How could they say NO to this face???

Another CPSE (district meeting) down!!! It has been my mission to "put a face to the paper." My school district knows Alyssa only by the reports and scores that they read. I have made a point to bring a picture to every meeting we go to. Not sure if if makes any difference, but I want them to remember that there is more to all of those reports and "behavioral observations" that they read. There is an adorable little girl who is a real person. She is flourishing in many ways, thanks to the support and services that my school district approves.

Today we had a meeting to discuss her progress as well as to plan for her Summer services and her services for the 08-09 school year. Have I mentioned lately that I LOVE my school district? Not sure how I will feel as the girls get older, but for now, they have been soooo supportive and willing to offer the help that Alyssa needs. She did get Summer services. I actually felt guilty by refusing some services offered and opting for a shorter school day for her. When they kept asking me if I was sure, I wavered a bit. But, I want her to be a little girl this summer. Her needs can be met in a 2 1/2 hour program 5 mornings per week. That leaves us all afternoon to have play dates, go to the beach, hang out in the pool....and just be US!!! I also decided that I am not going to stress out if she misses a day here and there. We just plan on having fun!! Playing and having fun is the best therapy around!!

They increased almost all of her therapy services for the Fall and she will be going to school for 4 hours per day. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the teacher she will get in September and feel like she is the perfect mix of nurturing and structure. Just what my baby needs!!

Glad to get this meeting over with....on to enjoying the Summer!!! Only 4 more weeks until summer vacation!!!! YAHOOOOO. I am only working 2 full days per week and I am so excited to be home with my girls doing fun Summer activities.

We're back...

If a picture is worth a thousand words....these pictures are worth a Million Dreams. This year is Disney's "Year of a Thousand Dreams." This trip was that and more. We had a fantastic trip...the girls had a blast...the adults are...EXHAUSTED!!! Lots of pictures to follow....

We took about 1000 pictures between us. Here are just a few...hope you enjoyed them.

Don't miss us......

We are all very excited to be going on vacation. We will be meeting up with some friends over Mother's Day weekend (hi Gina and Mike). They have two little girls close in age to Em and Ali so it will be fun to get the girls together. Let's hope they forgive us in advance for any meltdowns that may occur. LOL. My kids aren't very adventurous as far as rides go, which suits me just fine. We will go at our own pace and enjoy every second of it together as a family!!

A few prayer request...

Our friend Jackie is heading toward a bone transplant next week. She is preparing for it this week with intense full body radiation and chemo. Please pray that she tolerates all of this well and that her CANCER is gone FOREVER. She has gone through way too much in her 5 years. Her Mom could use some prayers as well. She is a single Mom who has left her job to care for Jackie 24/7 since her initial diagnosis 12/06. Her insurance premiums are through the roof and she has to continue to pay bills that just don't go away because your child is fighting for her life. She does have a trust fund and as soon as I get permission from her mom, Cyndi, I will post the information here. She is in desperate need of help.

Another prayer request goes out to our good friends Lisa and Dave regarding their two year old baby, Zoe. I met Dave and Lisa....I guess about 7 years ago while we were waiting for Emily and Jordyn to come home. Little did we know it while we were waiting, but our babies would be only a couple of weeks apart in age and in the same orphanage!!! While they were in Disney a couple of weeks ago, Zoe started developing serious bruising. Thank God they have ruled out cancer!!! Basically she has a very low platelet count secondary to a virus and they are taking her to the doctor every few days to check that the counts are going up. If they don't, Zoe will have to be admitted to the hospital and treated. Luckily the last two visits her counts have gone up and they have not had to admit this sweet girl. Please pray that her counts continue to rise and that no other medical tests/interventions need to occur.

Hug your kids tighter tonight and enjoy EVERY moment that you have with them. I know that I am going on this vacation planning on savoring every single memory that we create as a family....even the temper tantrums and melt downs that are sure to occur :-)

We'll be back with plenty of pictures...