Monday, November 21, 2011

Technology

I don't know what's worse. The kids finding technology or me losing my electronics.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Train Part 2

Jarrett on the train at the mall.

Train

Jackson riding the train at the mall.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Joplin June 3th and 4th

I’ve been through hundreds of storms. I’ve seen wall clouds, hail the size of softballs and I’ve even seen a tornado from a distance. Being from Kansas you are use to these things. You go through years and years of watches and warnings and it is no big deal to hear sirens. That just means there’s something worth going outside to look at. It’s just another day in Kansas. Don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes. It took less than that for the tornado to become visible in Joplin. It didn't take long to change Joplin forever. Seeing pictures and videos does not do it justice. According to the National Weather Service, a large portion of Joplin Missouri was devastated by an EF-5 (greater than 200 mph) tornado. Latest reports from Thursday 6/2 indicate an estimated 138 fatalities and over 1150 injured in the Joplin MO area. The Joplin tornado is the deadliest since modern record keeping began in 1950 and is ranked 8th among the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history.

Imagine the chaos that must have occurred in and around Joplin on May 22, 2011. It was late on Sunday afternoon as people went about their regular routines; running errands, fixing dinner, walking the dog, when the sirens off. Did they take cover or were they like me, outside looking up? On the other end of the spectrum are the people who take heed. A watch means stay close to a radio or TV and a warning means take cover. It must have been terrifying. You never know when 5 minutes could change your life.

Put yourself in their shoes. Imagine your life, your family, your belongings and your memories being sucked into a tornado and strewn or miles. Everything you own. Everything you cherish. What you knew as your live has been taken away. What next? Your home is gone, you have nothing but the clothes on your back and whatever is left around you. Everything was fine then suddenly, you’re homeless.

2 weeks after the tornado, I had the opportunity to go with other church members to pass out supplies to survivors. I was excited to go and help even if it was for just 2 days. At first we went to Galena, a small town not too far from Joplin. We reported in at the Galena Assembly of God and was overwhelmed by what I saw.

We were taken to a large open room and it was full of donations. Clothes, bedding, shoes, belts, ties, coats, jackets, anything you can think of. It wasn’t until day 2 that I realized there was another room full of food, drinks, diapers, stuffed animals, games, toiletries and it was overflowing too. We spent 2 days helping to sort and organize items from the first room so that when people came in, it would be easy for them to find things. It was a big job with hundreds of volunteers participating. It was an awesome sight.

On top of that, the church housed people from the Red Cross, Search & Rescue, members of the medical community and volunteers. There was a table full of food at all times as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is a big church and every square inch was being used.

We visited part of the damaged area and it was incomprehensible. There were blocks and blocks of destruction. You couldn’t tell where one property ended and another one began. Trees were completely uprooted and thrown around like toothpicks. Personal items were mixed with dirt, drywall, wood and just about anything you can think of.

I’m going back next week to help clean up. It will be hard work but it will be gratifying to help people get to the point where they can rebuild. I want to give them hope because I know what it’s like not to have it. There is still life in Joplin and we will help them find it.

These trips are being organized by Evangel Assembly of God, 11444 W 21st St. N Wichita, KS, 67205. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30-4:30. Their phone number is 316.749.1111. There will be at least 2 more trips so there is still time to help out.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Daddy is so proud

All they need are tractor hats and they will look just like Dad.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

5 Months

Has it been 5 months already? I can't believe it. It's just not right. This picture was taken at Chris's graduation party. It was the last time some people saw him before he died. It was almost a year ago that this picture was taken.

". . . life's like an hourglass glued to the table. . ." from the song Breathe by Anna Nalick. It kind of describes how I feel. I can't stop time, it just keeps going.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

It's been so long . . .

I'd like to apologize to the 2 people who still read my blog. Things just haven't been the same since my dad passed away. I will try to do better. I love and miss you dad.

I took this picture at the K-State game we went to last fall. It was a long day but I'm glad we went.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Quick and Easy way to contact your Kansas Representative in support of children with developmental disabilities TODAY

Attention all Kansans.  I would appreciate you taking a few minutes and show your support for Jarrett and the other 4,000 Kansans with developmental disabilities who are on waiting lists for services.  Once you click the link, click on SUPPORT Kansas DD funding, Sign your name now.  Thanks.

 

Greetings!

Please share this message with Rainbows’ families and supportive individuals.

 

Yesterday’s 39-0 vote in the Kansas Senate was a big step forward for SB 210. Senate Bill 210 proposes a "provider assessment" for the DD system to raise funds in order to bring additional federal funds to the Kansas DD system.

 

Provider assessments are used in other human service fields, including hospitals and, most recently, nursing homes. It is estimated that a provider assessment would bring close to $25 million in new funds to the Kansas DD system, including around $40,000 new dollars to Rainbows. However, the biggest advocacy work still remains. 

 

We have to build momentum within the House of Representatives for consideration and passage of the bill.  Equally important, we must continue to convey the purpose of the provider assessment and strongly discourage any amending of the bill that would weaken it or change the destination of additional funds potentially realized through the bill. The bill designates additional funds are to go for increasing DD waiver rates.

 

Families, employees, friends and Board members are all invited to take a quick minute to join me and other advocates and send a message to your Kansas House of Representatives to support passage of SB 210 by using the Invisible Kansans email system all you have to do is type in your home zip code, the appropriate message is already composed and ready to send. It’s really that easy. Give it a try today,

 

http://www.invisiblekansans.com

 

Thank you!

Deb Voth, President
Rainbows United, Inc.

 

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Busy Boys

If they figure out how to work the mower, we are in trouble.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Not to bad.



Hmmmmm

Is this how you do it?

Lunch



Pro help

We had to call in. The professionals.

Jackson

Jackson getting ready to bowl.

Bowling

Jarrett at the bowling alley on his birthday.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

J & J

Jackson and Jarrett not happy about my picture taking.

Followers

Music


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