Dallas and Lin-Ley planted this.
Now we have this!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Lin-Ley's 8th Birthday
Lin-Ley's birthday was in June but, again this year, she had her birthday party in August. For the past four years she has supported animal related organizations at her parties. Instead of presents for herself she collected animal food, treat and toys which we would later deliver to the organizations for distribution.
Last year, for her 7th birthday, Lin-Ley supported the Soldier Dogs for the third consecutive year. Through an organization named K-9 Support Lin-Ley was able to support military dogs working in Iraq, Afghanistan and other foreign locations through the donations received at her birthday party. For her support, Dogtopia gave Lin-Ley special recognition as "A Very Special Donor" on their website. There is a photo of Lin-Ley on the left of the web page from her 6th birthday party. Then, further down the page, there is a small paragraph about her efforts to help the Soldier Dogs. Click HERE to see Lin-Ley's recognition on the K-9 Support website.
Lin-Ley has written letters with each of her Soldier Dog donations. The director of K-9 Support included a copy of Lin-Ley's letter to the Soldier Dogs (and their humans) with the care packages being shipped all over the world that included Lin-Ley's donated items. This is Lin-Ley's photo and letter from last year (her 7th birthday):
Dear Soldier Dogs,
I have a surprise for you. Your surprise is dog stuff like food, toys and bones in the bag. You will have fun a lot with the toys and you will eat lots of healthy food.
I want to see a picture of a soldier dog. Can you send one to me on the computer please Soldiers?
I am 7 years old and I had a Purplicious Party and even the cupcakes were purple. It was fun! At my party my friends brought dog presents instead of human presents. Will the soldier dogs like the dog presents?
What are your dog names? Is it Diamond or Sugar or Sparkle or Sprinkle or Jack or Jacob?
Love,
Lin-Ley
The best part about her Soldier Dog donations last year was that she actually received an email back from a Soldier and several Soldier Dogs that were serving in Afghanistan. This is their letter and some photos:
Dear Ms Lin-Ley Herpin,
First of all thank you so much for all your support for our little fury friends. They are enjoying the gifts you have sent as I type this email. The Soldier Dogs love all of their presents and a couple of them sleep with their toys! A couple of their name's are Razzi (a Yellow Lab), Rreidy (a Black lab) and Mike (an old dog who loves his milk bones). I'll include some pictures of the dogs and a couple of us soldiers. Thank you for your support.
Robby Y (SSG Y)
Base Airborne
Afghanistan
US ARMY
This is Razzi playing with one of the toys Lin-Ley sent!
Needless to say, Lin-Ley was thrilled with this email and photos!!
OK - back to her 8th birthday!
This year Lin-Ley decided that she wanted to support the children who were at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. Her school had collected donations for Johns Hopkins previously and she has always remembered the sick children in the hospital and wanted to do something for them. Tru was also a patient at Johns Hopkins, at a very critical time in his life, where he received wonderful care.
This year Lin-Ley asked her friends to donate new toys, craft items, art supplies, etc. to the Children's Center at Johns Hopkins instead of bringing a present for her. And the party began!
After making necklaces, bracelets and shrinky dinks for themselves the girls got busy making Get Well cards for the children at the hospital.
The finished products.
They made butterfly cards to included a lollipop (check out the googly eyes).
An up close view.
Then it was time for a Barbie movie. The girls were all very excited about the movie. As they watched I painted every one's fingernails with glitter polish.
Halfway through the movie they took a break for dinner.
Then back to the movie.
Almost time for birthday cake.
Lin-Ley's fifth annual photo with her birthday donations.
We were able to personally deliver the gifts to the Children's Center the following week. When we returned from our vacation last weekend there was a letter for Lin-Ley in the mail. It was from the director of the Child Life Department at Johns Hopkins Children's Center.
Dear Miss Lin-Ley,
I want to thank you for donating your eighth birthday party gifts to patients in Johns Hopkins Children's Center. The wonderful toys and games will make many children feel better while they are at the hospital. You have influenced our patients' lives in a very positive way.
We applaud your spirit of caring and appreciate your sharing so generously with our patients.
Sincerely,
P.B.
Lin-Ley is already planning her next birthday!
Quotes Of The Day:
Tru felt rather excluded at Lin-Ley's birthday party. He kept offering,
"Hey girls! Do any of you want to play in my room?"
And none of the girls really acknowledged him. He became very discouraged.
To further entice them to his room he suggested,
"I have a nap roll in my room. Does anyone want to come sleep with me on it?"
Oh boy!!
Last year, for her 7th birthday, Lin-Ley supported the Soldier Dogs for the third consecutive year. Through an organization named K-9 Support Lin-Ley was able to support military dogs working in Iraq, Afghanistan and other foreign locations through the donations received at her birthday party. For her support, Dogtopia gave Lin-Ley special recognition as "A Very Special Donor" on their website. There is a photo of Lin-Ley on the left of the web page from her 6th birthday party. Then, further down the page, there is a small paragraph about her efforts to help the Soldier Dogs. Click HERE to see Lin-Ley's recognition on the K-9 Support website.
Lin-Ley has written letters with each of her Soldier Dog donations. The director of K-9 Support included a copy of Lin-Ley's letter to the Soldier Dogs (and their humans) with the care packages being shipped all over the world that included Lin-Ley's donated items. This is Lin-Ley's photo and letter from last year (her 7th birthday):
Dear Soldier Dogs,I have a surprise for you. Your surprise is dog stuff like food, toys and bones in the bag. You will have fun a lot with the toys and you will eat lots of healthy food.
I want to see a picture of a soldier dog. Can you send one to me on the computer please Soldiers?
I am 7 years old and I had a Purplicious Party and even the cupcakes were purple. It was fun! At my party my friends brought dog presents instead of human presents. Will the soldier dogs like the dog presents?
What are your dog names? Is it Diamond or Sugar or Sparkle or Sprinkle or Jack or Jacob?
Love,
Lin-Ley
The best part about her Soldier Dog donations last year was that she actually received an email back from a Soldier and several Soldier Dogs that were serving in Afghanistan. This is their letter and some photos:
Dear Ms Lin-Ley Herpin,
First of all thank you so much for all your support for our little fury friends. They are enjoying the gifts you have sent as I type this email. The Soldier Dogs love all of their presents and a couple of them sleep with their toys! A couple of their name's are Razzi (a Yellow Lab), Rreidy (a Black lab) and Mike (an old dog who loves his milk bones). I'll include some pictures of the dogs and a couple of us soldiers. Thank you for your support.
Robby Y (SSG Y)
Base Airborne
Afghanistan
US ARMY
This is Razzi playing with one of the toys Lin-Ley sent!
Needless to say, Lin-Ley was thrilled with this email and photos!!OK - back to her 8th birthday!
This year Lin-Ley decided that she wanted to support the children who were at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. Her school had collected donations for Johns Hopkins previously and she has always remembered the sick children in the hospital and wanted to do something for them. Tru was also a patient at Johns Hopkins, at a very critical time in his life, where he received wonderful care.
This year Lin-Ley asked her friends to donate new toys, craft items, art supplies, etc. to the Children's Center at Johns Hopkins instead of bringing a present for her. And the party began!
After making necklaces, bracelets and shrinky dinks for themselves the girls got busy making Get Well cards for the children at the hospital.
The finished products.They made butterfly cards to included a lollipop (check out the googly eyes).
An up close view.
Then it was time for a Barbie movie. The girls were all very excited about the movie. As they watched I painted every one's fingernails with glitter polish.Halfway through the movie they took a break for dinner.
Then back to the movie.
Almost time for birthday cake.
Lin-Ley's fifth annual photo with her birthday donations.We were able to personally deliver the gifts to the Children's Center the following week. When we returned from our vacation last weekend there was a letter for Lin-Ley in the mail. It was from the director of the Child Life Department at Johns Hopkins Children's Center.
Dear Miss Lin-Ley,
I want to thank you for donating your eighth birthday party gifts to patients in Johns Hopkins Children's Center. The wonderful toys and games will make many children feel better while they are at the hospital. You have influenced our patients' lives in a very positive way.
We applaud your spirit of caring and appreciate your sharing so generously with our patients.
Sincerely,
P.B.
Lin-Ley is already planning her next birthday!
Quotes Of The Day:
Tru felt rather excluded at Lin-Ley's birthday party. He kept offering,
"Hey girls! Do any of you want to play in my room?"
And none of the girls really acknowledged him. He became very discouraged.
To further entice them to his room he suggested,
"I have a nap roll in my room. Does anyone want to come sleep with me on it?"
Oh boy!!
First Day Of 3rd Grade & Pre-K
Yesterday was Lin-Ley's first day of 3rd Grade! She did not have much time for photos!
Just one more shot before she went to her new classroom.Tru had one more day before his school started.
She went straight to her desk and began going through her supplies.
Today was Tru's first day of Pre-K.So handsome in his new
Big Boy School requires a back pack.QUOTE OF THE DAY:
Yesterday was orientation at Tru's new school. Basically, the parents left the kids there for two hours with their new teacher and new friends to become acclimated to their new surroundings. When I walked in to pick up Tru he said,
"What are you doing here? You are not supposed to be here! Please leave!"
Once we finally made our way to Rocket Tru asked,
"Can we come back here tomorrow?"
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Our Quick Summer Get Away
Another school year was quickly approaching and we had not taken a true summer vacation. With one week to go we decided to go to the Poconos in Pennsylvania. We wanted to check out the Great Wolf Lodge which is an indoor water park and resort all in one.
We have arrived! We all changed and went right into the water park. After several hours of wet fun we were finally able to check into our room. Each of the kids received a "Pup Pass" which allowed them to participate in several other fun activities.
Tru stuffed a horse. His name is Browney. Tru was so disinterest in Browney that he freely gave the horse to Lin-Ley .
Lin-Ley stuffed a Panda (of course).
Our littlest wolf.
The kids were very excited that they had their own bedroom Wolf Den.
Complete with their own TV!
Our littlest wolf.
Tru's favorite part of the water park, by far, was the big bucket of water. The big bucket would fill with water and then empty onto anyone that happened to be beneath it.
Tru was fascinated by it and would not get any closer than this. Eventually Lin-Ley convinced tricked him into standing under the bucket. The force of the water forced him to the floor the first time. The next two times they both loved it.
Before we left we went to the Cub Club for some more activities. As the kids played in the club Dallas and I were left to finish their activities!!
Good Bye Great Wolf!
That evening we were to stay at a local Chateau. Ooh, La, La....
The scenery, as we drove there and walked around the hotel, was beautiful!
There were mountains and a lake,
swans,
deer,
ducks,
and even a pretty waterfall.
Then, with great anticipation, we went to check out our room...
And this was our view!
It only went downhill from there. The most exciting part was when we had to get the kids out of bed at 9:30PM to switch rooms in a hurry. On the other side of our paper-thin walls were a group of young men who were loud, vulgar and tried to break through the adjoining door into our room. What an end to our family vacation!
Quote Of The Day:
No man needs a vacation so much as the person who has just had one.
~Elbert Hubbard
We have arrived! We all changed and went right into the water park. After several hours of wet fun we were finally able to check into our room. Each of the kids received a "Pup Pass" which allowed them to participate in several other fun activities.
Tru stuffed a horse. His name is Browney. Tru was so disinterest in Browney that he freely gave the horse to Lin-Ley .
Lin-Ley stuffed a Panda (of course).
Our littlest wolf.
The kids were very excited that they had their own 
Complete with their own TV!
Our littlest wolf.
Tru's favorite part of the water park, by far, was the big bucket of water. The big bucket would fill with water and then empty onto anyone that happened to be beneath it.
Tru was fascinated by it and would not get any closer than this. Eventually Lin-Ley 
Before we left we went to the Cub Club for some more activities. As the kids played in the club Dallas and I were left to finish their activities!!
Good Bye Great Wolf!
That evening we were to stay at a local Chateau. Ooh, La, La....
The scenery, as we drove there and walked around the hotel, was beautiful!
There were mountains and a lake,
swans,
deer,
ducks,
and even a pretty waterfall.Then, with great anticipation, we went to check out our room...
And this was our view!It only went downhill from there. The most exciting part was when we had to get the kids out of bed at 9:30PM to switch rooms in a hurry. On the other side of our paper-thin walls were a group of young men who were loud, vulgar and tried to break through the adjoining door into our room. What an end to our family vacation!
Quote Of The Day:
No man needs a vacation so much as the person who has just had one.
~Elbert Hubbard
Friday, August 20, 2010
Tru's Last Day Of Preschool
Tru waves goodbye on his last day of preschool.He will begin "Big Boy School" (Pre-K) at the end of this month!
Tru, you have come a long way baby!He began school in September, 2007 with only the ability to scoot on his bottom to get around. Now look at him! He is your typical agile, brave and fearless little boy!
Tru's first day of preschool (September, 2007):
Oh those cheeks!!
Quote Of The Day:
As we prepare for "Big Boy School" we went shopping, earlier this week, for school uniforms. Unfortunately, once we arrived at the store we found that it had already closed for the evening. I took Tru's hand and began leading him back to our van. He became upset and said,
"No, Mommy, no! I have to get my unicorns!"
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Tru's Teachings
Tru and I spend this Tuesday "giving back". We started our morning at a day care facility for disabled children. This facility is sponsored by Kennedy Krieger Institute where Tru is also a patient. At Tru's last visit to Kennedy Krieger some of the staff at the hospital asked if we would be willing to speak with the employees of the day care facility as they were preparing to care for a child that will have a similar surgery as Tru. Afterward the child will have a prosthetic leg as well. The staff of this daycare facility are medical professionals and care for children with a variety of disabilities however, they wanted to learn more about what to expect from a parent's perspective.
I spoke to a staff of ten people that included nurses, administrators, social workers, etc. While we spoke about our family's experiences with Tru's surgeries, medical needs, care of his limb and prosthetic leg, etc. Tru helped himself to their expansive array of toys. As we spoke the staff observed Tru's play and the way he moved with his prosthesis. We talked for about an hour and then Tru and I gave them a demonstration on the proper way to wear and care for his leg. Tru was sooo shy! He was totally out of his comfort zone and did not speak to anyone there.
After our visit there we were off to the University of Maryland. Tru's Prosthetist had also arranged for us to be guests at a teaching clinic for physical therapy students. Again, Tru did not fully understand why we had come to this new place. He would not let go of my hand.
Before we met the students we met the other volunteers who were attending the clinic. Of course, all of the other volunteers were also amputees. As odd as it may sound, Tru has never met another amputee before! He has only been around other children and adults who have two normal, human legs. When we walked into the room with the other amputees (all older men) Tru was very confused and very timid. The men tried to befriend him but Tru only wanted Mommy.
We finally met the PT students and Tru had not yet warmed up. I tried giving him candy, soda or anything I could think to coax him to move around for the observing students.
Finally... one of the instructors blew up this beach ball for Tru. That did the trick! The poor PT students did not know what hit them. Tru turned into an entirely different kid.
Tru was soon playing soccer and volley ball non-stop for the next two hours.
Tru and two of his fellow volunteers.
These are about one quarter of the students in the class. Unfortunately all of them, at some point, got a beach ball to the head or some other body part courtesy of Wild Tru. Sorry guys and girls!
In the end Tru had a blast!
I spoke to a staff of ten people that included nurses, administrators, social workers, etc. While we spoke about our family's experiences with Tru's surgeries, medical needs, care of his limb and prosthetic leg, etc. Tru helped himself to their expansive array of toys. As we spoke the staff observed Tru's play and the way he moved with his prosthesis. We talked for about an hour and then Tru and I gave them a demonstration on the proper way to wear and care for his leg. Tru was sooo shy! He was totally out of his comfort zone and did not speak to anyone there.
After our visit there we were off to the University of Maryland. Tru's Prosthetist had also arranged for us to be guests at a teaching clinic for physical therapy students. Again, Tru did not fully understand why we had come to this new place. He would not let go of my hand.
Before we met the students we met the other volunteers who were attending the clinic. Of course, all of the other volunteers were also amputees. As odd as it may sound, Tru has never met another amputee before! He has only been around other children and adults who have two normal, human legs. When we walked into the room with the other amputees (all older men) Tru was very confused and very timid. The men tried to befriend him but Tru only wanted Mommy.
We finally met the PT students and Tru had not yet warmed up. I tried giving him candy, soda or anything I could think to coax him to move around for the observing students.
Finally... one of the instructors blew up this beach ball for Tru. That did the trick! The poor PT students did not know what hit them. Tru turned into an entirely different kid.
Tru was soon playing soccer and volley ball non-stop for the next two hours.
Tru and two of his fellow volunteers.
These are about one quarter of the students in the class. Unfortunately all of them, at some point, got a beach ball to the head or some other body part courtesy of Wild Tru. Sorry guys and girls!In the end Tru had a blast!
Monday, August 9, 2010
County Fair - 2010
Saturday was the first day of our County Fair. It was Armed Forces day so we were there flashing Dallas' military I.D. one last time for free admittance.
The sweet baby piglets!
Sheep kisses!
Admission was free but there were still rides, food and games which all needed cash!
Lin-Ley rode the swings all by herself.
(Big Girl!)
[4 tickets]
All of the kids enjoyed the giant slide.
[6 tickets]
Tru chose the Choo-Choo as his solo ride.
[2 tickets]
The annual photo with the Mermaid.
Priceless!
One Year Ago:
The sweet baby piglets!
Sheep kisses!
Admission was free but there were still rides, food and games which all needed cash!Lin-Ley rode the swings all by herself.
(Big Girl!)
[4 tickets]
All of the kids enjoyed the giant slide.[6 tickets]
Tru chose the Choo-Choo as his solo ride.[2 tickets]
The annual photo with the Mermaid.
Priceless!One Year Ago:
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