny4ZwiRuLi3cThueQDYYFksfhx0AFZhKknuQCBuU9getL_vLBeGRI6d3ISweEqdQI40DJBEStig75fRuSt4Zq0GU0jYaZMyxxBt83GaxIgR08qxUVQ/s1600/surgery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyqDGLHD_RrND7CN0iguyny4ZwiRuLi3cThueQDYYFksfhx0AFZhKknuQCBuU9getL_vLBeGRI6d3ISweEqdQI40DJBEStig75fRuSt4Zq0GU0jYaZMyxxBt83GaxIgR08qxUVQ/s1600/surgery.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
They called us to recovery, and Nichole was already sitting on the bed. Wobbly from anesthesia, a wonderful nurse helping her. She was whimpering, mainly when she saw she had an IV. She knew there was something different in her mouth, but when I asked if it hurt she said no, and pointed at the IV to come out. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixE09hRiQzw-wxKPbn6VDm_ckK2xaSdNztc2YIvLqXjCsmhBOHfuSYR2Vt7autnyUtT3x5ZEA9Gbvdh0j3-a-cw_06gVqvyT25x8LR3ZLY2u2Ogl1gOUaxPMvL5KxBGReJolbK4A/s1600/recovery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixE09hRiQzw-wxKPbn6VDm_ckK2xaSdNztc2YIvLqXjCsmhBOHfuSYR2Vt7autnyUtT3x5ZEA9Gbvdh0j3-a-cw_06gVqvyT25x8LR3ZLY2u2Ogl1gOUaxPMvL5KxBGReJolbK4A/s1600/recovery.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We hung out at the recovery room for a while. Nichole settled down and was watching Strawberry Shortcake, and later on Curious George. The beauty of technology! They told us that technology works better helping kids with pain and anxiety even compared to drugs. I will have to agree.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After a while, they took us to our room and Nichole nestled with daddy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjf5lLlKznv8whaimeT48DAxp3ShlIJKpRsfqL8Xkvc8iro8uaafcsM4L99Td9_SEUimQFPnCGIqb0oMrPaM0bWTs3X6S9BYuoqHgMWy1ksVZcMJ5DNtpr87Mjjrmj4nhwju_iwQ/s1600/IMG_2630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjf5lLlKznv8whaimeT48DAxp3ShlIJKpRsfqL8Xkvc8iro8uaafcsM4L99Td9_SEUimQFPnCGIqb0oMrPaM0bWTs3X6S9BYuoqHgMWy1ksVZcMJ5DNtpr87Mjjrmj4nhwju_iwQ/s1600/IMG_2630.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And then when the nurse said she could put her Frog jammies back on, she was one happy girl!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mEZh7wx3muLZtsMJb_G3alUy5-9US-VQ7tZcFZRCXTpvF7-UEVNXEHj30C6a9NpjKxqbOX45RPlv22rOSBhZ5V2i8uBwbVzNpur59W8EJY-q-BoV1Iy-Z-DuZEu7pIj9hlE-Iw/s1600/frog+jammies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mEZh7wx3muLZtsMJb_G3alUy5-9US-VQ7tZcFZRCXTpvF7-UEVNXEHj30C6a9NpjKxqbOX45RPlv22rOSBhZ5V2i8uBwbVzNpur59W8EJY-q-BoV1Iy-Z-DuZEu7pIj9hlE-Iw/s1600/frog+jammies.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
We are waiting. The plan is for us to spend the night. It is a precaution that most hospitals take with kids who have Down syndrome or other special needs to make sure that they are okay going home with oxygen levels, or any complications that might arise.<br />
<br />
When Nina had her surgery, due to her oxygen levels we ended up staying there for 2 nights.<br />
<br />
How is Nichole doing? So much better than we expected! She is drinking, without us pushing it, she wants to. And eating? She ate an entire plate of noodles, and she was asking for more food as Andy and I were eating.<br />
<br />
She is amazing!<br />
<br />
The main thing right now, is handling her pain. Which so far we have kept on top of it.<br />
<br />
What a trooper we have!<br />
<br />
Thank you so much for all of you praying for my sweet girl. We appreciate those prayers more than you know!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09611345201573528750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18580914.post-16825356127472149972013-03-25T08:00:00.000-05:002013-03-25T08:00:02.297-05:00Becoming Whole: A Sibling's Story<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:DoNotShowRevisions/>
<w:DoNotPrintRevisions/>
<w:DoNotShowMarkup/>
<w:DoNotShowComments/>
<w:DoNotShowInsertionsAndDeletions/>
<w:DoNotShowPropertyChanges/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<em><b>Editor's Note: This is a guest post from Caroline
McGraw, featuring an excerpt from her book, <u>Love's Subversive Stance: Ground
Yourself and Grow in Relationship.</u></b></em><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">When</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">was</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">a</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">little</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">girl,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">don</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">’</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">t</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">remember</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">having</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">a</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">firm</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">concept</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">of</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">God,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">specifically.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Yet</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">do</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">remember</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">having</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">a</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">very</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">clear</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">idea</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">of</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">what</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">heaven</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">would</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">be</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">like.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">believed</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">that</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">heaven</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">would</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">be</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">just</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">this:</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">a</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">place</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">where</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">could</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">talk</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">freely</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">with</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">my</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">brother Willie.</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUywn0RX0_eo-9F7d0NYxvcQwP5GaIvp0xv8Ho6_aY5DlEqSsl2A-yI6Ltp7JfSNgWHych0f5nZ2A7o8WozBdNc03XC2_OCVa1T6_z6abvUAKKW9JTR5yddcyKRGggzYx9pWNGWA/s1600/CarolineandWillie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUywn0RX0_eo-9F7d0NYxvcQwP5GaIvp0xv8Ho6_aY5DlEqSsl2A-yI6Ltp7JfSNgWHych0f5nZ2A7o8WozBdNc03XC2_OCVa1T6_z6abvUAKKW9JTR5yddcyKRGggzYx9pWNGWA/s400/CarolineandWillie.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">It</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">would</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">be</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">a</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">place</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">without</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">the</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">limits</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">of</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">autism</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">on</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">his</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">part</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">or</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">lack</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">of</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">knowledge</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">on</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">mine,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">a</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">place</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">where</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">could</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">ask</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">him</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">a</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">question</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">and</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">receive</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">a</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">complete</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">answer.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">remember</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">wanting</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">to</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">ask</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">him</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">about</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">the</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">details</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">of</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">our</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">life;</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">wanted</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">to</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">know</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">if</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Cheerios</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">were</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">really</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">his</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">favorite</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">cereal</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">or</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">if</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">he</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">ate</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">them</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">simply</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">because</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">that</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">’</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">s</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">what</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Mom</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">bought.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">wanted</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">then</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">what</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">want</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">now:</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">a</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">window</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">into</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">his</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">mind</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">and</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">heart.</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Yet</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">maybe,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">just</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">maybe,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">can</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">only</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">see</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">in</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">part</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">because</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">to</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">see</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">fully</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">would</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">be</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">too</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">much</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">beauty</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">to</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">bear.</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">For</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">me,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">heeding</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">this</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">wisdom</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">means</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">that,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">even</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">as</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">hope</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">for</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">heaven,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">look</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">for</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">those</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">sudden</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">windows</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">into</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">my</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">brother</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">’</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">s</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">mind</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">and</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">heart</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">now.</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">remember</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">a</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">time</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">one</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">such</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
‘</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">window</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">’
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">opened:</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">during</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">the</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">long-ago</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">era</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">when</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">my</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">brother</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">was</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">obsessed</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">with</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Snow</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">White</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">and</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">the</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Seven</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Dwarves.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">He</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">had</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">(still</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">has)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">all</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">seven</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">stuffed</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">dwarves,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">and</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">he</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">loved</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">to</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">line</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">them</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">up.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">He</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">referred</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">to</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">himself</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">as</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
‘</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Grumpy</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">’
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">or</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
‘</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Happy</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">’
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">depending</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">on</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">his</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">mood.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">realize</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">now</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">that</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">the</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">film</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">was</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">probably</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">an</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">excellent</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">way</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">for</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">him</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">to</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">learn</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">about</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">identifying</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">emotion,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">since</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">each</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">dwarf</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">is</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">typecast</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">and</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">consistent</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">in</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">facial</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">expression</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">throughout</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">the</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">story.</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">One</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">day,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">my</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">parents</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">asked</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">him,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Willie,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">if</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">you</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">’</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">re</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Happy,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">who</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">is</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Mommy?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">”
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">For</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">reasons</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">inexplicable,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Willie</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">replied,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Mommy</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">is</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Bashful!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">”
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Mommy</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">is</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">not</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">bashful.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">However,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Bashful</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">is</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">a</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">thoughtful,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">kind</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">dwarf,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">so</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">perhaps</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">these</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">qualities</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">were</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">behind</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">his</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">choice.</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">My</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">mom</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">then</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">asked,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">And</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">who</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">is</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Daddy?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">”
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Willie</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">said,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Daddy</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">is</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Doc!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">”
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">This</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">choice</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">seems</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">a</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">bit</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">more</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">logical.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">My</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">father</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">wears</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">glasses</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">and</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">has</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">a</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">calm,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">direct</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">way</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">of</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">expressing</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">himself.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">He</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">has</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">a</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">quirky</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">sense</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">of</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">humor,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">and</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">he</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">’</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">s</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">a</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">natural</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">leader.</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Finally,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">my</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">mom</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">asked,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">And</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">who</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">is</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">your</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">sister</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Caroline?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">”
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">With</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">no</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">hesitation,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Willie</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">said,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Caroline</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">is</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><em>Snow</em><em><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span>White</em><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">”</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">So</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">there</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">you</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">have</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">it.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">To</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">my</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">brother,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">am</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">a</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Disney</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">princess.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">He</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">may</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">not</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">be</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">able</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">to</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">say</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">things</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">like,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Caroline,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">look</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">up</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">to</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">you,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">”
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">or,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Caroline,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">’</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">m</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">glad</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">you</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">’</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">re</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">my</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">sister,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">”
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">but</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">he</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">can</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">cast</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">me</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">in</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">a</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">starring</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">role</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">in</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">the</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">movie</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">of</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">his</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">mind.</span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">may</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">not</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">be</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">able</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">to</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">see</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">all</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">’</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">d</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">like</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">to</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">see</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">of</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">my</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">brother</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">’</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">s</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">mind</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">and</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">heart,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">but</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">what</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">can</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">see</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">is</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">astonishing.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">He</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">’</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">s</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">creative,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">and</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">hilarious,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">and</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">generous</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">with</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">his</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">casting. </span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">*** </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjz1YaGtTq1bj-0STEmLJv0Dvk1oY7hU5kmvsOPviYR2P1csPu7lG7O0XeK0_TMpjow8ieO7Cv8EgojBDtTLwSd4AXE-CT6b2A23o8S97F9uY2NrvsqnkEwV28xpQdScye5a-1A/s1600/CGM+Bio,+scaled+down.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjz1YaGtTq1bj-0STEmLJv0Dvk1oY7hU5kmvsOPviYR2P1csPu7lG7O0XeK0_TMpjow8ieO7Cv8EgojBDtTLwSd4AXE-CT6b2A23o8S97F9uY2NrvsqnkEwV28xpQdScye5a-1A/s200/CGM+Bio,+scaled+down.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Caroline</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">McGraw</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">is</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">a</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">would-be</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">childhood</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">paleontologist</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">who</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">digs</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">for</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">treasure</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">in</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">people</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">with</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">disabilities,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">and</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">empowers</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">caregivers</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">to</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">do</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">the</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">same.</span><em><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";"> </span>Her</em><em><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";"> </span></em><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><a href="http://eepurl.com/dGYYY">free
digital book</a><em>,</em></span><em><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span>Your</em><em><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span>Creed</em><em><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";">
</span>of</em><em><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";"> </span>Care:</em><em><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>How</em><em><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";"> </span>to</em><em><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";"> </span>Dig</em><em><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";"> </span>for</em><em><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";"> </span>Treasure</em><em><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";"> </span>in</em><em><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";"> </span>People</em><em><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";"> </span>(Without</em><em><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";"> </span>Getting</em><em><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";"> </span>Buried</em><em><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";"> </span>Alive)</em><em><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";"> </span>is</em><em><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";"> available </span>at</em><em><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Nimbus Roman No9 L";"> </span></em><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><a href="http://www.awishcomeclear.com/">A Wish Come Clear</a><em>.</em></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09611345201573528750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18580914.post-67531517087206190712013-03-22T13:21:00.002-05:002013-03-22T13:21:49.237-05:00Tonsils, Adenoids and Ear Tubes...Oh My!On Tuesday, our little rascal is getting her tonsils and adenoids out. And if they see fluid behind one of her ears, an ear tube is going in. This mama is not so excited about surgery...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkqV_gg4IOV8iM6_msRI7SWPbDEg00BLWjVWR6oaZdU3eZwl5OaZr1ripjzJacvKOaHFlKhTlUE6a9jtlzIIaFRLgwbkp1yQE4FIs8baN1LLBjYC2ShlC5ZBdOrycH6eZYGqFNw/s1600/DSC_0137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkqV_gg4IOV8iM6_msRI7SWPbDEg00BLWjVWR6oaZdU3eZwl5OaZr1ripjzJacvKOaHFlKhTlUE6a9jtlzIIaFRLgwbkp1yQE4FIs8baN1LLBjYC2ShlC5ZBdOrycH6eZYGqFNw/s1600/DSC_0137.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
She is just not a good patient. When Nichole is sick, or is not feeling good...watch out!<br />
<br />
This is also her very first surgery. She has never had anesthesia. But she has been a <a href="http://elliestumbo.blogspot.com/2011/02/periorbital-cellulitis.html" target="_blank">hospital patient,</a> and she didn't like it! <br />
<br />
It probably doesn't help that our last experience with this surgery was tough. Nina had been home with us for only 4 months when she had this surgery, and it set us back in our bonding/attachment. Not to mention our relationship. Then, after 7 days, she started bleeding, and she was airlifted to Mayo clinic.<br />
<br />
I know, I know, this is very rare, but we had "that" complication once already, and I am not looking forward to surgery and recovery.<br />
<br />
And I feel bad for my rascal too, because I know there will be pain.<br />
<br />
This is my one hope: she loves ice-cream, she can have as much sherbert as she wants where I am concerned, and hopefully she will be drinking.<br />
<br />
Keep us in your thoughts and prayers. I will try to update as soon as I can.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09611345201573528750noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18580914.post-162883357294586982013-03-19T18:56:00.000-05:002013-03-19T18:56:17.111-05:00Who I Am: Down Syndrome Style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I might have Down syndrome, but I am still a person with unique gifts and abilities. I am Who I Am, and God made me exactly who He wanted me to be.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b> I am full of joy...</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1h-OXPszNzdt1AgG6L-dzBNdsvZwjt-iVhbHj9KsDjgisWUUkD231goM_bPB6u9dgMUlQ5Cp8SReg3BRlk_pHF5lyIsSzcoBJ8rnmlLYa41FeRk_WZXATmjin2y6UNw9a_geLIQ/s1600/1-IMG_9091-001.JPG" /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I am daddy's little girl through and through... </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislRcdqNxQ4ee4ybzaaqIzVVNJ0OReLUnNFghdYoiIyTeN_KEdOo6RDYSGR0a3jAl2S4Rmqci07IR8b2TwaY1xVsb4fbKVtYxvi7gIGDVYdAfM3HYKrn-6Z93NV21mFDWoBtGc9Q/s1600/1-IMG_9215-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislRcdqNxQ4ee4ybzaaqIzVVNJ0OReLUnNFghdYoiIyTeN_KEdOo6RDYSGR0a3jAl2S4Rmqci07IR8b2TwaY1xVsb4fbKVtYxvi7gIGDVYdAfM3HYKrn-6Z93NV21mFDWoBtGc9Q/s1600/1-IMG_9215-001.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I am a friend... </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixebtm47pw-w7AyGuKXferzAkS-EfxxYCnwFBMonXfFBlTRvmrQlZQxBshs1L6wdgHOZhy4-Drh5h_p81GfNNANMoO9mxtoH35yFTF_irg-t25XKo8PlU0oHFYDVLOxCfWlRsEUQ/s1600/20130302_151832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixebtm47pw-w7AyGuKXferzAkS-EfxxYCnwFBMonXfFBlTRvmrQlZQxBshs1L6wdgHOZhy4-Drh5h_p81GfNNANMoO9mxtoH35yFTF_irg-t25XKo8PlU0oHFYDVLOxCfWlRsEUQ/s1600/20130302_151832.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I am valued... </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXoE_9w7VgMcrAJQXlGwLB20OAAKYvAeRgNSop4xCS5JjJM0azyB3vy6fbJDSVs-e_uJzkFADMnZJlsA4dh-h6u1SuAq4I0nR4Q3t_99T8wXtv_7NtjuIeZM3miH3XJCjij4t-w/s1600/DSC_0137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXoE_9w7VgMcrAJQXlGwLB20OAAKYvAeRgNSop4xCS5JjJM0azyB3vy6fbJDSVs-e_uJzkFADMnZJlsA4dh-h6u1SuAq4I0nR4Q3t_99T8wXtv_7NtjuIeZM3miH3XJCjij4t-w/s1600/DSC_0137.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I am inquisitive... </b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-5bV4REwc4ED8vMhSWfiRkQGbA4Rlhz3EnPEPPs13EwTaFslbSRPvYPAq4y4WjzlXbKEzZTGWNjQ6B4WIxhh-BGt8o3Lu836xpBB5cox2G__3lUiy9BFDTIsTWvD5u93okmV7g/s1600/IMG_0124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-5bV4REwc4ED8vMhSWfiRkQGbA4Rlhz3EnPEPPs13EwTaFslbSRPvYPAq4y4WjzlXbKEzZTGWNjQ6B4WIxhh-BGt8o3Lu836xpBB5cox2G__3lUiy9BFDTIsTWvD5u93okmV7g/s1600/IMG_0124.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I am a loving sister... </b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKRoWv0svVt6QyYFgDPwRtLpRoG7VqNUI9lNtpq0s0uNd_k6qDuF-GC5czA9FmzsOLrkXNpZeLbAetRc0Qy1EqGpuRMJbTe-iaG2b3zy42Q4WTViSvaX1fIUuqbCAOYEfxqgFEw/s1600/IMG_0615-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKRoWv0svVt6QyYFgDPwRtLpRoG7VqNUI9lNtpq0s0uNd_k6qDuF-GC5czA9FmzsOLrkXNpZeLbAetRc0Qy1EqGpuRMJbTe-iaG2b3zy42Q4WTViSvaX1fIUuqbCAOYEfxqgFEw/s1600/IMG_0615-001.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I am a music lover and performer... </b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1J0OthydTpb6SMUndWEX5zbjDhrXSqCrij2-CVg0FDFa-JUoU7KwtLfFr5BrYHdThiIJEW517Et3Jh1X_oB8KhU2_RP0zLsUEMQdwH8d8N4on863hg9lf0-op5tYkoKz3y236A/s1600/IMG_0674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1J0OthydTpb6SMUndWEX5zbjDhrXSqCrij2-CVg0FDFa-JUoU7KwtLfFr5BrYHdThiIJEW517Et3Jh1X_oB8KhU2_RP0zLsUEMQdwH8d8N4on863hg9lf0-op5tYkoKz3y236A/s1600/IMG_0674.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I am cherished...</b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaO6SliRZ1S7b_mcbZLuSjMBNYxtSQFAfBQXrcGPiyW08OMzmA2c7Gb5BnJQ6ZRHJkUa_c8nFIXRLrZ1ShjHDDp2bspf4GHT_B_xuhHJMJHW5ARuGZKfLr1oAYhJZjDEXebSA9RA/s1600/IMG_0748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaO6SliRZ1S7b_mcbZLuSjMBNYxtSQFAfBQXrcGPiyW08OMzmA2c7Gb5BnJQ6ZRHJkUa_c8nFIXRLrZ1ShjHDDp2bspf4GHT_B_xuhHJMJHW5ARuGZKfLr1oAYhJZjDEXebSA9RA/s1600/IMG_0748.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> I am enjoying life to the fullest...</b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQCeneW7P6vsv3Vj4NGWRKa8zgxCjmxRnL36ufGx1-sLbSNqMaD9-P8i_3a1IFLmqp5PovOsx0gwWH9H4DZ13ActaNFqeWloHtXLc7drufbUUxIgmE9b4FkGVgQ4XeenJyrUfL_Q/s1600/IMG_1034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQCeneW7P6vsv3Vj4NGWRKa8zgxCjmxRnL36ufGx1-sLbSNqMaD9-P8i_3a1IFLmqp5PovOsx0gwWH9H4DZ13ActaNFqeWloHtXLc7drufbUUxIgmE9b4FkGVgQ4XeenJyrUfL_Q/s1600/IMG_1034.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I am flying high, full of potential... </b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEqu8TCHpH4L2ldIhbCPcSuQ5JfXRykFN5KzQGGKssTc3qT0_ByMGeNx1plD2t9MPxnKzbKBt4HPXo7Oa-AqivChie0ymOplOa2bGbNPVNdGCmQjKYFuMEI_6mUyoyLBOf8_-eQ/s1600/IMG_0807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEqu8TCHpH4L2ldIhbCPcSuQ5JfXRykFN5KzQGGKssTc3qT0_ByMGeNx1plD2t9MPxnKzbKBt4HPXo7Oa-AqivChie0ymOplOa2bGbNPVNdGCmQjKYFuMEI_6mUyoyLBOf8_-eQ/s1600/IMG_0807.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Sometimes, I am a clown, I like to make people laugh... </b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgs0mnYhVndStICTUbOESuA47i3_0wGt8SOgUGk4kpUDLMPr6o_-ml4wRFhW_xOjPtjBl0Zdp8qX3jdbyRIQUeVRE6PWbhBoACRj7L2470IQGnzfqFGEyZgfYuGtPHLN2fKe7WA/s1600/IMG_2149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgs0mnYhVndStICTUbOESuA47i3_0wGt8SOgUGk4kpUDLMPr6o_-ml4wRFhW_xOjPtjBl0Zdp8qX3jdbyRIQUeVRE6PWbhBoACRj7L2470IQGnzfqFGEyZgfYuGtPHLN2fKe7WA/s1600/IMG_2149.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I am polite and well behaved... </b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZwFBc_5eHRh3Wdpn5IcLU4R8tWA2FX10-uUitdefJSe_oBOjri6lOVS97COSBX0pCopMOQaGCp4UGo0pOqNHxCW8nrA3nylKM4wmcgnfJ3CmZxr-GEYfhfX-NV3rlvLNaX5iOw/s1600/IMG_1232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJZwFBc_5eHRh3Wdpn5IcLU4R8tWA2FX10-uUitdefJSe_oBOjri6lOVS97COSBX0pCopMOQaGCp4UGo0pOqNHxCW8nrA3nylKM4wmcgnfJ3CmZxr-GEYfhfX-NV3rlvLNaX5iOw/s1600/IMG_1232.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I am someone with feelings, just like you...</b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiRHQsvnNvHxIS5FG3qcOS1TVo-LDRMd4QylKxteodcBAwu4rWMDs9yNVk2R6vnKQ362gabBTORGEMgifJ7YSnOtC7nZM5Y__DMLwdy_yhe_LUbp7hT35LDpfIhgXpLDSjObrJNA/s1600/IMG_3190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiRHQsvnNvHxIS5FG3qcOS1TVo-LDRMd4QylKxteodcBAwu4rWMDs9yNVk2R6vnKQ362gabBTORGEMgifJ7YSnOtC7nZM5Y__DMLwdy_yhe_LUbp7hT35LDpfIhgXpLDSjObrJNA/s1600/IMG_3190.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I am capable of learning... </b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7w3N5p8I40yybqOWFm3E7xWIiWoingNoHiekUyCHl-wTkM1j6gl5VPEBnI-Kco4RexQTXA1f4CioMrwci4au4EisHNwlMFTGshbl95VQYWPPNZAXZlWDJX-JpkxjSiv7TB0UxKQ/s1600/IMG_2587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7w3N5p8I40yybqOWFm3E7xWIiWoingNoHiekUyCHl-wTkM1j6gl5VPEBnI-Kco4RexQTXA1f4CioMrwci4au4EisHNwlMFTGshbl95VQYWPPNZAXZlWDJX-JpkxjSiv7TB0UxKQ/s1600/IMG_2587.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I am a student...</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPTrMONGLoA4HEHg_gQkkTWROpHbf3qxPDzQtf_dzB_Ogq6qtXUgPPcR56HuG_-t0T9STfqOpLmwOepc7cb4w2dEDA4S2yZIS302sigtdNDWs5YikZ7hnd63QIeoBZY7qy01Pdrg/s1600/IMG_2342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPTrMONGLoA4HEHg_gQkkTWROpHbf3qxPDzQtf_dzB_Ogq6qtXUgPPcR56HuG_-t0T9STfqOpLmwOepc7cb4w2dEDA4S2yZIS302sigtdNDWs5YikZ7hnd63QIeoBZY7qy01Pdrg/s1600/IMG_2342.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I am ready to join in the fun with my sisters...</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNodmem6oHp1RToNo59w7gr14inw-2Y48VSK03tMYhv7YysYnuQ2oEtafLVXbNdvXy9DLdA0vd-og11ERsCM7p51iw-w5Zyb8veJzZh8CcQkDMuJp4QZPluCmr1ULqapoEYaMFWw/s1600/IMG_3624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNodmem6oHp1RToNo59w7gr14inw-2Y48VSK03tMYhv7YysYnuQ2oEtafLVXbNdvXy9DLdA0vd-og11ERsCM7p51iw-w5Zyb8veJzZh8CcQkDMuJp4QZPluCmr1ULqapoEYaMFWw/s1600/IMG_3624.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I am wanted... </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrhfZltQqyG8Fe_2lOqgWaVBV5-a8HR9voJnxT1dAyXYEfPKK8t7MUsDMq-U_7jdCxokezjdVMydMZUUzeL8UZW-bOtXSufwVMW-qvSIh4ZjTUg3nxu8F6p8oT0_OB5cRotmNiQ/s1600/IMG_4093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrhfZltQqyG8Fe_2lOqgWaVBV5-a8HR9voJnxT1dAyXYEfPKK8t7MUsDMq-U_7jdCxokezjdVMydMZUUzeL8UZW-bOtXSufwVMW-qvSIh4ZjTUg3nxu8F6p8oT0_OB5cRotmNiQ/s1600/IMG_4093.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I am ticklish... </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBBERg6lLI9VrdpmxnatMk6iwC-LvjPE_owy0n5DK_9VD-sH73gBTB45mqDDl2SnafxjUtW9hakC5pYYtmTQG6zm2Sfi2BYwmLDifFWspDE-f5Qf2S3JZsxCMgWiHr47mevzl8Q/s1600/IMG_3898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTBBERg6lLI9VrdpmxnatMk6iwC-LvjPE_owy0n5DK_9VD-sH73gBTB45mqDDl2SnafxjUtW9hakC5pYYtmTQG6zm2Sfi2BYwmLDifFWspDE-f5Qf2S3JZsxCMgWiHr47mevzl8Q/s1600/IMG_3898.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I am beautiful...</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn56n8WyeO-4IUEBH3_BmiQ5pT90Q0LfG4sFzbR-ueF-kgVK27QCH_jWa3C6L6f93eiwljotI5utDee4QXvwSNJksqk2784It_ONWSMfs7wctNifMErUVldSEnn9o7ZkjXpjERVQ/s1600/IMG_6743-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn56n8WyeO-4IUEBH3_BmiQ5pT90Q0LfG4sFzbR-ueF-kgVK27QCH_jWa3C6L6f93eiwljotI5utDee4QXvwSNJksqk2784It_ONWSMfs7wctNifMErUVldSEnn9o7ZkjXpjERVQ/s1600/IMG_6743-1.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I am an inspiration...</b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbk29tQzXVaSk_qPimy8CHoh-9SpkcSmDi5frUDXFrwXwIPMh23LY4aCa4LN-j18j9SBkPX9IhEvVchMpyuDQcbolH6xRPg6hGZDtxwjFr1q_2t0mqKAkcEZ73ZlX8Z4GMPWk1Gg/s1600/Nichole+is+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbk29tQzXVaSk_qPimy8CHoh-9SpkcSmDi5frUDXFrwXwIPMh23LY4aCa4LN-j18j9SBkPX9IhEvVchMpyuDQcbolH6xRPg6hGZDtxwjFr1q_2t0mqKAkcEZ73ZlX8Z4GMPWk1Gg/s1600/Nichole+is+5.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> I am important...</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ZW19EXrSYboFtT8PQ27o7Rapt8MwCLwCJoegMwlSy5hJAiHF5y4pTP9oQXU-KNAQpdizsTkp02FnOkxK2lKA9ZT-rmavfaNtzMEQdrSHSi1vqafHz5TK6R_J8GhQMSg1PkpRPA/s1600/nichole+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ZW19EXrSYboFtT8PQ27o7Rapt8MwCLwCJoegMwlSy5hJAiHF5y4pTP9oQXU-KNAQpdizsTkp02FnOkxK2lKA9ZT-rmavfaNtzMEQdrSHSi1vqafHz5TK6R_J8GhQMSg1PkpRPA/s1600/nichole+5.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I am a rascal...</b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEq_DkzPJ4lVelw-rX-C3z-S3GS5b1foNoefiwINBgTXwpy2Rde3TXvmNz1hAu3ezHgNJWhlZ_3bNe2l4TidytJajNuaGhsqx6GewFMs1Pm32x2Bdy1OyABkB6Je0bdPxV4w2AHw/s1600/photo+56_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEq_DkzPJ4lVelw-rX-C3z-S3GS5b1foNoefiwINBgTXwpy2Rde3TXvmNz1hAu3ezHgNJWhlZ_3bNe2l4TidytJajNuaGhsqx6GewFMs1Pm32x2Bdy1OyABkB6Je0bdPxV4w2AHw/s1600/photo+56_.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I am someone who has been changing lives since the day I was born...</b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKqOBrQTeuWoyvyD8uYvs4zpPFh1LdkloZ2p5kiJ7nmlo6eV_E9lF87_eSCoOlrx994UTkjG9g0Ndx1D4eco4cw9WmiuiOJBAkW5LQfVF_ygbeZQNHbEcTJNzf1ZfxdsEE7Dr1w/s1600/scan0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKqOBrQTeuWoyvyD8uYvs4zpPFh1LdkloZ2p5kiJ7nmlo6eV_E9lF87_eSCoOlrx994UTkjG9g0Ndx1D4eco4cw9WmiuiOJBAkW5LQfVF_ygbeZQNHbEcTJNzf1ZfxdsEE7Dr1w/s1600/scan0001.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I am deeply loved...</b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGC0n6K2JEEevyxvsPGU8J4twfqxuCgX7Q1qNSgES8Z4CZMPzwC8rHMIpMD_0dE0cfYpooqGyGK4n3egoaXnS4_E7RJUwHN61FUc_chXEd9RXbRLjvhjgf4t6PISdTeU9Fu7dAbA/s1600/unconditional+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGC0n6K2JEEevyxvsPGU8J4twfqxuCgX7Q1qNSgES8Z4CZMPzwC8rHMIpMD_0dE0cfYpooqGyGK4n3egoaXnS4_E7RJUwHN61FUc_chXEd9RXbRLjvhjgf4t6PISdTeU9Fu7dAbA/s1600/unconditional+love.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I am my mommy's dream...</b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ83lji_2vg87uusDpFfSXTYwIWWhdSL2mKOrxs3T100-jsTSAZIgjvS24gHezigmucJKQ59aSDuIlWd4wrc_76vIKvsD3hP-SV-fNpYqpfYehnAiad1L1oaZI5fmm5IiWWw0Lhw/s1600/so+much+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ83lji_2vg87uusDpFfSXTYwIWWhdSL2mKOrxs3T100-jsTSAZIgjvS24gHezigmucJKQ59aSDuIlWd4wrc_76vIKvsD3hP-SV-fNpYqpfYehnAiad1L1oaZI5fmm5IiWWw0Lhw/s1600/so+much+love.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>I am ME! </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglF2stMBcmfGZLWFCm0j-AVy4JOZzoclEQtakf8m6zlNdY7k37ECfua32ZchXkUKVNHSq34QqAaIG2ZeMeXFcoYcXPXa4J6QRV-2g-cyxFxlojbQA-xbtbqwDdrBbgIaH_PJkE6g/s1600/Nichole's+smile.jpg" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thanks you <a href="http://theidsc.org/" target="_blank">International Down Syndrome Coalition</a> (IDSC) for celebrating and valuing our children, and sharing with others who they are! </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09611345201573528750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18580914.post-67187840762898146532013-03-12T14:07:00.001-05:002013-03-15T12:46:14.025-05:00IDSC World Down Syndrome Day Video!It is an honor to be a part of the <a href="http://theidsc.org/" target="_blank">International Down Syndrome Coalition</a>. To celebrate World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st, we have created a video. It is AWESOME! No, seriously, I am not saying this because I am biased, you will love this!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
ENJOY! </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9VG7dh5W40I" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09611345201573528750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18580914.post-81506397989660256812013-03-06T10:06:00.000-06:002013-03-06T10:06:01.073-06:00We Need Your Help<div>
If you are not familiar with <a href="http://not-alone.org/" target="_blank"><b>Not Alone</b></a>, I encourage you to <a href="http://not-alone.org/" target="_blank">hop on over</a> and take a look. I am humbled and honored to be a part of the team behind Not Alone. We have only been a round for a couple of months, and already I have been incredible blessed and encouraged by it.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
So here is the scoop...</div>
<div>
<strong> </strong></div>
<div>
<strong>66 million.</strong> </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
That's how
many unique visitors that About.com averages e-v-e-r-y month! And
here's the link on About.com where you can find people reading and
disussing being a parent of a child with special needs, life, and faith:</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<em>Oh...that's right. There isn't any.</em></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Sad
but true. You can find a variety of links on About.com
concerning Christianity. And special needs. But none where the two
intersect. I want to change that and <em>I need your help to do it</em>. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I don't think I"ve ever shared this with you but the vision I crafted for our blog is simply this:</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong><em>"To
make Christ-followers by sharing God's love with parents and
grandparents of children with special needs with the hope of building
community through shared stories of life, faith, and parenthood."</em></strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The focus of Not Alone is to lead parents one step
closer to Christ...or depending where they're at in their walk...to
deepen their faith in Christ.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Having a higher
level of visibility on About.com will allow us to reach a much larger
audience of <b>parents who need to hear a Good Word. To know that they
don't walk alone. To read that there is a God who loves them and their
child unconditionally. </b></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
To be selected as the Favorite Special Needs Parenting
Blog 2013 will require that all of us vote regularly. And to use our
social media to ask those who trust us to vote too. I would vote a
hundred times a day...but I can't. I can only vote once. But one vote
counts. It makes a difference.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We are easily the largest blog in this contest but
currently in 3rd place. The challenge with a big blog...just like a big
church...is that everyone thinks someone else will step forward to get
the job done..and in the end...nobody does. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Each day that you're on Facebook, <strong><em>please vote.</em></strong> It only takes 75-seconds. Ask others to vote with you. <strong><em>I
don't want to miss out on the chance to share our life-stories and
God-lessons with parents who so desparately need to hear that they're
loved, that they're not alone, that there is One who desires to have an
eternal relationship with them. </em></strong> </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We have a section for prayer requests on our blog. There are 900+ comments that parents have shared. Make a
resolution right now to take a very short amount of time each day to
vote for Not Alone. Here's the link:<br />
<br /><a href="http://specialchildren.about.com/b/2013/02/19/vote-for-favorite-special-needs-parenting-blog-3.htm" target="_blank">http://specialchildren.about.<wbr></wbr>com/b/2013/02/19/vote-for-<wbr></wbr>favorite-special-needs-<wbr></wbr>parenting-blog-3.htm</a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong><em>God bless and thank you for joining us in our effort.</em></strong></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09611345201573528750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18580914.post-35980851066083525642013-03-05T20:48:00.001-06:002013-03-05T20:48:18.299-06:00Time with Friends and the IDSC Meet UpThe IDSC (<a href="http://theidsc.org/" target="_blank">International Down Syndrome Coalition</a>) hosted 5 meet ups throughout the US to kick off World Down Syndrome Day. The events took place last weekend, and they were AWESOME!<br />
<br />
The best part of the meet up for our family was to have <a href="http://lorainefamily.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">the Loraines</a> come and join us! They adopted a little girl with Down syndrome only 4 months ago. So now, not only are we connected because of Nina's and Oksana's friendship from the orphanage, we are also connected now in the world of Down syndrome. I love it!<br />
<br />
They have become like family to us, we love them dearly. And maybe if I keep publicly begging for them to move to out town, they might get tired of me asking and just do it. What do you think Erin?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIgV0g16I6hDVEMq0bay4YNQ9kPjXPNIuPdCE-D265gvgtzbPYUvQhMzBXRhG4WLmwP72l0tvZLDwfxGTps8Emp5MJIq0QUlw58ht1LiQclWkl6tMeu8kAhvv93dazmjNEtKB4g/s1600/IMG_2487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIgV0g16I6hDVEMq0bay4YNQ9kPjXPNIuPdCE-D265gvgtzbPYUvQhMzBXRhG4WLmwP72l0tvZLDwfxGTps8Emp5MJIq0QUlw58ht1LiQclWkl6tMeu8kAhvv93dazmjNEtKB4g/s1600/IMG_2487.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It is nice to have a friend that you can talk to about adoption, trauma from orphanage (especially since our girls come from the same place), cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and parenting kids with special needs.<br />
<br />
And these are all great reasons why the meet up was so incredible. It truly was amazing for many reasons. So here are my top 10 reasons why I loved the meet up, and maybe next year, if you have a kid with Down syndrome, you can join us at one of our locations!<br />
<br />
1. We got to meet several families that have kids with Down syndrome. All in one place!<br />
<br />
2. It was awesome to see almond shaped eyes throughout the water park.<br />
<br />
3. It was as if we had always known each other. Strangers? Our kids connect us!<br />
<br />
4. We could have easily improvised a dance party in the lobby of the hotel while music played in the background. We kind of did, but I think next year we have to make it official.<br />
<br />
5. It feels like a family reunion where people are glad to see each other and excited to be together (I guess we are part of the same T21 family after all).<br />
<br />
6. It is beautiful to see such a diverse group of people fit so well together. We all come from different backgrounds, have different lifestyles, some of us even different cultures, yet we come together and feel connected to each other.<br />
<br />
7. It is nice when we can give hugs freely even as we meet each other. Hand shake? Forget it, give me a hug!<br />
<br />
8. There is a misconception that God gives special children to special parents. We are not special. Not at all. However, our children have changes us all. And seriously, there is no greater group of parents out there! You all make my heart overflow with gratitude!<br />
<br />
9. Some of these friendships expand beyond the meet up, and suddenly you have friends that walk this same journey you walk and these friendships last a lifetime.<br />
<br />
10. We cannot wait for next year!!!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4zGxEFvnxMiMsnOU1ByFBse2ivg_Am5D3YoeJPFwEDS6WDoSg-0PhA5FyueMS4CInTzdN32M_FB3taqr9L_HF2OVydlCXyqr43hc7S7SuTllqyqv84nFYwbohKUg0Wlt1fblsQ/s1600/IMG_2497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="588" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4zGxEFvnxMiMsnOU1ByFBse2ivg_Am5D3YoeJPFwEDS6WDoSg-0PhA5FyueMS4CInTzdN32M_FB3taqr9L_HF2OVydlCXyqr43hc7S7SuTllqyqv84nFYwbohKUg0Wlt1fblsQ/s640/IMG_2497.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is almost impossible to get all kids to look and smile at the same time. Nichole is giving her cheesy smile, but I love these girls together. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-FYcrDrtq3QHkU3x3Jdj3PaHnSokeh3-NlVf4zCVQxzxWP7MsW4YCnqZV8wIkjS_Skw8xk6e01FuCH2jW440luRe8Q7MDoz5Y30S5uT4rBbLsNj2IH7SZnFkuMDtg7I5GD25VA/s1600/IMG_2505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-FYcrDrtq3QHkU3x3Jdj3PaHnSokeh3-NlVf4zCVQxzxWP7MsW4YCnqZV8wIkjS_Skw8xk6e01FuCH2jW440luRe8Q7MDoz5Y30S5uT4rBbLsNj2IH7SZnFkuMDtg7I5GD25VA/s640/IMG_2505.JPG" width="596" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nina and Oksana reunited once more. Nina has failure to thrive, and the difference in size between her and Oksana is huge! Oksana is really tall, and Nina is tiny. Still, these two love each other and play together better than with any other friends. They really know each other. And yes, the photo is being photo bombed, I won't claim him as mine ;)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeMJrO1YKPnXnbwHmLZoA5BqOO-muNjXxoQEuYtyCGwj3PrNgl6GkKXGNOB6AIkOJEMuwDT02tXMNTL77TP5EAR88aWddN_fTbwzNf3YH2bbuNI6308jCjlWPkH6ghT3myohLyQ/s1600/20130302_151832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeMJrO1YKPnXnbwHmLZoA5BqOO-muNjXxoQEuYtyCGwj3PrNgl6GkKXGNOB6AIkOJEMuwDT02tXMNTL77TP5EAR88aWddN_fTbwzNf3YH2bbuNI6308jCjlWPkH6ghT3myohLyQ/s640/20130302_151832.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rascals, what else is there to say? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8kETUOz_jGlUA2o23Tan2SBjmFXbd3zhwOnctwpZa3mH7iQyADKiQ8pige0RuDkdKb8bG-UZxTIhmMuNEJkVR374f-_wbLWXD0MAXHgzYWGEukHlAqP7i49S981CdFQWJPWBnA/s1600/20130302_130707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8kETUOz_jGlUA2o23Tan2SBjmFXbd3zhwOnctwpZa3mH7iQyADKiQ8pige0RuDkdKb8bG-UZxTIhmMuNEJkVR374f-_wbLWXD0MAXHgzYWGEukHlAqP7i49S981CdFQWJPWBnA/s1600/20130302_130707.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My rascal, enjoying the water park!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09611345201573528750noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18580914.post-88752824576749954932013-02-23T21:49:00.005-06:002013-02-23T22:40:30.058-06:0010 Years of Wedded Bliss - Keep Swinginig!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Andy and I just celebrated 10 years of wedded bliss! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkG9l_xdfZ2m0rIEd7yJYWbUwc0PK-e23pcPNgRNQdBtCQprBeBpUZsx5s6UDfQ4uyei-hEZjWlCNg9rlpcTAkplQYoAQQDgad80ALehDrS6Usny1KJDDHompntP_vnrw7Lzl15Q/s1600/p83.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkG9l_xdfZ2m0rIEd7yJYWbUwc0PK-e23pcPNgRNQdBtCQprBeBpUZsx5s6UDfQ4uyei-hEZjWlCNg9rlpcTAkplQYoAQQDgad80ALehDrS6Usny1KJDDHompntP_vnrw7Lzl15Q/s640/p83.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
On our wedding day, my father-in-law told of Andy as a little kid, he had a pair of red boxing gloves, and he would come out to the living room ready to defeat his fierce opponent (AKA my father-in-law). Andy fought with all his might, swinging, flinging those scrawny little kid arms at his dad. Sometimes, he was so exhausted, he would take a break, arms hanging by his sides, deep breathing, shoulders rising and falling, rising and falling. Then, as his opponent came at him, Andy started swinging once more...and he kept swinging, punching, giving it his all. <br />
<br />
"Marriage is like that" Jim said, "things will come up and attack your marriage, but keep swinging, keep hitting those challenges that come to you, keep going." Then he added, "Marriage is not about swinging at each other, but tackling those challenges together, as a team."<br />
<br />
Ten years, and I still remember those words: keep swinging, not at each other, but at whatever comes your way.<br />
<br />
It has not always been bliss. We have indeed dealt some punches at each other (never literally, of course). But we have hurt each other, we have been unkind, we have felt disappointed, we have been angry...but then we take a break, arms hanging by our sides, deep breathing, shoulders rising and falling, rising and falling. A break that reminds us we are a team, and we can face the challenges together. So we gather around, as a team, and we keep swinging, hard. Not at each other, but at the "opponents" that come our way.<br />
<br />
We were so young when we got married. I mean look at us, we were kids! We now say we have grown up together, and that is a true statement. We didn't know who we were or who we would become, but we were committed to each other, and we knew no matter what came our way, we were going to keep swinging.<br />
<br />
And love has grown and bonded us even more as we have done life together, as we keep swinging.<br />
<br />
Life has not always been easy, but it's been good!<br />
<br />
And I love, admire, and respect <a href="http://elliestumbo.blogspot.com/2011/11/this-man.html" target="_blank">this man</a> more than ever. He is my number one. I am one lucky girl to have him.<br />
<br />
So we took some time without the kids, and we celebrated! I don;t share very many pictures of us, but today is special, and marriage is to be celebrated and honored. So here we are, crazy in love after 10 years and committed to keep swinging.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Us, 10 years after "I do" </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3flXJHmPlGupdbBBpV-LHVVRkNPU3RDLAh0YnvaUlAUSDLKFo2HyawbYvH_mjqtgJ9QG7oXp51aYXK9l_-6FSPYJE4YJeUPt4hO5nTZWbOwpZOj0dV8Gk7tcGeKHBBj0u2Qa6vA/s1600/IMG_2471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3flXJHmPlGupdbBBpV-LHVVRkNPU3RDLAh0YnvaUlAUSDLKFo2HyawbYvH_mjqtgJ9QG7oXp51aYXK9l_-6FSPYJE4YJeUPt4hO5nTZWbOwpZOj0dV8Gk7tcGeKHBBj0u2Qa6vA/s1600/IMG_2471.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
For lunch, we went to the Melting Pot for the first time. We love fun-do! It really was a neat experience, and for those wondering, the best part really is the chocolate fondue! Just waiting for a version that includes Nutella...for real! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJsqkTyqLnqQF1uYuSHEYO8bhkI_vp8UtGXuafYlFgIF4lhAhykgA1Os34c1NYTfBjW1pHFn0Cr7VHfr0bdGzjJ7oibGyKQwxZknSK1s3JBSsZcOkZHk2OprM1pmmnDfdh5Gd1A/s1600/melting+pot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJsqkTyqLnqQF1uYuSHEYO8bhkI_vp8UtGXuafYlFgIF4lhAhykgA1Os34c1NYTfBjW1pHFn0Cr7VHfr0bdGzjJ7oibGyKQwxZknSK1s3JBSsZcOkZHk2OprM1pmmnDfdh5Gd1A/s640/melting+pot.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A fun detail: We sat at a small little booth that had a black curtain, so we could close it and we were "away" from the rest of the restaurant. I loved the intimate feeling! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZgE0KIL6NGz-81hUl-K37xblqg2UVCh1_1FR8b13QB3Xx9XKvnxbQOZ6ueVHXrC4u7brSFkBiFXlft4f-ToxPVjLz4pdL-HRKGixOwacaErGpGIuWVjZ4KJZ2isgPIiXKeN44Q/s1600/IMG_2469.JPG" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Later in the evening, we went to the Chanhassen Dinner Theater. Andy and I worked there when we were in college. We also happened to watch a play there the day Andy proposed, so we have lots of memories in that place, not to mention the free dates we got from working there. Going back was quite meaningful, and we love musicals!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUI3npaAnXVug8vvlVhmNlm_vpErSQsJuK-oEYu12Uo5RUQ1R6GnFwZ8PqBDDIM5u4uLaoni4muinCb_PY3cqbwWPVfF9SuFfx46ll6AYmzMEPCHjsZmRAeeVVloyE81dLl03b6w/s1600/20130222_175619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUI3npaAnXVug8vvlVhmNlm_vpErSQsJuK-oEYu12Uo5RUQ1R6GnFwZ8PqBDDIM5u4uLaoni4muinCb_PY3cqbwWPVfF9SuFfx46ll6AYmzMEPCHjsZmRAeeVVloyE81dLl03b6w/s1600/20130222_175619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUI3npaAnXVug8vvlVhmNlm_vpErSQsJuK-oEYu12Uo5RUQ1R6GnFwZ8PqBDDIM5u4uLaoni4muinCb_PY3cqbwWPVfF9SuFfx46ll6AYmzMEPCHjsZmRAeeVVloyE81dLl03b6w/s1600/20130222_175619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUI3npaAnXVug8vvlVhmNlm_vpErSQsJuK-oEYu12Uo5RUQ1R6GnFwZ8PqBDDIM5u4uLaoni4muinCb_PY3cqbwWPVfF9SuFfx46ll6AYmzMEPCHjsZmRAeeVVloyE81dLl03b6w/s1600/20130222_175619.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bye-Bye Birdie! It was fun, and we were that close to the stage. Actually, we were so close we even got to help a little during the performance by hollering when one of the actors prompted us. It was fun!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1HNMwXnylMlVTiuR5QhisXgAj4xE-XAAw-NSxm5NUUjL1tFyTbe1g8M43Bmin7PB1F-LIcndBhi3d32wNwZY1qNrDyyAui_NhKIqyyHt6ZptxVCiKhz86a1eXpARBMOx3Q05wQ/s1600/IMG_2480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX1HNMwXnylMlVTiuR5QhisXgAj4xE-XAAw-NSxm5NUUjL1tFyTbe1g8M43Bmin7PB1F-LIcndBhi3d32wNwZY1qNrDyyAui_NhKIqyyHt6ZptxVCiKhz86a1eXpARBMOx3Q05wQ/s1600/IMG_2480.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I don't know you, and I don't know what challenges have come your way that have opposed your marriage. Today, I want to encourage you, keep swinging! Not at each other, but at whatever comes your way. Swing hard, give it your all, it is worth it!</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUI3npaAnXVug8vvlVhmNlm_vpErSQsJuK-oEYu12Uo5RUQ1R6GnFwZ8PqBDDIM5u4uLaoni4muinCb_PY3cqbwWPVfF9SuFfx46ll6AYmzMEPCHjsZmRAeeVVloyE81dLl03b6w/s1600/20130222_175619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09611345201573528750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18580914.post-90279291259479360982013-02-13T14:30:00.000-06:002013-02-13T14:30:00.480-06:00Time Never Stops<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyW6op5SHPL1JWZVpfNdUyCaejKsrUN_ULMa-j5QOAEGZLFx4ztjmM3OxyOg7sEFdF2Mc3m5EiOcuHutuD33PHVJI1BuCZH2BqYk9BuT56bFu-Vo0oANW-0S6HqLm1emLo_x5EQ/s1600/If+time+stopped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyW6op5SHPL1JWZVpfNdUyCaejKsrUN_ULMa-j5QOAEGZLFx4ztjmM3OxyOg7sEFdF2Mc3m5EiOcuHutuD33PHVJI1BuCZH2BqYk9BuT56bFu-Vo0oANW-0S6HqLm1emLo_x5EQ/s400/If+time+stopped.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Too quickly you are shedding the words “little.” Loosing baby teeth,
growing taller, sitting at the piano with great concentration.<br />
<br />
If time stopped I would hold you tight and breath you in, memorizing every feature of your face, exactly like it is now.<br />
<br />
If time stopped, our daily talks at night would never have to end. I
want to hear all about your friends, school, your favorite games, your
hopes, dreams, and the things that make you feel nervous or embarrassed.<br />
<br />
If time stopped, I would tell you that my life is richer because of you.<br />
<br />
Yet time never stops. The clock keeps ticking, and days, months, years go by.<br />
<br />
I wish time stopped so I could hold on to you a little bit longer,
but how often do I miss the special moments because I am too busy? The
truth is, if time stopped I would not live any differently. Instead, I
need to recognize that <a href="http://www.ellenstumbo.com/drops-of-time/" target="_blank" title="Drops of time"><strong>time flows, like water</strong></a>, and I need to catch each drop.<br />
<br />
I need to make eye contact and fully engage when you talk to me. Now.<br />
<br />
I need to close the screens that compete with you for my attention. Now.<br />
<br />
I need to build you up with my words and tell you how you bless my life each day. Now.<br />
<br />
I need to ask you questions and help you explore your dreams, hopes, and fears. Now.<br />
<br />
I need to hold you, look at you. Now.<br />
<br />
I need to be present. Present in every moment of your life, because time never stops.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
This post is part of the writing prompt: <a href="http://www.ellenstumbo.com/if-time-stopped/" target="_blank">Join us!</a> (<---link)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09611345201573528750noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18580914.post-47020167198335351922013-02-12T14:06:00.000-06:002013-02-12T14:06:47.869-06:00The Self Promotion Post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYBGzM0SyZociGRSxDipvJ7RuE7GnM8swLvZWmZCvdwYSnZLFqjf_ZUMyD9KdApUcw9V_RI4nVMByMs8Nj3zMf9-U2XSLPXNvJroVVuBxZ2h0r_1xo1kaNm8Ftu0cmNOHdMEQaQ/s1600/Ellen+and+Nichole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYBGzM0SyZociGRSxDipvJ7RuE7GnM8swLvZWmZCvdwYSnZLFqjf_ZUMyD9KdApUcw9V_RI4nVMByMs8Nj3zMf9-U2XSLPXNvJroVVuBxZ2h0r_1xo1kaNm8Ftu0cmNOHdMEQaQ/s400/Ellen+and+Nichole.jpg" width="322" /></a></div>
As I continue to pursue writing (specifically, writing books) it means I need to reach out and promote...myself.<br />
<br />
So, I am cutting straight to the chase.<br />
<br />
I am working on a book proposal about the real emotions of international adoption. Exciting! Yet now a days, proposals include numbers and such. Like for example: How many people follow you on twitter? Do you have a Facebook page? How many visits does your website get per day? How many email subscribers do you have?<br />
<br />
It is pretty overwhelming, and I don;t expect to wow the agent or a publisher with my big numbers.<br />
<br />
Nonetheless, I still wan to let you know that I am around all those social media sites.<br />
<br />
First, I have a writer blog and you can visit it <b><a href="http://www.ellenstumbo.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>. I don't share many personal stories, but I post 2-3 times a week. My posts deal with parenting, adoption, special needs, and faith. <br />
<br />
I also host a <a href="http://www.ellenstumbo.com/writing-prompt/" target="_blank">wiring prompt</a> linky, and would love for you to join us if you have a blog and need some ideas, or simply would enjoy writing with other people. This has nothing t do with self promotion, I would simply like to write with you!<br />
<br />
If you are on twitter, you can find me <a href="https://twitter.com/EllenStumbo" target="_blank"><b>HERE.</b></a><br />
<br />
And lastly, I have a Facebook page. I share photos, funnies, links to articles I have enjoyed on topics about parenting, special needs, adoption and faith, sometimes I sadly announce I ran out of Nutella, and sometimes I share some great resources on the topics mentioned before.<br />
<br />
It would be great if you would "like" my page. You can find it <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ellenstumbowriter" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>.<br />
<br />
So that's it. Self-promotion is over. I would appreciate your support and if you are building your platform, let me know so I can help you too!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09611345201573528750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18580914.post-32896015750313794062013-02-11T11:40:00.002-06:002013-02-11T11:40:47.384-06:00Christmas Revisited - Photo Dump StyleSo...I finally downloaded pictures to my computer. Among the many smiling faces, I found the Christmas pictures I should have shared last December. However, it is never too late for sharing pictures, right?<br />
<br />
I love these pictures of Nina. She is the perfect little elf! Her Christmas program this year was so different than last year. She was confident, full of life, and I was crying thinking how blessed I am to be her mom. Love this girl to pieces, she has come such a long way! <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Take notice, this girl is standing on her own!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyupIaBGNUr_jdx64QEhv0HWkjo30bfakid3MiSbcuJ2rbk0bkX3wMQMHutRyNxmrFUFIH_XOWt3PYxsnZ-ZfsfX4MH7w8cN9p51LpgYJooPvT5r8C3Tqjl68UXjxp7ndhdlmW9g/s1600/IMG_2306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyupIaBGNUr_jdx64QEhv0HWkjo30bfakid3MiSbcuJ2rbk0bkX3wMQMHutRyNxmrFUFIH_XOWt3PYxsnZ-ZfsfX4MH7w8cN9p51LpgYJooPvT5r8C3Tqjl68UXjxp7ndhdlmW9g/s640/IMG_2306.JPG" width="374" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Is she the cutest little Elf or what! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFu5SHtgJ443Y7yOPuwfiHW9ZfUZigoEXmjcR3iuZj2WVa8x9ctVRAngmQX1n2Ivb_quyQOAxJMkOpyosn3pdoA_i0v5SIbLfpddDTqpbDzeWgCaDwJu8lDwla2lCe8BuK7KzkvQ/s1600/IMG_2317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFu5SHtgJ443Y7yOPuwfiHW9ZfUZigoEXmjcR3iuZj2WVa8x9ctVRAngmQX1n2Ivb_quyQOAxJMkOpyosn3pdoA_i0v5SIbLfpddDTqpbDzeWgCaDwJu8lDwla2lCe8BuK7KzkvQ/s640/IMG_2317.JPG" width="394" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Adoption is beautiful friends, absolutely beautiful! So hard, but so worth it!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQxtjwDdjX8heu-IFciExaPjVkCIYXGsP2R1fbPsHtmpqe-1RzPsBue0O7xOtD8HHwXb5aig7gc80vokyQ8LGhBb45j1CXpQrxG-fMzrkQmbmDbjodrNKVAzjKD69Lz21nXiUcA/s1600/IMG_2329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQxtjwDdjX8heu-IFciExaPjVkCIYXGsP2R1fbPsHtmpqe-1RzPsBue0O7xOtD8HHwXb5aig7gc80vokyQ8LGhBb45j1CXpQrxG-fMzrkQmbmDbjodrNKVAzjKD69Lz21nXiUcA/s640/IMG_2329.JPG" width="512" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ellie the reindeer poses with her daddy. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidksrpZWgkwYUbFpBvFpHf7MxFDNoeV-V49u3VPTn_tWbBB0Fhn6v2ncjcnbQ6a5YBBxd8SvfoN1JBNZjIrlO_hqy2z8mphhKHItNIL3tZ9B9GU9TAXXd_wY4LJS_O6CBbtOpdnA/s1600/IMG_2333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidksrpZWgkwYUbFpBvFpHf7MxFDNoeV-V49u3VPTn_tWbBB0Fhn6v2ncjcnbQ6a5YBBxd8SvfoN1JBNZjIrlO_hqy2z8mphhKHItNIL3tZ9B9GU9TAXXd_wY4LJS_O6CBbtOpdnA/s640/IMG_2333.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then she posses with the mommy showing off her craft. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKM9nrNPPaKRZEXaIm3_1hVMqqJcxAtxOxfG95xVpFI7GVWBQ_po5-5He5htS7JpQnGAODmqm-rXYJhuBi5X7vC-cGkjyU6sGf3qR_3LVelTCRCMCf90FklN1721oOIyOg5Zj3Q/s1600/IMG_2338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKM9nrNPPaKRZEXaIm3_1hVMqqJcxAtxOxfG95xVpFI7GVWBQ_po5-5He5htS7JpQnGAODmqm-rXYJhuBi5X7vC-cGkjyU6sGf3qR_3LVelTCRCMCf90FklN1721oOIyOg5Zj3Q/s640/IMG_2338.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Family picture...best shot we got! Do you see the family resemblance?</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBOQ-ISxYztF5COXyb2S8Elh3kB9M-VbZ1fquiQ4QprXidC3kJRazCSTU5kh4Aa-ovWUYdPT1EQCSoUwFmfREcyM-TNUumkm2GD2jHU4sVOTv0F2Gx2DRUIAG2A_KPJHwkeE6CQ/s1600/IMG_2361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBOQ-ISxYztF5COXyb2S8Elh3kB9M-VbZ1fquiQ4QprXidC3kJRazCSTU5kh4Aa-ovWUYdPT1EQCSoUwFmfREcyM-TNUumkm2GD2jHU4sVOTv0F2Gx2DRUIAG2A_KPJHwkeE6CQ/s640/IMG_2361.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And just the 5 of us, again, best we got! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzP7wAvjhpIF-dge4IFq34zMBxp8zZQPcqHfJ-7oCVbGqBEM9H1c0VTsas2nO0SeqYZiM2nYFRKWcOz7J7e_twtNs8gfwg6-BFSnZSzZKrtWryVeERQ6MJnXpqYVc2oZmMgOJ6og/s1600/IMG_2371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzP7wAvjhpIF-dge4IFq34zMBxp8zZQPcqHfJ-7oCVbGqBEM9H1c0VTsas2nO0SeqYZiM2nYFRKWcOz7J7e_twtNs8gfwg6-BFSnZSzZKrtWryVeERQ6MJnXpqYVc2oZmMgOJ6og/s640/IMG_2371.JPG" width="482" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope you all had a great Christmas!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09611345201573528750noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18580914.post-70608899848933130662013-02-06T10:38:00.001-06:002013-02-06T10:38:34.120-06:00Exciting Things Happening<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ojZDT_-KTzJy9HEmQsZyU0SAnl6p4JU3r0woSmjvadNXUeIB0ek2Zz67AIVR5TURyiyKW8lwzni99y1zN4hXbllrA62ppcKBaSHvlmyIvlfRBzzqUOk4DPkBZhEJr-eqTHdlrg/s1600/Ellen+and+Nichole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ojZDT_-KTzJy9HEmQsZyU0SAnl6p4JU3r0woSmjvadNXUeIB0ek2Zz67AIVR5TURyiyKW8lwzni99y1zN4hXbllrA62ppcKBaSHvlmyIvlfRBzzqUOk4DPkBZhEJr-eqTHdlrg/s320/Ellen+and+Nichole.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
This is one of those boring posts where I "update" you and share some exciting things happening.<br />
<br />
First, I wrote about what it would be like to <a href="http://www.ellenstumbo.com/walking-in-her-shoes/" target="_blank" title="Walking in her shoes {a writing prompt}">walk in my daughter's shoes</a> (she has cerebral palsy and was adopted three years ago). Tomorrow, Thursday, that post will be featured in Mamapedia. Exciting!<br />
<br />
Second, also happening tomorrow, <b>I will be doing a radio show</b> for <i>Hope's Not a Crime</i>. I will be sharing about my journey of faith as I became the mother of a child with special needs, and how God changed my heart and led us to adopt another kid with a disability. Exciting! And, <b>I would love for you to tune in and listen!</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hopes-not-a-crime-shellie-nichol/2013/02/08/a-mothers-grief-turns-into-a-mothers-greatest-joy" target="_blank" title="Hope's not a crime">Click here</a> to listen to the radio show! Thursday February 7th at 9:00 pm central time.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Hope you get a chance to<a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hopes-not-a-crime-shellie-nichol/2013/02/08/a-mothers-grief-turns-into-a-mothers-greatest-joy" target="_blank" title="Hope's not a crime"> tune in</a>, would love to have you there!</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09611345201573528750noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18580914.post-7714088438184628822013-02-04T22:45:00.002-06:002013-02-05T13:52:03.281-06:00Where is the Walker? {and a CP Connection}Nina has been a part of the Preemie Growth Project since last October. For 4 months, she has been taking <a href="http://www.elliestumbo.blogspot.com/2012/11/magic-juice-and-cp-connection.html" target="_blank">extra minerals every day</a>. While it is easy to miss the changes taking place, I am reminded of her increase in strength and stamina since she has not used a walker at school since last Thursday at school. <br />
<br />
Today, as I quickly talked to her teacher, we agreed that the only reason she needs a walker is in the morning, as the hallways are crowded and it is more of a safety issue. Other than that, Nina is completely on her own.<br />
<br />
When she began Kindergarten, a year and half ago, she came to school in her wheelchair. Just 18 months later and she is walking all over her school.<br />
<br />
Simply amazing!<br />
<br />
Time for a CP Connection! Link up if you blog about cerebral palsy! Jut make sure to link your post back here so we are all one big happy CP connection<br />
<br />
<script src="http://www.simply-linked.com/listwidget.aspx?l=6187a9d5-4d7b-444c-9554-0056d98d0d4a" type="text/javascript"></script>
<br />
<center>
<img src="http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh90/ellenstumbo/CP-connection.jpg" /><br /><br /><textarea style="height: 129px; overflow: scroll; width: 129px;"><a href="http://elliestumbo.blogspot.com/search/label/CP%20connection/" style="border: none;"><img alt="Stumbo Family Story" src="http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh90/ellenstumbo/CP-connection.jpg" style="width: 129px; height: 129px;"/></a></textarea></center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09611345201573528750noreply@blogger.com3