Obrey Chronicles

Blue Wave Band!

2011-05-10T21:20:00.000-07:00

What an incredible program. Hillcrest band boosters presented the kids a wonderful banquet to end their year. Brooke received honors and recognition, as well as, provided entertainment. I didn't realize she was the only girl in the jazz band. Here she is playing with a handful of the guys.

What a Night!

2011-05-07T07:52:00.001-07:00

What an incredible night. Not only was I so honored to be chosen as a 'Remarkable Mom of the Ozarks' sponsored by Camp Barnabas, but I learned so much. A truly inspiring night! I loved every moment.

Thanks to all my family and friends who were there to support me.

I learned how important camp is to our children. Freedom from their disabilities, friendships and independence from protective (well meaning) parents. I can't wait to send the boys. I learned there are truly good people in this busy world. It takes a small army of volunteers and donors to make this camp successful. Brenda Warner, our speaker, spoke directly to my heart and I came away loving my children even more! (I didn't think that was possible). All of my children have special abilities I want to help them develop them!

National Honor Society

2011-04-27T11:16:00.001-07:00

So glad Grandpa and Grandma could be at Nicole's Honor Society Ceremony.
She will wear this 'stole of honor' with her graduation gown!
Great job Nicole.

Writer's Hall of Fame

2011-04-22T08:38:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Nicole for being a Writer's Hall of Fame Scholarship recipient!
(Yes, that is a $500 check.)

Samantha's First Orchestra Concert.

2011-04-15T06:50:00.000-07:00

Samantha did a wonderful job, despite the sweltering heat of the 3rd floor auditorium. What a trooper!

Nicole makes it to Chicago!

2011-04-12T09:04:00.001-07:00

Nicole is an amazing daughter. Looking at her in this photo in Chicago I know she can do anything. I also know she will choose wisely. I will miss her when she leaves for college in June. But, I would never want to hold her back. She is ready to soar!

Chase Welcomes Spring!

2011-04-05T20:32:00.000-07:00

My sweet fella welcomes in Spring in classic Chase style!

Kerri is our Unsung Hero!

2011-04-03T19:54:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Miss Kerri for being named a Lindt Chocolate Unsung Hero for 2011 after being nominated by Nicole.

Today is World Autism Awareness Day

2011-04-02T09:37:00.000-07:00

Great job John LeSieur! A wonderful job on this years video tribute to our families.

Today is a Marker Day!

2011-03-19T09:51:00.000-07:00

Chase loves to write.
Thanks Miss Stephanie and everyone at Rivendale.

Rock Climbing at Big Rock

2011-02-18T16:03:00.000-08:00

Samantha on her rock climbing field trip! She made it to the top, but that video was too long to load. I love WOLF school. The confidence she is gaining from this experience makes me humbled by the presence of teachers. Teachers have such a profound effect on our children. We need to recognize those who go the extra mile.

Faces of Autism

2011-02-18T15:57:00.000-08:00

Chase at the Faces of Autism Exhibit.

Playing by New Rules: rule #3

2011-02-18T15:51:00.001-08:00

Rule #3 for simplifying my life.
Gummy worms on pizza are just fine, as
long as they are organic and have
no high fructose corn syrup.

More Snow Days!!!

2011-02-09T12:50:00.000-08:00

Snow Days! Blooper Reel

2011-01-20T14:26:00.000-08:00

I had a bunch of cute traditional sledding scenes, that I will cherish. But, this less than perfect sled run captures Chase's drive and stamina.

Good Night

2011-01-13T07:30:00.000-08:00

What good boys I have. Seeing this in the morning heals any rough spots during the night.

Support Meeting

2011-01-08T19:20:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful group I have right by my side. People ask how I do it. We have each other! We are a community. Always open, and willing to travel.

For the friends I directed here-the ebook link is to the side or at the bottom of each page. (Please let me know if it isn't working or if you need a code for a free book if the $10 is just something you can't do. We have all been there.) Please just remember to excuse the typos.

For those who want to see Nathan's neuroblog you are welcome to.

It is not meant to be sad, but a great use of technology in our efforts to increase services and fill the needs of our children.

http://www.nathaniam.blogspot.com/

The Balance of Life

2010-12-28T11:46:00.000-08:00

Only a true lover of nature and animals lives this balance.
Samantha has a great respect for what is given to us.
She is the perfect WOLF student.
(plus she looks cute in camo)

Nathan's First Time Bowling

2010-12-22T17:17:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Dominic for inviting Nathan to his birthday party. It was Nathan's first time bowling.
He took right to it!

What a day to wake up to.

2010-12-22T16:10:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my beautiful Samantha for taking time to snap these shots. Sometimes we need to slow down to see what is right in front of us.

Nathan!!!

2010-12-21T20:06:00.000-08:00

All Nate wants for Christmas is his two front teeth.

Dog Gone Cute.

2010-12-21T12:42:00.001-08:00

Sometimes they do exactly what they are supposed to.
And, this is exactly what Nathan needed while recovering from the flu.

Christmas Concert

2010-12-15T20:16:00.000-08:00

Mr. Knupps thought the band was responding well to his conducting, little did he know that they were actually following Chase!!!

Great job Brooke!

Good Ole Summer Time

2010-12-10T19:05:00.000-08:00

What a fun time. We are so blessed to have neighbors that are so generous with their home. Most of Nate's talking this summer was in that pool. Chase of course didn't have much time to talk he was having too much fun!
Seems so long ago now as the weather brings a chill and I have to scrape the morning frost off my window.

Nicole and her bud, Obert

2010-11-30T10:40:00.000-08:00

Nicole in her element...talking to friend and author Obert Skye!!!
He is a truly wonderful man.
He was excited to hear she is almost finished with her second book and encouraged her to jump into the publishing world.

2010-11-30T10:15:00.000-08:00

With Chase's dairy allergy hot chocolate was uncharted territory for this 5 year old.
Boy did he love "chocolate soup!"

No Comments Please

2010-11-30T10:07:00.000-08:00

I...don't even know what to say.
Only this, if this doesn't make you laugh or even snicker you need help.

The Show Must Go On!

2010-11-17T20:37:00.001-08:00

Kids are truly some of the hardest workers I know. It may not seem like it to some people, but when a teenager puts their mind to something nothing will get in the way. Even dying of heat in their uniforms, they refuse to give less than their best. That is why parents go to the extreme when supporting their children. We want this power to be used for good. And, Brooke is a GOOD piccolo player. I am proud of how she uses her talents and how hard she works. (Second year making All District Honor Band for flute!)

Chase and Miss Stephanie at the Patch

2010-10-29T10:02:00.000-07:00

Teachers make such a difference in the lives of our children. Where would we be without them? Well one thing is for sure, I would have been carrying one of the biggest pumpkins out of the patch. Thanks Miss Stephanie!

Need I say more...

2010-10-15T14:38:00.000-07:00

If you have ever questioned why parents look so tired, ask no longer.

Playing by New Rules: rule #2

2010-10-06T09:50:00.000-07:00

Rule #2:
Pay only $2.00 a week for speech therapy.

(Thanks to Samantha for helping Chase with his speech homework. Assigned by our wonderful therapist Miss Lauren.)

Wolf School

2010-10-06T09:39:00.000-07:00

Samantha had a great day fishing at her new school. I wish all children had this opportunity. We are so blessed that she attends WOLF.

Playing by New Rules

2010-09-29T08:52:00.000-07:00

In an effort to simplify my abundant life I am creating a new set of rules.
Rule 1: If you add pureed walnuts and carrots to chocolate cupcakes they become muffins. And, you can feed them to the kids for breakfast. Without icing of course!

Autism Walk 2010

2010-09-28T12:39:00.000-07:00

Chase's favorite part of the walk.
Every year he gets to get in the fountains, afterward.
We shouldn't have put his socks in his backpack.

Will I ever learn?

Store up and running

2010-09-27T20:40:00.000-07:00

Autism Treasures.com
is up and running.
Quite the accomplishment for this busy mom.

Many new sterling silver items available.

Alpaca Farm

2010-09-27T20:31:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Grandpa and Grandma (and Nicole) for driving me over an hour away to see the alpaca farm.
I am sure they will do it again! Just like we (all) keep buying Christmas presents when all they want to do is play with the box. Kids, gotta love'em.

Faces of Autism

2010-09-25T11:45:00.000-07:00

Had an amazing time with Freedom Photography having the kids take pictures for the Faces of Autism project

Selling season begins.

2010-09-11T13:43:00.000-07:00

Even though it takes time and is crazy to keep up with I am going to be selling again this year after taking the summer off. Anyone searching for the sterling silver pieces I will be putting them back in our store. I took the summer off to swim and play with the kids. But, after selling awareness items today at the walk I am excited to get back in the swing of things. I love to create; it is my therapy.

Gone too long....

2010-06-19T07:37:00.000-07:00

Oh, how I miss my blog. This time I am getting a password. No matter how many times I say it one of my teens doesn't understand the dangers of downloading music from those "sharing sites". I am taking my computer to be optimized so I can get it working for more than just retrieving e-mail.
I am also bringing back my silver line of jewelry. Hadn't sold much in some time, but as soon as I let my supply run out I have had people looking. I am very excited. I love making jewelry. It is my therapy. Creating with your hands is just good for the soul. Whether it is jewelry or the best gf/cf muffin money could buy. It just feels good. If you came looking my selling sites are scattered on the side bar. (Because this site is for me to share our extrordinary life. But, was a good gathering place for all of my other ventures. Organization may come one day.)

Most recent interview

2010-04-08T14:29:00.000-07:00

Autism Awareness Day interview.

It is all for the cause...otherwise I would be devastated at how horribly my wrinkles showed up that day. I did end up with a case of what seemed to be food poisoning. So we chalk it up to that. In the meantime I will start getting more sleep!

My helper

2010-03-19T06:51:00.000-07:00

The boys are off school today, so we decided pancakes would be a great start to our day together.

Chase was watching, so we were doing our regular language drills. I was narrating my actions. As soon as I said, "then we stir it." I realized the measuring cup with almond milk, oil and an egg was filled to the brim. I quickly mumbled, "I shouldn't have said that." Chase added, "I'ww stur it. Gotta spoon." We managed with little complication! Unfortunately (for the cat), his attention turned. He decided the cat was sick and needed a blanket. Run, Alikay, run.

The results are in.

2010-03-10T19:30:00.000-08:00

My brave boy went to Columbia today for his check up. The EEG is still abnormal. Dr. Patel increased his dose because Chase has grown so much. I wasn't surprised with the results. He seems to still fade out once in awhile. I am thankful we have this option. I told the doctor that I was very happy with his medication. No side effects and he will take it! The doctor said that was great...we will keep it the same.

Done!!!

2010-03-08T20:17:00.000-08:00

It seems so long ago. Even longer now considering how long it took me to convert my manual to an ebook. I am sure there are typos that were missed. But that is for another day.

I will just sit back for a day and think about how far she has come. Gather my strength and help her brothers finish their journey.

Our story at Act-Today

2010-03-07T15:35:00.000-08:00

The boys continue to do their part with Autism Awareness!

Our story is part of Act-Today's website.

I hope it helps others feel inclined to donate to this cause.

http://www.act-today.org/act-today-grant-recipients-nathan-chase.php

Nicole's poem on Teen Ink.

2010-03-06T11:27:00.000-08:00

I was researching links for my ebook and ran across this one. I know the author!

Ebook...

2010-03-04T10:58:00.001-08:00

Finalizing links. You sure can do a lot with an ebook.

Struggling with title.

Having a blast making pictures for it.

Proofreading is coming along. Just days...so excited!

Nicole's most recent part.

2010-03-03T10:50:00.000-08:00

Nicole on a blind date in CHECK PLEASE!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGT7gMiu4EU

She sure has come a long way.

Band Concert

2010-03-03T09:19:00.000-08:00

Brooke had a wonderful concert last night!

One day we will sit as a family. We keep trying. Last night was a step closer.

The boys sat on a bench instead of running around the common's area.

Our Trip

2010-02-24T14:27:00.000-08:00

Nathan and I travelled to the Capitol with some other families to lobby for insurance coverage. We had a warm reception and were able to make our way in to many offices. Nathan came home with a Mardi Gras necklace, a penguin toy, someone's business card and a pen. More importantly than sharing the story of our family I got to spend the day with one of my favorite guys!

Spooktacular 2009

2010-02-17T20:56:00.000-08:00

Lions, giraffes and wolves.

Oh MY!!!

Communicating more than just needs.

2010-02-15T12:00:00.000-08:00

(video is here just push play)

Nathan came to me Sunday and said, "car". I told him his cars were with his toys or something like that. About 5 minutes later he came back to me and said, "book in the car." I then responded appropriately and showed him we brought the bag in from the car and he retrieved his book. He lit up when he saw how his words got him what he wanted and that he made his mom so happy.

Not to be outdone Chase learned how to order fast food. Now I just need to find out where you get "pooh pies and a g'rink too."

We must continue...

2010-02-12T12:24:00.000-08:00

Never give up. Never give up.... We as families work so hard to provide and progress. So as we look toward the next EEG and possibly adnoid surgery. We are told we make too much money to keep the programs we rely on so heavily during this time. How can I pay almost $500 dollars a month in health insurance and still afford the care before the $5000 deductible per child is met and copays...as well as ABA therapy and autism related services.
This is why we rally for autism coverage. (not to be mistaken for National insurance reform)

Reviews are in.

2010-02-10T14:57:00.000-08:00

My JoJo faired very well in the musical review.

http://www.cappies.com/shared/read_review.php?year=2010&region=SMC&id=3&showid=5

Here she (I mean he) is singing with Horton.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QSWdM3JNvY

I love this song.

Nicole did a wonderful job.

I am having a hard time deciding if this is my favorite or if "Anything's Possible" is.

Read for 20 minutes a night!?!

2010-02-09T20:06:00.000-08:00

Helping your child gain a love of literature is one of the most important things a parent can do for their child.

But, 20 minutes a night. Yikes! Good thing I have back up. Samantha reads to the boys almost every night.

Today's newspaper.

2010-02-04T08:31:00.000-08:00

Chad Livengood called the house yesterday for a phone interview. He knows what he is doing. He reached me right as everyone was coming in from school and was able to get enough information out of me that produced an article I can feel good about.

Here's the link. Thanks to Chad for being such a good and fair reporter.

http://www.news-leader.com/article/20100204/NEWS06/2040367/1007/NEWS01/Autism-bills-advance-in-Missouri-House-Senate

2010-02-03T20:02:00.000-08:00

2nd Annual Leather and Lace.

2010-02-03T16:34:00.000-08:00

Nathan took a field trip to the motorcycle shop to do a promo. He is on the end in a cap with green sleeves. Looking cute Nate!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rexmghk8TeU

By Example

2010-02-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

There is no better way to teach a child than
through example. I am trying to teach
myself to paint with watercolors and Chase,
my faithful companion, out did me hands down.

Snow Days!!!

2010-01-24T19:58:00.000-08:00

Snow days are so fun. It doesn't matter how old you are.

The boys love school and kept asking to go until they found out what they get to do when it is a snow day. Kind of a right of passage. It was sooo cold though they didn't spend too much time outside.

Dr. Cash must love us!

2010-01-22T08:51:00.000-08:00

Soon will be gone are the carefree days of eating taffy and caramel. Oh, how Brooke loves caramel. Alas, dear Brooke not too soon. First, we have to save for a time to pay for your braces, hopefully by this summer.

(Heads up, Brooke. I can't ask Dr. Cash for a family discount if you keep accusing him of using latex gloves.) One thing I have done right is teach my children how to stand up for themselves. Now I just need to teach the concept of tact. I love being a mother.

Another typical day--for us.

2010-01-20T10:24:00.000-08:00

What a crazy day yesterday was. Amber and I had just finished walking when I got a call. About 20 minutes later we were being interviewed...to be aired at 4:00. I don't think there have been too many days that I was so greatful I had showered. Then the crew headed to the school to tape the boys. Nate did wonderful. It was about time Chase shared the spot light. It can be linked on the left side of page. It is channel 33.

(last year's Christmas program)

2010-01-20T10:21:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite projects by Nathan.

Gone soooo long.

2010-01-02T08:21:00.000-08:00

Hopefully I will be back soon...

My computer is still not operational.

One thing I have learned during this time I've been without, is that my lack of ability to get things done is not due to the lure of technology.

See you soon!

Seussical the Musical

2009-11-26T07:42:00.000-08:00

Seussical the Musical!!!

Check out our channel for more clips.

Nicole stars as JoJo, the mayor's son. Some of her solos are on our youtube channel. I hope to do more. I am so proud of her. She has come so far since she was pulled from the crowd in St. Louis to dance with the group "Sh-Boom". When they asked her name they could not believe this child was shy after the performance she just put on. They didn't know she couldn't talk yet.

Look at her now!!!

Melatonin works

2009-11-16T10:12:00.000-08:00

The lion sleeps tonight!

Lost his tooth.

2009-11-16T09:58:00.000-08:00

All of the coaching paid off. Nathan's first tooth was nowhere to be found, but he was not going to let the second one slip out of his grasp. He brought it to me just as proud as could be!

Orchestra Concert

2009-11-09T06:51:00.000-08:00

What a beautiful violin player I have!

(I also have an awfully cute flutist and piccolo player.)

Looks can be deceiving

2009-11-03T11:45:00.000-08:00

What a fun Halloween. Spooktakular, trunk or treat, school parties and traditional trick or treating. Well that added up to a lot of candy. Looks may be deceiving...Nicole looks like she is stealing her naive little brother's candy, but she was instructed to try and get whatever she could that he is not supposed to eat.

Good work sis!

Nathan and Mom on a field trip.

2009-10-24T17:08:00.000-07:00

Nathan was great in the corn maze. He led us out twice and didn't even stop to ask for directions.

Missing tooth

2009-10-24T12:35:00.000-07:00

Nathan lost his very first tooth Tuesday October 20th. It has been loose for a very long time. When I picked him up from school I had to do a double take. My boy is no longer little. He is officially a Big Boy. The tooth of course is no where to be found. He must have swallowed it at lunch. We think.

Rivendale's Fun Run

2009-10-24T12:15:00.000-07:00

Dad came in 7th over all at the boys' fun run.

We had a great day at the run. Samantha came in first, Chase ran almost the entire way, and Nathan did a second lap.

A star is born!

2009-10-16T07:38:00.000-07:00

Chase singing with Debi of Vintage Lace at the Autism Insurance Rally.

Sam kicks it.

2009-10-14T08:47:00.000-07:00

She may be tiny, but she knows how to kick. She is also a good goalie. A secret weapon of sorts. Nothing could get passed her, that is until the other kids learned to kick it over her head.

Homework

2009-10-09T09:17:00.000-07:00

Nathan is working hard each day on his academics. He is struggling with learning how to hold his pencil, but it doesn't stop him.

Recycling with Grandpa

2009-09-28T10:03:00.000-07:00

Recycling day with Grandpa Stillwell is one of Chase's favorite activities.

Grandparents are such an important part of our children's lives. Whether far or near they can teach our children values. They have a magic that can get our children to do things we never even try. But, then maybe that is the magic.

Back from St. Louis with good news.

2009-09-18T19:40:00.000-07:00

Two whole inches!!! Looks like maybe Nathan is producing enough growth hormone. The endocrinologist says with that amount of growth we don't even need to consider that he is deficient and needing growth hormone treatments.

His next appointment is not for a year. If he stops growing then we will need to put that back on the table. But, for now that is one less worry. He is just a very short Obrey! (plus the 3 year bone growth delay)

Lost zoo video.

2009-09-09T18:05:00.000-07:00

We love going to the zoo. It is much more enjoyable now that Chase doesn't refuse to walk on the sidewalks. And riding the the stroller is a bonus!

Happy Birthday to You...

2009-09-08T19:18:00.000-07:00

Chase really got into birthdays and presents due to our high number of summer birthdays...

He was quite generous to his mother with his gift giving. And it wasn't even my birthday.

First day of school for the girls!

2009-09-08T19:08:00.000-07:00

Samantha

Nicole

Brooke

Check that one off the list.

2009-09-04T18:27:00.000-07:00

Happy days... Nathan had a check up with his orthopedic surgeon today. After x-rays the doctor came in with great news. Dr. Goodman said that Nathan is completely healed. He no longer suffers from Calve Perthes Disease. His hip ball has completely remolded and he is released from care. Being so young when it happened helped increase his chance of complete recovery. There were a few nervous years when we had to protect him from injury, but all ends well.

The dreaded bounce house turns out GREAT!

2009-08-31T07:48:00.000-07:00

So many times when we are invited to birthday parties we have to take a deep breath before we commit to that RSVP. Luckily I can always count on my backup. Today it was Samantha.

When we entered the building out came the stamper. Those of you cringing right now can relax, the ink was invisible. How great, no meltdowns because a stranger just put something dirty on 'me'. So we made it through the first obstacle. Then it was time to take off our shoes, but leave our socks on. It took some convincing, but we avoided that battle. The rest of the night went perfect. The bouncing was so extreme that dinner (that shouldn't be eaten) was not even noticed. The only hard part of the evening was leaving. We waited to be last, explained to the owner that leaving may be a challenge. It was but was so worth it. Thanks to the Jones family for including both Nathan and Chase at Weston's party.

Glad I wasn't there!

2009-08-31T04:55:00.000-07:00

Mothers have a tendency to overreact. But, sometimes it is merited!!!

The long awaited castle cake.

2009-08-20T10:27:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Brooke for designing and making the long awaited Scooby Doo Castle Birthday Cake. Nathan has been requesting it since Chase's birthday.

Nathan at the computer.

2009-08-20T09:51:00.000-07:00

Nathan has become quite capable at playing some computer games on his own. He is doing well enough to entertain Chase. He had struggled with learning to use the touch pad until we found www.jacobslessons.com which has an activity to learn how to use a mouse, or even the pad like Nathan did. The coloring book on lesson two was the only help he needed. He practiced two different times and got it. It opened a new window for him.

The Contract Came.

2009-08-17T21:19:00.000-07:00

I was so excited that my first contract came. I am so fortunate to have an article published in Autism Asperger's Digest. When contract came in the mail I was so careful to place it where there would be no evidence left on it that I am a totally disorganized mother of five children. Well the cat had another plan. He did not want to be overlooked or maybe he felt neglected that my interests were somewhere besides him. I don't know how he did it, but he did! Yes that is the contract under his paws.

First day of Pre-K

2009-08-10T19:53:00.000-07:00

Chase had his first day of pre-k at Rivendale today. He was a bit baffled at first as to why he was going to Nathan's old stomping grounds. But, he immediately caught on. He had a wonderfully busy day! He fell asleep just before reaching home and slept and slept and slept...

Turn your volume up to get the whole effect.

Awakening

2009-08-08T09:18:00.000-07:00

Sometimes things just start to click. I love watching the boys when you can see their brain waking up and learning a new skill. Chase started a matching game with Samantha and was so thrilled he could hardly contain himself. It continued late into the night. Children of all types are meant to learn. Some in their own way, but all in their own time. The passion and excitement that he displayed is a testament to a child's natural desire to learn.
I love you Chase!

Classic Bread Recipe

2009-07-30T23:28:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite bread recipe. This is the only one I use. I even use it to make cinnamon rolls.

Here goes... add in order to your bread maker and set it to dough.

10 ounces of water (9-11 depending on where you live)

1 & 3/4 tsp. salt

2 Tbs. butter or margarine (70%)

4 C. bread flour

2 Tbs. sugar

2 Tbs. dry milk

2 & 1/4 tsp. active dry yeast

Dough should form a smooth ball in the first kneading cycle.

If sticky add small amounts of flour.

If bread maker clunks add small amounts of water.

When dough is finished you have the perfect product to make many different things.

I love this pottery piece to bake in! Simple that is the only way we do it in our house.

Enjoy!

Success at the zoo!

2009-07-29T12:47:00.000-07:00

My wonderful daughters spent the day taking their brothers to the zoo. People often say they don't know how I do it. Well, I don't do it alone.

Luckily the train was up and running. Nathan loves the train! He is doing better if it isn't working. He used to think it was just too hot and needed to rest. He is beginning to understand that it is broken and needs to be fixed sometimes. He just sounds so disappointed. But, I think it is more his tone, than true devastation.

Field trip day!

2009-07-25T12:50:00.000-07:00

I love my school. We have awesome field trips.

Why we love Dr. Cash

2009-07-25T12:30:00.000-07:00

Samantha is still wearing her retainer...

...and enjoys an occassional tootsie roll.

Thanks Grandpa and Grandma Obrey

and Dr. Cash!!!

I'm so happy!

2009-07-21T10:15:00.000-07:00

There is no mistaking Nathan's enthusiasm for Space Chimps.
Mine not so much (ever hear the word innuendo ).

No grant this time.

2009-07-18T14:22:00.000-07:00

I was eagerly awaiting a letter that would let me know how much we would be receiving from this grant cycle. After all we had received this same grant twice. The second time more than the first. It was what I needed to get Nathan through transition and back to public school. The boys are thriving their school. I didn't see how we could be denied.

I know that some might think that I was asking for maintenance care, but really I am not. There is a plan. The boys are progressing at Rivendale and Nathan is almost done. He just needs a couple more months so he can make a successful transition. The money saved because of the grant and Nathan not being in this school, along with his own grant would have helped secure Chase's tuition for a few months getting him closer to transition too.

But, it was not to be this time. I will keep working and hoping. We are almost there. The boys are doing better each day. The language is pouring out of them. And their comprehension is incredible. We just need a little more time.

When this is all said and done. I know where I want to put my efforts. I have been in the trenches and hungry. Our families are strong, but our children suffer because of the extreme cost of treatment. Thanks for being there for me. I hope to be there for many others helping them find the financial respite they need.