3/29/13 - Update this Good Friday

This Good Friday...."Thank you for the cross, the price you paid for us. How you gave yourself for us completely.  Precious Lord! Now our sins are gone. All forgiven, covered by your blood. All forgotten."    

We try to mix up our speech therapy so it doesn't get too boring.  Jerry suggested we create a story to help with her reading, language structure, as well as vocabulary.  She is such an ASL girl--leaves out "the, as, is, and s" etc., all the time.  Not sure she will ever incorporate them into her everyday speech.  Still we count out blessings daily. Here is a social story we are working on:
                               
                      How Alexandra gets ready to run.

The first thing I do before running is to put on running clothes. 

These are shorts, jogging bra, shirt, short thick socks, and running shoes. 

I put my long hair in a pony tail. I also put on my implant and hearing aid, so  I can hear traffic, people, and other noises. This helps keep me safe. 

Then l get a bottle of water for after the run.  

Now that I am ready, I need to stretch.  This keeps my muscles from getting injured, pulled, or hurt.  

Someone, usually my Daddy, is with me while I run. 

He either runs or rides his bicycle.  I like to run. 

Running  keeps me healthy and strong. It also allows me to enjoy eating..ha,  ha 

3/24/13 - Sorry for the interruption....but Jesus says it's OK.

 

December 2000 - First Adopted

Sitting in church this morning; Pastor is leading up to the invitation. All of a sudden Alexandra says is a loud voice, "Battery not working." I reacted with lightning speed to cover her lips, but there was nothing I could do at that point to put the words back in her mouth. She knew she had a spare battery, but her reaction was instinctive. She could not hear how loud her voice was, but everyone else did. Fortunately, the Holy Spirit still moved in the service, and no one gave us an evil look.  So Thankful she is able to be with us during worship. That was not always the case. You've come a long way baby girl.

Summer 2012

God is good all the time and all the time, God is good!!

3/18/13 - Continued Thanksgiving

I always said I was thankful the Lord did not lay on my heart the desire to homeschool when I had 3 little boys at home. However, at times it feels like an intense version of it with Alexandra. It continues to be exciting as she discovers new language. We saw the movie Lincoln today, and I incorporated some of the details into our speech time. The understanding of things that were out of reach a few months ago is so rewarding. We also discussed the difference between the city and the country. She really got excited about that. She is more of a city gal because she loves to go, go, go,, and be in the midst of a lot of activity. She doesn't want to miss anything. It is like being asleep most of your life and then waking up one day and realizing the world is a very noisy place. Instead of being afraid or overwhelmed, she is soaking it up and cannot get enough.

This weekend Alexandra attended a dinner with us. We were sitting around the table talking, and she wanted to be part of the conversation. Admittedly, some of the things she said were topics we've heard many times before, but others were new and interesting--spring break plans, running a race this coming April, wanting to hear the sound tubing makes in the lake July 4th, and her birthday this summer. I still tend to interpret for her just in case others don't understand her speech, but improvement was once again evident. I hope you don't get tired of me saying that because it is truly a miracle. When your child has a disability small steps are so monumental. Another day, continued Thanksgiving......

How can I say thanks for the things 

You have done for me? 

Things so undeserved yet you gave 

To prove your love for me 

The voices of a million angels 

Could not express my gratitude 

All that I am, and ever hope to be 

I owe it all to thee 

To God be the glory, to God be the glory 

To God be the glory for the things he has done 

With his blood he has saved me 

With his power he has raised me 

To God be the glory for the things he has done 

Just let me live my life and 

Let it be pleasing Lord to thee 

And if I gain any praise, let it go to calvary 

With his blood he has saved me 

With his power he has rasied me 

To God be the glory for the things he has done

My Tribute by Andrea Crouch....sung at our wedding 32+ years ago,

3/13/13 - Update

We are so thankful for what hearing Alexandra has. I continue to receive positive comments from people saying she seems happier, more involved, and much more understandable. She talks of having 2 ears in heaven to hear with, no scar, no hearing aid, and no implant. Alexandra speaks of Heaven more than anyone I have ever known. I wonder sometimes if God sends her glimpses of what Heaven is like. Perhaps it is just a longing for a place where everything is perfect. Reminds me of a song my Mother speaks of:

NO TEARS IN HEAVEN

1. No tears in heaven, no sorrows given.

All will be glory in that land;

There'll be no sadness, all will be gladness,

When we shall join that happy band.

2. Glory is waiting, waiting up yonder,

Where we shall spend an endless day;

There with our Savior, we'll be forever,

Where no more sorrow can dismay.

3. Some morning yonder, we'll cease to ponder

O'er things this life has brought to view;

All will be clearer, loved ones be dearer

In heav'n where all will be made new.

No tears (in heaven fair)

No tears, no tears up there,

Sorrow and pain will all have flown;

No tears (in heaven fair)

No tears, no tears up there;

No tears in heaven will be known.

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joanbab@pine-net.com