I will have a post today about the occurrences of yesterday. I just have to find the time today to post it. That's why this is just a note.
God has humbled us, that is the teaser. ;)
B
15 years ago
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Acer's First cane
Howdy,
Today Acer brought home his first mobility cane from school. We've been waiting for the right sized one to get in, the one she thought he'd need was too short because he's too fast. He needs a longer one to give him better reaction time. We're one step closer to having a less bruised child! He just enjoys running so much, that he's always running into things. Hurrah Cane!
Okay, so a less bruised child only happens if all around him do not run him into things accidentally. Tonight, one was added riight in the middle of his forehead. Not exactly sure of the details, but a graham cracker and an all better kiss later, he was fine.
Today Acer brought home his first mobility cane from school. We've been waiting for the right sized one to get in, the one she thought he'd need was too short because he's too fast. He needs a longer one to give him better reaction time. We're one step closer to having a less bruised child! He just enjoys running so much, that he's always running into things. Hurrah Cane!
Okay, so a less bruised child only happens if all around him do not run him into things accidentally. Tonight, one was added riight in the middle of his forehead. Not exactly sure of the details, but a graham cracker and an all better kiss later, he was fine.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Days and days of catching up to do.
Howdy all who've been checking in to see what's been happening, I finally have enough lung power (and energy) to sit and type and try to remember our life over the past few weeks. I have taken picures though, so as soon as I can get Bill to put them up, you'll get to enjoy them!
Monday the seventh, Bill and I went off to work and Alex hung out with Mum and Acer, she even got to go to Acer's school and see what went on there. That evening she went off to church for Band practice with Bill, Acer, and Uncle James (he's our official Acer watcher during practice). She sings in her own church praise band and was even able to make a suggestion to help a song we're practing sound better. I stayed home and slept.
Tuesday the eighth was a busy busy day as Bill, Acer and I had our physicals for our dossier and homestudy. Finally, after almost a year, Bill went with Acer to the Dr's for shots. poor little Guy, he just dreads the Dr and she such a nice woman. My good friend Leigh was in from Toronto with her son Jarvis, we went off with the littles in the wagon and visited our favorite local park. We don't see nearly enogh of each other so it was good to spend even a few hours with her.
Almost as soon as Leigh and Jarvis were picked up by Husband/dad Matt to head home we headed out to meet Alex's grandparents in Lansing. We'd gotten there early and Alex was looking for a few craft items, so we stopped at a Michael's Evidently they'd had the same thought because we actually met her grandmother in the store, surprising all of us.
Wednesday I was sick, and Mum came over and watched Acer anyway, I was glas because I certainly wasn't up to his level of energy by anymeans.
Thursday I had to cancel visiting the school Acer will be in next fall. I just stayed home and tried to keep Acer safe and entertained. Thank heavens we could go out in the backyard for hours. If it had been rainy I would have been sunk.
Friday I went to the Dr, where she added to the med's my Dr had prescribed during the physical. It was also the day we had our home study. I was so wiped out I just apologized for the clutter and she basically didn't even care. What a blessing though, because she was already there to do a homestudy update she did Acer's final update at the same time and charged us $150 less than if she'd met us seperately to do it. That, combined with the reduction from a full homestudy to an update saved us $750 total. YEAH!
Don't remember much of that weekend, sick and on meds was my main memory, I didn't go to work and I didn't go to church or band practice on Monday night. Friday the Dr had given me a stay out of work note so I didn't have to go back until Wed. what a blessing. I've never been that sick before that the Dr basically said you ARE staying home. I think the fact that I work outside did play into that.
Monday the 14th I went back and she gave me a shot of something and yet another med. Basically, the infection was over but my lungs were still inflammed. That shot really helped me turn the corner into being a normal human being again. Mum came over and we kept Acer home from school because he was hacking a little and I didn't want to get the other kids sick. I think some of the other little ones there are medically fragile. Bill and Acer went to Band pratice. I slept.
Tuesday we went to the school Acer will attend next fall. It's the county classroom for the Visually impaired. There were kids of all ages attedning there, we saw five of them ages 4-12. A couple of them were being mainstreamed next fall. that to me was a big plus, that the two teachers were not trying to keep the children there, but were actively working to get them into normal classrooms. Obviously children of different abilities work at different levels, but they tried to get all of them of work up to their potential. Acer liked the toys in the classroom, and the snacks they served. He asn't really interested in much else except exploring. I was glad to see that there was a potty with a short, kids sized toilet attached to the room, just to make his life easier. Miss Weidmeyer, Acer's Orientation and Mobility teacher (canework) met us there to make sure there was someone there we knew.
Wednesday I finally went back to work. I worked slowly but steadily and made it through the whole day - yeah me! Mum also picked up my box of bookamrks from Acer's OT. She'd sold 4 but collected money for 5. Yeah Miss Diane! I'd also prepapred Bill and Acer's swim bag, but had forgotten Acer's swim vest. Ooops. They managed okay, and Acer liked holding the edge and then dunking himself down to find the floor (in the three foot section of course.)
Thursday, Friday and Saturday were average, nothing too exciting really.
Sunday the 20th I finally made it back to church and then did my normal cut out and go to work before church was over. Acer started the service with us, and then when he got restive, we took him back to the toddler room/nursery. We're trying to see if we can increase the length slowly until next fall when he'll be old enough for pre-school sunday school.
Monday the 21st we had band practice and it was not good on the lung power side, but at least I didn't have coughing fits. My voice was so off and airy and almost monotone that I didn't even bother with the microphone, I just sang to work on my timing.
Tuesday the 21st was an incredibly busy day. We had to get up early and go to downtown Detroit to get finger printed for our dossier. Thankfully the place was almost empty, at least compared to last time, and so Acer's sudden desire to be extra loud was easier to deal with. Acer and I went right from there to a meeting at his school about the transistion to next year's school. They had a panel of Mom's who shared their experiences - not sure how much I got out of it really but it went okay. We then went home, ate a quick bite, had a quick nap and then went to the Dr's for yes, another shot. Sigh. I gave him his choice of a new toy, frozen custard at Erma's or a trip to the park as a treat, and he chose the park. So off we met and he had fun, almost enough to make up for the shot. We tried to meet up with his friend Kiera and her dad Mark, but she actually napped through the entire two hours we were there so we made plans to meet on Thursday. We actualy had to leave the park because Bill's brother David was coming over to access some stuff he has stored in our garage. Acer loves Unca Dawe; Unca Dawei plays the drums ya know. He unearthed a shaker shaped like a banana and gifted Acer with it. Oh the joy, a new percussion toy! We drove David and his stuff across town and then realized we were hungry and only one block from good friends carl and Beq's house. I called to see if they wanted to order pizza, but they were already grilling and happily, they said they'd throw extra on for the two of us. Acer was not the best behaved and he chucked two glass bottles down the stairs at the same time (I couldn't grab him/them in time) and he made chortles of glee as he heard them bounce, bounce and shatter. Sigh. We really work on his desire to chuck things down the stairs, but he weighs the consequences and decides to do it anyway. We got home later than his usual bedtime, I put him down and he went right out. I wonder why;)
Wednesday I actually felt normal again - yeah me! Acer went to school with Mum and swimming with Bill. They went to the library and the grocery store afterwards. It'd been awhile since we'd had time to go shopping so Bill was able to get some needed items. Yeah Bill!
Thursday we has lots to do, but ended up doing them in reverse order. I tought I'd get us up and out the door before 10, but we were leaving the house after 12, running late to meet Kiera and Mark at the park. It was good to see them and let the kids run amok (within reason) we'd packed lunches and stayed for two hours. The kids weren't ready to go yet but I had things to do. We went back to the Dr's and Acer was finally able to have a good visit, they just checked his shot site and gave us the okay, then we rushed off to the post office. I mailed off a bunch of bookmarks for a friend in KC to sell to her church group. Bambi is my fundraising hero and she challenged me to send her as many as I could for her to sell. She raised an incredible amount of Money selling canned goods and other things to be able to bring her daughter faith home from Vietnam last year. If I hadn't read her blog, I doubt I would have had the faith to take our walk to bring Little Miss home. I saw what God did for them (with her hard work) and it inspired me to find my item to sell because Lord Knows, I'm no good at canning.
After the post office, we dashed off to Bill's work. We were leaving to drive across to Grand rapids to see Alex's choir concert. Bill came out with the set of four face cloths the Library knitting club is making for the sale - cute cute cute! (yes, I'll get Bill to insert pictures of these and the rest of the events as soon as I can). We drove and amazingly enough Acer stayed awake for the whole trip. We went to Alex's grandparent's house for a little while before the concert and just hung out. Alex was alredy at school to help with set up. The choir director chose west side story for this year's theme, they had eight songs sung by solists or small groups and then they had a mass choir finish up with a medley. Alex sang Alto in the mass choir, incredibly enough she was in the ront row and we could actually see her this year.
Afterwards she came over and swooped up Acer and ran around to show him off to all her friends. We knew who the important one at the concert was and were expecting this. Before we left, we talked in the parking lot with Gwen, her grandmother. We didn't get back on the road until after 9 and didn't get home until just before midnight. Acer finally went to sleep about ten, but he woke up and wanted to hold one of our hands. It was an awkward stretch, but we took turns and it seemed to soothe him back to sleep. We think he was just disoriented waking up in his car seat like that.
WHEW! I've now caught us up, and just have to get the pictures put in and you'll like this post even better,
Heather BT
Monday the seventh, Bill and I went off to work and Alex hung out with Mum and Acer, she even got to go to Acer's school and see what went on there. That evening she went off to church for Band practice with Bill, Acer, and Uncle James (he's our official Acer watcher during practice). She sings in her own church praise band and was even able to make a suggestion to help a song we're practing sound better. I stayed home and slept.
Tuesday the eighth was a busy busy day as Bill, Acer and I had our physicals for our dossier and homestudy. Finally, after almost a year, Bill went with Acer to the Dr's for shots. poor little Guy, he just dreads the Dr and she such a nice woman. My good friend Leigh was in from Toronto with her son Jarvis, we went off with the littles in the wagon and visited our favorite local park. We don't see nearly enogh of each other so it was good to spend even a few hours with her.
Almost as soon as Leigh and Jarvis were picked up by Husband/dad Matt to head home we headed out to meet Alex's grandparents in Lansing. We'd gotten there early and Alex was looking for a few craft items, so we stopped at a Michael's Evidently they'd had the same thought because we actually met her grandmother in the store, surprising all of us.
Wednesday I was sick, and Mum came over and watched Acer anyway, I was glas because I certainly wasn't up to his level of energy by anymeans.
Thursday I had to cancel visiting the school Acer will be in next fall. I just stayed home and tried to keep Acer safe and entertained. Thank heavens we could go out in the backyard for hours. If it had been rainy I would have been sunk.
Friday I went to the Dr, where she added to the med's my Dr had prescribed during the physical. It was also the day we had our home study. I was so wiped out I just apologized for the clutter and she basically didn't even care. What a blessing though, because she was already there to do a homestudy update she did Acer's final update at the same time and charged us $150 less than if she'd met us seperately to do it. That, combined with the reduction from a full homestudy to an update saved us $750 total. YEAH!
Don't remember much of that weekend, sick and on meds was my main memory, I didn't go to work and I didn't go to church or band practice on Monday night. Friday the Dr had given me a stay out of work note so I didn't have to go back until Wed. what a blessing. I've never been that sick before that the Dr basically said you ARE staying home. I think the fact that I work outside did play into that.
Monday the 14th I went back and she gave me a shot of something and yet another med. Basically, the infection was over but my lungs were still inflammed. That shot really helped me turn the corner into being a normal human being again. Mum came over and we kept Acer home from school because he was hacking a little and I didn't want to get the other kids sick. I think some of the other little ones there are medically fragile. Bill and Acer went to Band pratice. I slept.
Tuesday we went to the school Acer will attend next fall. It's the county classroom for the Visually impaired. There were kids of all ages attedning there, we saw five of them ages 4-12. A couple of them were being mainstreamed next fall. that to me was a big plus, that the two teachers were not trying to keep the children there, but were actively working to get them into normal classrooms. Obviously children of different abilities work at different levels, but they tried to get all of them of work up to their potential. Acer liked the toys in the classroom, and the snacks they served. He asn't really interested in much else except exploring. I was glad to see that there was a potty with a short, kids sized toilet attached to the room, just to make his life easier. Miss Weidmeyer, Acer's Orientation and Mobility teacher (canework) met us there to make sure there was someone there we knew.
Wednesday I finally went back to work. I worked slowly but steadily and made it through the whole day - yeah me! Mum also picked up my box of bookamrks from Acer's OT. She'd sold 4 but collected money for 5. Yeah Miss Diane! I'd also prepapred Bill and Acer's swim bag, but had forgotten Acer's swim vest. Ooops. They managed okay, and Acer liked holding the edge and then dunking himself down to find the floor (in the three foot section of course.)
Thursday, Friday and Saturday were average, nothing too exciting really.
Sunday the 20th I finally made it back to church and then did my normal cut out and go to work before church was over. Acer started the service with us, and then when he got restive, we took him back to the toddler room/nursery. We're trying to see if we can increase the length slowly until next fall when he'll be old enough for pre-school sunday school.
Monday the 21st we had band practice and it was not good on the lung power side, but at least I didn't have coughing fits. My voice was so off and airy and almost monotone that I didn't even bother with the microphone, I just sang to work on my timing.
Tuesday the 21st was an incredibly busy day. We had to get up early and go to downtown Detroit to get finger printed for our dossier. Thankfully the place was almost empty, at least compared to last time, and so Acer's sudden desire to be extra loud was easier to deal with. Acer and I went right from there to a meeting at his school about the transistion to next year's school. They had a panel of Mom's who shared their experiences - not sure how much I got out of it really but it went okay. We then went home, ate a quick bite, had a quick nap and then went to the Dr's for yes, another shot. Sigh. I gave him his choice of a new toy, frozen custard at Erma's or a trip to the park as a treat, and he chose the park. So off we met and he had fun, almost enough to make up for the shot. We tried to meet up with his friend Kiera and her dad Mark, but she actually napped through the entire two hours we were there so we made plans to meet on Thursday. We actualy had to leave the park because Bill's brother David was coming over to access some stuff he has stored in our garage. Acer loves Unca Dawe; Unca Dawei plays the drums ya know. He unearthed a shaker shaped like a banana and gifted Acer with it. Oh the joy, a new percussion toy! We drove David and his stuff across town and then realized we were hungry and only one block from good friends carl and Beq's house. I called to see if they wanted to order pizza, but they were already grilling and happily, they said they'd throw extra on for the two of us. Acer was not the best behaved and he chucked two glass bottles down the stairs at the same time (I couldn't grab him/them in time) and he made chortles of glee as he heard them bounce, bounce and shatter. Sigh. We really work on his desire to chuck things down the stairs, but he weighs the consequences and decides to do it anyway. We got home later than his usual bedtime, I put him down and he went right out. I wonder why;)
Wednesday I actually felt normal again - yeah me! Acer went to school with Mum and swimming with Bill. They went to the library and the grocery store afterwards. It'd been awhile since we'd had time to go shopping so Bill was able to get some needed items. Yeah Bill!
Thursday we has lots to do, but ended up doing them in reverse order. I tought I'd get us up and out the door before 10, but we were leaving the house after 12, running late to meet Kiera and Mark at the park. It was good to see them and let the kids run amok (within reason) we'd packed lunches and stayed for two hours. The kids weren't ready to go yet but I had things to do. We went back to the Dr's and Acer was finally able to have a good visit, they just checked his shot site and gave us the okay, then we rushed off to the post office. I mailed off a bunch of bookmarks for a friend in KC to sell to her church group. Bambi is my fundraising hero and she challenged me to send her as many as I could for her to sell. She raised an incredible amount of Money selling canned goods and other things to be able to bring her daughter faith home from Vietnam last year. If I hadn't read her blog, I doubt I would have had the faith to take our walk to bring Little Miss home. I saw what God did for them (with her hard work) and it inspired me to find my item to sell because Lord Knows, I'm no good at canning.
After the post office, we dashed off to Bill's work. We were leaving to drive across to Grand rapids to see Alex's choir concert. Bill came out with the set of four face cloths the Library knitting club is making for the sale - cute cute cute! (yes, I'll get Bill to insert pictures of these and the rest of the events as soon as I can). We drove and amazingly enough Acer stayed awake for the whole trip. We went to Alex's grandparent's house for a little while before the concert and just hung out. Alex was alredy at school to help with set up. The choir director chose west side story for this year's theme, they had eight songs sung by solists or small groups and then they had a mass choir finish up with a medley. Alex sang Alto in the mass choir, incredibly enough she was in the ront row and we could actually see her this year.
Afterwards she came over and swooped up Acer and ran around to show him off to all her friends. We knew who the important one at the concert was and were expecting this. Before we left, we talked in the parking lot with Gwen, her grandmother. We didn't get back on the road until after 9 and didn't get home until just before midnight. Acer finally went to sleep about ten, but he woke up and wanted to hold one of our hands. It was an awkward stretch, but we took turns and it seemed to soothe him back to sleep. We think he was just disoriented waking up in his car seat like that.
WHEW! I've now caught us up, and just have to get the pictures put in and you'll like this post even better,
Heather BT
Monday, April 21, 2008
Manna
I know we've talked about stepping out on faith on our quest for Little Miss. How we're trusting for God to provide what we need so we can bring her home. I'm not sure what I expected, a magic 20K check in the mail maybe. What God is providing is Manna. What we need, when we need it and no extra. For example, we sent out a check to cover our I-600A costs, we had donations and I'd sold enough bookmarks to cover all but $100. That weekend, one of the guys in our D&D group gave us a check for our efforts in that same amount. Manna.
I've had people selling bookmarks for me, one of Acer's teacher's. my Mandarin teacher and friend, and another friend. Together they've sold 18, but have brought in money for 32. Manna.
Today we found out that the knitting group, that meets at the Library Bill works at and Bill's Boss is a member of, is doing something special for us. They have a booth at the upcoming Library Parking lot sale, they're knitting stuff for sale to help bring her home and they want us to sell our bookmarks out of the booth. Manna
Just like Moses in the desert, we get what we need. Manna
I've had people selling bookmarks for me, one of Acer's teacher's. my Mandarin teacher and friend, and another friend. Together they've sold 18, but have brought in money for 32. Manna.
Today we found out that the knitting group, that meets at the Library Bill works at and Bill's Boss is a member of, is doing something special for us. They have a booth at the upcoming Library Parking lot sale, they're knitting stuff for sale to help bring her home and they want us to sell our bookmarks out of the booth. Manna
Just like Moses in the desert, we get what we need. Manna
Monday, April 14, 2008
Down for the count
Errgh, hach, gak, wheeze. That's about all I've been doing lately folks. Sorry. I haven't updated about Alex's wonderful visit and Leigh's dropping in from Toronto. I'm on tons of meds, and the Respiratory infection is on the way out, but everything is inflamed so I'm still not getting tons of air here. Steroid shot today to boost things along, steroid pack of meds for tomorrow along with two different inhalers. I sure hope this is as close as I ever get to asthma.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Full for a short time
Bill and Acer picked up Cousin Brandon and then picked up Alex. They made it home by three, and we have to have Brandon back by 11:00 or he turns into a pumpkin. I was home from work by six and Bill was cooking pork loin marinated in maple syrup and Italian dressing. Sounds wierd, but it's really good with chicken and pork.
After, we went to our favorite custard place, Erma's, with Mum; James met us at home for his bowl of wonderfulness.
Alex and Brandon are down playing on the PS2, Bill and James are working on James' computer and I will actually be going to be early, I may even beat Acer to sleep tonight. He's in bed, later than normal and very upset about it. He usually falls a sleep faster if he's upset though - so maybe he will beat me to sleep after all.
After, we went to our favorite custard place, Erma's, with Mum; James met us at home for his bowl of wonderfulness.
Alex and Brandon are down playing on the PS2, Bill and James are working on James' computer and I will actually be going to be early, I may even beat Acer to sleep tonight. He's in bed, later than normal and very upset about it. He usually falls a sleep faster if he's upset though - so maybe he will beat me to sleep after all.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Can't fill the house if you have a leak...
in a tire. Dern those potholes! For the first time ever, and while driving Mum's car, I got a flat on a pothole. We'd just filled up Mum's car with gas and were happily cruising down the road when BAMMMM and then wobble wobble. Thankfully, the tow truck came from less than 4 miles away and my good friend Vicki was at home, also about 4 miles away. They arrived about the same time, and Acer and I went off in Vicki's car. We made sure Mum's spare was on properly, thank you Mr Tow Truck Guy, and that Mum had directions to the closest tire store.
Vicki took off with the the two of us, so we could try to get into the beater (poor Mini van was going to get the work out anyway). Before we could get home though, Alex called. I thought Bill had gotten a hold of her and she was calling about our being late. Nope, They were actually cancelling pick up tonight because her Grandmother was in the Hospital and they didn't know what was wrong.
So, unless something happens relaly fast in the hospital, which it rarely does, we won't be picking up Alex at all tonight.
Hoping for Tomorrow. We miss our Alex!
Oh yes, Alex had a job interview last week and made it! She'll be working at her favorite camp this summer and we're so proud of her. This camp has been great for her, she's made friends and really learned to apprciate, care for and ride horses. Way to go Alex!
Vicki took off with the the two of us, so we could try to get into the beater (poor Mini van was going to get the work out anyway). Before we could get home though, Alex called. I thought Bill had gotten a hold of her and she was calling about our being late. Nope, They were actually cancelling pick up tonight because her Grandmother was in the Hospital and they didn't know what was wrong.
So, unless something happens relaly fast in the hospital, which it rarely does, we won't be picking up Alex at all tonight.
Hoping for Tomorrow. We miss our Alex!
Oh yes, Alex had a job interview last week and made it! She'll be working at her favorite camp this summer and we're so proud of her. This camp has been great for her, she's made friends and really learned to apprciate, care for and ride horses. Way to go Alex!
Filling the house, AND a trip to Ikea
Today I am off work to go get our Alex. I'm going to take Mum and Acer and drive Mum's car. The beater(my mini van) is loyal, but the 250 mile round trip might just tax her a little too much. Mum's never been to Ikea, so I thought it would be fun to bring her with too.
We'll meet in Lansing and then drop down to Ikea on the way home for dinner.
I just got the coolest heater (hmm, is that an oxymoron?) for the lowest level of the house too. It's always colder down there and while Bill and I liked it when we slept down there, Alex likes it a little warmer. It looks like a little wood burning stove, complete with fake logs and flames that change, but it also puts out heat and can be turned on and off with a remote (BIll's favorite feature I think) It's very pretty and goes well with my Great-great-Aunt's Queen Anne Furniture.
We'll meet in Lansing and then drop down to Ikea on the way home for dinner.
I just got the coolest heater (hmm, is that an oxymoron?) for the lowest level of the house too. It's always colder down there and while Bill and I liked it when we slept down there, Alex likes it a little warmer. It looks like a little wood burning stove, complete with fake logs and flames that change, but it also puts out heat and can be turned on and off with a remote (BIll's favorite feature I think) It's very pretty and goes well with my Great-great-Aunt's Queen Anne Furniture.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Big Change Today
We've been home for 10 months and Acer has always been with one of us, or occassionally a few hours with Mum or my brother. I would go to work at 6 PM, and Bill would meet me there and take Acer home with him. I would work three short nights a week and full days on the weekends and Bill would work full days during the week. It worked for us, but now, after my winter off, I'm back at work full time and Grannie Pat, Mum, is watching him (for pay of course, this would be way to much to ask for free)
It was tough to scoot out the door this morning with Mum and her sheet of notes there to take care of Acer. Monday is our longest day, Both Bill and I work from Morning 'til evening and then come home. So on her first day, Mum had Acer for 10 hours. She got him to school and found his teachers. she fed him, snuggled with him on the bed with a book, and even did laundry and dishes. Go Mum!
Acer was reasonably well behaved today but was really in need of some parental snuggling tonight. Bill even broke the not on BaBa's lap while eating rule just to get in some extra snuggles before bed.
Wednesday will be Mum's next day, a little shorter because I'll work the 1-9 shift, but again it's a school day, so I'll get him ready and then she'll drive him to school at 10:30. I wouldn't be able to be back from school with him before I'd have to leave for work, so that's why she'll be taking him.
Friday Mum will come over at Noon so I can leave for work, another 1-9 shift.
Prayers that this continues to go well, it seems to be a good set up for all involved.
Heather
It was tough to scoot out the door this morning with Mum and her sheet of notes there to take care of Acer. Monday is our longest day, Both Bill and I work from Morning 'til evening and then come home. So on her first day, Mum had Acer for 10 hours. She got him to school and found his teachers. she fed him, snuggled with him on the bed with a book, and even did laundry and dishes. Go Mum!
Acer was reasonably well behaved today but was really in need of some parental snuggling tonight. Bill even broke the not on BaBa's lap while eating rule just to get in some extra snuggles before bed.
Wednesday will be Mum's next day, a little shorter because I'll work the 1-9 shift, but again it's a school day, so I'll get him ready and then she'll drive him to school at 10:30. I wouldn't be able to be back from school with him before I'd have to leave for work, so that's why she'll be taking him.
Friday Mum will come over at Noon so I can leave for work, another 1-9 shift.
Prayers that this continues to go well, it seems to be a good set up for all involved.
Heather
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Last Story hits the paper today
Howdy,
The last paper published the story today here http://www.sourcenewspapers.com/stories/033008/loc_story1001.shtml
When we get the TV segment U Tubed, we'll ppost that, but for now this is is about the Easter Egg Story.
Heather BT
PS, Sorry you'll have to copy & paste until Bill fixes it on his PC, I just don't have that ability on my computer.
The last paper published the story today here http://www.sourcenewspapers.com/stories/033008/loc_story1001.shtml
When we get the TV segment U Tubed, we'll ppost that, but for now this is is about the Easter Egg Story.
Heather BT
PS, Sorry you'll have to copy & paste until Bill fixes it on his PC, I just don't have that ability on my computer.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Easter Photos (finally)
Yes, Here he is! Our Little Man complete with tie. Then he's on the hunt for his egg and wearing his beloved fleece, Climbing on NaiNai's (Grandma's) exercise bike, and enjoying NaiNai and YeYe's (Grandpa's) Easter present to him - Rody.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Another Story, different paper
There were 3 total newspapers at the beeping egg conference. The second one, the Sentry posted their article here
So Thankful.
When we started the process for Little Miss, we prayed alot and then we got together and talked over what we felt our answers were. One question Bill asked me was, are you sure we can afford this? and How are we going to raise the money? I felt such peace from God about the money issue that I assured Bill that I would work more hours, and we would run a couple other different fundraisers that I knew about, The Shades of Us fundraiser and the ChipIn fundraiser. I thought I was nuts or something to think that people would want to help me, but I did it and I sent out emails expaining what was going on and asking for help.
People have responded, one woman who was adopting her son the same time we were adopting Acer, chipped in and let me know that it was okay to ask for help. That was huge, not only was she giving, but she also made me feel a heck of a lot better.
Another woman ordered bookmarks, but also sent us a check in the mail. Yes, the bookmarks were nice, but she just really wanted to help more than anything.
Today, one of our travel group decided that she would give up her anniversary gift this year. She told her husband that this is what she wanted, she wanted to help us bring Little Miss home.
It made me cry, when you are walking on faith, you have no idea where the next bit of help is coming from and this one was perfect timing. Just Tuesday, when Bill received a little check for something odd out of nowhere, I told Bill, See God will provide. And He Did. Thank you Theresa, Thank You Tiffany, Thank You Sharon.
I also started my etsy business. The idea of an dual ribbon bookmark, so you can mark in both the Old Testament and New Testament at the same time, just came to me one night. We've now sold enough bookmarks in person and on line to have paid for all the supplies. From now on, everything we sell is profit.
My friend and former Mandarin professor got together with her prayer group and have taken my idea, prayed about it and are running with it. I was overwhelmed, they bought sample bookmarks and prepared flyers to hand out among their friends and at church and one even open an account for donations for Little Miss under the auspices of her own company. Thank you Qin!
Another Family that traveled with us donated jewelry and bookmarks, different but similar in style, for us to sell. They'd made this to sell to help finance the adoption of their daughter last year. When they heard about Little Miss, they boxed it all up and sent it to us. I've put it up on the etsy site with our stuff, grateful with each word I wrote into the descriptions. Thank you Diggins Family.
I am just so Thankful to friends and co-workers and even strangers who've bought the bookmarks, to those who've encouraged us all along, and tho those of you I've never met, who I've never even emailed with who have prayed for us.
Thank YOU!
People have responded, one woman who was adopting her son the same time we were adopting Acer, chipped in and let me know that it was okay to ask for help. That was huge, not only was she giving, but she also made me feel a heck of a lot better.
Another woman ordered bookmarks, but also sent us a check in the mail. Yes, the bookmarks were nice, but she just really wanted to help more than anything.
Today, one of our travel group decided that she would give up her anniversary gift this year. She told her husband that this is what she wanted, she wanted to help us bring Little Miss home.
It made me cry, when you are walking on faith, you have no idea where the next bit of help is coming from and this one was perfect timing. Just Tuesday, when Bill received a little check for something odd out of nowhere, I told Bill, See God will provide. And He Did. Thank you Theresa, Thank You Tiffany, Thank You Sharon.
I also started my etsy business. The idea of an dual ribbon bookmark, so you can mark in both the Old Testament and New Testament at the same time, just came to me one night. We've now sold enough bookmarks in person and on line to have paid for all the supplies. From now on, everything we sell is profit.
My friend and former Mandarin professor got together with her prayer group and have taken my idea, prayed about it and are running with it. I was overwhelmed, they bought sample bookmarks and prepared flyers to hand out among their friends and at church and one even open an account for donations for Little Miss under the auspices of her own company. Thank you Qin!
Another Family that traveled with us donated jewelry and bookmarks, different but similar in style, for us to sell. They'd made this to sell to help finance the adoption of their daughter last year. When they heard about Little Miss, they boxed it all up and sent it to us. I've put it up on the etsy site with our stuff, grateful with each word I wrote into the descriptions. Thank you Diggins Family.
I am just so Thankful to friends and co-workers and even strangers who've bought the bookmarks, to those who've encouraged us all along, and tho those of you I've never met, who I've never even emailed with who have prayed for us.
Thank YOU!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
I, I, I I
Yes! Acer correctly identified the letter 'I' off his fridge magnets this evening. I did a Happy Dance with tears in my eyes. This is HUGE, it means he has identified the shapes from his singing leapfrog bus, which are small even if they do tell you what they are, and translated them into the bigger sized fridge blocks. Now if he translates the braille bumps on the letters into the same letter, we're on our way to literacy!
BTW
(sing this title out loud and you'll get the pun)
BTW
(sing this title out loud and you'll get the pun)
Now more products on our Etsy Site
Howdy!
Want to send out a Huge Thank You to The Diggins Family. We were in China with them last year while we picked up our respective children. We enjoyed meals, tours and Chinese beer together and enjoyed each other's company. Aleda is an artist who specializes in Celtic themed ceramic jewelry. Last year, Aleda made different products with a Chinese theme to sell to help raise money for Ellie's adoption. When they heard about our etsy store, they decided to donate their extra product to help us bring Little Miss home. So cool of them and really cool product too. I don't even have it all up yet, there's still more to come.
I've also added three more of my own bookmark styles, including some more masculine ones as per some requests.
I know you've been waiting for the pictures of Acer and the Egg hunt and Acer in his fancy duds, we'll get them up I promise.
We've been working on the paperwork for the Little Miss. Since the situation changed so much, we've been hustling and Bill's been typing and writing his fingers off. I compose and fill things out first, then Bill goes through and makes them legible.
Take Care
Pictures soon, I promise.
Heather
Want to send out a Huge Thank You to The Diggins Family. We were in China with them last year while we picked up our respective children. We enjoyed meals, tours and Chinese beer together and enjoyed each other's company. Aleda is an artist who specializes in Celtic themed ceramic jewelry. Last year, Aleda made different products with a Chinese theme to sell to help raise money for Ellie's adoption. When they heard about our etsy store, they decided to donate their extra product to help us bring Little Miss home. So cool of them and really cool product too. I don't even have it all up yet, there's still more to come.
I've also added three more of my own bookmark styles, including some more masculine ones as per some requests.
I know you've been waiting for the pictures of Acer and the Egg hunt and Acer in his fancy duds, we'll get them up I promise.
We've been working on the paperwork for the Little Miss. Since the situation changed so much, we've been hustling and Bill's been typing and writing his fingers off. I compose and fill things out first, then Bill goes through and makes them legible.
Take Care
Pictures soon, I promise.
Heather
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Star Power
We got our first dose of star power on Saturday, after the news program. It turns out that one of the cashiers at our local Costco recognized us on the news, and when we came in, said, "They were on the news!", followed by what a cool idea the clicking eggs was. She admitted, however, to having recognizing the little man before recognizing me. Sigh. Upstaged by him yet again! (As it should be) :) Well, at least we know that it might be something that people will remember, at least if someone needs beeping eggs, that is...
B
B
Rough news
Yesterday morning we found out that Little Miss's paperwork was not going to come directly to us. Instead it was going to be put up on the Multiple Agency Special Needs waiting child list. This means that our agency will have to keep their eyes open for her posting, and that another agency and another set of parents might find her first. We are rushing to put together a packet of information so that CHI will have it and be able to claim her as ours.
We need some 'Thy will' prayer about this. We truly believe that God has lead us to her, and now we have to trust that God will keep her for us. Conversely, if another family finds her, we have to trust that we were the instrument of His will, that she is with her forever family due to the fact that we asked for her paperwork. We also would have to trust that God will lead us to the right child at the right time, just like he did with Acer.
So, we had our moments of fuss and dismay, and now we have to get to work with that paperwork.
We need some 'Thy will' prayer about this. We truly believe that God has lead us to her, and now we have to trust that God will keep her for us. Conversely, if another family finds her, we have to trust that we were the instrument of His will, that she is with her forever family due to the fact that we asked for her paperwork. We also would have to trust that God will lead us to the right child at the right time, just like he did with Acer.
So, we had our moments of fuss and dismay, and now we have to get to work with that paperwork.
Friday, March 21, 2008
What's That Mysterious Ticking Noise?
Excerpted from the Macomb Daily (Read the article on their site, there is an image that is WAY cute)
SPECIAL EGG HELPS BLIND CHILDREN JOIN THE HUNT
An Easter egg that beeps. As simple as it sounds, the beeping Easter eggs developed by electronics experts at the Michigan State Police Crime and Laboratory facility in Sterling Heights will make Easter morning a joyous event for several blind youngsters.
The dozen eggs, made by Detective Sgts. Timothy R. Ketvirtis (originally from Sterling Heights) and Daniel A. Collard (originally from Richmond), will help put smiles on the faces of the handicapped youngsters because they now will be able to search for their Easter baskets just like youngsters with perfect vision.
"This really wasn't that hard to do," said Ketvirtis while watching 3-year-old Acer play with a beeping egg. "We put this thing together in 10 minutes."
SPECIAL EGG HELPS BLIND CHILDREN JOIN THE HUNT
An Easter egg that beeps. As simple as it sounds, the beeping Easter eggs developed by electronics experts at the Michigan State Police Crime and Laboratory facility in Sterling Heights will make Easter morning a joyous event for several blind youngsters.
The dozen eggs, made by Detective Sgts. Timothy R. Ketvirtis (originally from Sterling Heights) and Daniel A. Collard (originally from Richmond), will help put smiles on the faces of the handicapped youngsters because they now will be able to search for their Easter baskets just like youngsters with perfect vision.
"This really wasn't that hard to do," said Ketvirtis while watching 3-year-old Acer play with a beeping egg. "We put this thing together in 10 minutes."
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Acer meets the bomb squad
Today Acer met some great people who not only put their lives on the line for us, but also took some time to make a little three year old boy have a good Easter - the Michigan State Police Bomb Squad.
A few months back I started this project, trying to figure out how to acquire beeping eggs so Acer could have an Easter egg hunt. I googled for hours. I couldn't even find directions on how to make them myself (or have someone else make them for me) then after googling for hours I found a years old reference in a chat group log saying to ask your local bomb squad. So, it took me three phone calls to actually reach the bomb squad, and then I spoke to Rose. I told her it had to be her most unusual request that day, but would the bomb squad make beeping eggs for Acer?
Rose called back the next day and said they would do it, asked how many would I like, and said that the squad was interested in the thought of helping a three year old have a good Easter. Rose and I have spoken several times since then, to set up today's meeting and to tell me how many they'd made. The squad made 12 eggs, so we're keeping one for Acer, one for the Little Miss, and we're sending out the others across the state so ten other kids can hunt too.
One egg has already been delivered to a beautiful little 6 month old girl, Kayla, who came to the State Police office with her two grandmothers. Such a sweet and feminine little girl, she and Acer were a good contrast as he was very masculine with his tiny construction boots on. We were glad they could bring her, it took a little of the focus off Acer.
Rose, incredibly enough, made Acer a fleece jacket with the bomb squad logo on it (we all know how much Acer likes fleece) and also made little Kayla a sweet pink onezie with the bomb squad logo. Feminie and scary at the same time, the perfect way to be Kayla! You go girl!
Also at the meeting was the local fox news TV crew and three local papers. I'll post links and pictures as soon as I get them.
After meeting with the bomb squad we met with my Mandarin Professor and friend and two of her friends. I'll post about that meeting tomorrow because both events deserve their own space.
A few months back I started this project, trying to figure out how to acquire beeping eggs so Acer could have an Easter egg hunt. I googled for hours. I couldn't even find directions on how to make them myself (or have someone else make them for me) then after googling for hours I found a years old reference in a chat group log saying to ask your local bomb squad. So, it took me three phone calls to actually reach the bomb squad, and then I spoke to Rose. I told her it had to be her most unusual request that day, but would the bomb squad make beeping eggs for Acer?
Rose called back the next day and said they would do it, asked how many would I like, and said that the squad was interested in the thought of helping a three year old have a good Easter. Rose and I have spoken several times since then, to set up today's meeting and to tell me how many they'd made. The squad made 12 eggs, so we're keeping one for Acer, one for the Little Miss, and we're sending out the others across the state so ten other kids can hunt too.
One egg has already been delivered to a beautiful little 6 month old girl, Kayla, who came to the State Police office with her two grandmothers. Such a sweet and feminine little girl, she and Acer were a good contrast as he was very masculine with his tiny construction boots on. We were glad they could bring her, it took a little of the focus off Acer.
Rose, incredibly enough, made Acer a fleece jacket with the bomb squad logo on it (we all know how much Acer likes fleece) and also made little Kayla a sweet pink onezie with the bomb squad logo. Feminie and scary at the same time, the perfect way to be Kayla! You go girl!
Also at the meeting was the local fox news TV crew and three local papers. I'll post links and pictures as soon as I get them.
After meeting with the bomb squad we met with my Mandarin Professor and friend and two of her friends. I'll post about that meeting tomorrow because both events deserve their own space.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Blatantly swiped from Sharon's Blog
Howdy!
I was just over at my blogging buddy Sharon's blog and she had the best prayer quoted. I immediately swiped it to put it here. I'll get it printed out to put on my dresser mirror to pray it, because it does say it so well.
Build Me a Son
"Build me a son, O Lord,
who will be strong enough to know when he is weak,
and brave enough to face you when he is afraid,
one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat,
and humble and gentle in victory.
Build me a son
whose wishes will not take the place of deeds;
a son who will know Thee-
and that to know himself is the foundation stone of knowledge.
Lead him, I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort,
but under the stress and spur of difficulties and challenge.
Here let him learn to stand up in the storm,
here let him learn compassion for those who fail.
Build me a son
whose heart will be clear,
whose goals will be high;
a son who will master himself
before he seeks to master other men;
one who will reach into the future,
yet never forget the past.
And after all these things are his,
add, I pray, enough sense of humor,
so that he may always be serious,
yet never take himself too seriously.
Give him humility, so that he may always remember
the simplicity of true greatness,
the open mind of true wisdom,
and the weakness of true strength.
Then I, his father, will dare to whisper,
"I have not lived in vain."
~ General Douglas MacArthur
I was just over at my blogging buddy Sharon's blog and she had the best prayer quoted. I immediately swiped it to put it here. I'll get it printed out to put on my dresser mirror to pray it, because it does say it so well.
Build Me a Son
"Build me a son, O Lord,
who will be strong enough to know when he is weak,
and brave enough to face you when he is afraid,
one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat,
and humble and gentle in victory.
Build me a son
whose wishes will not take the place of deeds;
a son who will know Thee-
and that to know himself is the foundation stone of knowledge.
Lead him, I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort,
but under the stress and spur of difficulties and challenge.
Here let him learn to stand up in the storm,
here let him learn compassion for those who fail.
Build me a son
whose heart will be clear,
whose goals will be high;
a son who will master himself
before he seeks to master other men;
one who will reach into the future,
yet never forget the past.
And after all these things are his,
add, I pray, enough sense of humor,
so that he may always be serious,
yet never take himself too seriously.
Give him humility, so that he may always remember
the simplicity of true greatness,
the open mind of true wisdom,
and the weakness of true strength.
Then I, his father, will dare to whisper,
"I have not lived in vain."
~ General Douglas MacArthur
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