Special Needs Support

These Boots Are Made

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Esther) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:46:00 +0000

A Song for Bethany

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Esther) — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 04:50:00 +0000

God Gave Me A Special Child

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Esther) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 15:11:00 +0000

God gave me a special child-

Softly, gently, meek and mild,

I was chosen by His grace-

To be the mom of a special face,

Little one so tender and true-

How my heart beats with love for you!

I love you forever just as you are-

You are my little shining star.

Different you are, different you’ll stay-

God made you special- He loves you that way.

When challenges come as you grow old-

May God give me strength to be so bold,

Fearless, not helpless, but in Him I trust-

I am your mother, care for you I must.

Gladly I will for the rest of my days-

The Lord knows His plans for all my ways,

I made a vow to which I will fulfill-

To care for you always-

And always I will.

Music Therapy - Just found new website.

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Esther) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 18:59:00 +0000

Music is core to learning and appearantly the classical composers promote this. Music is core to learning. I know that my daughter Bethany loves music. I have not tried this before, but I am going to see how she responses to the classics. I will switch her regular radio station with this for one month and let you know what happens. I am curious to see if her physical therapy improves and other aspects of her learning.

http://www.advancedbrain.com/soundheath/sound-health.html

I had a lecture one time in where the man said flat out that music therapy and all these "therapies" don't work. BUT what I have been learning in my personal life is that a lot of what "THEY" or "PEOPLE" say are in fact not true. That there are a lot of misconceptions, misunderstandings, and miscommunication and when I decided to think for myself and look into things for myself I discovered what the truth was. Don't go by people's word. Don't take my word for it! FIND out for yourself what works and what doesn't. What is true and what is not true!

Esther ~

Over the Hill and through the Woods to Grandma's House We go.

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Esther) — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 04:55:00 +0000

Today Beth and I went to visit Grandma and keep an eye on Howard while she went out to run a few errands. We took pictures and had coffee while she was out and then when she returned we took more photos and a nice video of Beth and Grandma.

Video link of Grandma & Beth.

Bethany Demonstrates Total Gym

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Esther) — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 02:49:00 +0000

Interesting Finds Today...

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Esther) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 05:23:00 +0000

I have ADD so I am always on rabbit trails and the internet is a black hole for me. It's all good though because I am aware of my problem so I can make adjustments to deal with it! I have discovered I am not as alone as I thought I was. Connection via the internet is a really good thing! It has been a blessing from God. Well here is some resources to explore for all of you out there with children of special needs or even if you have a friend with a child with special needs direct them this way!

FAMILY NETWORK TV

FAMILY NETWORK RADIO

ADAPTIVE DESIGN

What I believe is also very much needed is more local support groups in my area. I have always wanted to start a local special needs support group. I do things so backwards sometimes. Well I had business cards printed a long time ago for this but nothing ever came of it. I guess I need to do more work if it's ever going to get going. Or there's the other factor that it's just not God's will for my life. That could be it too. Ah, the ever elusive will of God... Well, I guess I'll get up tomorrow and start praying for direction again. I want to "do" something so bad to make a difference. But I don't want to run around in circles like a chicken with its head cut off. Our town needs an ADD support group and another special needs support group. It needs...something. Anyway, feel free to blog back to me anytime. I am so waiting to hear from you! Esther

Help Streamline!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Esther) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:36:00 +0000

Uh, I have too many blogs and would like to figure out how to streamline things so I can be more productive. I have a special needs website and this special needs blog. I like the blog more because its easier to maintain and update. Maybe the answer is obvious but I don't see it right now. Help.

Central Coast ADD Connection Group on FB

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Esther) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:33:00 +0000

Central Coast ADD Connection Group on Facebook. I just started my own online facebook group to hopefully connect with locals with ADD.

Beth's Beautiful Braids

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Esther) — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 00:09:00 +0000

Beth came home with her hair braided! I tried to do this one day but I just made a mess. Thank you kind teacher for braiding her hair. :)

When Good Men (or Women) Do Nothing

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Esther) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 18:50:00 +0000

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." (Edmund Burke)

I told myself I would never get on a soapbox. When you throw your head in the bull ring you are going to get criticized maybe even by those closest to you, those you love and trust. Nevertheless I must speak out on this issue because it’s near and dear my heart.

What is happening in Canada right now with baby Joseph is a travesty of justice. It’s wrong! How can government bureaucrats dictate when and where this baby will die.

As I understand it all the family wants is to have the baby come home to die in peace with their love and comfort of warm surroundings to make his passing somewhat less painful to bear. Is this too much to ask? I don’t know about politics, but it seems black and white to me. Let the family have their peace! Let them bring their child home!!!

I have written and prayed and done what I could. God’s going to do the rest.

Esther~

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2011/02/25/government-force-end-childs-life/

U.S. supporters back Maraachli's family fight to bring dying baby home

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Esther) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 18:38:00 +0000

Bethany has taken her first steps

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Esther) — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 05:34:00 +0000

Bethany is back in physical therapy and praise God has taken her first few steps. Actually I was convicted the other day when talking to someone and she saw the progress that Bethany had made. I was sloughing it off rather than thanking God for every ounce of progress in Bethany's development. It has been s l o w! Nevertheless, Bethany IS making progress. Celebrate. Celebrate the little things or big little things. We take walking for granted until it is we can't walk. The list goes on. I must monitor my attitude and keep on top of it to not take life for granted or complain about what I don't have. You know what? Americans are sickly blessed. You know what happened to the Israelites when they were blessed? The got haughty, proud, and turned away from God. God was the source of there blessings and they forgot Him! We need to do a lot more thanking and a lot less complaining. So thank you Lord for the progress that Bethany has made.

I will post a video as soon as I shoot footage of her walking. I think you would enjoy seeing this. :)

Esther~

Trusting God

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Esther) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 19:17:00 +0000

Today is a lazy day approximately a week before the new school year begins! We might go back to school shopping today. The kids are watching Veggie Tales. I love Silly Songs with Larry! Anyway, life is good. God is teaching me to "Trust Him". I admit often I act like a rebellious child with my heavenly Father. I don't like it when He tells me No! But I have learned to humble myself in child-like trust and obey Him. I am trusting God to help find a diagnosis for Bethany. Doctors don't know everything, you know. And Doctors are not gods. God is God! The only one true God. He will provide a diagnosis for Bethany in His time and in His way. I trust Him. It feels good in this place. There is hope and there is peace. And for our lives they will never cease, because the King is on the throne.

My New To Do List

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Esther) — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 06:30:00 +0000

1) Get Beth back into physical therapy.

I took a break for a few months now from PT, but have been practicing with Bethany at home. It has been a nice summer vacation. Beth is on break for one month until she begins school again.

2) Find a pottery class to go to for mental balance!

I got all the supplies I need for ceramics. Now I need to find a class to go to to make some beautiful creations. "In the beginning God...created..."

Three Musketeers Party Video

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Esther) — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 00:02:00 +0000

Seth, Beth, & Dana Party

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Esther) — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 23:52:00 +0000

Three very different children. Three very different cakes!

Barfing at the Dentist...

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Esther) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 22:53:00 +0000

Well, I couldn't think of a better way to catch your attention. I took little Miss Bethany to the dentist today and while we were working on her teeth polishing she gagged and threw up. It was chicken noodle soup. Yum. My poor sweet little girl was so good with us all prying our way into her mouth. She didn't scream or cry. She's a real trooper. Her check up went well. Brushing her teeth is a challenge. To do a good job I need a helper to hold her hands down. So far she has lost one tooth and has one permanent tooth. She has two really loose teeth. When she lost her first tooth a 6 years old it was bitter sweet because although she was 6 I still fancied her a baby. Shh...please don't tell her that. I know she is not a baby! But she is my baby. I was kind of scared for her to lose her first tooth for some strange reason. Moms can be over protective and baby their kids. I am guilty of doing this for Bethany, well the last part. I have to let her go and let her grow up. Being a Mom involves many things so being a Mom to a child with special needs means there are more of those "things" to consider. One of which is I that I don't want to favor Beth more than my other children. I have to juggle my time with all of them and then there's the husband, but we won't go there at this time! :)

Happy Birthday Bethany!

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Esther) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 17:30:00 +0000

Today is Bethany's 7th birthday. Wow, she is getting big. Happy Birthday to you dear sweet little girl. Love Mom

For Those Who Understand

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Esther) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 19:37:00 +0000

I wander the internet from time to time, many times actually, searching for something. I found this website I added our story to about Bethany's Undiagnosed condition. I found a family that shared similar experiences.

Listen to their story about their daughter Ava.

AVA

When I hear another families perspective it help me understand my own feelings. I can so relate when the talked about how they can be spontaneous like the other family friends they have when it comes to vacations and traveling. I understand now.

It takes a lot of work and as our children get older and larger the challenge increases. It is not impossible to travel, but it takes much more effort than most families face. This is what we need to accept, we need to deal with.

It makes me somehow feel so comforted to know that I am not alone. Thank you Murray family for your story.

Still I know that I need something, I need this connection of understanding because most people just don't understand what it feel like to be a caregiver. (I am not into whining.) That is why we have support groups to share common experiences and extend empathy and understanding. It's okay to mourn, to grieve, and feel pitiful sometimes, but we can not stay here! I can not stay here. I will not stay here.

I want to travel. I want to go places and do things. I want to have a life and I want ALL of my children as well as my husband, to have a life, a beautiful meaningful purposeful life.

Hope is something God has placed inside my heart. Hope is what see in the face of my children. We are going to go places! I proclaim that, prophesy that today! I have set my face like flint. I will not back down.

Life is hard, but God is always God. Esther ~

Sometimes I just need a break

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Esther) — Fri, 28 May 2010 04:31:00 +0000

Bethany is doing very well. She even slid out of her wheelchair one day when I was cleaning her tray. It was like she was saying, "Man, I'm outta here!" She has become so active and assertive. She can be very stubborn. She often drops her spoon and laughs. If she doesn't want to eat she doesn't! She is in her special day class in the first grade. At school she works on her daily living skills, P.E., O.T., Speech therapy, group time, and has free play time. I have been taking her to physical therapy after school two times a week, but recently I postponed that for a month. I get burnt out sometimes. I guess even feel guilty like it's my responsibility to make her walk, talk, and understand. I am beginning to think that is misplaced guilt. I love Bethany very much, but I also have two other children who depend on me and a husband too. I have to juggle everyone's needs and it's hard sometimes. Sometimes I panic and freak out. This is a season God has reminded me. I can press on. I still need His strength everyday 24/7 all the time. What matters is what I think and what God thinks. I think He did entrust me with a gift, a challenge, and a chance to grow through my unique life experience. No one else is going to live this life. He knows who I am and why He chose me to be Bethany's Mom. Sometimes I think, "Did you make a mistake in me?" No, God doesn't make mistakes. He doesn't second guess His decisions! This is a good thing! A really good thing! When I get down and I do, I decided to develop an attitude of thanksgiving. I count my blessings and thank the Lord for all the wonderful gifts He has given me. Thank you Lord for my family: Cesar, Dana, Seth, and Bethany!

Community of Undiagnosed Parents

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Esther) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 05:23:00 +0000

Some people don't like labels. I don't really mind much anymore, because I have been searching for a label for my daughter. You are kind of in limbo when you don't have a defined condition. There are so many groups out there. One of the ones I hear a lot is Autism support groups. I guess perhaps because there is an increase in Autism diagnosis's. Anyway we put ourselves into groups to belong, to share a sense of community. I haven't posted much in a group that I am in, but the stories I hear being told make me feel less alone. I share the same frustrations as the other parents in my group. http://www.undiagnosed-usa.org/ this is where I found my undiagnosed group list serve. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/undiagnosed_syndromes/

Today as I was answering a series of questions it caused me to ponder and think about all that our family has been through. The piercing questions I faced caused me to come to the conclusion that in my situation and life I am here and living it's all because of God. My faith in Christ is what keeps me grounded and centered. My faith is really all I have to cling to. There is nothing else or should I say no one else that I can over whelm with my life's problems except Christ. He can handle it and He wants to.

I have been through such a process in the past six years and I still find myself growing and learning new things everyday. I look back on the past and see my mistakes and how I have acted prideful or self-righteous in my attitudes. This is a good thing to realize! One of my life changing moments was when Bethany was born. I was not walking as close with the Lord at the time of her birth. The issues that arose from that day caused me to cry out to Him like never before. He heard my cry and has been carrying me ever since. He has been drawing me close to Himself and teaching me about the poor and needy. They are out there and they are in me. I am one of the needy in the sense that I have a great spiritual need for God.

When the earth is shaken what do we cling to? We cling to the only thing that can't be shaken, faith in God. When we are lost and alone all we can do is cry out in our spirits for help. God is our only hope in this world. Life is so uncertain. We have no guarantees.

I know that I can go on and face another day because He lives in me and gives me the strength I need to survive.

Back in Therapy

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Esther) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 22:58:00 +0000

We are back in physical therapy. Infact, I need to leave NOW to take Bethany there.

She is doing very well and improving slowly.

I am learning to cook and have been busy cooking out of this gourmet cookbook:

Delicious Diabetic Recipes (The Gourmet cookbook for a healthy life.) by Roni

Polak MD. Although, I am not diabetic. Everyone should try this!

My oldest child is back in school and two younger ones start next week. It will be

nice to have a bit more free time to get my house organized. This being a Wife/Mom

thing is really a lot of work. I don't know how working moms do it! How do you take

time off for all the appointments they need!? It must be tough.

Sigh...got to run or else I am late like usual. I am working on not being late and giving

myself a larger margin of time.

Esther ~

Please Vote for Undiagnosed

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Esther) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 08:52:00 +0000

This is probably mostly a marketing ploy for the movie, but maybe I am being

cynical. This is Harrison Ford's new movie called "Extraordinary Measures"

based a true story of a Father who goes in search of a cure for his children's

disease. (I know I am going to cry in this movie.)

http://extraordinarymeasuresthemovie.com/#/quilt

I don't know if it is playing well for you. It is the same as on Youtube so you can

watch it there too. I don't know why they didn't allow you to just post a link to

youtube.

esther

"UNDIAGNOSED" A Documentary by Esther Bautista

noreply@blogger.com (Lady Esther) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 05:11:00 +0000

I have completed my first short documentary called "UNDIAGNOSED".
It's about 13 minutes. It is about Bethany my daughter who is 6 years old and undiagnosed. I interview her pediatrician, neurologist, geneticist, and family members. I am very excited about it. It was a great experience to be back in film class at our local community college. I really love film and would love to do more, but time isn't permiting me to as of late. I still have some editing to do for a friend that I need to get to. I would love to have a job in this field.

I may post my documentary on facebook at a later date, but as of now I am waiting because technically it's considered a premiere.

I really need to change the background for this blog. What was I thinking! Ugh.