Kindergarten Update

I had mentioned last week that we were going to a meeting about kindergarten for Karter. Although we thought that we would be making our final decisions based on that meeting, that was not the case.

The meeting was more of a registration meeting, than it was informational. We put in Karter's registration as well as left them with all the documentation and reports from the various services that Karter receives; Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Physio Therapy as well as the reports from our Childcare Consultant.

From this point on, they look at his reports and a psychologist determines what type and level of support Karter will receive.

It is not until this determination is made, that we will find out if Karter can qualify for the district special needs program and if there is a spot for him. Although, we think he will qualify, we were told that in some cases children do not start in the district program until grade 1.

So with what we took from the meeting, we registered him at Paige's school to ensure that he has a spot at that school, should he not get into the district program.

That is where we are right now...in limbo...however, trusting and believing that God will work it all out!

Out Of the Mouths of Babes....

I picked up Karter at preschool the other day and in his cubby was this little picture. I saw it and read the caption and the tears started to flow. It was such a definitive statement. There were no 'if's' in the statement, but rather a concrete idea.

There is no doubt in my mind that Karter will walk; that is the faith on which I stand upon. Some days though, it seems like it takes a lifetime to get there. This faith filled statement, although I am certain completely unintentional, just made my day. It was a nice little forehead kiss from the Father just for me.

I love how sometimes the Lord uses creative ways to remind me and speak to me.

Can You Believe It?

Over the past few weeks I have been filling out all the forms for Karter to attend Kindergarten in September. Hard to believe we are already at this point.

We are currently deciding between two options for Karter; the school Paige attends and another local school that offers a Community Special Needs class. At Paige's school, he would receive one to one support in a classroom with typical children his own age. In the other program, he would be in a class designed for children with special needs from ages 5-10.

We are attending an informational meeting tomorrow evening at the school board office. I am certain that we will get a better understanding of the program. Our hope is that that meeting will help us make a clear decision on Karter's behalf.

WOW - kindergarten...I cannot believe it. How the time flies. In September, both my kids will be in school full time...still have a few months before I have to face that reality.

Puppies For Sale

I found this poem and went to tears reading it. SO I thought I would share it with you.

A farmer had some puppies he needed to sell. He painted a sign advertising the pups and set about nailing it to a post on the edge of his yard. As he was driving the last nail into the post, he felt a tug on his overalls. He looked down into the Eyes of a little boy. Mister," he said, "I want to buy one of your puppies." "Well," said the farmer, as he rubbed the sweat off the back of his neck, "these puppies come from fine parents and cost a good deal of money." The boy dropped his head for a moment. Then reaching deep into his pocket, he pulled out a handful of change and held it up to the farmer. "I've got thirty-nine cents. Is that enough to take a look?" "Sure," said the farmer. And with that he let out a whistle, “Here, Dolly!" he called. Out from the doghouse and down the ramp ran Dolly followed by four little balls of fur. The little boy pressed his face against the chain link fe! nce. His eyes danced with delight. As the dogs made their way to the fence, the little boy noticed something else stirring inside the doghouse. Slowly another little ball appeared; this One noticeably smaller. Down the ramp it slid. Then in a somewhat awkward manner the little pup began hobbling toward the others, doing its best to catch up.... "I want that one," the little boy said, pointing to the runt. The farmer knelt down at the boy's side and said, "Son, you don't want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would." With that the little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down, and began rolling up one leg of his trousers. In doing so he revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made shoe. Looking back up at the farmer, he said, "You see sir, I don't run too well myself, and he will need someone who understands."

Karter skiing at Sun Peaks

Here is the video we took today.

Sun Peaks - Skiing

Karter has had the amazing opportunity to 'ski' here at Sun Peaks. Last year when we were here, we had been told that they had skiing for people with disabilities. After looking into it, we registered Karter with Disabled Skiing BC . Once he was registered, we were able to access the adaptive skiing here at Sun Peaks (and other mountains in our area).

Because Karter is unable to walk on his own, they have a great piece of equipment called a 'sit ski'. I allows him to sit in a seat that is set on skis and then a volunteer skis with him down the hill. I was excited that Karter would get a chance to ski, but was not sure if he would enjoy it or not.

I made sure he was bundled up real warm...looking back, I think I did too good a job since he was so cozy and warm that he slept every time they took him up the moving carpet to get him to the top of the hill ;-). He would wake each time it was time go go down the hill. He did not cry or whine at all. I think he really enjoyed it. The volunteer told me that at the bottom of the hill he was making sounds...that usually means he likes something!

Karter skied a total of 90 minutes...which is double the length I thought he would last the first time. He probably could have gone longer but we wanted to end on a high note. He will ski tomorrow and Sunday again. They told me they would take him on the chair lift this time. He is going to LOVE that ride. I got some video that I will post later. For now, here are some pictures.

Karter with the two volunteers Dick & Tim

On the moving carpet on the way up the hill

Totally asleep...I mean COMPLETELY OUT!

Getting ready to dismount the carpet and get skiing

Just before the first run

Paige and Tias came and posed with Karter. Paige was so excited for Karter...maybe proud is a better word!

New school pictures

Can you believe how fast he is growing? Here is this years preschool picture. Although not the best one he has ever taken, it is still a great memory of 4 year old preschool class.