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Monday, December 29, 2008

Bullets

  • Over the last few months I have steadily gotten worse at keeping up on my posting or checking up on other blogs... I hope to do better in the new year.
  • Our weather man tell us that this is the most snow Calgary has had at Christmas time in over 50 years. I am loving every minute of the white stuff!!!
  • With all this snow do you think I can get my kids to go outside and play in it? "NO" The wining as they go outside to get some fresh air is unbelievable
  • When did mothers become the kids personal playmate??? When I was my kids age I happily played with all my new stuff at Christmas and barely saw my mom or dad except to eat meals.
  • I took my 13 year old son to the movie theater today for his first DATE!!! I am soo not ready for this part of my son's life. I could tell by the look on the girls mother's face she was not ready for this as well... But we both gave the kids there rules and waved good-bye as they went off to a movie.
  • We were given some Williams-Sonoma Peppermint Hot Chocolate for a Christmas gift... and I think I have died and gone to heaven.
  • Our kitchen is almost done, now I have to pick out the back splash and hood fan, then the cabinet guy can come back and finish all the crown moldings that still need to go up.



Saturday, December 27, 2008

This is the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Ho Ho Ho

Well after waiting 356 days Christmas Eve was finally here. We spent the evening at David's parents home... All of his brother's and sister's were there as well as the kids cousin's. Once we got home I allowed the kids to open two special present each... New Christmas PJ's!!!! Then I made them sit in front of the tree for a picture.

Reegan and Larkyn opening there stockings.
I've been bless with children who know that sleeping in on Christmas morning is a good thing!!! The kids finally got up around 8am so we were all well rested and ready to take on the tree.

All of David's family came to our house in the morning and we all opened our gifts together... There was a lot of chaos and tones of mess.. but fun was had by all. My dear sister joined on skype.


Ryker Man... Got his beloved Nerf Gun.. He was a very happy boy!!


More Present!!!!

Larkyn Aunt's Kate (who happens to be a lurker on my blog) gave Larkyn her favorite gift... Her very own bike. She would not get off it and when she did she would not take her helmet off. After she went to bed I was finally able to put her bike downstairs so that in the morning she could ride it down there. She's not to good at steering it yet and our walls were taking a beating.


David's mom and dad gave Larkyn this lovely Chinese outfit... I love the little shoes!!!

Larkyn and Mommy


Ryker and Mommy

Me and My Honey

I want so much to thank my sister in-law Tracey for a wonderful Christmas dinner. It really was great to be with the family over Christmas.


PS: before I forget... My dear brother in law made a very cheeky comment on Christmas Eve about people who blog need to get themselves a JOB!!!!! I think if he says something like that again I might have to give all you guys his email address and you can all send him a cheeky email. LOL

Here's a picture of my brother in-law... He looks happy now but watch out Mr. Anti Blogger!!!! Ha Ha Ha

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Laptop Blues But Finally I'm Back!!!

Well They finally fixed my beloved Laptop... but not without some casualties. It would appear that my computer was infected with some very bad viruses.. and yes I had ant virus on my laptop... We think that one of my little darlings might have allowed it in when they were using my computer.... Errrrr
I still don't have any sound which sucks.. but at least I can now check email, post on my blog etc.,
I was fortunate enough to have had an external hard drive for back ups so most was restored...
We have been busy getting ready for the Holiday Season... Larkyn has been enjoying her reindeer antlers

This past Saturday Reegan spent the afternoon with her grandmother... What a great time Reegan had... David's mom is just the best... They did crafts and decorated gingerbread cookies. The best was this amazing candy Christmas tree...




My son shocked me by cleaning his bedroom last weekend. I can't remember the last time I saw his bedroom floor... Actually there has been a few changes in his behaviour lately... He's taking a shower sometimes twice a day... He's brushing his teeth the correct way... His hair must be just right before he leaves the house... I have some theories but I think the best conclusion would be a GIRL !!! Yikes!!!!!

Just Check out this bedroom!!!

Sunday evening was decorating the family Christmas Tree... Larkyn was very into to it this year. When I think back to last Christmas Larkyn had only been with us for 4 months, I'm sure she was shelled shocked by Christmas and all the hustle and bustle... This year she as cute as can be listening to Christmas stories and saying Ho Ho Ho.

On the Kitchen front.. things have been going well... We didn't think our granite counter top would be in before Christmas, so when they called last Thursday and said they were coming on Friday to install our counter, we almost feel off our chairs... Then on Friday the Urban Barn called to tell us our stools were in, they weren't suppose to be here until the end of January... Some times things just work out... I guess Christmas really is a time for miracles. We don't have the stools yet but here's some pictures of the counter top.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

I HAVE A SICK LAPTOP

Well it appears that my laptop is sick... it has some sort of virus and has been taken away to be fixed... I am having to use my son's laptop in the meantime to check email etc., I just can't seem to get into blogging on someone else laptop... It's a personal thing I guess!! It should be back by this Friday... So keep your fingers crossed...
Merry Christmas

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

The Home Stretch

Well we finally picked out our slab of granite for the island in the kitchen... In truth it was much easier then we had anticipated. You see David and I have very different ideas of what we wanted... He wanted dark.. I wanted light... We have enough dark in our house now that the though of seeing more dust just about sent me over the edge. David on the other had doesn't do the dusting so it truly didn't bother him. "MEN"
But in the end we found this beautiful piece of granite... it has just the right amount of dark to make David happy and it's not so dark it shows every speck of dust. Our island will use this entire piece so we both wanted something that would stand out...


We are keeping our fingers crossed that it's in by Christmas!!!!

Monday, December 1, 2008

Stephen Is Home !!!

November 24th, 2008

Dear Friends;

What a crazy month! The saying, “Stop the world, I want to get off!” has never seemed so real to me than this past month. I truly have wished that the world would just stop for one day so I could catch my breath. I guess in a way, my world stopped while I slept for 17 hours one day last week. I just crashed. Thankfully, we have friends and family that I can call in for reinforcements.

I have this love/hate relationship with time at this point. Time stresses me out because there isn’t enough time in the day to do all the things that need to be done and talk to all the people I need to talk to and still be organized and on top of what is going on or going to be going on. Yet, time is our friend since it is time that is needed to complete Steve’s healing. It also makes me feel better knowing that a brain injury takes from 2 to 5 years to heal and we are only 6 months into that time period. He isn’t the finished product yet.

We have almost worked out his schedule with most of the therapist coming to the house. He goes out for physiotherapy and also goes to the YMCA. He has a new support worker who we call his “hired friend” just for fun. He helps him with his rehab homework and helps him do tasks at home like changing light bulbs, etc. He will also take him wherever he wants to go. He just started last week so they are still getting to know each other. His presence takes a load off of me so I am thankful.

Steve is still continuing to make progress with his healing. I see him every day yet I still can hear his voice improving and his mobility getting smoother. He has even been shoveling snow! The eyesight still isn’t clear but it is slowly coming along.

He was very emotional for the first few days when he arrived home and it is no wonder. “It is what it is,” he would say. He was home but not as the same person who had left back in May. He was now out of the safety of the hospital, where it was all about him and he knew what was in store each day, and into the world of kids, phone calls, the dog barking at therapists coming to the door, and constant movement and unpredictability.

The King of Curveballs now doesn’t like surprises and needs to know what is going to happen next. He has to know who is arriving and what time and where we are going and what time we are leaving… and we have to stick with it. I suppose he has a greater sense of control if he is aware of these things. We are all adjusting and getting better at working it all out.

But I am not too concerned for Steve at this point. He is still working hard and time is on our side. It is more for my children. Now that the dust is starting to settle some things are starting to be revealed. Please pray for our children. Watching them deal with this is like a torture to me. Abigail seems to be doing well as she has Steve all to herself and has him wearing tiaras and having tea parties. William’s life has changed the most as his best friend was his dad. The greatest dad on earth is now a disabled man who wants to practice spelling words with him every minute. There is a great loss there and he is showing his grief in a few ways. I am worried for him and I cry as I type this. We are trying a few strategies to get him through it.

I am sorry that this letter has been so long coming. I would think about writing it as I would head to bed but would be just too tired to even start. I also apologize to those who I haven’t return phone calls or e-mails! If the world would just stop for a day then I just might catch up on them!

Don’t forget about us! We still need you to pray! Pray for our kids, pray for my stamina and, of course, pray for Steve’s healing. You have been so faithful… thank you!

In His Grace,
Donna Langman

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Using the Potty




I am not a big believer in potty training... The truth is most parents who say that there wee ones are potty trained in truth are trained themselves. With both Ryker and Reegan I really didn't push them... I suggested the potty many times but it was really up to them and once they decided they wanted to do it was a done deal...
Well lately Miss Larkyn has been asking to use the potty, so far she usually goes in her diaper just before but at least she's making the connection.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Say What You May About Her... But She Still Makes Me Laugh

WAY To Go Ryker Man

This weekend Ryker's school had a wrestling tournament... In the past years Ryker really hasn't been all that keen on wrestling but he has tried it each year.. This year he's taken it on with gusto. Getting up twice a week for morning practices as well as attending two after school practices.

I am so proud of him... I actually started to cry when he won the second match and then when he walked up to get his medal... He looked so happy !!! I was beyond proud for him.

Your the best Ryker Man...

Monday, November 17, 2008

SPARKS

When I was this age we didn't even have Sparks... It was Brownies then girl guides etc., My mother tried to put me into Brownies, I think I lasted two meetings and then packed in my uniform and said enough of that!!! For me the best part of being in Brownies was eating the cookies you had to sell.

Then there's Reegan who has been bugging me since September to get her into to Sparks... After making the appropriate phone calls and filling in all the paperwork we got her in.

Did you guys know there's an entire store just for the Girl Guides??? I found out when I had to get her uniform. Did you also know that the Brownies uniform doesn't have any brown on it, it's orange and blue "What's With that????"

For me the most exciting part of this is that we now get first dibs on those COOKIES!!! No more waiting for them to come to our house ... Yum Yum...

Friday, November 7, 2008

Reegan School Picture 2008

Things have sure changed. I remember having to sit at a desk, hold a pencil and smile for the camera because you only got one shot. Now you get to choose the colour of your back ground (As you can see Reegan choose purple "Big Surprise there") You have three poses to choose from and you can also have them printed in back and white or sepia tone. They will even take out any blemishes if you are old enough to have any.. Common people !!! When my kids are at the awkward age they need to be able to look back and see that both there mother and father had pimples as well. NOT TOUCH UP'S ALLOWED!!!!

So here's the deal... I have been horrible at posting lately... I don't even have a good excuse, it's pure laziness on my part... Once all three kids are finally in bed all I want to do is to veg in front of the TV and then go to bed...

I would be on the couch right now but my husband beat me to it, so I decided to add a new post.

Just some random pictures of what's been happening around here.


Two very lazy bums!!!

Ryker after a day of quadding with his dad!!!


These boots are made for working!!

I am soooo embarrassed

For Halloween Reegan was Hannah Montana. Larkyn refused to put her costume on and much to Ryker's dismay we told him he was too old for trick or treating, so he was the official door person and every time someone showed up at the door who was clearing older then Ryker both David and I heard about it.


A Good Hull!!!



Sunday, November 2, 2008

MADONNA!!!!!!!

Finally after almost six months of waiting the day had finally arrived. October 30, 2008 Madonna's Sticky and Sweet Tour.

I had great tickets... center, row 24, floor.

David and I decided that we would make this into an anniversary trip seeing as our 16th wedding anniversary was on October 31. But David didn't really care if he went to Madonna's concert (This still shocks me) So my friend Maya flew in from Calgary to accompany me.

We were dressed and ready to go. We decided to check out the stadium before we got to our seat and that is were I noticed that her stage was not at all were it said it would be when I ordered the tickets. Instead of her stage being right across the front she had a runway down the middle, from the end of the runway we would still have good seats at row 24, but when she was at the back we would not. After getting a few snacks we ventured down to the floor showed our tickets three times to security and were shown our seats...

OMG!!! Because of her stage and that runway down the middle our row 24 turned into row 4 directly in front of the runway where Madonna performed 80% of her show. I couldn't believe my luck... She was so close !!!

My blackberry doesn't take pictures and I assumed bringing a camera would be out of the question, so I took David's phone to take a few snaps... Much to my surprise people at the concert took camera's "Note to self BRING MY CAMERA next time" So all of my pictures turned out poorly.

Enjoy

Oh did I happen to mention her concert WAS AMAZING!!!!




















Monday, October 20, 2008

With each of my children I have seen there individual talents. Larkyn's since day one LOVE's music. She loves to dance to music and she sings as often as she can. Now she had decided to take up a musical instrument!!!

Enjoy

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Stephen Langman Update

October 5th, 2008

Dear Friends;

I realize that it is past October 2nd and some of you may be wondering if Steve has moved back home from the hospital or not. After much discussion with his Rehab Team it was decided to move his discharge date to October 23rd. He was quite relieved as he feels that he would be a burden on us at this stage, which is not true in my opinion. It is good to get the most out of Bridgepoint as he most certainly will not be getting nearly the amount of therapy at home that he receives now. And in a couple of weeks he will be that much further along in his recovery and hopefully feeling that he would rather be home than at the hospital.
Steve has been making some good gains with control of his right hand and arm and is walking at a much faster and more fluid pace. He has decided that it is time to work on getting rid of the patch over his eye. His left eye has been coming back in line as time passes so he can see with both eyes open but the image is not clear. He has decided that he can function with out the patch for some things therefore he does not wear it unless he has to; this way his eyes can get used to working together. His speech is probably the hardest for me to hear improvement since I talk with him on most days. He is still difficult to listen to for long periods because of the choppiness and monotones. He rarely chokes now though so I know that he is improving with his speech functions. (They are closely related).
I am doing much better; thanks for not asking! Thankfully, the grieving period was not too long (although the tears are not too far from the surface) and I fear that it may come back at some time but for now we are doing o.k. Steve has been keeping a journal that is helping him deal with some of it all and we have had some cry times together. He loves anything positive (actually, we both do) so keep up the encouragement.
Here is a verse that God showed me that we have been concentrating on lately.
“ So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 40:10

In His hand,
Donna Langman

THEY SET UP A FACEBOOK FOR STEPHEN A WHILE BACK AND ABOUT A MONTH AGO STEPHEN RECORDED A 2 MINUTE VIDEO THANKING EVERYONE... YOU WILL HAVE TO SCROLL DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE TO FIND THE VIDEO!!!

HERE'S THE LINK

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=18719701889&ref=ts


Larkyn Singing ABC


Monday, October 6, 2008

Ryker Doing His Best At The Butterfly

Honestly is the Butterfly not the most ridiculous swimming stroke. Just look at my guy, he's about to drown. He tells me it's very hard but he still keeps trying his best. I have NO doubt he will be able to do this stroke.

I was lucky enough to even get this video... I was unaware that you are NO allowed to take photos or video's at the YMCA. What is wrong with this world!!! Apparently I could be a pervert ... I told them I would be more then happy to show them my video after his lesson, but rules are rules... I will tell you he kick butt with his front stroke, but the video police stopped me before I could get it on tape.

Follower's WANTED!!!!

So I was on Elisa's blog and notice that the follower's gadget was now working... I tried to put it on my blog a while back but it wasn't working... So if you follow my blog please add yourself!!!

Have A Wonderful Day!!!

Wendy

Sunday, October 5, 2008

My Husbands Idea Of A Healthy Snack

So I was busy upstairs putting away the laundry, and the kids were asking for a snack. I instructed David to get the kids a snack and assumed he would get them something healthy.

You will notice that our son was given the correct snack option.

These two little girls are defiantly a Daddy's Girl!!!

Friday, October 3, 2008

Bill 1738
Protect Our Children Act
PASSED!!!!!!

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Way To Go Reegan

Finally a new post... Sorry for taking so long.


Thanks to everyone who commented and said Hi.. or Hello on my last post. It's great to hear from you guys.





I had to show you what Reegan can now do in Gymnastics... She loves the un-even bars and did this jump over and over for the last 15 minuets of the class. She even managed to do it without the help of her instructors hand a few times.


The somersault on the balance beam was new this week!!!


She's the best!!!


Enjoy

Monday, September 22, 2008

Just a Friendly Reminder!!!

Just a Friendly Reminder that I Love to hear those comments... Even from those lurker's out there and I know your out there "KATE K." Just to name one. LOL
It's that time again when I ask for you all to say hi.. or hello... or ... It's me... or... Good Day!!!
Wendy

Elisa????

I while back I was on a blog... and I left a comment. That person was kind enough to check in on my blog and has since left me lovely comments... Unfortunately I can't remember her blog address, nor did I put it in my favourites.

I would very much like to do the same on her blog... but I can't seem to find it... Elisa.. clicking on your name in the comments box doesn't bring me to your blog either...

Elisa... if you out there please let me know?????

Wendy

Sunday, September 21, 2008

What Could It Be????

Since the beginning of summer Larkyn has had these on her off and on again. When I first saw them in July... there were only one or two here and there and I assumed they were mosquito bits. As the summer continued they would appear and then disappear. Some days she would have just one or two and other days many all over her body...

In the last two weeks it's gotten EXTREMELY bad. Keeping her up at night's crying from the itch. Our family doctor has referred us to a dermatologist next Tuesday to figure out what this is.

I can't for figure out what it could be... Her diet hasn't changed and I haven't changed soap's or detergents... They really look like little bug bits, I just hope it's not some sort of parasite!!!

Our poor Baby Girl

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

On Oprah Yesterday!!

I was watching Oprah yesterday... Unfortunately I can't contribute to this bill as I am not an American... But all those American Mothers and Father's out there can help.


Help Pass Senate Bill 1738—The PROTECT Our Children Act

Hundreds of thousands of children are victims of sexual abuse each year. Due to the sheer lack of resources, law enforcement is unable to follow up on the majority of leads they have.The PROTECT Our Children Act will:
Authorize over $320 million over the next five years in desperately needed funding for law enforcement to investigate child exploitation.
Mandate that child rescue be a top priority for law enforcement receiving federal funding.
Allocate funds for high-tech computer software that can track down Internet predators.


Act Now!
Your U.S. senators will be voting on the bill soon, so it is crucial you contact them immediately.Go to www.senate.gov to find contact information for the senators in your state. Search for your senator by name or state by clicking on the arrow from either dropdown menu. Contact information is provided here. To send an e-mail, click on "Web Form" below his or her name, and e-mail your letter to make a difference!

Call Your Senators
If you choose to contact your senators by phone, be sure to tell them, "Vote yes on Senate Bill 1738—The PROTECT Our Children Act.

Write to Your Senators
If you choose to write a letter, fax, telegram or e-mail, you may use the following sample letter—and modify it how you see fit.


Dear Senator:

I know that you believe, like I do, that we must do everything possible to protect children from sexual predators. That is why I am asking for your help.Last year alone, U.S. law enforcement identified over 300,000 criminals who were trafficking in movies and pictures of young children being raped and tortured. Experts say that one in every three of these criminals has local child victims. Child pornography trafficking over the Internet has given us a trail of evidence that leads straight to their doorsteps, but the vast majority of these children will never be rescued because investigators are overwhelmed, outnumbered and underfunded.As your constituent, I urge you to do everything in your power to pass the PROTECT Our Children Act (S. 1738, Biden-Hatch). This bipartisan legislation passed the House 415-2, but it is now the victim of petty partisan politics.Now that we know where these children are and how to protect them, there is no excuse for the Senate to fail to take action this session.

(Your name here)


Instructions for How to Copy and Paste the Letter
To copy and paste the letter into your senator's web form at www.senate.gov, point your mouse arrow at the beginning of the text that you want to copy. Click your left mouse button and hold it down. While holding the left mouse button, drag your arrow to the end of the text that you want to copy. Release the button. The text should be highlighted. Place your mouse arrow over the highlighted text, click your right mouse button once and let go. A new menu should appear. Select Copy from the drop down menu. When you get to the message form field for your senator at www.senate.gov, point your arrow at the beginning of the message field that you want to copy your text to and right click with your mouse. Click Paste from this menu. Submit your form and help our children!

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Progress Pictures

The Kitchen

My new command post for blogging. We added this built in desk, it used to be just the wall. When it's finished it will have a granite top to match the counter tops, and tile around the back.

A warmer feel!!! With the white cabinets gone and the new microwave built in our kitchen has a warmer feel to it. The new island is to go in this weekend. I will have a plywood island counter top for a few weeks until the granite arrives.

The Backyard

I can now relax a little. With the pool now fenced in The kids can now play on the grass without me having to be outside with them at all times. David did an excellent job with the deck, there are still a few little jobs around the deck that need to be finished, in the end there will be lights on the steps as well.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

More Construction!!!



I while back I posted about all the renovations that we had started over two years ago. Progress at that time was little to none. I am happy to say that things are slowly getting finished. Last week the railing around the pool finally went up... I will download pictures next time of the finished job.

Larkyn enjoyed digging holes with daddy and Ryker and then afterwards Ryker gave Larkyn a ride in the wheel barrel.



This weekend my kitchen is being worked on... We have had the cabinets for over a year now but finally we managed to get them installed. We now need to order the counter top and pick out the sink. I have to take the blame for those things not being done. I just haven't been able to get my act together on this. I will post pictures when it's all finished.


As for the bathrooms the tile is now done but not much more has been done on that front.


Slowly we are making some head way...

Saturday, September 6, 2008

She's Trying My Patience


Many people have told me over the years that I have an extreme amount of patience when it comes to the kids. This was something I needed to learn when I was a first time mother of a son with ADHD and ODD.

Lately Larkyn has been testing my patience on a minute by minute basis. She has the strongest will out of all three of my children. When you ask her anything her first response is NO, even when I know she really will want to.

A perfect example was today at the mall. It was a girls afternoon out, honestly Larkyn was like a piece of human Velcro. She had her hand on anything and everything .. she was off and running this way and that. If I tried to call her back her reply was simply NO and would run the the other way. When I finally did catch her, holding her hand was in NO way something she would allow me to do.. Picking her up proved to cause a very noisy protest, and so this is how our shopping afternoon went.

Larkyn is not my first child and I am finding it very frustrating that I can't seem to get a handle on this behaviour. Here's another thing, this morning Larkyn wanted to be held.. but only by me. I was trying to get some things done before the kitchen guy came and only I could do it. So I tried to hand her off to David.. She screamed.. and screamed, so David asked the kids to take her outside, which is her favourite thing to do. For 10 minute no stop she screamed outside. The kids tried everything to entertain her. Finally David called her in and she still would not stop screaming, out of pure desperation he finally put her in her room to play and for another five minuets she knocked on her door and screamed... Not once while she was caring on like this was she calling for me.. just screaming!!! As soon as I was done what I needed to get done I picked her up and Presto!!! just like magic all was well!! "What A Little Stinker"

Is it time for some tuff love??? Some would say YES and other's would say NO!!!

What would you advise????






Tuesday, September 2, 2008

First Day Back To School

Just look at this young man. Ryker is off to grade nine, last year in Junior High he looks so handsome in his uniform!

Reegan's been having some doubt's about going to grade one. She's not to sure about staying all day and eating her lunch at school. Last night she was out of bed three times with yet another question about the first day in grade one and what would it be like. Our morning didn't start off bad she got up, eat her breakfast and off we went.. Everything was going well until she found out her best friend was NOT in her class!! I could tell by just looking at her that the tears were about to fall. After a few moments off to the side with some reassuring hugs she finally agreed to line up with the rest of her class, that's when she realized that two of her OTHER best friends were in her class and to top it off her grade one teacher was the one she really.. really.. wanted.


TWO DOWN

ONE MORE TO GO!!!



Don't grow up too fast Baby Girl!!!!

Thursday, August 28, 2008

We All Need A Dream!!!!

For those of you who know our son... you are aware that he's not the most positive young man out there. I have never understood why he has such a low self esteem, and as his mother I am heartbroken when I hear him talk down about himself.

It's true that Ryker has been handed a road full of obstacles. Starting with the fact he was diagnosed with ADHD and Dyslexia. If you ask him what he doesn't like about himself the list is endless... usually starting with he's not tall enough and his ear are to big.. the list goes on and on. If you ask him what he thinks he does well.. he will most likely tell you not much and that so and so can do this better or so and so can do that better.

As his mom I can tell you that yes indeed he has ADHD and Dyslexia. I can also tell you that while Math, English and Social are not subjects that show off his strong points, he's an amazing artist... great at track and field, can be the best big brother and in the water he's like a fish. (Just ask his swimming teacher who feels he should compete)

Now you might be wondering why I am sharing all of this.

Let me explain. As all good mother's out there I have tried and tried to encourage Ryker to do his best at all things. I've always told him that each person has there own talents and right now it appears that academics is not his calling. He needs to focus on those things that he does do well. Swimming is one of those things. Of course the list of excuses come rolling out of his mouth. I can't because of this or someone will be better them me or faster etc., etc.,

Ryker did take some interest in watching the summer Olympics and he enjoyed the swimming very much, particularly all the hubbub with Michael Phelps. Ryker was truly impressed by his races. On one occasion David actually said to me "wouldn't it be great if someone like Michael Phelps had ADHD" just to prove to Ryker that anything is possible no mater the challenges we face.

Then two days ago I pick up my People Magazine and there's a story on Michael Phelps. The article was pretty standard... They talk about his gold medals,, his family and his future goals. There was one paragraph in particular that took my breath away, here is what I read:

It's not too hard to imagine Michael as a skinny young kid, full of fire but so lacking in focus his teachers called his mother with their concerns. "We went through several years when we were just trying to capture his energy", says Debbie, who learned Michael had ADHD for which he took Ritalin during school hours. His early coach remembers him as being a very mooding little guy. Phelps also says that kids made fun of his big ears as a young boy.

After I picked myself off the floor I read this to David and then to Ryker. I wanted him to know and hopefully understand that we all have brick walls to get over. Some people have bigger ones some people have more, but we all have obstacles in our way. I wanted Ryker to look at this swimmer and realize that he to can accomplish something just a wonderful in his life, he just has to start with a dream.

That's all I really want for my son.. I want him to start to dream about all his possibilities and embrace his strengths. You see I truly believe if he does that he will overcome his weaknesses.

JUST LIKE HE DID!!!!!!

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

The Lastest Update On Stephen Langman

August 25, 2008

Dear Friends;

It has been awhile since I have written but we have just been plugging along on this road to recovery. I was also waiting for Friday to come as Steve and I had a meeting with all of his therapists and doctors. There wasn’t much that we didn’t know since we have been well informed all along and I accompany Steve to most of his therapy sessions.

Some of the highlights are that he is doing well with his balance and has now graduated to a cane. He is feeling good about this for obvious reasons but mostly because he was able to cut loose the rolator. At his grandfather’s 98th birthday on the 17th of this month, many of his senior relatives were sporting rolators He was anxious to get out of the rolator club! This gives him greater mobility as he doesn’t have to try to fit in doorways or run over things.

His talking is still loud, flat and some what slurred but he is becoming more aware of it and has begun some exercising in breath control and enunciation. A lot of his speech problems are related directly to the damage done to his brain which needs more time to heal. For those of you who have had a chance to talk to him, you know that he talks a lot! Thankfully, he has begun to recognize that dead air space can be good and he is learning turn taking. He also has a roommate now (who is not a brain injury patient) which will help him to practice his communication skills.

He is still weak on the right side but I can see that he is gaining more control with his right arm and hand. This, again, is related to the brain injury and will take time. He is learning to write again and it is actually more legible now than before the accident.

Amazingly enough, testing by his occupational therapist revealed that his thinking skills are in the average range for his age group! The physiatrist commented that he is a smart man and the more you have to work with the better the outcome. There are some behaviours that are amplified now such as his need to be a neat freak and his desire to be punctual. (You who are close to him will see that as a small miracle in itself! He was always late for everything!) There are many things that he still needs to learn, things that we would find easy to figure out but are perplexing to him. As he has new experiences and time to heal he will begin to figure it all out.

There was one fact from that meeting that Steve found disturbing and that was that he would not be driving for about a year. I had been preparing him for that bit of news but he didn’t realize that it would be for so long. (It may be even longer but we didn’t tell him that.) And of course, in character of his giving nature, he was most concerned for those that he plows snow for in the winter.

Something that I have been worried about is his emotional health. He has become very flat. He tells jokes but doesn’t laugh much and rarely smiles. He never seemed to be sad either. He would at times get frustrated and angry which was at least some emotion. Last week, after seeing some pictures of him in the coma, surrounded by his kids, he broke down and cried. I think it is the start of some emotional healing and as funny as it sounds, I was glad to see it. Please pray for his emotional healing. That may be an even longer road to travel.

The big finale news is his discharge date from Bridgepoint Hospital. It is planned for him to return home on October 2nd. After that, he will begin therapy here at home and will continue that until needed. Please pray for a smooth transition home. When he is home for the weekends I tend to get exhausted. I am hoping that he is far enough along in his recovery that I will be able to handle it.

Once again, thank you for your prayers, support and practical demonstrations of love. You are wonderful people and we are truly blessed by knowing you.


In His Grace,
Donna Langman

One More Reason Why We Love Animals

Monday, August 25, 2008

Lovable Lables

A friend of mine "Tracey Brown" who travelled to China a month after us to get there little girl is selling labels.

Lovable Labels www.traceyb.lovablelabels.ca

With school approaching I figured I would need these for Reegan. I was blow away at the web site, they have tones of stuff. I decide to get tags for her backpack and lunch kit, then I saw that they had clothing stick on label's Yahoo NO IRONING!!!! and last but not least I ordered shoe labels, these are great because not only are they durable they also come with a clear sticker to put over them to ensure they stay put!!!

Lovable Labels has tones of other great things so check it out.

www.traceyb.lovablelabels.ca