Dawson Epic Adventure

The Travel(l)ing Dawsons

2011-07-06T13:01:00.000-07:00

..which way now?! No, I'm not moving again! Macey, who technically is a Gurley now, is on her way to Virginia Beach! Yep, off to start law school. Wow, seems like only yesterday I was taking her to her first day of Kindergarten and listening to her tell people her name was 'NOT MACEY, it's MATER BUG'! My sweet, sweet Bug! So far away now, but so very close in my heart and soul! To you and my wonderful son in law I pray for wonderful blessings in your lives!
Ok, wiping the tears away now, lets talk about whats going on. Our house in Tennessee still hasn't sold, ugh! Bitter sweet. I am getting more clients every week, yay! Meggie has a job, whoot whoot!! Zech is totally bored not being in school, so much extra energy. He is such a boy! Life is good!

Sweet!

2011-06-09T04:58:00.000-07:00

We took Grandma to the Drs. yesterday. Zech ended up being there with me because the Dr. was running behind (lol...go figure) and I had a client coming in so Meg dropped Zech off with me and Grandma. Finally, when the Dr was done, Grandma had to get blood drawn so I was going to run to my office and check on Meg. We went to leave and Zech went over to Grandma to help her up and take her walker to her. I said 'Zech, Grandma is staying here, let's go'. He looked up at me, with the widest eyes, and you could tell he was thinking "what do you mean?! No! She's gotta come home!" He did NOT want to leave Grandma. I explained, left, and then came back. He was SOooo excited we were there and Grandma was coming with us!! The nurses were cracking up!! It really made Grandma feel special.

Now, on the subject of Grandma. I don't know how many of you have ever taken care of an elderly person, but it sure can take its toll on you! At first I felt guilty feeling this, but decided it is what it is, Grandma knows she difficult at times. BUT there are so many things my Grandma has done that are hilarious! I thought I probably needed to start putting them in writing so I won't forget someday. I'm going to jot a few things down and do a total post on the things I do remember, then put them down as they continue to happen. Trust me, you will NOT want to miss out on "hearing" some of them..Stay Tuned!!!

On the road again...

2011-06-08T04:31:00.000-07:00

Went to Tennessee this past weekend. Quick trip, but productive. Took Zech to the ENT, still no hearing in the right ear, slight hearing loss in the left. We are checking in to a hearing aid for the left ear. We are going ahead a upping the sign language usage, just in case.
Grandma is back home. She's a little sas I think, maybe it was just the long trip, just praying she gets happier.
It's been about 95* here, hot!! Working a lot lately, so glad! I can't stand not working, I know I work a lot at the house, it's just not the same though. I love making people look and feel better.
Well, lets see what today holds.

And the Emmy goes to..........

2011-06-01T17:51:00.000-07:00

You guessed it, ZECHARIAH DAWSON! Just returned home from the 1st grade musical, "Is a Camel a Mammal". Too cute! Zech was on the front row and did so good! I was so impressed at how he did the gestures and kept up with everyone. Well, most the time, there was the Panda song where he was about 3 seconds behind everyone else, thus creating his own mini solo stepping out and saying "Panda", yep, that's my son! I can't remember laughing so hard!
Going to see Macey and Brad (and the rest of my family..:))this weekend. Its going to be a long trip in a short amount of time. I'm sure it will be packed full of adventures.
Oh, before I go, the answer is "Yes", a camel is a mammal!

The mask

2011-05-31T16:57:00.000-07:00

The yogurt mask was wonderful! I might try doing it everyday or at least every other day. My pores looked better and my skin was sooo soft! Too bad I can't take a bath in it!
Three years ago we were in Hong Kong, meeting Zech for the first time. I can't believe its only been three years, he seems like he's been here forever. I guess he has, in my heart! I know I've said it before, but I have to say it again...I truly can't express how much I love him! You know those days when you just feel like staying in the bed, life seems so depressing, you need that hug from somebody that loves you unconditionally. You know, those hugs that make you feel like your soul is actually being hugged too. Well Zech gives those hugs...each and every hug from him is like that. The way he looks at me with those eyes...I think he actually can see my soul too, looking at me with such admiration.
On my birthday he sat in my lap while everyone sang happy birthday, he held my face in his little hands and sang to me and was so proud to be sitting in my lap! It is my prayer and wish that everyone should be able to experience that feeling...at least once in their life!
To soulful hugs!!!

I miss my pool!!

2011-05-30T18:04:00.000-07:00

First, I did complete everything on my list the other day. I got most done that day, but one or two carried to the next day. So, I MISS MY POOL! Oh, its days like today that I wonder...'what the heck did I do'! I use to LOVE playing in the pool ALL day with Zech!! We were outside today, 90*, and I did not have a clue what we could do on our little part of Plymouth! We played ball for a while, that got boring. I picked dead flowers off my plants...exciting. Then, we came in and took a nap. What the heck!!! I guess I'll bring a little plastic pool for Zech, but what about me?! Ugh! I know God wants me here, but I hate it when my feelings and wants sometimes don't line up with his. Well, I guess they do for the most part, I just wish they would ALL the time!!
Well, about me...SOoooo sick of being in limbo, that is with my fitness! I actually did a sabotage correction the other day, I believe it helped. I felt great anyways. I truly believe to be successful with a healthy lifestyle, you have to be around like minded people. I am on my way, but its so easy to drink Coke and eat junk food, so hard to do the healthy choice!
Has anyone ever heard of Aloette skin care? I'm really loving it so far. I still like doing the things for your skin that you get out of the cupboard though, actually, I think I'll go do a yogurt face mask now. I'll let you know how it goes.

To do..to do...

2011-05-26T08:59:00.000-07:00

Oh, the things I have "to do". Does anyone really follow and do what is on their "to do" list? I write things down, and still do whatever I feel like doing. I might be more productive if I actually did the things on my list. When should I start? What do I do first? I think if I wait long enough, maybe they'll just fall off my list (or someone will do them for me..lol). Zech was suppose to be in a musical last night, but it was cancelled due to weather, next week. (see that fell off my list yesterday :)).
Ok, seriously, maybe I need to make my list here and everyone can hold me accountable. Here's my list today, let's keep it simple, small steps:
1. Go to bank
2. Go to grocery store
3. Vacuum
4. Change sheets on beds
5. Put clean clothes up
6. Cook Dinner
7. See a client at 5pm - 7pm

Stop!!!That's enough for one day. Whew! Better get started.

It's my goal:

2011-05-25T06:01:00.000-07:00

It's my goal to be consistant in posting; hopefully sometime soon! So, what has been going on since March? Megan, Macey, and myself have all had birthdays...yep....another year older. I'm good with that though, better than the alternative. I'm choosing to live and love to the fullest, trying to do that each and every day! Life is good! Zech has come so far in the last few months..unbelievable the difference. He strong area is math, but he's progressing well in spelling and reading. Speech is getting better everyday too.
Work is picking up, still trying to get settled with everything. It's slow going, but going. Macey got accepted into Law school...yay! Megan is still helping me out..like crazy!!
Zech is in a musical tonight...lets see if he remembers the words...will let you know. :)!!

They're here!

2011-03-09T04:26:00.000-08:00

Yay! Macey and Brad are here! Theya arrived yesterday around 12:30. I can't believe I was so emotional, could have cried all day! So good to see my baby girl and my son-in-law!! It was a perfect time after a very stressful last week. We ate a Five Guys Burgers, and omg, they have wonderful burgers!! Last week I got a new purse, a MICHE purse. They're the ones that have different shells. A few shells are released every month, and some are retired. I also got Macey one for her birthday coming up, which I had to give her as soon as she got here. Her "shell" is called MACIE, and it was issued in March, her birth month. She really liked it!
Zech is doing great in school. We have to work on his "grouchy" voice. He tends to say 'no' quite a bit, and it's a forceful 'no'! I really never thought much about it, it did aggrevate me when he did it, but it was not very often with us, anyways, I've started to calmly tell him to stop doing that. All in all, life is great! Work is starting to pick up some, which is good.

Zech's Birthday and School

2011-03-01T04:37:00.000-08:00

Friday was Zech's birthday. We went to Chuck E Cheese's. He had so much fun!! There were 9 kids there, plus adults. We were there about 3 1/2 hrs. Zech was SO excited! He just wanted to play, no interest in presents or eating. Once we got home he loved all the gifts he received. Saturday and Sunday we worked around the house, which is seeming like a never ending project, but it is coming along. Yesterday, Zech had his first day of school. He really liked it. The teachers seemed to enjoy him too. Today he doesn't go to school, but back at it tomorrow. I really have to work on him not taking a nap during the day, they don't at school, so he has to get use to going to bed early and no nap. Mom and Nori are coming up tomorrow...yay!! Macey and Brad will be here on the 8th, it will be so good to see everyone. Can't wait!

Seven Years ago.....(25TH)

2011-02-24T18:50:00.000-08:00

Seven years ago, an amazing woman gave birth to a beautiful baby boy!! He had the most beautiful eyes, a heart melting smile, and filled with so much love. This little boy also had many, many medical problems. Knowing that medically speaking, he would be better off in another country, she made the most heartbreaking decision for herself...she gave her son up for adoption.
She did not know at the time he would go to a family that would love him so much their hearts melt just looking at him. She didn't know he would bless a new mom in a way that she never imagined possible. She didn't know she would give two sisters a little brother to love and spoil. She didn't know a father would now beam with pride over his son.
MS. W....If you read this...THANK YOU!THANK YOU!

Peaceful morning

2011-02-24T09:41:00.000-08:00

On a frustrating note, Tom's truck is on its way to the shop...again..ugh! The upside of that, Tom, Megan, and Zech went together to take it there. What did that mean for me? A PEACEFUL morning...I didn't cook breakfast, didn't get anyone dressed (Megan got Zech dressed for me). I did a little light therapy on myself ( boy it does wonders for the skin, not to mention energy and de-stress!), had some coffee, and watched Criminal Minds (on of my favorite shows).
Now, relaxtion is over. Getting Grandma ready to go to the doctors for a check-up, have to do some reports for someone, finish up our taxes, go to the bank, finish mudding the kitchen (getting it ready to paint), do some school work with Zech, do a biofeedback for a client tonight, go grocery shopping ( will probably send Megan to do that), wishy-washy for Zech, shower Zech and finally, a shower for myself and off to bed. Busy day. I guess I should go and start crossing off things on my list. Until next time.....

Fun! Fun! Fun!

2011-02-22T17:22:00.000-08:00

Sunday we went bowling, the first time in soooo many years, it was so much fun! My highest score was 105, lol!!My cousin stayed with Zech and Grandma. First time he actually had someone to play in the snow with him, he had a great time! They came over today and played more. I don't think Zech is crazy about the snow being cold, but he loves playing in it anyways. I will eventually figure out how to post multiple pics (I wish I could do it in a slide show form) and start posting more pictures. I've been trying to follow more of a schedule for Zech, mainly bedtime, but the boy just won't sleep unless I lay down too. Don't get me wrong, I love it, I just usually fall asleep too. :).
Still working on Meg's room...and while the kitchen is functioning, I am still not finished with it. In due time...in due time.
Gary (Zech's dog) and I have been walking around the block, yesterday it was two blocks. Not much, but it's a start. As soon as Meg's room is finished, I'll have more room in the basement and WILL start yoga again, I love yoga. Has anyone ever heard of a singing bowl? They sound nice, that is now on my wish list.
Well, calling it a night..

It Went Great!

2011-02-19T16:10:00.000-08:00

So, the first day of school for Zech went great! Zech didn't have any issues with me leaving, and I actually was okay leaving him there (okay it was only 2 hrs....but still!) There are a few things I need to get before he starts in a week (they are on break next week), but not much. I feel pretty good about this class...sure hope it is what it seems! Don't you just hate it when you think something is one way, and it ends up not being what it seems?!
So, Megan's room is almost done. Can't wait to start finishing up some things around here. We're going to bowling tomorrow to support cancer research. Should be pretty fun.

Another first day....

2011-02-18T04:49:00.000-08:00

Zech is going to school for the first time up here. He's just going for a couple hours, then they're on break next week. They are going to give ME a week to adjust. I can take him in for the first week and stay until he seems okay, then I have to leave (and no peeking in the window to watch him...they must really know me). It seems like its going to be a good school. We registered him at a school that was two blocks away from our house that thought they were not well equipped for Zech, that kinda disappointed me, I felt they didn't even give Zech a chance. First time I cried with the feeling my son was being shunned...heart breaking, but works out the best. The school he's going to seems great and they seem to focus on education quite a bit.
Anyways, I'll post later and let you know how it goes.
Megan's room is almost finished. It will be nice to get some more things settled. I'm still not sure if I've done the right thing...moving and all. I'm not going to make a quick judgement, I need to give it a chance. I miss my family, friends, and my house in TN, but that's about it. I love the area and our location in MI, but yet I fantasized about the fresh air and my front porch yesterday..Ugh~ does it always have to be so complicated?!

Awakening....

2011-02-15T05:20:00.000-08:00

As I sit here, drinking coffee and enjoying the few minutes of quiet I get most mornings, I was catching up on other peoples blogs and had quite an awakening realizing my days are actually not that overwhelming. My goodness, some people who adopted a child the same time we were blessed with Zech, have 2 MORE children now. One family has 15 kids, another 7. So what are they doing (or possibly NOT doing) that they can get through each day with so many appointments, feedings,cleaning,games, pictures, blogging, and have so many smiles?!
I have had so many people think that I'm a kind person and that Zech is so blessed to have us, again, WE are the ones blessed and it almost brings me to tears thinking am I wasting time...should we adopt another child, what can I do to help more kids...am I that selfish of a person that I only want Zech, I don't want to share my time with anyone else? I'm getting older, I think I'll eventually want "my" time. I can't even believe I just said that..."my" time, is anyone's time here on earth really suppose to be for ourselves?
Hmmmm....as my father always says.."I'll ponder on that"..
On another note...Zech played hide-and-seek for the first time, that I know of, last night. He had such a good time running around! It tickled me, I kept seeing him run to the bathroom, I thought something was wrong having to "go" so much, then I remembered playing hide-and-seek when I was little. I would hide and ALWAYS have to pee immediately...too funny!

Wow how things change!!

2011-02-13T12:04:00.001-08:00

So, never would I have imagined that I would be moving back to Michigan after 28 years! Well, that's what has been going on. I miss my family in TN something awful, but I'm loving it here in Michigan. As many of you know, I've tried to promote the support of local businesses, things made in the city and state,etc... Well, where we are living, EVERYONE does just that!! I love it! While I don't get to sit on the front porch and see a majestic view, I do get to walk to the store, for ice cream, to the park, to a restaurant, to the bank, ....you get the picture. Zech loves it here too. We're still living out of boxes, so to speak, but each day we're closer to making a home here.
Hopefully I'll get to post more frequently now, we'll see.

Wow, it's been a while!!!

2010-07-19T08:17:00.000-07:00

So, things have been quite hectic around the Dawson household. Macey was married on June 12th. I am so happy for her. The wedding was beautiful (we should be getting pics soon). It was an outdoor wedding and rained that day all around us, but NOT where we were! Praise the Lord! Absolutely gorgeous Bed and Breakfast!
Megan is dating someone in Michigan, so she's been travelling a little more. I love the guy she's seeing, a family friend's son...yay!
Zech had his last surgery Thursday. He's doing well, still a little sore, but doing good. He's still the light of my days!
Tom, well in between ALL his truck and trailer breakdowns, he's working a lot.
Me, I'm terrific. Trying to organize, yes still organizing, my house, business, life. I miss the Coffee Shop, but all in all, I'm glad we shut it down (cash flow is getting a little better). It was quite a draw on income, but I really enjoyed the different people in and out.
If I wrote about EVERYTHING thats happened in the last two months, I would be here all day! I guess that's why it's good to do this daily. I've actually been trying to do a journal, can't find time for this and that too. Maybe I'll write the day to day stuff here, and my deeper stuff in the journal...who knows!!
As soon as I get some pics uploaded, I'll post. See ya soon.......

23 years ago today!

2010-04-06T18:25:00.000-07:00

Well, literally, 23 years ago my life began with the birth of my first child, Megan. A.K.A Meggie, sweetie pie, megaphone. She came into this world trying to stand on her own two feet (again, literally). Today, she stands firmly on her own two feet. Thanks Meggie for everything you've brought into my life! Boy, I tell you, I've been so blessed with my kids....LOVE them all so much!
Things are still crazy at the store. Trying to get it together. It's mostly finished, just a few "polishing" things left. I so need to post some pics! I guess I'm going to have to get some batteries for the camera, can't find my charger.
Zech is growing like a weed. Potty training is going well, well when HE wants to. He gets lazy with me. He does really well (stays dry) when he's not with me. My goodness, he's so obsessed with toilet paper lately. Unrolls a whole roll and flushes it down the toilet. The other day he did that, the toilet overflowed so he got another roll to clean it up. Then decided to throw it in the bath tub and wash it all..OMG! what a mess! Too funny...happy times!

My, my where have I been?!

2010-03-29T19:13:00.000-07:00

Wow, how time flies! Well, since last post Macey turned 21. Ian has gone from $1288 to $1771 in his adoption funds, yay! Now, I seen another waiting child that has stole my heart, Manyu, he is in Hong Kong. I would bring both these kids home if finances permitted. I guess I need to go ahead and start a homestudy...just in case we hit the lottery or something.
The store remodel is going great, we should be totally open next Monday.
Megan is getting her certified as a yoga instructor and personal trainer.
Zech is doing well, still grumpy though. He's been grumpy since his surgery. I think he just get tired easily.
My aunt Joni, the one that was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer, is 70% better!! Praise the Lord! The tumor in her lung is totally gone! She has some in the liver and lymph, but its all shrinking! Yeah!
Zech's getting a puppy in May!! I'm so excited, its a golden doodle. They are suppose to be very smart and make great therapy dogs!

Disappointed!

2010-03-18T20:39:00.000-07:00

Wow! Things have been busy, busy, busy!! As you know from an earlier post, we are expanding the Natural Answer and eliminating the Coffee Corner. We will continue to have organic coffee and teas and have decided to keep the espresso machine. Yay!...I think! Okay, so what am I disappointed in? Where do I begin...over the last few years my family, including myself, have put SOooo much time, energy, and money into trying to promote our town with free events, concerts, and movies, etc.... some nights there was a good turn out, but all in all...NO response from the community. I have tried everything that has been successful in any other town, but not Sparta. I don't get it! People just don't care!! I have no idea what my little town wants, or what it needs to become a thriving town! Our town is beautiful, but people just don't get it! Buying local means saving jobs, and actually creates jobs! It provides money to the schools, etc... Anyways, I'm done! Just focusing on our businesses and our family now. I'm happy that they all didn't disown me for my crazy positive ideas! Oh, also disappointed in the response (or lack there of) about Ian.
Okay, done complaining.
Zech is doing wonderful! Macey turns 21 tomorrow! Megan is excited about the expansion. She is getting her certification as a Yoga instructor and hoola hoop....yes, hoola hoop! So much fun!
Well, later than I thought. Have to go find Macey's birth certificate for her to renew her license. Good night.

Another day....

2010-03-09T18:51:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if I blogged about Zech starting homebound yet, so I apologize if this is a repeat. Last week he had his first "class" with Ms. Nancy. He was a little grumpy because he had not had a nap that day, but he warmed up by the end. Everything she brought for Zech to do he could so she brought him harder things today. He did really good and likes Ms. Nancy a lot! He was trying to cut things with scissors today, he needs some help staying on the lines (so do I lol!) He has sore fingers from where he has sucked on them (he does that when his belly hurts). I think thats why he was having such a difficult time, we'll see.
Zech is classified in Kindergarten right now, it is the "special needs" class. So, our goal is to have him in "typical" kindergarten next year. There's no reason why he shouldn't be able to do it, he totally knows everthing, communication is the issue. Once you're around him, you can understand some (of course I understand more than most because I'm with him more), but one of the teachers does sign language, so thats what we'll shoot for.
Ian....don't FORGET about Ian! Please pray for him and let as many people as you can that he will be institutionalized if someone doesn't adopt him. Remember, there are many people that would, yes including myself, but the lack of funding is what stops most people.
The Closing of the Coffee Corner is a little hard for me. I keep thinking, well lets just keep it open, it does make some money, why not do it all? Then I remember that I'm not at the store as much and Two (really four...CC, Natural Answer, 2nd Story Bookstore and booking loads for Tom) businesses is just too much for two people, let alone one! We aren't running any of them as efficiently as they should and could be. The CC takes a lot of time, so thats what needs to go. It's still sad!
Megan has started her Yoga and Personal Trainer classes. She's really excited and so am I!
Tom is somewhere far, far north. Somewhere in Newfoundland. He has broke down once and lost the load that was suppose to get him home (not because he broke down, just because they cancelled it). It's just Tuesday, hopefully he'll find something!
Pluto's (one of the businesses my friend that passed away owned) opened back up today. I ate lunch there, I thought I was doing well until I was talking to Jeannie (Aaron's mom) and seen a bunch of picture of him. I am so not good at this! It is just not right!!
Well, I guess I'm going to get Zech and myself to bed.
Goodnight!

Our life just keeps getting crazier!

2010-03-06T06:12:00.000-08:00

Well, before I go into detail on the whirlwind of our lives, I just want to say I am SOOOOO very proud of Macey! She has been honored with a scholarship for next year because she has the highest GPA in her major (Political Science,which is pre-law).Macey has always strived to be the best at what she does, and obviously, she has done very well! Yeah Macey!
I am also very proud of Megan. Megan has worked daily with me, and over the last few years, by herself, running two - four businesses at a time. When I can't be there, the full burden of the businesses has fallen on her! Which is so heavy some times, no business ran a 100% efficiency. Each business needs at least two people, dedicated, to run properly. With that being said, Megan and I have decided that the Coffee Corner is not the path in which either of us want to travel. We have decided to close it down and expand the Natural Answer. Megan wants to be a Yoga teacher, and possibly some other things. We will still carry our organic, fairtrade coffee and all our our teas. It was very hard, mainly for myself, to promote healing and health, and then sell foods that are totally against what people should eat, right next door to vitamins.
We have had great memories at the CC and have met wonderful people, who have became very good friends, and yes even family! We have had numerous "famous" peole there and have been told we were the best Coffee House that people had ever been to. This coming from people who travel all over the world and go to thousands of coffee houses. I am very proud of Megan (she ran the coffee shop pretty much by herself the last couple years) and I have had so many compliments on her, I couldn't even begin to list them all! It saddens us that our small town was not ready for a place like the CC, it was a very great asset to our town and will be greatly missed by many!

However, we are also VERY excited about the expansion of the Natural Answer! The new atmosphere is going to be a positive influence on us and everyone who walks in! We will have more time to spend together, and a lot less grief!
Thanks for listening, I feel much better being able to tell some of my feelings!

Back to work!

2010-03-03T05:22:00.000-08:00

Well, yesterday was my first day back to work. Everything went well, except people coming in and talking about Aaron, my friend who passed away in a car accident a few weeks ago. Right or wrong, the way I try to handle stuff like that is to totally not think about it. It's hard considering he was always at our store or just across the street. Anyways, Zech is doing well. Macey and Brad had him most the day yesterday. They took him shopping and then later that afternoon, Macey and I took him to get his haircut...really, that is such a tramatic thing for him. Don't know why, but he hates it! Great cut though, looks like a little man. Okay, have you checked out Ian in the post below?! I totally have to get on the ball trying to raise money for him! The thought of him going to an institution just kills me!
Busy day today, a few scans and trying to catch up on paperwork. I have to do a physical inventory of the store, dread that...way too much stuff to count!
So, everyone have a Blessed day...gotta get ready!

Ian...from Russia

2010-03-01T16:01:00.001-08:00

Ian will be 4 years old on April 1st. He is in Russia, and of African descent. The approximate cost is $27,000. He is HEALTHY and an orphanage favorite! Oh my, is he just not gorgeous! My heart melts every time I look at him. Please help bring him home! Help him find his forever family! Once he is transferred, he will be UNADOPTABLE! There are plenty of families that would bring him home, yes we would be one of them, but funding prevents this. You can log onto www.reecesrainbow.org and donate to him. He is listed under the waiting children, "at risk" 3-5.
Thanks!!

All is well!

2010-02-27T11:48:00.000-08:00

Good report back from the doctor! Zech is doing great and should be "going" on his own in a couple months. Thank you Lord and Dr. Levitt! He already acts like he could do it now, but things have to heal properly, so we'll wait a couple months. On another note, so many kids with DS will be put in an institution at the age of 4, then never see their 5th or 6th birthday. In a couple countries, they usually die within a year. Not fair!!
I know, life isn't fair, but come on....we can do better than that! There is not a shortage of families willing to adopt these kids, the shortage is in MONEY.
If it were not for Christian people donating to Zech, he would not be home with us now! My word, I could ball just thinking about it! What can we do about it? Donate to Reece's Rainbow! This organization deals mainly with kids that have DS. This is where we found Zech! Bethany Christian Services is another one. Just donate...a little....don't take food off your families plates, just give a little....do without SOMETHING that you really don't need.
You can see some of these kids on www.reecesrainbow.org
Just take a minute and look, please. At some point, I will have pics to click on and you can donate then. Help a child find his/her forever family!
Okay, didn't mean to get on my soapbox, but you all know how I am!
Thanks for listening!

Happy Birthday My Dear Sweet Boy!!

2010-02-25T16:47:00.000-08:00

Well, six years ago, a totally selfless woman gave birth to a beautiful baby boy! He had several medical issues and where she was from, they could not take care of him properly. So, she gave up her parental rights so he might have a better, healthier life. Several surgeries had to be done and at approximately the age of 1, another selfless woman, Auntie Alice, chose to be his temporary mommy until his "Real" mommy and daddy found him and could come get him. In step us!! Well, actually, in steps God. Ten thousand miles away, his mommy, daddy, and sisters see his picture and KNOW he belongs to them....and they were right!!
Zechariah has been with us for 1 year and 9 months. He has been the BIGGEST BLESSING to our family....we had no idea life could be so good! How I am LOVED...WOW! How he is LOVED....WOW! Tears fill my eyes now as I think of how life would be without him. I know of several nights I would lay down beside Zech and wonder if his biological mother cries for him. Did she wonder if he was alive and healthy? Was he loved?
Well, not too long ago we his foster mom, Auntie Alice, was able to find her for us and let her know how much he was loved and how he was doing...I can sleep well now knowing she knows! Thank you Alice!

We are in Cincinnati now, yes on his birthday, for a follow up on his last surgery. He is doing well. We will find out how well tomorrow.

Goodnight and thanks for letting me share.

It's great being productive!

2010-02-24T10:43:00.001-08:00

Wow! I have been so busy trying to get things done around the house while Zech is on the road to recovery! Besides hanging a few things and doing some touch up paint, Zech's room is totally organized! I love it! I spent ALL day yesterday, about 8 hours, organizing his room, cleaning carpet, washing sheets. It looks really good! I sorted through toys, putting all the "pieces" with the proper toy, going through clothes that are too small, and toys that are not age appropriate. Goodwill here we come! Now, if I can do that with the rest of the house, I'll be an official "organized" person! My goal!
Tomorrow is Zech's 6th birthday, his 2nd one here. My goodness, I can't believe he's six! I guess I need to started treating him as 6 instead of 2, but I can't help it! Well, since this is only his 2nd birthday here, I think its okay....right?! We leave for Ohio again tomorrow, so we won't be celebrating on tomorrow. I'll probably get him a little cake for me and him, but do a party on another day. I think we should get to come home Friday afternoon, it just depends if he'll feel up to travel.
Zech's foster mom, Auntie Alice, sent a cd with pictures of Zech while she had him and Spongebob PJ's and a game. He loved them! Pictures are posted here!

Hopefully starting "life" again!

2010-02-21T06:18:00.000-08:00

Okay, we were suppose to go to Cincinnati, but Zechariah was bleeding some (just from the incision) so, it was post poned until this coming up Friday. Anyways, my friends memorial service was yesterday. Of course it was sad just to see the family,but not the whole day. The actual service was really nice. I feel the family did a great job celebrating Aaron's life. But, with that behind us, I feel like we can all move on a get back to things at hand. I should go back to work this week, don't really know if I will, but I'm going to try.
I really want to try to get the house organized again. It seems like I've lived out of suitcases so long, I have clothes everywhere, mainly Zech's though. My Grandma stayed with us last night. At bed time, she slept with us (me and Zech....I have a king size bed). Zech was so excited his grand ma ma was sleeping with him! I know it made her night, Zech really loves her! She may stay tonight too, not sure. If not, she'll go to mom and dad's then back to my Uncle Greg's Thursday.
Zech went to the memorial service with me yesterday. We were there from 11:30am until 8:15 pm. He was so good!
Well, if I think of something profound to say, I'll write later, gotta get some coffee now.

Off to Cincinnati....Again.

2010-02-17T06:16:00.000-08:00

I guess we'll be leaving for the hospital again today. Zech has a follow up appointment tomorrow. Going to try to break the drive up into two days. I probably shouldn't even have came home. Aaron's service isn't until Saturday, but I'm glad I did, I got to see my other kids and talk to friends and family. Zech isn't feeling that good. I'm actually going to call the hospital in a minute and make sure they still want us to come. He has been hurting quite a bit. They said that was normal. The only way he could sleep last night was right on top of me, laying on my belly. So much for a good night's sleep, but if he felt better or more secure, it was worth it!
So, for Aaron's service we were asked to talk (no way possible for me) or write something about Aaron. Something funny or how he impacted our lives. Man, how can we do that....so many things. I'm horrible at expressing stuff like that. I'm the type that lives in the moment and weeks go by, and my memory goes bye-bye. Only with details though. Something will pop up I'm sure. I've got a few things I think I can put into words.
Okay, I'm not going to dwell on that. Our focus right now is Zech and Macey's wedding coming up in June. Wow! My baby girl is going to be on her own in 4 months, hard to believe!
Well, time to call the docs and jump in the shower.

How life can change!

2010-02-16T08:22:00.000-08:00

Well, we are back home, but have to go back to Cincinnati on Thursday. We came home early because a very close friend was killed in a car accident Friday (actually died Saturday night). Aaron was 36 yrs old, a wonderful man! He will be greatly missed! Please lift up his family, extended and all, in prayer!
Zech is doing okay. He's still in some pain, but hopefully that will go away soon.
As I said earlier, Nori, Megan, and Erica came up to see us this past weekend. I was so glad they came! I couldn't handle them leaving on Sunday and me remaining there by myself, I think I'm becoming more and more of a big baby as I get older, so I checked with Zech's doctors and they said it was okay to come home.
So, the Ronald McDonald House, wow! What a great place for families! It just amazes me that such a place exists, so many Great people! Seems like some activity is always going on and So Much Food!! We were there when we found out about Aaron's death, and there is a twelve year old little girl there waiting for a kidney (for about 2 years now), her name is Taylor. Aaron's parents told me they were donating his organs, someone like Taylor, if not Taylor, will be receiving life because of his death. How amazing is that?! Totally puts things in percpective! While we mourn the loss of one, at least FOUR are saved...God is good!
We have had snow, snow, and some more snow! It is absolutely beautiful! I'll post some pics later. It's been years since Tennessee has got so much!
Zech's wanting to go out and play in it, Skylor's here so maybe I'll let them venture out later.
Well, again, until next time!

Long Over Due!

2010-02-11T12:27:00.000-08:00

I have been meaning to start a new blog since Zech came into our family. It is no longer about the adoption of Zechariah, this blog is about our life as a Family! If you wish to look at past pictures or view our adoption history, go to www.dawsonfamilyadoption.blogspot.com

As of right now, Zech is at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital. Hopefully he will be discharged tomorrow at which time we will go to the Ronald McDonald house until he is released from doctor's care which should be next week.

He is doing great, incisions are healing wonderful! He was showing out for his Pa, Ma, Grandma, and NaNa on Skype about an hour ago and got very tired. He is napping right now.He got to eat and drink today, the first time in 7 days....boy was he excited!

Megan and Nori are coming to visit us tomorrow. I'm excited about that. I think everyone should go to a Ronald McDonald House and volunteer! What a humbling experience! I won't be shocked if I have to force Megan to leave!

I hope to keep this blog up a little better than last time. Maybe I'll end up having some words of wisdom on here.
Until later....