If this doesn't rip at your heart strings, then I don't know what will. We more often than not get caught up in the things we have and the things we want, forgetting about the things that are needed. I hope this video will inspire everyone to give a little more this year.

Where there is a beginning, there is an end.

This last few weeks have made an amazing impact on so many lives. First and foremost our new President. What an incredible feat. I am so glad to be apart of history. Although I didn't vote for Obama, I am super excited for his Presidency and the future of the United States. President Obama has brought hope for so many people, in so many ways.

Which leads me to Faith.

Faith has just completed her 3 week 6 hour a day intensive therapy program. The program was intense and grueling for both of us. The 1 1/2 drive to and from LA will take a toll on anybody. Then theres listening to your daughter cry non stop for hours on end. And if you think it was bad for me I can't even begin to tell you how Faith felt. But as tough as it was, each day got better and better and Faith got stronger and stronger. She can now bear weight on her legs and is learning to get into a sitting position on her own. Cognitively she has made huge strides. I can't explain it or even pinpoint the exacts, but she looks amazing. This process also taught me patience, strength, and love. It introduced me to people that really care about your child and truly want to make an impact on their lives.

This morning, Poppy (aka Grandpa) said to my husband, "I don't know what they did to Faith down there, but whatever they did she looks amazing. I know the therapy is expensive, but you've gotta find away to get her back there. Sell everything you've got if you have to, just get her back there." Poppy and Faith share a love like no other.

Then this morning I went to a funeral for a friends father. I never met the father and felt a little odd going to a funeral of a person I never met, but what an amazing experience. He was incredible man and loved by so many. So it got me thinking what do you say about loved ones when they pass? What will loved ones say about you? Will you out live everyone of your childhood friends, so that no mention of your childhood will be remember at the funeral? Will the day be a celebration or a day of mourning? Will you be with the lord in heaven or not?

Is the LORD your beginning and your end. I sure hope so.!

FFF-EYES

These eyes will forever capture my heart.

Faith is kicking BUTT

That's right folks, Faith is a Guatemalan @%$ kicker. I wouldn't mess with her. This round of therapy is just what she needed to give her a little extra push. Check out some more therapy pics below.

Who wants to join her future Rock band


Learning to use her legs. I don't think she knew she had legs before this.

Joey needs HELP

For those of you who have never visited my sisters blog I encourage to do so. My sisters 3 yr old son suffers from brain damage. She has spent thousands of dollars in therapy trying to help his quality of life. Her next goal is to take him to China to have stem cell therapy. It is a very costly trip. I know that our economy is in a major rut and to ask you all for donations is a bit risky. I ask that you consider it and if not please make others aware of Joeys need. Check out FIGHTING JOEY

Faith's first week of intensive therapy is complete and she did an awesome job.

As her mother, paying a million dollars for such an intense therapy, I have high HOPES. I'm afraid. I'm afraid that my hopes are TOOOOOO high. You see, when you have a special needs child all you want as a parent is for him/her to be normal. Unfortunately, NORMAL as we see it is not an option. Special needs children are very normal,"THEIR" normal and I'm learning to come to accept and love Faiths normal.

I love my daughter with all my heart, her quirkiness and all. But, I would love for her to be mobile on her own. I want her to sit up on her own, crawl and walk, on her own, and I want it now. My sister told me that her process of growth and development will take patience. I proceeded to tell her that I don't want patience, I want a miraculous recovery. She said "Patience now, miraculous recovery later". And you now what, she couldn't be more right. So I'll be praying for patience.

Some of Faiths weekly accomplishments. Prior to this last week Faith hated when you touched her head. You couldn't comb it, rub it or put a brush in her hair without her freaking out. Now I can do all that and she doesn't make a peep. It is so awesome that I can touch my daughter in a lovingly, motherly way. She is also beginning to bear some weight on her legs and is learning how to get into a sitting position on her home.

One week down and two to go.

I need to give a shout out to Loulou creations for the wonderful clothes she has made for Faith. We love them. Check out Faith in her outfits.




Thank you to all my friends, family and blogger buddies for you continuous prayers and support.

A day in the life of THERAPY

Tomatis therapy

Learning to stand

Wearing her suit (hence NEURO SUIT)

Sand Bagged
Don't let looks fool you, she cries 75% of the time.

I woke before the sun

I woke up this morning before the sun rose, before the busyness of the day began, even before the birds began to chirp. I rustled around the house preparing kids lunches, packing up the car, organizing for what lied ahead. You see, yesterday was the beginning of something new, and today was just a continuation of that. I was preparing for a pretty tough day. A day filled with much crying, exhaustion and amazing growth. All of my preparations is for my beautiful Faith.

I started Faith on a 6 hour a day, 5 days a week, for 3 weeks, intensive therapy program. She is doing Neuro suit therapy and Tomatis (listening therapy). She hates to be touched and manipulated, and these therapies consist of all that. She cries for hours on end and as much as I want to swept her up in my arms and comfort her, I know that what she is going through is doing her body and mind wonders.

Meanwhile, on the home front, Jayme is waking with the kids in the morning and taking them to school. Our amazing nanny is taking the afternoon shift and helping out until the evening. I arrive home around 3:00 and am pretty wiped out.

I ask that you pray for Faith on her new journey and send prayers to my husband and children as these therapies will take time away from them.

Pictures to follow in a few days

FFF-Best/Favorite Photo of 2008

This is one of my favorite photos of the year. Faith was just beginning to sit on her own and when I looked through the camera I saw her looking back for the first time. This picture marked the beginning of many first for Faith.