Pioneer Day: A Legacy of Faith

Once again, I find myself months behind on updating anything on our family blog.  Each time I sit down to post a thought I find myself overwhelmed because I am so far behind that I don't write anything.  Today, I thought to myself don't catch up....Just Write!  Here it goes....
This past Sunday our sacrament talks were on pioneers.  One of our Sister Missionaries and Brother Plumb spoke.  Both talks were very excellent.  Brother Plumb shared several stories from his pioneer history that were very touching.  Even one of our youth, mentioned she got a little teary eyed.  As I was listening to the pioneer stories, I reflected on my own family history that I had recently learned.  My paternal great great great grandfather, Frederick Iredell Vick, was a Baptist Minister.  It is recorded he baptized 1,015 individuals.  Although, my family was not LDS Pioneers they did leave me with a legacy of faith, a belief in a Heavenly Father, which paved the way for me to listen and accept the Gospel.  My paternal grandparents are such a great example of Christlike individuals.  Their home was my safe haven when life was difficult.  I knew they included me in their prayers every day and that has been a comfort and a blessing to me throughout my life. 
On a side note, the trio had the wonderful opportunity to ride on a float in the North Logan Pioneer Day Parade with the family of the missionary that taught me the Gospel.  They loved every minute of it.  I am grateful for the opportunity that my children are able to spend time with an individual who is an important part of my own personal history. 

 

Arkansas Hands & Voices: Jaxon's story

Arkansas Hands & Voices is a comprehensive group of parents and professionals that work together to benefit children and families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing. ARHV’s goal is to provide Arkansas families with the necessary resources, networking, and information in order to improve communication access and educational outcomes for their children. Our statewide activities, advocacy efforts, and parent/professional collaboration are all focused on enabling our deaf and hard-of-hearing children to reach their fullest potential!

I was asked to be on the board of directors almost a year ago and now have the opportunity to serve as the secretary as well.  This organization has become near and dear to my heart.  We were hesitant to get involved for quite sometime because we felt like  Jaxon  did not "fit" .... because his hearing loss was not "severe".  Although, Jaxon didn’t really "fit"in the hearing world either.  Eventually, we made our way to an Arkansas Hands & Voices activity.  It was a definite blessing to us to have that social support from parents that had children with hearing loss and despite the severity of hearing loss a child has there are still common concerns that we all have as parents.   The knowledge & support the professionals brought to the table was also a great blessing.  We learned very quickly there is rich diversity in the deaf& hard of hearing world and that everyone fits!

Every October ARH&V has their annual fundraiser Tasting at Twilight.  This year they decorated the tables with framed copies of different children’s hearing journey along with a picture.  For those interested here is Jaxon's "hearing" journey!

Jax’s story is a victory for early identification and early intervention.  The first indications that Jaxon might have hearing loss came before he even left the hospital.   His hearing deficits were identified during the newborn hearing screen and after many attempts to get him to sleep through a hearing test – no matter how hard we tried, Jax would always fall asleep on the way to the hospital and then be wide awake and smiley during the hearing tests! – we had a confirmed diagnosis of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. 

Jaxon had his first pair of hearing aides by the time he was four months old.  Thanks to an aggressive approach to early intervention in California, Jaxon was enrolled in the San Diego Unified School District a short time later and soon began receiving in-home (and occasionally at our office, depending on our schedule) speech therapy.    We worried that the move from San Diego to Conway would result in a step backward in his treatment, but were delighted to find an even more committed and caring group of providers in Sharon Ross, Jan Stroud, and others in the Central Arkansas deaf and hard of hearing community.

Jaxon is doing great today.  We recognize how much we owe to the support of the entire community that has supported his growth and development.

A few of the things keeping us busy!

WICKED

Ashlin loves loves the broadway play Wicked. Shawn wanted to surprise her with tickets in Little Rock. Ashlin begged and pleaded for us to take her (very sweetly)! She looked up ticket prices and said she would use her allowance to buy us tickets to go. We told her no and each time we looked forward to the surprise on her face when we showed up to the theatre. Then Dance class came along……her dance company had arranged a dance workshop with a few of the actors as well as the opportunity to meet the actor’s after the performance. There went our surprise……how could you turn that opportunity down. Ashlin went from no tickets in her mind to being able to go to the show twice. It was worth every penny to see her joy in watching the performance.

Ashlin & Glinda

Ashlin & Elphaba

Ashlin & her current Dance Teacher

7^th Annual CHDC Walkathon

We enjoyed another great walk supporting the Conway Human Development Center Walk-a-Thon.  It is one of the highlights of my year.  I love the community spirit felt during the walk and the kindness shown.  In addition, I enjoy the sweet residents coming out to participate in the walk or cheering on the walkers.  The trio found their own sponsors this year.  I was so proud of them.  

 

Stake Mother Daughter Activity

The theme for this year’s activity was  "Come One, Come All to the "County Service Fair"……...County fairs are about celebrating the community based upon Elder Ballard’s talk about the honey bees–“One Drop at a Time”

We had a wonderful time and much service was completed.  

 

4^th Grade Musical

Ashlin had a part as a stick dancer in the 4^th grade musical.  As always, she did a fabulous job.  My heart was full of gratitude watching her perform.  I am so happy she has the knowledge she is a Child of God.  She has the confidence in her self to share her many talents.  I do have to say my heart was just a teeny tiny bit sad this is her last year in elementary school. 

 

Just because I love & adore these faces!

First Day of School: August 19th, 2013

Another school year has arrived. Another date that symbolized the trio are growing up way faster than I'd like. As they are growing up fast.....they are growing up into fine little people. As mentioned many times in the blog, I am truly blessed to be their Mother.

Jaxon: Has Mrs. Harbison this year (Ashlin's kindergarten teacher). We were thrilled. He continues to play piano and he added gymnastics to his schedule this year. He loves reading and will often find a book in his hand he is not playing with his legos. Ashlin: Has Ms. Reinhard this year. We did not know much about her but Ashlin was happy. She was looking forward to the start of school. She made the gifted and talented program this year. She was ecstatic! She continues to play piano. She also dances in an invitational class, which added jazz this year. She is also in Annie and will be playing the orphan Kate. Jeron: Has Ms. Beene this year. He continues to be laid back and loves whatever he is doing. He has made enormous progress in reading already this year. He loves math and continues to bring perfect scores home on his work. He spends time outside of school in gymnastics or playing with his legos. He is also in Annie and has 3 parts: Police officer, Radio Announcer, & Lieutenant Ward.

Locks for Love Again

Ashlin decided that she would like to donate her hair for a second year to Locks for Love. I cant believe what a difference a hair cut makes. She looks so grown up! I wanted to glue her hair back on!

Pictures from last year when she donated her Hair.

A New Journey In Life

As always, I am running behind in the blogging world.  Thanks to the rain we are getting this morning to spend a nice peaceful morning at home.  
Beginning in August, I took a new position, Clinical Instructor in Psychology, at the University of Central Arkansas.  Up until then I worked as the Assistant Director of Disability Support Services and would teach 1 class each semester.  I loved this job because I had the opportunity to work with the student’s who are deaf/hard of hearing.  In a way I felt like I was doing something of Jaxon as well.  This population will always hold special spot in my heart.  There was a very nice offer given to me but in the end I felt like if I was to stay true to my spiritual beliefs I needed to make the choice that would allow me more time with my family.  In addition, professional regrets would not weigh on my heart nearly as heavy as parent regrets. 
This move was definitely bittersweet!!  Once again, I am very thankful for the increased time I now have with my family…. but I also miss the idea that I am opening doors for students that were not open before.  I also miss seeing my coworkers on a regular basis!  We had such a great team that brought many smiles & laughter to my working day.  I shed many tears making this decision along with on my last day in the office.  But as Shawn’s Mom often says in moment’s like this, “it wouldn't be so hard if it had not been so good!”