A Quiet Christmas Celebration and reflecting on the past year . .

My Christmas Celebration was quiet and peaceful. On Christmas Eve, our family attended a candle light service at our church. Our family stayed home on Christmas Day and enjoyed a nice meal and a quiet time together. As we reflect on the past year, we are reminded of the good times shared with family and friends, answered prayers and our need for God and his mercy. The following slide show gives a little recap of my year . . . giving and receiving love . . . enjoying God's creation and celebrating each day that he gives me.

Happy New Year and may your days in 2009 be filled with love . . .

A recap of 2008 . . .

Check out this news report . . . turn the volume OFF on my BLOG music by going to the black box at the bottom left corner of the blog.... this will allow you to hear the news report. Thank you Aunt S - Since I didn't go to Disney for my birthday this year, this is a VERY Special "Disney Birthday" Celebration. How special can it be!!!!

Check out what's happening at Disney . . .

My Friend Andy . . . .

I would like you to meet my friend Andy - He is a very special friend. He works at my school. Andy was (is) a MARINE!!! Doesn't he look handsome in his uniform!!!!

He is one of my friends that came to the school at 4:00 in the morning to decorate my room for my birthday. He is a great friend and cares about me a lot. Everyone should have a great friend like Andy.

A Birthday to Remember

On Saturday, December 6, I turned 24 years old. My parents took me to see my Grandpa in the hospital and I saw many of my other family members. We drove to Frankenmuth to have a YUMMY Chicken Dinner at Bavarian Inn. We also went to Bronners to see wonderful Christmas decorations. It was a nice birthday. Take a look at the next two slideshows to see how much fun I had on my birthday. You may want to mute the music on my blog - in the gray box on the bottom left side of the blog - stop the music so that you can hear the music in the Smilebox

Turning 24 Years Old

A Good Birthday Celebration

My friends, Andy and Taylor went into my school classroom at 4:00 a.m. on Friday and decorated my entire school room for my Birthday. I usually spend my birthday in Florida at Disney's Magic Kingdom. My grandpa became very sick this week and we decided to stay home with him. Since I am not usually home for my birthday, my school friends decided to make a Disney Birthday experience in snowy winter wonderland!!! If you mute the music in the bottom left corner of my blog, and click play, you can get a sneak peak at my Birthday Celebration at school. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Thanksgiving Day . . .

This is my
Grandma Phyllis . . . . .
and the Yummy Turkey
she made for Thanksgiving.





My Grandma makes a very good Thanksgiving Dinner. It is her favorite holiday. Her "love language" is food so this holiday is a great time for her to love on us!!!! I spent most of my day with my Grandma and Grandpa on my mom's side. It was a fun day with family and I enjoyed the food and the company. I am thankful that I could have Thanksgiving Dinner twice this week with both sides of my family. God has been good to me.

A Time of Thanksgiving

This is my Grandma

We love each other very much

My family on my Dad's side gathered at my uncle Aaron's house for Thanksgiving Dinner this afternoon. We usually gather on the Sunday before Thanksgiving - this tradition has worked well for our family. All my aunts and uncles and most of my cousins were there - we had 17 people in total. Aunt Diane made the Turkey, Stuffing, Potatoes and Gravy - YUM!! Everyone brought food and it was ALL VERY GOOD. I ate well. It was a traditional Thanksgiving meal. I enjoyed the food but more than that I really enjoyed spending time with my family. I am very Thankful.

Test Results . . . . What we know today . . .

I know that many of you have been praying for me regarding my weight loss and difficulty eating. Mom spoke to the Gastroenterologist and our Family Doctor on the phone last week . . . here is a summary of what we have learned over the past month.....

• A muscle in my neck is weak making it difficult to swallow. Both doctors feel that this weakening is not from the medicine I take but instead part of the progression of my disability.
• I am taking a new stomach medicine - different kind and higher dose - It seems to be working well - I have less heart-burn and less complaining.
• We are monitoring my weight - It has stayed the same for about 3 week - I am maintaining - which is good. Doctor says that if I continue to loss, I will need a feeding tube (not really what we want).
• My diet has changed to softer foods, BOOST, slower eating and lots of drinks during eating.
• I have a follow-up appointment with the Gastroenterologist on Dec 15.
• Next Tuesday, I have a "well-check" appointment with our family doctor to prepare for an out-patient procedures (Dec 19) - Teeth Cleaning and Endoscopy. At that time, there will certainly be further discussion on my overall health.

We are really trying (with God's help) to live each day based on what we know today and not worry about tomorrow. Thank you for praying for me - we really saw God's hand in both the procedures. In my world, it should not have gone that smoothly!!!!!! God is VERY good and he keeps showing us how much he loves us. We felt your prayers - Thank you for your love and support.

The end of Fall . . . signs of Winter . . . a Successful Hunt . . .

It is snowing at my house today - it melts pretty quickly because the ground is not frozen yet.









Most of the trees in our yard have dropped their leaves so it's looking a little gray. The worst part about this time of year is that "you-know-who" makes me bundle up - with a hat and gloves ! ! ! It doesn't me very happy.






Notice the white spots on the deck? SNOW - If you click on the picture to the right - to get a closer look, you can see that one flake on the right is shaped like a star or a flower with 6 petals - I hope your computer can display the different shapes and sizes - isn't God amazing!!!!


It's a big project to get the leaves raked off the grass before the snow falls. We rake most of them into the street and the city picks them up. This week will be the last round of leaf collection. I guess I'm lucky that I don't have to help with that!!!! We have 5 pear trees in our front yard that hold on to their leaves . . . .


They give us fall colors until after Thanksgiving.




My Dad left on Friday night to go to Deer Camp. He had one inch of snow on the ground Sunday morning where he is hunting. The hunt was successful!!! At 9:00 am on opening day he called to tell us that he got a 7 point buck. (one point is small so it might technically be a 6 point). I haven't seen it yet but he is pleased and continues to hunt until he fills all his tags. I guess we'll have meat for the freezer. For the sake of my friend Nancy G. and others who don't like to think about or talk about hunting, I decided not to include a picture. Dad will gladly show you one if you ask!!!

One season ending another beginning - we are praying for lots of snow for early December. My cousins live in the desert and they will be visiting us soon, they love it when they can experience Michigan snow. I'm dreaming of a White Christmas - if it's going to be gray, we might as well have snow to brighten things up a little.

Ready or Not . . . . . . Here it Comes . . . . .

My School Pictures . . .

I usually close my eyes when I smile - Karen worked very hard with the photographer to get a good picture with my eyes open. It's been a while since I had a school picture (several years) so we thought we would give it a try this year.

Mom thinks I look pretty grown up in this picture and she thinks the green background looks good with my red hair.

Good job Karen !

Serving the Community with my Friends . . .

I would like you to meet my friend April . . . .

Once a week, Karen & I meet my friend April and her mom, Betty at a Senior Citizen Apartment building in town. We both take public transportation and we have a great time together making new friends, seeing our old friends and serving our community. We find out if there are new residents to welcome to the complex....who is celebrating a birthday or anniversary and we decorate the apartment doors for these special people - sometimes we decorate ALL the doors (150) with seasonal decorations.

Today was a VERY special day because my friend Ellan just moved into this apartment building - Last night was her first night in her new home. We just knew that we had to help Ellan feel welcome. (you may remember Ellan from an earlier posting).

Above is a picture of April and

I decorating Ellan's Door.

To the left is a picture of Ellan, her daughter Ann, Betty (April's Mom) and April. We are all standing in Ellan's new apartment.

Ellan gives me a BIG HUG!!!!

This is such a great place. April and I have been meeting here for several years. It started as a school function but April continues to meet me here even though she no longer attends school. We sometimes meet on non-school days in the summer and I will probably continue to come here after I am too old for school.

We have many friends and continue to meet new ones. This is a great place to find friends!!!

Second Test Complete......

The Modified Barium Swallow test was completed this afternoon. I was very cooperative. I had to eat several types of foods and drink different liquids containing Barium. As I swallowed, a Speech-Language pathologist was watching the process on a TV screen. It was clear that I have a general weakening of the muscles in the back of my throat and in my neck. My parents have noticed over the past year that my neck muscles are weak and that I have trouble holding my head up. We may have to discuss this further with the doctor to see if this is just the progression of Cerebral Palsy, if it is a side effect of one of my meds or what may be causing the weakening.

There are several things that we can do to help with my eating - softer foods - no more fun foods like chips, pretzels, popcorn (boo hoo!!!) Any meat that I eat should be covered in gravy or sauce - foods should be thinned out - add a liquid if possible - slow down while eating and drink between each bite. I was given a list of foods to allow and a list to avoid. Many changes to be made in my eating habits. Hopefully, this will help. There is residue left in my esophagus after eating and drinking because the muscles are too weak to push it down. The hernia may be part of the problem so there needs to be further discussion on the seriousness and possible options regarding the hernia.

Thank you for your prayers - I have periods of fussiness and discomfort - hopefully we can get to the source of discomfort and with the new eating habits, I can re-gain a few pounds!!! Thanks again for your love and prayers.

Able to get a nice picture .......

My test went well today (Esophagram) - I was able to swallow enough Barium (flavored with strawberry syrup) to get a good picture. The doctor and techs were very nice and patient with me. It was determined that there is not narrowing of the Esophagus, no obstruction, no aspiration but I am swallowing a large amount of air. I have a hernia (which we knew about) the liquid was able to get around the bulge in the Esophagus. Nothing from the test would show the cause of the weight loss. Possibly we will learn more tomorrow and hopefully we will get more information from our doctor. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Y
Click here to see a nice picture of me snuggling with my Grandpa!

Appointment Changed

FYI - My appointment for the Modified Barium Swallow on Friday, October 31 has been changed to Tuesday, November 4.

Prayer Request

Today, I was able to see a specialist to help me with my stomach and esophagus problems -this was a direct answer to prayer - I was scheduled for November 19 and several people were praying that the doctor would have a cancellation so that I could be seen before the 19th. Thank you, God, for answering our prayers.

If you could please pray for me about my upcoming appointments, I sure will need it over the next week or so - here are specifics ....

• I will be starting a new medication - higher dose than what I have been taking for 14 years - pray that I will not have the side effects that are possible


• On Friday (10/31), I will be having a Modified Barium Swallow Test -a speech-language pathologist examines the movement of my lips, tongue, palate & larynx while I eat and drink different foods containing Barium - please pray that I am able to eat and drink as requested so that they can get an accurate reading on this test.


• On Monday (11/03), I will be having an Esophagram - While swallowing barium sulfate, an x-ray will be taken to evaluate the function and appearance of my esophagus and assess the swallowing process. I will not be able to eat or drink 12 hours prior to the test.
• I have been losing weight, please pray that I will be able to re-gain the lost pounds
• I get nervous when I have to go to the doctor/hospital - pray that I will be calm and cooperative
• Please pray that the doctor is able to gather enough information to help me with this problem that seems to be getting worse.

Thank you for your prayers - I am thankful that my friends and family go to God on my behalf. I am blessed and God is GOOD all the time!!!!

A Day of Remembrance and A Day of Celebration

102 years ago today this sweet grandma was born. She is my "Great-Grandma". She was 78 years old when I was born and she has been in Heaven for 8 years. She always gave me BIG soft hugs. She was a great cook and a very hard worker when she was able - she was faithful to her family, her job, and her church - her last years were VERY hard - even though we miss her very much, we are so glad that she lives with Jesus now!!! I know that there will be a GRAND birthday celebration today - beyond our comprehension - Who knows...she's probably cookin' up a load of fried chicken and all the yummy foods she enjoyed so much! We miss you GRANDMA D - Have fun Celebrating your birthday with God and Jesus.....

This picture was taken the night before my Aunt married this wonderful man - 11 years ago today!! He is strong but in a gentle way - he is an awesome father to their two children - he has faced life & death with my aunt - he's a faithful provider for his family - he loves the outdoors and finds adventure in it - he introduced "abelskivvers" to our family for breakfast on Christmas morning, he motivates my aunt when she really needs a push to keep going - he loves his God and his family and I am thankful that my Aunt S made such a wonderful choice!!!
Congratulations Uncle J and Aunt S for being a great example of a faithful christian family. Hope you have a fun day - I love you and miss you.

(Click here if you would like to see more of Uncle J & Aunt S's life together)

Hayride....Bonfire...Singing...Chili Supper...

Well.....that was the plan.....An "Adult Social" was planned for tonight with a group of my friends from church. The plan was to go to a farm just north of town where our Sunday School teacher lives, have a bonfire, a hayride, sing around the fire and enjoy a chili supper.

At about 3:00 pm it started to rain. It continued to rain and EVERYTHING was wet. We received a phone call letting us know that the party was quickly moved inside. We have a beautiful room on our church property that is a home-like gathering place with a fireplace and warm atmosphere. This place was probably better for me because my parents were concerned about me being outside in the cold. I was able to go for a while and hang out with my friends - I watched a skit, ate good food, drank apple cider, enjoyed wonderful singing around the fireplace (instead of the bonfire) with all lights out, observed lots of silliness!!! Then the games started.....I became "over-excited" and had a bit of a meltdown when they were playing an aggressive game where they were chasing each other around with a rolled-up newspaper, a lot of laughing and LOUD noise. I couldn't really handle the stimulation so I went home to my quiet place, snuggled in my bed and called it a day - I had fun and I am glad that I was included in the "Adult Social". I have a lot of sweet friends and they always want me to be a part of their lives. God has blessed me with a wonderful church family and I am thankful.

Remodel or Replace ? ? ? ?

This was the question that we needed to answer today!

Instead of going to school, I took a little trip down state to an Orthotics Prosthetics Clinic. I wear AFO's (Ankle Foot Orthotics) to stabilize my ankles. They are required when I am in a standing position. I use a device at school that allows me to stand upright and bear weight on my feet. This benefits me in many ways but the primary goals to to keep my bones strong.

My friend, Karen was able to go on the trip with Mom and I. This was very helpful since she is the person that assists me in standing each day at school. My goal is to stand for 60 minutes each day. I have been stand for about 15 minutes each day because my AFO's were tight on one side of my shin and loose on the other. Karen was able to explain my standing position and the trouble I have experienced. Thank you Karen!!!


Since my AFO's are 4 years old, we didn't know if I would need to have new ones made or if the current ones could be adjusted. The gentleman that works with me is very kind and gentle. After examining my AFO's, he suggested that we try to adjust them - he complimented me on the condition that they are in and wanted to know how we keep them clean.

Just like new!!!

New straps and adjustments through applied heat and they are almost like new!!! We will try them out and if they don't work, we will have new ones made but for now it looks like I'm ready to work on my 60 minute goal.

By the way - it wasn't all business - Karen and Mom and I went to Olive Garden for lunch and I had spaghetti (which is one of my favorites). We also went to the "World Market" which is a fun store to visit - we do not have one in our area so we always try spend a little time in that place.

The weather was clear and sunny, traffic was light and we had a fun, safe and productive day!!!!!

A day off from school and a visit with my friend.....

I had the day off from school yesterday .... a district holiday .... I slept until 10:45 am and then I went to the Mall. That is pretty much a perfect day for me. I like to hang out there when I don't have school. The food court is a fun place to have lunch. I always run into someone I know or even make new friends.
I have become friends with people just because I visit the mall often - they are called my "mall friends". I actually visited with two of them yesterday!


This is my very special friend Ellan. She moved to this area from Texas about 18 months ago to live closer to her daughter. She has an apartment in a senior housing complex. We attend the same church. About three weeks ago, my friend fell in the middle of the night and hurt her chest very bad. She was in the hospital a few days and then had to go to a rehabilitation center to recover. She fell two more time since then so she is not able to return to her own apartment yet. I went to the nursing home today with my Grandma Phyllis and my Mom to visit Ellan. It was the first time Grandma met Ellan. The four of us had a nice visit. She was very happy to see me and I was very happy to see her. She is a sweet Texas gal with a BIG heart. We are thankful that we have become friends. I hope you are able to meet my friend Ellan some day. It was a good day.

Our Favorite Time of the Year.......Autumn

These are the signs that tell me that the Fall Season is here ...

.....the color of the leaves on the trees are changing in our yard.....

I wear more layers....a blanket on my lap most of the time....cold in the morning....sunny in the afternoon.....



Out comes our fall decorations at home....which does includes a couple paintings that Karen and I created in our watercolor class a few years ago...



My pool is closed for the winter........ :(




The Mums and Fall Flowers are in blossom......



Dad starts preparing for the Hunting Season.....no doubt, his favorite time of year.

Every fall, when we go outside for a walk at school, my friend Karen always piles leaves on my feet and the foot rests on my chair. She believes that everyone should be allowed to kick through a pile of leaves in the falls....so she lets me experience that!!!



Our family enjoyed a color tour this afternoon - to see the wonderful colors that God paints throughout the trees in Michigan. It is so pretty. The weather was awesome - sunny and in the mid-70's. Ride along, won't you........

Make a Smilebox photobook

Check our my school setting

This is my room at school .... it is not your typical school setting but it is perfect for me. It allows me to have a place to land in between my community service, art classes, job sites, etc. Hope you enjoy the tour - it does run a little fast so you might need to stop the slide show and manually go through the pictures so that you can read the text. I love this place and I love my friend that shares the space with me..... Karen - You know "School Karen". Enjoy....

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Halloween Memories

" Pouty Pumpkin"

My Aunt S was decorating her BLOG with Halloween memories and challenged my Mom and cousin to get out some old pictures of Halloween. What a fun challenge, take a look here at my cousins G & K and a smilebox of a few more of my old Halloween pictures

Also see L & B here - in past Halloween fun..they are cuties!!!

I don't really dress up for Halloween any more but it sure is fun to look back and see how much fun Mom had dressing me up....

The funny part of this picture is that I do NOT like candy...

but the wrappers were great fun!!!

Teamed up with my cousin Tyler as "Ann & Andy"

Tell me the Story of Jesus and give me a soft place to land......

This is my mom. She has two main goals in her life with me. Her number one goal is to teach me about Jesus. She prays with me and teaches me that he is ALWAYS there for me when I feel lonely, anxious or just need a friend.

Our lullaby that she has been singing to me since I was a baby is "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face...and the things of earth will grow strangely dim...In the light of His glory and grace" This has always been a peaceful song for us. (on my playlist below)

Mom's second goal is to make a soft place for me to land. I have a very busy life and Mom wants to be sure that I'm comfortable, free of anxiety and hunger, she let's me know that I am loved..she gives lots of snuggle time, down time, naps....no worries or pressure!!!

Life is GOOD at our house - my Mom and Dad are a "TAG TEAM" and together they try to give me a great life. I love my Mom and She LOVES me!!! What more could a girl want.....

Did it hurt when you dropped from Heaven ? ? ?

If you have never met this wonderful friend of mine, you are surely missing out!!!!

Her name is Karen. If I am not with Mom and Dad, I am probably with Karen. She makes me SHINE!!! Since our family has three friends named Karen, you might hear her being referred to as "School Karen" but she is much, much more. I do spend my school days with Karen but she also hangs out with me so my Mom and Dad can have a date once in while. We are partners - she brings out the BEST in me. She introduces new, exciting and creative activities into my life. Every day is fun at school because Karen makes it fun. We laugh a lot - like "belly laugh", we snuggle a lot, we serve the community, we paint in watercolor class, we decorate our room to the envy of everyone in the building, we meet new people all the time and we just love being together. Karen understands me - she gets my jokes, she has enabled me to make incredible advances in my communication with others. She is not shy so she just gets me out there... involved and connected.

GOD placed Karen in my life - my school days are amazing now that she spends the day with me. I am so grateful that God loves me so much that he would bless me with such a GREAT friend. Thank you Karen - I love you.