Spread the word to end the word

It is time to “Spread the Word to End the Word,” and tomorrow, 31 March, events throughout the United States and around the world will make people stop and think about their hurtful and disparaging use of the word “retard.”


Most people don’t think of this word as hate speech, but that’s exactly what it feels like to millions of people with intellectual disabilities, their families and friends. Using "retard" as a term of derision is just as cruel and offensive as any other slur.
What It's All AboutSpread the Word to End the Word will raise the consciousness of society about the dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the R-word and encourage people to pledge to stop using it. America will be asked to declare their support for more respectful and inclusive language, specifically that referring to those with intellectual disabilities.
"The earlier we can start teaching this awareness, the easier it will be to reverse the language, " wrote James Saetern of Sacramento, California, in an e-mail to Special Olympics. "This is not just a day of awareness, but a movement to end hate as a whole."
Ideas are pouring in. To date, we have heard of more than 700 events and activities happening throughout the United States – and around the world. They range from tables set up in malls, to grade-school assemblies on differences to all-day kiosks and movies at college campuses. The commitment and creativity are growing. Below is a sampling of events planned for tomorrow:
Spread the Word to End the Word online youth rally Live stream at www.schooltube.com, 12:35 PM Eastern Time. The 50-minute rally will feature actor Eddie Barbanell from the hit movie “The Ringer,” Special Olympics athletes and volunteers, and original music performed by rap artist Rush. Also on the program are original videos produced by young people. High school students across the country will be asked to take the pledge to stop using the “R” word and to help raise awareness among their friends. The rally is being produced by Miami Palmetto Senior High School 11th-grader Noah Gray, Special Olympics Florida and SchoolTube.
Take The R-word Pledge Rallies
American University, Beirut, LebanonSoeren Palumbo's R-word speech played hourly; movie at 6 p.m., "The Loretta Claiborne Story"; posters, pictures, online R-word signups.
All high schools in Delaware, USAAll 40,000 students will be asked to sign pledge boards in their schools.
Tower Hill School, Newark, NJ, USASpread the Word day as culmination of a week of exploring disabilities
Fort Worth Independent School District, Fort Worth, TX, USA, all dayLunch-time rallies, video shows, student testimonials and R-word pledge boards
University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA, all day in high traffic areasSign pledge boards, visit www.r-word.org, get information.
Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, USA, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in five campus locationsSee posters, sign pledge boards, talk with committed volunteers and Special Olympics athletes.
University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, USA, all day in student unionSign the pledge board, talk about why you support the campaign, get stickers, buttons and bracelets
Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA, all day on campusSign the R-word pledge, see big-screen displays of Special Olympics and R-word videos.
Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA, USA, all day on campusSign pledge boards, get buttons, bracelets and stickers for free, buy T-shirts
How It StartedCreated by young people with and without intellectual disabilities, Spread the Word to End the Word is one element of Special Olympics’ vision of a world where everyone matters, where everyone is accepted and, most importantly, where everyone is valued. Leading the way in promoting acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics opposes prejudice and discrimination, continuously working to dispel the negative stereotypes associated with this population — the use of the R-word being one such stereotype. In a world that has worked to eliminate pejorative racial and ethnic language such as the “N word,” among others, the R-word is gaining popularity.
Tomorrow, young people across the country will lead local efforts to raise awareness and collect pledges on www.r-word.org from peers and the community to vow not to use the R-word. Actor and activist John C. McGinley, of the hit show “Scrubs,” is helping with this effort by making national media appearances on behalf of the campaign.
What YOU Can Do
Send us your plans to Spread the Word at r-word@specialolympics.org.
Take the R-word pledge to not use the word "retard" as a put-down
Download Spread the Word to End the Word resources
After 31 March, let us know how your Spread the Word event went. Send a report, photos and videos to r-word@specialolympics.org

Autism Awareness GFCF Diet

Taken from gfcf.com



The Gluten-free and Casein-free (GFCF) Diet
The Gluten-free and Casein-free (GFCF) Diet involves eliminating gluten and casein from your and/or your family's diet. Gluten and casein are both naturally occurring proteins, gluten is found in wheat, barley and rye and casein is found in dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt. The diet can be used to help relieve symptoms from a variety of health issues. Many parents of Autistic children have found that the GFCF Diet has greatly improved their symptoms.
There are many great gluten-free and casein-free (GFCF) products and recipes available these days to help you get started on the GFCF Diet. There is also a wealth of information available to keep you informed.



Foods that contain Gluten
Bread
Pasta
Cereals
Cookies
Crackers
Vinegar
Soups
Sauces
Seasonings
Artificial coloring
Spices
Candy



Grains that contain Gluten
Wheat
Durum
Bulgar
Oats
Rye
Barley
Millet
Kamut
Spelt
Triticale



Products that contain Gluten
Adhesives
Stickers
Stamps
Envelopes
Medications
Vitamins
Play-Doh
Washing detergents
Personal hygiene products
Soaps
Shampoos
Toothpaste
Lip balms
Cosmetics



Foods that contain Casein
Cow’s Milk
Goat’s Milk
Breastmilk
Butter
Cheese
Sour cream
Yogurt
Ice cream
Margarine
Soy cheese

Happy Birthday Dalene

Dear Dalene,

Wishing you a very very Happy Birthday for today and many more

I know its going to be extra special cause its the first one as a mommy! Hope you have a lovely day celebrating with Chris and Kristen!

Thank you for your continued support and prayers for Deqlan

God Bless, love

Mark Samm Deqlan Logan

Rocky and Rambo

Check the chickens out!

looking for sheep...

Deqlan loved the bunnies he didnt want to leave them!

aw shame...

here bunny bunny.... ( deqlans wearing shoes, can you believe it?)

'kuck kucks'

Go!

On your marks, get set..

Mr Cool

Deqlan Rocky Higgins and Keaton Rambo Du Plessis are two tough cookies.

It all started on Thursday night, when Deqlan was enjoying entertaining Dada and Mama with his olympic running sessions up and down our passage. Each run, had to start with ' on your makrs, get set go' before our Deqlan sprinted as fast as he could down to meet us at the finish line, he had placed us at. I think Deqlan is going to be one fast runner, just like his sister...

Anyway, next event for the evening was the trampoline. But before he could get onto the trampoline, he tripped , not hard, but never the less, hit his mouth against the side of the base of the trampoline. Dad immediately picked Deqlan up and blood started to trickle out of Deqlans mouth..this has happened before so we expected it to be an injured gum, but when the bleeding just got worse and worse and Deqlans cries got harder and harder, it was clear this time was a little more serious. Once Deqlan eventually let us get a look inside his mouth, we discovered a huge cut which continued to bleed and swell for quite some time. Mark and I reckoned that they couldnt put a stitch on the inside of a lip, so we decided just to keep on eye on it. Deqlan really looked like Rocky. Swollen lip, blood wiped across his face, blood covering his all-hands -on-dec tshirt. Dada decided the best thing to do would be to try and clean it out with some salt water, which Deqlan wasnt pleased with , but let us do.

By the time morning came around, Nanna had a look and thought it needed a stich, but of course it was to late so many hours later....we called the doctor and she told us to continue cleaning it out with salt water and andolex c spray, which is a disinfectant and antibacterial and anesthetic to the area you apply it to. So the cut is very white - but thats ok, as long as its stays white and doesnt get infected, cause that would mean an antibiotic - which we have already dodged once this week.

Deqlan and Keaton both picked up the sinus infection Logan had last weekend - but luckily Deqlan seems to be on the mend....poor little Keaton landed up in hospital because of the sinus infection and bad dehyrdration.

From the blood tests the little guy had, it shows that he is extremely iron deficient to and Meggie has been given medication to try and sort this out.

Meggie and Conrad took Keaton home yesterday afternoon - after he managed to keep his lunch down and not wanting to be in the same ward as kids with pneumonia!!!

They are all fine and Meggie says Keaton was very happy to be at home, he was playing peek a boo and playing with his pots and pans. Its a welcome change for him, being confined to a cot bed when he just wants to be on the move and be in his own space at home. She is exhausted though for not sleeping for the last week. Meggie also has picked up the sinus infection, Mark to...so we got to try and stop this bug somewhere! Praying Logan is also completely over her sinus infections as her school holidays started on Friday.

Thanks for all your prayers for the boys , please continue them ! Keaton we hope you feeling lots better and that you continue to get stronger each day, we love you so much and i was so hurt seeing you in hospital with a drip in your hand, thank You Lord for looking after you always!

We took Deqlan to the Roohuiskraal Terrien yesterday, to run around and see some animals, he enjoyed the ducks and bunnies and even tried to throw some grass through the fence to them, shame..

Deqlan has taken a new liking to toothpaste - yes toothpaste- he actually eats it like the old Dirkie condense milk tubes ( those of you in South Africa will know what i mean) But not just any toothpaste. Its the Winnie the Pooh blue bubble gum flavour . I have tried to hide it away numerous times but Deqlan always finds it - i checked the ingredients out cause i was worried about sugar content but it doesnt say anything about sugar...i suppose he loves it so much because he doesnt get anything else thats sweet?

I went to church with Nanna and Great Grandpa last night, as our new parish priest Father Kevin was official been welcomed by the new Archbishop of Pretoria. Was a lovely service and we even got to meet the archbishop quickly, what a lovely person. Nanna to has started coming down with the flu and her throat was on fire last night, praying she is better today...

Please also remember all our friends around the world fighting nb and other cancers and other journies Our Lord has plotted out for them.

I met with Yolande from CHOC on Thursday and we have decided on our project this year, i will be sending out details soon i promise!

Have a lovely week, God Bless and lots of love

Mark, Samm , Deqlan and Logan

BY JESUS STRIPES DEQLAN AND KEATON AND LOGAN ARE HEALED

Red Flags of Autism

The following red flags may indicate that the child is at risk and should be screened to ensure that he/she is on the right developmental path. If your baby shows any of these signs , please ask your paediatrician or family practitioner for an immediate evaluation:

- NO BIG SMILES OR OTHER WARM , JOYFUL EXPRESSIONS BY SIX MONTHS OR THEREAFTER
- NO BACK AND FORTH SHARING OF SOUNDS , SMILES OR OTHER FACIAL EXPRESSIONS BY NINE MONTHS OR THEREAFTER
- NO BABBLING BY 12 MONTHS
- NO BACK AND FORTH GESTURES SUCH AS POINTING, SHOWING, REACHING OR WAVING BY 12 MONTHS
- NO WORDS BY 16 MONTHS
- NO TWO WORD MEANINGFUL PHRASES (WITHOUT IMITATING OR REPEATING) BY 24 MONTHS
- NO RESPONSE WHEN THE CHILD'S NAME IS CALLED BY 10 MONTHS
- ANY LOSS OF SPEECH, BABBLING OR SOCIAL SKILLS AT ANY AGE

Deqlan did not show any of these signs originally - he developed normally up until around 10 months ( 2 or so months after he started chemo for the neuroblastoma) . our first red flag was the spinning of wheels on cars and spinning of any object he could get to spin. He was interested in the repetitiveness not to play with a car like it should be played with. Deqlan regressed from here. He could say 6 or 7 words and they disappeared. He did say Mama by 8 months, but that to disappeared. So our big que was the loss of skills.

There are many other red flags which i will mention during the course of the week, but these are the most important to consider!

World Autism Day 2 APRIL 2009

As you can see our backround and music have changed and all for a very very good reason!

April 2, 2009 is World Autism Awareness Day!

On December 18, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 62/139, tabled by the State of Qatar, which declares April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in perpetuity. Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al-Missned, Consort of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, supported the campaign for a World Autism Awareness Day through the current 62nd UN General Assembly Session, garnering consensus support from all United Nations Member States. This UN resolution is one of only three official disease-specific United Nations Days and will bring the world's attention to autism, a pervasive disorder that affects tens of millions. The World Autism Awareness Day resolution encourages all Member States to take measures to raise awareness about autism throughout society and to encourage early diagnosis and early intervention. It further expresses deep concern at the prevalence and high rate of autism in children in all regions of the world and the consequent developmental challenges. World Autism Awareness Day shines a bright light on autism as a growing global health crisis. WAAD activities help to increase and develop world knowledge of the autism epidemic and impart information regarding the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention. Additionally, WAAD celebrates the unique talents and skills of persons with autism and is a day when individuals with autism are warmly welcomed and embraced in community events around the globe.By bringing together autism organizations all around the world, we will give a voice to the millions of individuals worldwide who are undiagnosed, misunderstood and looking for help. Please join us in our effort to inspire compassion, inclusion and hope.

SO FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS , ACTUALLY FOREVER AND ALWAYS I WILL CONTINUE TO CREATE AWARENESS FOR NEUROBLASTOMA, CHILDHOOD CANCER AND AUTISM - BUT CONCENTRATE ON AUTISM FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS ESPECIALLY - I WOULD LOVE TO POST MORE INFORMATION AND HOPEFULLY BE ABLE TO EDUCATE AND OPEN PEOPLES EYES ONTO JUST HOW SPECIAL DEQLAN AND OTHERS KIDS LIKE HIM ARE AND TO EMBRACE THEM ! A LITTLE BIT OF UNDERSTANDING GOES A LOONNNGG WAY AND HOPEFULLY YOU CAN CONTINUE TO CELEBRATE THE DIFFERENCES IN UNIQUENESS OF THESE BEAUTIFUL KIDS!

God Bless and lots of love
Mark Samm Deqlan Logan

BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD

Keaton Update

Hello Everybody

Thank you so so much to you all for your prayers and messages which mean the world to our family
Keaton is still in hospital, he is on a drip with antibiotics and another for hydration
He had to have some physio which got a lot of the mucous out , but he was not a happy camper at all
He was so stressed out he fell asleep for nearly 2 hours, and Meggie says he is now awake and not wanting to spend his Friday afternoon in a childrens ward in a hospital where he has no room to walk around and no freedom to go wherever he wants
The doctor has not been yet, but another physio session has been ordered for this afternoon, Keaton will definitely spending the night, and waiting for Docs next decision

Please continue the prayers for our smiley boy
God Bless and lots of love
Samm and family

PRAYERS FOR KEATON

Hello Friends

Please could you say a prayer for Keaton this morning – he has been admitted to Unitas hospital due to dehydration and a bad sinus infection. He hasn’t been himself the last few days and hasn’t eaten or drank much in the last week, but this morning wouldn’t even keep juice or milk down. The doctor has admitted him immediately for intravenous antibiotics. Please pray that he is not frightened and that the medicine he needs nourishes his little body and that he is able to come home asap. Please pray for Conrad and Megs as they worry about their little monkey , this is Keatons first time in hospital.

Please also say a little pray for Deqlan – he fell last night and hit his mouth against the base of the trampoline – he has a huge cut on the inside of his mouth – please pray we can keep it clean and germ free to prevent any infections.

Thank you and God Bless you all, will let you know how Keaton is as soon as we have an update

Lots of love
Samm

Welcome Mila

Dear Jelenka, Neil and Gianna

A HUGE congratulations to you all on the arrival of your new beautiful baby girl yesterday, at 0822, 3.4kg and 49cm long! I am sorry i am posting 1 day late but i couldnt connect to the internet tell now!

She is to beautiful and i cant wait to meet her in person! May she bring you never ending joy, endless love and loads of happiness and laughter!

God bless your new little family of 4 and hoping Gianna enjoying her sister!

Lots of love, God bless

MARK SAMM DEQLAN LOGAN

Earth Hour 28 March

Dear Valued Customer From melting glaciers to increasingly intense weather patterns, we know that climate change is already impacting life on our planet. On Saturday, March 28, 2009, at 8.30pm, we at Coca-Cola South Africa and our employees will take part in Earth Hour, the world’s largest global climate change event. By simply turning out all non-essential lighting for one hour – at our company buildings and in our own homes – we will join tens of millions of concerned citizens throughout the world in calling for action to save our planet for future generations. We’d like to encourage you, one of our valued customers, to join us in this important and inspiring effort. Led by the World Wildlife Fund, more than 50 million people in 400 cities around the world took part in Earth Hour last year. The lights went out at Sydney’s Opera House, Rome’s Coliseum, the Empire State Building and the Golden Gate Bridge. Even the Google homepage went dark for the day. In Israel, President Shimon Peres personally turned off lights in Tel Aviv. This year, Earth Hour will be even bigger. In the US, cities large and small – including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Hoboken, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville and San Francisco, among others – have said that they will participate, with more signing on daily. They will join international cities such as Auckland, Beijing, Bogota, Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Helsinki, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Kiev, Kuala Lumpur, Lisbon, London, Manila, Mexico City, Moscow, Oslo, Rome, Singapore, Shanghai, Sydney, Toronto, Vancouver, and Warsaw. Here in South Africa, the event has enjoyed the full backing of the public broadcaster, the SABC, with respected Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu as its ambassador.
To get a better sense of the magnitude and inspiring nature of the event, please take a moment to watch WWF’s video about Earth Hour 2008 at www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjWD8pbK5t8. Energy efficiency isn’t just good for the bottom line. We all have a stake in the future of our planet and must learn to operate in ways that don’t deplete our world’s limited natural resources. In weeks leading up to Earth Hour, we plan to take a close look at the ways our company can operate more efficiently, waste less and reduce our environmental footprint not only in our own operations, but throughout our supply chain. Joining Earth Hour is a great way to show our customers and our community that the people of the Coca-Cola System in South Africa genuinely care about their future. We hope that you’ll join us in the important and inspiring effort and encourage your own employees, customers and suppliers to take part. Classified - Internal use
Participating in Earth Hour is easy, fun and absolutely free. To get more information and to have your business listed among those participating in our community, please visit www.EarthHourUS.org and pledge to turn out all non-essential lights from 8:30-9:30 pm on March 28 2009, and to embark on any other related initiatives to support this noble effort. Remember: at 8.30pm on March 28, please turn out, take action. This is a simple way – and a good start – to help make the world a better place. Yours Sincerely Mauricio Maza Customer and Commercial Leadership Director

Happy Anniversay Kevin and Louise

Dear Kevin and Louise

Congratulations on your second wedding anniversary today!

Cant believe its been two years already! We continue to wish you lots of love and continued happiness and guidance from Our Lord above.

May your love continue to grow and strengthen and we hope you have something special planned for this evening to celebrate 2 years!

God Bless and lots of love

Mark Samm Deqlan Logan

Out come the stitches!

LAZING AROUND THE POOL
OUR BEAUTIFUL GIFTS FROM GOD

THE BIRTHDAY BOY WITH HIS BOY
MOM AND ME

LOGAN AND BEV

LOGAN AND ME!

ALL BLACK SUPPORTERS DAD AND DEQLAN

DEQLAN TAKING MAMA FOR A WALK

THE MOST DIVINE BIRTHDAY CAKE!

HAPPY TO BE BACK IN SAND!

ALL OF THE KIDS

KEATON THE BUILDER

NANNA KEATON MEGGIE

IM WALKING SO BEAUTIFULLY NOW!

Hello Everyone!

How was the weekend? We had a lovely weekend and have enjoyed the sunshine again after so much rain last week!

Friday night was just relaxed at home enjoying some telly!

Saturday morning Dad went to fetch Logan and Deqlan and I hit the shops to get some food for the weekend. Deqlan was very tired and when a lady bent down to say hi to him, of course Deqlan ignored her, because a) he was tired and b) he didnt know who she was and kids on the autism spectrum tend to do that - eye contact is way to intense for them especially with strangers. " is he sick ' She asked " no, he is just tired" i didnt have an hour to explain the journey my brave boy had already been on and continues to travel.

Deqlan fell asleep in the car on the way home - always good, as he struggles to get to sleep on the weekends as he is so used to his routine at Nannas house. Logs and I had some time to catch up and i thoroughly enjoyed a dvd she brought with of her Ouma's schools year end concert. She wasnt in this particular one, but i got very chocked up watching the kids in their gowns and caps, getting their certificates and being promoted to start Grade 1. To see them in their cute little outfits, dancing and singing was to precious - i cant wait for moments like this with Deqlan and Logan and Keaton....If this is how i reacted with complete strangers , cant imagine how i am going to be watching Deqlan sing and dance in the nativity play or get an award for being the best jumper in the class! Please Dear Lord i pray and believe i will get to see these things and many many more.

Saturday afternoon we headed off to Conrad and Meggie and Keaton to celebrate his Birthday. We had a delicous braai and thoroughly enjoyed playing with the kids. We let Deqlan play in sand and water and rice and just whatever he wanted to as his wound has healed so nicely - he had an absolute ball and had a smile from ear to ear! Shame poor Nanna was not feeling well....

Nanna got stung by a bee in the week - but it was definitely not an ordirnary bee - the reaction that followed the sting was c for serious. Nannas arm immediately start to swell and over the days that followed her entire arm was swollen and it just looked worse and worse - eventually we persuaded her to go to the doctor who put her on 4 antibiotics a day!!!! If she wasnt better by Saturday she would be admitted to drain the poison. Nanna is better but still feeling the effects of this monster bee!!!

Sunday, Mark went to play golf - he was still enjoying the thought of closest to the pin on the first and second nine, and third place overall, from a gold day he supported during the week. He had another great round with Kevin i believe!

So i took Logs and Deqlan to church with me - i didnt manage to sit inside as our monkey doesnt sit still, but at least i could try and hear a bit of the service through the windows and doors. Nanna helped me and held Deqlan for his blessing, as i hopped along behind her - my shoe broke!! Deqlan tried so hard to make friends with another 6 year old little boy who was also playing outside.was so great to watch him initiating the play and actually pulling little Desmond to chase hime, shame, Desmond was a little shy but did co operate in the end!

On the way home we stopped at the chemist do fill Logans nose spray script to help with her sinuses and the lady took a little longer then usual. Of course Deqlan started moaning ," shame is he sick' , she asked. 'No, he is just tired'. I again a) didnt have the time to explain the journey Deqlan has been on and still travelling and b) that kids ont he spectrum dont do waiting very well at all.

Logs has a little bit of a sinus infection so there was no swimming for her this weekend, but she gladly helped Dad clean all the stones out the pool but taking them from him and putting them down in the garden again - I think Deqlan made his record this time, there were hundred of stones that he happily threw and watched fall into the pool. He loves throwing , as you all know, and he loves , watching them fall into the water - this is considered a stim and helps regulate Deqlan.

Meggie and Keaton came to visit and we had a great time watching Keaton who has become so independant and darn cute! Thanks for the visit and cake Meggie and Keaton!

Logan has gotten so clever - she was asking me what the president actually does and i tried really hard to explain what a great president is supposed to do and that we have an election coming up and how important it is to choose the right person who 'doesnt lie' in Logans words! To clever, but a pleasure to be with her!

Speech and OT this morning was great GREAT GREAT! Deqlan ran into the house to find 'his' room and find his 'girls' ! He was very disapointed when i had to take him out and try and occupy him while we waited! a ha! We found a book with a picture of a train and Deqlan immediately calmed down and kept it with him the entire session. This is another modulating and regulating tool. Deqlan even ventured into the little 'chill' house , which is dark and has pillows in, and played peek a boo with us. He has never liked it before and always cried to get out! The girls suggest we get a tent with some pillows and he can go and retreat there when he feels the need to. We spoke alot about what we can do to help Deqlan in his craving from proprioception ( feedback ) in his mouth. Just as Deqlan stomps and marches and bangs his feet against things to get the feedback, so he does this with things in his mouth - so i am going to try and electric toothbrush for the vibration it will give him and give him that movement and texture that he craves..so we going to try some new things. But he was basically so relaxed and so willing to co operate with everything and lead the girls to what he wanted to do.

When we got back home, Nanna ( an ex nursing sister to name only 1 of her many many talents) attempted to to remove the stitches from our sleeping soldier. She managed to get one out beautifully but the second one was very very tough and Deqlan awoke with the many attempts we had to make to get it out. Deqlan wouldnt go back to sleep !! We tried 1 more time before coming home, but this upset Deqlan terribly to be held down. On the way home today Deqlan fell asleep - we got home , i put him on the bed, and just said Please Dear Lord let me get this out. After a few tries i eventually did! Hooray, all by myself - i didnt think i had the co ordination to hold a tweezer and a scissors and manouver them to cut them properly. Our little guy is still sleeping , its 2030, so its going to be a late night for us, but thank You Lord we can put this in the book of memories as Deqlans first stitches from just being a little boy!

We back on the Diflican - anti candida treatment - we actually started 5 days earlier then we were supposed to because Deqlan had such loose nappies, Dr L thought it could be a candida flare up or vitamin c sensitivity - but Deqlans rash also came back and some red flags, like spinning and looking at his hands for some time also joined - so we assume its the candida again!

Anyway, hope you all have a great week ahead, please please continue the prayer for Deqlan to remain NED always and for all of our friends around the world that are NED or fighting nb or are angels with Our Lord and for all the familiy and friends to get the love and support and prayers they need

God Bless , lots and lots of love

Mark Samm Deqlan Logan

'FOR I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU', DECLARES THE LORD.'PLANS TO PROSPER YOU AND NOT TO HARM YOU, PLANS TO GIVE YOU HOPE AND A FUTURE' JEREMIAH 29;11

Happy Birthday Merle!

Dearest Merle

Wishing you a very very Happy Birthday for yesterday! Hope you had a stunning day and that you had some time to relax and your family take care of you for 1 day!

Thank you for your continued prayer and love and support and for being such a HUGE part of Deqlans prayer army ! You are such a lovely warm caring giving person and we are honored to know you !

Lots of love , God Bless and hugs

Mark Samm Deqlan Logan

Its not whats inside ( in this case only!)

nap time with Thomas

bed time with Thomas


Deqlan has a new friend - its a pack of Thomas and Friends serviettes that i bought for his birthday party..only in September but i got them because i have never seen them here before and knowing my luck i wont find then when Sep rolls around!

Anyway, i came home yesterday with the packet of goodies i had found and Deqlan had a smile on his face from ear to ear and enjoyed packing all the items out the bag and inpsecting each one , displaying his best buddies Thomas, Percy and James.

One item in particular took his fancy - the invitation cards and he carried them around with him from 1600 till about 1930 last night. Then when i took the packet out again to show Dada what we had found , Deqlan discovered that the serviettes where a much better find . He clung to them with all his might, and even battled turning pages in his books, because he would not let them go. Bath time. Oh oh. There was no ways i was getting them out his hands. I tried replacing the serviettes with Deqlans milk - but he cleverily manouvered the bottle and the serviettes. I then decided to take the label off the packaging so if that get wet in the bath it would be ok.

Wrong wrong move..Deqlan sobbed his little heart out. Dad went running looking for a stapler to put the packing back together - he found the stapler but no staples. There was just no easy way of doing this. So i took the serviettes out of his little hands, stood him in the bath and gave him one of the quickest baths he has ever had, while Deqlan sobbed and sobbed.

As soon as he got out the bath and could hold his new best friend, he calmed down.

He went to sleep with them, he woke up with them.

I had to put a piece of celotape on to keep the serviettes inside and Deqlan feared i was taking them away.

Nanna put her hand on them this morning when she was getting Deqlan to sleep and Deqlan sobbed his heart out again. He is now sleeping comfy under a blanket cudding his Thomas and Friends serviettes.

I think Deqlan may have a thing for packaging. A lot of kids on the Autism spectrum, develop some specific interests and some times, strange things become their attentions. But thats ok, its pretty cool i think - i know of no one else who would fight Deqlan to get the serviettes for themselves! Teddies are boring, well for our soldier anyway! Serviettes, especially those with Thomas in a pretty package have a lot more intricate detail and colours and shapes, lots more to study and appreciate!

Mark bought Deqlan a Whistle and Go Thomas a few weeks ago - Deqlan was overjoyed! But, he wouldnt let us throw the packaging away - we still have it in his car toybox- he still loves playing with it. On Sunday, we had to buy Deqlan a little toy tractor to take his attention off the chocolates in the line. Once we had taken the tractor out, he wanted the packing the tractor was in, not the tractor - i think the same is for the serviettes, and that they are Thomas is just the best thing ever!

How awesome to be able to tell all these wonderful and magical tales of Deqlan, that make us laugh and smile and appreciate the gift he is , the absolute blessing he is - serviettes and all!

CONGRATULATIONS NIX AND DARRYL ON THE AMAZING NEWS THAT YOU ARE GOING TO BE WELCOMING A LITTLE BOY INTO THE WORLD! WE REALLY DO HAVE OUR OWN SOCCER TEAM TOGETHER - HEY FRIENDS? I THINK WE HAVE 4 LITTLE GIRLS AMONGST ALL THE LITTLE BOYS - THEY CAN BE THE CHEER LEADERS!

Great news for Woutertjie - his scans are clear clear clear - his link is to the right side!

God Bless and lots of love
Mark Samm Deqlan Logan

BY JESUS STRIPES DEQLAN IS HEALED!

And in the news...

From Mackenzies Mom:

This morning I watched Good Morning America with my daughter Mackenzie preparing her for her CT and MIBG injection she had scheduled later this morning and Miss America was being interviewed regarding her shaving her head, she said she was doing this for Pediatric Cancer Awareness and raising funds for research, she is having her head shaved April 11th and ABC Good Morning America is going air it. Our Miss America got approval from the Pagent committee to do this and she said she was involved in helping our cancer children. She mentioned how one little girl going thru treatment told her all she wanted for Christmas was hair and how she got picked on in school being called a boy, Miss America said she was going to show up at her school wearing a wig and then showing her classmates her bald head. How amazing Miss America is!

From 5 minutes for special needs

World Down Syndrome Day
Posted: 18 Mar 2009 09:00 AM PDT
March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day.
On March 21st, 2009, World Down Syndrome Day will mark the 50th anniversary of the publication of Professor Jerome Lejeune's discovery of the extra copy of chromosome 21 which causes Down Syndrome.
3 copies of the 21st chromosome. T21. Get it?
Down Syndrome organizations around the world this year will pay tribute to the pioneering work of Professor Lejeune and celebrate the tremendous advances in the care and social welfare of people with Down Syndrome over the past fifty years.
The celebrating will be happening over here at 5MFSN too. We'll have a Mr. Linky set up for those of you blessed with a little something extra in your lives to link to YOUR World Down Syndrome Day post, pictures and events.

We are soldiers!

If you look carefully you can see the cut and stitches under Deqlans chin
Clever boy!

Working so hard!

Hello Everyone

Happy St Patricks Day - may the luck of the leprechauns be with you, as my mom says!

Hope you all had a great weekend - we had a very eventful one...

It started on Friday afternoon where Deqlan pulled Grandpa's bed side lamp, with a glass covering, over onto his head - right in front of me! He either was reaching for the latest edition of Living and Loving or he was trying to climb onto the bed side table to stamp and march like a soldier ( which he loves doing now!) I dont think it was the Living and Loving he was after...thank Our Lord, the marble base did not bash Deqlan over the head, but only the glass covering that shattered - Deqlan recieved a scratch under the eye and one on the side of his eye - it could have been a lot worse, it was terrible to see and i saw visions os stitches.....little did i know...

Saturday morning Claire came to fetch me and off we went to meet Gillian and Darryl , Declan Du Toits parents and one of his grannies, Granny Jill from PE. It was an honor to meet such an inspiring family who are going to make such a huge difference to children that our fighting cancer. Declans legacy will live on forever and he will continue to help so many others. It was wonderful to meet up with such wonderful, down to earth friends, who we can assure you we will support in all endevours to fight childhood cancer. Our prayers are with you always and our suppport and friendship to and i say we should do it all again, including the chocolate mousse cake very soon! Claire and her mom made the most exquisite pillow with a smiley picture of Dec on with the words of Jesus loves me embroidered around the front and the poem Darryl wrote for Dec around the back - to stunning for words

Then Saturday evening i had a call from Meggie saying that Keaton had fallen very badly onto a step at a party! His face blue and bruised! Oh Dear - these boys of ours are really rough and tumble boys....then on Sunday Meggie said Keaton had fallen again, and cut his lip this time!!!!

Sunday Morning we took Deqlan shopping for some new winter clothes and Dada kitted him out in some very snazy gear - even some socks and shoes - i dont know how we are going to get those on him, as you know he hates shoes, but we got to try for winter.

On Sunday evening we had an unplanned trip to the emergency room....Deqlan had a lovely bath , he didnt even moan about me washing and rinsing his hair, and just as i was praising him on how good he was, he stood up and slipped and hit his chin on the side of the bath! It immediately started bleeding and i screamed for Mark to come and look. I just cried and panicked and Mark told me to calm down while he had a look and when he said the words, ' He is going to need stitches' a full panic attack followed. While Mark brought me back to reality i tried to gather a few things and get Deqlans pjs on as we headed towards the car.

By now, Deqlan had calmed down and didnt even seem phased by his open gaping wound . I went through everything i could with the nurses who did Deqlans observations, then again with the nurses we got us ready while waiting for the doctor . " Has Deqlan had any surgeries?' " Yes, 6' Immediately she looked up at me and again we went through the history, the story and the great news.

While we waited Deqlan jumped up and down the hospital bed, giving me the biggest kisses ever, stealing the nurses hearts, smiling and laughing and being cute as a button, at 10pm in the evening , in an emergency room!

The doctor was AMAZING and spoke so nicely and calmly to us and explained exactly what was going to happen. They had to wrap Deqlan in a sheet so he would lie still , two nurses holding him down, me stroking his head and Dada his feet. By this time Deqlan was no longer the happy bunny rabbit we arrived with - he screamed and howled and cried and i tried by best to keep it together and just sing and talk to him.The doctor first injected the numbing agent into the area around the cut and this stings for a bit, then she started the stitches - i had to look away. Two beautiful done stitches after about 3 minutes. Deqlan immediately calmed down after being unwrapped but the sweat was just pouring of his little face, making the plaster impossible to stick. We finally got home and asleep after midnight!

We have to take them out between Friday and Sunday - he thinks its very funny when he pulls on them, and i say no, he laughs and continues to fiddle with his little 'goatey' But i think he has gotten used to it now, so its a little less, but we still try and take his finger away whenever we see it heading in that direction. This also means no jacuzzi. No playing in the sand. so we have had a very frustrated little guy on our hands and just try and distract him with something else - we cant let any dirt get into the wound until we are sure its completely closed and safe!

So Deqlan and Keaton, i think you were real soldiers this past weekend, but thank You Lord, came out shining and ok! No more jumping on anything other then a trampoline - ok boys?

Deqlan is doing so very well with his activities - we are now doing stacking rings, wooden puzzles, shape sorters, stacking cups! Things he couldnt do before are now more fun to do and he cant wait to put the last piece or ring into place so that we can all clap - a that motivates him to do it again and again! So Deqlan has nearly mastered the first step in the Jenny McCarthy volume 1 dvd - we are so proud of Deqlan and agree with our friend Michele that you can see the kids gain confidence once they understand how to play!

We think we heard, actually i know we heard Deqlan say Kitty the other night - mark and i were ecstatic - only once , and we havent heard it again, but its good to know its still there..just some practise to get it out - Deqlan continues to be very vocal and alot more alert and attentive to us - we definitely see improvements for the better

We have had some issued with the diet this week - Deqlan started a new vitamin c supplement and has had a lot of runny nappies - Dr Louise thinks it could be a sensitivity that he has developed - so we are going to give it a rest for 1 week and then try again and hope its improved

While we were waiting in line to pay for the clothes, Deqlan spotted some chocolates in the check out line and went bananas - he wanted that chocolate there and then - i had to take him out the shop and try and distract his attention off the delicous sweet he is no longer allowed. It happened again in Hyperama when paying for some groceries, and again i had to take Deqlan out of sight and eventually he calmed down - shame, he is doing so well , its just really hard on him when he says the package of chocolate - so out of sight out of mind.

I was eating some ice cream in the lounge on the weekend while Deqlan and Dad played together - i didnt want him to see it - and what do you know, he came on over to inspect what i was hiding . Deqlan never ever liked ice cream so i showed him, and thought that would be that! Well, i was wrong,he dipped his fingers into the delictable chocolate ice cream and put them in his mouth! I nearly choked when he devoured the little on his fingers and proceeded to dipping them again. I had to put the bowl away in the sink and with some tears had to try the distracting thing again. Shame, he hasnt had anything so delicoous in 3 and a half weeks so no wonder he wanted it, he didnt care if it was ice cream or the chocolate bar, just give it to me!!!! Shame, we going to have to be even more careful now and minimise the disctracting till he can understand why he cant eat these things!

Our occupational and speech therapy combined sessions are going very well and Deqlan has already made lots of progress from when we started and he is able to spend alot more time on specific acitivities. He has also gotten used to Tracey and Aneke and even pulls them around by the hand to - so we all getting to know each other and what works for Mr Deqlan!

I have already started planning the big 3rd Birthday party when i discovered some Thomas party goodies!!! I was over the moon as i hadnt seen them before and was certain i would have to order from the USA again as i did for Deqlans 1st Birthday which was Noddy - now there is noddy stuff everywhere! Anyway, i got the table cloths and plates and they are already opened - i couldnt resist watching the enormouse grin on Deqlans face, just by seeing the packaging! so i am going to have to buy and put away so its ready for the big day in Sep!

Got to run, we trying hidden peas in meatballs tonight - holding thumbs Deqlan enjoys them, we got to get more vegies in some how!

Oh Yes, happy 14 months for yesterday Keaton and Happy 14 Months NED for yesterday our beautiful Deqlan - may God continue to take such wonderful care of you both

Congrats to Rob and T and Reece on the great news that they are expecting another miracle from God in October this year - God Bless you and keep you all safe during the pregnancy and beyond

Please pray for our best friends kids in the UK-Sam and Don are really worried about Liam and Mia who suffer from a kidney condition called PKD - one the complications is low blood sugar and Liam has been admitted to hospital for the 2nd time this month because of dangerous sugar levels. Mia is also having some tummy troubles - please please pray for this amazing family who are such a support to us, and need some guidance and healing !

God Bless, lots of love

Mark, Samm , Deqlan and Logan

BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD

Happy Birthday Snooooppppp

Dearest Conrad, aka Big pappa C

Happy Happy Birthday to you for today and many many more!

We hope you have the most amazing day today celebrating with the loves of your life!

We trust that the year ahead is going to open many doors, that you will continue reaching all the dreams you set your sights on and that your very hard and dedicated work will continue to pay off.

Thank you from us , and thank you again Conrad for ALL you have done and continue to do for us - from loving Logan and making her laugh and feel so loved and special to paying extra careful attention to Deqlan and even reading everything you can to understand our beautiful boy - you are a loving husband, devoted Dad, amazing uncle, Godfather and brother - to Mark and I , you have helped us move some mountains, and for that we will be forever grateful. You are an amazing person and we are honored to call you brother.

Have a fabulous day and see you soon to celebrate! Stay the special person you are!

God Bless and lots and lots of love

Mark Samm Deqlan Logan

p.s - you chose a great day to have a birthday on , dont think you think? Happy St Paddys day and enjoy your Guiness Conrad!

Happy Birthday Aunty Shirl

Dearest Aunty Shirl,

Wishing you a wonderful and very Happy Birthday for today and many many more!

We hope you are being spoilt and having a lovely day with your nearest and dearest

Thank you for being such an important part of Deqlans prayer army, all your love, support - your example of absolute faith and devotion to Our Lord

We pray your hip is feeling a lot better and we really hope to see you soon!

God Bless and lots and lots of love

Mark Samm Deqlan Logan

And the awards go to...

Thank you Dear Loren for my 'award' must be the first one i have ever recieved in the land of blogs! You are very sweet and so kind , thank you Dear Loren! Now , its my turn to hand out the awards - this is how it works:

This award acknowledges the values that every blogger shows in his or her effort to transmit cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values every day. Thanks again Loren, this is fun!

Here are the rules:
Step 1: respond and rework -- answer the questions on your own blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your own invention, add one more question of your own.
Step 2: tag - eight other bloggers to do the same.

1) What are you wearing right now? a black top and camo pants and no shoes! I dont like shoes, thats where Deqlan gets it from i guess?
2) What is your biggest fear? loosing Deqlan
3) Do you nap a lot? used to! Now i grab every chance i can when Deqlan naps on the weekends if i can!
4) Who is the last person you hugged? Keaton, when i said goodbye to him at lunch time
5) What websites to you visit when you go online? there are about a good 20 a try to visit every day - im also subscribed to caring bridge pages so when i get a message that they are updated i go and see how they are doing to
6) What was the last item you bought? Some gifts for Gillian ( cant give the surprise away before I give them to her!)
7) If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? the beach - zanzibar and swimming with the dolphins seem wonderful to us at the moment, but any beach will do to see our beautiful Deqlan frolicking in the sea sand and running in and out of the water!
8) If you could go to the Oscars, who would you want to sit next to? mmmmmm ..probably Will Smith , i think id laugh the entire evening and id get him to donate tons of millions of dollars to fund neuroblastoma research- and on the other side Jenny McCarthy so we can figure out how to cure Autism!
9) If there was something you could do over, what would it be? not be so snappy and down and miserable at times
10) What is your most frightening moment? hearing the words 'your son has neuroblastoma'
11) What was the last movie you watched? 27 dresses
12) What is the luckiest thing that ever happened to you? I wouldnt say luckiest, but blessed = Deqlan, and the lessons i have learnt through his journies. My wonderful husband, Logan, my amazing parents, sister and brother and nephew - all of my family all of my friends, old and new and all the families we have met and continue to support and love and prayer for
13) If you had a whole day to yourself with no work, commitments or interruptions what would you do? go to the beach or if i am stuck in Gauteng, take Deqlan to the zoo to drive in the golf carts and hopefully this time he would enjoy the animals a bit more!
14) Is there a major goal you have that you haven't yet achieved? With the help of God, Getting Deqlan through the window and recovered from Autism
15) What is the first job you had? I worked at a frozen yoghurt store ...
16) What is something that those in blog land might not know about you? that i am on my knees each day thanking God for Deqlan being NED
17) What is something simple that relaxes you and you enjoying doing? walking Deqlan later afternoon or night - just quiet time
18) Do you make time for yourself everyday, and if so, what do you do? dont really , but want to start yoga seems to help with stress!
19.)What is the last book you read? A real Boy

My awards go to ( in no particular order) ( and they should have caring bridge nominations to!)( and i have only managed to list ten, but know that you are ALL ON MY AWARD LIST, THIS IS JUST FOR THE SAKE OF these awards):

1) Meggie from Keatons blog - for being the best sister and friend in the entire world - for the Holy Spirit that God sends to speak through Meggie on the days I need it most, for her never ending support in Deqlans journies, for helping with every single CHOC project and other projects she can and for the most beautiful stories and adventures with my beautiful Godson Keaton

2) Patrick from Will Lacey! Patick has the most amazing way of writing, he is so passionate about finding the cure for his son and about educating us and motivating us to do everything we can to find the cure for neuroblastoma.

3) Gillian from All Hands On Dec - for being the bravest mommy i know! For continuing a legacy in honoring Declan, to helping others in the future - do the magical words she put down in writing from Declan that kept us going back several times a day to his site and the prayers from around the world that will never stop! for the support and love they continue to give to Deqlan...

4) Loren from Malakai Stow - for teaching me something new with each post - the courage, the optism , the future to look forward to with her beautiful Kai. For educating us that DS is part of our lives and to embrace it, and for sharing her beautiful Kai with us! For being a great friend and inspiration.

5) Jenn from Adrian Au - for being a huge support and all the love and prayers , and giving us insight on what its like for Adrian as a survivor of neuroblastoma in Hong Kong

6) Debbie from I will lift my eyes - Connor Khoury - for being so positive, so full of life and hope for her beautiful children - for doing everything in her power to help Connor is his fight against Neuroblastoma and OMS - for continued support and always having something positive to share with us

7) Debbie from The Bennimans - never ever ending support and for sharing her beautiful children and their adventures with us, Jayden and Hannah , you are to gorgeous

8) Claire from Hannah- Ethan, for promoting every single CHOC project, every single prayer request, for always supporting our Deqlan and our family - for being positive and so willing to help wherever and whoever she can at any time! Thank you for sharing the adventures of Hannah and Ethan with us to!

9) Brenda from Charli Preister - i just love reading all of Charlis stories, new words and cute antics! You to use your site for a platform to promote the cure for neuroblastoma and other cancers and i know you will stop at nothing to create awareness

10) The Mikulaks - from Max's blog - wow, you are an inpsiration to us all - your love and devotion and dedication to Max will never ever faid - through your new project Max's ring of fire i pray that we can get to that cure. Thank you for sharing Max so intimately with us.

11) Lisa from her own page - for inspiring me to never give up hope, to stay positive and trust in Our Lord - and look at the gift you will recieve in a few months time, congrats on the baby boy!!

12) Elriza from Caden Paul - for confirming how strong your faith is and we all hung onto every breath every word as Caden travelled and made it out of icu after being 3 months prem!

13) Heidi from Heidi Lamberton - for introducing us to her little princess Hannah and now her little prince Michael to! For wonderful stories and the cutest pictures of all their adventures

Welcome to The world Kristen

Congratulations Chris and Dalene on the arrival of baby Kristen , this morning , weighing in at 2.7kg and 47cm long! We know she is going to bring you endless joy and love and happiness and pure bliss! We know you are going to be wonderful parents - Kristen choice you personally after all! Here is a little verse just for you today new mommy Daleen

Please give Kristen a kiss and hug from all of us, cant wait to meet her!

God Bless and lots of love and congratulations!

Mark, Samm , Deqlan , Logan

A newborn's conversation with God Watch the eyes. A baby asked God, 'They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?' God said, 'Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you.' The child further inquired. 'But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy.' God said, 'Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy.' Again the child asked, 'And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?' God said, 'Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak..' And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?' God said, 'Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray.' Who will protect me?' God said, 'Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life.' 'But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore.' God said, 'Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you.' At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, 'God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name.'

God said, 'You will simply call her, 'Mommy.'

A priceless gift from Grandpa and Nanna

Upsie Daisey and Deqlan enjoying the bridge
how cool is this?

Deqlan testting everything out

One of the most gorgeous photos ever...you can just see the pure delight..

whoo hoo!

William Starting to lay the sand...

now you can see how the sand got shovelled on Deqlans head!

More more more!

Its finished! Grandpa and Nanna have been working on a secret project, will not so secret, cause we couldnt keep Deqlan out of it! They turned their Zen garden into a sensory garden for the boys! I spoke to one of my ASD mommy friends and she said they were making a sensory garden for their son, and the idea was born to use what we had and just add what was needed!

Grandpa and Nanna's house turned into IN THE NIGHT GARDEN ( if you havent watched you got to BBC Kids mornings round 0750, only way this post will make sense to you!) Grandpa turned into Maka Paka and washed a million pebbles! Nanna turned into Upsie Dasie, perfectly placing each pebble , positioning the bridge and organising the sand. Nothing is impossible to you both - anything to help Deqlan you do in a heartbeat and i cant thank you both enough for this priceless gift. I love you Grandpa and Nanna!

Nanna crossed paths with an amazing angel called Edward - who decided to donate a ton of play sand and have it delivered! We were thrilled when the truck arrived yesterday with the most beautiful sand! Deqlan had a ball to say the least - if i havent mentioned before ( i think i have at least 100 times) DEQLAN LOVES SAND - to eat it, to play in it, walk through it, rub it through his hair, throw it, lye in it, you name it. So he was in his element to climb on top of the sand mountain ( read Meggies comment to us yesterday, how apt!) The gentlemen who was shovelling the sand of the truck on the heap, didnt notice Deqlan sneak onto the pile and Deqlan enjoyed a shovel full of sand down his neck and back!

William, Nanna and Grandpa worked so very very hard on this project and it looks amazing! Its so lovely and thought out so very well! It has sand for Deqlan to play in and 3 different size pebbles and a bridge to balance on- its reall beautiful! We cant thank you enough for all the hard work you put in this and all the pleasure its going to bring to Deqlan and Keaton! I think you could definitely go into a 'sensory garden' business for sure!

Uncle Edward from Edco, thanks so so so very much for this wonderful gift, just know how much i am going to love every minute playing in the sand and how its going to help all my senses! Thank you so very very much, you have the best play sand in the world!

God Bless, lots of love

Mark Samm Deqlan Logan

EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE MARK 9;23

So you think you can dance.....

yes, Mark can dance....when he is forced to.....by somebody else....but he did, and heres the proof.....

A profound truth - taken from 5 minutes for special needs

Once upon a time there was a bunch of tiny frogs who arranged a running competition. The goal was to reach the top of a very high tower.

A big crowd gathered around the tower to see the race and cheer on the contestants. The race began but no one in the crowd really believed that the tiny frogs would reach the top of the tower. You heard statements such as:
"Oh, WAY too difficult!!""They will NEVER make it to the top.""Not a chance that they will succeed. The tower is too high!"
The tiny frogs began collapsing. One by one, except for those who, in a fresh tempo, were climbing higher and higher.
The crowd continued to yell, "It is too difficult!!! No one will make it!"
More tiny frogs got tired and gave up. But one continued higher and higher and higher. He just wouldn't give up!
At the end everyone else had given up climbing the tower. Except for the one tiny frog who, after a big effort, was the only one who reached the top!
All of the other tiny frogs naturally wanted to know how this one frog managed to do it. A contestant asked the tiny frog how he had found the strength to succeed and reach the goal.
It turned out that the winner was deaf.

Deqlan is two and a half today!

There is that naughty smile!
A carrot muffin to celebrate!

Thomas and friends wishing you a Happy 2 and a half Birthday , giving you a taste of whats to come for your 3rd Birthday!

Deqlan at the drive in - Dad created this set up for you , you sit in your car and eat your chips and drink your juice while you watch your shows! Pretty cool huh?

Deqlan at the Drive In

Our Darling Deqlan!

Wishing you a very very Happy 2 and a half years Birthday beautiful boy!

Wow, i cant believe that we are half way to 3! What a big boy you are our sugar pie!

You continue to make us prouder then anyone could ever imagine or describe. Your laughter and naughty face is one of the highlites of our day - even when you doing something you not supposed to be doing and we say ' no' you just give us the most beautiful smile and laugh and our hearts just melt, thats why it could be very easy for you to get away with everything, well almost everything!!!

I hope you enjoyed your Thomas table this morning, all your Thomas Buddies wishing you a beautiful half birthday for today and giving you a taste of whats to come for your 3rd Birthday - its got to be Thomas - you love him and his friends so much my boy!

I wish they could have brought you a HUGE CHOCOLATE CAKE that you can dig your hands into and lick the icing of your fingers, but hopefully you enjoyed your home made carrot muffin just as much! We love you so so so much my boy that we are going to keep things healthy for you! Hopefully by your birthday i have found someone to make you a gluten wheat sugar yeast and soya free cake that all your friends will love to!

We thank God for yet another reason to celebrate with you , to celebrate you! You are are sunshin, our sugar pie, honey bun, our love our light, our pride our joy our everything and we couldnt be prouder, we couldnt love you more, you are our gift from God and we thank Him for you each day!

You are so beautiful, so clever, so wise, so patient and tolerant, so loving , so caring and giving and thoughtful and happy and kind ...i could go on all day precious soldier, we love you for who you are and celebrate you in every single way!

May Our Gracious and Merciful God continue to keep you NED and continue to give you the gift of good health and many many many many many many many many many more birthdays!

All our love, today and always, growing each moment, God Bless you

Dada and Mama and Logan