60 Miles Of Hope

I have spent the last few days trying to figure how to describe all of the feelings that I have right now. It's so hard to describe how liberated I feel after walking 60 miles for public education. It is absolutely amazing what a small group of people can accomplish together. Every part of my body aches, but I feel absolutely amazing!

Just over a month ago, I woke up and decided that I was going to walk 60 miles with an organization called Game on For Kansas Schools. This is a really good article on the walk. I am fairly certain that Colby thought I was crazy when I told him, but he just went a long with it like he always does. 

I don't want to go into the logistics of the walk. Those can be found in news articles. I want to talk more about how I feel after doing this, and exactly what it means to me. You see, when I began this walk I was doing it for my kids, niece, and nephews. As the walk progressed, I saw how grateful people were for what we were doing. I watched the little town of Desoto, Kansas welcome us. I saw practically the entire town of Eudora turn out, complete with a police escort. As we arrived in Lawrence, Kansas we were greeted by a large mass of people chanting "Fund our schools!" Each and every one of those stops helped me to realize that I was a part of something remarkable, something bigger than myself and my family. I know that what I did, and what the other walkers did meant something to these towns.

You see, the Governor of Kansas and his minions can cut our funding and pass their crooked policies, but they can not take our pride. They can beat on our school doors and take everything they have from them, but that will only make us larger and louder. Why? Because we have more pride and fight in one hair on our head than the governor of Kansas has in his entire body. We will win. It may take 4 years, but I am here to tell you that we will win this battle. It will not be easy, and it will be filled with twists and turns, but I have no doubt that we can do it. I know because I met parents, teachers, school board members,and other community figures who were willing to go through physical pain to fight for the schools of Kansas. 

Teaching Liz to Advocate

Earlier this month, we sat down with Liz's IEP team to discuss next year and draw up her education plan.  One thing that I felt strongly about was teaching Liz to advocate for herself.  I told her team that if she can't learn to do so the entire process was pointless.  It's true though.  She needs to be able to tell someone when she is struggling,  sick, or being bullied.  She needs to speak up for herself. 
Earlier this month,  she made me so proud.  She woke up with a horrible stomach ache. She was screaming in pain and couldn't move. I thought for sure her appendix was rupturing. We rushed her to the hospital.  As the nurse practiconer looked her over,  she introduced herself, and calmly told the NP what was wrong.  As I watched her, I realized that while she has a long way to go, she is starting to realize how to advocate for herself.
As she goes through life, I won't always be there to hold her hand through things. My goal for next school year is to help her learn how to better verbalize her concerns and fears to others.  I'm so grateful to have an IEP team that fully supports us and our goals for Liz (but more on that later).

Sweet and Sassy Presley

Dear Presley,

I noticed you have been having an especially rough time recently. I imagine it is hard to have an older sister with special needs and a baby brother. Far too often you have to wait patiently for their needs to be met before your own You have learned to become flexible. I really can't give you enough praise. You often acts so much older than you really are. For example, a few days ago Liz wanted to do something that she shouldn't.  Daddy and I told Liz repeatedly to not do it. Finally, you looked at us, and said, "Guys, I got this." You walked over to Liz,  calmly explained the situation, and then offered assistance. You are learning to advocate for her sister.  It breaks my heart, but also fills me with pride to see you looking after Liz. Presley, you are truly an amazing child. Your contagious laughter and sweet sassy personality fills our home, and I love every ounce of you. Thank you for being an awesome sister and daughter.
Love Always,
Mommy

Lizzybug is 6!

I can not believe that my sweet girl is six year old. It seems like just yesterday she was a tiny baby. It is hard to believe that we now have 3 kiddos. Of course, Liz had the entire day planned. I brought cupcakes to her school. It was actually pretty fun. When I arrived, her class was dancing so I joined in! After school, she went to a church afterschool program that she loves. Then, Liz went to dance class where she shared cupcakes with her friends there. Her dance teacher was awesome, and she let Liz help lead the class. Liz is still talking about that! We ended the night at McDonald's with her cousins. She is already planning next year's birthday.

Cupcakes at school!