Kwisteena's Kwaziness

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.

2011-12-01T18:29:00.000-05:00

My confession: I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees... I don't feel threatened.. I don't feel discriminated against.. That's what they are, Christmas trees. It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are

I've tried not to focus....

2011-11-28T23:59:00.004-05:00

I have tried my hardest to go this November without remembering what happened to Kallie, to our family, 4 years ago. New words of Diabetic Ketoacidosis, finger checks, blood sugars, counting carbs, reading labels, stacking insulin, insulin shots or pump therapy, a1c tests......The list can go on and on of the terms that have now been introduced into our lives because my daughter has Type 1

"I'm tired of being called 'tiny and cute'..."

2011-11-20T22:09:00.003-05:00

"and feeling like no one cares what I have to say."What do you say to your daughter when she says that?! Brittany is struggling with insecurities right now and I am not sure how to help her through them, so I am seeking my reader's advice! I tell her that not everyone is going to be nice, that we can't be friends with everyone, to tell them that when they make her the butt of their jokes, it

An update of sorts

2011-10-15T22:40:00.002-04:00

Well, our school year is in full swing! This year seems busier than ever, but I love it, because I know someday, I'm going to miss this busyness with my girls!Kallie finished out her Special Olympics(SO)Bowling at the end of September. She really enjoyed it, even though, I must say, it was quite disorganized! But we are going to give it another shot next year and see how it goes! The next sport

We have a winner

2011-09-30T21:30:00.001-04:00

Using Random.org the winner is AllekonaSo Allison, is this who I think it is?!, I need your address to send you the info on getting your free program! Email me at schu3262@aol.com Thank you all who participated!

Wound issues STILL! UGH

2011-09-21T23:35:00.001-04:00

It's been 4 months since Kallie's surgery...and today..part of her wound broke down and we can see a stitch in there...I am at a loss for words.

My Memories~Scrapbooking software and a GIVEAWAY!

2011-09-20T11:00:00.000-04:00

I was contacted by the people at My Memories who asked me if I would like to try out their software and do a review here on my blog. I said, "For sure!" I have heard about this digital scrapbooking software before and it looked so cool!! Basically this software is online scrapbooking. It's a great way to organize pictures and then print them or share them online in a fun way.Here is the first

Just 4 more days left!

2011-09-19T16:06:00.002-04:00

Just four days away from picking a winner for my My Memories ScrapBooking Giveaway! Below you can see a page I made of Buddy Walk memories!

Derogatory Speech

2011-09-12T21:55:00.003-04:00

If you have read my blog, know me in real life, or even follow me on facebook, then you know how much I dislike when people use the word 'retarded' as slang. Please watch this video and be moved to change and think about how you speak and the words you use..Regan, your an inspiration and I am so proud of you!

Ten years later

2011-09-10T18:48:00.004-04:00

I can't believe tomorrow marks the 10th anniversary of the attack on our country. The attack that has forever changed America. The attack that made me truly realize how much hate there is out in the world.On September 11th, 2001, I was driving to Easter Seals to drop Kallie off to a Speech Therapy playgroup she was a part of. When we arrived there, I heard on the radio that the World Trade

Life With My Special Ks: My Memories - Our Cancer Journey and a GIVEAWAY!!!...

2011-09-10T18:38:00.001-04:00

My friend Renee over at Life with My Special K's is doing a give away. Go check it out and enter! Good luck to everyone!

Gardening with Daddy

2011-09-07T16:00:00.006-04:00

This year Todd is working with the girls a lot on planting seeds and seeing if they can fill up our yard a little more with trees. We want fruit trees, trees that flower, and trees that provide shade. Todd has contacts through jobs that have a lot of seeds/starter trees, so we don't have to spend a lot of money at the nursery.Two weeks ago they planted a Silk Floss tree,avocado, mango and

Brittany's Goals

2011-09-03T01:13:00.003-04:00

Brittany has told me for about a year that she wants to be a chef(I laugh because it used to be a tattoo artist!). Tonight, she showed me her skill with making Mango Salsa. She did so good with chopping the mango, cutting the peppers julienne style, and measuring out the liquids ingredients and spices. While she was cutting away she told me, "I really want to be a chef when I grow up!" That, my

Hate speech

2011-08-30T20:31:00.002-04:00

Why does it shock me? Why does it shock me when I see people use words that are ALL OVER THE NEWS in controversy? Will it ever just roll off my shoulder? Chose your words carefully people, you never know the company you keep, or the power that your words will have. Parents, educate your children that the word retarded is not a slang word, but is a medical diagnosis, that DOES NOT MEAN STUPID!

Things are going well

2011-08-30T00:37:00.002-04:00

Not sure what is going on with commenting but I will just keep writing! We are in our third week of school and we are doing fantastic! The girls are back in the grove of things. Must admit, school is taking much longer than it was the past years, but I suppose as they advance in grade, the more intense the work will be, thus having it take longer. Brittany had her first AHG get together,

Great Quote and Hard Lessons

2011-08-26T12:03:00.004-04:00

Never ruin an apology with an excuse. ~Kimberly Johnson~ So many times in life, we can go on and on about why we did something, why we felt a certain way and refuse with all our might to try to put ourselves in their shoes and see things from their perspective, yet never really try to fix things. The past year, I've done this. I let the fact that I was so offended ruin an awesome friendship

Having issues?

2011-08-21T12:12:00.002-04:00

I have had some readers email me that they can't comment on my blog! Is anyone else having this issue? My email is schu3262@aol.com let me know.

Update on Surfing for Sandals

2011-08-20T23:28:00.003-04:00

Some of you may remember me posting about Brittany's first American Heritage Girls(AHG) service project. Brittany set herself a goal of raising 50 sandals for Samaritans Purse in connection with Operation Christmas Child. Today we dropped off 196 pairs of sandals that will be given out to children in extreme poverty and orphans! We are still amazed at the outpouring of support for this project

2 Corinthians 1:4

2011-08-20T22:20:00.002-04:00

Recently, I saw a post popping up all over my Facebook page. It is a post that touched my heart. While my child doesn't suffer from the same thing this woman's child does, I can so relate to her emotions! Please take the time to read this! I know that having Kallie in my life, gives me the opportunity to minister to others who are in a spot that I once was, whether through Down syndrome, diabetes

Spread the word..BOYCOTT Change Up movie

2011-08-08T18:35:00.003-04:00

Sadly, they, and many people find making fun of people who can't defend themselves funny. See an article here. I won't post on my blog that nasty things, that some people find funny.

Brittany's First American Heritage Service Project

2011-08-07T22:52:00.002-04:00

We received an email the other night about a service project that Brittany could take part in. It's called 'Surfing for Sandals' and it's a sandal drive for orphans and children living in extreme poverty. I have never seen Brit so excited to participate in something and with such a loving, compassionate heart. Her objective is to collect new childrens sandals(flip flops) and bring them to a drop

School starts tomorrow!

2011-08-07T22:48:00.003-04:00

Well at 'Schulz Middle School' that is! I've got my lessons plans done for the next week for both girls and am looking forward to getting back into a routine. Brittany has been complaining about starting up school again, but tonight when I was showing her her stuff, she started seeming excited! We will see how long that lasts! Kallie is ready. She keeps bringing me things, wanting to do some work

Update from the hematologist.

2011-08-07T22:45:00.002-04:00

Everything was ......NORMAL! Praise the Lord! No Lupus, no auto immune disorder! Only thing that was off was her creatinine levels which were only slightly raised, 0.75 being the high normal, Kallie's was 0.80. She said no need for follow up and that we should talk to pediatrician and endocrinologist about the kidney stuff. Thank you all so much for your prayers and kind words! While I was pretty

Visit to the Hematologist

2011-08-01T10:15:00.002-04:00

I just realized I never updated after our visit on Thursday with the hematologist! After reviewing all of Kallie's history and lab results and our family history, the doctor decided to do testing for leukemia, lupus, an immune system disorder that causes issues with collagen production????, and testing to check liver function. I honestly, when she said the last thing, saw her mouth moving but

Two weeks till we are back to school!

2011-07-26T18:09:00.003-04:00

I can't believe how time has slipped away! I am excited to get started, but I am also sad to see our lazy days of doing whatever coming to an end! One thing that has been taken off our schedule for a year is soccer. We just can't swing it! I am sad for Brittany, but she took it like a champ! After this weekend I will be starting to schedule our days of school work, co-ops, American Heritage girls

Maybe one day, there will be no more wound updates!

2011-07-25T18:13:00.007-04:00

But for today, there is yet another update! Are you as sick of it as I am? I bet so!Last night after Kallie's shower I noticed that her 2nd wound,the one that just recently started opening up, had a black spot surrounded by some white. I was concerned so I snapped a picture and texted the surgeon this morning. This is what the wound looked like a little over a week ago This is what it looked like

American Heritage Girls

2011-07-20T01:04:00.003-04:00

Last week I tried to enroll Brittany in a program called American Heritage Girls(AHG), but found out the troop I wanted her in, one with home schoolers, was full. Well, God made it possible and I received an email today that there is a spot for her! Woot! Woot! I am SO excited! I realize that everyone doesn't know what AHG is so I copied there mission statement:American Heritage Girls is a

Hockey Field Trip

2011-07-16T23:30:00.004-04:00

Friday we went with a friend to see the rookie Florida Panthers practice. We really enjoy hockey! Well, practice isn't quite as exciting as a game and rookies aren't quite as exciting as professionals, you know because "Mom, I don't know any of these guys! Where is Weiss?" Regardless, we had a wonderful time and took a few pictures. Brittany took an action shotThere is a REALLY short player on

Another Saturday of bowling

2011-07-16T23:19:00.003-04:00

Kallie was SO excited to get to go to bowling again today for Special Olympics. Today there were still a few kinks in getting started, but once all that was settled and she didn't have to wait anymore, she was ready to get her game on! She will NOT let me help her! If I start walking with her to coach her, she turns around and points to the chairs and tells me to go sit! Hmph! FINE! LOL Her

Wound Update

2011-07-15T16:58:00.004-04:00

Yesterday we went to the surgeon for a wound check and xray to see if the degree of knock knee has improved any thus far. Her first wound, that we have been having major issues with is looking really good. The edges of the wound are coming together and the surface area of the wound in total has decreased. The yellow, necrotic debris, is pretty much all gone. There is a VERY small amount left at

I love my Pastor!

2011-07-14T10:42:00.006-04:00

He really is a great teacher and shepherd! Last night he did a message about prayer. How many times have you said, "Oh I'll pray for you", "I'll be praying for you", or "Your in my prayers", yet you never actually sat down and took the time to get alone with God and pray for that person or their needs. Those, a lot of the time, are good intentions, with no follow through. So for the next week, my

A motivational message

2011-07-12T00:24:00.004-04:00

Because I sure need it. I was looking for some motivational messages on how not to let past mistakes define who I am today. And I came across this message. Sometimes I need reminders about who I am now, especially when satan is whispering in my ear, reminding me of everything I've done wrong. God is more interested in who you are and what you are going to be than who you were once and what you

Kallie joined Special Olympics

2011-07-10T13:49:00.002-04:00

So excited for her! The two sports that we have her enrolled in are swimming and bowling. Swimming, however, has to wait till next year since she can't go into pool water until her wound is healed up! So yesterday, we started bowling. It was the first day, so it was a little chaotic, but we are really looking forward to going back next weekend! At first Kallie refused to use the ramp and

Low WBC

2011-07-05T23:03:00.004-04:00

Back in May when we went in for pre-op blood work, Kallie's WBC count came back low at 3.1. All her other counts were fine so my pediatrician wasn't super concerned about her having the surgery with the agreement that we had to repeat the CBC, but at a lab instead of in his office. So Saturday we took her in to get the blood drawn and we got a call from the pediatrician today that her WBC counts

Kallie update

2011-07-02T13:03:00.002-04:00

Well, it's been about a week since I've updated about Kallie's wound. It has improved in the fact that it's not as deep, it's DEFINITELY got blood flow and it's not infected. It is however, still open! We are still battling with that stubborn area at the top which has what the doctor thinks is "fatty tissue" that is hanging on. We are still doing wet to dry on that part of the wound but have to

Why Public Schooling is "Better" than Homeschooling! ;-)

2011-06-27T01:07:00.003-04:00

1. Most parents were educated in the underfunded public school system, and so are not smart enough to homeschool their own children.2. Children who receive one-on-one homeschooling will learn more than others, giving them an unfair advantage in the marketplace. This is undemocratic.3. How can children learn to defend themselves unless they have to fight off bullies on a daily basis?4. Ridicule

"It'll be about a month"...

2011-06-23T11:31:00.004-04:00

.."before it closes completely." Yesterday was a good day at the surgeon's office. But I am bummed that he is thinking it's gonna be about a month. Bummed cause Kallie can't swim until this is closed! Summer in Florida, typically consists of swimming, swimming, and more swimming! Anyways, off the small detail, right?! He was very happy with how much her wound has changed in 6 days. He says it

Anxious to see the surgeon tomorrow..another picture

2011-06-21T22:42:00.005-04:00

I just don't know what to think about her wound. I mean really would you look at this picture and think, "Wow, that's looking good!"To me the edges look really bad, but the white (necrotic debris) is mostly out. It's less deep than it was...it looked like a deep valley before. But to me, it's still not good. We spoke to the surgeon yesterday after sending him a picture, and he warned us that he

A little bit longer

2011-06-21T15:26:00.003-04:00

Kallie was listening to her iPod today and she has the Jonas Brothers on it. I heard her singing this song and realized what it was about. I cried! Nick Jonas is a Type 1 diabetic and is a major fundraiser for a cure. Always praying for a cure! Enjoy the song!Got the news todayDoctors said i had to stayA little bit longer and i'd be fineWhen i thought it'd all be doneWhen I thought it'd all been

Yet another setback..graphic photo of wound don't look if easy stomach

2011-06-18T22:30:00.006-04:00

We have been battling with one of Kallie's incisions since she got out her stitches on June 3rd, two weeks after her surgery. And the battle continues! I have gone to three doctors appointments this week, one to her pediatrician, on to the surgeon's associate and then finally, after I insisted, to the surgeon himself. In the end, Kallie has basically paid the price for her surgeon, nor his office

I hate diabetes!

2011-06-15T17:31:00.002-04:00

We are on our way to our local JDRF thank you dinner for raising funds for the walk this year. I'm thankful that there is an organization that is trying to find a cure, but I hate that diabetes is even on the list of things Kallie has to deal with! It's been four long weeks since Kallies surgery on her knees, and her wounds still aren't healed! For one of them we are going to possibly have to go

Let summer begin!

2011-06-12T15:57:00.004-04:00

Ah, now we are all done with our home school evaluations we can officially say, WE ARE ON SUMMER BREAK! For a month anyway! LOL We don't take off the entire summer because we like to enjoy the month of December off as well! The girls did great and I can't believe I am going to say this but, I am now the mom of TWO middle schoolers! YIKES! Keep in mind that a lot of what Kallie does is not what a

Fellow Blogger

2011-06-06T12:51:00.005-04:00

A few months ago, my Facebook group of parents of kids with Down syndrome blew up of news of a family who was trying to adopt a child being refused because he would "be better in an institution". You can read about this amazing family and their journey to adopt an adorable little boy named Kirill at Our Eyes Opened. If ever you doubt about God moving mountains and making things that seem

Promotion ceremony

2011-06-05T21:07:00.004-04:00

Thursday night we participated in our first promotion ceremony for our home school group. I can't believe my girls are growing up so quickly!!! Before I know it, they will be grown and graduated! YIKES! I have a few pictures from that night! Let me tell you I am so blessed to belong to such an awesome home school group. I've met some really great ladies that help me along on this home school

Kallie update again

2011-06-05T20:58:00.003-04:00

Friday Kallie got her stitches out! She was beyond nervous to let the doctor touch her "cuts" but she got through it. After it was done, it was a bit of a set back, because she was again too nervous to walk. But by Friday night she was willing to try to walk again. Saturday, Kallie decided that she wanted most of the steri-strips off and while she was laying down for bed, she pulled them off! Oh

The Mystery of History

2011-05-29T23:05:00.004-04:00

For the past two years we have done a history program called The Mystery of History. We were working on Volume 1:Creation to Christ. I really enjoyed teaching this! I have learned so much that I didn't even know! Brittany enjoyed it, more so towards the end when she started recognizing the names of the people or events we studied. Something really neat that we did along with the readings was to

Kallie counting her coins

2011-05-28T21:27:00.002-04:00

Here is the video of Kallie counting nickel to nickel, dime to dime and quarter to quarter. I will take some video this week to show you her transitioning from counting a nickel, dime or quarter to pennies. Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

2011-05-27T20:58:00.004-04:00

A few months ago I started a money kit from Touch Math This kit is AMAZING! Going to add some photos, but first let me tell you what we have started working on. 1. First we started with the penny, noting how it has a 'dot' just like the touch math poster of numbers 1-9 does that Kallie uses when doing her math. So she knows that a plain 'dot' means to touch it and count by one...for example, if

Thank you Leah!!!

2011-05-27T14:48:00.002-04:00

What a great suggestion! She is walking more upright now!

Kallie walked!

2011-05-27T08:27:00.002-04:00

Well, yesterday Kallie shocked us and decided she wanted to try to walk a little. We were so excited because we didn't expect her to want to try, we thought we were going to have to force the issue! So we stood her at her walker, and she took about 10 steps. Awesome! Then later, she wanted to walk some more(very slowly, legs barely bent, but she was walking!) so she walked from my bedroom to the

Not infection!

2011-05-24T10:35:00.002-04:00

We were quite worried this morning when Kallie woke up with another red,raised spot. But the doctor said that they are most likely blisters caused by the steri-strips. Yay! He didn't prescribe any relaxers to help her out, but he increased the amount of Motrin we can give her, adding in a dose over night which should help with how she wakes up, tight and in pain.

Tomorrow we will go to the surgeon....

2011-05-23T21:09:00.002-04:00

Because something is wrong in an area near Kallie's incision that we saw today when we took off her wraps. I am not sure if she reacted to something they used for wound care or what! But upon further investigation, it was a puss filled blister like irritation. We are also going to ask for a muscle relaxer to try to get her more comfortable with movement. She is SO rigid and, like a friend said,

Under construction!

2011-05-23T15:23:00.002-04:00

Please pardon the temporary bloggy mess!

Can I puke now?!

2011-05-23T09:45:00.002-04:00

OMG I can't handle seeing this! Kallie can't either...she has been a mess since we took off the bandages...I think the bandages were a security for her.

I need help!!

2011-05-22T20:26:00.001-04:00

I really would love to change the picture on the top of my blog! Can anyone kindly help me with that?

Meds update

2011-05-22T20:21:00.002-04:00

Well, we had to call the doctor today, because while the increased dose calmed her down, it barely seemed to last long with the pain management. So on top of the vicadin she is now taking 400 mg of Motrin. What a difference! Her attitude has improved drastically and when we take her to the bathroom, while still painful for her, it's definitely more controlled. Did I mention the bandages come off

Sunday is a little better

2011-05-22T10:53:00.002-04:00

Last night Kallie slept very well, with very few times getting up to complain about her knees hurting. We are working today on her moving her legs more and by the end of the day, her at least putting pressure on her legs. We have been taking her for walks around the neighborhood in the wheelchair. She really enjoys that, it seems to relax her. Right now she is in Scooby Doo and iCarly heaven,

Saturday night

2011-05-21T20:38:00.003-04:00

Well, after we increased Kallie's pain meds she seems to be more tolerable of things. Still is terrified of when we have to move her, but tonight is definitely an improvement from last night and earlier. Tomorrow is the last day of her bandages being on. I am actually nervous to see her incisions! I hate stitches! She will get those out at the end of next week. Here is a picture in one of three

2011-05-21T08:09:00.002-04:00

Where do I even begin? Kallie started crying last night at about 9, and hasn't really stopped. I am not sure the pain meds are helping. But then again, Kallie can't put her pain on a scale, pain is pain and she doesn't cope well with it. Getting her into the bathroom is beyond difficult! Her knees are wrapped so that they pretty much stay straight till Monday. After Monday we take them off and

She is out!!!

2011-05-20T12:17:00.000-04:00

She is out, everything went routine, get to see her in about 30 min

Surgery update

2011-05-20T11:39:00.001-04:00

We are still waiting for Kallie to come out of surgery. She was taken back two hours late, so no worries. Will update after we see her and get her settled.

A prayer for my girl please?

2011-05-19T22:13:00.002-04:00

Well, tomorrow morning, at 8 am Kallie's surgery should be underway. Please, if you can, could you spare a prayer, a prayer for the doctors work, a prayer for no surprises, good blood sugars and a prayer for Kallie's pain tolerance and recovery. Thank you so much!

Testing from my phone

2011-05-19T13:26:00.001-04:00

Testing to see if a post goes through from my phone.

Some more pictures!

2011-05-17T10:36:00.005-04:00

Some more pictures of my girls! I love my girls freckles, Brittany's especially!!!

14 years!

2011-05-17T00:00:00.000-04:00

Ok, we've been together 17 but 14 years ago, I married my soul mate, my best friend, and a man who forever changed my life. He introduced me to Jesus, he gave me two of the most beautiful girls I could have ever dreamed of, and allows me to be a stay at home mom and teacher. I love my life and wouldn't want to spend it with anyone else! Here's to 14 more baby!

A few photos

2011-05-16T23:00:00.003-04:00

Kallie update

2011-05-16T14:47:00.004-04:00

On Friday, Kallie will have surgery to correct her previously undetected 'Knock Knee' also known as Genu Valgum. While Kallie's knock knee isn't as dramatic as the pictures on many of the websites it is bad enough to be causing her knee cap to pop out of place, at least 7 times within the last year. The procedure she will be having is called 'Genu Valgum correction with Growth Modulation.

Reconsidering

2011-05-16T14:35:00.002-04:00

I've reconsidered and decided to open my blog! I've been contacted by many people wondering about my journey home schooling a child with Down syndrome(and home schooling my other daughter as well), having a child with DS and Type 1 diabetes and other questions for this journey we call 'Raising a child with special needs'. So, I am putting myself out there again, with hopes that my story, my

A fond farewell to my blog....

2010-11-29T13:40:00.002-05:00

I have decided to take my blog down. I didn't want it to seem like I blocked people or created a private blog so after a few days, if you try to go to my blog it will say it's only open to invited readers. I am keeping the blog as a personal journal, but no longer want to put my business out there for everyone to read, or judge if you will. So, for those of you that I see on Facebook, I will

Me and my girls

2010-09-06T21:28:00.005-04:00

I love my girls so much!!!! I'm so lucky to be their mommy!

Kallie's Buddies

2010-09-06T21:16:00.003-04:00

Recently you may remember me posting about Kallie doing a horse grooming program with a local group that pairs teens/young adults up with children with disabilities. Well, yesterday, we started having a young couple, boyfriend and girlfriend, come to the house to visit Kallie and play with her for a few hours every Sunday! Isn't that neat?! My girl felt SO special having someone come over just to

Life is Good

2010-09-02T23:29:00.002-04:00

Stephanie over at A is for Aiden tagged me for this award. Stephanie and I haven't had the pleasure of meeting in real life but enjoy keeping up with each others lives on Facebook and through blogs, though mine has been SERIOUSLY lacking!1.If you blog anonymously, are you happy doing it that way; if you are not anonymous do you wish you had started out anonymously so you could be anonymous now?I

Horse Therapy

2010-08-16T23:04:00.005-04:00

We have been taking Kallie to a horse grooming program for the past 2 weeks. I have to tell you, the interaction that Kallie has with this one horse named Devon is AMAZING! The girl Molly who is in charge of the horses was telling me that he doesn't respond that way to everyone and the things he was doing was showing that he really cared for Kallie. How sweet is that?! I am going to look into

End of my Biggest Loser Challenge

2010-08-10T12:51:00.004-04:00

Well, tomorrow actually marks the day of the 40 day challenge I gave myself to loose weight. The way I did it was to cut calories drastically and light to moderate exercise. While I am not where I want to be yet with my weight or size(still have 14 more lbs I would like to get off) I am super excited for all the accomplishments I have made thus far! I had a heck of a time starting off but once I

Bad, Bad Blogger!

2010-07-18T23:08:00.004-04:00

Well, I've gone and done it again. It's been quite some time since my last post! We have been enjoying the past month and a half breaking from school work to take part in some summer fun! We've been going to the beach, the pool, taking advantage of free bowling(except for the shoe rental), Free movies at Regal, and visiting with friends and family. So many exciting things for this year to make

End year evals

2010-06-13T23:26:00.002-04:00

I can't believe I made it another year! This year, was 100% better and easier than the first year home schooling. The girls are accustomed to me teaching them and therefore know I mean business when it's 'school time'. As I was getting my notes and portfolios ready for our evaluation, I was so amazed at all the advances my girls made this year! I must say, I know without a doubt, I've made the

I couldn't have said it better!

2010-05-31T23:04:00.002-04:00

"A true believer can’t live a life that is openly contrary to God’s standards for long without experiencing tremendous conviction for their waywardness. The conviction will eat their lunch and eventually bring them to a place of godly sorrow that results in repentance." A great blog about the 'evolution of Miley(Cyrus)'. She's just bein--Britney

First Weigh In

2010-05-17T22:23:00.002-04:00

This week I have managed to make excercise a part of my routine for 4 out of the 6 days! I am very proud of myself for that! On top of that, I have completely cut out soda from my diet! I now drink tea and water only. Don't get me wrong, if I wanted soda, I would have it, but I honestly, just don't want it! This accountability for weigh ins on Sunday is really helping me to stay focused on what I

Happy Anniversary to me!

2010-05-17T22:13:00.004-04:00

I always get very excited when May 17th rolls around. You see, this marks the day that I married my soul mate. The man that I can't imagine living without or raising children without. We've had so many statistics stacked against us, yet we carry on, crushing them all. Todd and I don't typically exchange gifts for holidays but this time, we did. We both got new devotional books! I have been

Biggest Loser Weight Loss Challenge

2010-05-10T21:05:00.002-04:00

Well, I didn't learn my lesson last time I learned all of my weight! LOL So here I go again, this time with the tools I learned from Physician's Weight Loss and some good ole excercising, I am going to loose the 15 lbs I gained back plus an additional 5! By the end of next 90 days, I will be meeting my goal. Prayerfully, I can keep it off this time, cause let me tell you, I AM SICK OF DEALING

Homeschooling is fun

2010-04-19T23:53:00.002-04:00

I love when we get to do neat little things about what we are reading. We are doing a lesson on Sumerians and are learning about zuggurats, flat-looking pyramids used to worship false gods. Here is Brittany's interpretation of one using sugar cubes and a few pencils for a bridge...LOL

Brittany's Baptisim

2010-04-19T23:37:00.003-04:00

On Saturday, April 17th, my daughter celebrated her second birthday! No, she isn't two years old, she was baptised and therefore born again in Christ! She told us about 6 months ago that she wanted to be baptised but we waited and wanted to be sure she knew what she was doing. Here are some pictures from her(and our!) special day!!!!

Thanks to our supporters!!!!!

2010-04-13T14:10:00.007-04:00

Last Saturday the day finally came to participate in our 2nd JDRF Walk for a Cure for Type 1 Diabetes! While I would give anything to never have dealt with diabetes, it has brought some pretty amazing people and things in my life. I don't know the amount raised in total just yet, but I will update when they send out a total. I, along with our generous sponsors, raised $1,031 towards research to

Kallie update and JDRF walk this weekend!

2010-04-07T23:38:00.003-04:00

Well, today we had another endo appointment. Her A1c came back beautiful and her thyroid is within normal range! Yay for a good visit. Doctor admitted with me that Kallie is starting to show signs of going into puberty...Y I K E S...save me now!!!! For parents with older girls with DS, how did you teach them about their period? What changes did you notice about them? I am worried about the boy

Homeschool Conference

2010-03-27T21:31:00.005-04:00

While I am in my second year home schooling my girls, I had never attended a conference before, but had heard about how amazing and encouraging they are. I was so blessed to attend one today! It was exactly what I needed to hear and I was reminded why I choose to home school my girls and was given some valuable tools to carry me on towards the goal! The wonderful thing is Todd was able to go with

Walking for a Cure! Please support us!

2010-02-17T03:23:00.002-05:00

I'm writing to you to ask for your support in a very special cause.This year, I'll be taking part in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's Walk to Cure Diabetes along with a half-million other walkers across the country. Our goal: To raise $105 million to help fund research for a cure for type 1 diabetes and its complications.Type 1, or juvenile, diabetes, is a devastating, often deadly

The Unknown Contributor: It Wasn’t Meant That Way

2010-02-17T01:20:00.000-05:00

The Unknown Contributor: It Wasn’t Meant That WayGreat post about using the R word as slang. I couldn't have said it better myself!

CLEANING

2010-02-16T12:31:00.001-05:00

Dear Lord JesusAs I go about my houseworkLet me see each job I do,As a service for my KingAnd a way of loving You.Let me wash away my judgmentsOf others right or wrong,As I wash up the dishesPlace within my heart a song.As I clean up little fingerprintsAnd lots of muddy shoes,May I remember how you cleaned the feetOf the loved ones you did choose.As I mend up torn pajamasAnd sew a button on,Show

I'm forgiven...

2010-02-15T17:38:00.003-05:00

Not sure how many of you deal with unforgiveness in your lives. No I'm not talking about people forgiving you. I'm talking about forgiving yourself for your past. Well, I struggle with it. This is just a reminder to me that, despite my past, I'm forgiven and a new creation in Christ.

Happy 11th Birthday Kallie!

2010-02-05T01:50:00.002-05:00

Wow, I can't believe your 11!! It seems like just yesterday, we were making plans for you to come home from the hospital! You have brought us such joy, Kallie. Despite all the warnings from doctors about how you would be a burden to our family and despite all the obstacles that are thrown at you, you continue to let your light shine. You have a heart of gold and I love that about you. You care

In Memory of Uncle Frank

2010-02-02T11:49:00.003-05:00

This past weekend, we spent time with family and some friends remembering Uncle Frank. What a beautiful weekend. What touched me the most was the power of his testimony on people, the power his smile had on people and how through everything he went through this past year and a half battling the cancer beast, he never asked, "Why me?". He used his journey as a witness to everyone around him and

I choose

2010-01-14T00:33:00.001-05:00

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< I CHOOSE "It's quiet. It's early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The worldis still asleep. The day is coming. In a few moments the day will arrive. Itwill roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of thedawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude willbe invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be

THREE GREAT LESSONS OF LIFE - The Turtle, The Frogs & The Pretty Lady

2010-01-14T00:31:00.000-05:00

We learn a lot through our experiences in life. The following 3 examples ofTURTLES, FROGS and THE PRETTY LADY teach us some lessons. *****The Turtles A turtle family decided to go on a picnic. The turtles, being naturally slowabout things, took seven years to prepare for their outing. Finally theturtle family left home looking for a suitable place. During the second yearof their journey they

Start Over

2010-01-05T00:15:00.002-05:00

When you've trusted God and walked his wayWhen you've felt his hand lead you day by dayBut your steps now take you another way ...Start over.When you've made your plans and they've gone awryWhen you've tried your best and there's no more tryWhen you've failed yourself and you don't know why ...Start over.When you've told your friends what you plan to doWhen you've trusted them and they didn't

Happy 9th Birthday Brittany!

2010-01-02T01:12:00.000-05:00

Wow baby girl, I can NOT believe that you are in your last year of single digits! I love you so much and am so proud of everything you have accomplished in the past year. Your knowledge and love of learning amazes me! You are so smart! You are a joy to teach and I really do enjoy being your teacher. I now understand why all your teachers loved you in their classes! This year you started choir

Lifting up Ellie

2009-12-30T01:03:00.001-05:00

Life With My Special Ks: Lifting up EllieTonight I am reminded again how much cancer sucks. This sweet little angel is battling a evil disease that is taking over her little body. Please God, we need a miracle..Yesterday, I was reminded once more how much cancer sucks. Todd's uncle, Frank, was rushed to the ER, just a day before he was to travel to Jaxsonville to get radiation to blast cancer out

Not feeling so Christmasy here

2009-12-23T11:19:00.003-05:00

I am trying to be in the mood. I am trying to get excited about the big day on Friday. You know, the one your kids start a count down to a month(or two if your my kids) out ?! Yet, as the day approaches I get sadder and sadder. I'm sad because this year, my kids won't wake up to mounds of presents. My kids will be probably be disappointed with the lack of gifts they will wake up to under the tree

Merry Christmas!!!

2009-12-20T22:41:00.001-05:00

Praying for God's blessing during this Christmas season and throught the New Year.

Blessings Box

2009-12-01T10:03:00.002-05:00

This year we are going to participate in this. I need my girls to understand that everyone doesn't have it like we do. While we struggle, we have more than a lot. I thought I would share!Blessings BoxHave a box or a bank ready and determine where you will give the money that will be in the box at the end of 24 days. This begins on December 1st.Day 1. One out of 5 children lives in poverty lacking

Food for thought

2009-11-17T11:38:00.006-05:00

Sunday at church we had the privilege to hear our new youth pastor speak. He exceeded our expectations and gave us some really good food for thought! He taught us about the ten commandments. I know your thinking, I know them, I follow most of them, what else is new? Well, I want to share with you my notes, because I walked away looking at the commandments in a whole new way. When we look at the