Exciting News
A couple of exciting things to share. First Sarah is doing great and actually will start preschool on Monday. She will be in a mainstream preschool with the same teacher that Luke had. In my wildest dreams I did not think she would be in preschool this year. However, upon the recommendation of both her doctor and her speech therapist we are starting on Monday. She went and spent about an hour in the class last week and the teacher said she did well. So here we go embarking on a new chapter already.
Secondly, our family has been selected to be the beneficiary of an adoption fundraiser held by Hip Mom Jewelry. We will receive a percentage of the sales from their website for the month of October! It includes all of the products listed under adoption and when checking out you must enter the code HERM1010. These proceeds will go toward some of Sarah's medical expenses. They do have some beautiful handmade jewelry so check out the website http://www.hipmomjewelry.com/category_8/Adoption.htm I had actually applied for this before we even went to China so it was quite a surprise to get the email from them today saying we would be one of the families featured in October.
Thanks for all of your prayers and support, they are priceless.
I John 3:18 My children, we should love people not only with words and talk, but by our actions and true caring.
Blessings,
Funny Luke
Just had to share the funny thing Luke did today. We went to Target to pick up some headphones for his computer lab. So, like any good mother I bribed Luke and Sarah telling them that if they behaved they could pick something from the $1 aisle when we left. Basically, they behaved, well sorta. We are standing in the $1 aisle (also known as the aisle of junk) and Luke picks up a light saber type toy. He is waving it around like a maniac and no surprise it falls apart. He turns and looks up at me sheepishly and says, "Um, Mom I think this toy is for calm children....and I am not a calm children." He is too much, I can't help but laugh. He is also very right he is not a "calm children".
Isaiah 54:13 All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children
Blessings,
Day by Day
Truthfully, the last few weeks we have been making it day by day. Sometimes by the skin of our teeth. School is in full swing and everyone is adjusting fairly well. However, there do not seem to be enough hours in the day to get it all done. I swear I fall into bed and then the alarm is sounding. Sometimes it is hard to stop and appreciate all the blessings surrounding us. With two tween boys in the house sometimes the attitude is so thick it can't be escaped. Luke has decided that he wants to be home schooled, to which I said "No way, I can't do that". His reply, "Well, Sarah can she knows how to write her numbers, she can teach me!" Oh my!
With all of that said Sarah is progressing quickly, beyond any one's wildest expectation. When we went to speech this past Tuesday her therapist was in awe. I think because I do not have any experience with cochlear implants it is hard for me to grasp how well she is doing. The therapist explained to me that Sarah's speech development is beyond some of her patients that have been in therapy for 2 years. She said it is really a miracle. I replied, "I think I will just cry a second if that is okay" she said' "I think I will join you." and she did. What can I say, it is overwhelming. We give glory to God, through him all things are possible. Thank you all for your prayers and support they are priceless.
Matthew 6:19 Do not store up you treasures here on earth, where moths will eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal.
Blessings,
Ear Covering!
Just a quick note. Sarah is beginning to recognize where sounds are coming from. For instance I was tapping my foot and she looked down and pointed then hopped up out of her chair and started jumping up and down to replicate the noise. It gave her great joy!
Then on Sunday she really got into the praise music at church. She mimicked playing the, piano, the drums and singing. So cool! After a bit she decided it was enough and actually covered her ears with her hands:) No offense to the band they are great!
Our next appointment to turn up the volume if this Friday! Then speech therapy commences....I predict Sarah will give Luke a run for his money in the jabber jaws department. Thanks for all your prayers and support.
Lamentations 3: 22-23 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Blessings,
Catching Up!
Wow, has it really been 3 weeks since I posted anything??? What an amazing 3 weeks it has been.
The boys had a fantastic time in NY with their grandma and grandpa. They were busy all the time, I am sure everyone in NY is still recovering:) What wonderful memories they will hold. Sarah missed them desperately and was so happy upon their arrival home.
Sarah had her cochlear implant mapping done on the 17th. It was a bit traumatic at first however, she has adapted amazingly well. The goal for the first couple of weeks is just to get her comfortable wearing it daily and experiencing some noise. She is doing great and actually asks for it to be put on in the morning. As the days progress she seems to be deciphering more noises and responding with delight.
Joseph and David started middle school. They were excited and nervous at the same time. So far so good, of course they love the bus ride home, very social boys. Yesterday they informed me that one of their teachers reminds them of Grandma Jennie. Yeah! It happens to be their English, language arts teacher so that is awesome. They said she looks like her, sounds like her and dresses like her!! I thought I would email her and let her know about the high compliment she was receiving . However, after further thought, what if she is like 30 years old or something?? That would make for a long year:)
Luke is enjoying kindergarten, he loves his sweet teacher. He did have to clip down to light green yesterday. He explained to me it was not his fault, his friend was talking to him and he got in trouble for listening. Memories, I feel his pain because I too always got in trouble for someone else talking to me:) (Hope the sarcasm is coming through) Conduct was not my strong suit!
Sarah had an assessment through our school district for some early childhood intervention. They of course were floored by her brilliance (I am sure you are getting sick of hearing this). They actually asked me if I drew the smiley face that she drew. I explained I would like to take credit but I can't even draw that well! (lol) The good news is she will get some speech services. We meet again next week to figure out the logistics. I explained to them that she really hates being told "no". They laughed at me and said "she is 2, there are not many 2 year olds who like to be told 'no'". So rest assured even though she is very smart she has 2 year old moments that rival the best of them.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support
Ephesians 4:2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love.
Blessings,
Sunday Snapshot
Sarah's big brothers are off to NY for a week of fun with their Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt and Uncles. They also get to meet their new baby cousin:) Sarah was very sad to see them board the plane and take off this morning. They wondered why she couldn't just jump aboard with them! I am amazed at how everyone has adjusted, bonded..whatever you want to call it she is their sister and our daughter. We are a family and it is like she has been here all along, just where she is suppose to be.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you all with joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Blessings,
Cousin Camp 2010
Many of you know already however for those of you who don't, I have the greatest sister one could ask for:) My brother in law is pretty cool too. For once a year they host "Cousin Camp" at their house. Cousins range in age from 2 (Sarah) to 18 (Noah) and they all take part. It is awesome. All the cousins stay at their house for the week. It happens to coincide with their church's bible school which my sister directs. So yes, mania dose run in the family.
They had a week of fun filled activities and good old family bonding. Sarah and I came and went so that she could participate in many of the good times but not be totally overwhelmed. Of course whenever she was present there was no lack of attention. Some of the activities that took place were: a lemonade stand to benefit Haiti (raised $60), fun at kiddie land (train ride and go karts), putt putt, neighborhood scavenger hunt, swimming, more swimming, Mayborn Museum, Dr. Pepper soda shop, a trip to the library and a Mario Cart tournament. Let me just say I am terrible at Mario Cart!!! Thanks to Aunt Meg and Uncle Matt for an awesome week.
As far as Sarah's recovery from surgery it is going well. She will have her stitches removed on Monday. She will also get a hearing aid for her left ear. Then on August 17th the mapping will be done on her cochlear implant and she will begin to hear. Amazing!!! Thank you all for your continued prayers and support.
1 John 4: 7-8 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves is born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
Blessings,
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