tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185809142016-11-25T10:32:55.431-06:00These Broken Vases | Finding Beauty in Unexpected PlacesWife, Mom and Writer. Down syndrome, Cerebral palsy, and Adoption advocate. Coffee drinker and Nutella lover. Blogging about finding beauty in the broken places.Ellen Stumbonoreply@blogger.comBlogger76515tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18580914.post-23379266276496899992013-09-28T20:44:00.001-05:002013-09-28T20:44:55.812-05:00I'm hanging out over at ellenstumbo.comHello friends,<br /><br />It has been a long time since I updated this blog. I mean to come back here, but keeping two blogs has been harder than I thought it would be. I have more writing commitments and deadlines, so I find myself with little time to update here.<br /><br />But, I haven't been absent, I am still hanging out on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ellenstumbowriter" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/EllenStumbo" target="_blank">twitter!</a><br /><br />As for blogging, I am writing over at <a href="http://ellenstumbo.com/">ellenstumbo.com</a>. I have to make a better plan to keep up on this blog, but on the meantime, I hope we can stay in touch.<br /><br />To make things even easier, I wanted to extend the invitation so you get all my posts delivered directly to your inbox.<br /><br /><!-- Begin MailChimp Signup Form --><link href="//cdn-images.mailchimp.com/embedcode/slim-081711.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link><style type="text/css"> #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; } /* Add your own MailChimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. */ </style><br /><div id="mc_embed_signup"><form action="http://ellenstumbo.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=4b91a83e4932e8eac50c9be2b&id=b50e453be3" class="validate" id="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" method="post" name="mc-embedded-subscribe-form" novalidate="" target="_blank"><label for="mce-EMAIL">Subscribe to ellenstumbo.com</label> <input class="email" id="mce-EMAIL" name="EMAIL" placeholder="email address" required="" type="email" value="" /> <br /><div class="clear"><input class="button" id="mc-embedded-subscribe" name="subscribe" type="submit" value="Subscribe" /></div></form></div><!--End mc_embed_signup--> Let's stay connected!Ellen Stumbohttps://plus.google.com/109179354396197140925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18580914.post-3493467082453874682013-06-17T12:25:00.001-05:002013-06-17T12:25:37.579-05:00When Kids With Special Needs Wander (Elope) {a guest post by Staci Conrad}Last week I wrote about <a href="http://www.ellenstumbo.com/when-i-conducted-a-steakout-eloping/" target="_blank"><u>conducting a stakeout</u></a> outside my daughter's school because I was terrified of her bolting during recces. If you didn't get to read that post, please do so, I did my best attempt at being funny in light of a real concern we have for our little eloper.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rqo0HalK9Ss/Ub9DQOL3sEI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/JHNt7IhOweQ/s1600/eloping+special+needs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rqo0HalK9Ss/Ub9DQOL3sEI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/JHNt7IhOweQ/s400/eloping+special+needs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />My friend Staci responded by sending me some links for me to look at in case some of those worked for us. I was so impressed with all the information she had, I asked her to write a blog post, and she did!<br /><br />So let;s welcome Staci and the advice and resources she has for any parent that has a kid with special needs that wanders (or a typical kid that struggles with this too!)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">***</div><br />Wandering…eloping…these words strike fear in the core of many special needs parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have tried to find some stats to share with you, but it seems that no one collects this data!? Most sites just say that “TOO MANY” children with disabilities wander off each year and many of them aren’t found in time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br /><br /><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;">Why do kids wander?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some get distracted and some just NEED to explore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many are impulsive and have no understanding of consequences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is the case for my precious wanderer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BuN18Hwg9tw/Ub9EFzrtmwI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/lEQ8NM19nPc/s1600/wandering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BuN18Hwg9tw/Ub9EFzrtmwI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/lEQ8NM19nPc/s1600/wandering.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;">The International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) has added a code<span class="tp-label"> for wandering</span> that was effective October 1, 2011.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is designed to promote better data collection and understanding of wandering, and to prompt important discussions about safety among healthcare providers, caregivers, and the person with a disability to the fullest extent possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your child is a wanderer, please talk to your provider and have this code added to your child’s official diagnoses. </span><br /><br /><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;">There are several safety devices available to help keep track of your loved one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though you watch them like a hawk, they are so sneaky!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone has to blink sometimes and that’s all it takes, especially at crowded events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br /><br /><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;">Mine likes to take off at night time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have an alarm on her bedroom door and window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also have STOP signs on each door that leads outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am going to add another lock to the back door, as she recently got out at 4AM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are lots of printable resources at: </span><a href="http://nationalautismassociation.org/docs/BigRedSafetyToolkit.pdf"><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;">http://nationalautismassociation.org/docs/BigRedSafetyToolkit.pdf</span><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"></span></a><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;">. </span><br /><br /><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;">For those interested in what technology has to offer, I have compiled the following list of resources that vary considerably in price.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of these are still not financially feasible for most special needs families. Although it might be possible to get state waivers or family support funding to help alleviate the cost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I could not reach our case worker to confirm or deny.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are only a sample of what is out there!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be sure to look around to see what might fit your family the best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br /><br /><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"><b>Adiant Solutions</b><br />Adiant Solutions is revolutionizing the GPS industry by providing solutions that transform lives. You are in control… you decide how to better manage "what matters most". Whether you are looking for tracking devices that locate a wanderer with dementia, a child with autism who is eloping, a low-level criminal, your fleet or cargo, or even a teen driver, we have the answer with our easy-to-use, customizable technology. Adiant's products ensure that people and property are where they belong…..and when. The devices are easy to use and can be managed from any computer or smart phone with Adiant's easy-to-use LocationNow Software.<br /></span><a href="http://www.adiant-solutions.com/"><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;">www.adiant-solutions.com</span></a><br /><br /><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"><b>Care Trak</b><br />The Original Law Enforcement Rescue Program that electronically tracks people with Alzheimer's who wander and special needs kids. Sheriffs, Police, Fire Departments, SAR Teams, etc. use Care Trak to quickly locate at risk individuals.<br /></span><a href="http://www.caretrak.com/"><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;">www.caretrak.com</span></a><br /><br /><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"><b>EmFinders</b><br />The Emergency Locator Device "EmSeeQ" helps rapidly locate and recover your loved ones via the 9-1-1 cellular network.<br /></span><a href="http://www.emfinders.com/"><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;">www.emfinders.com</span></a><br /><br /><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"><b>EZ100 Personal Emergency Notifier and GPS Tracker</b><br />The EZ-100 from EYEZ gives families of wandering special needs children added peace of mind and the confidence to engage in activities and adventures with the whole family.<br /></span><a href="http://www.eye-zon.com/EYEZON2010/autism-community.html"><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;">www-eye-zon.com</span></a><br /><br /><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"><b>LifePROTEKT</b><br />LifePROTEKT is dedicated to providing care givers, individuals and organizations with the most superior, innovative personal location based GPS technologies available while providing a network of support for those who care for special needs individuals. We want to give back to those communities who rely on our technology to assist them in safeguarding their loved ones.<br /></span><a href="http://www.lifeprotekt.com/"><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;">www.lifeprotekt.com</span></a><br /><br /><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"><b>LoJack SafetyNet</b><br />Personal locator bracelets for individuals with autism with a tendency to wander. After contacting authorities when your loved one goes missing, law enforcement and public safety officials use LoJack Search and Rescue Receivers to track the radio signal being emitted from the Personal Locator Bracelet on your loved one's wrist or ankle.<br /></span><a href="http://www.lojack.com/safetynet/Pages/index.aspx"><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;">www.lojack.com/safetynet</span></a><br /><br /><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"><b>Loved One Locator from Mobile Health Technologies LLC</b><br />Mobile Health Technologies provides the ultimate solution for Mobile Personal Safety - Anytime, Anywhere. ASD children at risk for bolting should not be without our products! Our service combines on-demand GPS location, automatic alerts when a user leaves a pre-defined "safe zone", and Automatic Fall Detection. Our devices also feature 2-way voice, and 24/7 monitoring by EMTs.<br /></span><a href="http://www.lovedonelocator.com/"><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;">www.lovedonelocator.com</span></a><br /><br /><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"><b>Please Find My Kid </b><br />What do you do when a loved one suddenly disappears? If your loved one were using SecuraPal or LifeTrac, you could simply go to a secure web interface and find them on a map. With SecuraPal and LifeTrac you get peace of mind and your loved one gets to keep the independence they deserve and desire.<br /></span><a href="http://www.pleasefindmykid.com/"><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;">www.pleasefindmykid.com</span></a><br /><br /><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"><b>Project Lifesaver International</b><br />Project Lifesaver International helps provide rapid response to save lives and reduce potential for serious injury for adults and children who wander due to Alzheimer’s, autism, Down syndrome, dementia and other related cognitive conditions. Project Lifesaver provides equipment, training, certification and support to law enforcement, public safety organizations and community groups throughout the country and nation.</span><br /><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"></span><a href="http://www.projectlifesaver.org/"><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;">www.projectlifesaver.org</span></a><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have just one final tip for special needs families with wanderers today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please let your neighbors know that you have a wanderer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just a couple of other families on your block that know to watch out for your child can be a huge help!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">***</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Staci is </span></span></span><span style="mso-bookmark: _GoBack;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">a follower of Christ, single-momma to 2 amazing adopted girls with special needs, and foster mom to many. Staci blogs at <a href="http://ourdifferentreality.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><u><b>Our Different Reality</b></u></a> you can also follow her on <a href="https://twitter.com/stacianne" target="_blank">twitter @stacianne</a> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><br />Ellen Stumbohttps://plus.google.com/109179354396197140925noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18580914.post-65200033744565639572013-06-13T16:54:00.001-05:002013-06-13T16:54:06.632-05:00Transitioning to KindergartenIt feels as if the baby years are officially behind for my rascal. My "baby" will be transitioning into Kindergarten, and already we are celebrating some of the transitions, while trying to hold on a little bit longer in other ways. Yet, can we really hold on?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-65oHlhLsYOQ/UbjscLvq6fI/AAAAAAAAA18/HsJDxN0w6CA/s1600/update.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-65oHlhLsYOQ/UbjscLvq6fI/AAAAAAAAA18/HsJDxN0w6CA/s1600/update.jpg" /></a></div><br />Preschool years are now behind us. This last year, Nichole had the most incredible teachers. She was in an inclusive classroom, with a regular teacher and a special education teacher. Her special ed teacher was...fantastic! She believed in Nichole, she saw her potential, and she loved her. She went above and beyond and was able to look at things from my perspective - the parent's perspective.<br /><br />I received a note from her teacher and her aide, both of them expressing what a treat it was to have Nichole. They believed in her potential and really loved her. We were blessed to have them be a part of Nichole's life.<br /><br />Nichole is now attending summer school getting ready for Kindergarten. She loves it, and she really likes her teacher, so I feel like we will have a successful year. it also helps that her teacher is my friend and she knows my concerns with Nichole so well.<br /><br />Another new development is that Nichole was recently diagnosed with speech Apraxia. While I wish I had pushed for this sooner, now we have pretty "tried and true" resources to work on her speech. It might sound crazy, but already I feel she is doing better.<br /><br />And a celebration, we are done with pull-ups! One day we ran out of pull-ups and I got her in underwear. She was fine all day. She is a rascal, she had us, she conned us for who knows how long. So we are done! It is so nice not to worry about this anymore, and perfect to have her potty trained before starting Kindergarten. She finished preschool with big girl undies, and so far, no accidents at school!<br /><br />Ellen Stumbohttps://plus.google.com/109179354396197140925noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18580914.post-88562039104505410962013-05-22T08:30:00.000-05:002013-05-22T08:30:02.776-05:00Going On a Field Trip!Last week, I got to join Ellie and Nina on their school field trip. It was a hot day at a farm, but it was so much fun!<br /><br />I took lots of pictures, and so you get a photo-dump post today!<br /><br />Of course I asked the girls to pose, and Nina is a more willing participant, since she is not running around all over the place (which is actually something I appreciate about CP, Nina actually gets to hang around and I spend more time with her) <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Suo5_TWW-kc/UZvKvLRy6BI/AAAAAAAAAzw/zTw7ixT1Qjg/s1600/field+trip+19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Suo5_TWW-kc/UZvKvLRy6BI/AAAAAAAAAzw/zTw7ixT1Qjg/s1600/field+trip+19.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The plan was to use Nina's walker, but we soon realized that the terrain was not ideal for the walker. Not to mention the farm was pretty large and I wasn't sure how much she would last there. One of the owners approached us and asked if we would like to use one of their wagons. I was so thankful! So we got Nina in her fancy ride, then I folded up her walker and put it in there, along with my heavy backpack. I also had the other friends help me push it, Nina loved it! Sometimes, she would lay down and close her eyes with a smile of contentment in her face. Love this girl!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ivQHIuoCxcY/UZvKKWmWHhI/AAAAAAAAAzY/bcl2NPZ0GEA/s1600/field+trip+16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ivQHIuoCxcY/UZvKKWmWHhI/AAAAAAAAAzY/bcl2NPZ0GEA/s1600/field+trip+16.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Our first activity involved these bouncy horses. There were three different sizes and the kids loved them!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Lo3YU6wx0g/UZvLZ5rf-GI/AAAAAAAAA0A/BYnnwsoPEv4/s1600/field+trip+21.JPG" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> They also had stilts. I tried them too!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4OZlMZTiblk/UZvLBh7SzJI/AAAAAAAAAz4/R5-tk4U1_Og/s1600/field+trip+20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4OZlMZTiblk/UZvLBh7SzJI/AAAAAAAAAz4/R5-tk4U1_Og/s1600/field+trip+20.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> One of the favorite activities was feeding the goats. It took the kids a little getting used to having the goats lick their hands, but once they got used to it, they loved it!</div><div style="text-align: center;">And yes, Nina was balancing like a super star, even while feeding the goat!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oSw6oXOM_Zs/UZvKLw_EZWI/AAAAAAAAAzg/2WTbenocJU0/s1600/field+trip+17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oSw6oXOM_Zs/UZvKLw_EZWI/AAAAAAAAAzg/2WTbenocJU0/s1600/field+trip+17.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_pG8GRZ0d6U/UZvKahXcE4I/AAAAAAAAAzo/3c0a-6oDsrc/s1600/field+trip+18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_pG8GRZ0d6U/UZvKahXcE4I/AAAAAAAAAzo/3c0a-6oDsrc/s1600/field+trip+18.JPG" /></a></div><br />Another favorite activity was petting the bunnies. Now, I will say that some kids were mean to the bunnies, picking them up and dropping them, or jumping on them (one little bunny had his back broken). These poor animals were terrified of the children and trying to get away from little hands, so I had to intervene and help Nina hold a bunny. You cannot see this here, but I had three other bunnies hiding between my legs trying to stay away from the children.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FSQTi2CEooA/UZvKIj1bwJI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/cLpKVyZV3AA/s1600/field+trip+15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FSQTi2CEooA/UZvKIj1bwJI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/cLpKVyZV3AA/s1600/field+trip+15.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> And of course there was petting the kitty. Nina loved it, Ellie was scared of the kitty, afraid she would get scratched!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b5aZyG0fhOo/UZvJvc4LpwI/AAAAAAAAAy4/vinduQ1a3lU/s1600/field+trip+12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b5aZyG0fhOo/UZvJvc4LpwI/AAAAAAAAAy4/vinduQ1a3lU/s1600/field+trip+12.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Eckc4QovrpE/UZvKG1IQdyI/AAAAAAAAAzI/40zq3p0WNIc/s1600/field+trip+14.JPG" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> There were a couple of rope swings, Ellie did amazing! We tried to get Nina to do it but that proved to be challenging.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e5-QM1qJT4c/UZvP2L6JOtI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/8WImG3OI7N4/s1600/field+trip+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e5-QM1qJT4c/UZvP2L6JOtI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/8WImG3OI7N4/s1600/field+trip+11.JPG" /></a></div><br />Next to the ropes, there were these long tunnels, I love the pics, and there is a story to this photo, but I will share more about it at the end of the post, because it was a God moment, and we are framing the picture with a special saying for Nina. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FKT0crJTgG8/UZvKFPkZ0fI/AAAAAAAAAzA/VzwsoHWE92E/s1600/field+trip+13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FKT0crJTgG8/UZvKFPkZ0fI/AAAAAAAAAzA/VzwsoHWE92E/s1600/field+trip+13.JPG" /></a></div><br /> The girls with their teachers. We have AMAZING teachers. I love them to pieces. Both of them! Ellie's teacher challenges her and affirms her, as a mom I appreciate that so much! Kids need to hear praise form other adults in their life, not just their parents! Nina's teacher has been such an encouragement to ME. There have been times when I have had doubts about what Nina can or cannot do, she looks at me straight in the eye and says, "She can do this." and I just need to hear that from someone else! So often I am the one having to advocate for my daughter. She is one remarkable lady, how blessed we are that she is Nina's teacher!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ocWs3Xvj9Ao/UZvPzoaXUSI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/1oSbuAp9OXM/s1600/field+trip+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ocWs3Xvj9Ao/UZvPzoaXUSI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/1oSbuAp9OXM/s1600/field+trip+1.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> Nina got the "hamster wheel" turning!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LzzXcuvw7Bs/UZvQDEj80TI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/yfHlzotQMJ8/s1600/field+trip+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LzzXcuvw7Bs/UZvQDEj80TI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/yfHlzotQMJ8/s1600/field+trip+9.JPG" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> They had these sections of large pipes (same as the long tunnel material). Except these were set on some sort of rails. The kids then got in them and rolled them from one end of the rails to the next. I tried it, and fell a couple of times. it was fun!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1XtErDKJqvc/UZvP32qutKI/AAAAAAAAA0g/fPo_0xkzzgY/s1600/field+trip+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1XtErDKJqvc/UZvP32qutKI/AAAAAAAAA0g/fPo_0xkzzgY/s1600/field+trip+2.JPG" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Fun tractor!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EqnkbLXiQrs/UZvP5KkZwWI/AAAAAAAAA0o/VL4YvdRPvAI/s1600/field+trip+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EqnkbLXiQrs/UZvP5KkZwWI/AAAAAAAAA0o/VL4YvdRPvAI/s1600/field+trip+3.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rDKVe8PS5M8/UZvP6vzNtLI/AAAAAAAAA0w/_dtIXogn13Q/s1600/field+trip+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rDKVe8PS5M8/UZvP6vzNtLI/AAAAAAAAA0w/_dtIXogn13Q/s1600/field+trip+4.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Wooden horses, and swing horses. No real ones but hey, the farm had horses kids could ride! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8JQj9gxPBzI/UZvP8DQ3d3I/AAAAAAAAA04/Igcnq0PbRTQ/s1600/field+trip+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8JQj9gxPBzI/UZvP8DQ3d3I/AAAAAAAAA04/Igcnq0PbRTQ/s1600/field+trip+5.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5gYLlmjMhpE/UZvP99eHH0I/AAAAAAAAA1A/gC7iVDvldjw/s1600/field+trip+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5gYLlmjMhpE/UZvP99eHH0I/AAAAAAAAA1A/gC7iVDvldjw/s1600/field+trip+6.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">And proof that I was there with my girls! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ntLf57aEb1k/UZvP_iqZ2qI/AAAAAAAAA1I/sj3JGlH1sVE/s1600/field+trip+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ntLf57aEb1k/UZvP_iqZ2qI/AAAAAAAAA1I/sj3JGlH1sVE/s1600/field+trip+7.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eQXNBWEsoVc/UZvQBgzEj4I/AAAAAAAAA1Q/OkbtH6sX9sM/s1600/field+trip+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eQXNBWEsoVc/UZvQBgzEj4I/AAAAAAAAA1Q/OkbtH6sX9sM/s1600/field+trip+8.JPG" /></a></div><br />This was not an ordinary field trip, God met me there in a meaningful way. The picture below was a gift from God.<br /><br />I actually wrote about it for <i>Not Alone</i>. If you want to read that post, <a href="http://not-alone.org/2013/05/16/field-trip/" target="_blank"><b>click here</b></a>. I highly recommend you do! And it is a pretty short read ;)<br /><br />Here is the significance of this photo:<br /><br />God had been showing me His love for Nina throughout the day. His love, His delight, His pleasure. Then we got in the tunnels, and it was so bright I could hardly see. Then I snapped this picture and God reminded me once more that Nina is His beloved, and His light shines bright on her, illuminating her, reminding me, and showing her, how much He loves her. it was a Holy moment, right there at the farm. <br /><br /> And this might just be one of my favorite pictures of all times, because somehow God allowed me to capture a Holy moment.<br /><br />So to get the full story, do check the post for <i>Not Alone</i> in the link above.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3iqDcCAPwYg/UZva1Q9zYvI/AAAAAAAAA1o/J2vWmA6WaRQ/s1600/field+trip+10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3iqDcCAPwYg/UZva1Q9zYvI/AAAAAAAAA1o/J2vWmA6WaRQ/s1600/field+trip+10.JPG" /></a></div><br />Ellen Stumbohttps://plus.google.com/109179354396197140925noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18580914.post-76824299107830661222013-05-20T13:40:00.002-05:002013-05-20T16:31:37.248-05:00Our First Dance RecitalI have so many pictures to share and all sorts of catching up to do. I will begin with most recent events and work my way back, so bear with me.<br /><br />To start, Ellie had her first ballet recital last Friday. She did amazing! I know I am her mom, and I am most likely biased, but I think she stood out in her dance. She was poised, graceful, and she flowed with the music. This girl has the gift of dance!<br /><br />I was a dancer since I was little. I danced ballet through the Royal Academy of dance, and danced tap, jazz (modern theater), and national dances through the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance. My Junior year in high school after one of my examinations, the examiner offered me a possible slot in one of their companies, she said if I kept it up, she would help me get to England and continue my dancing with them. Then we moved to the US and there was no ISTD studio in our area.<br /><br />To say the least, dancing has been a part of my life for a long time. I teach Zumba (which is close enough for now) but I hope to be involved in dance again.<br /><br />I did not realize how invested I was in dance until Ellie and Nichole began dancing this year. As we got ready for recital, I understood the "parents living through their kids." I could get really caught up in this, so I have to watch out my attitude (because I had a bad attitude most of the year, expecting the same quality and standard I grew up with) and I don't want to take the enjoyment of dance away from Ellie.<br /><br />Ellie was a shining star (I am her mother, what can I say!).<br /><br />My little ballerina!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The studio sent very detailed instructions on how to do makeup. Including what eye shadow color to use, and making a V on the eye corners. Ellie hated the makeup. We did makeup for rehearsal and there were minor tears involved not wanting to do eye liner. This was enough for her to say she did not want to be in dance if she had to do makeup like this. Imagine my surprise when we got to rehersal to find out nobody was making sure that makeup was done properly, and there were several girls that did not follow the "guidelines." I promised her we would go lighter on recital day.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YGYnr79ocF4/UZpmtwxryZI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/K_7ppODtkMk/s1600/dance+recital+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YGYnr79ocF4/UZpmtwxryZI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/K_7ppODtkMk/s1600/dance+recital+1.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The day of the performance with my little ballerina! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1T1Xs5EIojM/UZpnHfFcz3I/AAAAAAAAAyY/L-fKgW4lmxs/s1600/dance+recital+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1T1Xs5EIojM/UZpnHfFcz3I/AAAAAAAAAyY/L-fKgW4lmxs/s1600/dance+recital+2.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We got Ellie flowers and she posed for us after her fabulous performance! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Y2ONDtv_nk/UZpnOJbcetI/AAAAAAAAAyg/r27S84TM4U8/s1600/dance+recital+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Y2ONDtv_nk/UZpnOJbcetI/AAAAAAAAAyg/r27S84TM4U8/s1600/dance+recital+3.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Proud mama and daddy! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-POU4DJT_EsM/UZpniPO6zAI/AAAAAAAAAyo/LEkm_gsTKu0/s1600/dance+recital+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-POU4DJT_EsM/UZpniPO6zAI/AAAAAAAAAyo/LEkm_gsTKu0/s1600/dance+recital+4.JPG" /></a></div><br />I already promised Ellie we won't bother with eye liner next year, I think she might stick with dance then!<br /><br />Ellen Stumbohttps://plus.google.com/109179354396197140925noreply@blogger.com3