Holidays 2008

Grandpa and Grandma L could have saved a whole lot of money this year and just given Jordan wrapping paper, bows and boxes.

Our Christmas Tree

Our children are blessed to have 2 sets of wonderful grandparents. Here they are with Grandpa and Grandma Lemponen

Our best gifts of all-Jared, Allison and Jordan

10 Things that I am Thankful For

Here are the top 10 things that I am thankful for. There are so many more, but I stopped at 10

1. My salvation.
2. My wonderful husband, Bill
3. Jared William
4. Allison Elizabeth
5. Jordan Matthew
6. America-even with all the problems, we still live in the greatest country in the world.
7. Friends-you know who you are.
8. Modern technology-digital hearing aids and cochlear implants
9. Family
10. Bill's Job- when so many places are laying people off, Bill has a stable job that has even given him some overtime.

During this Thanksgiving season, let's take the time to thank God for the blessing He has given to each one of us.

Allison's school program

Our cute little Indian

Sing out Allison, so the whole room can hear you!!

Last night, we went to see Allison's 1st K program!! It was a celebration of the 1st Thanksgiving. We are so proud of Allison, she stood up on the risers and sang with gusto. I must admit, there were a few times when I had tears of joy in my eyes. Who would of thought 6 years ago when we were told that our precious little girl was deaf, that we would be sitting in the multipurpose room of her school listening to her sing. How great is it that because of her CI, she can listen and participate in the wonderful gift of music.

For My Husband

Nine years ago today, my dad walked me down the aisle to you. We joined hands, said our vows and started our new life together.

Since that day, there have been unexpected turns in the road, but you have always been there, righting the course and keeping us steady. You are my rock, my support and my best friend. I cannot imagine traveling this journey called life without you.

God has blessed us with three wonderful children who have enriched our lives beyond anything that we could have imagined. You are an amazing father who is adored by our children. You are teaching Jared and Jordan how to be men of God and Allison what a Godly husband should be.

Of all the decisions I have made in my life, the best by far was saying yes when you asked me to marry you. I love you and always will.

Happy Anniversary, Bill

Fall Fun

Look at the determination on Bill's face and the size of the knife in his hand-the pumpkin never stood a chance. :-)

There is nothing like sticking your hand inside a pumpkin-notice that it was Jared and Allison that got that job.

Even Mom got into the carving act

Allison's pumpkin

Jared's pumpkin

Jared and Allison had a costume parade at their school and then a party. What a fun day!

Trick or Treat!!

I am sorry that I did not get any pictures of Jordan- he would not wear his costume, every time I went to take a picture he would pull the costume off :-( Maybe next year.

Why is it.....

that they have thousands of dollars worth of toys, but they play

with the pots, pans and cookie racks?

What would you do?

So, I need some advice. Even though I have been at this mother of hearing impaired/deaf children awhile now, last night I ran into something that I have not experienced before. While standing in line at the grocery store, a little girl(maybe 5-6 years old) was staring at Jared's hearing aids and was making comments to her grandmother about them. Jared did not noticed, but I did. Now what would you do? Would you explain to the child what those "things" are in his ears or not do anything at all?
Most of the time, people come right out and ask about Allison's implants. I guess it is because most people know more about hearing aids than implants.
I don't want Jared to feel that he is "not normal", but it is a fact of life, he is different and we are going to have to deal with stares and comments. I want to empower him while he is still young.

Mommies don't get sick.

Yes, that is what everyone tells you, but don't you believe it. I have come down with a flu bug that is making me feel like I have been hit by a truck. What makes it worse is that I can't crawl into bed and pull the covers over my head like I want to, Jared, Allison and Jordan still need me. I am just praying that this will be over soon. I am just waiting for that wonderful sound of Bill's truck pulling into the driveway.

Who would have thought it?

Who would have thought that Allison(in just 3 short years after her CI) would be asking to turn up the TV just a little bit because she cannot hear it.
This is just another moment when I am reminded that we made the right choice for Allison in getting her CI. Every day there are moments like this, that most parents take for granted.
Allison has been a constant reminder to make every day special and be thankful for the gifts that God has given us.
Not once has Allison complained that she has to put on her CI, but joyful puts on "her ears" so she can hear the wonderful sounds around her.
Thank you Allison, for the lessons you have taught Mommy! You are a special blessing in my life and I look forward to what you are going to teach me next.

Allison's trip to the pumpkin farm

Yes, it is that time of year-the annual school outing to the pumpkin farm, every kid does it and they have so much fun.

Notice that there is no picture with her pumpkin, that is because it was too big for her to hold

(she had to get the biggest one) and mom ended up carrying it around the farm :-)

Pictures of the Kids

Our Pretty Girl

How Big is Jordan.....So Big
Self Feeding is so much fun!!
Baby from the Hood
Such a helper
Toothless Grin

Hearing Child

I must say it is a big adjustment having a child that can hear after having 2 that can't. It is also so much fun to watch Jordan turn to new sounds with that look on his face "what was that". I have to change when I do the vacuuming, with Jared and Allison I could clean house when they were sleeping and they would never hear a thing. Jordan on the other hand wakes up at the slightest sound. How great is it that I have to tell Jared and Allison to not be so loud because Jordan is sleeping. While I would not change Jared and Allison for anything(God made them the way they are for a special purpose) maybe just maybe Jordan will be our piano player or famous singer.
He is starting to really try to communicate with us. His new word is "dat" as in "what is that"? or "want that". It is so cute. I just love hearing him "talk"
Thank you God for Jordan's hearing.

Happy 6th Birthday, Allison!!

10 weeks early!!
No oxygen or tubes!!
Sleeping soundly

Does she really need to be washed?
Allison's 1st Birthday

Sitting pretty in her Easter dress.

"Reading" a story to her baby (this is about 2 weeks or so after her CI activation)

Enjoying the outdoors

That pumkin is almost as big as you are

1st picture with your glasses.

You are such a good big sister

Happy Birthday, sweet girl!! Look how far you have come in 6 years.

Jordan's Party

Can you tell Jordan enjoyed his cake?

"All this partying just plain wore me out."

Happy 1st Birthday Jordan

Just look how much you have grown in a year!!

We are so thankful that God gave you to us

We Love You.