It is time we SPREAD THE WORD TO END THE WORD!

March 31, 2009 is a national day of awareness for America to stop and think about their use of the R-word. That R-word is not “recession,” but something more hurtful and painful – “retard.” Most people don’t think of this word as hate speech, but that’s exactly what it feels like to millions of people with intellectual disabilities, their families and their friends.

This word is just as cruel and offensive as any other slur.

Visit www.r-word.org to learn more and pledge to help make a difference.

 Next time you catch yourself saying something or someone is "retarded" just remember Luke.

Luke has an intellectual disability which in past years was called mentally retarded. Our family has a good attitude about it but it doesn't make it any less hurtful when "retarded" is thrown around as a derogatory term. Personally I see nothing derogatory about Luke. He is a special blessing sent to us. Hopefully to all of our friends and family who read our blog you will be more aware of the way you use the "r-word". Thank you!

Lizzie.....

The sidewalk high fived Lizzie's face!

I told her next time she is running at warp speed and trips she should use her hands to break her fall not her FACE!!!

Another Crazy Party!

No School + Twilight dvd release + obsessed with Edward type friends= One more reason to PARTY!! We had so much food! We had so much fun! I made a cake to celebrate. Lizzie told me to put bats on it since the movie was about Vampires. I told her these Vampires didn't turn into bats. It is about a girl who loves a Vampire. She said " It's about LOOOOVVVEEEE!" as she put her hands under her chin and fluttered her eyelashes! Silly Girl.

Oh yeah I made the cake a RED VELVET cake! So it looked like BLOOD!
So thanks Amy and Danielle and Stephanie it was so much fun!!!

Lizzie's Rock Program...

The Second Grade put on their annual program. This year it was all about rocks. Lizzie really did a great job. She sang with all her heart.

This is a picture of Lizzie before the program started. She was doing Yoga to help her relax. It is almost like a where's Waldo. If you can find her you get the reward of knowing you have eagle eyes! Sorry I am out of gold stars!

This is a short video of Lizzie being the river! It's another Where's Lizzie?

Seriously the guy in front of me was driving me crazy! He was worse than his toddler. I almost told him that if he sat still for the rest of the program I would buy him a treat!

The Hawkleys Came for a Visit!!

We were so happy the Hawkleys came to visit us! Ok so what if I am a really late posting about it! Since we are not near anything and you really don't come thru here to get to anywhere it was really great they came out of the way to see us! I did not take any pictures. Sorry I just didn't think about it. Wade was still recovering and on his Lortab high. Lizzie was mad that I made them do extra chores to get ready for the Hawkleys. She said she knew why we cleaned the house before company comes. So that they can say "Wow you have a really clean house!" Just in case you didn't know. Make sure you say that anytime you stay with someone I know they will appreciate it! Thank you to Tyson who made a fabulous salad! Who knew that lemon and salt could taste so good! That is all Lizzie wants on her salad now! We loved having the Hawkleys here! Come back soon! Next time I promise I won't burn the bacon! And I will take at least one picture!

Amen Sista!

It is always fun when Wade surfs YouTube! And she is soooo right!

My Husband the GENIUS!!!!

Here are the videos of Luke at his talent show! Wade turned them!! What a Genius!

Wade update.....

He is DRIVING ME CRAZY! Only a little bit. 

So on Monday, for those of you who don't know, he had his tonsils and dangly thing taken out. He also had a part of his nose broken to give him bigger nasal passages. (FYI all the medical terms I use are all very technical!) He has been in a lot of pain and is enjoying the liquid Lortab that was prescribed. We are waiting for the scabs to fall off his throat so that he can be in MORE pain. Then once that starts to heal his nose is going to start hurting. (that is what they told us.) Isn't Wade so LUCKY?

I think he is starting to get better. He is complaining about eating too many sweet things. So on Thursday he asked for some fries. I got him a Happy Meal. He was able to eat it all. And really I think all the good nutrition that he got by eating that is going to help him feel better! (if you didn't know that was me being sarcastic!) So I think we are on the road to recovery. It is a lot slower than he thought it would be. And I have already had enough of being nurse. Wade doesn't deal with pain very well and he gets worse the longer he has to deal with it. Which makes makes it harder for me as well. Can you tell?

He is doing better. Thank you for all the support and prayers that you have offered. Now if you could pray that I can get through his recovery that would be great! 

I did take some pre and post surgery pictures on my phone at the hospital and as soon as I get those off they are totally getting posted! I do have to say that I am glad there was no external bruising for Wade, at the same time I wish there was so we could make up some wild story about how he got it! Oh well maybe I could punch him later! (Just kidding! Gosh, I wouldn't do that!)

Crazy Hair Day

It was Crazy Hair Day at the elementary school once again. Here is what we came up with for Lizzie:

The picture doesn't really do it justice. She really belongs in Whoville!!

This Week....

Let me just say that this week has been a roller coaster! I won't go into all the gory details. You can thank me later for sparing you! Not to mention I have been sick which makes everything seem worse, bigger, more stressful than it has to be. Wade is having surgery on Monday for his sleep apnea and breathing problems. Which is good and a little stressful. Ok who am I kidding a lot stressful. Why does everything happen all at once? Oh well maybe we will catch a breather in a couple of weeks!

Luke's Talent Show

Luke's School had a talent show last week. Luke sang Peanut Butter and Jelly by Inside Out. He did so good! His class sang My Country Tis of Thee (why does that look weird?) and they read quotes by Abraham Lincoln. They all did such a good job! I did take a video of Luke and I will post it just as soon as Wade can figure out how to turn it. That is why cameras should not take pictures and video! I always turn the camera!!! Anyway Luke did so awesome. He was so excited!! He even wore his church clothes just so he would look his best. I think I have the coolest son!

Luke's Class singing.

The little girl at the microphone is Taylor. She is one of Luke's best friends at school. He is always protective of her. He always calls her Taylor, Taylor Davenport. Funny kid!