Arkansas Hands & Voices: Jaxon's story

Arkansas Hands & Voices is a comprehensive group of parents and professionals that work together to benefit children and families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing. ARHV’s goal is to provide Arkansas families with the necessary resources, networking, and information in order to improve communication access and educational outcomes for their children. Our statewide activities, advocacy efforts, and parent/professional collaboration are all focused on enabling our deaf and hard-of-hearing children to reach their fullest potential!

I was asked to be on the board of directors almost a year ago and now have the opportunity to serve as the secretary as well.  This organization has become near and dear to my heart.  We were hesitant to get involved for quite sometime because we felt like  Jaxon  did not "fit" .... because his hearing loss was not "severe".  Although, Jaxon didn’t really "fit"in the hearing world either.  Eventually, we made our way to an Arkansas Hands & Voices activity.  It was a definite blessing to us to have that social support from parents that had children with hearing loss and despite the severity of hearing loss a child has there are still common concerns that we all have as parents.   The knowledge & support the professionals brought to the table was also a great blessing.  We learned very quickly there is rich diversity in the deaf& hard of hearing world and that everyone fits!

Every October ARH&V has their annual fundraiser Tasting at Twilight.  This year they decorated the tables with framed copies of different children’s hearing journey along with a picture.  For those interested here is Jaxon's "hearing" journey!

Jax’s story is a victory for early identification and early intervention.  The first indications that Jaxon might have hearing loss came before he even left the hospital.   His hearing deficits were identified during the newborn hearing screen and after many attempts to get him to sleep through a hearing test – no matter how hard we tried, Jax would always fall asleep on the way to the hospital and then be wide awake and smiley during the hearing tests! – we had a confirmed diagnosis of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. 

Jaxon had his first pair of hearing aides by the time he was four months old.  Thanks to an aggressive approach to early intervention in California, Jaxon was enrolled in the San Diego Unified School District a short time later and soon began receiving in-home (and occasionally at our office, depending on our schedule) speech therapy.    We worried that the move from San Diego to Conway would result in a step backward in his treatment, but were delighted to find an even more committed and caring group of providers in Sharon Ross, Jan Stroud, and others in the Central Arkansas deaf and hard of hearing community.

Jaxon is doing great today.  We recognize how much we owe to the support of the entire community that has supported his growth and development.

A few of the things keeping us busy!

WICKED

Ashlin loves loves the broadway play Wicked. Shawn wanted to surprise her with tickets in Little Rock. Ashlin begged and pleaded for us to take her (very sweetly)! She looked up ticket prices and said she would use her allowance to buy us tickets to go. We told her no and each time we looked forward to the surprise on her face when we showed up to the theatre. Then Dance class came along……her dance company had arranged a dance workshop with a few of the actors as well as the opportunity to meet the actor’s after the performance. There went our surprise……how could you turn that opportunity down. Ashlin went from no tickets in her mind to being able to go to the show twice. It was worth every penny to see her joy in watching the performance.

Ashlin & Glinda

Ashlin & Elphaba

Ashlin & her current Dance Teacher

7^th Annual CHDC Walkathon

We enjoyed another great walk supporting the Conway Human Development Center Walk-a-Thon.  It is one of the highlights of my year.  I love the community spirit felt during the walk and the kindness shown.  In addition, I enjoy the sweet residents coming out to participate in the walk or cheering on the walkers.  The trio found their own sponsors this year.  I was so proud of them.  

 

Stake Mother Daughter Activity

The theme for this year’s activity was  "Come One, Come All to the "County Service Fair"……...County fairs are about celebrating the community based upon Elder Ballard’s talk about the honey bees–“One Drop at a Time”

We had a wonderful time and much service was completed.  

 

4^th Grade Musical

Ashlin had a part as a stick dancer in the 4^th grade musical.  As always, she did a fabulous job.  My heart was full of gratitude watching her perform.  I am so happy she has the knowledge she is a Child of God.  She has the confidence in her self to share her many talents.  I do have to say my heart was just a teeny tiny bit sad this is her last year in elementary school. 

 

Just because I love & adore these faces!

First Day of School: August 19th, 2013

Another school year has arrived. Another date that symbolized the trio are growing up way faster than I'd like. As they are growing up fast.....they are growing up into fine little people. As mentioned many times in the blog, I am truly blessed to be their Mother.

Jaxon: Has Mrs. Harbison this year (Ashlin's kindergarten teacher). We were thrilled. He continues to play piano and he added gymnastics to his schedule this year. He loves reading and will often find a book in his hand he is not playing with his legos. Ashlin: Has Ms. Reinhard this year. We did not know much about her but Ashlin was happy. She was looking forward to the start of school. She made the gifted and talented program this year. She was ecstatic! She continues to play piano. She also dances in an invitational class, which added jazz this year. She is also in Annie and will be playing the orphan Kate. Jeron: Has Ms. Beene this year. He continues to be laid back and loves whatever he is doing. He has made enormous progress in reading already this year. He loves math and continues to bring perfect scores home on his work. He spends time outside of school in gymnastics or playing with his legos. He is also in Annie and has 3 parts: Police officer, Radio Announcer, & Lieutenant Ward.

Locks for Love Again

Ashlin decided that she would like to donate her hair for a second year to Locks for Love. I cant believe what a difference a hair cut makes. She looks so grown up! I wanted to glue her hair back on!

Pictures from last year when she donated her Hair.

A New Journey In Life

As always, I am running behind in the blogging world.  Thanks to the rain we are getting this morning to spend a nice peaceful morning at home.  
Beginning in August, I took a new position, Clinical Instructor in Psychology, at the University of Central Arkansas.  Up until then I worked as the Assistant Director of Disability Support Services and would teach 1 class each semester.  I loved this job because I had the opportunity to work with the student’s who are deaf/hard of hearing.  In a way I felt like I was doing something of Jaxon as well.  This population will always hold special spot in my heart.  There was a very nice offer given to me but in the end I felt like if I was to stay true to my spiritual beliefs I needed to make the choice that would allow me more time with my family.  In addition, professional regrets would not weigh on my heart nearly as heavy as parent regrets. 
This move was definitely bittersweet!!  Once again, I am very thankful for the increased time I now have with my family…. but I also miss the idea that I am opening doors for students that were not open before.  I also miss seeing my coworkers on a regular basis!  We had such a great team that brought many smiles & laughter to my working day.  I shed many tears making this decision along with on my last day in the office.  But as Shawn’s Mom often says in moment’s like this, “it wouldn't be so hard if it had not been so good!”   

Our Aloha Adventures!

As most of you know Shawn won the Psi Chi (the International Honors Society in Psychology) Florence L. Denmark Faculty Advisor Award.  The award is given yearly to recognize the top Psi Chi faculty advisor for outstanding service to their chapter and to Psi Chi overall. In our family’s opinion, Shawn definitely deserved the award!  Also, the University of Central Arkansas chapter of Psi Chi was recognized with the Ruth Hubbard Cousins Annual Chapter Award.  It is very rare that these two awards are given to the same chapter in one year.  One of the perks of the awards is that Shawn received an all expense paid trip to Hawaii to receive the award at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association.  I didn’t want him to be bored (or to be without a chaperone), so I sacrificed and went along with him!  Laura’s husband Matt felt the same way.  Laura also received an all expense paid trip as UCA’s President of Psi Chi for the chapter award. 

We stayed in the DoubleTree by Hilton Alana Waikiki Hotel.  It was a great location.  We were close to Waikiki beach and to the Cheesecake Factory…what more could you want?  Here are some highlights from our trip…

Day 1:  Exploring

We decided not to schedule anything our first day in Hawaii as you never know what adventures you are going to encounter during your flight.  Our travel ended up going very smoothly.  The first part of the day we spent at the APA/Psi Chi conference where I visited with several publishers and Shawn attended a couple of talks.  The afternoon we spent time walking in the International Market place followed by a walk along the Waikiki beach.  The ocean is so blue…..pictures just don’t do it justice.  I braved putting my feet in and, before I knew it, a wave snuck up and soaked me!  We had dinner at the Cheesecake Factory with Laura & Matt.  Our dinner was good …… but the S’mores cheesecake was superb!  (Shawn still holds that the Mango Key Lime pie is better, but he is wrong!).

Day 2:  Pearl Harbor
We woke up bright and early and did a Pearl Harbor Tour.  We first visited the USS Missouri, aka “The Mighty ‘Mo”.  The Mighty Mo was the last battleship ever constructed by the United States. It is also the only ship in the naval fleet to have fired her guns in World War II, the Korean War, and the Persian Gulf Wars. Most significantly, however, was her role in bringing the Second World War to its conclusion; the Empire of Japan formally surrendered to the United States on her decks on September 2, 1945
Our tour guide was a recently retired Navy man named Ernie.  I wish everyone had the opportunity to have him as their tour guide; he definitely made the experience very powerful with the passion he felt and the reverence he had for the history.  

Next we visited the USS Arizona Memorial.  This memorial is built over the sunken wreckage of the USS Arizona, the final resting place for the 1,177 crewmen killed on December 7, 1941 when Japanese Naval Forces bombed Pearl Harbor. The memorial is part of World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument.  Visiting the memorial is a very sobering experience.

Shawn said it best with his facebook status after our visit.  “Pearl Harbor is such a great reminder of the atrocities of war and the valor of the human spirit. Thanks to all the service men and women who have served our country.”  The tour was a truly humbling experience that left all of our hearts filled with gratitude. 

That evening we attended the PSI Chi Awards.  Psi Chi put on a great reception.  Afterwards we found some ice cream and listened to music at the Hilton Hawaii Village.

Day 3:  Polynesian Cultural Center Day Tour

The day started with a scenic tour of Oahu. We were able to enjoy Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, the Pali Lookout, Dole Plantation, a drive along the North Shore beaches, a quick view of the LDS Temple in Laie, and ended at the Polynesian Cultural Center.  One of my highlights was the Dole Plantation….they had the best pineapple ice cream….mouth watering. 

Once we got to the Polynesian Cultural Center we were able to explore the various cultures celebrated in the various villages.  We attended the Luau.  Shawn was very excited to see the pig ceremony.  Their was an evening show, “Ha:  Breath of Life” which is a symbolic story of Mana and his beloved Lani, punctuated by Polynesian dance, music, & fire dances.  It is so fascinating to see these different cultures!

 Day 4:  Temple and North Shore

We decided to live it up a little so we rented a black convertible for the day.  We drove up to North Shore.  We dropped Matt & Laura off at a beach for some snorkeling and sun.  Shawn & I drove up to Laie and attended a session in the Laie temple.  As much as we enjoyed our vacation it was nice to take time out and feel the peace of the temple.  The temple was very beautiful both inside and out.  We met back up with Matt & Laura and beach hopped while Shawn & Matt snorkeled around the various bays.  They claim that they swam with a “huge” sea turtle, but neither Laura nor I can confirm this so we are assuming it was like when we say that we saw a “huge” spider in the bathroom.  Laura and I enjoyed relaxing and chatting on the beach.  We ended the night with a little more s’mores cheesecake (Shawn did the red velvet cheesecake and, again, erroneously believed that he made the better choice). 

Day 5:  Snorkeling and dolphin watching.

Our next adventure was a catamaran dolphin and snorkeling adventure.  The captain only had to go about 10 minutes from the harbor to find a playful pod of spinner dolphins.  It was so much fun watching the dolphins swim and play.  We even saw a couple of baby dolphins and one giant sea turtle. 

The snorkeling was not my favorite part of the day.  I did get out of the boat (into about 30 feet of water!) and spent about 40 minutes watching the fish swim below me.  Shawn was more adventurous and snorkeled around the reef and away from the boat.  He claims that I was able to see all the same fish that he saw out on the reef, but I have a feeling he is just trying to encourage me so that I will go snorkeling with him again on our next trip.

The end of the day we enjoyed watching the sunset on the beach…and a little more cheesecake (chocolate chip cookie dough).  After this we enjoyed a firework show and then listened to music at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

Day 6:  Aquarium

Our last day we braved a 2 mile walk to Leonard’s bakery.  Throughout our visit we saw their pink little boxes and heard people rave about their Malasadas.  These are Portuguese doughnuts without a hole.  They were absolutely delicious!  We also enjoyed a nice visit to the Waikiki aquarium. My favorite part was the Hawaiian Monk Seal.  There were 2 of them on exhibit.  One sunbathed but the second one was in the water spinning in a circle over and over.  Shawn enjoyed the jellyfish exhibits.  Finally, we enjoyed our last walk along the beach and a final frantic search for the last couple of souvenirs.  Our flight left at 8 PM that night. 

Day 7:  Reunited with our Trio

Our vacation to Hawaii was truly fabulous.  We made many wonderful memories.  However, I was SOOO ready to be reunited with my trio!  No matter how much fun we have away from them, we have so much more fun with them.  Special thanks to Nana, Papa, Aunt Heather, Aunt Becca, Uncle Cade, and Aunt Andi for taking such good care of them.  And they absolutely loved the time spent with their cousins!

(Found this when I got home.  We let some a young couple from our church stay in our home & she left this for them.  She is so funny!)