Meet some of the fabulous people that worked with Ashley in San Antonio!
We love you guys and miss you!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Ashley's Verse of the Week
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Dear Lord, enable us this day to throw off self-doubts and fear so that we may obey You, serve You and live out our purpose for You. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and empower us to do all that You have called and equipped us to do. Forgive us for being content with sitting in the waiting room when You've called us to come out. Ignite in us a passion to live our faith loudly. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Dear Lord, enable us this day to throw off self-doubts and fear so that we may obey You, serve You and live out our purpose for You. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and empower us to do all that You have called and equipped us to do. Forgive us for being content with sitting in the waiting room when You've called us to come out. Ignite in us a passion to live our faith loudly. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Hello everyone,
Sorry I had not updated Ashley's blog page. I had been feeling a mixture of feelings and emotionally tired. It seems with each day that goes by things for us at home seem to be settling in little by little. Trying to get into somewhat of a routine for all of us has been challenging.
Ashley has been doing very well health wise. Praise the Lord! No medical concerns! No word yet on the home provider. We are now waiting for a case representative to come do a home visit and meet Ashley to determine the amount of hours she will need a home provider. We pray to hear from them soon.
Well, David was able to fix everything around the house that needed fixing. He is such a great handy man. Has always been good with his hands and is determined to fix anything around the house. The front door got painted and it looks beautiful. David and Adrian did an Awesome job! Anyone need their doors painted? Ashley gave them a thumbs up! He also got the treadmill fixed and ready for Ashley's indoor walking. The yard has not been treated yet but possibly soon.
We were able to get Ashley an exercising bike for half the price and we got her an in door basketball hoop set, floor exercising mat, exercising ball, soccer ball, ankle and wrist weights and an outside three wheel Swchin bike. These are all items that she was using in San Antonio. Even though she uses or will be using all these items at Milestones, David wanted to continue the workouts at home. We now need to get her educational flash cards, basic memory games and hand exercising objects. Ashley loves hugs and kisses and is very ticklish. I like to tickle her because I can really get her to laugh. David says she has been doing very well at Milestones and that everyone is very nice, helpful and show a lot of care and motivation towards Ashley. There is NO reason why Ashley shouldn't make a full recovery. She has what the "enemy doesn't have". She is young, beautiful, strong, loved by many faithful family members, loved by many friends, loved by many many wonderful people in Edinburg, the Valley, San Antonio, Mexico etc..
As a cheerleader she cheered on her team and entertained large groups of fans and now you the fans cheer her on with your prayers. She worked hard to win in competitions and helped her team succeed whether it was in Pony softball, band, cross country, basketball, tennis, cheer leading or track and she gave it her all and left it on the field!! She will recover 110% and will be an instrument of God. Her beautiful road to a miraculous recovery is all on the Lord's time. We all have to stand strong in our faith. We may not understand why things happen to "good people" but remember with "God in our hearts" nothing is impossible. Bad spirits may be around us but "they are nothing" when they come upon God's people. We are always loved and protected by our King.
Ashley has enjoyed visits on different days from her good friends and family members. Thank you all for the gifts, calling first and being patient to visit and keeping Ashley company. As Ashley is progressing she will appreciate your kind words, jokes and just showing your love and support during her time of healing. On Sundays we have been going to mass at the San Juan Shrine. She enjoys sitting between me and David as she listens to the readings and beautiful music. After going up to receive communion we sit and bow our heads and pray and give thanks to our Lord for all the many blessings we have everyday. This past Sunday after mass we got home and everyone changed into their Dallas Cowboys jerseys even Ashley! We all enjoyed watching the game with Ashley's Godparent's and Godsister Israel, Diana and Kasie Mata. As Ashley sat relaxed up against Kasie, Diana started a game of "simon says" and Ashley was able to follow the commands. We had fun and laughed a lot even though the Cowboys didn't win! Well maybe next game.
On Monday night I was reunited with a warm welcome by my Sisters in Christ at our Monday night Faith Sharing Meeting. It felt very good to see you all again. Thank you for your strong prayers and faith. You all encourage me to keep moving forward so I decided to do this update.
Thank you all for your continued prayers May God Bless each one of you. Do good by your neighbor and receive many blessings.
Lourdes Olivarez,
God Bless and Have
a Great Day!
Sorry I had not updated Ashley's blog page. I had been feeling a mixture of feelings and emotionally tired. It seems with each day that goes by things for us at home seem to be settling in little by little. Trying to get into somewhat of a routine for all of us has been challenging.
Ashley has been doing very well health wise. Praise the Lord! No medical concerns! No word yet on the home provider. We are now waiting for a case representative to come do a home visit and meet Ashley to determine the amount of hours she will need a home provider. We pray to hear from them soon.
Well, David was able to fix everything around the house that needed fixing. He is such a great handy man. Has always been good with his hands and is determined to fix anything around the house. The front door got painted and it looks beautiful. David and Adrian did an Awesome job! Anyone need their doors painted? Ashley gave them a thumbs up! He also got the treadmill fixed and ready for Ashley's indoor walking. The yard has not been treated yet but possibly soon.
We were able to get Ashley an exercising bike for half the price and we got her an in door basketball hoop set, floor exercising mat, exercising ball, soccer ball, ankle and wrist weights and an outside three wheel Swchin bike. These are all items that she was using in San Antonio. Even though she uses or will be using all these items at Milestones, David wanted to continue the workouts at home. We now need to get her educational flash cards, basic memory games and hand exercising objects. Ashley loves hugs and kisses and is very ticklish. I like to tickle her because I can really get her to laugh. David says she has been doing very well at Milestones and that everyone is very nice, helpful and show a lot of care and motivation towards Ashley. There is NO reason why Ashley shouldn't make a full recovery. She has what the "enemy doesn't have". She is young, beautiful, strong, loved by many faithful family members, loved by many friends, loved by many many wonderful people in Edinburg, the Valley, San Antonio, Mexico etc..
As a cheerleader she cheered on her team and entertained large groups of fans and now you the fans cheer her on with your prayers. She worked hard to win in competitions and helped her team succeed whether it was in Pony softball, band, cross country, basketball, tennis, cheer leading or track and she gave it her all and left it on the field!! She will recover 110% and will be an instrument of God. Her beautiful road to a miraculous recovery is all on the Lord's time. We all have to stand strong in our faith. We may not understand why things happen to "good people" but remember with "God in our hearts" nothing is impossible. Bad spirits may be around us but "they are nothing" when they come upon God's people. We are always loved and protected by our King.
Ashley has enjoyed visits on different days from her good friends and family members. Thank you all for the gifts, calling first and being patient to visit and keeping Ashley company. As Ashley is progressing she will appreciate your kind words, jokes and just showing your love and support during her time of healing. On Sundays we have been going to mass at the San Juan Shrine. She enjoys sitting between me and David as she listens to the readings and beautiful music. After going up to receive communion we sit and bow our heads and pray and give thanks to our Lord for all the many blessings we have everyday. This past Sunday after mass we got home and everyone changed into their Dallas Cowboys jerseys even Ashley! We all enjoyed watching the game with Ashley's Godparent's and Godsister Israel, Diana and Kasie Mata. As Ashley sat relaxed up against Kasie, Diana started a game of "simon says" and Ashley was able to follow the commands. We had fun and laughed a lot even though the Cowboys didn't win! Well maybe next game.
On Monday night I was reunited with a warm welcome by my Sisters in Christ at our Monday night Faith Sharing Meeting. It felt very good to see you all again. Thank you for your strong prayers and faith. You all encourage me to keep moving forward so I decided to do this update.
Thank you all for your continued prayers May God Bless each one of you. Do good by your neighbor and receive many blessings.
Lourdes Olivarez,
God Bless and Have
a Great Day!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Ashley's Verse of the Week
"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life."
Proverbs 13:12 (NIV)
Dear Lord, I know You created me to shine for You. I know that You gave me unique talents and abilities, with dreams to match. Help me to remember my dreams and to trust You to fulfill them in Your timing. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life."
Proverbs 13:12 (NIV)
Dear Lord, I know You created me to shine for You. I know that You gave me unique talents and abilities, with dreams to match. Help me to remember my dreams and to trust You to fulfill them in Your timing. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Hello everyone!
Thank you for your continued prayers. Ashley started her therapy sessions on Tuesday (8-24-10) of this week and I started work on Monday (08-23-10). Being at home has been a big adjustment for all of us. We are still trying to settle in and now with me away from the house all day, David and Adrian are caring for Ashley.
Adrian will soon need to start looking for work to help us financially (Please Pray). David is doing all the care for Ashley and Adrian helps him as well and keeps up with the house as much as he can. She has no home nurse since she no longer has the trache (thank you God) and we learned how to give her medications and feedings so we were told she may not qualify for a home nurse to care for her. We are in the process of applying for a home provider so please pray that she gets approved.
Returning to work has been a roller coaster of emotional feelings for me. It is very hard to kiss Ashley every morning then leave the house then get to work and put it all behind me so that I can function at work. It has been good seeing everyone and I appreciate the hugs and words of encouragement but sometimes I feel I need to be at home with Ashley. She is like having a new baby again.
You want to be there for all the first time moments. At the beginning we waited for her to open her big beautiful brown eyes (Thank you God!). Then we loved it when she started moving her legs and arms. Then it was beautiful to see her yawn so gracefully. Then she started turning her head and following us. Then she started following commands by taking deep breaths for the nurse and putting her lips together to give kisses. Then she started smiling and making noises with her voice. Then we heard her laugh this was awesome! Then she started saying yes, no, mom, dad very clearly. Taking her first steps and walking. I rush home during lunch to see her, eat then tell her I have to leave again and that I will see her after work. She looks at me and nods her head okay.
It has been hard for David to get Ashley up and ready for therapy every morning without me. We did everything together in San Antonio and helped each other so we could get her dressed and us dressed as well. David said she did well at her therapy sessions. It will take time for Ashley and the Therapist to get acquainted and move forward with her progress. I wish she could be going all week long like in San Antonio rather than three days out of the week. We trust in the Lord and his plan. Ashley sleeps very well at night. We are still working on getting her to swallow and talk more. Its seems that since she found out we were coming back home she started talking less and swallowing less also.
Some late afternoons we take her outside to walk in the driveway. I have her walk fast to get her legs moving as they were doing in San Antonio. I am showing her how to bounce the basketball outside and she tries to follow it with her hands to keep it bouncing while she bends her knees as well. She holds the basketball with both her hands and gives it a light release throw to her sister. We had her kicking the ball also. She enjoys watching her favorite movies because we can hear her laugh out loud. Alyssa gets her up to start dancing. She moves her feet side to side and her shoulders up and down.
Unfortunately David has had to work on several things around the house as well. Two of the toilets were leaking, and the treadmill that he was going to have Ashley use for walking broke down. We were looking into getting her an exercising bike for in doors but the one that was on clearance was out of stock. Plus he and Adrian are trying to paint the front door because it really needed painting. The white had turned to black and was peeling off. Plus he wants to see how he can treat our yard because it is full of stickers. I had taken Ashley to walk on the grass to get her legs to adjust and balance on uneven ground but the stickers were getting on her shoes and socks so we had to go back to the drive way.
While I'm in the kitchen and she sits in the living room, I call out to Ashley to raise her hands so I can see her. Even though I can see her from the kitchen, I do this to get her to exercise her arms on her own and she raises them up high. I miss my Ashley so much but I know that the Lord is re-creating her to where he needs her to be.
When God takes something from your grasp, He is not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to received something better.
Ashley is a child of God. He gave her breathe not just once but twice. As a human being and as her mother I hurt and cry everyday for my Ashley. I know that it wasn't her calling yet and the Lord has big plans for her. We will not let any "bad spirits" come between our family. The Lord is watching over all of us and everything we do in our life time on earth. We will all have to answer to him someday. So be good to one another, protect your families, pray and live the LORD'S way everyday and praise HIM for everything that you have because HE has blessed us.
Thank you love you all,
Lourdes Olivarez,
God Bless and Have a Great Day!
Thank you for your continued prayers. Ashley started her therapy sessions on Tuesday (8-24-10) of this week and I started work on Monday (08-23-10). Being at home has been a big adjustment for all of us. We are still trying to settle in and now with me away from the house all day, David and Adrian are caring for Ashley.
Adrian will soon need to start looking for work to help us financially (Please Pray). David is doing all the care for Ashley and Adrian helps him as well and keeps up with the house as much as he can. She has no home nurse since she no longer has the trache (thank you God) and we learned how to give her medications and feedings so we were told she may not qualify for a home nurse to care for her. We are in the process of applying for a home provider so please pray that she gets approved.
Returning to work has been a roller coaster of emotional feelings for me. It is very hard to kiss Ashley every morning then leave the house then get to work and put it all behind me so that I can function at work. It has been good seeing everyone and I appreciate the hugs and words of encouragement but sometimes I feel I need to be at home with Ashley. She is like having a new baby again.
You want to be there for all the first time moments. At the beginning we waited for her to open her big beautiful brown eyes (Thank you God!). Then we loved it when she started moving her legs and arms. Then it was beautiful to see her yawn so gracefully. Then she started turning her head and following us. Then she started following commands by taking deep breaths for the nurse and putting her lips together to give kisses. Then she started smiling and making noises with her voice. Then we heard her laugh this was awesome! Then she started saying yes, no, mom, dad very clearly. Taking her first steps and walking. I rush home during lunch to see her, eat then tell her I have to leave again and that I will see her after work. She looks at me and nods her head okay.
It has been hard for David to get Ashley up and ready for therapy every morning without me. We did everything together in San Antonio and helped each other so we could get her dressed and us dressed as well. David said she did well at her therapy sessions. It will take time for Ashley and the Therapist to get acquainted and move forward with her progress. I wish she could be going all week long like in San Antonio rather than three days out of the week. We trust in the Lord and his plan. Ashley sleeps very well at night. We are still working on getting her to swallow and talk more. Its seems that since she found out we were coming back home she started talking less and swallowing less also.
Some late afternoons we take her outside to walk in the driveway. I have her walk fast to get her legs moving as they were doing in San Antonio. I am showing her how to bounce the basketball outside and she tries to follow it with her hands to keep it bouncing while she bends her knees as well. She holds the basketball with both her hands and gives it a light release throw to her sister. We had her kicking the ball also. She enjoys watching her favorite movies because we can hear her laugh out loud. Alyssa gets her up to start dancing. She moves her feet side to side and her shoulders up and down.
Unfortunately David has had to work on several things around the house as well. Two of the toilets were leaking, and the treadmill that he was going to have Ashley use for walking broke down. We were looking into getting her an exercising bike for in doors but the one that was on clearance was out of stock. Plus he and Adrian are trying to paint the front door because it really needed painting. The white had turned to black and was peeling off. Plus he wants to see how he can treat our yard because it is full of stickers. I had taken Ashley to walk on the grass to get her legs to adjust and balance on uneven ground but the stickers were getting on her shoes and socks so we had to go back to the drive way.
While I'm in the kitchen and she sits in the living room, I call out to Ashley to raise her hands so I can see her. Even though I can see her from the kitchen, I do this to get her to exercise her arms on her own and she raises them up high. I miss my Ashley so much but I know that the Lord is re-creating her to where he needs her to be.
When God takes something from your grasp, He is not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to received something better.
Ashley is a child of God. He gave her breathe not just once but twice. As a human being and as her mother I hurt and cry everyday for my Ashley. I know that it wasn't her calling yet and the Lord has big plans for her. We will not let any "bad spirits" come between our family. The Lord is watching over all of us and everything we do in our life time on earth. We will all have to answer to him someday. So be good to one another, protect your families, pray and live the LORD'S way everyday and praise HIM for everything that you have because HE has blessed us.
Thank you love you all,
Lourdes Olivarez,
God Bless and Have a Great Day!
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