Testimonies...WOW!!!

A friend of mine posted this on her blog. As I watched it, tears streamed down my face. You will understand why when you watch it. But, I will also explain. There are so many people hurting. So many people that do not have the truth and light to guide them through their lives. While watching the testimonies of those people and the trials they had to overcome, it made me all that much more grateful for my parents, and for the strong foundation they provided me with. I am so blessed that they know God, and wanted to make sure that I had a personal relationship with Him. Without Him, I can see how I would question some things that have come along in my life.

My mother is a two time cancer survivor. She refused to let it beat her! She beat it!! TWICE!!!! Now, she helps others. My dad has lived most of his life with only one arm, and a hook for his other arm. I never thought about this all that much growing up. But, he can do anything anyone with an arm can do, and more. Sometimes that hook comes in handy! They are pillars of strength, and I am reminded of that constantly. They are a great example to me. They have always chosen to look at things in a positive light. To keep prayer alive in their home, and rely on God to get them through difficult situations. I too, have had the benefit of speaking daily with my Father in Heaven. He gives me strength, when I think there is none left. He gives me motivation, when I think I can go no further. He gives me the loving relationships I have with my husband and children. He gives all, so that we may have eternal life! Thank you Mom and Dad for getting me started in the right direction! I love you both very much! And am grateful for all you have taught me, and given me!

Saw this video clip today, and thought I would share. http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=51326077724&h=Eab0f&u=nlJgd

I thought this was a wonderful video. It gave a very insightful point of view. The whole issue of abortion is so rarely given from a man's perspective. After watching this video, and seeing the joy these precious babies bring into the lives of others, I just don't see how anyone could choose to abort. God Bless You All!

My Valentine Cuties!

No big special plans today! We're possibly having some family over to have a special Valentine Dinner! But, I am planning to take the Cuties to the movie Coraline. We'll see if i can handle them all on my own! Happy Valentine's Day to all!

More Angelman Goodies

I know, I've bombarded you all with Angelman "stuff", but there are some cute little poems that have been created, and once again, I have one for you......so here goes.......

Are you the Proud Parent of an Angel

If you can answer yest to any of the following questions, YOU are the Proud Parent of an Angel!

1. Have you developed the quickest reflexes around...diving for the salt shaker that is about to fly off the table...or protecting yourself from a lightning quick inadvertant elbow, hand or foot jab?

2. Do you find yourself instinctively grabbing the hands of other adult friends at the dinner table as they reach for a dish? And do you remember to apologize profusely as they look at you in horror?

3. Do you push everything into one small corner of the table at a restaurant the minute you sit down and promptly instruct the waiter to do the same?

4. Do you find yourself apologizing your life away to strangers who have been hugged, squeezed, grabbed or had their hair pulled lovingly by your favorite angel?

5. Have you ever had to buy a replacement hot dog, popcorn, or soda for another individual who had theirs snatched by the quick hands of your angel? Has a friend looked away for a moment and realized that his hot dog bun no longer contained a dog?!?

6. Do unfamiliar people wave at you and do you wonder who in the world they are? And do you later discover that your angel was busy greeting anyone and everyone from the back seat of the car?

7. Do you consider yourself a champion stain remover?

8. Do you hold the world record for hugging and kissing a child...especially a TEENAGE child?

9. Do you find yourself thinking unkind thoughts about rude individuals? And deciding to take the high road, do you smile politely or ignor the rudeness when what you'd REALLY like to say is **@@!!&%%!!**?!?

10. Have you forgotten what a good night's sleep feels like?

11. Are you thrilled beyond words when someone says the phrase "I've heard of that!" right after you've told them your child has Angelman Syndrome? Do you gasp in disbelief when a medical student says, "Angelman Syndrome" less than a minute after being put on the spot to guess what disorder your child has?!?

12. Is an angel collection taking over your home? Do you choose an angel theme for holiday cards and gift giving? Do your ears perk up any time you hear the word angel in the title of a song, book, poem or show? Do you find yourself looking for anything angel in catalogs?

13. When you hear the sound of diabolical giggling does your heart stop while your legs simultaneously fly in the direction of the sound?

14. Do you often hear the sound of water exploding from the faucet followed by that diaboloical giggling just mentioned?

15. Do you have the most sensitive, supportive, caring and loving family members all over the world? Do you have the pleasure of seeing them at reunions (otherwise known as conferences) every time you're fortunate enough to attend?

And last but not least...

Do you sometimes feel so sad, fatigued, lonely and overwhelmed that you can't imagine hanging in there much longer? But when you think about it for a while, is it impossible to imagine life without the unconditional hugs and love from your angel? There's just something about that grin and the joy that our angels express when they see us that will help us endure!

Contributed by Alice Evans

And, just imagine......This was written by a mom of ONE angel. I have two!!! So, imagine most of those doubled!! This crazy life I lead! For us, instead of hot dogs (like in number 5) it's CHEESE!!!!!! And like in number 12, I do collect angels. However, I started collecting them before I ever had Zoie and Baylee---I think somehow I must have known that I would have Angels around me, so what's a few more? And number 7, I too am a CHAMPION stain remover. Some of the stains that I have to remove frequently are blood (Zoie likes to head butt people, and we've had a few bloody noses), chocolate and pepsi (caffeine free, and diet--no extra sugar needed for my angels). I've also been known to have to get colored frosting out--we've decorated cookies or cupcakes a time or two, and Baylee loves the texture of frosting, so she grabs big handfuls, and squishes it between her fingers!

And, talk about quick reflexes.....I've definitely gotten quicker, but still not quick enough on most occasions. Lots of diabolical laughing in our house though! (especially around water) !

Thank you for letting me share with you, our experiences, challenges, and successes. It is so much fun!

Everything We Ever Needed to Know We Learned from an Angel...II

1. There is no such thing as "Angel-Proofing" your house.

2. An Angel's voice is louder than 200 adults in a crowded restaurant.

3. When you hear the toilet flush and an angel laugh, it is already too late.

4. A king-sized waterbed holds enough water to fill a 200 square foot house, 4 inches deep.

5. Legos will pass through an Angel's digestive tract.

6. Airplane emergency doors can withstand excessive force. Airplane passengers sitting

directly in front of an Angel cannot.

7. VCRs do not eject peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

8. Quiet does NOT mean DO NOT WORRY!

9. An Angel, a bathtub full of water, and the Sunday edition of the New York Times do not mix

well.

10. Toothpaste, Desitin, and Noxema make great finger-paint.

11. Bathroom walls, countertops, and mirrors make a great canvas for the above-mentioned

finger-paint.

12. Objects on someone else's plate are closer than they appear.

13. Laughter is often the best medicine.

14. If it's left on the floor, it will be chewed.

15. If you lay on the floor, you will be wrestled.

16. There's no such thing as too much water play.

17. Don't sweat the small stuff.

18. Dogs make great vacuum cleaners.

19. Infomercials are very entertaining at 3 AM.

20. Mattress stuffing is a delicacy.

21. Life size plastic reindeer are easily beheaded.

22. The sight of a life size plastic headless reindeer frightens small children.

23. The smell of poop does NOT necessarily mean that you have only a diaper to clean!!

24. "This too shall pass."

And the most important thing our Angels have taught us is still....

Just because a person cannot speak

does not mean they have nothing to say!

Contributed by Marc Bissonnette, Ann Charambura, Janice Daley, Charles de Broin, Jackie Golden, Julie Hyman, Jeanne Imperati, Patsy Kugel and Marianne Mosley (all related to Angels)

My Jenna

I felt it only appropriate, since I had a post about Zoie and Baylee, that I have a post all about my Jenna. She is such a wonderful girl, turning into quite a wonderful young woman! She is so sweet. She has always been very generous. I remember a few years back, she had spent the night at her Nonnie's house on a school night. The next day, she decided she wanted to pack a lunch. They were not prepared for her to pack a lunch. So, she simply took 4 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in her lunch. I remember thinking then, "wonder who she shared her lunch with!" Even now, when she packs her lunch, she packs extra, just in case one of her friends doesn't like what they're having at school. Cuz, it would be horrible for them to not eat! She is so thoughtful.

Jenna is changing so much now. She wanted to buy make-up with her allowance. She had me get a flat-iron so she could straighten her hair in the mornings. I'm just not sure I'm ready for my first baby to be a teen-ager. However, I have to admit, the conversations are a bit more fun! And, we do manage to get a little silly together on occasion! Okay, more than on occasion! But, we enjoy a lot of the same TV shows now (ie. American Idol and the Biggest Loser, and all the CSI shows!) She is into reading, so it's fun to see her gaining interest in something that will help her so much in the future! And, she thinks she wants to go into engineering in college. I know, it's a bit early for that one, but she has gone to a girls' engineering camp the last two summers--and science is her BEST subject. Not to mention, the one she talks about the most.

My little girl has grown up so much! She's the middle one in the picture to the left! This was when she was about 2 1/2 years old. Back then, she would just hug and love on me! Oh, wait!! She still does that. Yes, she still loves to sit on my lap! We snuggle up and watch TV, or read a book! It's the greatest! She is such a gentle, kind spirit! You know, 4 1/2 years of her life, she was an only child! She has done so well with the changes the twins have brought to her life. She loves the weekends! She likes to sleep in their room with them. Now, how many 11 year olds do you know that would WANT to hang with their little siblings? She likes to help feed them. She also helps with bath time! She is learning so much about sacrifice! She probably doesn't even realize it! But, we try to give her special time also. Without Zoie and Baylee. She deserves that. She gets dates with her dad or mom, or both! One thing's for sure! This experience will make her a better person. I know it has taught Andy and I a tremendous amount of patience. And that patience, i'm sure will be tested with an almost teen-ager in the house!

Jenna is so lucky! She has parents that completely adore her. Grandparents that would do anything for her. And an Aunt that is her best friend! She has many friends. She loves church and is learning more and more everyday! I am so grateful she is in my life! She is my sweetheart! And, will always be my baby!

Angelman Syndrome

To my dear friends who would like to know more about Angelman Syndrome, you can read more information on http://www.angelman.org/. It is a wonderful website, where you can also support the cause. Angelman Syndrome was often misdiagnosed as cerebral palsey or autism. They're finding now, that there have probably been many misdiagnosed, and Angelman is more common than they once thought. I'm so glad, for my little girls, that they have found out the real diagnosis. This helps us get so much closer to finding a cure. I have been really blessed in the area where my Zoie and Baylee are concerned.

My mom works at Wichita State University. She now works in the President's office, and knows a lot of people on campus. She worked with the Alumni Association for a long time, and one of the women she worked with there, wrote an article about my little ones! And, they made the cover.

It turned out so cute! That day, we played outside in the sprinkler while their photo shoot was going on. So you'll see water in the photo. This article was done about 2 1/2 years ago.

Anyhow, by this being done, members of the alumni receive the magazine. There is a wonderful woman out there somewhere, who chooses to remain anonymous. She has been such a blessing for my family. She gave money to Wichita State, to the Speech department, for them to work specifically with Zoie and Baylee! All this was found out near Christmas 2006. What a Christmas Miracle! It constantly amazes me, the generosity of strangers still exists. To top it all off, there was a group that called themselves "The Holiday Helpers". They raised money between all of them, to send us to the Biennial Conference that was held in St Louis the summer of 2007. Needless to say, I cried a lot that December!

I know that one day, the opportunity will come for me to give back to someone else who needs it. And, I will definitely always remember those who did something wonderful for my girls. They included Jenna too! They bought her a beautiful shirt with ponies on it (she loves horses!) These people will never truly know the difference they've made in our lives! That conference taught me and Andy SO much! It taught us to be very grateful for what we have (although, we already were). It taught us, that our girls are very lucky to have so many individuals that love them and care for them!

I have made it my mission this year to try to raise all I can for Angelman Awareness. I pray that someone out there will read this blog and understand the need! If you would like to donate to the Angelman Syndrome Foundation in Zoie and Baylee's honor, visit the following link, which will take you to our personal fundraising page. And God bless you all!

http://www.angelman.org/zoieandbayleeheadley/