Thursday, May 3, 2012

Milford Program

Milford School had their "Schools in Review" night tonight. Shawn had to work late so I just hung out to take the boys. They fed us supper, so that was one less thing for me to worry about! :)
Photobucket Taige is in Kindergarten now, so he was part of the program too. I like how they have Learning Celebrations and show off what each grade has been learning. The kids make such special decorations and there is usually a lot of parent involvement. Tonight the gym was full of people. I am proud of my boys.
Photobucket
Photobucket The boys have some great friends:
Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Zachary earned a "Personal Best" award for this month. The staff voted on students that displayed the most lifeskills and were good role models. I can't believe he's soon to be a 4th grader! It seems like just the other day he was starting preschool! :(
Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket
 Photobucket
Awe. . . we are ready for the weekend!

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Big truck day

I love these boys. They enjoyed big truck day this morning.

Monday, April 23, 2012

My Friend Kelly

Have you been enjoying the nice spring weather for strolls around town, walks to the park, playing with the kids? Do you toss and turn to get comfortable at night? Many of us take our mobility for granted, despite the times it may be painful or difficult- for the most part, the majority of Americans are independent with their mobility. May is National Mobility Awareness Month.

If you had never heard of this observance, no worries- it is not a well-known cause. One of the main reasons I am interested in it is because several dealerships around the country are giving away handicapped-accessible vans. Recently, a close friend of mine demonstrated how fortunate we are to have mobility. Now I am on a crusade of sorts to help her and to raise awareness.

Kelly Carmody is one of the true definitions of a local hero. She is a foster mom with heart of gold. During six years of being a foster parent, she has dealt with many of the difficult issues that many foster parents would back out of. Throughout the years, even as a single mom, she has taken it upon herself to love her foster children unconditionally. One particular child is named Peyton. He was born with SMA Type 2 Disease which makes the large muscles deteriorate. Peyton was placed with Kelly after being abandoned because of his diagnosis, suffering neglect, and after witnessing horrific events. His disability has made it difficult for foster parents to take care of him, yet Kelly has created a loving and accepting home for him for five years.
Last year, Kelly became pregnant and found it physically difficult to continue to take care of Peyton and give him the care he needed so she searched and found a great foster home for him to move to. She continued to visit throughout the time and loved him dearly. Soon, though, Peyton’s new foster family found it difficult as well to meet the demands of his growing yet deteriorating body. When Kelly found out about this, she put in a request to bring Peyton back to her residence. Already dealing with lack of sleep with a newborn, Kelly put her needs aside yet again to take care of Peyton, who also needs to be moved every 2-3 hours each night. Currently, it is very difficult to take Peyton on trips to town, doctor’s appointments, or even to the park due to the lack of handicap accessibility and his physical needs.
As a single mom, teacher of teenagers with emotional disturbances, and foster mom, Kelly is the perfect candidate for the donation of a vehicle! She spends time and money to ensure the best care for Peyton. Kelly is educated, active in her community, taking care of friends and neighbors. She is known for her giving spirit and always being there to lend a hand or hug. Kelly never shies away from difficulties yet has such a contagious, positive attitude despite the challenges she faces. She would love to be able to provide transportation to make Peyton’s life more enjoyable as he is just as much a part of her family as her biological babe.

If you would like to help Kelly in her efforts to provide more independence and mobility for Peyton, you can vote once per day at: http://www.nmeda.com/mobility-awareness-month/heroes/kansas/leonardville/1300/kelly-carmody The promo code is 837 and can be used once. The contest ends on May 13th.

Monday, April 9, 2012

Happy Easter 2012

We had a pretty low-key Easter. After being sick for most of the week and doctor's appointments on Friday, it was nice to have time this weekend with family. Thanks for the encouraging words and prayers. Another doctor's appointment tonight and one tomorrow should help shed some light and give some answers for healing- all around. It's almost difficult to get hopeful anymore. Here are a few pictures from Easter. I didn't get any from the Chance Easter. :( I was really slacking that day. Brady helped me take a lot from my family's Easter. Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket