When Faced with the Choice,
To live free or die chained
Whats the Choice you would Make?
Chains can be teathered to anything, Or anybody.
Which often happens even in the best of relationships.
When Faced with the Choice,
To Speak out, or Have a closed Mouth
Whats the Choice you Would Make?
Knowing that Words can get the best of us.
When Faced with the Choice,
To stand up or bare down
Whats the Choice you would Make?
Are you strong enough to Weather any storm, Tall?
We get faced with such questions Every day, in all moments, and for all different kinds of reasons.
We do not always make the best of choices. But Make the choice we feel to be right in the moment.
We are human, and its ok to make Mistakes, and its ok, to make a choice thats going to Change the path of LIFE.
We Are made by the Most precious Lord, and he has given us that right to decide.
Decide when to move on and let go
When to hold on and stay strong
When to fight a battle, or hide in plain sight
To pick our selves up when damaged or crumble at defeat.
To survive the good, the bad and the ugly of our very world.
To remember what Matters, and hold true to ourselves, placing faith in him.
To Remember What MATTERS.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Most People are perfectly afraid of Silence
love is the voice under all silences,
the hope which has no opposite in fear;
the strength so strong mere force is feebleness:
the truth more first than sun more last than star
i do not know what it is about you that closes
nobody, not even the rain, has such small hands
Was in the Mood to Quote A bit of E.E Cummings.
After All I started my own day this morning, Writing a few off the cuff poems. Here in this very blog. Good? Eh Maybe they are. Who Am I to tell, But be it the Writer. Im Partial to my own work, MOST of the time, and Yet My biggest critic.
However, This entry is not about Me!
Cummings has such an ironic prose.
No two of his poems are close in style, except for the fact, they are just all distinct and odd. Perfectly matched to my crazy Family. And For this days purpose, His Words have stuck with me, in reguards to our littlest Girl! Sophie, with her tiny hands and feet! (currently she wears the same shoe size as Ryan) 4 Sizes Smaller then her sister. So tiny, so cute. So Special, to us! The Quotes above SING Sophie, Sing how I feel! Explain Joy and Love, and something special.
We Got a great report today from her teacher, during our Conference. Sophie "mothers" the Boys in her class, sticks to their side, and leaves the Girls to ummmmm fend for themselves. Our Girl, Is a Boys Girl. From the Blue socks and "cars" themed Rainboots she wears everyday, to the pony tail-less look with her Super hero t-shirt wearing..My tomboy. Everything from the color of her dish, to the ball shes playing with, NO HAVE NO TRACE OF GIRLIE! Nailpolish, however, thats another story, she loves the stuff...any color, but mostly golds and black!
Sophie, has gone above and beyond where she started School in September, her vocabulary (asl) has bloomed, shes using her hands for everything, makes jokes, and plays games, yet According to Teacher Jessica, has been DRAWN into learning lately more about letters, and shapes. Her Coloring has changed,Its not just scribbles anymore. shes drawing actual figures now. Altho her batman she draws looks more like a Giant blueberry with devil horns ;) ;) LOVE HER!
She Enjoys getting different Jobs in Class, her favorite being Line leader, which solves the mystery sign of the last 2 weeks....I had NO IDEA what she was signing, its not like theres an app I can take a picture or video of her signing and ask for the translation....PLEASE! That would be awesome tho!
Teacher Jessica Also solved my mystery of her always signing RAT at odd times, Apparently its one of her classmates name signs, not that hes a rat, but that the name sign in super close. poor kid!
Shes listening well, following directions, has friends, Her teachers adore her. Shes Picky, she likes things HER way, even in class, but, they are still thrilled to have her each day. And Are surprised when I tell them shes been bullying her poor little brother! (acting out since Dads been gone)
Sophie even...showed Them that Her parents are NOT crazy in thinking theres some Sounds she can hear in her right ear, BY covering up and making an "its too loud" face, when an other classmate was flipping out screaming and crying and sitting next to her! OOO and this was WHILE SHE DIDNT HAVE ANY SOUND PROCESSOR TURNED ON!!!!
Thinking for sure we now need to make that ENT appt to see if we can have a Hearing aid fitted for that ear. IN hopes she will get more sound, NOT enough, but more, and then Prompt her to use the Cochlear implanted side, processor. Which by the way, she still hates...We all agree that sometimes Deafies decide early on in their life which form of communication they prefer, and are comfortable using. And ASL right now is Sophies Choice. It can, and May change especially when shes older and making her choice on if she wants to attend a mainstream school with Em and Ry...or she may Always want to use her first Language! And Here in this family, in this house! THAT IS A OK! We must remember, that just because she was implanted, doesnt make her now a Hearing person. She is still and will forever be Deaf! Nothing wrong with that. Shes Blosoomed into an amazing bright and funny little Monster ;) Average super kid. Makes up for her lack of hearing...in Ways We as Adults Will never be able to do! And too me, thats SO magical! She Is happy, healthy, expressive, communicates, shares stories, jokes around, plays games, LIVES LIFE! And We are proud. Sophia Gabrielle, Just loves her quite World.
"Most People Are Perfectly afraid of Silence" E.E Cummings
Yea Well
She...Embraces it!
the hope which has no opposite in fear;
the strength so strong mere force is feebleness:
the truth more first than sun more last than star
i do not know what it is about you that closes
and opens; only something in me
understands
the voice of your eyes is deeper than all
rosesnobody, not even the rain, has such small hands
Was in the Mood to Quote A bit of E.E Cummings.
After All I started my own day this morning, Writing a few off the cuff poems. Here in this very blog. Good? Eh Maybe they are. Who Am I to tell, But be it the Writer. Im Partial to my own work, MOST of the time, and Yet My biggest critic.
However, This entry is not about Me!
Cummings has such an ironic prose.
No two of his poems are close in style, except for the fact, they are just all distinct and odd. Perfectly matched to my crazy Family. And For this days purpose, His Words have stuck with me, in reguards to our littlest Girl! Sophie, with her tiny hands and feet! (currently she wears the same shoe size as Ryan) 4 Sizes Smaller then her sister. So tiny, so cute. So Special, to us! The Quotes above SING Sophie, Sing how I feel! Explain Joy and Love, and something special.
We Got a great report today from her teacher, during our Conference. Sophie "mothers" the Boys in her class, sticks to their side, and leaves the Girls to ummmmm fend for themselves. Our Girl, Is a Boys Girl. From the Blue socks and "cars" themed Rainboots she wears everyday, to the pony tail-less look with her Super hero t-shirt wearing..My tomboy. Everything from the color of her dish, to the ball shes playing with, NO HAVE NO TRACE OF GIRLIE! Nailpolish, however, thats another story, she loves the stuff...any color, but mostly golds and black!
Sophie, has gone above and beyond where she started School in September, her vocabulary (asl) has bloomed, shes using her hands for everything, makes jokes, and plays games, yet According to Teacher Jessica, has been DRAWN into learning lately more about letters, and shapes. Her Coloring has changed,Its not just scribbles anymore. shes drawing actual figures now. Altho her batman she draws looks more like a Giant blueberry with devil horns ;) ;) LOVE HER!
She Enjoys getting different Jobs in Class, her favorite being Line leader, which solves the mystery sign of the last 2 weeks....I had NO IDEA what she was signing, its not like theres an app I can take a picture or video of her signing and ask for the translation....PLEASE! That would be awesome tho!
Teacher Jessica Also solved my mystery of her always signing RAT at odd times, Apparently its one of her classmates name signs, not that hes a rat, but that the name sign in super close. poor kid!
Shes listening well, following directions, has friends, Her teachers adore her. Shes Picky, she likes things HER way, even in class, but, they are still thrilled to have her each day. And Are surprised when I tell them shes been bullying her poor little brother! (acting out since Dads been gone)
Sophie even...showed Them that Her parents are NOT crazy in thinking theres some Sounds she can hear in her right ear, BY covering up and making an "its too loud" face, when an other classmate was flipping out screaming and crying and sitting next to her! OOO and this was WHILE SHE DIDNT HAVE ANY SOUND PROCESSOR TURNED ON!!!!
Thinking for sure we now need to make that ENT appt to see if we can have a Hearing aid fitted for that ear. IN hopes she will get more sound, NOT enough, but more, and then Prompt her to use the Cochlear implanted side, processor. Which by the way, she still hates...We all agree that sometimes Deafies decide early on in their life which form of communication they prefer, and are comfortable using. And ASL right now is Sophies Choice. It can, and May change especially when shes older and making her choice on if she wants to attend a mainstream school with Em and Ry...or she may Always want to use her first Language! And Here in this family, in this house! THAT IS A OK! We must remember, that just because she was implanted, doesnt make her now a Hearing person. She is still and will forever be Deaf! Nothing wrong with that. Shes Blosoomed into an amazing bright and funny little Monster ;) Average super kid. Makes up for her lack of hearing...in Ways We as Adults Will never be able to do! And too me, thats SO magical! She Is happy, healthy, expressive, communicates, shares stories, jokes around, plays games, LIVES LIFE! And We are proud. Sophia Gabrielle, Just loves her quite World.
"Most People Are Perfectly afraid of Silence" E.E Cummings
Yea Well
She...Embraces it!
dearest Friends
I Write this For you my friend, My Dearest of All Friends.
I have never left you for I care For you
But Sullen have my days been, They are blue.
I fear theres nothing much to do.
Still, You, My Dearest Friend, Have remained So true.
The Sea to which I travel upon,
Has taken My Soul, Oh yes Its Gone.
Teathered and Tattered beaten Aboard.
Longing now to See the shore.
Still, you, My dearest Friend, Do Implore.
For You seek to find me Refuge
But You See, I need not Rescued
I Have Faith In my Lord God
Find Comfort in our Bond
Still, you, My dearest Friend, have abscond
Once again I must Rise up, Must have Hope
I refuse to Walk around and Mope
I have inner strength to get through
Even now without you
My Friend, My dearest of All Friends
I have never left you for I care For you
But Sullen have my days been, They are blue.
I fear theres nothing much to do.
Still, You, My Dearest Friend, Have remained So true.
The Sea to which I travel upon,
Has taken My Soul, Oh yes Its Gone.
Teathered and Tattered beaten Aboard.
Longing now to See the shore.
Still, you, My dearest Friend, Do Implore.
For You seek to find me Refuge
But You See, I need not Rescued
I Have Faith In my Lord God
Find Comfort in our Bond
Still, you, My dearest Friend, have abscond
Once again I must Rise up, Must have Hope
I refuse to Walk around and Mope
I have inner strength to get through
Even now without you
My Friend, My dearest of All Friends
Silent nights
Silent nights
Oh So Cold
Laying there
All Alone
Silent nights
In the dark
As I start
To Drift
Silent nights
From Dusk to Dawn
Im on my own
Waiting for my Soldier
To come back home.
From Dusk To Dawn
I see his face
In these Children
We made
I hear his laugh
In their Every task
His Laugh
Silent Nights
But I sing a tune
To the moon
Blue Moon
Silent Nights
Are Gone
Too Soon
Morning Children!
Oh So Cold
Laying there
All Alone
Silent nights
In the dark
As I start
To Drift
Silent nights
From Dusk to Dawn
Im on my own
Waiting for my Soldier
To come back home.
From Dusk To Dawn
I see his face
In these Children
We made
I hear his laugh
In their Every task
His Laugh
Silent Nights
But I sing a tune
To the moon
Blue Moon
Silent Nights
Are Gone
Too Soon
Morning Children!
Friday, February 8, 2013
la la la! Ooooo! hmm!
Everybody travels down the path they least likely wanted
Everybody has a moment of weakness
Everybody sees, trouble trouble trouble
Everybody tries to forget.
How can we grow, Up! Knowing How life goes?
How Can we trust our own Hearts and Mind?
Forget the Past, Forgetting our Woes, leaving the bitter, out in the Cold.
Seeking New Shelter, in the Storms path
Knowing the pain, is from, our own personal Wrath
Taking forgranted, The life we perserved
Who who who whooo Are We?
why Must we be, leading a life not free.
Anchored down, by our regrets, Anchored down, By our own mouths.
Gasping for air, as we try to untie.
When Will we see, A difference?
And Will it be Right?
Taking our Chances, yet We are holding tight.
Often
Leaving
A
Piece
Of
Us
Behind.
A Piece of our hearts, A piece of our Reason.
Who we once were, and Who we've become, Is never the same, as who we will be
Still
Do we really Change?
Are We stuck with our Simple Brains?
Adapting our sorrows, morals, and life, to the outside Changes?
So
We
Wonder
So
We
Ponder
So
We
Wait
For
A
New
Chapter.
la la la la, la la la la la, La la la llaaalllaaa
oooooo, ooo, oooooOooo, mmmhmmmhmmmmmhmmm
Everybody has a moment of weakness
Everybody sees, trouble trouble trouble
Everybody tries to forget.
How can we grow, Up! Knowing How life goes?
How Can we trust our own Hearts and Mind?
Forget the Past, Forgetting our Woes, leaving the bitter, out in the Cold.
Seeking New Shelter, in the Storms path
Knowing the pain, is from, our own personal Wrath
Taking forgranted, The life we perserved
Who who who whooo Are We?
why Must we be, leading a life not free.
Anchored down, by our regrets, Anchored down, By our own mouths.
Gasping for air, as we try to untie.
When Will we see, A difference?
And Will it be Right?
Taking our Chances, yet We are holding tight.
Often
Leaving
A
Piece
Of
Us
Behind.
A Piece of our hearts, A piece of our Reason.
Who we once were, and Who we've become, Is never the same, as who we will be
Still
Do we really Change?
Are We stuck with our Simple Brains?
Adapting our sorrows, morals, and life, to the outside Changes?
So
We
Wonder
So
We
Ponder
So
We
Wait
For
A
New
Chapter.
la la la la, la la la la la, La la la llaaalllaaa
oooooo, ooo, oooooOooo, mmmhmmmhmmmmmhmmm
Thursday, January 17, 2013
hau`oli Ohana
Sometimes things Do not always go in our Favor. And thats Ok! Thats Life No?
And who really knows, As the army LOVES to change things quickly.The last few months we've been living in tail spin orders. BUT for Now, The Orders Are Saying "Schofield Barracks" Hawaii. On the beautiful Island of Oahu. To which is Home of Hawaii's School for the deaf n Blind. HSDB is in Honolulu, and Can bus our beautiful Sophie to and from school from Base. PÅmaika`i, As they say! A Blessing! To have this opportunity, as we continue to pray nothing gets changed.
Lets be honest, with this gypsie heart of mine, I can not say I'll be so happy to be in "paradise" after a few months of living there, but I CAN HOPE, my heart can be still for a while. Im very thankful, very excited, but nervous and curious, and cautious. "Island" life doesnt seem to be so easy. Small Island, busy streets, rain forest and BUGS! Expensive! Fall wont feel like fall, Christmas will be in shorts and Flip Flops. It surely will be on Great big Decker Adventure, and Im SO READY! So I think its ok Im scared too.
Besides our biggest thing was being in a place that accomidated ALL the kids education needs to the fullest. With HSDB being 15 minutes (without traffic) from main post, THAT IS A PRAYER ANSWERED! I want everyone to understand, that the blessing of this happening COULDNT MAKE US HAPPIER! That not only with Ryan and Emily's Education thrive but Sophies too. She will be in her element, Among piers who get where shes coming from. And Will enjoy her presense. Where she Can spend Vital beginning years, soaked in ASL and Aural Teachings. Be active in all parts of class, not wonder! Where she doesnt have Kids who ask "why doesnt she talk to us?" And where Her teacher will be fluent, and she wont need an interpreter only to make her pay even less attention to the teacher themselves. (Sophie wasnt always looking at Teacher Jessica when in Class, but waiting to see What the interp. Was saying, often leaving Sophies mind to just...eh wander to something else, we are working on her "paying attention" more, and As I've always said about the birthday switch at 4...Since her 4th birthday its been flipped and shes been better about looking at people and waiting for direction)
Plus its a total Bonus the Sophies soon to be new school, is only a FEW SHORT WALKING blocks from Waikiki Beaches! *~*~*~*~SCORE~*~*~*~*~
Things Are going to be way different. Life is Going to Change! We are growing as A family, and ready to take this next journey
Matt leaves Next week for 3 months of Training! Hes headed out to Fort Leonardwood, Missouri, YES AGAIN! hahaha, Too weird. This will be his 3rd winter spent there :o But he is looking forward to this new beginning In Military Police. Another fresh start! He will be back the End of April. And thats when He starts clearing this Base in Washington before we all fly out to Hawaii...not looking forward to that almost 6 hr flight, with 3 kids, and A hubby whos patience in public isnt up to par! (no offense babe)
We are going to be missing Matt so much while he is gone, but at the same Time Im glad to know he reasoning for being gone is to better himself, and hes safe, and its the deployment he was set for. Which needless to say, Ill always have his back when it comes to his Career, but those yuppies he was supposed to be deploying with just left my stomach in knots. I had A very unsettling feeling about that Unit, and SO thankful God Had different plans for him...and us. Matt has A way of Falling into drama unexpectedly and lets just say theres too much drama overseas with them...He would have been wrecked.
3 months no daddy! Ugh Sophs gonna be so sad, shes totally a daddy girl. I know on my end, Not having adult time and convos are gonna have me gray by the time he gets back. And As it always happens, the first 3 weeks are torture...and we finally will be getting used to it being "us" and have routine, when he is due back lol.
At least I will have a TON of projects to do while hes training. Like Packing, sorting, patching nail holes, painting over kid "art" scrubbing nooks n crannies, and Working out like a DOG! OH and to Plan a nice Birthday/ going away party for Emily with all her friends. plenty to make the time GO FAST!
For now...We continue to pray! To pray orders stay Hawaii. That We Arrive Safely together in Hawaii, and NOT have to be on the waiting list for housing too too too long. A smooth transition to Island Life, before School begins. If thats not too much to ask for! ;p
oh n one more thing
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nui Hau'oli Ohana
Means
Big Happy Family
Aloha
And who really knows, As the army LOVES to change things quickly.The last few months we've been living in tail spin orders. BUT for Now, The Orders Are Saying "Schofield Barracks" Hawaii. On the beautiful Island of Oahu. To which is Home of Hawaii's School for the deaf n Blind. HSDB is in Honolulu, and Can bus our beautiful Sophie to and from school from Base. PÅmaika`i, As they say! A Blessing! To have this opportunity, as we continue to pray nothing gets changed.
Lets be honest, with this gypsie heart of mine, I can not say I'll be so happy to be in "paradise" after a few months of living there, but I CAN HOPE, my heart can be still for a while. Im very thankful, very excited, but nervous and curious, and cautious. "Island" life doesnt seem to be so easy. Small Island, busy streets, rain forest and BUGS! Expensive! Fall wont feel like fall, Christmas will be in shorts and Flip Flops. It surely will be on Great big Decker Adventure, and Im SO READY! So I think its ok Im scared too.
Besides our biggest thing was being in a place that accomidated ALL the kids education needs to the fullest. With HSDB being 15 minutes (without traffic) from main post, THAT IS A PRAYER ANSWERED! I want everyone to understand, that the blessing of this happening COULDNT MAKE US HAPPIER! That not only with Ryan and Emily's Education thrive but Sophies too. She will be in her element, Among piers who get where shes coming from. And Will enjoy her presense. Where she Can spend Vital beginning years, soaked in ASL and Aural Teachings. Be active in all parts of class, not wonder! Where she doesnt have Kids who ask "why doesnt she talk to us?" And where Her teacher will be fluent, and she wont need an interpreter only to make her pay even less attention to the teacher themselves. (Sophie wasnt always looking at Teacher Jessica when in Class, but waiting to see What the interp. Was saying, often leaving Sophies mind to just...eh wander to something else, we are working on her "paying attention" more, and As I've always said about the birthday switch at 4...Since her 4th birthday its been flipped and shes been better about looking at people and waiting for direction)
Plus its a total Bonus the Sophies soon to be new school, is only a FEW SHORT WALKING blocks from Waikiki Beaches! *~*~*~*~SCORE~*~*~*~*~
Things Are going to be way different. Life is Going to Change! We are growing as A family, and ready to take this next journey
Matt leaves Next week for 3 months of Training! Hes headed out to Fort Leonardwood, Missouri, YES AGAIN! hahaha, Too weird. This will be his 3rd winter spent there :o But he is looking forward to this new beginning In Military Police. Another fresh start! He will be back the End of April. And thats when He starts clearing this Base in Washington before we all fly out to Hawaii...not looking forward to that almost 6 hr flight, with 3 kids, and A hubby whos patience in public isnt up to par! (no offense babe)
We are going to be missing Matt so much while he is gone, but at the same Time Im glad to know he reasoning for being gone is to better himself, and hes safe, and its the deployment he was set for. Which needless to say, Ill always have his back when it comes to his Career, but those yuppies he was supposed to be deploying with just left my stomach in knots. I had A very unsettling feeling about that Unit, and SO thankful God Had different plans for him...and us. Matt has A way of Falling into drama unexpectedly and lets just say theres too much drama overseas with them...He would have been wrecked.
3 months no daddy! Ugh Sophs gonna be so sad, shes totally a daddy girl. I know on my end, Not having adult time and convos are gonna have me gray by the time he gets back. And As it always happens, the first 3 weeks are torture...and we finally will be getting used to it being "us" and have routine, when he is due back lol.
At least I will have a TON of projects to do while hes training. Like Packing, sorting, patching nail holes, painting over kid "art" scrubbing nooks n crannies, and Working out like a DOG! OH and to Plan a nice Birthday/ going away party for Emily with all her friends. plenty to make the time GO FAST!
For now...We continue to pray! To pray orders stay Hawaii. That We Arrive Safely together in Hawaii, and NOT have to be on the waiting list for housing too too too long. A smooth transition to Island Life, before School begins. If thats not too much to ask for! ;p
oh n one more thing
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nui Hau'oli Ohana
Means
Big Happy Family
Aloha
Monday, January 7, 2013
Welcome 2013
Hello 2013
Its been a Very interesting year to say the least. We were a week away this time last year from Sophie getting her 1st cochlear implant on her left side done. It was a Week or torture As I sat every day wondering if we were making the right decision. Even the morning of I sat and thought...Maybe we should wait. Yet, I took our littlest Girl into the hospital and watched as she left my arms, ready to have her life changed.
She was Ready...
I wasnt
In February She had her Activation done...Something she wasnt ready for. She fought us hand over foot for WEEKS to even get the thing on for a few minutes. FINE! We gradually worked her up to KNOWING if we are out and about SHE must wear the processor. I kept it around the Rear view mirror IN the car so she could always see it, And Eventually she would sign to me "hearing aid" when I would get her out of car. She'd turn around and let me put it on so gracefully.
She spent the summer Wearing it outside, Swimming and playing at the play ground. Enjoying Sounds. But the More We went to Bellevues clinic for Aural Therapy the more she started to REJECT the processor all over again
.This Summer we got to spend A wonderful time with Nonna. The Kids adored seeing her every day. Emily was Helping Teach Sophie how to Dance, with our Daily Dance parties. Emily was learning New signs every day. As We prepared for School to start.
Emily was so excited to be meeting new people, To go on the Bus, and Be A BIG KID finally. (my kids are all old soul) She finally felt able to do things ON HER OWN. And My how far shes come now! Doing so well in School, Good Great, 1000s of friends as she puts it. Reading and writing and spelling. Working on Numbers...lol. But with her new glasses we've found, numbers arent as JUMBLED as before. Though she still gets some confused...mother like daughter. Shes begging for a big friend birthday party this year, and Hopes are we can do that for her :)
Ryan, Lord knows, has grown to be such a funny little boy. VERY expressive, even if that means, trying to strip in public when he gets mad at me, pushing things over in anger or laughing at us when in trouble. EXPRESSIVE to say the least really. Hes a bucket of tough, yet mushy, craziness. Signing about 12 different Words on his own now, and Speaking well. Has a bit of a cute lisp with his S's. But thats ok. He is READY for School, knowing most of his letters by site, Working on Numbers and saying his own name. Hes working on colors now, speaking and signing them. Matching them with his MANY cars.
Sophie, on the first day of school Finally had enough with her speech processor, Refusing to Wear it in public at ALL! Despite the many daily efforts by us, her teacher, her intreperter, the school audiologist, her Private Speech therapists and Oto Doc, Its been our loosing battle. Doc Said, Hes never seen a child refuse the use of it, and it isnt painful, theres no physical reason why she shouldnt or couldnt wear it, it just is that She seems to CARELESS about sound. Its not embarrassment, She has classmates that wear hearing aids, Has Best friends with other physical needs, that she adores and "mothers" as Her Teacher says. So its a continued working progress as We are nnow forcing use each evening at home. In School, Sophie went from just scribbling here and there, to Coloring full pages, and tracing works. Memorized her name and what it looks like written out. And I was just informed this morning, she Knows EACH AND EVERY classmates sign name, and uses them to tell the teacher whats going on in the class room. Does her preschool duties on her own, helps her best friends when oooops they fell asleep! hahaha. uses Sign to tell us what she wants, or needs and ASKS for it. Not nearly as much Screaming coming from her cute face :) We got her up to 5 sounds this month. buh, luh, puh,dad,mom. Accompanied by sign of course. And ALL done with our the aid of the speech processor.
Im very proud of my Children and how far the year 2012 has taken them. Im excited to see where we are this time next year when all is said and done, And Sophies in her 2nd year at the hh preschool. And Emilys in 1st grade full time. Ryan possibly in preschool himself, as he is SOOOO ready to be among Kids his own age.
For the fact We had a Crazy year with the Army, we are happy, and safe and together. Bumpy roads have taken us here...hopefully a smoother path this year, I think its Due.
We went from Deployment status, to hawaii, to nope fenced in unit, to asigned to a non fenced unit so Matt can go to MP school, to Orders being canceled,possible new deployment to mp class being canceled and held off to 2014, to well maybe mp class before 2014, to Germany orders, to Germany orders Canceled,2nd deployment a no go, to Waiting for HRC to have a "home" for Matt that provides for Sophies needs, with a MP class at the same time being scheduled. ITS PING PONG PEOPLE! WE are Dizzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzy Think its sad, the Lady who deals with his has Matts social and Sophies birthday memorized, because Shes had to deal with so much of matts Paper work hahahahaha.We cant wait to have concrete orders. This Decker Family is READY for a New moving adventure, Where ever that may lead us.
Which Hopefully will be, where there is a strong deaf community. People who are nice and caring and WANT to be around our Craziness. Who share the same similarities with Sophie, Where All our kids can grow and flourish. So we can watch each other Zoooooooom in the ASL realm.
I hope that Other families That barely knew anything about deafness, and asl, and Cochlear implants can one day learn and appreciate that ASL is Such A wonderful Language. That Hearing while Essential in this Dominate hearing World, that our mind adapts to Language how ever it is first introduced to us as A Child. I've learned the Reguardless of Sophie not wanting to use her processor that she knows A great deal of HOW LIFE WORKS. Shes Social, shes not too shy, Shes hilarious, understands jokes,Colors, numbers,shapes, same and difference, right and wrong, when to be serious, when to play and how to involve herself, when others want to exclude her. She Can read your face before you sign or say how you feel (shes a lip reader). Cued speech is starting in and shes picking that up too. She doesnt NEED to hear you say "Go sit down and Eat" Because she sees us Sign it. She knows how to put her clothes on, shoes, brush teeth, what a hair dryer is for, where to put her dirty laundry, how to make her bed and put away her hundreds of SUPER HERO toys :) Sometimes I forget that Shes only 4. She seems Well beyond her years.
Trust us, We understand the importance of having the implant put in so young, BRAIN SPONGE!!! yea yea we get it. But We also are smart enough to realize each kid is different, the learning curve changes with each personality,and the desire to wear it has to be there. That Sometimes the Implant isnt liked, or wanted. And That in the future she may want to use it full time and even get the 2nd to WHICH WE WILL DEFINTELY be leaving her to make that decision. 2 ears are better then one, sure, but shes got beautiful hands too ;) Language IS IMPORTANT in every aspect. We choose ASL. And Through ASL We see change, in all our kids, We see wonder and excitment to learn and advance with ASL. NOW if we can only have our prayer to be next to a full Deaf School, then WE WOULD BE ALLLLLLLLLL GOOD!
I feel we are a blessed family, because of many things, which include Sophies Deafness. For it has made us humbled, it has made us aware, and more in tuned with life and people, and family life. We acknowledge All difference. We Embrace Change and The Challenges We as a family have faced because of her being deaf, Sophie Embraces being deaf, and enjoys her quiet world right now. She Smiles and laughs and dances every day. We are thankful for our gift named Sophie. We are thankful for ASL, and Her preschool teachers being SO graceous, and her therapist being A kind and understanding heart.For Trusting our decision as her parents and what we feel is right for her and her future. Our miracle isnt the Cochlear implant...our miracle is having a daughter who thrives for life, however it comes to her. Its Great she CAN hear when she wants too. BUT GUESS WHAT we've made it so its not VITAL for her, Shes courageous and happy because we let her be who she is. Ears on or off. Shes A kid, being a kid, growing up to know that she will make her life a great life by being happy with her choices. For Life is only as good as you make it. One must be happy with themselves and their steps, to be successful. Hearing...speaking....doesnt make up Sophie. SOPHIE makes Sophie.
Emily makes Emily
Ryan makes Ryan
I make myself
Matt makes himself
And Together as A family, we are to lift up each other.
IN
Acceptance
Love
Honesty
As A family, We welcome you 2013.
Its been a Very interesting year to say the least. We were a week away this time last year from Sophie getting her 1st cochlear implant on her left side done. It was a Week or torture As I sat every day wondering if we were making the right decision. Even the morning of I sat and thought...Maybe we should wait. Yet, I took our littlest Girl into the hospital and watched as she left my arms, ready to have her life changed.
She was Ready...
I wasnt
In February She had her Activation done...Something she wasnt ready for. She fought us hand over foot for WEEKS to even get the thing on for a few minutes. FINE! We gradually worked her up to KNOWING if we are out and about SHE must wear the processor. I kept it around the Rear view mirror IN the car so she could always see it, And Eventually she would sign to me "hearing aid" when I would get her out of car. She'd turn around and let me put it on so gracefully.
She spent the summer Wearing it outside, Swimming and playing at the play ground. Enjoying Sounds. But the More We went to Bellevues clinic for Aural Therapy the more she started to REJECT the processor all over again
.This Summer we got to spend A wonderful time with Nonna. The Kids adored seeing her every day. Emily was Helping Teach Sophie how to Dance, with our Daily Dance parties. Emily was learning New signs every day. As We prepared for School to start.
Emily was so excited to be meeting new people, To go on the Bus, and Be A BIG KID finally. (my kids are all old soul) She finally felt able to do things ON HER OWN. And My how far shes come now! Doing so well in School, Good Great, 1000s of friends as she puts it. Reading and writing and spelling. Working on Numbers...lol. But with her new glasses we've found, numbers arent as JUMBLED as before. Though she still gets some confused...mother like daughter. Shes begging for a big friend birthday party this year, and Hopes are we can do that for her :)
Ryan, Lord knows, has grown to be such a funny little boy. VERY expressive, even if that means, trying to strip in public when he gets mad at me, pushing things over in anger or laughing at us when in trouble. EXPRESSIVE to say the least really. Hes a bucket of tough, yet mushy, craziness. Signing about 12 different Words on his own now, and Speaking well. Has a bit of a cute lisp with his S's. But thats ok. He is READY for School, knowing most of his letters by site, Working on Numbers and saying his own name. Hes working on colors now, speaking and signing them. Matching them with his MANY cars.
Sophie, on the first day of school Finally had enough with her speech processor, Refusing to Wear it in public at ALL! Despite the many daily efforts by us, her teacher, her intreperter, the school audiologist, her Private Speech therapists and Oto Doc, Its been our loosing battle. Doc Said, Hes never seen a child refuse the use of it, and it isnt painful, theres no physical reason why she shouldnt or couldnt wear it, it just is that She seems to CARELESS about sound. Its not embarrassment, She has classmates that wear hearing aids, Has Best friends with other physical needs, that she adores and "mothers" as Her Teacher says. So its a continued working progress as We are nnow forcing use each evening at home. In School, Sophie went from just scribbling here and there, to Coloring full pages, and tracing works. Memorized her name and what it looks like written out. And I was just informed this morning, she Knows EACH AND EVERY classmates sign name, and uses them to tell the teacher whats going on in the class room. Does her preschool duties on her own, helps her best friends when oooops they fell asleep! hahaha. uses Sign to tell us what she wants, or needs and ASKS for it. Not nearly as much Screaming coming from her cute face :) We got her up to 5 sounds this month. buh, luh, puh,dad,mom. Accompanied by sign of course. And ALL done with our the aid of the speech processor.
Im very proud of my Children and how far the year 2012 has taken them. Im excited to see where we are this time next year when all is said and done, And Sophies in her 2nd year at the hh preschool. And Emilys in 1st grade full time. Ryan possibly in preschool himself, as he is SOOOO ready to be among Kids his own age.
For the fact We had a Crazy year with the Army, we are happy, and safe and together. Bumpy roads have taken us here...hopefully a smoother path this year, I think its Due.
We went from Deployment status, to hawaii, to nope fenced in unit, to asigned to a non fenced unit so Matt can go to MP school, to Orders being canceled,possible new deployment to mp class being canceled and held off to 2014, to well maybe mp class before 2014, to Germany orders, to Germany orders Canceled,2nd deployment a no go, to Waiting for HRC to have a "home" for Matt that provides for Sophies needs, with a MP class at the same time being scheduled. ITS PING PONG PEOPLE! WE are Dizzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzy Think its sad, the Lady who deals with his has Matts social and Sophies birthday memorized, because Shes had to deal with so much of matts Paper work hahahahaha.We cant wait to have concrete orders. This Decker Family is READY for a New moving adventure, Where ever that may lead us.
Which Hopefully will be, where there is a strong deaf community. People who are nice and caring and WANT to be around our Craziness. Who share the same similarities with Sophie, Where All our kids can grow and flourish. So we can watch each other Zoooooooom in the ASL realm.
I hope that Other families That barely knew anything about deafness, and asl, and Cochlear implants can one day learn and appreciate that ASL is Such A wonderful Language. That Hearing while Essential in this Dominate hearing World, that our mind adapts to Language how ever it is first introduced to us as A Child. I've learned the Reguardless of Sophie not wanting to use her processor that she knows A great deal of HOW LIFE WORKS. Shes Social, shes not too shy, Shes hilarious, understands jokes,Colors, numbers,shapes, same and difference, right and wrong, when to be serious, when to play and how to involve herself, when others want to exclude her. She Can read your face before you sign or say how you feel (shes a lip reader). Cued speech is starting in and shes picking that up too. She doesnt NEED to hear you say "Go sit down and Eat" Because she sees us Sign it. She knows how to put her clothes on, shoes, brush teeth, what a hair dryer is for, where to put her dirty laundry, how to make her bed and put away her hundreds of SUPER HERO toys :) Sometimes I forget that Shes only 4. She seems Well beyond her years.
Trust us, We understand the importance of having the implant put in so young, BRAIN SPONGE!!! yea yea we get it. But We also are smart enough to realize each kid is different, the learning curve changes with each personality,and the desire to wear it has to be there. That Sometimes the Implant isnt liked, or wanted. And That in the future she may want to use it full time and even get the 2nd to WHICH WE WILL DEFINTELY be leaving her to make that decision. 2 ears are better then one, sure, but shes got beautiful hands too ;) Language IS IMPORTANT in every aspect. We choose ASL. And Through ASL We see change, in all our kids, We see wonder and excitment to learn and advance with ASL. NOW if we can only have our prayer to be next to a full Deaf School, then WE WOULD BE ALLLLLLLLLL GOOD!
I feel we are a blessed family, because of many things, which include Sophies Deafness. For it has made us humbled, it has made us aware, and more in tuned with life and people, and family life. We acknowledge All difference. We Embrace Change and The Challenges We as a family have faced because of her being deaf, Sophie Embraces being deaf, and enjoys her quiet world right now. She Smiles and laughs and dances every day. We are thankful for our gift named Sophie. We are thankful for ASL, and Her preschool teachers being SO graceous, and her therapist being A kind and understanding heart.For Trusting our decision as her parents and what we feel is right for her and her future. Our miracle isnt the Cochlear implant...our miracle is having a daughter who thrives for life, however it comes to her. Its Great she CAN hear when she wants too. BUT GUESS WHAT we've made it so its not VITAL for her, Shes courageous and happy because we let her be who she is. Ears on or off. Shes A kid, being a kid, growing up to know that she will make her life a great life by being happy with her choices. For Life is only as good as you make it. One must be happy with themselves and their steps, to be successful. Hearing...speaking....doesnt make up Sophie. SOPHIE makes Sophie.
Emily makes Emily
Ryan makes Ryan
I make myself
Matt makes himself
And Together as A family, we are to lift up each other.
IN
Acceptance
Love
Honesty
As A family, We welcome you 2013.
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