Time Flies

Can you believe how fast time passes?  Some people might think that the days are taking forever to go by, as if the minutes are ticking so slowly that you can take a nap between each second.  But something that we all must realize is that the time is flying by, moments of love, excitement, happiness and excitement flying by.  So many people take the time for granted, hurrying to get from wake up time to bedtime.  I used to be like this, and there are still days that I am like this.  But I've learned something very recently...

"Love every minute of your life."

I am seeing my daughter grow up so fast, reaching milestones, and surpassing so many blocks in her road that doctors thought she'd have.  

I think everyone needs to remember that their children are gifts from Heavenly Father, and that when they are growing, they are showing us that they are becoming more independent!

I like to document everything that my daughter does.  Even if it's something like...she reached for me to hug me...this is amazing for me because she is so independent that there are days she doesn't reach for me.  And when she said...

"Crater...pease? (Cracker, please?)" I almost fainted!  I documented this as well.

I have seen the blessings of a child, and because I have a daughter with special needs, I have come to believe that EVERY...SINGLE...MOMENT...is important in a child's life, and can also be important for the parents if they make the time to see these beautiful moments.

I love my life...do you?

Amanda from Grace's Journey

Eye Control to go mainstream

Could eye gaze systems become mainstream?  It certainly is an exciting possibility for many people with disabilities who need alternative means to access communication, computers and other systems.  Listen to this NPR clip to learn more about how companies are working to bring this technology to the mainstream.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/alltechconsidered/2012/12/03/166244876/in-eye-control-a-promise-to-let-your-tablet-go-hands-free

Changes Everything

Christmas Wish

for I have held the precious gift that love brings

Hailey is a shining star!

Hailey, my shining star! Last night was the night that Impact Dance Co. did their interpretation of Hailey’s life through dance. For over 5 years now the founder of Impact dance company Meghan Mccaffrey had visions of Hailey Inspired dancers in her head. What a fine job she did! Her choreography was spot on and her dancers did an unbelievable job at manipulating their bodies to capture Hailey’s unique and quirky movements that are characteristic of her affliction with Cerebral Palsy. She even seemed to include some of Hailey’s involuntary movements in a whimsical fashion with style and grace embracing her challenges and raising awareness of C.P. When the dancers first learned that they would be teaming up with Hailey, they watched videos of her everyday life, they included Hailey in numerous rehearsals and they researched Cerebral Palsy. The education they got was life changing and Hailey’s smile, her grace and total sweetness touched the heart of each dancer in the company.

The opportunity that Meghan gave to Hailey was also prodigious. Because of Meghan Hailey not only felt included in such a beautiful dance, but when Hailey is in the studio, she feels free, I can see it in her presence, the way she moves her arms to the music, the way she remembers on cue to drop her body all the way to the floor and become part of the dance.

She is totally in her element, as a grandmother to a child with special needs. All I want is for Hailey to be accepted and included for who she is. Last night she was not only included and accepted but she was a shining star! Though every dance performed told a beautiful story, Meghan Is particularly fond of the piece that best explains Hailey’s movements and her C.P. and would love to show her piece to others willing to raise awareness for Cerbral Palsy. She and her company would be willing to perform for elementary schools, organizations and the like. If you know a school or organization that would like to help raise awareness of Cerebral Palsy through dance. Please contact Impact Dance Co. or leave a comment below.

Being Thankful

Throughout the days, the weeks, the months and the years, we as parents of special needs children go through so many ups and downs.  There are great days, horrible days, good days and bad days.  And sometimes, there are days where we just make it through by the skin of our teeth.  And as Thanksgiving comes to us this year, there are so many things in our lives that we can be thankful for.  I know, for me, there are days that I just can't see ANYTHING that's worth being thankful for.  But, when I sit back at night, like I am today, and I really think about my life, I realize that I'm so thankful for so many things.  There is one person in particular in my life that I'm thankful for.  Of course, my husband is 100%, but then there's my daughter.  My wonderful, beautiful, perfect child.  Grace, the light of my life.  The reason to wake, the reason to smile, and the reason to succeed.  When my husband and I were chosen to be the mother and father of this beautiful child, we didn't know what to expect :)  But I'm so happy!  I'm so thankful!  I see that Heavenly Father chose me to be there to help Grace grow and succeed in life.  This month, I know who I'm thankful for.  And that's Grace!

Amanda from Grace's Journey

Eternal Perspective

Changed for Good

 I'm sure all special moms can say that we have been changed for the better because of our children. 

I can't help but think of Caleb during several parts of my favorite song from Wicked: 

It well may be 

That we will never meet again 
In this lifetime 

So let me say before we part 

So much of me 
Is made of what I learned from you 

You'll be with me 
Like a handprint on my heart 

 ...But because I knew you, 

I have been changed for good.

Fun on the Go

I found this idea (on Pinterest, of course) and put something similar together for miss Chloe. She LOVES playing with the magnet letters. It's great fine motor play, great special education, an easy way for other kids to want to come and play with Chloe (which she loves, of course), and I LOVE how easy and mobile it is! Sometimes simple ideas are the most genius. :)

 

Your Calling as Guardian

I have a serious plea for all of you! 

Appreciate your calling as a mother. Appreciate that you are GOOD at it! Accept that it means you may not always be perfect at other things you might think you should do because you were meeting your ultimate call with such a full commitment. 

Didn't get the vacuuming done? Left the dishes in the sink over night? Didn't make it to the gym? In regard to any of those little things nagging you...Ask yourself this: Is THAT your calling? Is THAT your purpose? In comparison to caring for your child who requires a little more care, is it that important? Pretty sure the answer is a resounding NO. You have been called to be a special needs mama! It is a beautiful call and you are good at it! RESPECT yourself for meeting your calling. Allow yourself to be imperfect at the other "stuff" and recognize that it is all it is... just stuff. Please? For me? Thanks, guys!!! xoxo

Guardian Lyrics

Alanis Morisette

You, you who has smiled when you're in pain

You who has soldiered through the profane

They were distracted and shut down

I'll be your keeper for life as your guardian

I'll be your warrior of care your first warden

I'll be your angel on call, I'll be on demand

The greatest honor of all, as your guardian

You, you in the chaos feigning sane

You who has pushed beyond what's humane

I'll be your keeper for life as your guardian

I'll be your warrior of care your first warden

I'll be your angel on call, I'll be on demand

The greatest honor of all, as your guardian 

Now no more smiling mid crestfall

No more managing unmanageables

No more holding still in the hailstorm

Now enter your watchwoman

I'll be your keeper for life as your guardian

I'll be your warrior of care your first warden

I'll be your angel on call, I'll be on demand

The greatest honor of all, as your guardian