Kickball 2009

Sensational Kids kickball season is here once again...but apparently Mother Nature didn't get the message! Almost all of our games have been rained out! I did take some pictures the other night, however, shooting through a chainlink fence while chasing an almost 2 year old, resulted in less than ideal shots, to say the least! Hope to post more as soon as Georgia, and the weather, allows!

Sam's 1st Day of 1st Grade

Where o' where did my baby boy go??? A first grader??? I can hardly stand it! But as you can see from the photo, while Mom may have been a little bit misty-eyed, my sweet Sam was all smiles! Now 3 weeks into the new school year, I am happy to report that things are still going great! The word "proud" can't begin to adequately express just how much I love this little man! Way to go, Sam!!

What a beautiful sentiment...

A dear friend sent this to me today, and I just had to share it with all of you...


GOD CHOOSES A MOM FOR A DISABLED CHILD
by Erma Bombeck

Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressures, and a couple by habit. This year, nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of handicapped children. Did you ever wonder how mothers of handicapped children are chosen? Somehow I visualize God hovering over Earth selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As he observes, he instructs his angels to make notes in a giant ledger.
"Armstrong, Beth; son; patron saint, Matthew.
"Forrest, Marjorie; daughter; patron saint, Cecelia.
"Rudledge, Carrie; twins; patron saint.... give her Gerard. He's used to profanity."
Finally, he passes a name to an angel and smiles, "Give her a handicapped child."
The angel is curious. "Why this one, God? She's so happy."
"Exactly," smiles God. "Could I give a handicapped child a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel."
"But has she patience?" asks the angel.
"I don't want her to have too much patience or she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wears off, she'll handle it. I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and independance. She'll have to teach the child to live in her world and that's not going to be easy."
"But, Lord, I don't think she even believes in you."
God smiles. "No matter. I can fix that. This one is perfect. She has just enough selfishness."
The angel gasps, "Selfishness? Is that a virtue?"
God nods. "If she can't seperate herself from the child occasionally, she'll never survive. Yes, there is a woman I will bless with a child less then perfect. She doesn't realize it yet, but she is to be envied. She will never take for granted a 'spoken word.' She will never consider a 'step' ordinary. When her child says 'Momma' for the first time, she will be present at a miracle and know it! When she describes a tree or a sunset to her blind child, she will see it as few people ever see my creations.
"I will permit her to see clearly the things I see --- ignorance, cruelty, prejudice --- and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life because she is doing my work as surely as she is here by my side."
"And what about her patron saint?" asks the angel, his pen poised in midair.
God smiles. "A mirror will suffice."

Memphis Zoo

We made our first trip of the year to the zoo last week. It was such a beautiful day and Kevin was actually off work, so we decided to let Sam "play hookey" and skip school to go to the zoo! We had such an incredible time - we LOVE the Memphis zoo! Georgia loved all the animals and was trying to make all the animal sounds she could! And I think Sam just enjoyed a day off from school and therapy - and he deserves it! As you can see, all the excitement absolutely wore him out on the way home!

A Beautiful Day

These pictures are actually a couple of weeks old, but I couldn't help but post them! The kiddos (all 3 of them!) LOVE to play outside when the weather's nice. Whether its swinging, jumping on the trampoline or playing with toys -there's always plenty to do in the backyard!

Happy 6th Birthday, Sam!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Happy Birthday Sam!!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

I simply can't believe my baby boy is 6 years old today! It seems like only yesterday you entered this world and changed my life for the better. Upon the realization that there are no baby pictures of Sam on my blog (since I only started it a few years ago), I figured it was high time I showed off a few pictures of my beautiful baby boy. Here's to you Sam: from the tiny baby boy you were to the fine young man you've become. Happy Birthday, Toodles! I love you.

Way to go, Sam!!!

I am soooo proud, I just had to brag!! Sam was named Valley View Elementary's Student of the Month!! I could just burst with pride!! Those of you who know him, know just how big this is for him! He works so hard everyday, always with a smile on his face and a skip in his step. If only we could all face our difficulties with the same diligence and determination! He makes me so proud to be his Mom! The fact that God found me worthy enough to parent this beautiful child, continues to humble me everyday. He's such a blessing to my soul.

Sam's Valentine Party

Sam and his aide, "Miss" Diane


Georgia thought she was soo big sitting at the table with Sam!

Lovin' at the Valentine party!

Class of 2021

Sam's class held their Valentine's Party last Friday morning. The kids all had such a fun time with crafts, snacks and opening their valentines. Of course, Georgia had to join in the fun, as well. She took a seat at the table next to brother and did everything the big kids did - even opened up some of Sam's valentines for him!! I tell you, this girl is 14 months going on 4 years old! Sam had fun and seemed to enjoy showing off his little sister to his classmates. Happy Valentine's Day to the two joys of my heart!

The 100th Day of School

Sam's class celebrated the 100th day of school last week with a fashion show! Each child was to decorate a t-shirt with 100 things and then each got the chance to parade around in front of the 1st and 2nd graders to show off their work! We decided on stamping 100 baseballs and basketball onto the front and back of Sam's shirt, and as you can see, it turned out pretty cute!! We had a lot of fun and Sam was soooo proud - just look at that grin!

Thanksgiving

What a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday we had this year! Our God has indeed blessed us richly! And our family tops the list! We had the best time last Thursday traveling from J'boro to Benton, Benton to LR and then on to Augusta. And while we were surrounded by family all day long, these were some of the only pictures I got all day (Guess I was too busy stuffing my face!) Anyway, my two kiddos were loved on all day long - and ate it up! Courtney and Hannah were only 2 of MANY, MANY cousins that day who took their turns doting on them, but I thought I'd post these pictures since they were so cute! As you can see, I have one child who is a camera hog and the other who refused to have his picture taken at all that day! And after a long day of traveling and being passed around, this little girl found one of her favorite spots to rest - on Papa's lap!

My Star Student

No picture, but I did have to brag! Sam was named "Student of the Week" last week at school! He has done so well this year, and is even ahead of his class when it comes to phonics and numbers! He's such a smart little guy! And when you consider all the obstacles he faces on a daily basis, and the extra amount of work that he puts in each day (from 8 am to 5:30 pm), all with a smile on his face and a skip in his step, you really begin to get a sense of what a special little boy he is! I am so proud!! Congratulations Sam! I love you "more than words"....

Pumpkin Patch 2008

Make a Smilebox slideshow

End of the Season Kickball Party

Kickball season's come to close - and with it comes the annual end-of-season kickball party/awards ceremony. This year the party was moved indoors due to last year's swarms of mosquitos ruining everyone's fun. So off the Cici's we went, along with close to 75? other special needs kiddos and their families....need I say more? It was a bit crazy and alot loud - but, everyone seemed to have a great time. Every child received a personalized trophy and took part in team pictures. What a night! Thanks to Grammy for coming up to stay with sister ( who's been a little under the weather for the past couple of days). We are so proud of you buddy!

A "Howling" Good Time....

Kevin, Sam and I attended our first Arkansas State football game of the season on Saturday night. This was my first time to cheer on the new "Red Wolves", and I have to admit that I was impressed with how well the university has made the transition to their new mascot - I did, however, have a few slips and found myself cheering for the "Indians" a few times - guess old habits die hard! Either way, the three of us had such a great time - despite the final score. We even managed to keep Hurricane Ike at bay until the game was over! Sam laughed and cheered the entire game and was in heaven with all the candy and stadium food! Kev and I try to make a conscious effort to spend some quality time with him away from little sis every once in a while - its nice to not have to compete for time alone with Mom and Dad! Thanks Grammy for watching Georgia for us. Here's to many more A-State family nights! GO RED WOLVES!!!!!

Kickball 2008

Another exciting season of Sensational Kids kickball has begun! Sam played his first game this past week. Needless to say, he had a blast! And so did his Daddy!! This year's team is "The Purple Crush". This is such a fantastic program and we're so grateful to Sensational Kids for their thoughtfulness and dedication to all of our kiddos with special needs. Just the look on the faces of these children as they get to take part in a team sport is priceless. It lifts my spirit in a way that few other things can. Let's play ball!!!

Look how big my little Kindergartener has grown!

I just can't get over how much he's grown! Doesn't look like my "baby" anymore...he's definitely a growing boy now!!

Sam's 1st Day of Kindergarten

Well, today was the day that I have been dreading for the past several years....Sam's first day of school. We've been talking it up for the past several weeks and have even visited his teacher ( a good friend of mine) and his classroom a few times. Well, all our efforts must have paid off because, HE DID GREAT!!!!!!!!!!! And so did Mommy, thank you very much! They don't allow parents to walk their children into school here - not even on the first day :( so you have to drop them off at the front door and an aide or teacher gets them out of the car and walks them in. I fully expected to have a fit on my hands when we got there, but once again my smart little boy proved me wrong and reminded me that we can never doubt what he's able to accomplish. He gave us (Kev was able to go in late this morning and be there, as well) a kiss and a high-five and jumped out of the car taking Miss Shari's hand, only turning around once to wave bye! Not so much as a tear - from any of us!! Which is quite a feat considering even the thought of it has had me literally nauseous for the past couple of days! Wow.....I couldn't be more proud of the little man he's growing into. So strong and capable. Please join us in praying that this transition continues to go smoothly and that today be just the beginning of a long list of Sam's successful accomplishments.

My sweet "baby" boy!

Guess I can't call him that much longer :( He's such fun, sweet spirited little boy! Don't know if you can tell from these pictures, but his eyes matched the exact color of his shorts this morning. Just beautiful......

What a beautiful Saturday afternoon!

We spent the weekend just as it was intended - playing outside in this unseasonably beautiful August weather! Only wish it would stay this way......