Progress or Should I Say MIRACLE!!!!!!!!!!!

This is a picture from last year, but it shows what Ananya can do herself now. Last night, at the ripe old age of 5, our baby girl pulled herself up to standing. Of course, in all Ananya glory she did it in her bedroom without anyone watching. Patrick walked in to get her and she was standing. Now to get the full force of this you have to understand that she has never attempted to do this herself. She doesn't even like when we make her stand up before we pick her up. She loves to walk but wants you to do the hard stuff. I will say it again. Ananya will not let anyone know she can do something until she has mastered the skill. The same thing happened with walking in her walker. One day she needed some pushing, the next minute she was almost running. She amazes me and I thank God everyday for such a stubborn little lady.
As a side note, they started using electro-stimulation on Ananya's right leg today to try and help get the thigh muscle to start working. She isn't using it at all and we decided to push her alittle further. I'll keep you updated.
Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance. Amanda

Psalm 150

He moves when we don't expect Him to. He knows the doors that we face. He speaks right before we stop believing. He shows His love through His grace. I praise Him in the sanctuary. I praise Him with the temple and dance. I praise Him with the trumpet and symbols. Since I'm breathing I'm gonna praise Him again.


I absolutely love this song and listen to it on almost a daily basis. It lifts me up or just pulls me out a foul mood which of course doesn't let God shine through for others to see. I wanted to share it's words with my friends who are going through a difficult time.

Pam this is for you. I know that you are going to be a much stronger woman when the rain comes (blessings raining from heaven).
Leviticus 26:4 Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.
Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.
Amanda

Reading

I've been doing alot of reading lately. Most of it being non fiction and I just wanted to recommend some reading to other moms out there.
First, for those with teens or almost teens. Do Hard Things. I'm going to make this homeschool reading and discussion. I'm reading through it first to get an idea of what it is before I have Anthony read it. Its changing my views on my role as a parent alittle. By setting standards that are way higher than is normal, I can help Anthony to shoot for bigger goals for himself. We'll see how it goes.

This book has me thinking about myself. I do try to live for others. I'm still way too self-centered. The first chapter opened a big door for me. I'll have to talk about it later but it is huge.

This book, well I just found it at the library. I enjoy reading some books about special needs parenting. I like the first hand experiences. Hearing how others have overcome the challenges. I don't care what the special need is either obviously.

I found this book at the libray. Some friends had mentioned it and the bright colors just jumped out at me. Its kind of sad because that is how I chose books alot of the time. Just walking by and I'm like "well that looks good".

This is my newest series. I'm a sucker for a series. I just read the first book. I'm hoping to pick up the next book Thursday on our way past the library.
Some of my reading is just fluff. (Well not completely, I've started reading more Christian fiction so at least I'm being inspired.) I'm trying to read more books of substance. If you have any suggestions, email me or leave me a comment.
Also, if you know of a good online bible study let me know. We don't have a church right now and I've finished my Bible in 90 Day challenge. I've got a 365 day devotional bible to start but I think a little more intense study would be good.
I'm going to go now. I'm nursing a cold right now. The sore throat is going away, but the headache and runny nose are just starting.
Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.
Amanda

Birthday Girl

A little late but better than never.

My Birthday Girl
Dearest Ananya,
My how the last 3 years have gone by in an instant. Now you are 5. That can't be right. Not my baby girl. But you are growing whether your daddy and I are ok with it or not. I marvel every day at the things you accomplish. I've never seen such strength in such a little package.
I hope that you one day you realize how much we love you (it can only come from having children of your own). I can't imagine life without you and don't know what we did without you.
Your smile is infectious. Your therapist will forgive you for making them deaf with your scream with just a smile. Your brothers let you hit them and pull their hair, just because you are Ananya. We won't even discuss how you get away with anything when Daddy is in charge. Even I melt when you say "Momma" or tell me you love me. How can I not melt? It has taken a Herculean effort and lots of time for you to understand how to use your mouth.
I love your passion. For Dora, for music, for books, and for your Daddy. Remember the time you fell off the porch bouncing in excitement because Daddy was home. Didn't even cry, just sat up and started screaming again. I mean really, your Daddy was home.
Now your sitting on the floor reading "10 Little Monkeys" all by your self.
I can't wait to start school with you. We are starting soon. You love to learn new things. The computer is your favorite. I wasn't joking when I told your teachers that if we aren't careful that you would be reading Tolstoy and we wouldn't know that you know how to read. You are so smart and you hide it. Even from me and Daddy.
Ananya, I'm so glad God has blessed us to spend the last 3 birthdays with you. It has been a true gift.
I hope that you will always be strong willed. Grow in faith in God and stand firmly in your beliefs. I hope one day you can be my best friend (after we fight it out during the teen years). You are and always will be a bright light in our house. You show the rest of us true strength and perseverance.
Stay strong baby girl.
Mommy loves you.