Nov. 1, 2011
Miss Miri turned 14 yesterday! We spent the evening with our dear friends, the Johnson's. Here is a picture of Miri with Callie and Cole :). How we thank the Lord for our girlie!!
Happy Birthday Miss Miri
Brain Balance Update
October 27, 2011
Something HUGE happened yesterday! Miri's understanding of her emotions and ability to express them in words has been such a challenge for her. To give an example, she has never said someone hurt her feelings or that she is angry. (She is turning 14 next week) Yesterday, she came to me and said that she was feeling jealous and asked me what to do!!! We were told at Brain Balance that we would start seeing her grasp abstract concepts as her therapy continued...but to actually see it happen is truly a miracle! Thank you Lord!
We appreciate your prayers as we have 6 more weeks to go!!
Brain Balance Progress Report
Oct. 5, 2011
This past Monday we were given Miri's first Brain Balance Progress report. After 21 days...
"Mirielle has gone up 2 age levels in Fine Motor, Proprioception, Supine Core, and Lateral Core! She has gone up one age level in Prone Core, Brachiation and Gait/Aerobics. In reading Mirielle has gone from 2nd to 3rd grade in Drawing Conclusions and is working on 2nd grade Getting the Main Idea. In Math she is working on 2nd grade multi step word problems involving addition and subtraction. "
We are now to increase the number of push-ups and sit-ups, and also have Miri do a fine motor skill activity daily (pick up small paperclips in a bowl and transfer to another bowl quickly for 30 sec.). Lastly, we are to have her play "Concentration" several times a week to help with memory.
We are also seeing a rapid increase in Mirielle's vocabulary as well as increased proper use of vocabulary :). She has always been witty but she is truly becoming a little comedian!
We have about 9 more weeks to go!
Left Brain/Right Brain
Sept. 20, 2011
We're working hard to stimulate M's right side of the brain. I wanted to look again at what each hemisphere of the brain controls/produces and found this chart:
Reading this... I think I am more left brained but I am convinced I need to stimulate both sides :).
What is your strong side?
Brain Balance Home Program
Sept. 14, 2011
Today was our 2nd day implementing the home portion of Brain Balance. The home portion for Mirielle, which is to target her right brain and particular struggles, includes:
1. Diaphragmatic Breathing. One exercise I teach my voice students is the "4-7-8". Breathe in thru your nose for 4 seconds, hold for 7 then blow out (thru your mouth) for 8 seconds. Make sure your ribs are expanding when you take in your breath :). Sooooo good for the body, soul and mind!
2. Eye Exercises. She does wide eye stretches- Near-Far Focusing, Slow Eye Movements and Eye Alignment Exercises. Each exercise is done for 1 minute- at least 3x a day.
3. Core Exercises. Push-ups/9 total 2x a day/increasing amount as she's able
Sit-ups/12 total-2x a day/increasing amount as she's able.
4. Primitive Reflexes. An example of a primitive reflex is when you put your finger in a baby's hand- it always closes. Primitive reflexes should disappear during the first year of life. Miri has 3 still active. These exercises will help them disappear which will enable appropriate development of her brain. She does a grasp exercise and Independent Thumb Movement exercise (Palmar Reflex), a floor exercise called Superman :) (Landau Reflex) and a chair exercise called the Star Fish (Moro Reflex). Each exercise done 2-3x a day.
5. Listening. Miri listens to a CD in her left ear only -for 10-15 min./3x a day that specifically stimulates the right side of the brain.
Her lab work will be done soon to check for food sensitivities which will most likely change her diet. We have also limited her computer/TV time to a total of 1 1/2 hours a day per their instructions.
I will post as I begin to observe any changes in Miri! We so appreciate your prayers!
Here's a little video of artist Zac Brown promoting the Brain Balance at one of his concerts!
Brain Balance has Begun!
Sept. 12, 2011
Earlier this year I attended a seminar led by a Dr. Robert Melillo. It was there that I learned about brain integration therapy. Here's a little interview that gives an overview of what the Brain Balance Centers offer.
Today Miri had her first of 36 therapy sessions that will occur over the next 12 weeks. We will also be responsible to do diaphragmatic, listening, physical and eye exercises daily (at home) for the next 12 weeks. We will be getting lab work done to check for food sensitivities, which in turn could drastically change Miri's diet. She will be limited to 1 1/2 hours (total) of computer or TV watching. Are you all praying for us yet? :) Tomorrow we begin the home portion and I will be required to document any changes in her behavior or function. We're praying this will greatly serve our girlie!
I'll do my best to keep everyone updated and again we so appreciate your prayers for our sweet girl!
JOTTA A.
August 29, 2011
I absolutely love seeing musical gifting pour thru children! I look forward to seeing how the Lord uses this young man!
Victory Junction Gang Camp 2011!
July 25, 2011
If you ask Mirielle what's one of her favorite places in the world, Victory Junction will make the top 5...probably top 2. (Disney Land is #1) If you've not heard of Victory Junction...let me recommend you check out their website!
Here is a little slideshow giving you a picture of Miri's time at camp!
Jon and Julie's song for the rehearsal dinner :)
July 15, 2011
We loved Jon and Julie's hilarious inspiration for Taylor and Stephanie's marriage :). Below are the words:
Him: I don’t know you, Who the heck are you? I did not marry that!
Her: What just happened, How’d I get here? I can’t take it back!
Him: You don’t cook like my mom, you cry all the time, can’t figure you out.
Both: You’re so crazy
Her: Well you’re so lazy
Both: Guess this must be love
Him: Girls are scary
Her: Boys are hairy
Him: Girls have too much stuff
Him: Falling slowly into deep sleep, then I feel a kick
Her: Share the blanket, not tonight, dear, I’m not in the mood
Him: Yes, your hair looks just fine, no, you don’t look fat, we’re gonna to be late
Her: Learn to listen
Him: Learn submission
Both: We should get some counsel
Him: Let’s watch Braveheart
Her: Let’s watch Annie
Both: Who gets the remote?
Her: I want babies
Him: Get a puppy
Both: Why won’t you agree?
Him: I want a Harley
Her: Get a Moped
Both: Dear God, please help me
Though we’re different, I will love you, Always and forever!
Wedding Pictures
July 14, 2011
I am finally getting around to posting the wedding day pictures that people took with our camera! I started editing them but decided to just get them up here :). The professional ones should be released soon!
Enjoy!
Day 0!
June 25, 2011
The wedding was absolutely beautiful!!! We are going on vacation and will post pics when we get home. Here's a sneak peak!!
God is so good!
Day 1
June 24, 2011
Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner Day!!!
Rehearsal went great! The two lovebirds were so excited!!
Some of the decorations from the rehearsal dinner...
Chicken croissant sandwiches and broccoli/bacon salad were behind the flowers on the buffet tables.
Our entertainment :).
Jon and Julie wrote a hilarious song
about the first year of marriage. I'll try and post it soon.
It was a wonderful day! More pictures to come!
Day 2
June 23, 2011
2 more nights with Taylor living in our home. I can scarce believe it. I am finding encouragement as I see the many who live thru this season and go on to live fruitful lives :). I am so grateful to have Miss Miri for several years to come, but my boys will be gone. Over half my life has been given to parenting my two lovable, crazy boys that turned into men before I knew it. I could not be a prouder mom...but it is hard not to be a little (okay- sometimes a lot) focused on myself these days. I was thinking today about the poems that encourage moms to cherish even their children's messes because one day they won't be there. This morning Taylor brought down more plates and dishes from his room. They are the messes I will miss. It's common for me to wonder where several of our plates/cups/silverware went to...only to find them all in Taylor's room :). I know I'm sentimental but I'll never get these times back so I pray you'll allow me this memory lane indulgence :). LOVE your children...CHERISH your children. Every minute....
Okay- I'd better get to a few last entries from the book. Tomorrow (hopefully) I'll post pictures from the rehearsal dinner and then wedding!!
These 2 entries became a turning point for Bill in many ways. He has spoken of these entries more than any others. I share these to encourage any dads reading this- to spend more time with your children....they need you!!
I'll start with an entry from Jon. When we lived in Philly, Bill worked in NJ. He would leave before the kids got up and get home when they were in bed. One day Jon saw Bill leaving and said, "Thanks for coming over Daddy." Bill cried on his way to work.
Taylor's entry...When we decided to move to North Carolina, we prayed with the boys for months that Daddy would get a great job in NC. Bill got a new job about a week after we moved here and we told the kids- which is why we were surprised when at dinner Taylor prayed, "Help get Daddy a great job in NC!" Bill reminded him that he DID get a great job. Taylor responded, "Then why are you home?" Bill answered, "That's what makes it a GREAT job!" :)
Bill has had to work long and hard thru many seasons, but these memories encourage him to make more time for his kids!
A few pics from today...
It was nail salon day for the moms and bridesmaids!
Miss Miri loves her nails :)
Stephanie's...Step 1...acrylic :)
Relaxing for a pedicure!
Dinner was a Cobb salad... it was so pretty I had to take a pic :)
Taylor's entry...When we decided to move to North Carolina, we prayed with the boys for months that Daddy would get a great job in NC. Bill got a new job about a week after we moved here and we told the kids- which is why we were surprised when at dinner Taylor prayed, "Help get Daddy a great job in NC!" Bill reminded him that he DID get a great job. Taylor responded, "Then why are you home?" Bill answered, "That's what makes it a GREAT job!" :)
Bill has had to work long and hard thru many seasons, but these memories encourage him to make more time for his kids!
A few pics from today...
It was nail salon day for the moms and bridesmaids!
Miss Miri loves her nails :)
Stephanie's...Step 1...acrylic :)
Relaxing for a pedicure!
Dinner was a Cobb salad... it was so pretty I had to take a pic :)
Day 3
June 22, 2011
Day 3 was a crazy day :). Chiropractor, several errands, makeup trial run and Julie and I made 20 gallons of iced tea/lemonade. Note to self... if you want to get a carpet cleaned, spill lemonade on it. I only spilled a little, but Bill figured if he had to get the carpet cleaner out- why not do the entire family room!! Yes, this is what my house looked like yesterday...3 days before the wedding!! All our family room furniture was moved into...
My kitchen...
My amazing helpers... Jon and Julie!!
My living room (this is also where piles have formed for the rehearsal dinner, wedding, and reception...
My amazing carpet cleaner....
The finished product!!!
Now... onto the book!!!
Taylor- age 8
Taylor- at his basketball game, asked if he could get something at the "confession stand". (Concession) :)
Taylor- age 8
Taylor sat down on the couch, and the space heater had warmed the couch. Taylor said, "This really warms up my leg pits!"
Day 4
June 21, 2011
Today has been a busy day...hair appointments and checking more off lists! Stephanie's parents arrived from Delaware and Jon and Julie arrive tonight from Florida!! Thank you Lord for much grace!!
More from the book...
Taylor- age 6
Taylor stepped on a pencil and got a piece of the lead stuck in his foot. He asked, "Mom, do you think it will get a cavity?" 
Taylor- age 6
Taylor put Parmesan cheese on his bread and after tasting it he said, "I can't even taste it. Tastes a bit sour. It's just a little bit to the right!" ????
Taylor- age 7
Taylor heard me singing and said, "Was that you singing? It didn't sound like you. I was really impressed of you." :)
Day 5
July 20, 2011
Today we're down to 1 hand! The "to do" lists are aplenty but thankfully Bill is off this entire week to help! Here we go!!
On to entries from the book...
Taylor- age 6
We think Jonathan has chicken pox. Taylor said he thought Jonathan had them before...so we explained that one can have a mild case and still get them again. Taylor said, "Maybe this time he has TURKEY pox instead!"
Taylor- age 7
Taylor said, "I wonder why girls have so much stuff like makeup and stuff and guys only have cars and hockey?"
Taylor -age 7
Taylor said he felt God was calling him to be a hockey player. I said, "No way!" :) He said, "But Mom, I have a sign! Look at my teeth!!" (They were spaced apart)
Day 6
June 19, 2011
Today was a good day...emotional... but good :). This morning was my last time playing keys for our worship band. I am stepping down because Bill, Miri and I will be pursuing a local church plant starting next week. More details on that later!
To help celebrate Father's Day... Bill, Taylor, Stephanie, Miri and I went to see Mr. Popper's Penguins :). We then had dinner and are looking forward to resting this evening. Taylor and Stephanie are off for their last marriage counseling appointment.
Thank you Lord for a good day!
More from the book...
Taylor- age 5
Taylor asked Mom, "Does God have blood in His veins?" Mom answered, "What do you think?" Taylor said, "I think He does because he had blood on the cross."
Taylor- age 5
Taylor was asked to do something he felt he couldn't do so responded by tilting his head and saying, "Well you KNOW Mom...I AM FIVE years younger than you."
Taylor- age 6
I asked Taylor to do something and he responded, "It will be kind to pleasure you!"
And our favorite...
Taylor- age 6
Taylor asked me- "Mom...did you know girls are human?" Ah yes dear...we are :)
Day 7
June 18, 2011
A few quotes from the book!
Taylor-age 4
Taylor said, "Mom, I love you a gozen infinities!"
Taylor- age 4
Taylor said, "Mom, you're the best part- you love me and I love you!"
Talyor- age 4
Taylor came into the kitchen with his eyes crossed and asked, "Why can't I see my face?" :)
Today has been a full day of errands! Taylor and Stephanie are painting a dresser in our garage. Dear Miri has been quite emotional lately as she's trying to process another beloved brother leaving home. Taylor hugged Miri for a while and then was so sweet to tell her she could keep hugging him while he worked :). Tears....
The dresser is going to be a beautiful yellow!!
Our Mocha (on left) has a playmate this week which has brought the house much laughter :). Meet the adorable Bailey Johnson!
Day 8
June 17, 2011
Today my dear friend Gail Walker...aka "Gift from God" helped me make 11 Key Lime Pies!!! Checking items off the to do list brings me such joy!!
More from the book!
Taylor...age 4
Taylor, trying to understand God, said, "Jesus has 100 arms so He can hug everyone. Jesus lives in space. On top of the sky is space and on top of space is Jesus."
Taylor...age 4
Taylor wanted to pray for dinner and asked us to pray with him. Apparently we were too quiet because after he said a few words, he stopped to instruct us, "Praying with me means you say, 'Yes Lord' when I say good words." :)
Taylor- age 4
Taylor put his shoes on and asked, "Am I a good Puter shoer on?"
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