Margaret's Blog

2011 New Year, New life to come

2011-01-17T07:10:00.000-08:00

On New Years day we got to go visit Baby Eli. He is Ryan and Ruthie's new son, and Margs loved going to their wedding.

He is a beautiful baby and just so sweet.

On Feb. 15, Margs will be 21. Her last year of school. Wondering what the future holds with this girl who can never be alone. Who has a great service dog that just doen't get seizure work. The investigation begins on what she can do doing the day. She will live with us, for as long as we are able and can find great help, like the help God has blessed us with so far. They maintain our sanity. So many nights are interruped sleep, I'm not sure how Steve is able to work all day long.

Last Friday, she had early out from school. She and Mel were up taking a nap, and I heard the bark. It was Emma. I raced up the stairs, cause that's Emma's seizure bark. Sure enough, big ol seizure, and Emma barked twice. Monty just lies on the bed and wonders. So, excitement, treats and love. Emma gets it, cause she is so treat motivated. Monty isn't, so he's not so excited. I'm still hoping it will come.

Pastor Mike's sermon last night centered on HOPE. When we lose our hope, we lose everything.

Have a great 2011.

Miss Marino, Molly and Baby Parker visit

2010-06-14T18:05:00.000-07:00

Margs was so happy to hold baby Parker. He is such a beautiful baby, and oh that hair! He fussed and talked and liked to be jiggled. Then, when I laid him down he fell right to sleep. When it was time for them to go, Kim picked him up for a photo shoot, and to let Margs hold him. He stayed asleep. There is nothing quite like a sleeping baby.

Miss Marino (Kim) was Margs one-on-one for a while in elementary school, then in the transition to middle school, and then at high school. She also did respite care for us. Molly is Kim's daughter. Molly spent lots of time with Margs, and is actually 7 months younger. Molly now lives in Phoenix, and has a little girl of her own, Kim. Margs was so happy to see them all, and all I could see from her was love to these women. The love of Christ. No matter what decisions they had made in life, and Molly has made some decisions and done some things that many of us would never condone. But Margs knows nothing of that, she just sees Molly. Like Christ sees us. It was a huge lesson for me.

Special Olympics 2010

2010-04-18T15:13:00.000-07:00

A big day at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. A beautiful day, nearly 80 out and breezy. Margs and Monty went in the bus with her classmates, her teacher and aid, and her PEOPLE PE peers. Margs helper at this time is Chelsie, she is wearing the red shirt.

Margs was so excited to see Katie, one of our semi retied helpers. who is an aid to an elementary student.

So, I'm not having luck getting the text where I want it, so just read the pics.

Seizure this week, 4 am on Friday, Monty jumped off the bed and out of the room. All I can think is he was going to get Emma. Frustration. After her seizure a week ago Friday, Paige's dog, Emmie, came in and did the full body sniff. There is a scent, this confirmed it. Our dogs just don't get it.

A very silly picture

2010-03-31T09:29:00.000-07:00

This is a pic Margs teacher took of her at school. Her aid, Bonnie, found these very cool and hip sunglasses and brought them to share. They have chains for the bows, and at the end of the chains are the dangling earrings. Can't you just see Goldie Hawn dancing in these on Laugh In?

Here is another Puple Day pic, Margs teacher on the left, Margs, and her one on one on the right. All sporting those great Dravet Walk t shirts.

This morning she had 2 seizures, nasty GTC's. Monty was in the kitchen, and the minute he heard her he jumped the stairs to her room. I treated him and "Good Boy" ed him. Emma of course rose to the occasion too once she heard him come up and be treated. I was glad he reacted to so quickly to the sound. Hopefully its coming.

Purple Day

2010-03-27T10:02:00.000-07:00

This is Mr. Boyle, he was Margs teacher the first 2 and 1/2 years at Valley.

Here is Grandpa K, Monty and Margs

Friday, March 26, was Purple Day to raise awareness for Epilepsy. I had leftover shirts from the walk, and sent them to school for Margs' teacher, aid, former teacher, and another aid to wear. I ordered bracelets from the IDEA League http://www.idea-league.org/ for her to share with who she wanted. Margs was very pumped up and so exciited, we put her hair in a pony tail with a purple ribbon and purple head band. She went to school nicely and had a great time being honored by all of those that love her there. She has been at Valley High School longer than any other student. I think she has been there for 6 years, and most students are there only 3. She gave her bracelets to the nurse, the administrative assisstant and the principals, alot of her friends and other people. I'm sure she and her dog and aid were quite a site with their purple and her big smile. Grandpa came over to help in the morning to help me get her to school. She gave him a bracelet. Her teacher has told me she took pictures, but we haven't seen them yet. I cannot tell you what the IDEA League has meant to me for support after nearly 18 years of being alone in this journey of Dravet Syndrome.

The med increase of the Frisium has seemed to slow down the seizures, but has really messed with her sleeping. We are still trying to determine just what is going on with naps and night time. She is still having seizures, and Monty is still without a clue. We will continue to work with him, he is a great dog.

Med increase begins

2010-03-13T05:17:00.000-08:00

After another 5:45 am seizure, I hesitatingly gave her the increased med dose in the am. First day of spring break. We have nothing going on, so she can sleep for a week. Our Ashley came over to help today, and I went out with my friend Carol. At 2, Ashley calls to report she's been seizing for 5 minutes. I'm 20 minutes away. I give her the options, but mostly, if her lips are pink and it appears her breathing is fine, not much to do except administer some oral ativan and wait it out.

My friend drops me back at the car dealership, where I got my oil changed and tires rotated, and immediately call Ash to see if I need to buzz home. Nope, she's done, she's sleeping. Whew. Monty did nothing, asked Ashley to treat him and "Good Boy." She reported that Monty made more of an effort when they "all fall down" during ring around the rosy. 6 seizures now under the new plan, and my confidence that this will work is waning.

New class at 4 Paws this week, and one of the dogs alerted day two to a myclonic seizure. My heart just dropped. For us. Glad for them, despair for us.
http://www.4pawsfordanny.blogspot.com/

2 calls, same day

2010-03-05T15:02:00.000-08:00

Tuesday afternoon, the day of the calls. Dr. Laux does not think the increased med is causing the seizures, instead, she wants us to increase it again. IF this causes more seizures right away, then we go back to med increases. Are we beginning to understand the difficulty of a life with Dravet Syndrome? Ah, but this week has been calmer.

Jeremy called, and we are going to try to train somewhat differently. Thankfully he confirmed that seizure work should not be this hard. Monty is still good, but I can see he is not sticking by his girl like a dog that is concerned should be, even though if he is in the room with her, and she gets up to leave, he will follow.

Wednesday night we went to Target. Margaret successfully spent most of her gift cards, and we were questioned by the stocker in the dog treat aisle. Told that dogs were not allowed in the store. When I told him, that yes, this dog, in fact is allowed in the store, he became confrontational and asked me if he was a seeing eye dog. Monty had his harness on, he is way too big to fit into a purse, so he is obviously a service dog. I told the man he could not ask me what the dog was for, and that indeed, he is allowed in the store. The man commenced to call his supervisor, as we strolled away. I'm sure she set him straight.

Disability education still has a long way to go.

March 01, 2010

2010-03-01T14:51:00.000-08:00

Still having more seizures than she used to, but made it through the weekend pretty well. I am still waiting a call from Dr. Laux on what she thinks we should do. If I don't hear by tonight, I will call tomorrow.

Still waiting on a call from Jeremy, but I'm sure they were busy last week making sure all the dogs being matched for the next class are ready. I really don't know if he will have anything more to say to help. Monty has really missed every seizure, with no excitement, and all the testing I do does not seem to transfer over to the real deal. We will keep hoping and praying, because he is such a good dog and seems quite attached to Margs.

The 20th!

2010-02-16T14:16:00.000-08:00

A great weekend to celebrate the 20th.

Jacob and Dad just hanging, saving the table.

Here is Terry and Becky from the polka band, Barefoot Becky

Denny, my buddy, came to the Hessen Haus

Ashley starting the glowstick bracelets

Helping Mel with her bracelet

Paige came

Then we danced, with Grace and Kelsey

and Denny

Then on Sunday we had my party with cake, ice cream and presents!

Angela, me, Andrew, Maria and Denny doing a puzzle

According to Jeremy, a dog yawns when he is confused, so a lighted birthday cake must be confusing to Monty

My cousing Andrew lit the candles and helped me blow them out

Paige got me some new Flash cards

I LOVE MY BIRTHDAY!!!

Margaret will be 20 tomorrow

2010-02-14T17:33:00.000-08:00

A full weekend of Margaret's favorite things and people. I will post pictures when I get a minute or 2. She is still having daily seizures, for the most part, and I did talk with Jeremy the trainer about the video I sent in of what Monty and Emma are doing. He had some advice, but I think at this point I just don't know if believe either of these dogs will get it. This morning Monty had to be prompted again. I tried to ignore Emma, but she is getting it as soon as I ask Monty to bark.

I have not heard back from the dr in Chicago, so that phone call has to be made again tomorrow. Soooo frustrating.

It's been a very tough week

2010-02-03T15:41:00.000-08:00

For starters, we have seen more seizures in this past week than we can remember in a LONG time. All in all, it has made for a tremdous lack of sleep and well being. Since Jan 25th Margs has had 3 prolonged seizures, 15 minutes or more. Various and sundry other seizures, and all during sleep. The prolonged have been during the day, so I was able to video tape and try to get what the dog(s) are doing during a seizure. Which is nothing without prompting. Video burned on to a DVD and off to 4 Paws for trainer evaluation to see if there is any fix. The most recent seizure, brief, but none the less causing the flashlight to be on and magnet to be swiped, was reacted to by Monty with nothing. As I tried to get him excited and involved, he barely lifted his head from the bed and gave me a look as if I woke his beauty sleep. This is causing some mild depression in me, since I've been down this road before. I am letting go as much as I can and letting God. That is all, at this point, I can do.

As for seizure control, hmm, that is also very hard. Steve is ready to jump on the more med band wagon, and I am very hesitant. She does have a cold, so I am pointing to that for the reason. We shall see in 2 more weeks where we stand.

A shift in authors

2010-01-27T07:30:00.000-08:00

Mom is taking over the blogging, in her voice, since she seems to have more to share and vent.

The seizure work with Monty is, well, the same. I spoke with the trainer last night. Gonna keep hoping, praying and working on it. Margs had a 20 minute plus seizure on Monday, in the daylight hours, during her nap. Both dogs were there, and I had to prompt to bark. The 2 most confusing things are that I notice no intense sniffing, and when Margs does a "fake" seizure and shakes her arms, he will bark right away, but the real deal, he has to be prompted. We have to work on letting him figure this out, but its very frustrating.

Here is a picture of Margs and Ashley in August at the Iowa State Fair. WE love to go and see Hairball. They are a very silly band from Minneapolis that does 70's and 80's and even current hair band songs. http://www.hairballonline.com/
They are very good. One of Margs must do's at the fair is to get her face painted. That's a rainbow on the right side of her face, and I think on the other side she chose a spider.

Here is Margaret's Dad, Steven being sworn in as Mayor of West Des Moines for his second term. He's the one on the left. This happened on Dec. 28, 2010.

Here is Margs Grandma K and her cousin Grace, celebrating Grandma's birthday. Uncle Craig is cut in 1/2 on the left

Here is the snow outside the door she goes into at school Notice that it is the same height as the door. It will take forever for this to melt.

A new year

2010-01-12T18:08:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update. 3 seizures over the weekend, on Sat. night at 10pm, one Sunday afternoon at 12:30pm and one Monday am at 4:19. Nothing from Monty.

Today after school while I had my snack my Mom had me shake my arms. He barked, so we kept doing it, shaking, barking and treating. Silly dog.

He loves the snow.

Happy New Year everyone.

Christmas, my most favorite time of year

2009-12-26T08:10:00.000-08:00

Here I am, next to my Grandma K, in church, Christmas Eve, ready with my bear and my candle, can't wait until the end when we can light the candle, turn off the lights, and sing Silent Night, its my favorite thing to do, except see Denny, Paige's Dad.

Here is my cousing Grace, at Grandma's house sorting presents

This is my big brother Jacob, Emma likes him.

He's my boy, Mr. Monty dog.

I can't wait to open presents with my Dad.

In the chaos of Christmas, Emma finds refuge lying on Monty. He's Mr. Cool and does not get rattled.

Here are my cousins, me on the left, my brother Jacob, cousins, Mike, Grace, Chris, and Andrew.

We could not get a picture of the other cousins on my Dad's side, since they never sit still, or cooperate, or listen. It was crazy madness on Christmas Day.

I have had 3 seizures in 3 days. I am way overtired and now its all done. The presents, the eating, the family and the candles. I sang my loudest this year during Silent Night. My mom videotaped it, and I have already watched it 4 times.

Monty did not alert to any of my seizures, but when asked to bark, he did. Maybe someday he will put it all together, but for now, he's still clueless. He was very good in church, and at Grandma's house. We had rain, then snow, its very pretty out, but cold.

Happy New Year Everyone.

Love,
Margs

Santa, on Thanksgiving

2009-12-16T12:07:00.000-08:00

Well, I went to the Festival of the Trees on Thanksgiving Day with my cousins, my aunt, my Grandma and my Mom. Santa was there, and he is usually not part of my Christmas, but we went to see him. Santa and Mrs. Claus loved Monty. My Auntie Laura took this pic.

Baby, Its cold outside

2009-12-15T10:58:00.001-08:00

My friends, BJ and Caytie, and their dog Tillie

Mom showed me my first Christmas present today. She let me put it under the tree. I love presents. I can't wait to go to church on Christmas Eve with my Grandpa and Grandma and sing "Silent Night" and hold a candle. Its my favorite thing.

We went to see Dr. Laux in Chicago on Friday. She is very smart and we are going to increase my medicine, to see if I can stop having so many seizures. More medicine usually makes me tired. My dog Monty had not figured out my seizures yet, but he is getting a little better at giving me one kiss. After the Dr.'s appt, we went to our friends house in Park Ridge, where they live with 3 dogs, Sadie, Ohio (another adopted 4 Paws ex-service dog) and Tillie, BJ's Mobility assistance dog. They were in our class at 4 Paws when we got Emma. They treated us to really good pizza and Caytie did puzzles with me and BJ helped. Then I stole Caytie's bear. You have to watch out for me, if I ask you about your bear, don't let me hold it!

A new chapter, a new approach

2009-12-03T17:35:00.000-08:00

My good friend Kristy stopped by on Monday night. It was a super fun surprise. She had been with her puppy, Lucy, to obedience class. She also had Paige's dog, Emmy, with her, and it was Emmy's birthday. Lucy is a King Charles..... and Emmy is a long haired Chihuahua. Emma loves them, she loves to play with them. Monty does too, but not like Ems. Emmy decided she would steal the bone that Monty and Emma had been fighting over, and the smallest dog won! It was very fun!

Today, Thursday, my Mom met with a man who has his own special dog, Reeses. She is a super soft, wonderful chocolate lab. She alerts to his seizures. He is very amazing and so kind. His dog only had obedience training, no seizure training, and within one month she was alerting him. Let go and let God. Amen. No more trying. Here is one of his stain glass windows:
http://www.vsarts.org/prebuilt/artists/registry/artistdetail.cfm?ArtistID=3678759

amen.

Well, we've been home with Mr. Monty over a month

2009-11-30T17:02:00.000-08:00

Hello,
All in all Monty is one great dog. He loves Emma, he loves me, he sleeps with me, and he goes to school with me. He is very well behaved, so calm and so cool. He doesn't get the seizure work though. Mom tried all week to do what the trainer suggested, and then yesterday during my nap I had a mother of a seizure, over 20 minutes long, and he didn't alert. She did work him, get him to bark, and have him lap. Then I had 2 more during the night.

Today Mom stripped the bed, washed all the bedding, even my pillows.

We'll see what happens, but this seems like an awful lot of work.

I was on the news!

2009-11-17T15:58:00.000-08:00

A nice reporter came and did a story on me.

Here's the link:

http://www.kdsm17.com/newsroom/top_stories/videos/vid_1987.shtml

A night in with Mom, Dad and the dogs

2009-11-15T07:43:00.000-08:00

Well, we spent a night in the newly done basement. Its only taken about 3 months to get me down there, but now I'm hanging out. I can do puzzles, watch my videos, and as you can see, hang with my dogs. They are sweet and so nice to me.

No seizures since Friday am, Mom did some work last night with scent, and this morning with the physical. Let's hope it pays off.

Another early am seizure

2009-11-11T07:20:00.000-08:00

Just an update, I had a seizure this morning at 5 am. Mom was with me, and Monty was on the bed. He did nothing. Mom had to prompt him. She is very sad.

I survived the H1N1, or the flu, whatever it was

2009-11-10T11:13:00.000-08:00

Monty was only going to be the floor, but I wanted him next to me on the couch, so.... here he is, my buddy

Monty and Emma at play in the back yard

Look who had the bone, and is feeling somewhat left out.

The dogs hangin on my bed, and again, look who has the bone....

Well, we think I had the H1N1, but since you aren't supposed to go near a doctor's office, we slugged it out at home. Thankfully, I only had a few seizures. I missed 3 days of school, Friday, Monday and Tuesday. I now have a lingering cough, but its not too bad.

Monty had now begun to jump onto the couch with me. When I ask him. He usually is staying fairly close by. We had a reporter and a photojouralist from the local TV station here on Saturday. They filmed us and talked to my Mom and Dad. The report is to air on Monday night, the 16th. The reporter is doing a series on Rare Diseases. We walked Monty around the block for the first time, I think it might be fun to see what film makes it onto the TV.

Monty is doing great at school. I haven't had any seizures for him to alert to since the flu, so we are going to see if my next one sparks his memory. Keep praying he gets it, cause the wonder of it all is causing my Mom to eat large quantities of food, and oh, she fell in the kitchen yesterday trying to get the numbers for the lady in Canada who is sending my medication. Mom is thinking about getting a Life Alert necklace, just in case.

Home for 7 days

2009-10-29T19:05:00.001-07:00

The dogs and their bones

How can you not love that face?

Monty checking on his girl at the Dentist

Margs, Tricia and Monty

Dr. Waage, Tricia and Monty

Whew, a long day, a week back from 4 paws. Today I woke the house with a seizure at 5 am. Mom and Dad got very excited and tried to get Monty excited and asked him to bark. He just sat there and looked silly, but Miss Emma flew in, heard all the ruckus, and once she heard bark she went wild. They gave her treats for barking, still trying to get Monty to bark. He eventually kinda did, but not like Ems. Perhaps she'll learn to alert, and he can be my pal at school.

Mom and Monty and I hit the SuperTarget at 8 am, cause I didn't have to be to school until 10:45 due to ITBS, I'm too old for that testing. After buying the Halloween candy at Target, we went to Quik Trip for gas and an iced tea for Mom, her favorite. Nice, good, brewed, fresh, non sweet Iced Tea. Then, off to the Dentist to fill my third cavity. Everyone just loved Monty, and he did a great job. He got up once to check on me, I think he's beginning to like me. He goes to my bed to sleep. What a good boy.

Then off to school. Shorter day. Then after school we took Emma and Monty to the vet, my favorite person in the whole world, Denny. I gave him one of my pictures from the Portrait Studio, he said he would put it on his fridge. He liked Monty, and so many people said how handsome he is. He is truly handsome.

I'm off to bed, so I hope you all have a good night and continue to pray that Monty learns to alert to my seizures. He's such a good dog.

Service Dog number 2

2009-10-22T19:29:00.000-07:00

Just a few words tonight, because we are all so tired we can hardly breathe. I got my picture taken with my Monty at the mall. Go to www.portraitavenue.com Go to online ordering, click on Mall at Fairfield Commons, enter password 5410.

He passed with flying colors. Jeremy said he is working like a dog that's has been handled for at least one year. And to think he was almost euthanized. Bless those people in Kentucky who pointed him out to Karen and Jeremy. He may be the sweetest dog ever. We will be amazed if he is ever naughty, although he really wanted to play with that cat Zoe at 4 Paws, she and his trainer Kayla were his only distractions.

He did miss one of my bad seizures this morning, so Dad and I worked with him and Kayla after the testing. We'll keep you all posted.

Day 9

2009-10-21T18:56:00.000-07:00

This cracks Mom up, its the giant dinosaur at the used car lot by 4 Paws

Monty, me and Dad

Monty hogging the bed, the ears are always there...

Ehlena, Ashley and me

Wow, only one more day of class. Today was lots of lecturing by Jeremy, and I was super tired, so I did crash after lunch. It was a perfect day in Xenia, blue skies, 70 something and the trees are so pretty. Monty does so well, and did well with all the seizure "fakes" today. Mom tested him in the hotel and he came running and barked. What a good boy. Tomorrow morning is the public access testing at the mall. This time Mom will remember the van. (Last year she just walked to the mall, oops) Monty will do well. He did really well at Superwalmart, and did fine in Max and Erma's, he just decided he preferred the aisle over being under the table, so we will work on that, maybe a booth is not the place for him.

He still seems very tired. I guess we all are.

This has been another amazing 4 Paws experience, meeting all sorts of people from all walks of life with kids with a huge range of disabilites. Everyone is unique and precious. Taylor reminds my Mom so much of Matt, who she babysat when she was young, in the way she talks and her special smile. She has such a wonderful family, really, all the kids do.

One more night in Beavercreek, hard to believe. Then the hard work begins. Mom is going to retrain Emma (ha, like that is possible) she never would even behave at 4 Paws, so Monty is the opposite dog, but we can't wait for them to meet and have so much fun.

Day 8

2009-10-20T19:06:00.000-07:00

Monty, doing a "lap"

Margs and Monty working on obedience.

Monty, Margs, the cat Zoe, who Monty would like to play with, and Mom

First off, lets clarify something. Jeremy is not a felon, he went to back to prison to check on all the dogs that the prisoners train. I'm not sure how many prisons are used, but if you search on YouTube you will find a news story about 4 Paws dogs being trained by prisoners. They teach them obedience, and they are allowed to sleep in their cell with them. Now, they are not allowed to take them to stores and out in the public, so every 4-6 weeks they trade out, go back to 4 Paws, and are socialized by the staff there, and taught more specific skills by one of the 4 Paws trainers. Jeremy told us that Monty started out in the mens system, but when he decided he might be the dog for Margs, he switched Monty to the womens prison. He has been exposed to everything, but maybe not a school bus.

Today we worked on obedience with Margs telling Monty what to do. Margs will do whatever Jeremy asks her. She did get another hug today, in fact, she went running to him when she spotted him at the mall. He encouraged her to shake her arms like a seizure, and you know what the big guy did? Yup, he barked. He's doing better with the fake seizures. When Mom did a fake seizure for Clarabelle, and Tootsie was close by, Clarabelle touched, and Tootsie barked. Monty was chillin by Margs, so he didn't notice. He's still pretty tired.

Margs got new jammies at the mall, we hit the jackpot on store 3, Sears, where America shops, and found a flannel night shirt with all different colors of teddy bears on it. Perfect.

Dad arrived while we were in the pool with Ehlena. Margs only had a 1 hour nap today, so tonight could be a big test for Monty.

The internet is being ridulous in the hotel, so maybe some more pictures tomorrow. Mom is very frustrated......

Day 7

2009-10-19T19:36:00.000-07:00

Monty hangin with me

Ehlena and Wonder

Here is Danielle, Tootsie, me, Kaylynn (she has Dravet too,) and Monty

Lots of dogs in down, Monty is wayyyy over there

I had a rough day. We went to training and Jeremy was gone, gone to prison. Jennifer did the teaching. She had all those dogs plus Connor in a down and it was like a dog crowd. Monty did great, he never got up. I was so tired, I didn't eat my lunch and so Ashley took me back to the hotel for a nap. The afternoon Mom watched a Red Cross dog video about dog first aid. Did you know you can give your dog CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver? But don't forget to muzzle if he or she is hurt, cause the dog might bite.

After my nap, Ashley took me back to 4 paws to get Mom, Stacy, Ehlena, Wonder, Monty and Emily. I got to say hi to Jeremy, he was back from prison. He said he'd see me in the morning. Can you tell I really like Jeremy?

Tonight Ehlena came over to play, she and Wonder are in the room right across the hall. She got the biggest dog, and she's the smallest kid. They look great together.

I'm super tired, so its off to bed. Monty is now barking for Mom when she needs him to, so he just has to tie it all to me when I'm having a seizure and we'll have an alert. He loves to cuddle, he's like a giant teddy bear.

Oh, and Mom has no idea how to delete the picture posted twice, but I really like Tootsie too.

Day 6

2009-10-18T19:43:00.000-07:00

Paige doing my hair

Monty supervising the hairdo

Monty the man

a hug

Ashley, me, Paige and Monty, with his eye on the cat Zoe

A beautiful fall day with frost on the grass and the trees ablaze in color. This area is truly beautiful and the back roads to 4 Paws are worth the extra time. Today in class they worked on tethering, and since I'm not much of a flight risk, we won't teather to Monty, but, since a girl wants what everyone has, I asked if I could have one of the red teathering straps like everyone else. Jeremy let me have one, and then he gave me a green training tab to put on the end to hold on to. He is so nice to me. Monty does well when I hold the back leash, and Mom holds the front leash. She took him to the mall for practice, and he's so good. We went to Meijer tonight and he did well too. He is such a good dog. Now for the seizure work. One more round tonight and off to bed. I'm so sad Paige had to leave today, it feels like she was hardly here. I can't wait to take Monty home to introduce him to everyone. They are all gonna love him, and I hope Emma does too.

We are sad our friend Mary left today too, she had to go home to see Max and Doug, who we met last August. She loves to sing to me, and she and Mom sang with the piano guy at Von Maur last night. They said it was great.

Days 4 and 5

2009-10-17T18:43:00.000-07:00

Monty in a down at Don Pablos, what a good boy.

Paige, me, Monty and Ashley

Jackie, the birthday cake, and Clarabelle

Jackie, Mary from Michigan (Max's mom from Amazing Augustos), Monty giving kisses, me and Paige

Here I am hugging my Monty.

We are starting to lose track of time. Seriously. What day is it? Paige flew in on Thursday, I was so excited I could hardly take a nap. It has been so great to have her here, and she is flying out tomorrow. We wish she could stay the rest of the time. She thinks Monty is great.

We went to the mall yesterday, and he was so well behaved and did everything so well. Mr. Mellow Monty.

I had another seizure in the wee hours this am, and he didn't get it. We worked alot of seizure work today with Jeremy. He talked about grooming, nails, ears, and all that jazz. We took Monty to a resturant and he did so well, he really is so well behaved. He is still somewhat tired, and we are hoping that he is coming out of his depression from the transition. Mom can get him to bark now, which is great. Clarabelle, one of the other seizure dogs, who is touching and doing her job with Luke, had a birthday. Her mom, Jackie, brought a doggie birthday cake, that she didn't like at all, but Monty LOVES it. Mom is using the rest of it for seizure work tonight. She might order a whole bunch to use at home.

Seizure training, day 3

2009-10-15T19:31:00.000-07:00

Margs, Ashley and Monty.

Well, hmmm. Our trainer talked all about seizure training today. Tonight Margs had a major seizure, grand mal into just there for 40 minutes. I tried to get Monty to bark, to react, to something, but he just looked at me. Needless to say I'm somewhat distraught. After she got out of the bed, Monty did sniff the bed quite a bit, so I had him check, got excited, bark. And he did it. I think its time for training in the dark. Just not sure what to do at this point.

Monty is somewhat depressed, he is not sure where he is or who we are. Jeremy said that is typical of GSD's, so hopefully he will come around.

Not many pictures today.

Day 2

2009-10-15T04:43:00.000-07:00

Lab puppies sleeping at 4 Paws, aren't they sooo cute?

Me sleeping at 4 Paws during training, I'm pretty far gone.

The cool dog Monty

Good morning, the internet was down in the hotel last night, so Mom could not post anything. Thank goodness she could catch up this morning and post a report. Yesterday was a good day, we worked on sit, down, heel, roll over, high five, give five, shake, and seizure work. When the trainer Kayla showed us how she trained Monty, he barked really well. Mom went into the bedroom at the hotel, when Monty was snoozing, and acted like she was having a seizure, he heard her, got up, went into the room to see what was going on. She praised him and did it some more, gave him a treat, and had him check one of my shirts. He didn't full out bark, but he made the little almost barking noise, so its a step in the right direction. Mom is very hopeful.

Have a great day.

Monty the dog

2009-10-13T18:20:00.000-07:00

Isn't he cool looking with those big ears?

Here I am talking to Kristy on the phone, telling her about Monty

Here we are hanging out on the floor

Here he is giving me kisses

Wow! I have my Monty. He is so calm and sweet and obedient. What a great dog. He stayed on his place the whole time I ate my dinner. He laid down by us the whole class, never stole another dogs treats, and never barked. What a cool dude. Now for the pictures. Its time for bed and he's in the bed with me. We are watching Barney, what else would best friends do?

Keep praying that he learns his job, to alert Mom and Dad or anyone to my seizures.

Thanks,

Margs

Tomorrow is the big day!

2009-10-12T17:32:00.001-07:00

I really wanted to swim tonight, but we went to the 1/2 price book store and I got some books and a bingo game. Mom dropped some shirts off at the Homewood and got to meet Noah and Taylor, and their Moms and Taylor's family. I cannot wait until 10 am tomorrow to meet Monty. Mom went to Muncie today to visit Claudia, Amy, Christopher and Stitch. She had a great day, and saw the most beautiful fall trees. I hung out with Dad and Ashley, had a nap and did my puzzles.

Mom will try to work with the new camera and have pictures tomorrow.

Off to bed.

Made it to Ohio

2009-10-11T21:43:00.000-07:00

Hi, we are in Beavercreek. I'm sleeping with Dad, and Mom is in the other room, typing away on her laptop that Uncle Craig had to emergency fix. Dad did a great job driving all day, the weather was fine. It is cold, but it was cold at home. We all are missing Emma, but we are glad she gets to play with her dog friends at the Woodruffs for a few days. Ashley and Mom went to Meijer to buy supplies, and now Mom thinks our fridge in the room might be on the fritz. That would be bad, cause we are all moved in and we really don't want to move to another room.

One more day and we meet Monty! I had 2 seizures today, so he really needs to learn his job. I need to get all rested up for Tuesday.

Love,
Margaret

Can Tuesday please come?

2009-10-07T15:19:00.000-07:00

I am driving my mom crazy. I want to go get Monty. I really could have used him today, it was a long day, still not over. I had a nasty seizure at 6:30 am, then slept for a while. I had a 10 am 6 month dental check, where Dr. Waage found 3 cavities, in my 12 year molars. Nuts. He only fixed 2 because he didn't want to give me anymore novacaine since I'd had a seizure this morning. Trisha, my best buddy at the dentist who cleans my teeth and spoils me, can't wait to meet Monty. She read the Seizure Alert dog book and saw Monty's picture. I will take him with me when I go back October 28th to get my other cavity filled. Its hard to brush my teeth, and those in the wayyy back are the hardest. I also told them I wanted braces, cause I want to be like the other kids, but they told me not today.

I took a short nap and missed my lesson on my horse Freckles. What a day.

My new dog, Monty

2009-10-03T07:17:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone! We got the word last night, and my Mom and Dad are in KC and I'm at Paige's house, but I got my letter from my new best friend, Monty. He is a black German Sheperd dog and is one year old. He came from Kentucky, and that's where my Mom and Dad went to school! Go Cats! Anyway, here is my letter from Monty:

Dear Margaret
Hello there! I know all about you! I had many a conversations with my good friend Emma before she left. I am so excited today because not only do I get to be your partner but I get to see my buddy Emma again. That is way cool. I hear tail that you are the best partner and that I am the luckiest dog in the class! I have been working so very hard to learn my job. I spend hours studying those smells so that I can get everything right. I promise you I will certainly do my very best to be all that you need and more. Karen says I am the sweetest German Shepherd she has met in a long time. In fact she said I was just like Lady. WOW is that an honor because she is famous. She is a famous Seizure Alert Dog and has even been to the White House with her partner, Alex. they wrote a book about seizure dogs and 4 Paws is in there and of course their famous seizure dog, Lady is all over that book, even the cover. She says we are just alike in personality so she knows I can be the best at my job! It is good people have such faith in me! My name is Monty and I am a year old! xoxoxoxoxo Monty PS Karen says I have eyes like her Ben, who was also a Black GSD and that makes me special.

Molly is now in Heaven

2009-08-16T15:08:00.000-07:00

Molly went to Heaven yesterday. We are all very sad. She was having strokes, she was dragging her back leg, it was so very hard. Emma seems sad today. We will always miss her so much. She is with Hawkeye, Maude, Turlough, and Cloe. They are taking care of her, and she is able to run and play.

We are going to Ohio in October, as of now

2009-06-07T09:03:00.000-07:00

This is Paige and I, she dance with me all night in her fancy pink dress, we had a ball, and she got blisters in her high shoes.

This is the bride, Ruthie and I, she is getting ready to leave the reception, so she has her bow from her dress draped around her neck.

This is the father of the groom, Richie, and I dancing.

This is Ryan, the groom and I.

Hello, We are going to get a new service dog in the October Pupkin Class. Isn't that a cute name? I thought I would post a few pics from the wedding I went to in April and I dances all night, I had a ball!

Emma is doing great, and Molly is doing OK

2009-06-07T08:55:00.000-07:00

Here are my 2 precious dogs. Molly on the left, never poses well for a photo, she'll be 14 in August, and Emma, who would love for Molly to play with her. Molly hangs out here on this bed most of the day, while Emma prefers the couch. They both like to sleep with Mom. What a crowded bed it becomes with Dad, and if I'm having a bad night, I'm in there too. Whew! Thought I would share this picture with all of you.

She's coming home!

2009-04-16T13:47:00.000-07:00

Mom talked to Jeremy yesterday, and we are going to adopt Emma! She is booked on a flight tomorrow night and we will go to the airport and pick her up around 9 pm. Please pray her flights are safe and she is happy to see us. We have not seen her for 4 weeks, it has been a long time. We are so excited to get her back.

They are training a new dog for us at 4 Paws, we don't know yet when we go back, but it will be August or September.

On a sad note, Molly had a stroke on Saturday. On Sunday she could not walk, but today she is walking, eating, drinking and giving kisses. She just can't do the stairs anymore, so that's more work for Mom. Maybe Emma can help her get better. Molly is 13 and 1/2, so she has been with us a long time.

Emma is at 4 Paws

2009-04-03T13:52:00.001-07:00

Emma in her crate on the road back to Ohio

Left: Emma with Baby Savannah, Dylan's sister

T0p: Emma and Yoko, Dylan's dog

Bottom: Emma looks outside our

front door for the last time

Here are some pictures Mom took of Emma on her last days with her. She is settling into the training center at 4 Paws, and I've talked to Jeremy twice. We miss her so much. People are so kind and ask where my dog is, and we have to say she went back to Ohio. We are still holding on to the hope she can come back and live with us. It is hard to describe how much we miss her, and we hope she is doing ok. Our little Emma. We hope to know something in a few more weeks, after Jeremy has more time to evaluate her.

There is alot of hope going on in our house.

The last day at home, for now

2009-03-20T04:41:00.000-07:00

Here is my brother Jacob telling Emma goodbye, he loves her too.

My final kisses with Emma.

This has been terribly hard. Today my Mom drove Emma away. She is taking her back to 4 Paws to be evaluated. My hope is that they will let us adopt her. They may place her with another family. I will miss her. I love Emma. I got to talk to her on the phone, and she barked, and I heard another dog named Stitch. Friday Mom is taking her to see Jeremy. I want to talk to him to see when I get my new dog. Emma never told my mom and dad when I was gonna have a seizure, and they really need a dog that does that. It would help so much. Please pray for us, and for my Mom on this really tough day.

Love,Margs

We were in the newspaper!

2009-02-22T07:54:00.000-08:00

Hi,
I'm just adding the link to our newspaper article:

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090216/NEWS/902160325#pluckcomments

A really nice reporter did the story, with a lot of flack from the school, and the photographers were great too.

So many people have called or written and told us they are praying for us, it has been very touching.

My Birthday!

2009-02-18T18:04:00.000-08:00

Denny and my Dad helped me blow out my candles! I had a rainbow cake, isn't it cool? I was so glad everyone came to my birthday party. I did miss my cousins Andrew and Emma.

Here I am opening one of my gifts on my birthday, I had a lot of nice gifts.

I'm 19, I had my birthday!

2009-02-16T07:14:00.000-08:00

Hi all, I had my 19th birthday, it was very exciting, almost all my family except 2 cousins came. And my special friends Denny, Kristi, Paige and her dog Emme came too! I got soo excited when they sang Happy Birthday that I had a seizure. Bummer. I got so many nice gifts, and today at school Mom is bringing pizza and pop for a party. I got a green iPod Nano, and I just love it, but how do you get those ear buds to stay in your ears? Hmmm.

I took the camera to school to share the pictures, so I will post some later, but I'm putting on a nice picture of Emma in the sun.

A Sad Day

2009-02-11T04:42:00.000-08:00

Today we are discontinuing Emma's service at school. She made a counseolor afraid yesterday when she growed at him. She had seen him numerous times before. Mom will work on her training at home, but I won't have my buddy with me anymore at school.

Another day

2008-12-06T10:31:00.001-08:00

Here is truly the cutest dog ever, Emma. She is sitting on her "place" next to my napping couch at school How could you not love that face? Please pray that she starts alerting to seizures.

Margaret

Emma still going to school

2008-10-27T08:17:00.000-07:00

Here I am bringing Emma out of school. She goes on Community Training with me. On Friday she actually pooped in the Mall. OOOPs.

Molly goes in the car sometimes on the way to school, she doesn't like to be left behind. She is healing up well.

Emma hangs out

2008-10-27T08:14:00.000-07:00

Here are some more pics of Emma, hanging out on the couch, and sitting on the steps.

2008-10-27T08:13:00.000-07:00

Here's how beautiful Maegan looked at her wedding, her dress was a beautiful white. She gave me a big hug. I miss her.

Margs does the chicken dance

2008-10-27T07:48:00.000-07:00

Hi,

I got to go to Maegan's wedding on October 4th at Lake Panorama. The day was beautiful, and Mom and Dad and Emma went too. Maegan was so beautiful. I asked her if she would do the chicken dance with me, and she did! I had a great time. Emma was very nervous most of the time, too many people and too much excitement.

Emma loves dogs

2008-09-14T15:15:00.000-07:00

Emma loves dogs. She is doing well with Molly, my yellow lab who is 13 and just had major surgery on Monday to remove a 4 pound tumor and her spleen. Molly is recovering well, and the tumor was full of blood and not cancer. We are all very happy.

Emma likes to play at Paige's house, she is one of my favorite caregivers. Her dad, Denny is my buddy, and he is the vet who did Molly's surgery, he found the tumor.

This picture is Emma with Diesel, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever Puppy, and Emme, a Chihuahua, and they live at Paige's house.

Emma on the Bus

2008-09-14T15:11:00.000-07:00

Emma goes to Valley High School

2008-09-14T15:03:00.000-07:00

Yes, its true, Emma is now a fixture at Valley High School, the home of Margaret and world famous Shawn Johnson, although Shawn hasn't been to school yet. Emma has been hanging out with Margs, going on her walk in the hallways, been to PE, and even been on the bus to SuperTarget and Walmart. She gets to sleep with Margs during nap time, and has a little kennel time during foods class. Lets just hope she starts figuring out seizure alert. We are still working on that. Maybe we'll make some new shirts.

Graduation Day

2008-08-21T18:52:00.000-07:00

Mom did it! We graduated. Wow, it was an eventful day, and the graduation was kinda long, but everyone was very excited. Emma is sad cause everyone at 4 Paws loves her and will miss her alot, and she saw them crying. We hope she loves her home and her work with me.

We couldn't have done this trip without my Grandma and Grandpa K, they have helped so much, read to me, played with me, helped Mom and Dad alot.

Training Day 9

2008-08-20T19:18:00.000-07:00

Can you believe we are almost done? Tomorrow we have to meet the trainer at the mall and get tested, I think Dad is going to make Mom do it all by herself. I sure hope she passes, cause I'm ready to come home. We learned alot more about what to do when we get home, these service dogs are alot of work. Emma did well for Mom outside with hotdogs relearning how to come. She gets into trouble with that nose of hers, but the trainer is sure she will learn to detect my seizures because of that nose. She did well in the drill today, he put seizure shirts of mine in one box, and other boxes were empty. Mom led her to the boxes, asked her to check, she would sniff, and at the box with the seizure shirts she barked! Wow, it was pretty cool. Then Jeremy hid a seizure shirt under a chair, and Emma was led to the area and sniffed and sniffed, she became more excited when she got around the shirt. We will play these games when we get home, and hopefully her sniffing skills will transfer from the box to the body of me.

Mom tried to upload a video, but its not taking it, cause I had to call it a picture, cause its in my picture file. Jeepers, what a night.

Training Day 7 and 8

2008-08-19T13:36:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. Thanks for checking in. Seems lots going on. I have a cold and feel pretty crummy, I spent all day in bed so far, Mom had to take Emma and Grandma and Grandpa to class while Dad stayed back at the RI with me. I have had a few seizures, one when Emma wasn't here, one when she was here, but she doesn't get it yet. Jeremy the trainer said it would take time before she will get it. She's never been trained at night or in the dark. Please pray she gets it, cause Mom is sad about it so far. She is such a smart dog and is doing so well. She is so cute when she speaks when we ask her to check the bag with the seizure shirt in it.

The top picture is of our new friends Mary, Doug and Max, Next is Emma "Sitting Pretty" and the next one is Emma napping on my leg. She is just so cute.

Last night was a cookout with the other families at the RI, I sat and watched the kids swim. BJ and Caytie have been especially nice to me, Caytie played ball with me for a little while. Doug's Mom, Mary, sang Part of Your World to me while I took my pills. Everyone is so nice, and they all have their hands full.

Training Day 6

2008-08-18T06:09:00.001-07:00

Day 5 of Training

2008-08-16T19:37:00.000-07:00

Lets see, this blogspot is acting up today. We had a short time of instruction, then off to Mall for training. Emma did well, but we didn't get any pics, so we are borrowing Grandpa's. Lets hope this post works. This pic shows Mom and Margs acting up, and Emma looking for the bunnies which are behind her. Love,

Margaret

Day 4 of Training

2008-08-15T19:50:00.000-07:00

Jeepers, only 6 days left. I have been lounging all day at training while Mom, Dad, Grandpa and Grandma do all the work, and so does Emma, except when she is lounging with me. I love her to lie down with me. She is doing pretty well. We took her to Max and Erma's for dinner, and she stayed "under" the table the whole time. Mom didn't have to give her too many treats. Then we drove around til we found the Meijer store, and we took Emma in there. She has to have a gentle leader around her nose cause she likes to sniff so much. I'll post some pics. We are so proud of Shawn Johnson, maybe I'll get to meet her when I get back to Valley, since Emma will be with me when she and my Mom are ready. Whoo, that's alot of people for Emma to get used to. We still love her, she's so sweet.

Day 3 of Training

2008-08-14T18:32:00.001-07:00

woowee are we ever tired! You'd think that sitting all day and working a dog and trying to listen and watching other dogs would be so relaxing. Oh my, it is exhausting. I had another seizure today, at 6:30 am , and Emma didn't get it. Mom and Dad rushed in and asked Emma to check and speak, check and speak, its just all so overwhelming, but I know she'll get it cause she's so smart. We just love her. She reminds Dad and Mom of my Mom's dog growing up, Heidi. She was smart and loveable, and could "sit pretty" as Emma has been taught.

Day 2 of Training

2008-08-13T19:40:00.000-07:00

Wow, Emma slept with me all night. I had a big seizure at 4:30 am, but she didn't really understand. She was very calm, but didn't do much else. I slept most of the day through class. My Mom and Dad worked with Emma on Sit, down, shake, high five, give five and under. Mom also worked with Jennifer the trainer on heeling. Emma got to play with the other dogs and she is faster than all of them, I think she is a miniature race horse. I love her, and so do Mom and Dad.

2008-08-12T20:24:00.001-07:00

More pictures......

2008-08-12T20:19:00.000-07:00

Here's the first pic of Margs and Emma, waiting for her treats.

Day 1

2008-08-12T17:48:00.000-07:00

We got Emma!!!! She is precious. She is little, I have to bend down to give her a treat. She is very smart and has given me and my mom kisses. She can sit, sit pretty, roll over, play dead, lie down and is just the best. She isn't quite sure about us yet, she misses all her friends at 4 Paws but we hope to get better aquainted every day. My Mom is working on the picture front, so far its going slow. She may be up until midnight getting it all to work.

Made it to Ohio!!

2008-08-11T14:20:00.000-07:00

Hey!!!!!!!
We made it too Ohio on Sunday night. Didn't get to watch any of Shawn Johnson last night, big bummer for Mom. We drove to 4 Paws and peeked around but didn't go in. Now we are talking with Angel and Trevor and Jackie and Trent and found out they busted in today and saw Bruiser already, and got pictures! If we'd only known.....

The internet is very spotty here, so I'll try to post when I can.

SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!

My New Dog's Name is Emma!

2008-07-31T14:16:00.000-07:00

Oh my! I'm so excited, I got my email from Emma today, she has been working hard to be the best dog ever for me. Here is what she wrote:

My name is Emma, and my sister Ginger is already working as a seizure assistance dog with a boy named Dylan. she got to leave in the last class. You know they brought her a pillow to lay on and I think I even saw her is a pink rain coat. Will you bring me something nice. You see I was so hoping for a girl to love. I am a bit like Piper only a lot sturdier LOL I like Pink and I can't wait to be you best girl friend and sit around and talk about all those girl things like about which boys are cute and what color nail polish is the best color and what we should wear to school tomorrow and well anything else that girls talk about. Well, okay, I have no idea, I have not had a very best girl friend before so will you show me the ropes? Hurry up and get here because I have been working very hard. I know just what you smell like and bet I could pick you out in a crowd without every having set eyes on you! Love and doggie kisses, Emma

PS: Karen said she will send a more current picture tomorrow!

We have our dates for August!!

2008-02-25T11:22:00.001-08:00

We just found out that I get my new dog August 12-21!!! I am so excited. I will get an email about a week prior to going from my dog to introduce him(her)self to me. I'll keep you all posted.

2008-02-25T11:21:00.001-08:00

A New Puppy for Mary!

2008-02-04T18:56:00.000-08:00

My friend Mary and her family Quinton and Quillan got a new black lab puppy! His name is Marley and he is so sweet. I got to see him and hold him, and then I got to show my Mom and Dad the birds, Fred and Baby Too.

2008-01-18T14:57:00.000-08:00

Here is the sign outside our Villa at GKTW

Here is Dad sitting at the kitchen in the Villa

Here is where I liked to hang out in the Villa, in bed.

The sea lions at SeaWorld

They were yelling at us for fish, it was very funny.

We are home

2008-01-17T11:04:00.000-08:00

We are back to snow and freezing temps. The trip home was rough. I slept a little on the big plane, and then we dashed through the Mpls airport to get to our gate, to have our flight delayed by 2 hours. I am at school today, but I'm very tired. I'll put more pictures on later.

Final day in Florida

2008-01-15T18:07:00.000-08:00

Well, its over now but the flying. I got up late, ate some breakfast, and took another nap. We went to Sea World around 2. What a great place. We saw lots of birds, dolphins, that we got to feed, penguins, sea lions and sea otters, sharks, and lots of fish. We got to see a show with some really smart sea lions. The weather was fine for it with my blanket and my coat. The internet is terrible here, so I will wait to put some pictures on til tomorrow, maybe in the airport. (Are there hackers there?) Oh, and we fed the sea lions too, and a bird attacked Jacob and the Sea World lady had to get it away from us. That was hilarious. I was really tired again, but we came back and had some Target salads and ordered pizza. Did I tell you that we can order pizza here and its free? Its pretty good too, lots of cheese. Nice people deliver it to your door. My Mom and Jacob went over and played the Dino Putt, they said it was cool. I guess we missed out on some stuff here, and forgot that Sponge Bob was here tonight. Oh well, its so hard to fit it all in. My Mom can't wait to see Molly, but doesn't want it to be cold. Thanks for all of your comments, its been so fun having you be a part of my trip.

The Animal Kingdom

2008-01-14T18:07:00.000-08:00

Birds at the Animal Kingdom

Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and Goofy

The horse named Cody

Alice from Wonderland

The nice dog named Charlotte

The life sized Candyland

Wow, a full day and I'm tired and not being very nice. We got up late this morning and its chilly, but covered up in the wheelchair and headed over to see Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. When we turned the corner, there they were with Pluto and Goofy and Alice from Wonderland. They were all very nice to me. Alice held my hand and talked to me in her British accent. She is very pretty. We went in for the formal pics, and then wheeled over to the Korral. I left my pajamas on all day. I had my fleece on and my new Tinkerbell Blanket on my legs. At the Korral there were 2 horses and a pony. I got to ride the horse named Cody for about 5 minutes. The people were very nice, and the lady that owned the horses had on her winter coat. These Florida people are silly. We came back to the Villa and woke Jacob up again (at 11) so we could go to the Animal Kingdom. There are so many animals. We rode the Safari Ride, saw some acrobats and African musicians, and went to the Bug 3-D movie. By then I was way too tired, so we came back for a nap. I want to go to Skate West. My parents can't believe it, but I do. My Mom is going to get a massage and a pedicure after we get home. I'm not sure about my Dad, and Jacob is going to go back to Iowa City so he can sleep when he wants to. We are eating lots of the free ice cream and scrambled eggs. We'll see how tomorrow goes, it might be kinda chilly again.

A kinda long day

2008-01-13T18:33:00.000-08:00

Hi, Mom is too pooped too put any pictures in today. I got up late, took a nap, and have been pretty crabby all day. We were going to go to Sea World, but right before we turned into the drive it started to pour rain and thunder and lightening. We figured that they wouldn't let us near water in those conditions, so we turned around and went to the Outlet Mall. We shopped for while, and I got tired again, so we went back to the Villa and I took a nap. About 6:30 I had about a 20 minute seizure. I got up ok, and we went to the Candyland party. Before we got there we saw a man who had come with a service dog named Charlotte. She was so sweet. She had been a dog for an old lady and he inherited her. She gave me kisses. We went into the Candyland party and it was very loud and crazy. There were some volunteers from Japan that played with me. Then we had a dance party. We did the Chicken Dance, the Fast Food Dance, the Cha Cha Slide, and guess what, the Cotton Eye Joe! Oh yeah, and we did the limbo too. My helper was so nice to me. She had a hard time remembering my name. I couldn't tell you her name, it starts with an H. She is here to work at Epcot until October. There are volunteers here from all over, and Charlotte kissed a little boy from Montreal. They spoke French. Well, I'm tired again, so we hope to have fun tomorrow.

Our Day at Universal

2008-01-12T17:12:00.000-08:00

I am so tired. I didn't get my nap today, but wow, what a day. Mom got up about 8:15, and everyone else was still asleep. The GKTW people called not long after to check in, and she told them we were still asleep, but they didn't seem to care. Anyway, after breakfast and everyone's showers, we went to Universal. We went straight to the Barney show. We only had to wait about 10 minutes. A guy named Peek a Boo came out first, he was here yesterday at GKTW. He's kinda like Professer Tinkerpot, but I like him better. He remembered me from yesterday, and said I was Barney's Number 1 fan. It was so exciting to go into the show. The lights got really dark and then, pow, bright lights and there was Barney! I was so excited. We were only about 10 feet from the whole show. I knew all of the songs and sang along. I wanted to stand the whole time, but they wouldn't let me. "We're on our Way to Grandpa's Farm," "If All the Raindrops," "Hey Mr. Knickerbocker," "If You're Happy and You Know It," and of course "I Love You." After the show all the kids left but me and and neat kid named Ben who loves Barney too. I got the longest hug, Barney rubbed my arm. I didn't want to ever let go. Ben needed a turn, so I did let go. Then we got to go into Barney's Backyard and play with some stuff and then have another picture with Barney. Jacob wouldn't be in any of the pictures with Barney. We also saw Scooby Doo, Woody Woodpecker, Curious George, The Man with the Yellow Hat, Dora, and Sponge Bob Squarepants. We ate lunch at the NBA City so Jacob could watch the Kentucky game. We walked around Universal, it is a very cool place, and saw a big shark and some guys on stilts that looked like King Tut.

I Saw Ariel!!

2008-01-11T18:46:00.000-08:00

Hi, We just got back from the Magic Kingdom. We saw the most amazing fireworks show in the whole world. My mom videoed the whole thing, so some day you'll have to watch it with me. When we got there, we went to the Wish Lounge, which is very nice. They gave us some water bottles. Then we went to Ariel's Grotto and got to see her. She was so nice to me, she gave me a kiss and asked me if I was going swimming. She likes to swim. We went to find Snow White, but she isn't around much, they told us, so we are going to ask the nice people here to hook us up with a Snow White siting. Tomorrow we are going to Universal for the Barney show and another meeting. Jacob and Mom rode on the Space Mountain Ride. They said it was fun, especially cause they didn't have to wait in line. We love this first class service. I wanted to buy a watch, so maybe tomorrow I will get one. The weather was perfect for me today.

2008-01-11T12:48:00.000-08:00

2008-01-11T12:47:00.000-08:00

2008-01-11T12:46:00.000-08:00

2008-01-11T12:45:00.000-08:00

2008-01-11T12:43:00.000-08:00

I MET BARNEY!!!

2008-01-11T07:50:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness. This morning I met Barney and BJ and Baby Bob!! They were at the GKTW this morning, and I stayed the whole time to see them. I got to see them first, and then watched the other kids meet him, and then got to see him again. I even got a group hug from all 3. I can't wait to see him again tomorrow. Mom's usb cord isn't working with the camera, so while she and I take a nap, Dad and Jacob are going to run to the Walmart and get a new one so I can put some pictures on here.

The trip yesterday was very long. We left in the dark and we arrived in the dark. Everyone at GKTW is so nice. There are so many volunteers here from all over, young and old, its really amazing. We saw a parade last night (no candy) and Santa and Mrs Claus. They had brought gifts to my villa, some movies, candy, some small cars I'm going to save for Tommy, its really something else. There are lots of kids here, and I think I heard someone with an Irish accent!
The weather is beautiful today, but I already need a nap, so I'll write more later.

We leave today!!!

2008-01-10T03:35:00.000-08:00

Wow, its going to be early. I'm still asleep, but Mom is clean, and Dad is in the shower. I can't believe today has finally come. I packed my suitcase and have some stuff to take on the plane. This is going to be GREAT!! I'll let you know when we get to Florida!!! If you read this, say a prayer for all of us.

2008-01-06T10:44:00.000-08:00

My Grandma and Grandpa K.

January 6

2008-01-06T10:35:00.000-08:00

Today is my Grandma K's birthday. We went to HyVee for Breakfast, but I'm too tired to get to the party. I do need my nap. I may get to go see the birds at Mary's house tonight, I am excited for that. I really want to pack my bags, but my Mom said that she has to do the laundry. Shelly from Make A Wish came over on Thursday, the night of the big Caucus, and brought me some more nice gifts. Now I have a back pack, a hat, a t-shirt and a travel doodle to take, as well as a couple of cameras. She even brought a t-shirt for each one of my family! I can hardly wait to see Barney, and he is going to come to the Give Kids a World Village where we are staying, so I'll get to see him twice!!! I think my mom will cry, cause she's excited too. I can also ride a horse and go fishing there, its going to be great!

January 2 part 2

2008-01-02T17:34:00.000-08:00

I had a long day, lots of sleeping. Ashley came over to see me and her Mom and Dad brought their dog Sarah to meet me. Sarah likes to sit on my lap. We also found out about out flights today, and I leave next week on Thursday at 9 in the morning. My plane will be silver, I made my Mom find out the color. I can't wait. Barney will jump up and down when he sees me.

January 2

2008-01-02T17:25:00.000-08:00

I got to go the the skating rink yesterday and do the Hokey Pokey with Roller Roo! It was so fun! I also did the YMCA. Now, I don't put skates on, but my friend Katie lets me come because she works there and the announcer named Rick plays my favorite songs when I am there. We also did the YMCA.

January 1, 2008

2008-01-01T10:35:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. Happy New Year. I started off the New Year with a cold and a seizure. My mom and I heard fireworks last night, but we couldn't see them in the sky. I love fireworks. I really want to see Barney. I looked at the clock, and it said 10 to 12, and I thought it meant 10, and so I think its time to go. We go to Florida on the 10th, so my Mom had to explain to me that we don't leave at 10, but on the 10th. We have been marking off the calendar, but that is really slow. I want to take lots of puzzles and books and movies to Florida, cause I love to stay in a hotel and hold everyone captive. My Mom told me that we will be doing lots of things and asked me if I wanted to pack my swimsuit. I said no. I used to love to swim. Maybe when I see the pool at Give Kids the World Village I will want to swim. You all have a great 2008.

December 28, 2007

2007-12-27T22:10:00.000-08:00

Ok, Now its happening. I'm driving my parents nuts... I really want to get to Florida, Barney is waiting for me and he is so excited to see me. I stay up at night talking about it, and I woke my Mom up last night after midnight talking about it. I am ready to pack my stuff, I got a new Barbie set last night from my friend Katie that has fingernail polish and a crown and I have it packed. I just really can hardly wait. How many more days?

Day After Christmas

2007-12-26T14:31:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. This is so fun. I love reading your comments. You are all so nice to me. I had a great time at church, they sang my 2 favorite songs, Away in the Manger, and Silent Night. My Mom taped them on her new video camera, I will see if she can get the video on the blog. It might take her a while. I got lots of nice gifts, but mostly I like to be with the families. I hope my Mom never takes down the Christmas tree. She didn't get many good pictures cause people were too excited and not cooperating. Here is a picture of my brother and I. Have a great day. Margaret

Initial Start Up

2007-12-23T07:44:00.000-08:00

Hi, I am Margaret and I am almost 18 years old. I am going to Florida on January 10 to meet Barney. This trip is made possible by Make A Wish, and I am so thankful that I get to go. I have loved Barney all of my life. I was granted a Wish because I have Dravet's Syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy that makes me take lots of medicine. I have had 2 surgeries to implant Vagus Nerve Stimulators: the first one for the initial implant, and the second one to replace the burned out generator. I have had 4 seizures in the past 2 days, but that is not typical. I am also going to get a service dog in August from a great place called 4 Paws for Ability. This dog will be trained to hopefully warn us that I'm going to have a seizure, as well as tell me to stop being naughty when I'm being kinda mean. I already want to pack and meet Barney, but my parents tell me that I have to wait a little longer. I can't wait to open presents tomorrow, because we do our family Christmas on Christmas Eve morning, and then go to my Grandma and Grandpa's church and sing "Silent Night" in the dark with candles. After that, which is one of my very favorite things of the whole year, we go back to Grandma and Grandpa's and open more presents. The next day, we go to my other Grandparents and open more gifts with the other side of the family. It's all very exhausting, but very exciting. I will let you know how it all goes.

Margaret