My prayer for the school year,

Dear God,

I fall on my face right now and I beg that this school year is smooth and easy.

 Okay in reality I pray that the number of notes or calls home are more positive then negative in content. I pray that Emma has kind spirits in her classroom and that the children see beyond her disabilities to her sweet heart.  I hope they notice her on the playground and slowdown to her speed and include her in their games.  Let the children hear her voice and not see her hearing devices.

 I beg that her para pro is able to take good care of her needs and help her in those areas that she needs assistance.  I pray that Emma is kind and respectful to her as well.  

I pray that the amazing team that will be apart of her education is able to stretch her and help her to reach great new heights!!  I am so very thankful that she has a school that does not leave children behind but seeks to reach them where they are and bring them to new places that did not seem possible at the start.  I thank you for bringing so many of her team back to the school, they already know and love Emma and that gives me much peace and joy.  Plus, it helps that they already know I worry a lot lol!!  I pray for her new classroom teacher as she lays her head on her pillow tonight, that she finds peace and rest as she faces a new year with new students.  May you guide her in her teachings and give her the strength she needs to guide each tender heart during this exciting new year of second grade.

I pray for each parent as we prepare to face another new school year.  There is much joy and fear in letting your child go.  May each parent find peace and joy in seeing our children learn to fly on their own.  I pray that we see the needs of our school and work to fill the gaps when needed.  I pray that we come alongside and help and not complain and grumble.  May the faces in car rider line be full of smiles despite how long it will take the first few weeks.  You may have to remind me of that one a few times oh Lord!  It will get better I know:)  I will repeat that to myself when I am ready to smack the parent who turned the wrong way again or did not pull as close to the car in front as they could.

I pray for each staff member, administrator, teacher, student and parent, may the 2014-2015 be better then ever!!

Help us OH GOD!  AMEN!!!

Soaking up Summer

School starts in less then two days, so we are soaking up what is left of summer!  Sunday afternoon we headed to a local museum having a free day for a certain bank.  We have never been to this place so we thought what do we have to lose it is free.  We had a blast!  They had a cool animation exhibit going on and there were all of these screens showing different cartoon clips and stuff and the kids really liked that!  Especially the Hulk clip!  They also have a whole area called Art Quest for kids and adults to explore different art themes.  We painted, drew, built, and made movies!  We spent over an hour exploring just that area.  Both kids have asked to go back!! 

 Taylor loved this poster!

 Playing in the art area!!

 Cool thing out front!

 Today we headed to lunch with my parents and then went to the local Dam area.  It had been years since I went and the kids had never been. Next time we get to go more prepared to swim and wade in the water.  But we had fun dipping our toes in the water and playing on the playground!!

It was a great two days!  Lots of memories made and lots of laughter!!  Soak it up people!!  

Happy 3rd Hearing Birthday!!!

Three years ago today, Emma got her pretty pink magic ears!  It has been an amazing journey to be on with her.  She is doing so well!  I thought I would share her hearing birthday adventure!!

A small art kit gift and her favorite yummy breakfast treat, because we had to be at her hearing appt at 8!!  Early appts stink!!

 Funny that she had an appt today for follow up for her CI!  So, here she is in the sound booth ready for testing!

 Taylor got to attend with us today, here is daddy trying to keep him happy!  These appts are two hours long!

 Watching her mapping being done.  

 Emma needed an update to her hearing aids to make her ComPilot work in both ears.  That is a device that links blue tooth devices strait into her ears!  So, she picked out purple and hot pink and we finally got them in today.  She loves her new purple ear!!

 She was also finally cleared to wear her Cochlear behind the ear and we got to switch to her awesome t-mic today.  This mic placement is suppose to make hearing sound more natural.  

 After more testing we finally were done.  We stopped by a local really cool toy store for some fun!

 She got a special frozen bracelet just because!!

 Then, we went to try a new to us Chinese buffet.  The kids normally really like Chinese food but for some reason the buffet part threw them and lunch therefor did not go great.  But I was excited to get to try all types of food!  It was pretty good!

 Taylor by this point was tired and we opted to take us home for him to nap.  Emma and me went to show Meme her new ears and daddy put Taylor down for a nap.  Then, Emma came home switched to workout clothing and headed off with daddy for two more appointments today!  But before that, the mailman dropped off her awesome new backpack and matching lunchbox!!  She is thrilled!!

 Emma wears shoe lifts on one shoe to help her balance better due to her hip and leg issues.  Today her new school tennis shoes were done.  She loves her shoes Papa bought her!  She also got some dress shoes but no picture of those!  We are thrilled we did not know they would do dress shoes and this will be our first pair.  She normally wears tennis shoes with almost every outfit!!  

 Then, sweet nugget had a physical therapy appointment.  She had fun and sadly said good bye to her favorite therapist.  Happens to us a lot, as soon as one figures out a good game plan for Emma, they leave:(  But we wish her well on an amazing new adventure!!  

After dinner, Emma asked to play in the spray mat I bought two weeks ago on clearance. I decided sure!  Summer is almost over for us, and we better enjoy every minute of it.  Here the kids are playing in the water!!

 Taylor could not get warm, even after a warm bath.  So, here he is snuggled up for bedtime stories:)  He does not feel good poor thing.  Coughing and runny nose all week long, but he has no fever so far.  

It was a great day by all!  Love my Rosey and so proud of how well she had done with her magic ears!  

Cousin Fun Day!!

Today was a great day!  This morning mine two were joined by their cousin Hudson for art fun at our house.  They have been hanging together since birth and always love to do things together.  They all love art too!  We had a great morning being creative and laughing!

First project was initial canvases!  They turned out super cute!

 Then they each painted a small little item!

 Here are those two finished projects!!

 Then the older two made these bead art things while Taylor colored!

 This was a great activity it took them over an hour to do! They also really enjoyed it.  Love that they are older and can do harder projects now!!

 Then, after a yummy lunch pizza delivery by Meme we got crazy and headed out to Cheekwood to see the big bugs!  It was a rare low humidity not a 100 degree day in Nashville!  So, we decided to enjoy every second we could!

Playing on the butterfly exhibit!

 Checking out a fountain!  Cant believe they are 8, 3, and 7!!

 touching water

 Grand Daddy long leg

 Rolling down the hill, they have been doing this for years!

 Taylor's first time!

 Three little Pigs, let me in!

 Yep! I am not short I am fun size!!

 Busy Bees!!

 She has loved him since she meet him the day after he was born, she was a year old.  He maybe taller then her now, but best friends they still are!

 Proof I was there

 My beautiful little girl!  She loves life and teaches me to stop and look out the window to see the beauty before you!

 This strong lady, has kept all three of them in some form since shortly after Emma's birth.  They may drive her nuts but they love her to pieces.  We are blessed to have such a great Meme and I am blessed to call her mom!

 Why yes you may play in the tree!

 Trying to overcome his fear!!

 he got brave and slid down!

 It was a great day, but this sums it up, night night!