Our Christmas Adventure in Myrtle Beach!

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

Now I am sick!

What a December so far. It is bedtime and I am feeling some better. I have had a virus and Bubba ended up sick after supper. I hope we can shake this before the kids get it. My oldest son went out over the road today on a long haul and he was so upset. He will not get to see his family at Christmas. Please keep us in your prayers. He is driving for R.E. West. My husband and I are step parents to two wonderful children that I have had since they were 12 and 13. Their father passed away in a 4-wheeler accident in 2001. After Bubba and I married, they have just accepted us as parents. They are great kids/adults. Brody is doing great at school. They want to get him a weighted backpack for the long walk to class and library. He always wants to go to the cafeteria to EAT. My husband loves his job in the BIT program. He is at the same school with the kids.

Improvements galore

Dear friends and family,
Our school system is really trying to step up a notch. They are creating a sensory room and also splitting the CDC classroom into two separate classes. They have hired a behavior therapist and also a new BIT teacher. It is all moving forward under the leadership of Lisa Ventura, Dr. Stan Curtis and Dr. Patsey Thomas.
We are making huge improvements in the special education department. One day at a time and one child at a time...
This week we have the staff Christmas party and next week, we make gingerbread houses. We have all three of their Christmas parties at the same time the third week of December. In addition to all of that, the kids have dental appointments. Brody has had two surgeries already so he has to go and he couldn't be rescheduled until summer.
We bought a swing for our living room last weekend and I can't wait to get it up. It is an EZ chair. Does anyone have an extra net swing that they could sell?
Keep us lifted up during December.