Maddie

Matt's Valentine Party

2010-02-14T18:54:00.000-08:00

We had a nice evening at Uncle Matt's house. Of course there was Rockband and a fun game called Apples to Apples. Really enjoyed getting out. We took some dorky "prom pose" pics just for fun and he demonstrated how to use his new snuggie Kasey bought for him. Fun Times!!!!

Happy Valentine's Day 2010

2010-02-14T09:35:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful to everyone who follows our blog. Sorry I haven't kept it as up to date as I would like. Hopefully 2010 will be more normal and I can keep pictures current. Thanks for being interested in out little family! I love this little girl so much my heart just overflows!

Out of Sequence

2010-02-14T03:35:00.000-08:00

This wonderful picture was taken at Christmastime in Memphis. This is my cousin Emily and her daughter Amelia (left) and my cousin Sara and her daughter Ella (right). I really love this picture and had to post it! All 6 Nokes girls!!!!!

My Sweet Valentine 2010

2010-02-14T03:30:00.000-08:00

Madeline had her school Valentine's Day Party this past week. It is a big deal in schools now. I would have to say the Valentines Day party is bigger than Christmas! She new I was coming to the party but we surprised her with GiGi coming too! It was a fun party!!!!!

Chris and I

2010-02-14T03:19:00.000-08:00

My sweet brother and his girlfriend babysit for Chris and I from time to time so we can have very much needed date nights. They watched Madeline for us Friday night so we could go celebrate Valentines Day. We had a great dinner and it was nice for the both of us. Thanks Matt and Kasey!!! And we don't feel guilty because Madeline loves it when Matt and Kasey come over! Its a win win!!!!

So Many Snowdays!!!!

2010-02-14T03:13:00.000-08:00

Jonesboro has been a bit of a "winter blizzard"! We have gotten 3 rounds of snow and lots of snow days. They have been fun but mama is ready for routine again. Here are some pics of the second snow, which was the biggest and best. BTW- That is a weenie dog snowdog, which was a really hard dog to make!

Ballet Promotion

2010-02-14T03:05:00.000-08:00

Madeline started back to ballet in January. She decided she likes ballet more than tap....and wants to be in the Nutcracker someday. We were told at the end of last ballet season she would need to repeat stepping stones ballet before progressing on to beginning ballet. But on our first day back this semester, she was PROMOTED to beginning ballet! She was very excited to say the least. Now she is in the "BIG GIRLS" class. I hope she really enjoys it and it is something she sticks with. She was also very happy to find out she will now be in the same class as her friend Lexi. They are a pair!!!!! Now I cant wait for the recital in May!

1 year Anniversary

2010-01-07T08:04:00.000-08:00

Well,
Today January 7, 2010 marks my 1 year annivesary of when kidney failure began. Since last year life has changed in so many ways. Some good and some terrible. Today is a spooky day because I am thinking back to how I felt last year and wondering how I made it through. Well, I know that answer. God. That is why I am still here. I pray all of the time to please let me see my daughter grow up. I know he won't let me down!

HUS, PD, clinic, renal diet, phosphorus binders, blood pressure, doctors visits, shots, labs, fluid restriction, pills, pills and more pills are now, just a way of life. Almost cant imagine life before.....well yes I can. And I know someday I will live that life again!

Since aHus became an unwelcomed member of my life, lots of good things have happened. First of all I have become closer to God. He has always been in my life but now I lean on him more than ever. I am reassureed everyday of my life how lucky I am to have Chris as my husband. He really spoils me. He helps carry all of my PD solution at night and sets my machine up for me. All I have to do is connect. Sure, I can do it myself, but there is something about him doing it that makes me feel more normal....I dont know why? I love him so much. I also appreciate Madeline more than ever. I try to soak up as much of her love as I can. And try even harder to be the best mom I can be. She is my rock. I have realized what a lucky and blessed girl I am to work for Sensational Kids. They have stood beside me every second of this year. I could not ask for better collegues. My family has been very supportive in so many ways...too many to list because I will leave someone out on accident.....and we know how that goes! LOL!!!! I have an amazing network of friends and family who took me to dialysis every single time I had to do hemo. I never sat alone in that chair. I have a loving church family and more friends than one person deserves. People from all over have reached out to help me and my family. I have met others with HUS and have developed some special friendships with them. I wish we could have met under different circumstances, but I love them and they are wonderful people. My sweet girl started Pre K, ballet and tap this year. She is growing up too fast. We got another dachshund to add to the family, Mr. Gus. Gracie and Gabbie have adjusted well. I have one sibling named Matt. We have become very close this year. We were close before, but we have a bond now that I dont think I would trade for a kidney. He is donating his kidney to me if they ever figure out a way to do it with me and my HUS situation. He always makes me laugh and is always there for me. Kidney or no kidney he will always be one of my heros. The other hero in my life is Chris. He has had to do things for me, that no husband should ever be required to do. He made sure I was getting good medical care when I couldn't help myself and has taken great care of Madeline when I was sick. He is a wonderful husband, father and best friend.

Chris and I ended 2009, which I was glad to see end, by making the long trip to the Mayo Clinic. We learned alot about my HUS and possibilities for the future. We made a vacation out of it too. We spent a few days in Chicago where he surprised me with tickets to the Joffrey Ballet to see the Nutcracker. We went to art museums and galleries in Chicago. Once we made it to MN, we went to see the bodies exhibit, Mall of America snd we went ice skating.....(bad idea with low platelets....but still fun!!!)

Just reflecting back on 2009 brings back bad memories but I think my good memories totally outweigh the bad. I am so thankful to Barnes Jewish hospital in STL, who saved my life.....twice. Anyway, I pray 2010 has even more positive memories and that medicine and science makes some breakthoughs in aHUS. God Bless

Update

2009-11-23T04:26:00.000-08:00

I haven't updated in forever. I guess that's good bc things have been stable. I feel like a new person. The home dialysis is working great for me. I really have nothing to complain about. I did find out that my hospital in STL doesn't feel comfortable at this time doing a kidney transplant. That was a let down but I am dealing with it. Life on PD (home dialysis) is not too bad. They did, however, refer me to the Mayo clinic. SO soon I will be Minnesota bound to see what they have to say. I am cautiously optimistic and know whatever happens, God has a plan! Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I have SO much to be thankful for this year......and the day after Thanksgiving, my baby turns 4!!!!!! Where does the time go?

Meet Oscar "Gus" Ziegler

2009-09-20T18:42:00.000-07:00

More News......

2009-09-20T18:00:00.000-07:00

I havent blogged in a while. Life has been so busy. We got a new puppy, made trips to STL, Madeline got glasses, she started Pre K, I started peritoneal dialysis, Madeline started tap/jazz class, I cant drive because of three grand mal (tonic clonic) seizures, joined our church St. Paul Methodist,became addicted to Rockband, learning to play a dulcimer, working 4 hours a week, kickball is starting, trying to become an advocate for kidney patients, staying healthy and trying to get a kidney transplant. And trying to be a good wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, niece, cousin, occupational therapist and patient. I got some discouraging news this week. Barnes will not be able to give me a kidney transplant. I am too risky and have an 80-100% chance the HUS will come back of they operate. Which would immediately kill a new kidney. They have refereed me to the Mayo clinic. The Mayo clinic has a study going on with the drug solaris that has been successful in other HUS cases. I believe God took me out of fabulous hands (Barnes) and is placing me in an even better place (Mayo). They are my last chance for a transplant unless medicine makes some breakthroughs. I believe God can do anything though. He could lay his hands on me this very moments and make my kidneys flow. So, I am not giving up. And the few times I want to, Chris is pushing me on to keep fighting. SO I will. And someday this will all make perfect sense.

Good News

2009-07-06T10:53:00.001-07:00

I got some wonderful news last week. I found out my mom, dad and brother are all matches to be a kidney donor. Mom and Dad had 4/6 markers and Matt was 5/6. Markers are variables they use to see who is a better match. I am SO blessed to have 3 good matches. After finding this out, I had to make the hardest decision of my life. Who to pick??? After praying, soul searching, and asking my friends and family their opinions over and over and over I decided on Matt. He has told me from day one he would donate his kidney to me. So really all along I knew it would be him. I would have never dreamed that I would be so blessed with 3 potential kidneys!I am grateful to all of my family members who got tested for me (mom, dad, matt and chris)and to everyone else who was willing. I am forever grateful for my brother. He is so generous and selfless. He so graciously will give me one of kidneys with no second thoughts. I don't know how I will ever repay him. I am so full of excitement and joy knowing that this nightmare will soon be over. And just like Matt said, my family can be normal again. God bless him!

Beauty and the Beast

2009-07-06T09:20:00.000-07:00

2 days after seeing the Little Mermaid, we had tickets to Beauty and the Beast. Uncle Matt went with us. She did not enjoy this performance very much. From the beginning she was scared of the Beast. And in one scene "wolves" cam crawling through the audience and one grabbe Uncle Matt's leg. That was it for her. So we had to leave early. Needless to say, NO character pictures this time!

The Little Mermaid

2009-07-06T09:15:00.000-07:00

Madeline really enjoyed the Little Mermaid play put on at ASU. She even took her picture with Aerial...which really surprised me. Normally she won't go close to characters.

Swimming at PaPa and GiGi's House

2009-07-06T09:10:00.001-07:00

A Fun Day in the Sun

2009-07-06T09:07:00.000-07:00

The Girls

2009-07-06T09:05:00.001-07:00

Just a cute picture of Gracie and Gabbie

Members

2009-06-04T15:06:00.001-07:00

We are so excited that we joined St. Paul United Methodist Church on Sunday May 31, 2009. They are such a wonderful church family and everyone has been so welcoming to us. We will always remember that we joined on Pentecostal Sunday. What a wonderful day!

The Neighborhood Girls

2009-05-14T18:16:00.001-07:00

Todays Project

2009-05-14T18:11:00.000-07:00

Since I have been sick and Madeline quit going to daycare we try to do a project at least every other day. Today we did 2 projects. She painted a canvas and a plate. She loves art!

My Mini Monet!

2009-05-14T12:37:00.001-07:00

One of Madeline's favorite things to do these days is go to Hobby Lobby (her fave store) and but a canvas and paint. She loves to paint on them. She does a really good job too. These are some samples of her work.

My Sweet Cousin Sara

2009-05-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

My sweet cousin Sara and her family came to see me on Mothers Day. I felt horrible when I woke up that morning but when I found out she was coming to see me, I cheered right up. We had a really good visit. She has a precious daughter named Ella. Madeline had difficulties sharing her toys but we are working on that. I got to see her husband and my Uncle Dick too! It was a really good time! Thanks for coming to see me!!!!

New Music

2009-05-11T07:20:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed I have added lots of new songs to my playlist. My blog is intended mostly for Madeline but some of the new songs are not about Madeline. All of these songs have meaning. Some remind me of Chris, my brother, my dad and mom. I just felt like I should add some other memories to the blog. Hope you enjoy my eclectic music choices.

2009-05-11T03:39:00.000-07:00

My Flower Blooming

2009-05-10T09:13:00.000-07:00

Spring Showcase 2009

2009-05-09T15:25:00.000-07:00

Today was Madeline's 1st Ballet recital! She did such a good job. I am so proud of her. She was in the Stepping Stones class. She is just growing up too fast. She is my angel!!!! Thanks GiGi for helping me get her to all of her practices. We could not have done it without you!!!

2009-05-05T15:17:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNuQrA8m0f0
I cant figure out how to post a video on here. But here is the link of Madeline singing her version of Ring of Fire. She loves his songs and it is histarical watching her sing them!

3rd Annual Autism Awareness Walk 2009

2009-05-03T12:34:00.001-07:00

This years autism weekend was a success. I am so sad that I was unable to help out this year due to my illness. The rest of the board and volunteers did a fantastic job. Next year when I am well, I will be back in the game. Here are pics from the great day and some of my best friends!

Temple Grandin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-05-03T12:28:00.000-07:00

I am a little star struck in this picture! What hope and inspiration this brilliant woman gives to families and their children with autism. Such an honor to meet her.

Accepting Proclamation from Mayor Perrin

2009-05-03T12:23:00.001-07:00

This is me accepting a proclamation from the mayor on behalf of AANEA. April 21 is now Autism Awareness Day in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Holly's Wedding Dress Fitting

2009-05-03T12:17:00.000-07:00

My beautiful cousin Holly is getting married. Madeline and I were invited to tag along at one of her dress fittings. Madeline had a great time looking at all of the "princess dresses". It was great to see Holly in her dress. That dress was made for her!

Observation Day at Ballet

2009-05-03T12:07:00.000-07:00

Every semester Madeline participates in some type of organized art activity. This semester we started ballet. She really likes it. I think we are going to continue with it over the summer. She is in the Stepping Stones class. A couple of weeks ago was observation day so the parents could watch and see what the girls have learned. Her class is made up of 3 and 4 year olds. It was the cutest thing I have ever seen. And yes, I was so proud I cried. Next weekend is the "Spring Showcase" which is her recital at the Forum. I am so excited to see my baby on stage performing.

Easter Egg Hunt at Church

2009-04-12T15:46:00.001-07:00

Ready for Easter Sunday!

2009-04-12T15:41:00.001-07:00

Easter Morning

2009-04-12T15:36:00.001-07:00

The Easter Bunny was very generous this year. Madeline got all kinds of toys. She was so excited!

Easter Egg Hunt at the Frye's House

2009-04-12T15:22:00.000-07:00

We had a great egg hunt at the Frye's house on Saturday. They are wonderful neighbors. They have helped me sooo much throughout my illness. I was afraid it would rain Sunday and Madeline wouldn't get to hunt eggs. They were so sweet to have an Easter egg hunt for her and their children. Thanks so much!!!!

Holly's Wedding Shower

2009-04-12T15:13:00.001-07:00

These pics are from Holly's wedding shower. Madeline was her "helper" opening gifts.

Snow Day March 09

2009-03-01T10:06:00.000-08:00

Chris and Madeline made their first snowman together today. She had such a good time. I really enjoyed watching them put it together.

My Little Ballerina!

2009-03-01T09:59:00.001-08:00

Madeline and her friend Anna at Ballet class.

Madeline gettting fitted for her Ballet shoes!

Long Time!

2009-03-01T09:47:00.000-08:00

Wow it has been a long time since I blogged. As most people know by now I have been sick. Somehow I got a rare blood disorder called Hemilemic Uremic Syndrome. Not only is it rare but it usually only affects children. (guess I am a child at heart). Anyway it has shut down my kidneys. I now go to dialysis 3 times a week. I spent 3 weeks in Barnes Jewish Hospital in STL. They saved my life. I feel very lucky to still be here on earth. Although, now I am dealing with being a 28 year old with kidney failure! How did this happen......not even the doctors know. This has been the hardest thing I have ever had to go through. There are so many side effects that go along with this disease: high blood pressure, fuzzy vision, shortness of breath, swelling and one of the hardest for me: I can only drink 32oz of fluids a day! That is crazy hard!!!! But I have faith that God will heal me! He will heal my kidneys and restore my health. I have faith! It may take time but I am sure it will happen! I didn't want to post this on Madeline's blog but I felt like I should account for the big lapse in time from blogging.

SNOW DAY DEC 2008!

2008-12-28T12:40:00.000-08:00

My Special Gift

2008-12-28T12:30:00.002-08:00

I got a very special gift this year! The picture does not do it justice. Chris took pictures of Madeline holding letters that spell "LOVE U MOM" !!!! He then had it framed and matted in a 24" x 18" frame. It is the most beautiful gift ever. I will cherish this forever. Thank you so much Chris! I love you!

Santa Claus brings presents!

2008-12-28T12:18:00.000-08:00

Madeline had a wonderful Christmas. She got a Thomas the Train set, a beautiful doll house, barbie dolls, baby carriage with baby doll and way more toys than she needed. She had such a great time opening her gifts!

Party # 3 Chick Fila

2008-11-29T16:04:00.001-08:00

Today was the last party of "the Madeline turning 3 celebration!" We had a great time at Chick Fila! The staff was so nice and helpful. All of the kiddos had a good time playing in the play area! Thanks to everyone who made it!!!!

Party #2 Family Party/ Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T07:38:00.001-08:00

Madeline had a wonderful day at her birthday party/Thanksgiving meal. She loved all of her gifts!!!! I forgot to buy candles, but she got to blow out a glade candle instead LOL!!!!! Matt bought her a HUGE Thomas the Train tent and tunnel. It was a big hit....just not sure where we are going to put it! Thanks to everyone who was there...and Holly and Matt G. who couldn't be there! You all made her day very special!

Madeline Party #1

2008-11-24T14:39:00.001-08:00

Madeline had a party today at snack time at her school. I titled this #1 because we are having 3 parties this year. They are all small though. We had one today with her school friends, the second will be on Thanksgiving Day (her real bday) with the family and the last one will be at Chick Fila on Saturday. That is her favorite place to eat and wanted to have a party there. I try hard to make her day special, especially since it is also Thanksgiving!

Grossology!!!

2008-11-23T15:41:00.000-08:00

We visited the Grossology exhibit at ASU. Madeline thought it was funny to make the burp model "burp". Very interesting exhibit!!!

Breakfast With Ballerinas

2008-11-08T15:05:00.001-08:00

Today Madeline, my mom and I attended the 6th annual Breakfast with Ballerinas. It is a fundraising event to kick off the Nutcracker season at the Forum. We are going to take Madeline to see the Nutcracker in December and she starts ballet in January. She had a great time meeting the big girl ballerinas. She was the most beautiful ballerina!!!

Pig Tails!!!!

2008-10-31T19:29:00.000-07:00

Trick or Treat

2008-10-31T18:51:00.001-07:00

We had a fantastic Halloween! My Madeline was a beautiful ballerina and really enjoyed trick or treating!!! Our dogs also participated in the festivities. Gracie was a hotdog and Gabbie was a lady bug. Fun Times!!!

My New Ride!

2008-10-26T14:05:00.000-07:00

Okay, so you WON'T see me around J'boro on it, but Madeline and I have a good time in the neighborhood. It was kind of scary at first with her on the back, but I got the hang of it. She really enjoys it and I get some much needed exercise! Thanks Chris:)

Tricycle!

2008-10-26T14:02:00.001-07:00

She has got the hang of the tricycle thing. She wasn't too happy about the helmet though! Safety First! Good thing I made her wear it, she had a crash when trying to turn around.

Madeline's First Beach Trip

2008-10-19T20:19:00.001-07:00

Zoo 2008

2008-10-06T17:47:00.000-07:00

The company Chris works for had their annual company picnic at the Memphis zoo last weekend. Madeline had a list of animals we HAD to see. The main ones on her list were the elephants and giraffes. We had a great day.

A Nasty Day at the Fair!!!

2008-09-19T18:17:00.000-07:00

It was a rainy day at the fair. But I promised Madeline we would go today. So I kept my promise. My mom and I had gotten a manicure and pedicure before the fair and then went stomping around the muddy fair!!! Madeline had a good time though.

GiGi and Madeline on the Carousel.

Madeline and GiGi on a hot air balloon ride. This ride went pretty high in the air! Glad GiGi rode it with her!

Madeline in her car! This year she was big enough to ride it by herself...last year she had to ride with another child!

Madeline and I on the Carousel

Walk the Line

2008-09-17T17:23:00.000-07:00

This is the funniest thing! My child, my 2 year old, has to be the biggest 2 year old fan of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash.....Well, not the real ones. Joaquin and Reece! But still, all she wants to watch is Walk the Line. I have to be careful because there are some parts of the movie I don't want her to see. So, I have watched Walk the Line about 10 times since Saturday to censor her watching it! AND, we now have the soundtrack to the movie, which is all she wants to listen to in the car. The minute we get in the car she says, "turn John and June on mommy!" It really is funny to see a 2 year old singing Ring of Fire! Her favorite song is the last one on the track, the duet with John and June singing Jackson!!! It is amazing what little ones decide they like. So, the song on my playlist Johnny and June is dedicated to Johnny Cash's YOUNGEST FAN!!!

WonderPlace....A Wonderful Place!!!

2008-09-12T19:14:00.000-07:00

While in Little Rock we stopped by the Wonderplace. It is this wonderful childrens play place! Madeline was so intertained and enjoyed it so much....to bad Jonesboro doesnt have one:(

First Trip to the Capital

2008-09-12T19:07:00.000-07:00

Madeline had her first trip to the state capital this week. I went to hear a Legislative Task Force Hearing on Autism. It was a packed house!!!

Let's Play Some Kickball!!!!

2008-09-12T18:56:00.000-07:00

Madeline started her first organized sports team this week! She is playing kickball!!!! She has had so much fun so far! And she is pretty good at it.

The Park

2008-09-07T19:05:00.000-07:00

This poor duck. His right leg and foot were injured or something... It is healed and he was able to walk just fine but I felt sorry for him.

Madeline and her Daddy enjoyed feeding the ducks, while I took pictures. It was a perfect day for a park visit.

Meghans Lil Bump

2008-09-07T19:00:00.000-07:00

Madeline and I went to see Meghan today to give her a belated birthday gift. Madeline enjoyed chasing her cat, Kali. Meghan is 4 mos pregnant. Isn't her little bump cute!!!!

CARS!!! CARS!!!! EVERYWHERE

2008-09-07T09:42:00.001-07:00

Chris and Madeline love playing with HOT Wheels cars! So cute!!!

Art Class Week 3

2008-09-07T09:33:00.001-07:00

Madeline had fun this week. They painted apples and made a cute picture frame. Can't wait to see what they do next week!

The Cabbage Patch Dolls!

2008-09-07T09:24:00.000-07:00

These were my cabbage patch dolls when I was a little girl. We brought them home from my moms house last weekend. They look pretty good to be 20 years old. Madeline has her own cabbage patch dolls but she loves the old ones too!

Just like her Dad!!!!

2008-09-05T21:22:00.001-07:00

She will kill me for this someday...but these pictures are just too cute and too funny!!! Proof that she really is interested in potty training. She is getting better with #1 but #2 is a completely different story! She will get it though!

Barbie Heaven

2008-09-01T12:10:00.000-07:00

I loved Barbie Dolls as a kid....okay I still do! While at my mom's house this weekend we found my trunk of Barbie Dolls. All 100 of them! We brought them home and cleaned them up for Madeline to play with. She and I had a blast! I cannot believe how good of shape they are still in. The picture is of the barbie clothes I had. They are still in good condition too...it's funny because you can tell by the style of clothes, I am an 80's baby! We have had sooo much fun playing Barbie Dolls this weekend!

At Papa and Gigi's House

2008-09-01T11:58:00.000-07:00

Madeline had a great day at Papa and Gigi's house. She got to go swimming, swing with Papa, got new toys from Gigi and see Nonny!. We left after a big day and went to Ruthie's house for a little visit! Great Day!

Madeline's First Time to Eat Corn ON the Cob!

Art Class

2008-08-29T10:58:00.001-07:00

We had a lot of fun in art class today! Madeline got to color and explore different textures of fabrics. She loved playing in the shaving cream. Our last activity today was making her hand prints in dough. They are "cooking" in the oven right now. We are going to paint them later. Oh what fun!!!!

Poor Daddy!!!!

2008-08-25T12:30:00.000-07:00

My poor Chris! He has had a terrible stomach bug the last 24 hours. He is miserable. I am trying to take care of him and keep Madeline or myself from getting it! Hope he feels better by tomorrow! It is not like him to miss work.

My Chef Boyardees!!!!!

2008-08-24T18:34:00.001-07:00

These two are tooooo much! Chris made spaghetti and meatballs tonight for dinner. Another first for him and it was GREAT! Thanks Christopher!!!

Biscuits Made by Daddy!

2008-08-24T14:52:00.000-07:00

My Two Sweeties!! I haven't felt great today and they made me breakfast! Chris even made homemade from scratch biscuits!!! And they were really good! They are soooo good to me!

Elmo....The Time of Her Life!!!

2008-08-22T19:13:00.001-07:00

Tuesday night we went to Sesame Street Live, Elmo Makes Music! She had such a good time. She danced the entire time and really had a blast. Chris and I enjoyed it too!! Sesame street puts on a good show....but watching Madeline dance and have so much fun was the best part for us! She was excited all week to wear her new Elmo dress. I am so glad we went!! I hope another good kids show comes to Jonesboro soon!

First Day of Art Class

2008-08-22T15:45:00.000-07:00

Madeline waiting patiently for class to start!

She had a fun time today. She made new friends!! More pics to come............

Just a Lazy Sunday!!!

2008-08-18T11:23:00.000-07:00

All of my girls relaxing after a busy weekend!

Childrens Museum Of Memphis

2008-08-11T11:53:00.001-07:00

Madeline had such a good time at the museum. There is so much to see and do! Mommy and Daddy had fun too!!!

Happy Birthday Gracie!!!

2008-07-27T14:40:00.001-07:00

My Sweet Gracie Mae! She is 6 years old today. We have been through a lot together. She was with me in OT school, when Chris and I get married (a BIG change for her), when Madeline was born and when we got Gabbie. Together she and I have moved 3 times. She was also in a bad car wreck with me in OT school. She was ejected from the vehicle, but was okay! Needless to say, she doesn't like to car ride anymore! She is such a good girl.

Retired

2008-07-27T14:36:00.001-07:00

We have officially put away the Baby Einstein play center. She loved it for two years,8 months!!!

Playing in the Dirt

2008-07-26T12:09:00.000-07:00

She really had a blast playing in the dirt!

Gracie Mae

2008-07-26T11:57:00.001-07:00

The dog days of summer............

Gracie and her Kangaroo! This is the only toy she hasn't destoyed. And she has had it for 5 years.

Madeline's First Pump It Up Experience!!! She had a Blast!!!

2008-07-08T19:33:00.000-07:00

A visit from Uncle Matt

2008-07-08T19:30:00.001-07:00

Uncle Matt stopped by Monday for a visit. He was home for the holiday weekend. Madeline sure does love her Uncle Matt!

4th of July Pics

2008-07-08T19:23:00.000-07:00

This was Madeline's first firework experience. She thought they were pretty. She wasn't scared of them at all!!

Funny Shirt

2008-07-06T21:03:00.000-07:00

All of my OT friends will get a laugh from this. It is a T-shirt from Cafe Press! It mostly refers to therapists working in the adult/geriatric setting! Too funny though.......

Top 10 reasons to stay up late with an Occupational Therapist
10. OT’s use Adaptive Equipment and Devices
9. OT’s use the Full Range of Motion
8. OT’s are Adaptable
7. OT’s Grade the Activity for Optimal Performance
6. OT’s do it with Purpose
5. OT’s use Proper Positioning
4. OT’s do it for Mental and Physical Health
3. OT’s do it Actively and Passively
2. OT’s do it in Groups
1. OT’s do it Creatively

Blytheville Conference

2008-07-06T20:05:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! AANEA is bringing an Autism Conference to Blytheville, Arkansas. I hope we have a large crowd and educate many people about Autism Spectrum Disorders. Our speaker will be Karen Burnette from Little Rock. She is a wonderful speaker with lots of information. Our conference will be Saturday, July 12 8am to 5pm. Please visit www.aanea.org for more info!!!

Madeline's Photo Shoot

2008-07-04T13:45:00.001-07:00

I LOVE these pictures!!! A friend of mine from high school has gotten into photography and boy is she GOOD! All of J-towns current photographers better take note of this new talent! She is going to be BIG! Thanks Meredith for capturing these shots!!!!!!!

Gorgeous!! My Favorite!!!!

My little angel

Taking a walk along the bridge........

So grown up looking!

Her 4th of July Dress

Another favorite!!!

Josie's

2008-06-30T11:11:00.001-07:00

The Zieglers enjoying a night out at Josie's for some yummy steak and fun karoke!!!

Twins

2008-06-22T20:36:00.001-07:00

I love this!!! I bought her this dress at TJMaxx for 12.99 and it came with a matching dress for her baby doll! She loved it and everyone at church got a kick out of seeing her and her "Build a Bear" dressed alike. Yes Uncle Matt, this is the Build a Bear you got for her:)

FIRST HAIR CUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-06-20T19:10:00.000-07:00

When she was all done, Madeline said, "my hair soooo pretty!!!"

Such a big girl, not even afraid!!

Before the haircut.........

Water Bug

2008-06-20T19:05:00.001-07:00

She was actually afraid of the water on this day???? I think she got water in her nose and it scared her. She preferred to sit on the steps and splash! Buddy (the weenie dog) tryed to go swimming with her!

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-06-09T17:35:00.001-07:00

Handmade Dress

2008-06-01T14:58:00.001-07:00

She's thinking...Seriously mommy...Another Picture???

I love this dress!!! My Aunt Judy Nokes made this sweet little dress for Madeline. She did a great job. We had fun taking pictures before church today. And Madeline did what she does best....be cute for the camera!

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-05-25T21:10:00.001-07:00

The Finished Masterpiece

2008-05-25T20:58:00.000-07:00

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-05-24T21:01:00.001-07:00

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-05-24T20:44:00.001-07:00

Back Over

2008-05-23T14:08:00.000-07:00

I saw a very sad Oprah today and wanted to share some information. It had a story about accidentally backing over children when backing out cars. It was so heartbreaking. The statistics of accidental back overs are alarming!!! There is a website you can visit to educate yourself more about this issue.
www.kidsandcars.org
I hope you will check it out!

Laying with the Dogs!

2008-05-19T19:23:00.001-07:00

Gracie and Gabbie took turns laying with Madeline!

The Crocs!

2008-05-19T12:57:00.000-07:00

Uncle Matt bought Madeline a pair of real crocs. She loves them, not because they are real crocs, but because her Uncle Matt gave them to her.

Trying to get the hang of this Tricycle Thing!!!

2008-05-19T12:53:00.000-07:00

Planting Flowers

2008-05-19T12:49:00.001-07:00

Daddy's Little Helper