The Griffin Adventures

Brody's School Play....

2012-01-27T05:18:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,
It was one of those Fragile X days where you are so proud that Brody is your son for just clapping his hands at the right time. He was precious and everyone complimented us on his behavior. What an event the GES had! We enjoyed watching Brody react so happy to everyone singing and clapping.
We are enjoying our new business and loving working together. Life is good....at Curls and Pearls. Lucky Buck Jewelry is really successful and it is such a blessing.
Atlee, Brody and Ian are doing awesome and we are raising three great kids. Today was electronic day at school in the afternoon program and that was a little hectic. It may not be "electronic" day for the Griffins.
My friend Susan is coming for the weekend and I couldn't be more excited. She is an excellent designer and I want her to see Curls and Pearls and give me her opinion. Come see us at the shop.
We had over $1380.00 raised last night at Blessings in a Backpack. It is really a wonderful event and you should come join us on Thursday nights at Church of Christ in Guntersville at 6:00. Don't be late or you will miss the fun. In fact, most everyone comes early.
Blessings,
Wendy

2012-01-14T19:47:00.001-08:00

We are so blessed to have Ian, Brody and Atlee. They are so funny and everyday there is a new adventure. Atlee has decided that she wants her ears pierced!

Curls & Pearls

2012-01-05T05:05:00.000-08:00

Dear friends and family,

We are so excited about the first two days of our adventure with Curls & Pearls, our new business. We had such a good time working together. Bubba is in the back making jewelry and I am up front doing hair. The space is just perfect and "we are better together"! We were blessed with four green plants that make our new home comfortable. Come by anytime and get a cup of coffee with us and check out our new inventory of Lucky Buck Jewelry.

We will be packing 700 backpacks for Blessings in a Backpack tonight. We will be moving our efforts to Church of Christ around back on the second floor. They have created a space for us and we are ever so grateful. We are adding to GES, Cherokee, Asbury and Claysville. We are expecting new volunteers tonight and I need for CALG to make a good showing.

God bless,

Wendy and Bubba

2011-12-21T21:05:00.001-08:00

Is your heart overbooked? Or does it have room for Jesus?

Curls and Pearls....

2011-12-17T15:43:00.001-08:00

Dear friends,
As we leave to go paint at the new shop, I am reminded about how blessed we are. My last day at Darlene's Salon and Day Spa is Thursday of next week. It has been a wonderful journey there and I am grateful to Darlene for the opportunity to build my business while there. Our building is for sale and she hopes to work part-time and spend more time with her grandson.
Bubba and I will begin Curls and Pearls on January 3rd with the Chris Todd family as they make their final preparations to minister to the people from Beirut, Lebanon. They will leave the following day and be gone for three years. Our prayers go with them.
We begin yet another Griffin Adventure.......Merry Christmas and God Bless You.
Bubba and Wendy

Wow, it's December already!

2011-12-04T14:58:00.000-08:00

Dear friends and family,
I am so sorry to have skipped November. Whew, the time flies. We are well on our way to opening Curls & Pearls in January. Tomorrow is painting day. We are making several ideas come to life and I hope you like them as well as we do. Bubba just finished his shows for the season and he has a home show next week. His jewelry goes to a new store tomorrow and we are excited about that. That will make Lucky Buck Jewelry available in three places; Baker's on Main, Brindley Family Pharmacy and Darlene's Salon and Day Spa (until December 22nd). My last day there is the 22nd and then we will open Curls and Pearls on January 3rd.
Pray for us as we make these life changing decisions and go on another adventure.
Love,
Wendy

October.....my favorite month of the year!

2011-10-23T18:15:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family,

This month is going by so fast. We just spent a long weekend with our Amish friends and the kids had a blast. We had so much good food and fun with Ken and Colleen. They have six children now and they own a party supply business. Good times to be had with all.

Shipshewana, Indiana is a breath of fresh air and good for the soul. No electricity, no TV and no Internet for awhile was refreshing. We tried all of Colleen's great recipes and even ate out a couple of times. The kids played on the wiggle racers, roller blades and took the pony and cart for a ride.

I have developed something called Uticaria over the last several weeks and I would ask for your prayers. It has been difficult with my eyes swelling to see and function 100%. I am on Prednisone, Pepcid and Zyrtec. I went to a doctor that only sees patients without insurance and for $58 I had an office visit and left with three prescriptions. It was so easy and unexpected. I usually have to pay $125 up front just to see the Dr. I may have to drive back to Shipshewana again! I am so much better but still not able to stop taking the medication.

Two of the sweetest things happened this weekend......last night Brody covered me up with his Toy Story blanket and tonight he tapped the bed for Ian to come sleep with him. Sweet child he is.

Curls and Pearls will open on January 3rd at 502 Blount Ave., Guntersville, AL 35976. Our new number will be 256.960.1575. We are so excited about getting to work together and look forward to meeting so many new people. Let the Griffin Adventures begin......

October is our favorite time of year....

2011-10-01T19:17:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family,
Brody is doing well and survived a fire ant hill today! If only he could talk. We are so excited about his progress at school and he is continuing to improve daily. Ian and Atlee are in the same room at school this year and they love their teacher. We will also put them together in fourth grade if things continue to be as good as they are now.

Bubba had his best ever show today in Oxford, Alabama. We were well pleased and plan to go back next year. We hope to add Marietta Georgia to the list for next May or October and also maybe the Hannah Market in Oxford. We got an invitation to do a show at the Von Braun Civic Center today. Lucky Buck Jewelry is skyrocketing. Bubba is so talented and I hope he is discovered by someone famous or someone capable of showing the world his talents.

My career in Guntersville has boomed. I never dreamed all the new relationships we were to make would be by divine appointment. I continue to coach and council friends, clients and family while they are in my chair and I love that the words I say are not my own but from the holy spirit. The salon in which I work is for sale and I think the sign goes up this week.

Please continue to pray for our Griffin Adventures. We are having the time of our life.
Ian's interests are LEGO'S and Star Wars and Atlee is motivated by cooking and journaling. Brody still loves toy story and me and Bubba love each other. God has blessed our marriage and given us amazing children. Fred and Sabrina are both doing good and I will see them next weekend. I can't wait!

Have a wonderful October. Friend us on facebook or look us up on Lucky Buck Jewelry for all your shopping needs. We will be in Lewisburg, Tennessee for the Goats, Music and More Festival starting Friday of this week. Come see us.

2011-09-30T18:49:00.001-07:00

Haven't had a chance to blog lately but considering changing it up a little. Hope everyone is doing great! All is well here.

Summer is out and Fall is here and it is our favorite time of year....

2011-09-11T20:52:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family,

I am just writing you a note to let you know how Brody is doing. Everyday he just simply amazes me. He has grown out of all his clothes. Finally he has caught up to his age at age 8. He prefers comfortable clothing and is not at all interested in jeans. I have had to go out and get him some new clothes in size 8. He is wearing Ian's hand me downs except we don't have very many comfortable pants. Crazy enough, Ian wants to wear Brody's clothes now. He thinks they are more comfortable.

Ian has decided to become a child actor and movie star. If anyone knows how to make that happen with an an adorably funny SMALL Guatemalan boy please let me know. I hope the perfect part would come available and we would get called for it.

Atlee wants to be a famous chef so she can take care of us when we get old. Sweet..... I really think she is serious though.

Brody still loves Toy Story and surfing the Internet. He loves a bonfire so we went to the camper at the lake and roasted hot dogs and marshmallows and enjoyed the fire. He sat outside and watched the fire while peering inside to see the movie.

In the picture you see Ian and Atlee clowning around and a rare glimpse of Brody in his own world. He loves water and he found himself just taking in the surroundings. Toward the end of summer, he would get up and walk out in the deep much to my panic. He is fearless in the river. We keep a life jacket on him at all times except when we thought we were wading.

We are making sweet memories.....

Blessings,

Wendy

Sweet Summer Time...

2011-08-08T09:54:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family,

Well Brody has learned how to surf You Tube and loves it. It is amazing that he knows what to do on the Internet. We got him started with Toy Story and then he just went from there. It was so cool to watch him. He has had a great summer and is such a happy kid! We are pleased with our efforts this summer to keep him engaged in learning. We start back on August 15th and go from there. With Bubba at home full time making http://www.luckybuckjewelry.com/ we will have some time together when the children get back in school. FUN! FUN!.........

Can opener...

2011-07-31T10:14:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family,

Yesterday morning Brody woke me up with not only the spaghetti oh's but also the can opener. I thought it was so cool that he knew they went together. Last week it was chips and salsa and this week a can and an opener. We should have known it would be food that he started matching. Everyday is a new adventure with him and we love it. I started my twitter account again today @whosbrody and I will try to make regular updates of our family's adventures.

Love to you,

Wendy

Sweet Brody....

2011-07-25T20:54:00.001-07:00

One of my favorites...

Reach for the stars...

Me as the model....

Like the butterfly? or the watermelon?

Dear friends and family,

It doesn't take much to make me happy. Today Brody got down the chips, handed them to me and then walked me over to the fridge for the salsa. It was so cool that he "paired" them together. We have always tried to get him to match items together, should have known some of the firsts would be food.

Bubba is working hard on his Lucky Buck Jewelry for the Albertville Main Street Festival coming up on August 6th. He has some beautiful things and I know you will love them! My favorite so far is going to be the one with African trade beads. We have a lot of turquoise to choose from this collection also. Be first to be one of the first ones there to get your favorites before they are gone.

My boss announced last Wednesday that she is ready to sell her salon and so now we start another journey. God has been with us the whole way so we will continue to count on his blessings. I know that there will be a perfect spot for me to call home and hopefully it will find me. I sell Lucky Buck Jewelry where I work as well and I will need a space for my cabinet. Can I ask for your prayers please?

I am including some new pictures of his work that make up Lucky Buck Jewelry.

Blessings,

Wendy

Pictures.....

2011-07-17T21:13:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family,
I just wanted to share some current photos with you. Hope you enjoy.
Wendy

2011-07-17T21:08:00.000-07:00

We can take a family walk now that we have Brody's chair...take a look at his operation lifesaver anklet...

The kids had a ball at the lake...

A friend made this wheel for him.....

2011-07-17T20:58:00.000-07:00

Brody can drink out a straw great now! I can't get him off the computer....

He can take his medicine orally now!

and he loves his Amtryke

Sweet moments.....

2011-07-16T19:31:00.001-07:00

Brody got his Operation Lifesaver anklet today. We are so blessed by this emergency location transmitter. Thank you to Heath Thomas for fitting him today.

Lucky Buck Jewelry

2011-07-15T19:47:00.000-07:00

I can't get Bubba's jewelry to load on his Lucky Buck website so I will put the new pieces on here for you to see. Enjoy.....

Sweet Brody........

2011-07-10T20:51:00.001-07:00

Dear friends and family,
Another week has passed and Brody is doing much better with his staff infection. He is tolerating his medicine by mouth and taking it like a champ. Before this week, we had to hog tie him to get him to take it. I have the bruised thumbnail where he bit me to prove it. We are so very blessed that this event in his life is almost over. It has been since the 10th of June so we are right at a month of bleach, band aids and Brody mania.
Please continue to keep us in your prayers.
Wendy

Follow your heart.....

2011-06-29T21:12:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

I have realized that this Griffin journey has been about me as well as the children. When we were in Tennessee, I worked 60+ hours a week and Bubba stayed with the children most of the time. I was his helper and he did most of the work.

Moving to Alabama and him working night shift for the last six months has been life changing. I began to feel my worth again "behind the chair"; I measured my success by how good my career was going and my being busy at the salon. Boy does God get your attention.....I realized quickly that what Bubba did for our family was above and beyond. Being both mother and father for the last six months as well as cook, housekeeper, teacher, caregiver, laundry maid and DIAPER changer has made me appreciate the children and my sweet husband even more.

I had much rather be remembered for being a best friend and wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend to others than a great hairdresser. I think my ministry is "behind the chair" but not my worth. We begin another journey July 1st as we kick off Lucky Buck Jewelry again with our Bezalel collection and I would ask for your prayers. We started our last journey June 1st last year and were hugely successful until we let fear get in the way of God's will for our lives. Here we go again.....

Praises!

2011-06-22T21:19:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family,
Brody is healing nicely and our other child just has a mosquito bite and I was being over cautious. All is well in our home and we will send Brody back to school Tuesday. Doctor gave him a release last Friday but we want to wait as long as possible.
They have been very gracious and we are pleased with their outpouring of love for Brody with phone calls and emails to check on him. He has a wonderful staff of educators that helped him reach his potential this year.
We got in his Trotter chair today. I want to thank you again for your support. We raised $489.00 towards the chair that I was able to get on sale for $580! He loves it......

I took a plunge today and signed up for Thirty-One Gifts and I hope that you will support me in this journey. They are a faith based company and seem to rejoice in your success. I have a friend that invited me several months ago and I had to pray about it. With Bubba setting up at events with his Lucky Buck Jewelry, we can "share" the spotlight. My mom sells AVON and so if you ever need anything we can fix you up. I will update you more later. Thanks for all your support. www.mythirtyone.com is the website and soon I will have a personal website that you can order directly from.
Blessings,
Wendy

Mosquito bite........

2011-06-21T21:02:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family,
We took Brody to the doctor on Monday and by Wednesday we knew that he had developed a staff infection. A second doctor called on Thursday to let us know that it was MRSA and to give us a "how to" conversation. We have been very careful this week and it looks as though one of our other children has an infection as well. We will go to the doctor in the morning for a look and possible antibiotics.
It has been a night of changing bed linens, bleaching the bathrooms, wiping down the house and so much more....not fun!
Please keep us in your prayers.
Wendy

Summer adventures.....

2011-06-20T18:11:00.000-07:00

Brody is signing "yes" on his field trip.....He loves his teacher Mrs. Algood.....

He is an Internet junkie.....pbskids.com is his favorite.....

Wish we had another portable vhs player; nothing lasts too long with Brody.....

His favorite pastime is to watch the washing machine agitate....

Maya, Brody's puppy

2011-06-19T14:46:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

We lost Brody's puppy this week due to poisoning we think. Please keep us in your prayers as we adjust once again. Maya was only five months old and we already fell in love with her. She will be missed.

We have enjoyed Brody's bike and the summer to ride it. All if well here at the lake and we are looking forward to every new day and Brody still continues to amaze us. You ought to see him on the computer. We are going to get some headphones and a router to get his laptop going that the community gave him.

Brody got MRSA that started as a mosquito bite. We have had a very difficult week and ask that you lift us up in a prayer of healing for him.

Blessings,

Wendy

Our next chapter of adventures with the Griffins.....

2011-06-17T15:47:00.000-07:00

These great pictures are taken at Brody's caregivers house Ra Ra. He is so happy when he sees her. You can't tell by the pictures though.
We are very happy to start our next chapter of adventures in Alabama. During the summer Brody will go to Camp-a-lot-Fun. It is at Cherokee School where Ian and Atlee will be attending next year. We have put them in the same classroom. They will be in Mrs. Barfield's class. Brody will continue at Guntersville Elementary until 6th grade in the LRC. They have gotten a grant and will be adding a sensory room this year.
Ian and Atlee are with Nanny and Papa Jim this weekend and Brody and I may go to bed early. He has been sick and I am just plain tired.
We hope that everyone has a great father's day weekend. Love, Wendy

2011-06-10T05:13:00.001-07:00

Pray for Brody today as he goes to see the play Cinderella.

Summer is here!

2011-06-09T12:20:00.001-07:00

Dear friends and family,
Brody is adjusting well to his summer program. He is attending Camp-a-lot-of-Fun at Cherokee Elementary School. They have him set up with TV and Internet. He is very happy there. He signed happy and waved me goodbye. It was awesome for me to see him so happy. We are getting wireless at home to he can use his laptop that they gave him for surfing the Internet. We have been waiting a year to get Internet at home and he loves it! Now I need the wireless to get him off my computer. All our computers are old but they still work and he loves PBS. Ian and Atlee are taking 20min turns. FUN summer! Love, Wendy

2011-06-04T14:05:00.001-07:00

Brody is with his caregiver Ra Ra probably having the best weekend and I am selling Lucky Buck Jewelry for him.

2011-05-30T10:46:00.001-07:00

Today is Brody's 8th birthday!

2011-05-15T19:49:00.001-07:00

Dear friends, Brody has had an amazing week! It was very tough during the tornados but we made it. Ian has told me that Brody will speak by Christmas !!!

Tornado!

2011-05-04T11:58:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,
We are ok and have survived the storm April's Fury. We had several trees split(all in fact) and it took out our outbuilding and a huge limb hit our mower and trailer. We are so fortunate though and know that God blessed us. Please continue to pray for our friends in other areas. I will write more later.
Love,
Wendy

happy easter everyone...

2011-04-22T20:17:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family,
Two exciting things this week: Brody did a bungee jump and loved it and he collected Easter eggs today! Hooray! We are so happy to see him improving everyday. For his birthday we are asking for our backyard to be blessed.....I can envision a tree house and swings for Brody back there. I would love to create a space where he wants to be rather than wandering off. Please keep our idea in your prayers. We have always fenced and dead bolted and instead I want happy spaces for him...
Blessings,
Wendy

2011-04-22T20:11:00.000-07:00

I may have already added these photos but I thought you would like to see them again. He is a happy boy.

It's official, the phone and TV is moving over on Monday.

2011-04-14T13:08:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family, Is that not the hardest thing to do? It is so hard to hurry up and wait while setting up appointments for TV and phone installation. We should be good to go on Monday and Brody will be loving him some SPOUT. I will keep you posted on Brody's Backyard Blessing coming up for his birthday.....

2011-04-11T20:41:00.001-07:00

A special shout out to MTSU for their attentiveness in class today! We thank you, Wendy and Brody

House hunt is over! MOVING SALE!

2011-03-30T12:10:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family, We bought a house last week and hope to move soon. We are so EXCITED! We purchased the house fully furnished and could move right in; how cool is that? We have some friends and family that need furniture and so we will sell/give some at both places. Our first yard sale is this Friday at 6:00 am at our home on Wyeth Drive. We are having furniture, clothes, toys, knick knacks and so much more. Please tell all your friends in Guntersville and the surrounding areas. We will have a full size sleigh bed and a queen size Broyhill bed. I think the king size sleigh bed is SOLD, but if not you should be there first to buy it. I have a small craft/dinner table and four chairs, some odd tables, some outside tools, and other things too many to mention. Please post this on your status to help us let everyone know about the yard sale. Wendy

Maya, Maya, Maya

2011-03-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family, We have been blessed with a new puppy for Brody. The sweetest thing has happened and I just wanted to share it with you. Brody allowed Maya to sleep with him last night! She loves him and seems to know already that he is her responsibility. I kept checking in on her and she did not want to leave him. She is 9 1/2 weeks old and in just the week and a half that we have had her, she and Brody have bonded. She wants to sit next to him in the car and snuggles right up to him. He has already been affectionate to her with petting her on the head and opening her crate for her. We are truly blessed with her as an addition to our family. Thank you Goldens-n-Doodles and Teri Fann. Wendy

Maya

2011-03-24T11:40:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family,
We have had such a good week with Maya and the kids just love her. Brody has been interacting with her and loves to hear her bark. He was so sweet on the second night and kissed her crate on the way up to bed. We are very fortunate to have her and she is such a blessing to him.
I have met new friend and she has an etsy store http://www.esty.com/shop/masibert as well as a blog http://handmadewithlovemelissa.blogspot.com/ Please check her work out.
We have bought a home here in Guntersville and will be making a move in about a month or so. The house we bought is furnished and we will be having a yard sale on April 1st at our house and hopefully the end of April for the new house. Come see us.
Love,
Wendy and Bubba

www.goldens-n-doodles.com

2011-03-07T15:36:00.001-08:00

Dear friends,
We have chosen the name Maya for Brody's dog. We are so excited as she gets to come home on the 19th of March. We miss Millo so much and I know Maya will fill that void. Please check out Brody's page on Teri's website. See you soon Maya!

2011-03-06T14:52:00.001-08:00

How many dirty diapers can I change in one day? Whew, worst part....

Pee Pee......

2011-03-03T11:37:00.000-08:00

What a good morning this was! Brody pee peed in the potty this morning. We had such a celebration. He woke up with a dry diaper and I knew that I had a small window to get him to the commode. Woo Hoo! He was so proud of himself. I just hope he does it again. PTL
We go meet his new puppy this weekend in Brentwood. It is a girl and we have had fun thinking of names. It will be a chocolate golden doodle.
Wendy

Brody's Birthday Bash coming up.........

2011-02-23T07:58:00.001-08:00

Dear friends,
Every year we have planned Brody's Birthday Bash to celebrate his life and to remember someone or something that needs a little help. This year we would like to donate to Blessings in a Backpack. It is a wonderful cause that provides food for the weekend for free or reduced price lunch children in the Guntersville Elementary School. Every week we meet on Thursdays and pack over 200 packs for the children to take home. It is hard to believe that some children only have breakfast and lunch to count on for their meals.
Please help us make a difference. It only takes $80.00 to sponsor a child for the whole year and we will be celebrating this on Brody's Birthday May 30. Checks can be made payable to Church at Lake Guntersville with Blessings in a Backpack in the memo line and mailed to me at 1621 Wyeth Drive, Guntersville, AL 35976. All of this I humbly ask in Brody's honor.
Once again we will be sharing Brody's needs for his birthday as well:
Chicken noodle soup
Spaghetti Oh's
Goodnites L-XL
Baby wipes
Gatorade
Snack foods
Gummi bears
This year we are also asking for a stroller for Brody. They cost $1500.00 and we need one for him as he can't walk long distances and I can no longer carry him. We have a wheelchair and a child's push chair which are working in a pinch but with no restraint in one and the other so heavy, only in a pinch. There is also a buddy bike that we would love to have as a family but way out of our price range. I know with the generosity of others and your love and support that this will be the best birthday yet.
Blessings to you and yours for our help.
Wendy Griffin

Always an adventure....

2011-02-21T16:29:00.000-08:00

When we started this journey our goal was to simplify and enjoy life. You know what, life gets in the way! To do what we want to do makes people think we are crazy and yet we think we know what is best for our family. We don't want to duplicate what we had in Tennessee down here in Alabama. We want less....Brody doesn't mean to but he eventually wears things out. We have always said that if we could have a disposable house that would work just fine. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. We have always been in God's hands and have no reason to doubt him now. It would be nice if Ty could come down and build us our little 900 sq ft oasis on the lake.
Keep the faith,
Wendy

2011-02-21T06:02:00.000-08:00

This is what Brody's puppy may look like, his actual litter that the new puppy will come from and what it should look like about 6 weeks old. The new puppy will come home on March 19th. We are very excited!

Did I tell you about Brody's laptop?

2011-02-17T08:56:00.001-08:00

Dear friends,
Guntersville has given Brody his own laptop and we couldn't be happier. It is beautiful to see him in the room at school with headphones on and working on the Internet. He is so smart and we are so proud of him.

More pictures....

2011-02-14T16:46:00.000-08:00

Christmas vacation...Brody loves the beach.

2011-02-14T16:37:00.000-08:00

Time to buy fishing license....

2011-02-14T16:17:00.001-08:00

Dear friends and family,
We had a beautiful day today and boy that makes me want to go fishing! We had a great Valentine's Day today enjoying the weather. Atlee got her first Tiger Beat magazine and Ian got a toy named twoface. Brody got some gummi bears which Atlee ate. That girl! Ian and Atlee got gum (which they love) and I got a blackboard coffee mug. So cute! I got Bubba a book about Guntersville and for the family we got over 600 pictures developed.
We are seeing Papa Jim and Nanny tomorrow for his 70th birthday! What a big event and we are excited to eat pizza with them. My brother is coming down this weekend and they will be dutch oven cooking together in Cullman, Alabama. All is well in our little world. Bubba and I have coffee duty at church next weekend and we are happy to be involved in that ministry. Every week we also help with the Blessings in a Backpack. Bubba and I pick up the totes and I also help pack them for the children. We are blessed beyond measure. Thank you Guntersville.

2011-02-12T20:49:00.001-08:00

Brody is changing...more affectionate and calm! Praise the Lord and keep bringing us miracles.

Rolo, Rufus, Sully, Shaggy? What will its name be?

2011-02-09T20:44:00.000-08:00

I can only imagine....what my life will be......our lives.... with our new puppy that Teri Fann is giving us for BRODY! She is with www.goldens-n-doodles.com of Tennessee. We lost our service dog Millo last month and we are being blessed with a great chocolate golden doodle. Brody, Ian and Atlee will be so happy. Please keep us lifted up in prayer for the perfect match for Brody.

2011-01-28T11:47:00.000-08:00

This was Millo on vacation at Christmas and you can see that he really tried hard to keep his spirits up and to take care of Brody. He hadn't felt good since September and you can see it in his eyes. He was the bravest and most disciplined dog I have ever owned. Thank you for giving us three years of your life Millo. We miss you everyday.

Hard week after all......

2011-01-27T20:49:00.000-08:00

After reading Brody's journal in his backpack we have to assume that Brody is having a hard time without Millo. He has two outbursts today at school and has had an unsettling week. Please keep us in mind as we decide what to do about another service dog/family pet?

Brody's week....

2011-01-26T09:08:00.001-08:00

Brody is extremely resilient and has shown no grieving for Millo and we are so thrilled as this could have been a tough transition. He is so very happy at school and in the after school program that he is thriving well. Ian and Atlee have been a little sad and yet life moves forward. Thank you Lord for your blessings.
Our trainer at Wilderwood has suggested that since it took so long to get Brody to interact with Millo in such a loving way, that we keep in contact with another family member's pet on a weekly basis until we decide what is best for our family and Brody. Please keep us in your prayers and God bless.

Millo January 1, 2007 - January 23, 2011

2011-01-25T11:53:00.000-08:00

Dear friends and family,
On Sunday we lost our service dog Millo. He did an outstanding job of service to our son Brody who has Fragile X and Autism among other things. We only had him for a little over three years but he forever shaped our lives and the lives that our team "Brody and Millo" touched. There is a brick paver in Lewisburg, Tn with Brody and Millo on it and he will forever be remembered in our hearts.
Bubba was his master and Brody was his charge. It took a full year to get Brody to touch him and three years for Brody to allow Millo to lay his head and feet on him. One of the last acts of service to Brody was for Millo to "hug" him in the van with one paw in front of him and one behind him with his head in his lap. This was a sort of occupational therapy for Brody.
On our last day with Millo I asked Brody to come here for a minute and my goal was to get one last picture but instead Brody caressed Millo from head to toe as if to say goodbye. It was the most sincere affection he had ever shown his dog and one to be remembered. We have very few best friends in life and Millo was truly Brody's best friend.
My prayer someday is for Brody to have another best friend in life. Right now his brother Ian has stepped up to the plate and said that he would take care of Brody. Atlee has written a sweet letter about Millo and Ian has written in his journal both in hopes of shedding some of the grief they share with Brody.
Thank you for your support and kindness shown in the loss of our loved one. He never gave up and had dedicated his life to serve our family and we are forever grateful to Millo.
Thank you Lord for blessing us.
Love,
Wendy

2011-01-23T18:19:00.001-08:00

Millo passed away today....

The Griffin Adventures, Chapter 3

2011-01-16T21:43:00.000-08:00

Dear friends and family,
What a wonderful start to a new year. We have been so blessed and amazed at what God had/has in store for us. We have so much enjoyed making a difference in the lives of our children with the extra time we have created for them.
Christmas was a success with Atlee only asking for two toys and Ian only three. We had a wonderful time at the beach and only wished for more time! I got a much needed pedicure and enjoyed every minute of it.
We have great news! Bubba got a job and he loves it. We are adjusting to the new schedule and making every minute count. He got some new boots today and I hope his feet are happy.The kids have been out of school all week with 6 inches of snow and will go back on Tuesday. They have had a wonderful break. We built an igloo and a snowman. Fun Fun!
Bless you,
Wendy

2010-12-31T11:32:00.001-08:00

On our way home from a great vacation! God is so good. Bless you in the new year.

A great vacation!

2010-12-30T19:13:00.000-08:00

2010-12-30T19:02:00.000-08:00

A
A beautiful sunset, Ian feeding the birds, Millo, us at the Cherry Grove Pier and Brody's first "walk" down the beach in a wheelchair made for it! He was so happy and we were too.

Our Christmas Adventure in Myrtle Beach!

2010-12-30T18:44:00.000-08:00

Dear friends and family,
Whew, the vacation is almost over. We had such a great time and it was full of adventure. This year we traveled on a budget and realized just how much fun a family could have on a nickel. We only ate out once and that was a to-go order today. Today we fed the seagulls, watched the waves, built sandcastles and went swimming in the outdoor lazy river. As soon as Brody got in the water he signed, "thank you". It is so wonderful to see him so happy.
Ian and Atlee have gotten along great this week and have been a joy. Ian got a Robin costume for Christmas and has not taken it off except to swim for six days. Do you think he loves it? Atlee's favorite toy was a giant stuffed white tiger. She has slept with it and carried it around for days. It is twice the size of her and she named it "tink". They have had unlimited TV and that is a big thing since they don't normally get to watch it except on weekends. We also got 8 six packs of Sundrop from my brother for Christmas and they have had their share; another big splurge!
Brody has almost learned the word "soup" and school has about eight others for homework. He is doing well and learning everyday. I wish I had a week with him once a month or so just to teach him. I have to admit though it is hard to be with him 24/7.
We are blessed with the opportunity to minister everyday on vacation. You can only imagine what people think when they see 3 children, a service dog and two OLD parents. Millo is some better and has been a "child" on this trip. We have had extra potty breaks and medicine three times a day as well as a little extra TLC. Please continue to pray for us and his recovery.
God bless,
Wendy

All because two people fell in love......

2010-12-22T18:42:00.000-08:00

Dear friends and family,
It all started with the innocence of any new beginning. Bubba sent the largest plant to the funeral and I had known him since we were teenagers. We exchanged a few emails and phone calls then he helped me with the chores that were so overwhelming on a farm of 54 acres with horses, hay and lots to mow. Before we knew it, we were exchanging"I love yous" and making plans for our future.
All of it had been so graciously given to us from above and we are so thankful. We started out our marriage with Fred and Sabrina who we love and adore then quickly added Ian, Brody and Atlee. Life as we knew it had changed forever. God gave us a forever child in Brody and Ian and Atlee round out the sweet, sour and special!
This Christmas we are so thankful for all of the ABOVE....for nine years of marriage and all that life has in store for us. Everyday is an adventure in the Griffin household. We are thankful for friends, family and fellowship that we share with others.
God bless you and your family this Christmas!

I believe there are angels among us!

2010-12-20T15:09:00.000-08:00

Dear friends and family,
Some days you are the bug and some days you are the windshield. Today was a very difficult day for me and for our family. We were invited to New Market, AL for a Happy Birthday Jesus party. There were three other families with adopted Guatemalan children and Ian, Atlee and Brody were well received. Brody cried the whole way there, ate everything in sight once we got there, and cried all the way home. It was so hard for all of us and for Ian and Atlee who have to tune it out. Not fair for anyone, yet nothing to do about it. A friend had given us a VCR player for the van and it died on the way up. With Brody and his licking things, they don't usually last long for us. Without a movie in the car, he just fell apart today.
We are at home now and he has finished a bowl of soup(which makes everything better) and is watching TV. Bubba is cooking spaghetti and I am doing laundry. With three small children there is always something to do.
We were very blessed this weekend as Katie and Brent Turner hosted a Christmas open house in Brody's honor and we were delighted. Everyone brought soup, diapers, wipes and Gatorade. We had so much fun at her house and the kids had a ball with her children. They set Brody up with a TV of his own and Atlee enjoyed the cookies. Ian terrorized the LEGO city and wanted some of his own. Whew!
We have had the adventures this weekend. Please keep us in your prayers as we go to the doctor tomorrow with Ian for a wart removal and Millo is not out of the woods.
God bless and Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-07T08:03:00.000-08:00

Dear friends and family,
I am so thankful for our new home and friends that we have met in Guntersville. Brody is doing well in his classes at Guntersville Elementary and we are so proud of him. Atlee and Ian are making A's and they are happy here.
We just had a house guest for a week and we really enjoyed her. She was a delight for the kids and a big playmate for them. We colored, painted, played, watched movies and even did some Criss Angel magic! She has found a house close to where she works and all is well.
It is the season for giving and making a difference in the lives of those you touch. This month we kicked off Blessings in a Backpack at our church and it will help over 200 children that receive free or reduced lunch get food over the weekends when they might otherwise go hungry. If you can find it in your heart to help a child the cost of sponsorship is just $80/yr.
Have a wonderful holiday and enjoy the reason for the season.
God bless you,
Wendy

Oh, happy day! O happy day!

2010-11-25T06:41:00.000-08:00

Dear friends and family,
We are so happy to be in Tennessee for the day with our family and friends. Please pray for my best friends husband Mike. He is in CCU at the hospital on a ventilator fighting a pneumonia infection.
My family is all great and doing fine. Happy Thanksgiving to you all.
Wendy

Lilly and Sissy.....

2010-11-14T20:13:00.000-08:00

Dear friends and family,
Today was truly a miracle for us to see Brody interacting with another child. Her name is Lilly and she is the niece of our new babysitter Sissy. When we got home from the Mountain Valley Arts Council honoring Bubba and Lucky Buck Jewelry, we got to see Lilly and Brody chasing each other around the house and giggling. She was doing, "Where's Brody? peek a boo!" It was the sweetest thing EVER! We had no idea that he would make such good eye contact and have social skills. I found out that she rides her grandmother's bus every afternoon and plays with Brody everyday on the bus. I was so proud of their friendship and the sweet little Lilly's compassion for Brody. It was the best ending to the perfect day. Thank you Lord for blessing us with Ian, Atlee and Brody and for allowing us to marvel in your miracles no matter how small.
Wendy

fun times!

2010-11-07T16:11:00.000-08:00

2010-11-07T16:04:00.000-08:00

Brody and Millo in the car, Brody's new borrowed push chair, Brody VERY happy eating, waiting in the driveway on the bus and Halloween.

recent pictures of Brody Griffin

2010-11-07T15:57:00.000-08:00

Some buttons are friends made for Brody, his horseback riding day with mom and dad, his favorite toy the washing machine and waiting at the front door on the bus....

2010-11-04T06:11:00.001-07:00

Up @ 5:00, cooked breakfast, Brody on the bus, Atlee and Ian delivered to school....necklace broken, soiled sheets, spilled drink, prayer to make it through!

Last night....

2010-11-03T12:34:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family,
This week has definitely been an adjustment. The children will start an after care program at school as Daddy will be working outside the home for now. We needed benefits for the family and the peace that insurance provides. Also this week, Brody has been requiring more sleep and taking naps. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.
Wendy

2010-10-26T21:43:00.001-07:00

Everyone please look at www.mountainvalleyartscouncil.com to see some of Bubba's Lucky Buck Jewelry.

Hairshow in Birmingham!

2010-10-17T17:34:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family,
I am at a hairshow in Birmingham, Alabama with some friends and I have had such a good time. My sweet husband is watching the kids and they had a good day at church today and hopefully a good night. My cell phone is out of juice and I am in the motel lobby. Fun. Fun. Fun.
I love you Bubba.

2010-10-12T06:24:00.001-07:00

Well today is my birthday and I am happy about it! My stepdad is speaking tonight at a friends and family get together for church and I am so proud of him.

A Great Weekend!

2010-10-11T16:34:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family,
Brody had a great weekend at Goats, Music and More Festival in Tennessee. We thoroughly enjoyed seeing our friends and family at the event and SOLD lots of Lucky Buck Jewelry. Brody loved his new push chair and even fell asleep in it one night. Millo, Brody's service dog was a hit and once again Sister Schubert rolls was a sponsor as well as Bud's Best Cookies. We baked the rolls all day and served them to the guests and handed out cookies to the kids. Our friends Leslie and Skip made over 200 buttons that were given away to people that said "FX Who's Brody?". Everyone wanted one and we got over $65 in donations and $20 for the National Fragile X Foundation. Every little bit helps and we are so grateful.
Tomorrow is my birthday and it is back to work for me. Thanks for all your prayers and just to let you know my husband Bubba has been asked to be on exhibit at the Mountain Valley Arts Council here in Guntersville for a whole month towards the holidays. Woo Hoo!
Blessings,
Wendy and Bubba

2010-10-07T09:25:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family,

These are our fall school pictures, our buttons for the Goats, Music and More festival this weekend in Tennessee, my boys waiting on the bus, all 200 of the buttons, and a picture of what our booth looks like set up. I hope that you will come and support us and help us to help Brody. Thank you for all your sincere prayers and support.

This morning Ian said, "Dear Lord, please please please please let Brody have a voice." That can be taken two ways; one that he could actually speak and another that his campaign and testimony "Who's Brody?" could make a difference.

Bud's Best is again sponsoring us with cookies for the event and Sister Schubert once again making a donation to the cause. We are so grateful for them both and look forward to sharing cookies and breakfast rolls with you. Come see us because we also have T shirts and more to give away.

Our friends Leslie and Skip Bondur will be there with their ministry selling "My God is yummy" shirts and alot of other really cool stuff at booths 93 and 94.

Talk to you soon,

2010-10-05T05:13:00.001-07:00

Millo is MUCH better today and we even saw a little bit of frisky in him in the cool weather. It is such a sweet sight to see Daddy, Brody and Millo together.

2010-10-04T09:58:00.001-07:00

A big thank you to Dr. Martha Courtney for her help with Millo today!

No one could have prepared us......

2010-10-03T10:28:00.001-07:00

Dear friends and family,
No one could have prepared us for the FUN we would be having in our new adventures; and on the same hand no one could have prepared us for the "adventures". The fun times are just that, things that money can't buy and only more time with your family will allow.

It has NOT been hard to give up "stuff", ie. clothes, shoes, purses, movies, shopping at the mall, because we have replaced it with meals together at the dinner table, playing UNO almost every night with the kids, taking walks in the afternoon with the whole family, and going fishing for supper. The hard part has been the unexpected, the eyeglasses because I failed my driver's test $200 from the sale table, the a/c unit going out $850, the last tax payment for CW Cuts $500, the broken crown $900?(can't get fixed), Millo hurt $priceless(can't go to the vet), new stroller for Brody $1500(have borrowed a wheelchair to make do), no insurance, and so many more.

How do we do it? How do we have time with the family and be able to afford life. Our new Doctor called it an "experiment" and I believe him. There is no book for situations like this and who do we ask? There is no more "date night" and no more respite for Brody except at church and then sometimes you feel like it is a burden for those who help.

How do you follow your dreams for your life and live out God's calling on your life except through faith. It is with FAITH that we believe that our purpose will continue strong even through tough times like these and only build us up. Please continue to pray God's blessings on our family and complete healing for both Brody and Millo. We are pioneers in this type of lifestyle change and I know that we will be richly blessed by it.

Blessings,
Wendy

Millo is limping!

2010-09-29T15:28:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family,

Millo is limping a little on his left leg and we need you to pray. We have checked his foot and leg and don't see anything but we know that with prayer he can be healed.

Please check out our new "Who's Brody?" buttons at Goats, Music and More coming up the second weekend in October in Lewisburg, TN. Brody has had several good days at Guntersville Elementary School this past week and we ask that you keep him lifted in prayer too.

We will see you in Boaz this weekend on Friday and Saturday with the new Lucky Buck Jewelry originals for the fall. We can't wait to show you the new pieces.

Ian had NO cards pulled today and was so happy about it and the fact that he earned two toys back! Atlee is going to a birthday party this weekend and she is THRILLED! Life has certainly been an adventure here in Alabama. Thank you Lord for the fun times.

Wendy

Goats, Music and More Festival

2010-09-23T15:36:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family,

We will be in Lewisburg, TN the second weekend of October for the Goats, Music and More Festival with our Lucky Buck Jewelry and our "Who's Brody?" booth. Please come say hello and help us to advocate for Fragile X and Autism. Brody is doing great and I hope to have him at the booth on Saturday. Millo will be with us if the weather is cool and I would love for everyone to see Ian and Atlee and how much they have grown.

Spirits are high here and all is well in Alabama. The kids are very happy in their school and we have done away with TV during the school week which is working well for family time and homework. We are getting a makeover at our house soon by a couple of friends of mine from church. They want to provide Brody with some sensory and vestibular input in his room. How cool is that?

Please continue to pray for our family and the "experiment" we are doing with the re-invention of family. It has been both challenging and rewarding to make the changes we have and we only look forward to the future.

Love and blessings,

Wendy

P.S. Had a few changes since moving here in my hair.

Guntersville Elementary School

2010-09-22T11:42:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family,
On Friday Brody had to come home from school early and we don't know what caused the outbreak. It was very upsetting to his teachers and principal. I wish we knew what sets off these aggressive periods. Please continue to pray for him and our efforts to make a difference in his life.
Love,
Wendy

Labor day weekend will long be remembered....

2010-09-03T07:40:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family,
This is the week that we started Brody on his first medicine. We are using a compounding pharmacy named Bishop's in Scant City, Alabama and our doctor is Dr. Packard. I want to thank both of them for their efforts as this is an emotional and trying time for our family. So far it is wonderful and we are pleased. School called yesterday and said it was his best day ever.
Because of Brody's fear of doctors and medicine, we are putting it on like lotion on his wrists and he tolerates it wonderfully. Thank you Dr. Packard and Bishops Pharmacy. I do a little lotion all over and then apply the medicine and he never knew the difference.
We have loved it here in Alabama and everything is continuing to look up for Brody. We have our IEP on Tuesday, so please keep our family in your prayers.
Blessings,

The Griffin Adventures in Guntersville, Alabama

2010-08-22T18:50:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,
What a great summer we have had! Life is an adventure to be lived everyday. This is bound to be the richest we have ever been as a family. When we are at a financial low from starting over and building my business at Darlene's Salon and Day Spa, we are at an ALL TIME HIGH. Bubba is making Lucky Buck Jewelry for the September event in Scottsboro called First Monday. He and Nanny are a tag team when it comes to supplies. If we don't have it, she does and if she doesn't have it, we do!
We have been asked by school and the bus to bring extra snacks for Brody. We have been creative at home and this week the Spaghetti Oh's are half price at Piggly Wiggly. Woo Hoo!
The Church at Lake Guntersville has been more than welcoming to us and now Brody has his own room. We are to bring snacks, drinks and supplies to stock it instead of bring a bag every week. What a blessing...
We will be in Tennessee for the Goats, Music and More Festival the second weekend in October. It should prove to be a wonderful event and we are excited to see our friends.
Our new home is awesome and we are enjoying living across the street from the water. We have a bedroom for everyone and Millo is adjusting there. He has had the hardest time with the steps because they don't have carpet. His friends just moved in to Albertville and their names are Shorty and Daisy. They are my mom's dogs that moved here from Tennessee.
Please keep us in your prayers and I will write soon.

Guntersville Elementary School

2010-08-07T20:34:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,
Only one more day and then we move on to 2nd grade with Ian, Atlee and Brody. They are all excited. Pray that Brody has a good transition on the bus ride in Monday morning. We chose the bus for Brody because he has the same routine that way. We will see how long he can tolerate it and then go from there.
Alabama has been more than wonderful for us. We are in our house and almost unpacked. Whew! It is a special place and it feels like home.
Darlene's Salon and Day Spa has been more that I ever imagined and then some. All my friends and clients love it there. She is a wonderful boss and I have some amazing co-workers!
Bubba is praying for a job in the school system. Please keep him lifted up.
Love,
Wendy

Guntersville, Alabama

2010-07-07T08:58:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,
We did it! We took the plunge and moved our family to Alabama. We sold our home, we sold our business of 20 years and we DID IT! It feels as though we are on permanent vacation. I didn't know life could be so good.....I had a great life with Bubba and the kids and our friends and family but God had other plans for us and now we have it even BETTER! Still have our friends, still have our family(mom and dad moved too) and have made new friends. I have a wonderful job at Darlene's Salon and Day Spa and I love my co-workers.
Everyday there is a new adventure. It took us a few weeks, but we have learned how to fish as a family. We put Brody in the boat with life jacket and Millo by his side and he loves the gentle rock of the boat and the beauty of the water. We then get to fish off the dock without worrying about him and Millo is happier on the boat than the dock. He had a bad abscess this week, but is so much better. Marshall County North hospital in Alabama did an outstanding job. A sweet girl named Amy even spoke to Brody in sign language.
I am sorry that I haven't posted since the move but I am just getting settled. We hope to be on here more often. Thank you for loving Brody and keep us always in your prayers.
We are in need of a way to transport Brody when we go bike riding if anyone has outgrown their bike, stroller or other option. Brody is about 60 pounds.

The Griffin Adventures, Chapter 2

2010-04-26T20:50:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,
We are about to start the next chapter in our life with our children Ian, Brody and Atlee. Along with Millo, we will all be moving to the Guntersville, Alabama area to enjoy the summer and start 2nd grade this fall. I start to work at a new salon on June 15th and Bubba will stay home with the kids until school starts. He hopes to work with the school system again in special education.
We have sold our salon that we owned for 20 years to a fellow co-worker and it is time to move on. God has been so good to us and we are ready for the next chapter he has planned for us. We found a church and loved it! We have a modest home on the lake and it just doesn't get better than that. We will keep you posted.......

The Event.....

2010-04-06T21:49:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,
Brody's Birthday Bash is coming up on May 30th at Rock Creek Park from 2:00-until. Please mark this date on your calendars. We had Brody's IEP this week and it went well. Thank you for all your prayers and best wishes for our family.
Wendy

Millo and Brody

2010-03-07T16:39:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,
This has been one kind of week. We have been blessed with safety. Millo is truly the best thing that ever happened to Brody.
The pastor's wife at church asked today if she could teach Brody sign language on Sundays. Woo Hoo! God is good ALL THE TIME.
Atlee and Brody have been a little sick and I would ask all our friends to pray for us.
Don't forget that the Fragile X Clinic will be opening back up at Vanderbilt soon. I will post as soon as I know.
Brody's Birthday Bash will be held at Rock Creek Park on May 30th at 2:00. Mammoth Jack will be playing and we will be having BBQ. It will be a fundraising event for the Child Development Center in Lewisburg.

Fast asleep....

2010-02-25T19:26:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,
We have recently decided to start the new year off healthy and lose some weight. Bubba has lost 26 pounds and I have lost 13 so far. We are eating turkey, chicken, fish, fresh vegetables, plenty of fruit, whole wheat bread and no SUNDROP. It has been relatively easy considering all the temptations. We plan on it just being a lifestyle change instead of a diet.
Atlee, Ian and Brody all love to eat healthy, so it works for all of us. Brody has changed from spaghetti oh's to progresso chicken noodle soup and we are so happy! He is doing well in school and has adjusted to the new house very well. He likes his bedroom and the comfort of the living room. Ian is behaving in school and was very excited about today getting to do "two centers". Atlee is busy being social.
We are having the spring fling spaghetti supper on April 30th at their school and then it will be time for Brody's Birthday Bash on May 30th. We are having it in Rock Creek Park and we expect over 500 people. Check out his facebook fan page, "Who's Brody?"
Life is good and God is great!
Blessings,
Wendy

It is a new year, 2010!

2010-01-11T08:04:00.000-08:00

Dear friends and family,
Bubba had two surgeries this past November and December and I am awaiting some test results myself. We are blessed, but very busy. We moved in December and are adjusting to a new house and love it. There will be time to slow down soon. Please be patient with us. Brody has adjusted amazingly well.

Brody's Bath!

2009-11-28T12:32:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,
I left a towel in the bath for Brody and when he got done(he didn't wait on me), he dried off and put on his own diaper. We were super excited...he is growing up.

Goat Festival...

2009-10-13T04:21:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,
We had a successful weekend telling everyone about Fragile X. Next weekend is our first adventure in Bell Buckle, TN. It is exciting for Brody.
Millo is better and doing well.
Brody did not do well at the movie theater yesterday. We went to see Toy Story in 3 D and he could not tolerate it. We left in the middle of the first feature after we had spent 51 dollars getting in. WOW...

Millo is SICK!

2009-10-06T13:59:00.001-07:00

Dear friends,
Brody's service dog Millo has temperature and sore throat. Please keep him in your prayers.

Walk-a-thon!

2009-10-04T13:29:00.000-07:00

Well friends and family,
Brody DID it! We walked two laps around the track and he loved it. The walk-a-thon was a success and I was so proud of all my volunteers. Brody is an amazing kid. Atlee and Ian both did great as well holding the hand of their best friends the whole time.
Brody lost one of his silver teeth this week and we have no idea where or how. Brody also fell out of his swing since we last talked. Wow! what a hit he took and we will never know how bad that hurt him.
He is doing well in school and raised over $200 for his class towards the walk-a-thon. Thanks for all your well wishes. Next is the Goats, Music and More festival to raise awareness for Fragile X.

Brody, Brody, Brody!

2009-09-24T09:47:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family,
Next Friday is the Walk-a-Thon at Oak Grove Elementary School. We are excited for Brody to participate in this. We are hoping for two laps and that would be HUGE for Brody. Bubba wants him to win so he can build a sundae on top of Mr. Peaster's head. I am not so sure about that. We had an IEP at his school on Monday and it went well. There is a new speech teacher coming on Fridays and that will be great. Life is Good.......

BITING!

2009-09-10T05:42:00.001-07:00

Dear friends,
Bubba said that Brody is biting in school. Any suggestions?

Brody got a haircut!

2009-09-07T18:18:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family,
We took the weekend off for our anniversary and left Brody with Lessie for two nights and Stacey for one night. Ian and Atlee went with us to the Vanderbilt ballgame. We make some great memories for our 8th anniversary. Brody did great and we had no problems. He seemed to miss us and that made us happy. He got a bath tonight and went to sleep early. I think he was comforted knowing we were here. Brody is learning the sign for spaghetti oh's. He LOVES them! We try to buy them when they are on SALE for 2 for $1.
Ian had a tough time today with the Bully inside of him, he said. All is better now and we are grateful.

Oak Grove Elementary School

2009-08-24T18:16:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family,

Brody will be walking in our first ever walk-a-thon at our school on October 2. We are hoping for two laps. If you want, you can make a pledge for so much money per lap or a one time donation. Let me know if you would like to help our fundraising efforts and cheer Brody on for a couple of laps. Please send donations to OGES, 1645 Franklin Pike, Lewisburg, Tn 37091 attn Oak Grove Parent Club. Thank you so much.

Jerry D

2009-08-21T22:20:00.000-07:00

We got to see the talented Jerry D again today. He is considering doing Brody's Birthday Bash along with Mammoth Jack in May. Wouldn't that be great? Check out his music on my space at www.myspace/jerrydworldmusic.com
and let me know what you think. He is the nicest man and is doing a lot of charity work. The world needs more people like him with the gift of music that he has.
Brody had a great week at school. Thank you for keeping him in your prayers.

Nashville Shores!

2009-08-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family,
Today we are braving Nashville Shores. We are taking our family and my friend Lessie is taking her family from Alabama. It is autism awareness day and the Middle Tennessee Autism Society has put together an event. Pray that we will have a great day and Brody will have a blast.....