Freedom is awesome... (gait trainer 2)

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

The song is one we sing all the time in our family. It is so sweet!! It is based on a Sandra Boynton book, and sung by Davy Jones, of The Monkees. I love Davy!

Freedom!!!!!

Josh, loving his new gait trainer!

For: Special Exposure Wednesday.

Love one another,
Yvonne

New gait trainer (gait trainer 1)

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Joshua trying out his new Kidwalk, at PT, for the first time. I think it's going to be a great fit for him!

FAST hosts "An Evening With the Stars"!

News source

Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics website here.

October 2, 2009

FAST, The Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics, will host an “Evening with the Stars” on Saturday, December 5, to benefit research toward a cure for the rare neurological disorder, Angelman Syndrome (AS).

Gala attendees are set to include actor and Golden Globe Winner Colin Farrell and singer/songwriter Regie Hamm, both of whom have been touched by AS through the diagnoses of their children. Hamm, who won the 2008 American Idol Songwriter competition, will also perform his hit, “Time of My Life,” which became a smash hit single for Idol winner David Cook.

An evening of fun and entertainment, attendees will enjoy a cocktail reception, four-course dinner, dancing and silent auction; sponsored in part by FAST corporate sponsors LexisNexis and Innovative Mag-Drive. The proceeds raised throughout the night will be donated for research dedicated to finding a cure for Angelmen Syndrome, a disorder that is often misdiagnosed as autism, cerebral palsy and/or mental retardation.

“We are excited about the progress we’ve made in helping to find a cure for Angelman Syndrome,” said Paula Evans, founder and chairperson of FAST. “Because this disease is so often misdiagnosed, it’s important for us to raise awareness and funds to continue the great strides we’ve already achieved. We hope to surpass last year’s success with yet another fantastic evening.”

“The families involved with FAST have created a strong support network while tirelessly assisting those dedicated to finding a cure. I’m extremely proud to support such an inspiring organization,” said Farrell.

FAST will kick-off the evening at 6:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Chicago located at 151 East Wacker Drive in Chicago. Individual tickets are $150 or a table for ten can be purchased for $1,500. For more information or to purchase tickets, corporate sponsorships or program advertising, please visit www.CureAngelman.org.

Family bowling night was a blast!!

This was Joshua's second time to go bowling, and he definitely knew what to do this time! As soon as I got him out of his wheelchair, he started heading towards where the balls are! He has a definite preference for pink bowling balls, which is funny, because he doesn't show this preference for pink anywhere else.

We went out to eat before bowling and I got the BEST shot of Joshua and his Daddy, Kevin.




Hopefully there will be LOTS of bowling in our future with both of our kiddos!

"HAAAAAAAAAH"!!!

Joshua said hi to someone yesterday!

Joshua, Caylee and I were taking a walk yesterday. We were all enjoying the beautiful weather we have been blessed with lately. I saw a couple walking toward us, and I said to Joshua 'Joshua, say hi the people walking', and when they got closer to us he said 'HAAAAAAH' to them!!!!! It was so cool! I have not ever thought to say that to him before, and I am so glad that I did!

He was so happy also, because the couple looked at him, and smiled and said 'hi' back! So cool!!

Joshua never fails to surprise me!!! Way to go Pooh Bear!!!

Offense Taken!

Exceptional Parent Magazine

Check out the digital version of Exceptional Parent Magazine. It has so many great articles for parents of children with an array of disabilities.

If you are out of the country, United States, it is delivered in a digital format, no shipping charges!!

Hibiscus tea and Chia seeds...

I was recently introduced to hibiscus tea, and really love it. I found a good site to order it; organic and bulk: Edible Nature. I also found organic bulk Chia seeds from them.

I was interested in finding out what sort of health benefits hibiscus tea has and found out that it has been known to reduce blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and is very high is vitamin C. All good stuff! I, fortunately, don't have to worry about blood pressure or cholesterol, my blood pressure is usually too low!

Take a look at the link above for chia seed health! It's a power packed little seed, that can replace flax in any recipe and it does not need to be ground. Dr. Weil has an article about it in Prevention magazine. I have a raw chocolate dessert recipe book that has quite a few recipes in it that include the healthy chia seed. I love healthy chocolate!!

Enjoy reading the links...

Just throwing in this vitamin chart I find helpful!

Everyone, and I mean everyone, should read this!

Outing the Prejudice: Making the least dangerous assumption
By Zach Rossetti and Carol Tashie

People with disabilities are people first. Because of the presence of a disability, a person may act, get around, look, dance, smile, read, learn, show what she knows, or communicate differently. The key here is that this is a difference and not a deficiency. As humans, we are all alike only in that we are all different. The fact that society tends to create a hierarchy of these differences, by labeling some of them deficiencies, is a manifestation of an out-dated paradigm plagued by prejudice. This inherent prejudice against people with disabilities means that some differences will be defined as deficiencies and looked down upon by all of those “higher up” on the social ladder.

What makes this even worse is that most people do not even recognize this prejudice. It is disguised as compassion and justified as “help.” The segregation of people with disabilities into “special” classrooms and separate lives is justified by this paradigm of deficiency. Too many people continue to believe that, “since they do not look or act like us, they must not be as good as us.” This way of thinking needs to be outed, challenged, and changed in order for all people to be valued just as they are.

Anne Donnellan, in her book Movement Differences and Diversity in Autism- Mental Retardation: Appreciations and Accommodations People With Communications and Behavior Challenges (1994), identified why this old paradigm was not sufficient and needs to be replaced by a more humanistic and respectful one. The key to the new paradigm is the concept of the “Least Dangerous Assumption.”

“Least dangerous assumption” states that in the absence of absolute evidence, it is essential to make the assumption that, if proven to be false, would be least dangerous to the individual. She continues by explaining that the “absence of evidence can never be absolute evidence of absence,” and as such, it is always safest and most respectful to make the “least dangerous assumption.”

Consider it this way. If I were to go fishing for a week and not catch anyfish, there would be two assumptions that could be made. First, I could say “there are no fish in the lake since I did not catch any, and I know what I am doing.” Or, second, I could say simply that “I did not catch any fish that week, and I will keep on trying.” The first assumption seems rather arrogant, while the second one is more realistic and respectful. (There is a third assumption that I could make which would be that I am not a good fisherman, but we won’t go there).The same holds true for students with disabilities. Imagine a child who does not talk with the spoken word and moves around using a wheelchair. Her teachers have worked with her for a month and have not yet seen any evidence of what she understands. In fact, they wonder if she knows or is aware of anything at all. These teachers can make one of two assumptions. They can assume that “what you see is what you get” and that this child does not know anything, that her brain is as empty as that lake. As such, they can educate her in a way that reflects those assumptions (perhaps segregated classes or regular classes with low or no expectations). Now imagine her as she graduates and uses a communication device to say, “Why did you treat me so poorly?”. I am smart and you wasted twelve years of my life!” A very dangerous assumption was made, with results that none of us would desire.

Now, consider the second assumption. These same teachers can recognize that her movement differences are differences and not deficiencies. They can assume that she knows lots and just isn’t currently able to show what she knows. Her brain is as full of knowledge and potential as that lake is of fish, but they just have not been able to reel anything in yet. As such, her schooling would reflect these high expectations and she would be considered and respected as a valued member of her school and classes. Now again, imagine her twelve years later at graduation, using her communication device to say, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of my teachers who believed in me and made me feel as if I truly belonged and treated me like all of my classmates.” This is the least dangerous assumption, one that results in a young woman who can celebrate her full and fulfilling life.

But consider a third scenario as well. What if we never come up with a way for this young woman to communicate her intelligence? What if, after twelve years as a valued and respected student in all general education classes, we still do not know exactly what she has learned and knows? What harm was done? What was lost? Nothing. And that truly is the least dangerous assumption.

Understanding the concept of “least dangerous assumption” and acting on it are two different things. The idea of considering all people as capable and intelligent may not come naturally to some people due to the influence of society’s prejudices against people with disabilities. Most well intentioned adults and professionals have been taught to believe in the out-dated paradigm and, therefore, may make very dangerous assumptions about students with disabilities. Many people’s first impressions of people with disabilities are tainted by years of societal prejudice and media portrayals of what is enviable and worthwhile. While the power of these experiences is strong, we can no longer allow this to serve as a justification for the perpetuation of the prejudices against students or adults with disabilities.

The question we should all be asking ourselves is: “Do you really believe that the individual with disabilities is a valued and competent and unique person?” Think long and hard about that question. If you cannot honestly answer “yes,” then the next question is simply, “Why?” Think about your beliefs, your experiences, and the prejudice you have

been taught. Ask yourself how you can change those dangerous assumptions and mindsets. Talk with people who are friends, parents, siblings, lovers, and colleagues of people with disabilities. Listen to people who have been segregated or devalued because of the way they look or move or communicate. Learn everything you can about the many ways people communicate and get around and show us who they are and what they know. Introduce yourself to people who had labels of mental retardation while in school, who now are able to communicate their thoughts and feelings and tell us all, loud and clear, “I am intelligent!” Recognize your prejudices and work through them. It will not be as difficult as it first seems. And you will never again make assumptions about people that result in the loss of opportunity, experience, or respect.

All people are people first. Everyone belongs to this wonderful life. No one should have to conform to someone else’s standards before they are told that they are “good.” We all belong. We all have strengths and weaknesses and our own individual potential to be great people and to live the lives we want. We can all lead happy and fulfilling lives, supported by those around us to be successful adults. It is up to all of us to examine our own core beliefs and to spread the word of the least dangerous assumption. We can no longer allow the justification of a prejudice that is so dangerous. Now is definitely the time to believe that all people are valued individuals with limitless potential. Keep on fishing - the lake is overflowing!!!!

Rossetti, Z. & Tashie, C.

University of New Hampshire
Institute on Disability

10 Ferry Street, #14

Concord. NH 03301

http://www.iod.unh.edu

Taken from this website:
http://www.inclusive-solutions.com/leastdangerousassumption.asp

I cannot tell you how moving this is to me, to read this, and to hope for a world where everyone treats people with disabilities in this way!!!!

Love one another!~

Nick Vujicic...

Nick Vujicic beautiful...VERVE.

This is the new dvd that he has out and it looks amazing. I also searched through the videos section of the website and watched many of them, and they are all amazing. This one has to be my FAVORITE though!!! What do you think?

Love one another!~

Caylee passed her purple best test!

Enjoy these video highlights of Caylee's purple best test today for Tong Il Lo. She did FANTASTIC!!! I am feeling more and more confident she can take care of herself all the time. Watch out to any boys who may get too fresh! LOL!

Congratulations Baby Girl! I am sooooooo proud of you, and your perseverance and dedication!!!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Caylee and Sam's Magic Quest...

This is a game for the kids to do at the Great Wolf Lodge; right up Sam's alley! He liked this much more than the water park I think. What kid doesn't want a magic wand that they can wave at things and they respond?!? They get to feel like Harry Potter for the day, it's really cool!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

LOVE this face!

 

Having a BLAST!

 

I hope you can all see Joshua's face in this picture, it's awesome! (click the pic and it gets much bigger) We were so thrilled that he LOVED this ride and we didn't traumatize him taking him down. LOL! We are going back for more today, and I'll have lots more pictures and videos too I hope. We are ALL having a blast, but I think Josh thinks he has died and gone to HEAVEN! This is definitely his DREAM vacation.

Crazy Sexy Life

A new blog/website by Kris Karr, "best-selling author, filmmaker, and motivational speaker. She is the subject of the inspirational documentary,Crazy Sexy, Cancer, which she wrote and directed for TLC and Discovery Health".

Crazysexylife.com is a supercharged health hub filled with compassion, knowledge, and an anything-is-possible spirit. Our righteous mission is to bring together amazing resources and cutting edge experts in one easy to navigate hot spot. Each time you visit you’ll be greeted by Kris’ latest blog or by one of her righteous Blog Posse members or guests.

Check out these videos:


Crazy Sexy Cancer promo from Crazy Sexy Life on Vimeo.


TV appearances '07 from Crazy Sexy Life on Vimeo.


Welcome to CSL! from Crazy Sexy Life on Vimeo.

Healthy benefits of a couple of favorite spices of mine...

Stolen, from my friend Jennifer. Thanks for posting Jen!

Turmeric, we love to put turmeric in eggs over here, it is so yummy.

Cinnamon, we LOVE cinnamon in just about everything, even our smoothies and homemade salad dressing! Some fun facts about cinnamon.

Gymnastics

 



Joshua is loving gymnastics. I am loving watching him do it! Every week, his strength and flexibility improve. His coach, Coach Denise, is FABULOUS. I love that she is so sweet, loving, encouraging, and fully expects Joshua to understand her and to JUST DO IT! It's pretty awesome to watch them work together!

The JOY of flying!

Joshua got a chance to go up in a small airplane a few weeks ago, through a program called Challenge Air. It's a program for kids with special needs, if you know of or have a child with special needs, check it out, it's free and a wonderfully fun time!! Joshua would go up every day if he could, he just loved it. Watch his face closely in the video, it's difficult to hear his squeals of joy over the plane's engine, but I don't think his smile could have gotten any bigger, or his eyes! LOL! It was so awesome to be able to do this with him, Kevin and I loved seeing his reaction, and it was Dad's first time up in a small plane so he was in heaven also. :-)

Love David Cook....

This is so important to watch!

LOVE his sentiments!!!!

"It defies rational thought why you would pick on that group"

He is speaking of millions of people in this world with intellectual disabilities. Don't be a coward, spread the word to end the R word!!!! There is never a nice way to use it!

Ta da!

I wouldn't normally be showing off my tummy in a blog post, but I'm just so excited about this I couldn't help myself! Two weeks ago, I was shimmying into these jeans and then do all the crazy stretching poses to stretch them out after they were actually on! The raw food diet is amazing. I have had this extra weight that I have done everything to get rid of for years, but nothing has worked, and now voila'!



Exciting times!

Smoothies...

I am beginning the Green Smoothie Queen 7 Day Challenge tomorrow. Click to check it out.

I made my favorite one yet tonight. I threw into my vitamix:
2 frozen bananas
about 1/2 frozen blueberries
1 and 1/2 cups of fresh raw spinach
1/2 cup fresh cilantro
1 inch piece of peeled ginger
tablespoon of agave
10 ounces of water

WOW! It was awesome and one I'll definitely be having over and over again. It sounds so weird if you've never tried it before, but man, it's crazy good! :-)

YUMMY raw candy!

I have made this a few times now. One time I used Sun Butter another time peanut butter and tonight homemade almond butter, it's ALL good. :-)

This is a recipe that I found in Alyssa Cohen's book Living on Live Food, which I highly recommend! She called them Almond Butter Balls, and didn't roll them in the extra nuts, but I like them better my way. :-)

Sun Butter Balls

1/2 cup of sun butter

1/4 cup sunflower seeds (to hold aside)

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1/2 cup of raisins

1/2 cup of honey or agave

Grind 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds in food processor and set aside in small bowl.

Grind sunflower seeds in food processor until fine and add raisins, add to a bowl with honey and sun butter and mix well.

Roll mixture into balls and then roll into the extra bowl of sunflower seeds to coat.

Put in refrigerator to keep, much better to eat after they are firm!

I also added dates to my last batch! YUMMO! Everyone loved these, Caylee said they were spectacular and tasted like eating raw cookie dough. Who doesn't like that? :-)

Eating a raw vegan diet..

I am on a 30 day cleanse right now, which consists of eating a 100% pure raw vegan diet. Today is day 8 and I feel really wonderful!

I was actually only planning to do it for a week, but I feel so good, and it's so easy for me that I am going to go all the way to 30 days. I am sitting here right now, in heaven, eating organic medjool dates. Oh, they just like eating a wonderful sweet covered in brown sugar. Yummy. I close my eyes and chew and sigh contentedly. Ahhh...

As the week has gone on, and I have felt better and gotten past all of the detoxification symptoms, I have realized that I can easily eat this way for the long haul and be perfectly content. After the 30 days, I may start to add in some cooked grains like millet and quinoa, my two favorites.

I realized yesterday that if I wasn't already used to being on a gluten and dairy free diet, that this would be quite a bit more difficult to adjust to. I mean that in terms of "self denial". I am already used to going to events or people's houses that have nothing that I can eat, because they have foods with gluten or dairy in them. I have never even felt like I fit in with the gluten free/celiac crowd because of my dairy intolerance. In the beginning it was really difficult, because food is something that I have never deprived myself of, and honestly was quite the glutton for certain foods, like sweets. Realizing that I could not tolerate gluten, and the fact that it did make me learn "self denial" is probably one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I no longer have any longings for foods that I can't eat. I can go to any event where people are eating things that I can't tolerate, and it truly doesn't bother me in the least. That is such freeing feeling really! For me, anyhow.

I used to be ruled by my stomach. I couldn't pass Sonic without needing french fries or a small cheeseburger. Now, I pass every restaurant without even thinking of food. Like I said, it is liberating, to not be a slave to my stomach.

I have been reading raw "foodies" blogs, and message boards, websites, and books recently, just taking in all that I can. If you are interested I have a raw blog list in the sidebar, under the angel friends list.

Love one another!~Yvonne

House selling...

Our house has been on the market for three weeks now, yet we have not even had one call with anyone wanting to look at it. It's getting more and more difficult to keep up the perfect look of the house, when I feel I am working myself so hard for nothing. It looks nice, and we all enjoy it looking so orderly, but it's a full time job. I am spoiled I suppose, used to playing more with Josh, reading...and while I could technically still do those things, I find that I have only so much room in my mind and it's now consumed with other things. I am too much of a tunnel vision type I suppose. It's been stressing me out.

Today though, I made up my mind to do a yoga dvd that I enjoy, and it really made a difference. I am very glad that I did it, I feel much less jittery, and able to think more clearly. It's been a long time since I have taken that time to care for myself in that way. I am very thankful that I did take that time out to do it today. I will definitely be trying to do more of it.

We have a contingency contract on a house that we like right now. I do hope that we soon have a buyer for our house and that we are not wasting this other couple's time, keeping them tied up in a contract with us. I am trying very hard to keep positive and remember that the Lord is in control of it all, and not feel badly for it.

Company is here, have to run!

My BABY boy is 5 years old today!

I am feeling very, very blessed and grateful tonight. My Joshua is 5 years old today. I thought that since most of you have never seen a picture of Josh when he was a baby, I would post this one. His foster dad, Terry, sent this to me, and I just treasure it!! I never got to see Joshua this little, as he was 18 months old when I met him and brought him home. He is just as beautiful as a baby as he is now...those eyes, that smile!!! He just melts my heart COMPLETELY! He is such a huge blessing to us, I thank God for him every day, but have especially been refecting on it today, that his birthmom was giving birth to our baby boy 5 years ago today. WOW!!!! God is AWESOME!

Josh looking at his calendar of friends...

Joshua loves to look at the Angelman Calendar, so I put all the pages from last year's calendar in page protectors, and a binder, and he LOVES it! It's now his own special book, and he will look through it with me for a very long time. I got this video of him...

Caylee's video of Josh...

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