Wow, we've got lots and lots and LOTS of ice!!!! The trees were snapping and the power went out overnight, but came back on around 8:00 a.m. No school, and Bob didn't make it in to work either! We stayed inside until afternoon, and then we braved the outdoors. Allyssa and Mommy worked at cleaning off our cars... Doors frozen shut, windshields with about 3 inches of ice on them! After cleaning them off we tried to get Bob's car out, but it won't even move...just sits and spins, my car made it out...so we went to Wal-Mart and got snow boots and other winter clothing for Allyssa. Came home and we played outside in the snow/ice! Made a partial snowman, forts, and snowball fights! Lots of fun. Allyssa made a huge snow angel! Those are the best!!
Looks as if the only day of school for Allyssa this week is Monday! It's been cancelled for the rest of the week! WOW! Allyssa is extremely excited! Probably more snow angels to be made!
We are very fortunate, lots and lots of others are without power and not expecting it back on for up to a week! Let's keep all of them in our prayers! There are several shelters set up around the area, Thank Goodness! As for us, we're fine and enjoying the "down" time! If the scenery is still around tomorrow I'll try and get some pictures, but missed the best ones of our cars and all the playing today, cause I forgot to get my camera!!!! Well, gotta run, more playing still to be done... you know we don't have to go to bed at bedtime for the rest of the week!! Yey!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Spending Time With Family
We made it in to Ramsey at 9:00 p.m. on Friday evening, and Allyssa was set on seeing Hannah, Grandma and Grandpa! So we visited them at 9:30 p.m.!!! Mom and Dad have Jacob, Hannah, and Arlie while Rodney and Shawna are in Mexico... Allyssa ended up spending the night too, After all the kids were down for the night Bob and I left and came to our house. Sat. Morning I went out to Mom and Dad's and brought the kids back to our house to give Gpa and Gma a little break! :) We had so much fun with them... Arlie is just hilarious!!! The things that come out of 3 yr olds mouths ... priceless!! My wonderful Husband even watched them while Jake and I took in Jenna's V-ball game, They won 1st place in the tournament!! Yeah Rams! Mom and Dad came in and got Arlie this evening, and Jacob went to Uncle Scott's and Hannah stayed overnight here! It was so good to be with the kids and get my niece/nephew fix! Now if It will ever work out that Mom and I can get some quality time together! We'll have to make that a priority here real soon! All is well back in Ramsey so now we'll be heading back to P.Bluff tomorrow!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
A More Peaceful day Today
Well, yesterday was a bit of a lesson in "Turning it over to God"... and I'd have to say In the end I was able to do that.. but my first reaction was pure panic! Bob called me around 9:30 a.m. and told me that I needed to get ahold of Allyssa's school, about getting Allyssa, I was confused, okay, but why did they contact him when I ALWAYS have my cell phone with me... he went on to explain that All Poplar Bluff schools had a bomb threat called into the courthouse! I'm throwing on my shoes and out the door calling Dad and Mom to get the prayers going, Bob calls back and tells me to go to the Black River Colosseum to pick up Allyssa they were being bussed there. In my state of panic I'm like... I don't know where the colosseum is, he's like, yes you do it's down by the post office... I'm still like... I don't even know where the post office is... oh wait yeah I do.. and yes I do know where the colosseum is, okay I can do this. He tells me to call him as soon as I know anything... well I get to the colosseum and several other parent's are there, and a police officer, but I don't see any busses, I'm thinking they are on their way, well the officer explains that the kids are not being bussed there, they are in a safe location at the school... the school is on lockdown so no one in/ no one out! I'm not liking that one bit, I want to get to my child NOW.. as do the other parent's standing there. That is when the realization came that I had to put this in God's hands... I had prayed since getting the phone call, but I was also in Mommy mode of I have to get control of this situation and get my daughter and make everything alright.. when I realized I wasn't going to be able to do that, I had to completely rely on God's Power, (and several phone calls to my parent's) and all the prayers that were being lifted up. Still a little Mommy Mode left in me, I did get intouch with Allyssa's teacher by cell phone and she informed me that Allyssa was fine, their school had been searched and was cleared, and everything was going on as normal, but the lockdown was still in place. I have to admit that conversation did bring me relief, but also turning it over to God I was able to go through the rest of the day not being able to go and get Allyssa, I did have a peace about it all. Thank You God! Allyssa got in my car after school and was fine with everything that had went on, she wasn't shaken by it at all! Again, Thank you God!
So now if I could just allow myself to Give It All to God, from the beginning!!!! Something else I'll be working on!!! :)
Oh and remember the part about Bob telling me to call as soon as I knew anything.. well I tried and tried calling him in my state of panic when the officer explained the situation, and his work phone just wrang and wrang and wrang! Needless to say I wasn't very happy about that, and He did hear about it when he called me as soon as he was out of his meeting! I guess in the mess of my emotions I didn't even hear the last part of call me as soon as you know anything.. I have a meeting but you can page me! Oops! So again, In turning it over to God from the start I could have avoided angry feelings at my poor husband!!! At least we're laughing about it all now!!!!
So now if I could just allow myself to Give It All to God, from the beginning!!!! Something else I'll be working on!!! :)
Oh and remember the part about Bob telling me to call as soon as I knew anything.. well I tried and tried calling him in my state of panic when the officer explained the situation, and his work phone just wrang and wrang and wrang! Needless to say I wasn't very happy about that, and He did hear about it when he called me as soon as he was out of his meeting! I guess in the mess of my emotions I didn't even hear the last part of call me as soon as you know anything.. I have a meeting but you can page me! Oops! So again, In turning it over to God from the start I could have avoided angry feelings at my poor husband!!! At least we're laughing about it all now!!!!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Allyssa and Mommy Time
Allyssa was out of school today for Martin Luther day. Our day started with cleaning the apartment.... it had to be done... you know it's time to pick up when you find your 7 yr. old on a blanket on the bathroom floor playing her nintendo because that was the only clear spot upstairs!!! I'm not kiddin' she had completely drug out everything all over her bedroom floor and then when there wasn't any room to play she started on our room, and by the time the weekend was over there wasn't any floor space available except in the bathroom... so rather than pick up on her own she had no problem making a place in the bathroom!! Well, I was pretty lax over the weekend letting her drag into our room etc... but that's it... when I found her in the bathroom, I told her first thing in the a.m. we are picking up this mess! And we did, she was a big help, we got that picked up and laundry in and folded AND put away!!!! But we never found her other tennis shoe... I'm completely serious, that's how bad it was, we could only find one tennis shoe... and never did find the other one, the entire apartment has been cleaned and still no other tennis shoe. So off to JC Penney's to buy her another pair. Her dad told her, you know if you want another pair of shoes all you have to do is ask, you don't have to hide it, or throw it away.. or whatever it is you've done with it.!!! We haven't a clue where that thing's at... and it's driving me crazy. But she has a new pair so atleast we're good on that. After shopping we went to the park and she was planning on riding her scooter on the walking trail, but once she caught a glimpse of the playground equipment she decided that was more what she wanted to do than the scooter.. why not she'd been riding the scooter in the apartment all weekend.. keep your toes turned under or you might lose them! So she played just for a short time because it's still chilly out there. Came home and watched some movies. We did enjoy our day together and got alot accomplished at the same time.... but have to say we are both looking forward to school tomorrow, being in this apartment all weekend is just a little much!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
COLD COLD COLD!!!!!
Brrr.. it's cold out there! Not as cold here as it is in Ramsey.. but still COLD! Careful not to freeze your contacts... (just a little inside humor for my mom!!!!) Anyway, I've been rather lazy this week, enjoying happy and calm times with our family of 3.
This past Saturday My mom, Shawna and Hannah and Allyssa and I went to Disney on Ice at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis. We were in the first row, right by the ice... WOW it was AMAZING. We had a really nice time and the girls enjoyed it.. okay we ALL did. When we got in the car to leave we were all talking about our favorite parts, and we looked back at Allyssa and Hannah, and they were engrossed in their Nintendo Ds's already... So maybe us adult's excitement lasted a little longer than theirs. I will try and post some pictures from the day later, when I'm not so lazy!
Allyssa and I just finished some quiet time in my room each of us laying side by side reading a book! Wow, that's a first! They have been talking alot about reading and enjoying books at school, so She's on a mission, to read and enjoy reading. Don't imagine it will last very long, but sure did enjoy it tonight! At school they told them to write down on a piece of paper a promise to yourself, and later you can open that paper and read it, that way you will work hard for that to happen! Allyssa wrote hers and it is said, "I want to be an art teacher. I will work very hard, go to college and be an art teacher someday." Will be interesting to see how many times that paper gets thrown away and a new "dream" replaces it.... that's okay, I just pray that she keeps dreaming and is motivated towards whatever God has planned for her.
This past Saturday My mom, Shawna and Hannah and Allyssa and I went to Disney on Ice at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis. We were in the first row, right by the ice... WOW it was AMAZING. We had a really nice time and the girls enjoyed it.. okay we ALL did. When we got in the car to leave we were all talking about our favorite parts, and we looked back at Allyssa and Hannah, and they were engrossed in their Nintendo Ds's already... So maybe us adult's excitement lasted a little longer than theirs. I will try and post some pictures from the day later, when I'm not so lazy!
Allyssa and I just finished some quiet time in my room each of us laying side by side reading a book! Wow, that's a first! They have been talking alot about reading and enjoying books at school, so She's on a mission, to read and enjoy reading. Don't imagine it will last very long, but sure did enjoy it tonight! At school they told them to write down on a piece of paper a promise to yourself, and later you can open that paper and read it, that way you will work hard for that to happen! Allyssa wrote hers and it is said, "I want to be an art teacher. I will work very hard, go to college and be an art teacher someday." Will be interesting to see how many times that paper gets thrown away and a new "dream" replaces it.... that's okay, I just pray that she keeps dreaming and is motivated towards whatever God has planned for her.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
All Because of Learning Cursive!!!!!
Another Great Day! Allyssa had a fine day at school and once again came out to my car with a smile on her face! We played Bratz dolls when we got home, and then it was time for AWANA at Church. When Allyssa got home from AWANA she did her homework, her handwriting was Soooo Neat, which usually isn't the case. She was in a good mood while doing her homework.. joking around... definately not the norm. AND she ate almost all of her cube steak, ricearoni, and corn.... !!!!! I told her how proud I was of her behavior the last 2 days, and how much fun we've had, just went on and on praising her and showing her the positive... that's when she got this real serious look on her face... looked up at me and asked "When did you say my good behavior started.... Yesterday?.... I said Yeah... And she got really excited and said "I know what it is... I knew I felt like a whole new person since I've learned cursive... that's what it is, that's why my behavior has been so good, we started learning cursive Yesterday!" Too Funny!
After supper, allyssa even helped me do the dishes, she washed and I dried... when she first started to put her hands in the warm water, she did several tics (head jerk, eye blinking, but it was almost like a whole body one, so I wasn't really sure what was going on) so I asked her what's the matter? She looked up at me soooo disappointed, and said "Great...Just Great... My own Mother doesn't even understand!" OOPS! It was just her tics. I very quickly tried covering up my stupid question, and as I was stumbling and bumbling all over myself, Allyssa busted out laughing! She was only kidding with me! WOW, she is really spoiling me the last couple of days!
I'm sure this all isn't just happening by chance... I know prayers are being answered one after another! Thank you God, I get it... I get it... You are Forever Faithful! And thank you all for your prayers!
After supper, allyssa even helped me do the dishes, she washed and I dried... when she first started to put her hands in the warm water, she did several tics (head jerk, eye blinking, but it was almost like a whole body one, so I wasn't really sure what was going on) so I asked her what's the matter? She looked up at me soooo disappointed, and said "Great...Just Great... My own Mother doesn't even understand!" OOPS! It was just her tics. I very quickly tried covering up my stupid question, and as I was stumbling and bumbling all over myself, Allyssa busted out laughing! She was only kidding with me! WOW, she is really spoiling me the last couple of days!
I'm sure this all isn't just happening by chance... I know prayers are being answered one after another! Thank you God, I get it... I get it... You are Forever Faithful! And thank you all for your prayers!
Made it through another "STORM"
Well things were MUCH, MUCH, MUCH better yesterday and last night. Allyssa had a great day at school, AND even had a Huge Smile on her face when she got into my car after school. She was Singsong saying "Congratulations to Me! Congratulations to Me!" and was holding something in her hand. I asked her what it was, "$25. giftcard...Wal-Mart!!" Wow how did you get that?.... UHM, I don't know! Well, didn't you ask your teacher?.... NO, Congratulations to me, I'm going to Wal-Mart... ! Well that was so fun to see her so happy, and not just completely explode on me when she gets in the car to release everything that has built up throughout the day! I called the teacher and she said that Allyssa and 3 others at Oak Grove received the gift cards for reading 15 books! Now that's neat, pretty good incentive to read, I'd say!
Allyssa and Her dad went to Wal-Mart in the evening for Allyssa to use her gift card! I took advantage of the time and layed down for a small nappy... I had been up all night the night before looking up info on the net, and most of the day today talking to directors at Tourette Association from Illinois and Missouri, to get some advice.... so I was in bad need of rest so that I could manage to help Allyssa at bedtime! They got home, and Allyssa came running in to show me her stuff, Okay.. Naps over. We ate supper, and Allyssa played with her new toys, and everything was going so smooth! Bob and Allyssa got along really well, which hasn't really been the case here lately. Ah, this is so NICE!
Bedtime came and We put Allyssa's disney pull out foam couch/bed in our room right next to my side of the bed, we said our prayers and cuddled for a few moments, then I got up in my bed and Allyssa went to sleep! Oh My Gosh, practically on her own.... No Meltdown... No words or comfort from me, Thank you God... We needed that! We slept so well, no interrupted sleep through the night that I didn't wake up until 8 a.m. oops, Allyssa has to be at school at 8:30 a.m. We Made it, and Allyssa seemed in an okay mood this a.m. a little tired, but we can deal with that!
Thanks for listening to me get out my frustrations and worries, it helps! We're on our way again, til next time!
Have a wonderful day!
Allyssa and Her dad went to Wal-Mart in the evening for Allyssa to use her gift card! I took advantage of the time and layed down for a small nappy... I had been up all night the night before looking up info on the net, and most of the day today talking to directors at Tourette Association from Illinois and Missouri, to get some advice.... so I was in bad need of rest so that I could manage to help Allyssa at bedtime! They got home, and Allyssa came running in to show me her stuff, Okay.. Naps over. We ate supper, and Allyssa played with her new toys, and everything was going so smooth! Bob and Allyssa got along really well, which hasn't really been the case here lately. Ah, this is so NICE!
Bedtime came and We put Allyssa's disney pull out foam couch/bed in our room right next to my side of the bed, we said our prayers and cuddled for a few moments, then I got up in my bed and Allyssa went to sleep! Oh My Gosh, practically on her own.... No Meltdown... No words or comfort from me, Thank you God... We needed that! We slept so well, no interrupted sleep through the night that I didn't wake up until 8 a.m. oops, Allyssa has to be at school at 8:30 a.m. We Made it, and Allyssa seemed in an okay mood this a.m. a little tired, but we can deal with that!
Thanks for listening to me get out my frustrations and worries, it helps! We're on our way again, til next time!
Have a wonderful day!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Attitude......Smattitude.....
Oh how short lived my attitude adjustment was. I am so confused, I don't know how to Rejoice in the Lord, Always! When I watch my 7 year old deal with so many different issues with TS, OCD, and anxiety.... as she is hysterical and crying out for me to help her, and I'm doing all that I know how to do, but nothing is working, and she continues to yell even louder "Why won't you help me?!?!?!"....now tell me how in that can I possibly Rejoice in the Lord? Even during these episodes I know we have alot to be Thankful for, and I know God has blessed us, I'm even sure that God is Always with us, but I cannot bring myself to REJOICE in Him during those times or even for awhile after experiencing the meltdowns with Allyssa. It is heartbreaking, frustrating, overwhelming, scary, exhausting.... going through these episodes, and It is very difficult for me to, no actually, it is impossible for me to REJOICE.... I have faith that God is present, and I have faith that there is a reason Allyssa has to endure all of this, that it is somehow going to work for the good, but during her meltdowns, watching her struggle in daily routines, It's very difficult for me to find a purpose, and I'm sorry, but when you have all the faith in the world that God is an AWESOME God and through Him anything is possible, I can't understand why..... Why it has to be this way... and How do I rejoice? If any of you have any insight into this I would love to hear from you!
Sorry about this depressing post, I try to not bring everyone else down, or bother them with our situation, but at times it's too much for me to hold in. So I thought maybe I would just let it roll here on this blog and see if that relieves me any. And if any of you happen to think of Our Family during your prayer time please lift us up to God! It would be very much appreciated!
Some you of probably have no idea what life is like with Tourette's! And be Thankful you don't have to experience it! You can't even begin to imagine what these kids with tourette's are up against. What strong children they are to overcome what TS puts in there paths! Amazing really! I know Allyssa will overcome this, She already has in so many instances, but the struggle for her.... and as a Mother watching her HAVE to overcome this is so..... I'm not sure what the emotion even is... heartbreaking...frustrating....Unfair....!
Parenting is tough in any case.... add neurological disorder to the equation.... and it's near impossible sometimes! I've heard alot of couples say that agreeing on parenting issues is difficult at times, and again I say add a neurological disorder to the equation.... and it's near impossible for Bob and I to come together and agree on a method that works for both of us and Allyssa as well. Please pray that we can all get on the same page with this. When we are all in agreement about our situation and how to best deal with issues, that's when we'll all benefit! It's very difficult though because frustration and exhaustion plays a big role in both sides, from Allyssa's side the disorder, frustration and exhaustion cause her to react/overreact to situations in ways that she Knows are not appropriate but she honestly can't control at the time, and from the parent's side.. dealing with this in a positive way becomes increasingly difficult as frustration and exhaustion levels rise!
Well thanks for letting me unload...!!!
I'll try to be more positive next time!
Sorry about this depressing post, I try to not bring everyone else down, or bother them with our situation, but at times it's too much for me to hold in. So I thought maybe I would just let it roll here on this blog and see if that relieves me any. And if any of you happen to think of Our Family during your prayer time please lift us up to God! It would be very much appreciated!
Some you of probably have no idea what life is like with Tourette's! And be Thankful you don't have to experience it! You can't even begin to imagine what these kids with tourette's are up against. What strong children they are to overcome what TS puts in there paths! Amazing really! I know Allyssa will overcome this, She already has in so many instances, but the struggle for her.... and as a Mother watching her HAVE to overcome this is so..... I'm not sure what the emotion even is... heartbreaking...frustrating....Unfair....!
Parenting is tough in any case.... add neurological disorder to the equation.... and it's near impossible sometimes! I've heard alot of couples say that agreeing on parenting issues is difficult at times, and again I say add a neurological disorder to the equation.... and it's near impossible for Bob and I to come together and agree on a method that works for both of us and Allyssa as well. Please pray that we can all get on the same page with this. When we are all in agreement about our situation and how to best deal with issues, that's when we'll all benefit! It's very difficult though because frustration and exhaustion plays a big role in both sides, from Allyssa's side the disorder, frustration and exhaustion cause her to react/overreact to situations in ways that she Knows are not appropriate but she honestly can't control at the time, and from the parent's side.. dealing with this in a positive way becomes increasingly difficult as frustration and exhaustion levels rise!
Well thanks for letting me unload...!!!
I'll try to be more positive next time!
Monday, January 5, 2009
It's Monday :( ... No .. IT'S MONDAY :) !!!!!!!!
it's all in your attitude! I could choose to look at this day as Oh Poor Me, it's Monday, we're back in Poplar Bluff, Bob and Allyssa are off to work and school, and here I sit at the apartment alone... back to the same 'ole routine after having 2 wonderful weeks in Ramsey around my family.... but instead... I choose to look at this day as a new start, Yes Bob and Allyssa are off to work and school, and here I am reflecting on the memories that were made over the past 2 weeks, catching up on work around the apartment without any interruptions, taking a little "me" time. Wow what a difference that attitude makes. I can tell you i'm in alot better mood with the latter outlook! (we'll see how long it lasts, ha!) But seriously, we are to Rejoice in the Lord, ALWAYS!!! And this New Year I'm going to do my Best at that!
Allyssa was actually looking forward to getting back to school and seeing her friends and her teacher, so that made coming back and getting settled ALOT easier on us all! She was excited to use her new backpack on wheels for school today!!! And I'm taking my time today, going through old pictures, thinking back over all the wonderful times we've had and looking forward to upcoming times together! So it's been a really good day so far.... we'll see if it continues when Allyssa gets home from school, depending on how well she's adjusted to being back into school. It might take her a few days to get in the routine again. And if she's not having a very good day I'll have to remember... REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS!!! And do whatever we need to do to get through!
Well, I better get back to it, I just wanted to share my GREAT day with you all and hope your day's going just as well!
Allyssa was actually looking forward to getting back to school and seeing her friends and her teacher, so that made coming back and getting settled ALOT easier on us all! She was excited to use her new backpack on wheels for school today!!! And I'm taking my time today, going through old pictures, thinking back over all the wonderful times we've had and looking forward to upcoming times together! So it's been a really good day so far.... we'll see if it continues when Allyssa gets home from school, depending on how well she's adjusted to being back into school. It might take her a few days to get in the routine again. And if she's not having a very good day I'll have to remember... REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS!!! And do whatever we need to do to get through!
Well, I better get back to it, I just wanted to share my GREAT day with you all and hope your day's going just as well!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
2009!!!!!
Wow, another year has begun! In some ways it seems like '08 lasted forever but in other ways it seems like the days have rolled right on past, one after another, leaving me feeling overwhelmed as I wasn't able to get done everything I had on my list to do for that day... or the next day...and the next...
Glancing back over our past year....
January '08= started off with Allyssa's continued sickness. From Oct. thru Feb. every year Allyssa has battled sore throat, fevers, strep throat, and has had to be on Antibiotics continuously over those months.... but hopefully all of that was about to come to an end... Allyssa had her tonsils and adnoids taken out on Jan. 9th. She was such a big girl through that entire experience! (And our prayers have been answered, it seems that having her tonsils out has made her alot healthier, we have made it through the months of Oct.- Dec. with no fevers, sore throat, strep throat, or antibiotics! YEAH!!!!)
The end of Jan. '08 Mom and Dad were able to go to Hawaii! What a wonderful trip for them!
Allyssa had her first tumbling meet since having her tonsils taken out and recovering... she had missed all of her practices in Jan. but was feeling better by the 26th so went to the meet in Mattoon, she received 5th place!
Feb. '08= Perfect Spellers were awarded a trip to McDonalds during lunch at school. Allyssa was one of the perfect spellers for that quarter and was able to join them!
March '08= Allyssa got to participate in her first Jamboree at school. She was a cheerleader for her class. She had so much fun cheering and jumping around with her best friend Emily. Allyssa wore the cheerleading outfit that Jenna wore for her Jamborees.
Chris and Rachel were able to spend Easter with us this year. We all gathered at Mom and Dad's for lunch and an easter egg hunt.
Bob had his interview with GSI on the 21st. of March. We are still doing the Allyssa and I in Illinois with Bob in Poplar Bluff through the week, and All of us together in Illinois on the weekends! So we are very excited about this interview at GSI in Assumption, IL and have lots of prayers going that GSI will be our answer!!!
The last Sun. in March was Youth Sunday at our church and Allyssa sung a special. After church we had a surprise Celebration for Aunt Judy's 5 year Cancer FREE!! Praise God!!!
April '08= On the 6th Allyssa had a tumbling meet in Effingham and received 3rd place! The morning of her meet as we were getting ready the phone rang and it was a little friend of Allyssa's. She wanted Allyssa to come over and help her because her babysitter had passed out and she couldn't wake him up and she was having to take care of All the kids by herself. This little girl is Allyssa's age.. 6 years old! Allyssa in all of her innocence has not a clue what the situation really is and tells the little girl, no I can't come over I'm getting ready to go to my tumbling meet... I get on the phone and try to figure out where this girl lives. I found her house, and the site I walked into when I entered that house broke my heart!!! There was beer bottles all over the house, the babysitter was passed out on the couch, the little girl that called met me at the door, I walked in the next room and there was 2 other younger kids, the next room another kid, and the next room an even smaller child. I called the police and was trying to get the kids dressed, fed, calmed down... and tried contacting the mother of these kids. I stayed with them until the cops and the mother came and then I left to go to the meet. But I left with such a heavy heart, it is terrible what some kids have to go through in their lives, and how they have to live. I pray for God's protection on the children out in this world that live in such conditions!
April 8th was our appt. with the neurologist at St.Louis Children's Hospital... and that is the day that we received Allyssa's diagnosis of Tourette's. I have to say that we had been preparing ourselves for this for a long while, but you always hold out hope that it's not as it seems, but as the Dr. said those words, there was almost a sense of relief that we now know what we are dealing with. But over the next few months the relief vanished and in its place came anger, and that too vanished and was replaced with sorrow, and when that vanished along came fear of what was in store for our little girls future, and then came determination to do whatever we had to do to help Allyssa and learn as much as we could about her condition, and then came the feelings of overwhelmed! And now I would have to say it's not really just one feeling at a time, I feel a mixture of all of these every day!!
On the 20th Allyssa had the USTA State tumbling meet in Effingham. She qualified for Nationals, was 9th at State. We didn't end up going on to Nationals in Ohio though, we decided against it because of all the anxiety and stress that it involved!
I had a dr. appt. with an ears/nose/throat specialist the end of April to check a growth that appeared on my tonsil, he said it didn't look to be anything, but will check back in a few months. Thank God nothing to be concerned with, I was a little nervous, we've had enough going on lately we really didn't need to deal with something else.
May '08= the 23rd was the last day of School in Ramsey for Allyssa.
On the 27th we went to 8th Grade graduation for my nephew Jacob. How fast they are growing up, Him and Rachel are in High School now!
The 28th was a day filled with mixed emotions! Allyssa and I were finally able to join Bob in Poplar Bluff. School's out so we are spending our time in P. Bluff, how wonderful it is to be together again as a family, but how sad it is to be away from Grandparents, cousins, Aunts and Uncles!!!
June '08= In P. Bluff about a block from where we live, there is a huge church sitting up on a hill. It's The First Baptist church, and there was a sign saying VBS was the week of 2nd-6th. That's great, we have been wanting to find a Church and get Allyssa involved in meeting friends in P. Bluff so I took Allyssa to VBS and stayed with her everyday that week. We had so much fun, the People were so Welcoming. We really enjoyed it! And on the 2nd to last day of VBS Allyssa made the best decision EVER... she asked Jesus into her heart, to be her Savior and Lord!!! Thank you Lord! The next week was VBS at Ramsey Christian Church so Allyssa and I stayed in Illinois that week and attended that VBS. That was also fun.
Allyssa and Hannah were on the same T-ball team this summer. Rodney and Shawna were the coaches. Allyssa missed alot of the games since we were in P.Bluff but she was able to play at a couple of them in June... she had a lot of fun, and it was so neat to watch her and Hannah together!
Chris and Rachel spent some time with Us this summer, but it was a little different since some of the time we were in P. bluff with their dad, and some of the time we had to be away from him staying in Illinois so we could spend time with Grandparent's cousins, aunts and uncles. It was tough for Chris and Rachel having to split so much of their time, but we made the best of it and really enjoyed their visit.
I had been having some health issues and ended up having to have a colonoscopy the end of June but thankfully everything came back fine! Once again, Praise God, for answered prayers!
July '08= on the 2nd I drove to Collinsville, IL from P. Bluff and met up with 3 of my friends from school. We went out for supper and stayed in a hotel overnight. It was so nice to have some much needed time away, and to see my friends and catch up with their lives. On the 4th of July we had our annual pool party at Mom and dad's house and that evening watched fireworks! What a wonderful day, enjoying time with family!
July 13th Allyssa was baptized at Ramsey Christian Church! What a wonderful day!!!
The 14th thru 18th Hannah came to P. bluff with us. We spent alot of time at the Water Park and just enjoyed having Hannah with us that week. Lots of Fun times!
The rest of July wasn't as good. I ended up having surgery for an absessed tooth and was in the hospital for 5 days, I was in the hospital on Allyssa's 7th Birthday, what a bummer! Her Bday party was already planned for Fri. the 25th with 7 little girls coming over for a slumber party, I was released at 1 p.m. on Fri. and home in enough time for the party to happen as planned! Thank God for blessing me with a wonderful husband who helps me out so much, and Wonderful Parents, who also made it possible, and the rest of my loving family who are always there to help!
Aug. '08= Allyssa was in The Life School Musical at church in P. Bluff. Grandma and Grandpa made the trip to P. Bluff to see her performance on Sun. evening. It was a wonderful Musical and we were very proud of Allyssa for overcoming Tourette's and all of the anxiety and getting up in front of others and not letting TS stop her!
The GSI job didn't work out, so we feel that God is guiding us in the Poplar bluff, MO direction. Bob and I had both said that GSI was our last effort to be able to stay in Ramsey. So when we received word that bob didn't get the job, we directed our thoughts towards making the move to P.Bluff!
Allyssa had her first day of 2nd grade at her new school, Oak Grove Elementary. Mrs. Spain is her wonderful teacher! Mom spent the week with me, for support, I wasn't sure how I was going to handle leaving Allyssa at a new school and all... having Mom there was such a blessing, and God is such a Wonderful God. He is in Control, everything went fine, Allyssa loved her new school, teacher, and made a best friend Kristen!
Just as we are accepting the reality that it's really going to be P. Bluff for us, Bob has an interview in St. Louis, which if he would get the job, would mean we could stay in Ramsey. That's great! But talk about being really confused, it seems that everytime we start to head in a direction, something happens that turns us completely around! The interview goes very well and he goes back for a couple more interviews during the month of Aug. We figure if it does work out that he gets this job then it wouldn't be as hard on Allyssa to move back to Ramsey school as it would be for her to have to start out in Ramsey and then move to P. Bluff school if the job doesn't get offered to Him. So we are living day by day!
Sept. '08= On the 19th we heard from St. Louis that Bob didn't get the job. So here we go again, mind set that it's P. bluff again. We're ready to be finished with the day to day living, and everything so up in the air, and move on making a new home in P. Bluff.
Mom and Dad drove down to go to Grandparent's Breakfast with Allyssa at her school. They spent the night with us at our apartment on Thurs. night and left Fri. afternoon after the Grandparent's thing at school. Now that's Wonderful Grandparent's, how blessed Allyssa is to have them in her life, we all are! They are 2 very Special People, and we love them sooo much!
We Thank God for them each day!
Oct.'08= Oak Grove school skate party at SkateCity. This was Allyssa's first time ever skating! She had a blast! By the time we left she was doing very well without my help!
Scott and Jennifer had their annual Costume Halloween Party on the 25th. Bob and I went to it and Allyssa spent the night with Grandpa and Grandma. The next day Allyssa walked in the Halloween Parade in Ramsey in her Witch's costume!
On the 27th their was a Tourette Support Group meeting in St. Louis, Bob, Allyssa, Mom, Dad, Aunt Judy, Uncle Harold, Aunt Debbie, and Rick, and I all went to it. It was very informative as it was kids with tourette's doing the talking. So I was able to get from their perspective how things feel to them! How comforting it was to have my family surround me at that meeting, knowing they are there and praying for Allyssa and our family is very encouraging for me. I am so grateful that they took time out for us!
Trick or Treat night wasn't a good night! We drove from P. bluff in the afternoon, to be in Ramsey by 6 p.m. for trick or treat. Allyssa and Hannah were in the car with Bob and me, and Shawna followed with Arlie and Jake. We visited several houses in town and Allyssa was having fun, but by the time we got to Gma and Gpa's she was very tired and stressed out. We ended up leaving before Scott and his family even got there, so Allyssa could get home and unwind and get some rest!
Nov. '08= What a relaxing time I spent with Mom for my Birthday. She bought me a Massage and she got one also! I needed that! Mom also had a surprise Bday party for me at Mom and Dad's house. That was fun! Every year Mom and Allyssa bake and decorate a Bday cake for me! How Special! Allyssa loves doing that with Grandma!
I was able to make it to Ramsey's Open House at School, to see all the projects my neices and nephews had made! It was a little sad not going to Allyssa's room and seeing her stuff, just another reality that we're not in Ramsey anymore, but I felt very fortunate that I could drive home for the evening to see the others!
I started Volunteering at Allyssa's school one day a week. I really enjoy doing that, it gets me out of the apartment and around people, so it's been a good way to meet people.
Thanksgiving at Mom and Dad's, very nice being with my family!
Dec. '08= Lots and Lots of School Christmas activities went on this month. Allyssa started having more problems with anxiety and stress, and her moods during this month as is the "norm" with Tourette's. We were able to spend New Year's Eve with my family, but Allyssa just wasn't dealing well, we had good times and not so good times, but was still nice to be with family!
So as I've looked back over 2008 I am able to see all that has happened that I am so thankful for, and I also see times that were very trying for us to endure, but each and everytime we made it through! I Thank God for all I have, for All He IS, and always WILL BE, and Pray that God will take my overwhelmed feelings and turn it into AlWAYS Trusting HIM, and to Show us the way through this next year!
Glancing back over our past year....
January '08= started off with Allyssa's continued sickness. From Oct. thru Feb. every year Allyssa has battled sore throat, fevers, strep throat, and has had to be on Antibiotics continuously over those months.... but hopefully all of that was about to come to an end... Allyssa had her tonsils and adnoids taken out on Jan. 9th. She was such a big girl through that entire experience! (And our prayers have been answered, it seems that having her tonsils out has made her alot healthier, we have made it through the months of Oct.- Dec. with no fevers, sore throat, strep throat, or antibiotics! YEAH!!!!)
The end of Jan. '08 Mom and Dad were able to go to Hawaii! What a wonderful trip for them!
Allyssa had her first tumbling meet since having her tonsils taken out and recovering... she had missed all of her practices in Jan. but was feeling better by the 26th so went to the meet in Mattoon, she received 5th place!
Feb. '08= Perfect Spellers were awarded a trip to McDonalds during lunch at school. Allyssa was one of the perfect spellers for that quarter and was able to join them!
March '08= Allyssa got to participate in her first Jamboree at school. She was a cheerleader for her class. She had so much fun cheering and jumping around with her best friend Emily. Allyssa wore the cheerleading outfit that Jenna wore for her Jamborees.
Chris and Rachel were able to spend Easter with us this year. We all gathered at Mom and Dad's for lunch and an easter egg hunt.
Bob had his interview with GSI on the 21st. of March. We are still doing the Allyssa and I in Illinois with Bob in Poplar Bluff through the week, and All of us together in Illinois on the weekends! So we are very excited about this interview at GSI in Assumption, IL and have lots of prayers going that GSI will be our answer!!!
The last Sun. in March was Youth Sunday at our church and Allyssa sung a special. After church we had a surprise Celebration for Aunt Judy's 5 year Cancer FREE!! Praise God!!!
April '08= On the 6th Allyssa had a tumbling meet in Effingham and received 3rd place! The morning of her meet as we were getting ready the phone rang and it was a little friend of Allyssa's. She wanted Allyssa to come over and help her because her babysitter had passed out and she couldn't wake him up and she was having to take care of All the kids by herself. This little girl is Allyssa's age.. 6 years old! Allyssa in all of her innocence has not a clue what the situation really is and tells the little girl, no I can't come over I'm getting ready to go to my tumbling meet... I get on the phone and try to figure out where this girl lives. I found her house, and the site I walked into when I entered that house broke my heart!!! There was beer bottles all over the house, the babysitter was passed out on the couch, the little girl that called met me at the door, I walked in the next room and there was 2 other younger kids, the next room another kid, and the next room an even smaller child. I called the police and was trying to get the kids dressed, fed, calmed down... and tried contacting the mother of these kids. I stayed with them until the cops and the mother came and then I left to go to the meet. But I left with such a heavy heart, it is terrible what some kids have to go through in their lives, and how they have to live. I pray for God's protection on the children out in this world that live in such conditions!
April 8th was our appt. with the neurologist at St.Louis Children's Hospital... and that is the day that we received Allyssa's diagnosis of Tourette's. I have to say that we had been preparing ourselves for this for a long while, but you always hold out hope that it's not as it seems, but as the Dr. said those words, there was almost a sense of relief that we now know what we are dealing with. But over the next few months the relief vanished and in its place came anger, and that too vanished and was replaced with sorrow, and when that vanished along came fear of what was in store for our little girls future, and then came determination to do whatever we had to do to help Allyssa and learn as much as we could about her condition, and then came the feelings of overwhelmed! And now I would have to say it's not really just one feeling at a time, I feel a mixture of all of these every day!!
On the 20th Allyssa had the USTA State tumbling meet in Effingham. She qualified for Nationals, was 9th at State. We didn't end up going on to Nationals in Ohio though, we decided against it because of all the anxiety and stress that it involved!
I had a dr. appt. with an ears/nose/throat specialist the end of April to check a growth that appeared on my tonsil, he said it didn't look to be anything, but will check back in a few months. Thank God nothing to be concerned with, I was a little nervous, we've had enough going on lately we really didn't need to deal with something else.
May '08= the 23rd was the last day of School in Ramsey for Allyssa.
On the 27th we went to 8th Grade graduation for my nephew Jacob. How fast they are growing up, Him and Rachel are in High School now!
The 28th was a day filled with mixed emotions! Allyssa and I were finally able to join Bob in Poplar Bluff. School's out so we are spending our time in P. Bluff, how wonderful it is to be together again as a family, but how sad it is to be away from Grandparents, cousins, Aunts and Uncles!!!
June '08= In P. Bluff about a block from where we live, there is a huge church sitting up on a hill. It's The First Baptist church, and there was a sign saying VBS was the week of 2nd-6th. That's great, we have been wanting to find a Church and get Allyssa involved in meeting friends in P. Bluff so I took Allyssa to VBS and stayed with her everyday that week. We had so much fun, the People were so Welcoming. We really enjoyed it! And on the 2nd to last day of VBS Allyssa made the best decision EVER... she asked Jesus into her heart, to be her Savior and Lord!!! Thank you Lord! The next week was VBS at Ramsey Christian Church so Allyssa and I stayed in Illinois that week and attended that VBS. That was also fun.
Allyssa and Hannah were on the same T-ball team this summer. Rodney and Shawna were the coaches. Allyssa missed alot of the games since we were in P.Bluff but she was able to play at a couple of them in June... she had a lot of fun, and it was so neat to watch her and Hannah together!
Chris and Rachel spent some time with Us this summer, but it was a little different since some of the time we were in P. bluff with their dad, and some of the time we had to be away from him staying in Illinois so we could spend time with Grandparent's cousins, aunts and uncles. It was tough for Chris and Rachel having to split so much of their time, but we made the best of it and really enjoyed their visit.
I had been having some health issues and ended up having to have a colonoscopy the end of June but thankfully everything came back fine! Once again, Praise God, for answered prayers!
July '08= on the 2nd I drove to Collinsville, IL from P. Bluff and met up with 3 of my friends from school. We went out for supper and stayed in a hotel overnight. It was so nice to have some much needed time away, and to see my friends and catch up with their lives. On the 4th of July we had our annual pool party at Mom and dad's house and that evening watched fireworks! What a wonderful day, enjoying time with family!
July 13th Allyssa was baptized at Ramsey Christian Church! What a wonderful day!!!
The 14th thru 18th Hannah came to P. bluff with us. We spent alot of time at the Water Park and just enjoyed having Hannah with us that week. Lots of Fun times!
The rest of July wasn't as good. I ended up having surgery for an absessed tooth and was in the hospital for 5 days, I was in the hospital on Allyssa's 7th Birthday, what a bummer! Her Bday party was already planned for Fri. the 25th with 7 little girls coming over for a slumber party, I was released at 1 p.m. on Fri. and home in enough time for the party to happen as planned! Thank God for blessing me with a wonderful husband who helps me out so much, and Wonderful Parents, who also made it possible, and the rest of my loving family who are always there to help!
Aug. '08= Allyssa was in The Life School Musical at church in P. Bluff. Grandma and Grandpa made the trip to P. Bluff to see her performance on Sun. evening. It was a wonderful Musical and we were very proud of Allyssa for overcoming Tourette's and all of the anxiety and getting up in front of others and not letting TS stop her!
The GSI job didn't work out, so we feel that God is guiding us in the Poplar bluff, MO direction. Bob and I had both said that GSI was our last effort to be able to stay in Ramsey. So when we received word that bob didn't get the job, we directed our thoughts towards making the move to P.Bluff!
Allyssa had her first day of 2nd grade at her new school, Oak Grove Elementary. Mrs. Spain is her wonderful teacher! Mom spent the week with me, for support, I wasn't sure how I was going to handle leaving Allyssa at a new school and all... having Mom there was such a blessing, and God is such a Wonderful God. He is in Control, everything went fine, Allyssa loved her new school, teacher, and made a best friend Kristen!
Just as we are accepting the reality that it's really going to be P. Bluff for us, Bob has an interview in St. Louis, which if he would get the job, would mean we could stay in Ramsey. That's great! But talk about being really confused, it seems that everytime we start to head in a direction, something happens that turns us completely around! The interview goes very well and he goes back for a couple more interviews during the month of Aug. We figure if it does work out that he gets this job then it wouldn't be as hard on Allyssa to move back to Ramsey school as it would be for her to have to start out in Ramsey and then move to P. Bluff school if the job doesn't get offered to Him. So we are living day by day!
Sept. '08= On the 19th we heard from St. Louis that Bob didn't get the job. So here we go again, mind set that it's P. bluff again. We're ready to be finished with the day to day living, and everything so up in the air, and move on making a new home in P. Bluff.
Mom and Dad drove down to go to Grandparent's Breakfast with Allyssa at her school. They spent the night with us at our apartment on Thurs. night and left Fri. afternoon after the Grandparent's thing at school. Now that's Wonderful Grandparent's, how blessed Allyssa is to have them in her life, we all are! They are 2 very Special People, and we love them sooo much!
We Thank God for them each day!
Oct.'08= Oak Grove school skate party at SkateCity. This was Allyssa's first time ever skating! She had a blast! By the time we left she was doing very well without my help!
Scott and Jennifer had their annual Costume Halloween Party on the 25th. Bob and I went to it and Allyssa spent the night with Grandpa and Grandma. The next day Allyssa walked in the Halloween Parade in Ramsey in her Witch's costume!
On the 27th their was a Tourette Support Group meeting in St. Louis, Bob, Allyssa, Mom, Dad, Aunt Judy, Uncle Harold, Aunt Debbie, and Rick, and I all went to it. It was very informative as it was kids with tourette's doing the talking. So I was able to get from their perspective how things feel to them! How comforting it was to have my family surround me at that meeting, knowing they are there and praying for Allyssa and our family is very encouraging for me. I am so grateful that they took time out for us!
Trick or Treat night wasn't a good night! We drove from P. bluff in the afternoon, to be in Ramsey by 6 p.m. for trick or treat. Allyssa and Hannah were in the car with Bob and me, and Shawna followed with Arlie and Jake. We visited several houses in town and Allyssa was having fun, but by the time we got to Gma and Gpa's she was very tired and stressed out. We ended up leaving before Scott and his family even got there, so Allyssa could get home and unwind and get some rest!
Nov. '08= What a relaxing time I spent with Mom for my Birthday. She bought me a Massage and she got one also! I needed that! Mom also had a surprise Bday party for me at Mom and Dad's house. That was fun! Every year Mom and Allyssa bake and decorate a Bday cake for me! How Special! Allyssa loves doing that with Grandma!
I was able to make it to Ramsey's Open House at School, to see all the projects my neices and nephews had made! It was a little sad not going to Allyssa's room and seeing her stuff, just another reality that we're not in Ramsey anymore, but I felt very fortunate that I could drive home for the evening to see the others!
I started Volunteering at Allyssa's school one day a week. I really enjoy doing that, it gets me out of the apartment and around people, so it's been a good way to meet people.
Thanksgiving at Mom and Dad's, very nice being with my family!
Dec. '08= Lots and Lots of School Christmas activities went on this month. Allyssa started having more problems with anxiety and stress, and her moods during this month as is the "norm" with Tourette's. We were able to spend New Year's Eve with my family, but Allyssa just wasn't dealing well, we had good times and not so good times, but was still nice to be with family!
So as I've looked back over 2008 I am able to see all that has happened that I am so thankful for, and I also see times that were very trying for us to endure, but each and everytime we made it through! I Thank God for all I have, for All He IS, and always WILL BE, and Pray that God will take my overwhelmed feelings and turn it into AlWAYS Trusting HIM, and to Show us the way through this next year!
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