OKCHopeLink - Mom's Night Out

The pictures below are some of the most amazing, strong women I know. HopeLink connects mom's who have children with rare and undiagnosed dissorders. I just love these ladies! I joined the group early this year and truly regret not joining when I first heard of HopeLink (last year). I'm eager to keep everyone updated on future happenings. Last night was a much needed Mom's Night Out! Cafe do Brasil...excellent food!

Left to right: Brittany, Me, Ryan, Crystal, Amy, Nellie and Robyn

Brittany, Me and Ryan

Nellie and Robyn

Crystal and Amy

looking back and some disappointing news

Yesterday marked a very special anniversary in the life of Jenna. Two years ago, yesterday, Jenna came home from the hospital! I remember being so scared. No nurses to help...just me and Nick. By the grace of God, we made it through that first night...and then the next...and the next. Thank you, Jesus, for helping us!

Then...

...and now!

God has been performing miracles in sweet Jenna, and I know He will continue to do so.

We could really use one of His miracles now. I spoke with Jenna's GI doctor today and unfortunately, Jenna's liver function is still poor. Her results were nearly exact compared to January's results, which was the last time she was tested. If her numbers do not improve within the next 3 months, she will need a liver biopsy. Dr. Sferra explained that since the numbers are not improving that there is current damage. From day one, Jenna has baffled the doctors in regards to her condition, the positives and negatives alike. Please remember Jenna in your prayers...especially over the next 3 months. We were hoping for a Colorado Christmas, but Jenna's health is our top priority.

Life as we know it...

Yes, life as we know it is most certainly going to change. This Fall, Joshua starts Kindergarten. No, not at the local school, but here...at home...at my mercy (insert evil laugh). Okay, seriously, I'm really excited! Joshua is so eager to learn. Everyday, he's asking how to spell a new word; pointing to things and asking about them; reciting the Pledge of Allegiance; etc. Why skip Pre-K? Some of you may be wondering. Well, I think Joshua is a little advanced (perhaps I'm biased). Joshua knows his entire alphabet (upper and lowercase); he can sound-out letters in attempts to read; he can write quite well; knows his shapes, letters, colors, and numbers (1-20); and, finally, his planets! I'm sure I'm forgetting something that he knows, but you get the idea.

Alright...mommy bragging is done...for now!

I can't wait to go to Mardel and buy things to go on the wall. Ahhhh!! The smell of books, crayons and laminated charts. Yes, I'm aware I sound a little off. I take pride in my offness (if that's even a word...well, it is now)! I plan on incorporating quite a few subjects, but of course the amount will be light and will entail lots of coloring, field trips to the Zoo, and Science Museum. Okay, more bragging... Joshua has a huge fascination with the weather and I plan on encouraging and feeding that interest. Anytime there is a storm, or even just clouds in the sky, Joshua says, "I'm going to wait for the thunder! It might turn into a juicy storm!" Another favorite phrase, "Tornadoes come from juicy storms!" I've always been fascinated with the weather as well. Perhaps Joshua will be a meteorologist...he's certainly smart enough!

I'm pretty certain I have my curriculum choices down to 2 sources. Currently, my choices are My Father's World and Sonlight. I plan on supplementing with A Beka (mostly just for phonics and reading purposes). I think we could count AWANA as part of school too. I'm interested to hear some of your ideas. Care to share?

I can't believe August is so soon! Not sure I can pull everything together that quickly. I should've started this planning thing a lot earlier. On top of the planning, there's the money factor. Sonlight is not cheap! God will provide though and that will help determine which direction He wants us to go. I'm thankful I can just turn all of that over to Him and trust Him with it. The Lord most certainly knows what's best for Joshua and for me as we venture into this exciting new stage in life!

Looking back and reading what I've typed has really proven to me that homeschooling and resurrecting my blogging endeavors will be a good refresher! Who knows how many grammatical errors I've made! Sorry mom! You did teach me very well...I'm just a little rusty.

Can't wait to post pictures of our progress! Look forward to lots of proud mommy moments and hopefully creative bookkeeping, logs, etc. We'll see...this is definitely going to satisfy my "type A" instincts!