The Moss Clan

First Day of Second Grade

2011-08-08T22:58:00.000-04:00

Bro had a great first day back at school. We are so excited about all of new things he is going to learn! He is already starting the new year off with a bang by doing a great job on some assessments to see how much he retained from the 2 months of summer! I am very proud of him! He also read me one of his stories for my bedtime story tonight which always makes me smile!!!

This is a pic of Bro Man standing "all by myself" and we are delighted!!!!!!!!!! It definitely has been a long time coming along with a great deal of blood, sweat, and tears!

Happy New School Year

Teeny Tiny Bootcamp Phase II

why???

2011-07-28T22:24:00.001-04:00

i am getting really irritated at the fact that i have posted like 5 blogs and none of them posted... irritating!!

Difficulties....

2011-07-28T22:24:00.000-04:00

We all have difficulties! Depending on how you choose to rise above or fall down will determine your life and how you spend your days. Are you going to just lay down in your troubles or rise up and face difficulty head on...so i am off to try to achieve running a 10K. My Goal is to be able to run in the HObble Gobble 5 mile on Thanksgiving Day for ARC..

Summer 2011..

2011-07-28T22:23:00.000-04:00

Interesting and Busy would pretty much sum up summer of 2011! We are on our last summer vacation of 2011... ARC summer adventures camp took up 5 weeks of traveling back and forth to Hattiesburg for Bro to enjoy a leisure fun filled camp for special needs children/adults as well as help tons of teenagers with community service to learn more about our needs kids. Awareness that are kids are "Different but NOT LESS" is all I can hope for! Brodie was kidnapped from the ARC as we (me and Chris) tried to find "RANSOM MONEY"... we were successful with everyones help to get Brodie released and make him a king at the parade/ceremony! We had a wonderful time and is a great program and so thankful we were able to find ARC.

Brodie has been doing a few respites with ARC and doing better each time he goes. His behavior seems to be doing better in the last 6 months so that is awesome in itself because it is not the most pleasant feeling to get the hell beat out of you! lol

We will be at the same school this year and hoping for a great year... Please be in prayer for Brodie as he starts this year! I have big dream of progression this year and I would really appreciate you prayer during this year. Specifically praying for reading skills to advance, understanding of containing his behavior and acting out with aggression, and his walking! Please join me daily in this walk!!!

OnE ProuD MaMa

2011-04-05T22:45:00.002-04:00

Brodie just read his story, THE LAMP, to me which was 14 pages (about 12 different words). WoW!!! I am so excited and proud of him! YEP... I think I will go cry! HA
He even got a WOW sticker at school today for writing his name with minimal assistance.

We have just recently held his IEP for next year and I am so thrilled and excited about his new goals that we will be working toward!

Brodie is so blessed to have such an awesome teacher that truly cares about each one of her kids and the progress they make. She is always focusing on how she can make it better or what ways will help them learn, comprehend, and apply every single concept and goal.

What a great way to end the day.... mama and daddy getting a bedtime story read to them from their best friend, BRODIE MOSS!!!

Spring Break 2011

2011-03-20T23:57:00.001-04:00

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

January 2011

2011-01-30T16:22:00.003-05:00

Lots of fun and exciting things going on around here....

Brodie was principal for a day at Thames...

He had the best time. He was allowed to go into the rooms and tell them "I am the Boss" he even fired Mrs. Stacy (lol) He was able to talk on the intercom and dismiss school and getting ready for the buses.

Mom raced her first 5k. No more Excuses and No more saying "I Can't" those are her 2 mottos.

Helping mom cook. "Give me some chicken to mix with my kool-aid"

What A Break....

2010-12-28T17:54:00.002-05:00

The Christmas break started off really good and then Monday hit!!!!!!!!! lol
We had an appointment with the neurosurgeon who really irritated me if you can imagine that??? Then Brodie went off his rocker we ended up at Dr's Office to get meds changed and got an welcome surprise from sitting in the waiting room (STOMACH VIRUS)... Brodie and I then gave it to Chris then We were all better then poor Bro got a bad cold... My Grandmother, Jo, passed away! Sooooooo we are ready for a WONDERFUL WEEK OFF HOPEFULLY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Santa was so good to us and we will update with pics soon!!

Hope all of you have had a great Christmas Holidays

MOTIVATION

2010-12-18T21:39:00.003-05:00

I so need some motivation right now... Losing is easy-when you have your mind set right! Maintaining-just can't get that under control.
For those of you who don't know I joined weight watchers in 2008... I lost 82 pounds. I have been a weight watcher leader for a year and a half. YES... I have kept my weight off BUT I yoyo back and forth and can't seem to just keep it steady!!! SOoooooooooooo I am thinking it is exercise that needs to be added on a regular basis but that is my problem! I love to exercise when I do it and when I don't feel like I have a thousand things pressing on me to be completed! Soooo of course I am just venting because isn't this what a blog is far anyway and I really don't feel like many people read this anyway! HA

Just curious how do you fit in husband, kids, 1 job, 2 job, therapy for your child, church, and oh yeah all of your house responsibilities?????

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS 2010

2010-12-18T21:16:00.003-05:00

We have had a great first day of Christmas Holidays!!! We slept late (5:30)! Picked up the house a little, took a morning nap, got dressed, visited nana and papa, ate snowmen donuts, went to BRODIE'S 1st Movie (3D Yogi Bear)! MeMe called and invited us to go see it today and I said We will go but not sure how it will be but we are always up for trying things so we did and HE DID GREAT!!! I was so proud of him. He did get a little restless about 30 min before the movie was over but WoW!!! We celebrated with a trip to Twist and Taste Yogurt!!! Can't wait to see what else is in store for us these next couple of weeks!!! Merry CHRISTmas to ALL!!!!!!!!

Brodie giving his ticket to get into the movie...

Our 3 D glasses as a family... we are so goofy!!!

My TWO best FRIENDS

TWIST and TASTE yogurt....

Casting Crowns: I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day

2010-12-18T21:15:00.000-05:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2010-11-25T10:04:00.003-05:00

May your stuffing be tasty.
May your turkey be plump.
May your potatoes 'n gravy
Have nary a lump. May your yams be delicious.
May your pies take the prize and May your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off of your thighs!!!

We have had an awesome week off from school! We have been outside playing all day on our 4 wheelers, go-carts, and golf carts! We have been to eat at Brodie's favorite two places (Sake and Sweet Peppers)! We have had hair cuts for the boys and stalked the deer! We are so very thankful this week for vacations!!! We had an appointment with neuro yesterday and everything seemed to be great and she told us not to worry about a couple of things that has really been stressing me out because that was a control issue for him! He liked having control... he can't control much and pottying is one thing he can control. Oh Well!!! We will just keep trying but not making a BIG STRESSED OUT DEAL about it!!! Imagine Me wanting to control something as well....lol

THIS WEEK....

2010-10-09T21:57:00.006-04:00

So... This is the week that I allow myself to really absorb what happened seven years ago.... WOW! What a roller coaster (which I was warned about in NICU) some ups and some downs!!! Thanking GOD today for all his many blessings! I know without a shadow of doubt that I could not have done any of this without my family.

These are just a few picks from the last couple of months that I like to look at periodically to remind myself of when we were asked so many times early on "if we don't turn the vent off what kind of life are you or this child going to have?" Well I guess we have our share of issues and as some people call it "situations" but overall I think we do pretty well! I think our "QUALITY OF LIFE" is absolutely WONDERFUL!!!

Although this has not been his greatest week at school. He is doing so good. He was able to advance to the next story in reading and has done well with it despite us not being able to work that much at home with him this week. Is it just me or is October soooooo busy? We have had something every night this week. Which is probably the reason he has not had a great week at school. He does not do well if he is not in the bed by 6!

We (CHRIS) were able to get his BIRTHDAY PRESENT put together! He has been riding his new red 4 wheeler all day and loving it! I will have to post some pics in next couple of days. He has had a great Saturday playing outside. we have been riding the four wheeler, golf cart, been in the hot tub, jumped on emalee's trampoline, and went to eat at sake. He loves a Rocky II roll!!! (How weird is that?)

We hope all of you have a great week and I would like to wish Kristen a happy Birthday on Monday, Emalee a happy Birthday on Wednesday and Bro a Happy Birthday on Friday!!!

First Day of School

2010-10-03T00:14:00.003-04:00

First Day of School... Thames Elementary

ONLY A YEAR LATER....LOL

2010-10-02T23:40:00.004-04:00

Brodie is about to be 7! So much has happened in this last year! He has definitely turned into a BIG BOY!!! He has lost 5 teeth (some we have and some we don't) He is still into noodles and powered driving toys! He graduated from the Children's Center (amazing school)!

He attended ARC's Summer Adventures Program this past summer and Abbie Rogers Civitan Camp!!!

He started BIG SCHOOL!!!!! He is at Thames Elementary in the Hattiesburg Public School District and he is in a classroom of 8 with a wonderful teacher. It has been an adjustment (to put it mildly) but we are getting used to things now! Mom is a teacher at this school with Bro so that helps SOMETIMES! We have now been dropped to once a week therapy. He is walking in his walker all over the school and it is a big school... He is keeping up with his peers pretty well... you know he only has 2 speeds 100 or 0! He is beginning to learn some sight words at school and we have homework of reading our sight words everynight!!!

We have all come so far but yet we ALL have so far to go! Thanking GOD for every blessing and asking for continued prayers from each of you!!!

UPDATING.....

2009-10-27T21:23:00.005-05:00

i know it has been a while but we have been so busy..... i know just like all of you!

BRODIE IS 6!!!

His birthday party was a blast and he had a great time with Woody the horse! We have started back taking horseback lesson... he is doing so good! we are learning how to hold the reins and say whoa (to make the horse stop) we also started trotting some and of course he loves that!!!

He has lost a tooth!

I ask that you would be in prayer for us we are about to start some new meds for him to help with focusing, attention, etc.

We are also getting ready to start working on transitioning into the public school and getting his IEP all ready!

He is doing great and making lots of progress. He can spell his name, tell you the days of the week, shapes, colors, he is starting to color and he is making marks with his pencil or marker~making lines and drawing circles!

Funny Things Brodie is Saying....

2009-09-10T23:57:00.002-04:00

We are in the process of learning the Lord's Prayer! So he knows that last thing we say at night is Amen! Well the other night we were in bed discussing what he did at school and he tells me ABC's so we started doing the ABC'S and he was so tired so he says XYZ AMEN!!!!

When I ask him a question he say says " I Remember" but he has no clue what that actually means... so cute!

I have a habit of asking a question and when he answers I will say ? IT IS! For instance the other day I said which car would you like to go in today and he said BUG CAR IT IS! at first I was thinking now why would he say that but then I started thinking and realized I say that all the time!

OH MY GA! He is saying Oh My Gosh! We are trying to convert to OH MY STARS! He even has it down pat he will put his hand over his mouth and laugh!!!

He is always saying something or doing something to crack us up... but mainly he really shows us are habits....Things that we do that we do not even realize... so cool!!!

UPdating...

2009-09-03T23:43:00.002-04:00

Brodie is doing so good... we are really proud of him for getting a new year started off on a good foot! He is enjoying school and doing really well. He really has a personality... several things he has said lately!

I want to have a birthday party at school today!
Today is Monday! (Which he thinks everyday is Monday)
I can do it myself!
You are wel wel! (You are welcome)
I remember!
I want to go to Bible School! (This is at Bailey's Church)

Tonight he was saying his ABC's and he says XYZ AMEN! lays down and goes to sleep!

Some funny things he is doing at home!
He is going and getting whatever he wants out of the refrigerator and then going to get a spoon out of the drawer and either getting on the floor or the table and eating it all by himself!

He is doing his own thing. He says I will go out the back door and see what is going on and then he does the side door and the front door! He just goes about his own business and plays and is doing so well.

The most awesome thing he did today was walk from one side of the pool to the other twice all by himself! We were so excited!!!

FABgrills#40

2009-08-08T10:00:00.003-04:00

Be sure to check out the Nationwide Race on ESPN 2 on Saturday!!!FABgrills sponsoring the #40 car driven by Jeffery Earnhardt!!!Giving God the Glory!!!

we are great....

2009-07-25T17:00:00.003-04:00

i know everyone is wondering where are they are what are they up to...lol!!! we have just gotten back from the beach!!! BUT it has been a full summer. We have had lots of fun going to Bible Schools, Camps, Pools, and the Beach!!!

Brodie is doing super... His aggression is decreasing and we are so THANKING GOD!!!That is probably the hardest thing we have ever had to deal with. Thanks so much for all of your prayers!

We have 2 more weeks off and then we will start school. He will be attending The Children's Center for his last year and will be with Mrs. Ladell again this year and we are super excited. A big year for us and then we will transition! WHERE?Who knows we will have to see which direction the Lord leads.. Hope everyone is having a great summer and we will keep you posted!

long time...

2009-07-01T03:10:00.002-04:00

well it has been awhile since i have updated. Brodie is doing well. seems to be doing good on seizure meds and handling it fine. behaviour seems to be doing much better. we are in bible school right now and he is having fun!!! We have two loose teeth. we are walking much better with one cane and today even acted like he liked the cane. we have finished the year at school along with extended school year and will start our last year at the Children's center this year! Very sad of course.. it is a fabulous school and i so wish Mississippi had a continuation of this place!!! we are swimming almost everyday which is very good exercise for his legs and helps mama relax too!!! so all in all doing good!!!

update on the bro man

2009-06-08T23:31:00.002-04:00

He is still tolerating his meds and doing fine. we had several aggression spells on sunday and were not able to go to church but has done great today!
Aunt Dawn called and invited us to their Bible School and we are going and he is having a blast... I have had like 3 hours to do whatever i need to at home. Funny thing is I can find at least 2000 things that need to be done when we are at home and when he is gone and I am just lost. Can't figure out how I get so much done in just an hour! Anyway so glad he is doing good and having fun at Bible School..
We are out of school this week but will be back into routine next week. Hopefully we will get some rest this week and be able to slow down some.

dr appointment

2009-05-27T21:50:00.001-04:00

I think overall today was a success. She was very nice and had several questions and we had all of our questions answered. We are scheduled to see her back in a month and we are to continue with the same med just titrating it up!

Today is the Day

2009-05-27T08:09:00.003-04:00

Today is the day for our appointment with the new dr. I am really excited but just not quite sure what to expect but it is almost here so know time to worry... I will keep you posted!

Dr. Visit

2009-05-12T21:17:00.002-04:00

Well... The dr. visit sure did not go the way we hoped or expected it to go so lets just say we have another appointment set up for the end of May with a new dr...
We are still on the medicine and he seems to be handling it well we will go up to the next dose in a few days.

WELL.....

2009-05-04T21:56:00.003-04:00

The dr. called today and the eeg showed epilepsy form discharges. We are to start meds today and see the neurologist on Friday! We have started the medicine and so far so good.. no complications.. Please continue to be in prayer for us as we figure all of this out.. I know God is watching over us and everything will be just fine but please keep Brodie in your prayers!!!Just wanted to give you the update and I will let you know something as soon as we do...

Of course our appointment is Friday and we were leaving to go to the beach and Disney on Ice with our school friends on Thursday but oh well we will just have to be late!!! Don't really know why the doctors can't work around our schedules!!!HA!

These are some pictures from Ella's Birthday Party this past weekend at the gym!

NO NEWS

2009-04-27T21:09:00.002-04:00

just wanted you to know that we didn't hear any news today but we had a much better day i must say!!! He did great at therapy, good at school and only had a few hits this afternoon. I was really proud of him.

EEG is complete

2009-04-24T09:07:00.003-04:00

We are DONE as Brodie says with staying up all night and the EEG is complete. Not sure when we will know any results if I had to guess probably next week. We thought we were going to have to reschedule once we got there because we could not go to sleep but with lots of prayers in the first hour everything worked out just perfect. I will keep you updated and I hope everyone has a great weekend!!!

Repeat EEG

2009-04-23T01:46:00.001-04:00

We will be doing a repeat EEG this morning...so we are waking up now and we will have to keep him awake until 8:30 in the morning to start the test. LONG NIGHT! We will keep you posted!

2009-04-21T21:13:00.002-04:00

wondering why we haven't posted lately ...well i just haven't had much time.. Brodie has been having some aggression issues that we are trying to get under control. We are not sure if some medically is going on or if it is just simply that we need to learn some coping skills. Anyway we would just like to ask for your prayers..

2009-04-12T00:46:00.000-04:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Past Week...

2009-04-11T23:41:00.004-04:00

Went to Davis' birthday party in the BAD WEATHER.. but we had a blast!!! She had a beautiful cake and lots of eggs for us to find.

Easter Party at School~We had a blast.. Hunted Easter Eggs, ate pizza, and hit a pinata until lots and lots of candy fell everywhere! We will get the pics up soon!

Easter Party at Church~ Had a good time.. We had a cookout! We had lots of people, food and eggs to hunt!We will get the pics up soon!

Intensive is OVER!!! for another 3 months anyway!!! First of all thanks for the prayers and concerns during intensive.He did really good and is not walking independently with one cane!! (Well let me rephrase...when he wants to he walks with one pole!) He is doing really good and we are so proud of him!

Anna's Ballgames.. We love going to Anna's Ballgames. They won the 2nd round of playoffs today so they will advance to third round and we are so excited for the 2009 Stringer Red Devil Fast Pitch Girls!!!

We have really been enjoying the beautiful weather outside and taking full advantage of it! Laying in the sun, riding the golf cart, the bad boy, riding in MeMe's new car and riding in the wagon!!

We are ready for Easter and being with family and friends and enjoying lots of good food but we also want to remember CHRIST IS RISEN!!!

The Upcoming Artists

2009-03-31T15:33:00.003-04:00

Mrs. Kym Garroway came to our class today to show us how to become "Artist"!!!!

We had a ball and Mrs. Kym was so nice...

ARC Buddy Party

2009-03-31T15:30:00.001-04:00

We went to the ARC Buddy Easter Egg Hunt. Brodie had a ball! He had a hard day at Intensive so he was asleep for the first few minutes and then woke up and had a great time. He met several new friends and we are so glad to now be a part of the ARC!!!

WoW! What a weekend!

2009-03-30T14:27:00.005-04:00

Wasn't it beautiful??? of course after all the bad stuff went away!!

Saturday was the car show... Meme had her cars in the show. FABgrills was there. and I did not win the money in the 50/50 contest (Maybe next time)!!!

Getting free rides in the other cars!

Sunday was the baptism for Cade!!! So proud for Cade for accepting Jesus Christ into his heart!!!

Then we had a birthday party for Nana! She is 29 again!!! (Yeah right)

Me and my mama and daddy!

What Brodie did all day!

My brothers and sisters along with their families!

Papa/Nana and all their grandchildren!

Brodie and Meme!

INTENSIVE UPDATE

2009-03-26T18:41:00.002-04:00

He is doing really good.. He is really tired!!! (OF COURSE)

They are working alot on building strength and endurance with standing.. He has been standing about 3 to 5 seconds for a long time now so I really wanted to increase that time! So today we have a new record. 8 seconds a couple of times and then we had one where it was 12 seconds!!! YEAH BRODIE! Here are several pictures that have been taken throughout the week 1

WEEKEND FULL OF FUN!!!

2009-03-26T18:24:00.004-04:00

We went to the Gaither's on Saturday Night and had a blast!!! We also went to Sal and Mooky's and had pizza and ice cream....

Went out to Meme's and rode in her new car!!!

Visited with Nana and Papa!

Played with Anna and ate fish with Granna and Papa!!!

Man what a weekend.. it was so much fun!!!

INTENSIVE UPDATE

2009-03-24T22:17:00.002-04:00

Well he is handling it well..Yesterday he took his aggression out on Mrs. Jennifer! Lets just say Mrs. Jennifer ate her wheaties today!!! HA HA HA! Anyway...he did some great weight training today and I was so proud also he is standing 3 to 5 seconds more times than I can count but never over 5 seconds!!We will so which direction we go tomorrow!

Intensive starting again...

2009-03-20T22:07:00.001-04:00

We will be starting intensive again this week so please keep us in your prayers.. We will keep you posted..

Appointment went well

2009-03-20T22:03:00.002-04:00

Brodie had the urodynamics test done this past week after returning from the beach and the test itself was HORRIBLE!!! But neither here not there it is over and we received great news. They do believe that everything is fine and he will be able to feel. He is probably not ready at this time simply because he is still not releasing all the way but they said that will come.. So overall we were thrilled...

BEACH TRIP

2009-03-20T21:46:00.003-04:00

Mom and Brodie just got back from a much needed beach trip with our friends, Jadee and Ella!!! We had a blast.. lots of sun, fun, and good times were had by all!!! We took the kids to the zoo, and to the track to play on the day that it rained but besides that we were on the beach or eating...

Thanks Mrs. Jadee and Ella for a wonderful time!!!

WHAT A DAY!!!

2009-03-07T22:13:00.002-05:00

WoW!!!What a BEAUTIFUL day!!!

We went to the Car Show where Meme had entered her car. It was at Gander Mountain. We took the bug car and what a day to be in it.
We then went to Bailey's Birthday Party!! It was a blast...We painted and played outside on the swing set, ZIP line, and rode the golf cart. She had a cookie cake and it was delicious!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY BAILEY!!!

EYE DR.

2009-03-07T22:03:00.002-05:00

We went to see the eye dr and Brodie's left eye is stronger than his right so we are going to have to start using eye drops again in his left eye.. It will dilate the eye causing blurred vision for this eye hoping to strengthen the right eye. Well we will see if it works this time...

A Wonderful Day!

2009-02-28T21:51:00.003-05:00

We had a FAMILY day!!! We went to Jackson, shopped at Bass Pro Shops, and then went to eat at PF Changs! It was really good!!!We had a wonderful day!
We thought we were in trouble this morning when we woke up and told Brodie we were going to Bass Pro Shop and he could get a surprise... He quickly told us he was getting a 4-wheelter! Not only did he tell us one time there was no persuaded him that we were getting anything other than a 4-wheelter! He told us for the 2 hour drive every few minutes.. I said Brodie I thought the Easter Bunny was bringing you a 4 wheeler and he says "No, I get 4 wheelter today! New Surprise"sooooo the whole way there we are trying to figure how we are going to get a 4 wheeler home today... Well we got to Bass Pro and they had a box of 3 4 wheelers along with noodles (swim noodles in the back~his favorite toy) in the back so we got the 4 wheeler toys and 3 noodles!!! LUCKY DAY FOR MOM AND DAD!!!!!

HOLIDAYS

2009-02-25T16:24:00.003-05:00

When I was teaching (before Brodie) I always counted the days down to HOLIDAYS now.... Well lets just say Brodie is very routine and HOLIDAYS are not so exciting! (Just kidding)... We were out of school on Monday and Tuesday... Monday was ok (not great) still got away with thinking it was the weekend but by Tuesday we knew soemthing wasn't quite right. So what did we have to do??? We woke up Tuesday morning ate breakfast and had school at our house.

I was so amazed!!! I watch Brodie everyday at school and I see his progress with his teacher but THIS WAS PROGRESS (doing it with me)!!! He spelled every letter to his name for me to write it on his paper. He listened as I read a book, he colored (some) which is way better than usual. Then he matched correctly colors and shapes!!! (Of course we did all circles, then all triangles, then all squares but he named the shape and the color and then matched it.) I was so proud of him.

We took a bath, played outside some, then went to therapy and then he stayed with Mrs. Lauren a couple of hours so Chris and I could go to the SPECIAL KIDS SPECIAL FAMILIES meeting where we relearned CPR!! I needed to be refreshed~that is one of the things that still scares me...Not knowing if when I am in the situation I will be able to remember so I always loves refreshing myself!

Anyway I just wanted to brag a minute because I am so proud of him!!!

LAST WEEK!!!

2009-02-23T22:31:00.002-05:00

It was a busy but fun week! Daddy went to some Redneck Adventures thing and had a great time and even brought mom home some pearls (white beads from a Mardi Gras parade)!!! They went squirrel hunting and then cooked for the Rednecks on the MOTORHEAD grill! I got to stay at MeMe's on Friday and Friday night and then I got to stay with Nana and Papa on Saturday. They took me to Kate's Birthday Party. I got to paint a tractor and slide... HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY KATE!!!then I stayed with Granna and Papa!!! Way Fun Weekend being with the grandparents...Problem with that is I come home rotten!!! My mom went away on Saturday for a Girl's Day and Night! She got to go to Keifers and PF Changs oh yeah and she did some shopping..She had a great time and then she had some people over for a Chez Ami Children's Clothes Party on Sunday!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

2009-02-14T23:28:00.003-05:00

We hope everyone has had a great Valentine's Day!It has been really busy for us but I think maybe it is slowing down as of now..

We had a Valentin'es Dinner and a movie at our church tonight. Of course we watched Fireproof. I love that movie... It is just so good to me. I was really excited that we did something a little different this year and I thought it turned out really well even though we did not have that many people to show up...

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY is also a
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to GRANNA!!!! and also a
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to UNCLE ZACH and AUNT ASHLEY!!!!
We hope you all had a great day!!!

DAD is HOME from DAYTONA

2009-02-14T00:58:00.003-05:00

They had an Awesome Trip!

FABgrills.com sponsored the #51 car (Kelly Bires)! He did an awesome job and we are so proud of him!!

Great job Kelly!!!

MS Kelly's VISIT

2009-02-14T00:56:00.004-05:00

Ms. Kelly came to visit us this weekend... We had a blast! We will have to download pics of dad and Ms. Kelly playing Guitar Hero..Rock On.

Also the restaurant The Kiln (old Pasta's) has reopened and we went. It was really good and back to the same type atmosphere. We really enjoyed it! Finally maybe we will have something at night in Laurel (for a change) to eat...

VALENTINE'S PARTY

2009-02-14T00:54:00.002-05:00

Before Dad left on his trip he was sure to give me a Valentine's gift!!! He bought me a huge box of fortune cookies so I woulod not run out anytime soon!!!

The Valentine's Party was a blast at school! First we had doughnuts for snack and then we had a pizza party and then had CAKE!!! We also got to bust a pinata!!! It was loads of fun...

CHEZ AMI :)

2009-02-06T20:38:00.002-05:00

Just letting everyone know I am having a Chez Ami Party on Sunday, February 22, from 2 until 4! I would love for you to come and if you are not able to attend go to www.chezami.com, Look at the new spring clothes and give me call if you would like to order something. Look forward to seeing you there!!!

Dr...

2009-02-06T20:29:00.002-05:00

Well the dr. visit is over for another 6 months the only problem is he added a referral to another specialist...BUT it is going to be fine! We are going to go see a pediatric urologist. Not sure if most of you knew it or not but we knew going into the SDR surgery that the nerves located right beside the nerves they were cutting were the ones for the bladder... so we are going to find out if he has any feeling in this area. Not sure when this appointment will be they told me they would call me next week.

This week in the life of Brodie

2009-02-05T22:40:00.003-05:00

Brodie has had some really good days with his standing balance and doing some really good steps..
He can now say the dinner blessing complety without being probed...
Monday he touched A,B, and C and said the letter and then has done it with all of the letters all mixed up... He is learning to draw horizontal and vertical lines from a number to the number of objects...
Tuesday he took 3 steps several times by himself with Mrs. Judy.
He had McDonald's today at school which of course HE LOVED!!!!
Today he took 7 steps by himself during aquatics with Mrs. Mallory... He had some awesome balance with these steps as well. I have never seen so much balance...
Tomorrow we have an appointment with the neurologist...not looking forward to this but it will all be fine on the Western Front I am sure!!!

2009-02-02T17:14:00.003-05:00

FEBRUARY~
Where did January go???
Brodie is doing really well in school. He is actually pointing out the letters A B and C! Pretty amazing for someone who had to hope at one time right??? Well we all know that God has some amazing things prepared for this little rascal...
He also has picked up a new favorite word that he needs to say at least 1,000 times a day? NO!!! Talk about go bananas...have your child tell you know for everything... I am sure I am not the first but I sure do hope I am the last. HA!!!
His standing balance has just been incredible for the last week and we are so excited about that. He took 3 steps by himself today for Mrs.Judy and he is still doing really well with one cane unless we are at school he uses 2.
Anyway we will keep you updated..

Chris is doing well just really busy with Fabgrills! We ask that you will keep the company in your prayers and we are seeing first hand everyday how God is working miracles. Thanks to all of you who are supporters!!!

I have started a Bible Study at Temple during the week that is by Neil Anderson. We have done one lesson and I will give you something to ponder! Eternal life is not when you die??? This makes perfect sense but at first I was a little confused! Eternal life starts when you are saved!!! Because he does not want us to live a defeated life. He doesn't want to change us when we get to Heaven he wants us to change NOW!! How AWESOME is that! I never really thought of it like that... Anyway he is really deep but I think I will like the study. Other than that I am still at weight watchers ((43.5 pounds lost)) YEAH ME!!! and trying to exercise most days while Brodie is in school.

What's in store for FEBRUARY!!!
Fabgrills.com is sponsoring the #51 car in the DAYTONA race!!!
We are having a Valentine banquet at the Church that I am in charge of!
Losing 10 more pounds!
Girls NIGHT out for parents!!!
Therapy! Therapy! Therapy!
School! School! School!

LAS VEGAS TRIP

2009-02-02T16:51:00.003-05:00

We just got back from Vegas and it was alot of work and I sure was glad to be home...mainly because I got sick and felt like crap...I do not like to get sick and be away from my bed..to add to flying anyway it is not fun be nauseated!!!Overall a really good trip for FABgrills and we are excited about the future!!!

Brodie stayed with grandparents and really seem to have a great time!Not sure he missed us as much as we missed him!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-01-07T20:30:00.002-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!!! WE HAVE HAD A GREAT NEW YEAR SO FAR AND WE HOPE THAT ALL OF YOU HAVE AS WELL.... WELL BRODIE STARTED OFF THE NEW YEAR BY CLIMBING ON OUR KITCHEN CABINETS... YES YOU HEARD IT RIGHT! WELL WE WILL CONTINUE TO LET YOU KNOW WHAT LITTLE STUNTS THE MONKEY DOES NEXT.... HAVE A GREAT JANUARY!!!

Four Generations!!!! How wonderful is that?

Christmas

2009-01-07T20:28:00.001-05:00

WE HAD A GREAT CHRISTMAS! I KNOW EVERYONE IS CURIOUS OF WHAT SANTA AND ALL THE GRANDPARENTS BROUGHT BRODIE BUT I HAVE BEEN TOOOOO TIRED TO DO ANY BLOGGING... ACTUALLY I GUESS I SHOULD SAY TOOOOO LAZY TO DOWNLOAD ANY PICS. I WILL GET IT DONE SOON ENOUGH I PROMISE!

Things that have been going on...

2008-12-21T17:07:00.005-05:00

This month has been full of fun with lots of things going on...

Going to see Sandi Patty (a fund raiser for Brodie's school). Me, mom, dad and MeMe went and afterwards we got to go to Huddle House!! PANCAKES!!! YEAH!!!

Decorating the tree at the Dome....

We had a Christmas Party for our class at the Party Place in Oak Grove which was alot of fun but mom forgot her camera but mrs. Jodi let us borrow her camera so we will get those in a week or so....

Christmas Party at school... we made reindeer food and then got to hit our reindeer pinata and then went to see Santa....

THIRD and FINAL WEEK

2008-12-02T15:08:00.003-05:00

This is our last week at Intensive! He has worked so hard! This is a video from today. I think you will be able to see a big difference since the last video. He has increased the amount of steps as well as speed. We are so proud of him! HUGE ACCOMPLISHMENT!!!

HO HO HO

2008-12-02T14:59:00.003-05:00

I got to see Santa today!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2008-12-02T14:49:00.002-05:00

From Our Family to Yours!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

We are soooo soooo soooo THANKFUL for EVERYTHING GOD has given us!!! We hope everyone had as good of a turkey day as we did!!!

Being Thankful with my cousin Emalee at MeMe's

Being Thankful with my cousins Josie, Kristen, Graham, Wyatt, Kate, and Weston at Nana and Papa's

THE CUTEST TABLE AT Jo and Gan Gan's

THANKSGIVING AT SCHOOL

2008-12-02T14:43:00.002-05:00

Thanksgiving Party at school was a blast!!

All of us dressed as pilgrims and indians!!!

Who busted the pinata???

Gobble! Gobble! Gobble!

MeMe's BIRTHDAY

2008-12-02T14:39:00.002-05:00

Happy Happy Birthday to MeMe! Happy Happy Birthday to MeMe!

WALKING WITH ONE CANE

2008-11-21T12:52:00.004-05:00

Not so pretty but we are doing it!!! YEAH!!!! The video is from Thursday and already today he is doing so much better! He is walking with one cane more frequently and more steps!!I will try to post another video at the end of next week and keep you informed. He is so exhausted but being a trooper at the same time so please keep him in your prayers!

INTENSIVE AGAIN!!!

2008-11-17T15:24:00.002-05:00

We started intensive therapy again today. It will be for three weeks for 3 hours a day for 5 days a week. I ask that you will just pray for Brodie and (me) that everything will go smoothly and he will progress....

Today well he took 2 steps a couple of different times just using 1 pole! She said that he has gained strength since she last saw him and has definitely gained balanced. It will most likely be a confidence thing vs. ability to walk with 1 pole! I guess we will see how far we come???

SCHOOL ROCKS

2008-11-17T15:21:00.002-05:00

I tell you if you saw Bro before August and then again now You Would Say Where Is Bro??? He is doing amazing!!! Mrs. Ladell and her class along with everyone else has been so beneficial for Brodie. He is just growing in so many ways! His speech has made a 360, his motor planning and fine motor skills also have just grown by leaps and bounds. We are so thrilled!!!

Aquatics~

2008-11-17T15:19:00.001-05:00

Thursday at Aquatics I took 5 steps by myself several times!!!YEAH ME!!!! I am doing so good!

Halloween

2008-11-17T15:17:00.002-05:00

Halloween was awesome! We had a carnival at MeMe's for our church the Saturday before Halloween. On Wednesday, we had a carnival at school and on Thursday we went Trick or Treating and had a huge blowout party at school. I was tricked out by Thursday night! It was so much fun. Brodie was a golfer and we will get the pics up soon.

HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY

2008-10-15T21:10:00.004-04:00

Today is the day! We are at a milestone birthday!!! Brodie is 5 years old today!!! He has had such a wonderful day! He went to school, had McDonald's Day and then a Birthday Party!!! It was GREAT!!!

It is hard to believe 5 years ago we were sitting at Baptist Medical Center awaiting a 1 pound baby! My how God can pull you through. With every birthday comes memories of that time but I think especially the first birthday and this one! It truly has been a day of praise to God today simply for many reasons: most of all that he gave us Brodie it has been a journey and I am sure that want change, but also for the fact Brodie blew out 2 of his 5 candles today, Brodie sat at a table surrounded by friends and ate his cake with his own fork by himself, He really tried to open his gift and he knew it was "Elmo", he knew he was 5 and can tell you, and he actually colored a scarecrow!

Today has been a great day for ALL of us and we are so thankful and blessed to be called parents to this little boy! God truly is showing all of us what miracles really are and that they still exist!

Brodie donated all of his gifts to Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital! We had a great time at his birthday party at school and at home! Of course it was a golf party! He did however get a few gifts to keep for himself like a jumping thing from mom and dad, golf cart from MeMe's to stay at MeMe's, golf clubs from Nana and Papa, and a savings bond from Granna and Papa! Thanks so much to everyone who donated a gift to the Children's Hospital on my behalf!!! We have a video of all of my birthday celebrations!

Happy 5th Birthday

EMALEE IS 1!

2008-10-13T17:20:00.003-04:00

Today Emalee turned one!! THE BIG ONE!!! She had a birthday party yesterday and we had an awesome time. We hope you have a great birthday!

Playing with Bailey!!!

CIRCUS WITH THE FAM

2008-10-13T17:17:00.004-04:00

Me, Mom and Dad actually went back to the Circus on Thursday Night with The Freeman's, Andrea, and Shane! We all had a great time and I got to ride the horse but then at intermission I turned into an ugly kid~ so my mom made me leave the Circus while everyone else finished the second half!!! Oh well had fun while it lasted!!! I will get those pics up soon!

What is more fun than getting to eat popcorn and riding the horse!!!

CIRCUS WITH FRIENDS FROM SCHOOL

2008-10-13T16:58:00.003-04:00

Our school went to visit the Circus animals today! We had a blast! Firs of all because of the long walk over to the stadium~ You know I love to be outside!!! Second, because I got to see a HORSE(HOR HOR) and an elephant (BIG HOR HOR)!!!

This is my class!

This is most of our school!

We all love The Children's Center!!! By the way if anyone is interested in coming to The University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra Holiday Spectacular featuring Sandi Patty, it will be held on December 2, 2008 at Temple Baptist Church. Just call me for tickets! Some of the proceeds benefit The Children's Center so please come!

What's New

2008-10-03T16:59:00.003-04:00

These past few weeks have been crazy!!! We have been going to school and therapy and doing really well. Brodie actually took 2 steps by himself several times on Monday and 3 steps by himself 2 times. We were nso so excited.

Chris has Brodie this weekend while Mom is out of town for a friends wedding. Congrats to Andrea and Cooper. We are staying at the Opryland Hotel and hope to have a blast!Chris and MeMe are taking Bro to eye doctor today and hope everything is going well!

SARAH PALIN ROCKED last night!
Bill passed today to help the economy!! Hopefully everything will start to relieve everyone!

FABgrills.com is up and running and we are so excited for the future!

That is What is New in our life!
Happy Fall and have a great weekend!!!

HOSPITAL AGAIN

2008-09-14T22:17:00.002-04:00

Yes Friday Morning we woke up with a 102.5 fever and did not feel good at all. Called the dr. go in and they send us straight to Jackson since we were just 2 weeks out from replacing the shunt. We went through the whole work up and end up in a room for observation. He is still have fever spikes. Still have no reason why???? Anyway they discharged us this morning with 100 fever and then took some tylenol and was on our way. Then this afternoon around 6 we had a spike again of 102.4 under arm so that means probably around 103 or more so where do we go from here????

BACK TO SCHOOL~FINALLY

2008-09-07T21:52:00.003-04:00

We are so excited for tomorrow to get here!!! We are going back to school and therapy tomorrow. We are not stay at home people!!! Actually Brodie has been saying GO TO SCHOOL since last Monday!!!

On another note~ we are definitely have some Discipline ISSUES!!!We are biting, pinching, slapping and saying NO to everything. Not sure if anyone else ever feels this way but sometimes this whole parenting thing is not all it is cracked up to be!! Just the thought for the day! I hope everything will get better once we get back into our routine we will see!

HAIRCUT DAY

2008-09-02T23:36:00.003-04:00

Well first thing my mom took me outside to ride on the golf cart because she knew it was going to rain for several days and then uncle zach, aunt ashley, and emalee (EE) came to see me!They brought me 2 really cool DVD's!

Then NANA and PAPA arrived. It was that time again....

TAH~DAH!!! IT IS THE MR. CLEAN'S

Then me and EE rode in the wagon!

HOSPITAL STAY

2008-09-02T23:27:00.004-04:00

As soon as I wake up from surgery I AM GREAT!!! BACK TO NORMAL. IT IS JUST AMAZING TO ME! Thanks so much to everyone who was in prayer for us and a special thanks to all my visitors~MeMe, Aunt Kathy, Uncle Trey, Nana, Papa, Granna, Papa, Bro. Brandon and Sonya Sue.

Had a good nights rest and then MeMe and Aunt Kathy were there to play with me.

After that we were just strolling around in the wagon. We were going to pet therapy in the lobby but it got canceled so we just walked around the hospital

After that Nana came to play with me!

AND THEN WE WENT HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HOME SWEET HOME

2008-08-30T00:21:00.002-04:00

Nothing BETTER than coming home and taking a HOT bath after being in the hospital for several days! Well as you have probably guessed it OUR SHUNT WAS MALFUNCTIONED!!! We went in to the dr on Thursday Morning and she sent us to get some scans done and it showed the ventricles were enlarged so the SHUNT WAS MALFUNCTIONED. We headed to Jackson to sit in the ER for several hours for them to tell us that are SHUNT WAS MALFUNCTIONED!!! Anyway after having 3 people hold him down to get his IV started and morphine and 4 people to hold him down to do a shunt tap they discovered we would need to do surgery as soon as possible. So Thursday afternoon we went in had the Shunt revised and Thursday Night he was eating crackers and telling us all about it. The night went well and on Friday morning he had some pain but it was gone after a few minutes and we rode in wagon and played until they said GO HOME!!!! So we were discharged at 9:30pm! Just got home had a shower and now we are going to BED! We have pictures of the new hair cut that they gave us. Tomorrow Papa is coming to get the rest!!! I will update you as soon we get up!!! GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS!!!

NOT FEELING TO WELL

2008-08-27T23:32:00.003-04:00

We have been sleeping in our BIG BOY ROOM for about a week now but while doing this mom got a little cold and so we thought that is what was going on with Brodie but just not sure!!! Anyway Saturday he was a little tired and not feeling up to par but was ok~ same thing Sunday. Monday didn't want to get dressed to go to school but was fine once we got there. Had a great day and was tired that afternoon. I gave him some medicine on Monday night before we went to bed and he woke up the same way on Tuesday (just didn't want to get up and go~very unusual for Brodie)!Got upset when it was time for him to go to class but was ok after a few minutes and all of the sudden it was lunch and he fell asleep at the lunch table.

This is Brodie in back on room with his head down!

We got him to wake up a few minutes for a birthday party!

then I took him home early slept awhile and then was ok for a couple of hours and then out again. Took him to dr. this morning and treating him for sinuses but can't find anything so we are to call back tomorrow to let her know how he did today which was more the same. Up 2 hours down 2 hours. Anyway we will see! She commented that it maybe an intermittent shunt malfunction so if you will all be in prayer for us. Thanks so much and we will keep you posted!

In the NEWSPAPER

2008-08-27T23:27:00.003-04:00

Brodie was featured in the Hattiesburg American on Tuesday with Excelerated Rehab and Fitness. I will try to post the link so all you should have to do is click on the Title to get the article! Anyway this is one of the pictures they took but was not posted in paper just on website!

School is GREAT!

2008-08-27T23:26:00.004-04:00

Brodie is loving school! They have been staying all day since last Wednesday and he has done really well. Of course, he is so TIRED when he gets in the car but he catches the 2nd wind and makes it the rest of the day!

This is McDonald's Day. Is that not awesome that they have a McDonald's Day! They all pick their favorite happy meal and have that for lunch along with being able to watch a movie on Thursdays.

1st DAY OF SCHOOL

2008-08-11T14:50:00.005-04:00

Today was the big day! This is me first thing with my back pack, lunch box and my parents!

Getting out at School!

Leaving our mom's~ of course all the mom's are chewing their nails off nervous it is the big day, crying because they are so excited but their babies are growing up~anxious wondering how they are going to do!! We got to ride in wagons to go from the drop off door to our classroom!Mrs. Ladell is so smart~ the kids never knew they left their mom's!

In our classroom singing and learning about pets~ we went shopping!

We ate lunch!

Singing GoodBye and Ella giving me a bye hug

Walking back to find mom School is out for today and we will return tomorrow!

Guess who I ran into???? Mrs Sa-Sa

He had a blast. They sang, and learned about pets, went on a walk, made kool aid, ate lunch, and said goodbye! It was a busy morning! If I had to guess Mrs. Ladell and Mrs. Melissa need a nap! They all did so good and we thank you so much for all your prayers and ask that you will remember them this week as they all begin to get acclimated.

BTW~This is about 10 minutes after getting into the car!

We hope you have a great week! We will keep you posted!

TOMORROW'S THE BIG DAY

2008-08-10T23:16:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow is the First Day of Big School for Brodie!He is calling his new teacher "ms dell". When we talk about all of his new friends and try to name them he just continues to scream out the kids from his old class so this should be interesting tomorrow. I am really excited. I have his back pack ready along with his lunch box minus the sandwich!!! So I will get you some pictures and try to get them up tomorrow! Please be in prayer for all of the students as well as Mrs. Ladell and Mrs. Melissa!!! We hope you have a great day!!!

Dr. Veda Appointment

2008-08-08T05:25:00.002-04:00

We are headed to see Dr.Veda today! I guess that is why I am up blogging at 3 and 4 in the morning! Anyway just please be in prayer for us today and we will let you know what happens!!!

Well the appointment went well we do not have to go back for 6 months! He says that if for some reason these are seizures that he would not treat it right now with meds because of all the side effects from meds. So .....

SCHOOL ORIENTATION

2008-08-08T05:10:00.003-04:00

Brodie is officially moving up to Mrs. Ladell's Class and it is going to be Exciting! He has had Mrs. Sarah since he was about 9 months to a year old. It will be a good change for both of them but interesting all the same! Brodie has been asking all summer to "go school" and we have been talking about going back but we would have a new teacher and learning her name. So we pull up at school today and I said where are we bo and he said "Mrs. SA SA's"(Mrs. Sarah's)! Not sure if we have the whole concept just yet but we will in just a few days. We did get to see Mrs. Sarah today and we walked past her room(tried to go in of course) to go to the BIG BOY ROOM! We learned all about there routine and talked with Mrs. Ladell. It is going to be a fun year! There will be 8 children in his class and they will go to school from 8:45 to 2:30 with no nap! I LOVE IT!!! Please be in prayer for this class as they are all new to Mrs. Ladell Class. We need prayer for Mrs. Ladell and her helpers as well as the kids all adjusting.

Dad's Birthday

2008-08-08T05:08:00.003-04:00

Dad is a whole year older now!! He is 35 and of course he is all depressed! Not really we are just thankful and blessed to be celebrating another year! I tell him it is better than the alternative! Mom and Brodie took him eclairs with candles to wake him!

St.Louis Trip

2008-08-08T05:00:00.003-04:00

We have just recently gotten back from St.Louis for our follow up. It was a long trip but a good visit. We orginally thought they would release us this visit but they didn't we will have to go back in a year but that is ok. The doctor says that he still thinks Brodie will walk independently it may take a year or two but just keep doing what we are doing!Practice on lots of walking walking walking, going up and down stairs and work on balance.

While we were visiting in St.Louis we decided to take a HIKE over to Forest Park to go to the St.Louis Zoo. Well 3 hours later we arrive at the zoo and are to tired to visit very much of the zoo but we did see most of it. I really liked the HORSES(Zebras) as well as the Giraffe's(I learned about these in school last year and have liked them ever since because they have dots dots dots)!

We also decided on the way back to stay at the Peabody in Memphis! If you have never done this it is something you should all do once~but after a one night stay and breakfast you want be able to afford anything but McDonald's for a week! I had to throw that in for Chris! It was really nice and Chris really enjoyed having breakfast in the room for his Birthday!

UPDATING ON THE SUMMER

2008-08-08T04:59:00.002-04:00

INTENSIVE THERAPY

We have completed our 2nd round of Intensive Therapy and GUESS WHAT???? I can now walk with quad canes! We are really excited about this new step for me!

GRAHAM'S ALL STAR 7 YEAR OLDS

My cousin, Graham, was on the 7 year old All Star Team for Laurel. They had a great season. They actually cam in 3rd in the state. I was so proud of Graham and his team!!!

PAPA'S WATERMELON'S

Papa Rudy grew these BIG watermelons. Me and Emalee had some pictures taken with them and Papa but we were not happy campers that day! Of course Brodie had just got up from a nap and was mad and then Emalee wanted a nap! But u get the picture they were BIG watermelons! Actually one of them weighed 82 pounds!!!

BEACH VACATION

2008-08-08T04:57:00.003-04:00

We went to Destin a few weeks ago and had an awesome time. We played in the pool, the beach, ate good seafood, played golf, went shopping and rented a scooter car! Lots of fun times were made with Mom, Dad, Nana, MeMe, and Andrea!

This is me trying to get everyone to come on and lets GOOOOO!!!

Sunning with Nana~We are BEACH BUMS!!!

This is me WALKING in the beach! It was just the right height for 2 days and I got lots of walking and then the beach was too rough!

We went to play golf and Me and MeMe rode in the golf cart!THE FAM

Cheesing with MeMe

The Infamous Scooter Car

THE CREW

We took 4 steps TWICE!!!

2008-07-01T17:38:00.001-04:00

On Thursday, Brodie was at aquatics with Mrs. Lindsey and took 4 steps twice all by himself!!! We were so excited! Really didn't think I saw the first set right so I had to ask and then he did it again!

What's New!!!!

2008-06-20T23:06:00.005-04:00

Yes I know we haven't been on in a while we have been so busy sooooo I hope to catch you up!!!

Mother's Day

Swimming OH YES!! I can do it by myself as long as I have ALL this gear on! I go all over the pool and even jump in off steps( more like push off)! He has the best time in the pool We try to go several times during the week to either Papa/Nana's or MeMe's!

We had to have an EEG done the other day and well not sure if you know or not but you have to keep them up ALL NIGHT so you were supposed to go to bed at 9pm which we went at 11:30pm and then wake them up at 1:30am which we got up at 1:45am and stay up until you get to hospital at 10:00am so we did and we made it all night long along with the help from ANDREA!!! But all we know is we made it until daylight and headed to the golf cart. You can tell he is all alert and then kinda just out of it~ Really funny but he did well! We have received results back and there are some different things going on but neuro dr says to leave it alone for now and to document some things and see him in august!!!

We have started back to school for Extended School Year. He is learning all about the Beach and We are going soon~ We can't wait!!!!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL~

We have had Bible School at week and Brodie has really done well. These are a couple of pictures from his program. He did the motions to This Little Light of Mine, Be Careful Little Eyes, and God's Army! We were so proud of him!!!

This is what Brodie does in his time at home now~ plays in the refrigerator(opens and gets what he wants)! Also pushes the water on the door and lets it get all over the floor ~ That of course is so FUNNY!!!

Gaither Family Fest in the Smokies

2008-05-26T00:20:00.003-04:00

OH YEAH!!! VACATION IN THE SMOKIES!!!
We have had a blast. We actually were coming with MeMe to see the Gaither's but she decided not to come. I was kinda unsure about the whole Gaither thing but I am always up for a trip and some music so I said sure!!! We left on Wednesday and got into Gatlinburg on Thursday. We went to Dixie Stampede. YEE-HAW!!! We have goofy golfed, mirror mazed(which I will never do again), rode go carts, went to Apple Barn, WonderWorks (AMAZING), and the Aquarium!
BUT overall I must say the Gaither Family Fest has been really good. We have met some incredible artists. It is now Sunday and Brodie has gotten sick...Not really sure what is going on and we are scheduled to be here a couple more days but I think we may pack it up and come home early. We will see how tonight goes!

Update

2008-04-29T17:44:00.003-04:00

We are done with Intensive Therapy and back to our "regular" schedule if that is what you would call it! We had a great time doing the therapy and will do it again. What he gained mostly was strength, a little more balance, and endurance. He is standing by himself for about 5 seconds sometimes more sometimes less. Every now and then you can get him to take 2 or 3 steps. TUESDAY are the day of Choice for Brodie to do that~don't really know why!He did it again today after he got off the horse at therapy but he wouldn't do it for Mrs. Lindsey when we got to Hattiesburg! We are really excited about all of his strength and can't wait to see what is next with him!

Update on Last Couple of Days of Intensive

2008-04-17T11:49:00.001-04:00

I will get pictures up in a couple of days but I did want to go ahead and tell everyone that Brodie took 2 steps on his own on tuesday.

Monday he stood by himself several times for a few seconds each time and then again on Tuesday and also again on Wednesday. So we will let you know how Today goes.

Day 4 of Intensive

2008-04-11T10:44:00.004-04:00

GEARING UP AND GETTING READY!!!

Today was a big day for Brodie! Mrs. Jennifer really worked his legs. He actually had a great time doing the weights. He was kicking his legs by himself with no weights attached. He kicked them really high up and to the side.YEAH!!!They worked outside again today but he was not able to use his arms at all! She said he did about 200 squats on his legs with no arms. That was alot for him! Well it wasn't day 3 he got dropped on his face it was day 4! He was standing and was trying to be silly so guess what????? He was asleep before we got to 59 yesterday! Well we will see how today goes.

Working with me moving my ankles and I can push and pull with them! YEAH!!!

Working with the weights

This is Brodie Kicking all by himself!Look how high he is doing it.

Trying to get out of Working!

Climbing on the cage! Not a fan but am doing better than I did the first day!

Working on standing with no arms! Doing some squats!

AT THIS POINT BRODIE IS SAYING" Ready to Go Home" " Mama Big Hug"

Day 3 of Intensive Therapy

2008-04-11T10:34:00.004-04:00

Day 3! Today I actually had a good time doing the weights and going outside to walk up and down the stairs.

I was able to use one hand today while walking up and down stairs. Ended up doing a little better today with placing my feet toward the end of the session by I just really never cared before where my feet were because I really didn't even know I had feet! Ha Ha!!!

Tired and ready to go!

I tried to be silly a couple times today IMAGINE!

Trying to take a break off of my legs and Mrs. Jennifer says "NO WAY"

Standing BIG!!!

Day 2 of Intensive Therapy

2008-04-09T07:43:00.003-04:00

Day 2 went much better. He did not scream the entire time. One cool thing that happened it that his arms and one leg was sand bagged so he could not move them so his brain had to connect with his legs and he actually USED THEM!!!! In his weights he was kicking around 10 pound weights and swinging the leg using around 1 pound weights. of course all of us know how silly and uncooperative Brodie can be at times. Pretty much if you tell him to stand he will fall if you tell him to look he will look away. Well He is almost to stand by himself but is just being really silly so on Day 3 he may get dropped on his face....

99 Balloons

2008-04-09T07:20:00.003-04:00

My friend sent this to me and I wanted to share with everyone

so I thought this would be the best way!

Eliot was born with an undeveloped lung, a heart with a hole in it and DNA that placed faulty information into each and every cell of his body. However, that could not stop the living God from proclaiming Himself through this boy who never uttered a word.

In the midst of heartbreaking tragedy, the Mooney family found the presence of God strengthening, comforting, and guiding them. Their story reminds us to seek God and endure our struggles rather than blame Him for our hardships.

All this information came from Igniter Videos!! If you will click on the title 99 Balloons you can watch a video. The two parents are what I would call AMAZING!!!

This is a must see. Very touching. It shows just how great our God is when doctors say it is impossible. So get ready to cry.

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD. (Detu 6:4)

WHAT'S NEW

2008-04-07T18:39:00.003-04:00

Well Brodie started an Intensive Therapy today. It will be in the afternoons and he will work for 3 hours a day, 5 days a week for 3 weeks! BASICALLY BOOT CAMP FOR 3 WEEKS!!!The therapy consists of using an Universal Exercise Unit along with Therasuit. It is a therapy that reeducates neural pathways by intense stimulation. It improves strength and endurance. It is used to supplement traditional therapy not to take the place of. We are Excited but Nervous!!! Well he went today and Mrs. Jennifer told him to lay down more times than Brodie actually says golf cart in a day~SO FUNNY!! He did well, he was extremely worked, and he cried alot...

This is the weight lifting class! (HaHa) but basically what it is!

Next THE SUIT...

TA DA! I am Up!

Working on Standing

Not Much Fun for Me

Last thing "THE SPIDER CAGE"

This is really cool but Brodie was real unsure of it!!! Let's just be honest he couldn't stand it WELL There is AlWays Tomorrow!!!

EASTER

2008-04-07T18:38:00.005-04:00

Easter was a blast! We did everything and hunted eggs many times.

EASTER AT SCHOOL~

My new favorite toy at school is the wagon. Who cares about Eggs when there is a wagon!

EASTER EGG HUNT AT CHURCH

EASTER AT MeMe's~
I rode the golf cart and pushed the tractor~

Emalee saying what is this crazy boy goin to do next!

Look who found an egg~ The funny thing is that we had lost at finding eggs with everyone at school and at church so we just knew maybe for 1 year we could beat Emalee but guess what Emalee WON! Go Emalee Girls Rule!!!

EASTER BUNNY
I got tons of summer stuff. Everything I need to go outside. I also got an Elephant Chair that is not pictured but is really cute.

CHURCH PROGRAM EASTER MORNING
I was in the Easter Program at Church. My aunt Somer was taking the pictures and lets just say she is not going to be a photographer. You can't see me very well but we were singing He's Got the Whole World in His Hands. I did a great job!!!

EASTER AT PaPa and Granna's

This is me with Aunt Kathy!

EASTER AT PaPa and Nana's

These are just a few of my pictures from Easter!!