Physical Therapy

You may wonder what a little one does at physical therapy? The therapist was kind enough to allow me to bring the camera one day and get some footage. This isn't what we have always done, there have been a variety of stretches/exercises we've done over the last year trying to loosen Aggie up. Her problem is that all her muscles are very tight, and also weak. Some of them are so tight that she doesn't have the strength to use them, and have a full range of motion. So the idea is that if we stretch them out often, it will give her the opportunity to use them and build up strength so that her body may be useful to her. These particular exercises have been very beneficial for her neck and shoulders, and also allowed her to gain the ability to sit up independently from a laying position. It has melted my heart to see her do it with such ease this past week. So thankful to God for these resources.

Physical Therapy on the Ball-neck/shoulders/trunk stretch

Physical Therapy on the Ball on all fours

Physical Therapy with the Ball-Neck Stretch

6 years old

Happy Birthday to my sweet little girl. Shiloh was born 6 years ago today in Havelock, NC. After 2 days of contractions every 15 minutes things started picking up a bit. One exhausted me had Mike drive me to the hospital for the 3rd time to be admitted. They finally had mercy on me and let me stay. A person can not really rest while contracting, though the two times i was sent home from the hospital I was told "to go home and rest". I now wish I would have asked how I should go about that? But a naive tired me just said, OK. Once active labor began, with the help of IV medication she came really qickly. I was blessed to only push for about 50 minutes. I hear stories of women pushing for hour upon hour. Considering this was my first birth and my body was still figuring out how it all went, i will call 5o minutes a blessing. She arrived and I heard her strong lusty cry and felt much relief. She was a meager 6lb. 9oz., an answer to my prayer for a "small healthy baby". Her eyes were wide open taking everything in. She's always been my alert, observant child, not one to doze off when things are going on. She got numerous compliments on her skin complexion I remember. I loved her dainty features, the Lord made her perfectly and I feel in love instantly. Oh how my life changed that day, and has forever remained changed the day I became a mother. I love you my sweet Shiloh Abigail, may you grow in godliness and wisdom and live all your days for our Lord and Savior, and may you grow in knowledge and likeness of Him. You are a joy to my heart.

Ear Rings

After much waxing and waning over the last couple years Shiloh has taken the plung and got her ears pierced. She first wanted them when she saw all her cousins had them. I explained to her that it would likely hurt, much like a shot, but it would heal like an "owie". This explanation was enough to deter her. I wasn't trying to put her off, but didn't want to sugar-coat it either; so she would be fully aware of what she was asking for. I told her when she was ready we could do it for a birthday gift for her. Her 6th birthday is tomorrow, and she was ready, so her and I headed to the mall and had some girl time together. She was brave, not even a flinch or a tear. And some pretty earrings to wear home. She picked pink flowers, which is no surprise.

Random clothing questions

I am trying to clean out and downsize our children's wardrobes, but the girl scout in me say's keep it all. Sooo......

1. How many outfits do you keep on hand per child, please give their age?

2. How many loads per week of laundry do you do for your children?

3. How much space is each child allotted for clothing, dresser/closet space?

Thanks so much!

New Phone Numbers

You can delete our old numbers, we are changing providers.

New Numbers

Home: 850-400-1039

Appollo Cell: 850-324-5373

Mike Cell: 805-281-7382

The Big Brother

Being the middle child and the only sister, growing up I was taught to call my two bothers by their size. The oldest being my "big brother" and my youngest being the "little brother". Now that I'm an adult I find myself referring to them in the same way, though after some thought realize and am trying to change my language to something a bit more fitting like older or younger, or just straight up..... brother. Any way............. my big brother and his family drove down from St. Louis, MO to stay with us about a week. As you can see our children are nearly identical in ages, so it was a house full of activity and playing. The weather was perfect for a Florida spring break trip, I was so thankful for that! We went to a couple different beaches, then after they had their fill of the sun, we hit the zoo on their last full day here and of course grabbed snow cones on our way home. One of our beach days we took the opportunity to get some pictures of them all together. It was a bit windy and the sun was especially sunny, but we got a few good ones.

My oldest niece Karmyn is a sweet and pensive young lady, very calculated in what she is doing. A good oldest.

Trystan their middle child has a personalty to match her curlz, bouncy and full of life. After seeing her lego skills she appears to have a promising future as an engineer or architect.

Kohen is a bruiser of a toddler. He's a little man on a mission. Perhaps that determination will be put to good use some day.

It was fun having them here. I want our children to know one another, and it can be difficult being such a large distance away from one another. So far they seem to take it in stride and the children appear to pick up where they left off from each time they see one another. Thanks for making the trek this time Ben and Lindsay! We love you and miss you already!

Sitting Up

We found Aggie setting up in her crib for the first time Saturday right after my parents arrived.

We've witnessed her do it on the floor a few times as well. Very exciting!

Mema and Papa

My parents came to see us during my mom's spring break they were here Saturday-Thurdsay. We of course made it to the beach it was an odd weather day at the beach. The temperature was nice, about 80, but the fog was thick, and the water was cold. It was so bizarre sitting on the beach in the fog with many other spring breakers doing the same thing.

Gymnastics Competition

Two weekends ago Shiloh and Hosea had an opportunity to participate in a gymnastics competition.

Here they are warming up.

Here they are being buddies.

They both had fun, everyone received a metal and trophy. Shiloh placed 2nd in her age group, and Hosea placed 3rd.

Leg Braces

We got Aggie's AFO's (ankle foot orthosis) Thursday afternoon. They certainly do stabilize her much better, I can see how they might benefit her in this way. Right now we are working on getting use to them, both of us. And watching for unusual rubbing on her little feet.

In the second picture I had the kids hold her up to get a good shot, right after I took the picture Aggie elected to lift her legs off the floor, you can imagine the panic that ensued in the children. I was very close, and no one was injured. It was really quite comical.

Ohio

We've decided against pursuing the Ohio job. After some further investigating we learned that the job entailed quite a bit of traveling, which we were not fond of. We are planning to go back to our old plan to stay here, but are learning of some new possibilities with in that plan. We are continuing to trust the Lord to guide our steps and be our provider. Thank you for your continued prayers.

Reserves

Mike went to OH last weekend to check out the Air Force Reserves unit and church in Dayton. The visit went well, the gentlemen were nice at both places. He came home and shared details. But honestly we still are a little uncertain if OH is where we should go, or if we should stay here and do the Marine/Navy Reserve thing.

Our impression of OH is that Mike will have to travel throughout the month and be gone for a week at a time. This is our biggest reservation. The first year or two would be especially busy as he would be learning to fly a new aircraft and would have to do that in OK. We know that the Lord would sustain us regardless of what Mike's work schedule is, but if we get to choose......... you know what I mean. Our impression is after the first few years things slow down a bit, keeping the week long monthly trips and a daily work schedule. The two "hurdles" to doing this option were 1. Mikes hematocrit was 2 points too low for the air force. He had that re-drawn this week, and it is now with in normal limits. 2. The recruiter thought that since Mike was passed over for promotion that he was ineligible for an inter-service transfer. Since we knew guys with the same circumstances that had done it, we are pretty sure he is wrong, but it is taking some time for that all to be cleared up. In the mean time, Mike's dental record was lost. So he needs to get a new exam so he can have one. :)

Our other option right now is to stay here in FL. Transferring to Marine Reserves then to Navy Reserves. There are so many pro's and con's to both of these options. And options piggy-backing off of options. And we are learning new things everyday it seems.

We are really praying for direction right now, that the "best" option would be clear. It is seeming right now that we have 2 "good" options, which is really a blessing.

Objective or bias opinions are welcome. Wise counsel as well.

Adoption

As some of you may know, Mike and I have it in our heart to adopt. We originally planned on starting that process when our 3rd child was a year old, but the Lord sovereignly placed our little Aggie Rae in our lives and we've been taking a bit more time adjusting to the care she requires. But the desire is still there.

Mike's mother went to Haiti last summer on a mission trip with her church to help out at an orphanage for a week. She naturally fell in love with the children there, though they live in poverty, they are joy-filled. Two specific sisters have pulled on her heart, and she desires to adopt them. Her circumstances will not allow for that, but she wants to help us attempt to do so. I'm not 100% clear on their ages, I think 10 and 12. But after praying the talking together Mike and I have decided to check into adopting these 2 girls. I plan to go to Haiti this summer with Mike's mother and a small group to meet them. Mike may or may not join. After that we will decided whether or not to pursue adoption. We technically do not qualify for a Hatian adoption, as we are too young, have too many children, and haven't been married long enough, though we are told waivers can be obtained. We just ask that you pray for us through this process, that we would use wisdom and that our heart would be for the Lord and His good pleasure.

Disability

If you've ever wondered why a good and gracious God would create people with disability I commend these resources to you.

1. A Book entitled "Just the way I am"

2. An online sermon entitled "Born blind for the Glory of God". by John Piper

Both are excellent resources and speak to the heart of the matter.

Tomfoolery 11x3=33-1+1

Ok..... I've been tagged by 2 friends to play the same blog game. Though I have decided to amend the rules for my own personal preference, as my human heart insists rules to be broken, yet participate, lest my good friends not be amused. :) Here you go girls.

The Rules

1. You must post the rules. (I followed this one)
2. Post eleven fun facts about yourself on the blog post. (followed this one)
3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you've tagged. (followed half of this one, twice)
4. Tag eleven people and link them on your post. (absolutely refuse to do this)
5. Let them know you've been tagged! ( also refused by nature of #4's objections)

11 mysterious things about me
1. I hate for my ears to be touched.
2. I love clean sheets, really love them!
3. I sleep with covers over my ears for fear a bug will fly in them.
4. My favorite meal is BBQ ribs, mashed potatoes and peas.
5. I was convinced that I would die before I was able to get my drivers license. It seemed like such a lofty dream to me
6. I am the only blue eyed member of my family, everyone else has brown.
7. I really dislike large group gatherings. I usually feel a little nervous.
8. I love animals, but I'm highly allergic to them.
9. I ran a stop sign once on purpose to see what the thrill was about running stop signs, and got a ticket.
10. I was a lazy student and cheated often. Bad, I know!
11. I don't like anyone to touch my pillow, if they do i find it necessary to put a clean case on it.

Question from CS

1.What is your earliest childhood memory?

My older brother's birthday party, it was late and I had to go to bed.

2.What is your worst/most embarrassing childhood memory?

In high school I walked down several very long hallways to a class with my skirt caught up in the waist of my panty hose. I'm still embarrassed about that.

3.Name one of your greatest strengths and one of your greatest weaknesses. (That isn't exactly phrased as a question but you get the point.)

I think I'm a hard worker and independent. This too is my weakness as I should be dependent on Christ, and not striving to earn my own righteous. Christ is sufficient.

4.10 years ago, where did you see yourself today? How is real life like or different from your vision?

I was seeking a career as a nurse practitioner, and resolved to be completely content as a single women wrapped up in a rewarding career. Very different!

5.Duggars- love them or hate them?

Love

6.What is one charity or cause that you are especially passionate about?

Heart Cry Missions

7.What is the hobby that you wish you had time/money to pursue, but don't?

running/scrap-booking/sewing- any hobby really

8.Who is the person in your life who has had the greatest impact on who you are?

Jesus Christ

9.If you met President Obama and had the opportunity to ask him one question, what would it be?

Why do you think killing babies should be legal? Aren't you glad your mom didn't kill you?

10.What book, besides the Bible, has influenced you the most?

"Knowledge of the Holy" A.W. Tozer

11.If I gave you $100 right now, with no strings attached except that you had to spend it, what would you do with it?

Get a massage and my eyebrows waxed, and if I still had some left I'd get a frappachino on the way home.

Questions from CR

1. Worst Habit?

according to whom? My mom...crunching ice, Myself ...... time on the computer.

2. Where did you meet your spouse? I want details.

Blind date to the marine corp ball..... A friend knew we'd be perfect for each other. After not taking her seriously several times for the reason listed in CS's 4th question, my friend needed someone to ride with her to OK for a marine corp ball, and by the way this "happy bald man needed a date".

3. If you could sit down and eat dinner with one person who would it be? They can be living or dead.

My husband

4. What's your favorite side dish at Thanksgiving?

Mash potatoes and gravy

5. What's your dream vacation?

I honestly don't know. It would probably be somewhere where I could be active and outdoors in fair weather with people i love.

6. What book has influenced you most?

The Bible

7. Why don't you like brussel sprouts? If you do like them, how do you prepare them?

I've only had them once, and didn't mind them. I was a kid, but I'm pretty sure they had lot's a butter on them.

8. What do you wish you would have spent more time doing 5 years ago?

Learning how to cook.
9. If you live to be 90 years old what will have been most important to you?

That all the people I love would know their need of Christ, and be following Him.
10. What's the first thing you do when you wake up?

Try really hard not to be awake. Then throw my covers off me realizing the couter-productivenss of my first action.

11. What's the last thing you do before you shut off the lights?

Pray with my man and kiss him goodnight.

Ankel Braces

I was really excited this morning to take Aggie to get her legs casted so she could be fit for some ankle braces. Excited might seem like a strong word to describe such an endeavor with 3 little ones, but I really was. I am thrilled that such a tool is available to us, and that we have provision for it. I am hopeful that it will help Aggie work on her standing, and maybe some distant future day.......... walking if the Lord should will it. The reason the braces will benefit her is that when she stands up she stands on her toes, so she has minimal control. The braces will make her stand flat footed so we can focus on getting control of other areas. It's really exciting! Exciting enough to bring the camera. :)

This is what a women with 3 children looks like in a Doctors office anticipating the need of the children to be still for an extended period of time. Note the Mac on the right playing "Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs". The portable DVD player on the left playing "Baby Einstein", and the variety of toys/food/snacks on the table with in arms reach to keep the baby still for casting. Though movies really are not a large part of our life, you would never guess it by this picture. They are certainly a huge resource for me in times like this. (The gentleman who did the casting was kind enough to take the picture for me.)

This was the making of the cast.

Here is the end result. They will use the cast to mold the brace. Look how cute it is. It looks all petite and proper standing up right.

This is the print that will be on the brace. I was hoping for a cute pink one to match the hearing aid, our other accessory, but this really was the cutest/prettiest option. And according to Fancy Nancy "Lavender goes with almost anything".