Cerebral Palsy Family Network

Once again I have neglected updating my blog regularly. How am I suppose to keep followers if I don't write, right? :)

I have many things to write about; but they will be done in seperate posts. I have comtemplated turning this blog around and making it about what it is like to live with Cerebral Palsy. I am not sure how it would turn out or even how to go about doing this. If you, my readers think it would be something interesting please let me know!

What inspired this idea?! I was asked to write for the Cerebral Palsy Family Network. This is a non-profit organization for families that have children with Cerebral Palsy. I am glad my dear friend Lisa over at Diving For Healing introduced me to this site. It is my hope that through writing for this organization I give families encouragement through their journey.

Ok, now I know you want to see what I wrote; so here is the link:

Growing Up With Cerebral Palsy

Enjoy reading!

Rodeo Time

The last weekend in May and the first weekend in June are two of my favorites. There is a rodeo each weekend and I love going to them. One is here in Cleveland and the other is in Athens.

This year we took Kaylee to the Rodeo in Cleveland for a second time. She really enjoyed herself this year and even went into the arena with the other kids to chase to calf and get the ribbon off its tail! :) Her Uncle Mikey and I both have her spoiled rotten I do believe. He bought her a pink cowgirl hat. She also rode the ponies twice. I think that was her favorite part of the night.

Michael and I went that Saturday night also with our neighbors. We all had a great time too!

Last weekend Michael and I went to the Shriners rodeo in Athens with our neighbors. I always try to make it to this rodeo because it supports such a great cause. I went to Shriners Hospital as a child and they truly are a blessing for many. They don't just care for the children, they care for their families as well. Everything they do is free of charge to the family. They provide excellent care and services to special needs children.

I do have some pictures of the first rodeo, I've just got to get them off my phone and on my computer. That will be my next post!

Rodeo Pictures

Pictures from Rodeo in Cleveland.

Scheduling Posts

I know my blog is in serious need of some updating. I have decided that I am going to begin scheduling my posts in hopes that it will make my blog more read worthy if you will and attract more followers. Just wanted to give my current readers a notice!!

P.S.: If any of my blogging friends would like to share my blog please feel free to do so. Thanks!

Birthday Weekend

Last weekend was my birthday weekend. My birthday was Sunday, May 20.

The weekend began by having lunch with one of my best friends, Alex on Friday. Alex and I have known one another since sixth grade and have kept in touch throughout the years. We hadn't seen one another since I graduated High School in 2002. We enjoyed a nice lunch at Cracker Barrel with his mom and step-dad. Afterwards, we browsed around TJ-Maxx and Goodwill. It was nice to not only be out of the house, but to spend time with a great friend. I'm thankful to have Alex in my life and call him one of my best friends. I'm looking forward to many more lunch dates and hanging out! :)

Saturday, after Michael got home from work and had a nap we got ready and went out to Pokey's. My favorite local rock band was playing and I wanted to go listen to them for my birthday. I had a great time. Live music is one of my most favorite things. It's right up there with NASCAR/Racing. I get a thrill from it. The music makes me feel free. I forget all my worries when I'm dancing and listening to live music. I know this probably will not make a lot of sense, but I feel like a "normal" person when I'm dancing. It brings a beaming smile to my face and my soul dance with joy.

Sunday my Mom cooked my favorite dinner. I requested this as my birthday gift this year. Dinner consisted of meatloaf, fried taters,(yes, I said 'taters); slaw, creamed corn, fried okra, and green onions. This has always been my favorite dinner since childhood, along with pintos and cornbread. I thoroughly enjoyed dinner and spending time with my family.

I did receive some gifts:

Pink camo outfit
2 CD's from One Shot Down
Lantern for camping
Camping chair(s)
Clothes

Turning 28 wasn't too bad after all! :)

The New Ride! :)

This post has been a long time coming! Sorry about the poor quality of the picture and the sweater in the background. This is my new wheelchair that I've had for about a month now. It is a Quickie 2 XTender. The rear wheels have battery operated axles which makes the chair easier to push when I have the power assist engaged. It is like having two chairs in one. I can push it normally, around the house; or turn on the power assist when I will be going long distances, such as the mall. I really like it. It is truly the most comfortable and most awesome chair I've had! If I could, I would be on a billboard advertising this chair, Ha!

And let's not forget the color! It's Candy Apple Red. This just so happens to be the same color on Jeff Gordon's Drive to End Hunger Cheverolet. If you know well, you know that made picking that color worth it! :)

4-27-2011: A Year Later

One year ago today, the city of Cleveland & Bradley County was devastatingly hit by tornadoes, along with many other parts of the South East.

For me today has been a day of reflection and thankfulness in realizing how fortunate I was that day.
I remember waking up to the sound of the wind whistling around the house and the power going out. My sister and I could see traffic stopped and emergency vehicles all along the road. Many people had text and called multiple times asking if we were okay. We had no idea what had just taken place. A tornado had just bounced over my home and went straight across the road destroying everything in its path.

At first, the thought that I had slept through a tornado was a bit wowing I guess you could say. Now however, looking back I wish I had been awake and alert to what was going on around me. It is evident to me that God's Grace and protection were with us that day. That tornado could have destroyed my home and everything I have. I could have been one of those who were not so fortunate.

Cleanup and recovery efforts are still taking place today. Lives are still being rebuilt and new friendships made everyday as a result of our community coming together as one and lending a hand. That is why I am proud to be from Tennessee and be a small town girl.  We really do come together as one and volunteer.