Category Archives: News and Events

Throwback Post: Good Eats With Gratitude for Beautiful Sunsets and Cranberries

Posted on by

**THROWBACK POST**

November 21 2013:

Thomas enjoyed his dinner so much the other night! Turns out the last pieces of his pasta were the perfect size to make a happy face! Our food is so happy and full of love!


************

Thank you Rae Dawson! A wonderful book with an awesome message sent to Lillian all the way from Australia! And signed by the author! I highly recommend this beautiful little book!


*************

Thank you Mama! Had just got done having home made chicken noodle soup she made yesterday … Now we get cookies too!!! Yum!


____________________

November 21 2012:

Lillian’s gratitude for today:

I am thankful for getting up early.

************

I’m deeply grateful and thankful to all of the beautiful souls that helped me make my book, “D iz for Different – One Woman’s Journey to Acceptance” a reality … in less than ONE YEAR. If not for their encouragement, love and generosity this would not have happened as quickly as it did. For those that aren’t aware … EVERYONE who had anything to do with this book DONATED their time, talent and skills …. Early draft edits by Sara Jackson, draft test readers, Cheri Hill, Rachel Flower, Glenna E Smith, Kerry Connolly, Monica Tello McDivitt, Alisha Marie Peters, Sharlea Taft, draft proof reader, Stephanie Stokes, principal editor, Diana Michelotti-Webb, cover design, Natalie Gorden & Diana, cover illustration, Daniel Svoboda, Interior layout and graphics, Diana. I will never forget the part each of you played. The toast that closes this video is for all of YOU … I LOVE Y’all!! Click the link for the video …

****************

Thomas’ gratitude for today:

I am super grateful and thankful to play with Lillian.

***************

Out for a quiet sunset walk … How could one not be grateful for this beauty and peace? My gratitude cup runneth over …


**************

YUM!!!!! One of my contributions for tomorrow’s feast …


__________________

November 21 2011:

Today I am thankful for products that moisturize the skin . . . especially in our dry Nevada climate . . . ahhhhhhhhhhhhh . . . .

***********

Halfway done now!!! Whew and YAY ME!!!

Throwback Post: Expressing Gratitude

Posted on by

**THROWBACK POST**

November 20 2012:

Lillian’s gratitude for today:

I am thankful for not getting blown away.

***********

November 20 2012:

Heather, Tanya and Amanda … Today I am grateful for these three awesome women. They are Lillian’s speech therapist, occupational therapist and physical therapist. We’ve tried other therapists in the past and nothing compares to this place, Advanced Pediatric Therapies, and no one compares to these three. They are all obviously doing what they love, what is their passion and purpose. I only see love, care and compassion when I’m there. I am thankful for how far these 3 have helped Lillian progress and continue to help her. Lillian absolutely refuses to miss any of her appointments with these three and is heartbroken when she does have to miss … she LOVES going to see them!!

************

Thomas’ gratitude for today:

I’m grateful for having Lillian to sing with.

**********

November 20 2012:

Making GIVING THANKS hand turkey adventures … Followed by hot buttered popcorn!!!!! Yum!!


___________________

November 20 2011:

Today I am thankful for a vehicle that gets us where we want to go, is in GREAT shape, low miles, easy to care for and BEST BEST BEST of all is PAID for and I own . . . .

***********

Hold on Vegas … The Romanos and Team TLC are headed your way for a fun, yummy and thankful Thanksgiving! Wooooohooooo!

___________________

November 20 2009:

Thomas just gave me a penny to put in my purse so I could buy him more toys next week! I like the way this kid thinks!!

 

Throwback Post: Tea With UNO and Books While Being Grateful

Posted on by

**THROWBACK POST**

November 19 2015:

This tea is amazing!!! Just had the most wonderful cup of tea. Quiet, a great book, the scent of jasmine, a hot cup of delicious tea … Blissed out! Ahhhhhh!!! xoxo

**********

We were supposed to have a date day today … Her stomach was hurting so bad we didn’t make it out of the house. Finally feeling better!!! Got in one game of UNO and we’ve rescheduled date day for Monday! Now I’m off to get Thomas.


____________________

November 19 2014:

Off to sub for PE for some great middle schoolers at HDMS! Time to warm up!

_______________________

November 19 2012:

Thomas’ gratitude for today:

I’m super grateful and thankful to have somebody named Lillian to laugh with and to make happy.

************

I’m grateful for the creative and talented people that create songs into beautiful, passionate, moving music, grateful for the musical instruments that these amazing people are so gifted at using. Blessed and grateful that I get to be on the receiving end of their talents and be inspired and uplifted … sometimes that means bringing a smile to my face, sometimes that means making my eyes sweat, and sometimes that means dance, dance, dancing and shaking my hips!!

********

Lillian’s gratitude for today:

I’m thankful for socks.

**************

After a full day of training for the contract work I’m about to begin and experiencing first hand the repair, love and care that these children need from horrid things that they have experienced …. I just got done watching the most amazing, inspiring and beautiful “concert” by the ‘Love Me Band’ (Thomas and Lillian) … Two solo songs by Thomas about Love and Thanksgiving,Two solo songs by Lillian about Thanksgiving and a Thanksgiving song performed by both of them together … My eyes just about sweated (ok, now they are sweating) … And I was once again filled with the beauty, wonder and blessings of life … My hope is that everyone goes to sleep tonight thinking of ALL they have to be grateful for .. Hugs and Love Y’all ..

_____________________

November 19 2011:

Today I am thankful for modern technology combined with innovation . . . not just the convenience factor . . . the improvement to quality of life that it provides to those like my daughter. Fifteen years ago I could not say, I don’t know what you are saying Lillian, send me a text or use your iPhone and Proloquo2Go . . . Grateful to infinity and back for innovation and technology . . .

************

Adventures at the library for Team TLC! One of her favorite places … And mine too!!

Throwback Post: Sunset With Gratitude While Discovery a Fire

Posted on by

**THROWBACK POST**

November 18 2014:

Sunset with a cool big tree this past summer 2014. I love taking pictures of trees!


__________________

November 18 2012:

Lillian’s gratitude for today:

I am thankful to have clothes.

************

18 … I am grateful for this beautiful number. A number that has led me to the person I am today. A number that has connected me with people all over the World … Austria, Australia, Canada, England, Israel, Italy, Spain, Venezuela and I’m pretty sure just about EVERY state in the United States! Who woulda thought that a little girl born with a piece of the short arm of her Chromosome #18 deleted (18p-), would serve to create such amazing connections that span the globe. I’m grateful for and blessed for all of my C18 family … They inspire me, motivate me, educate me in a way I cannot even describe. This chromosome abnormality adventure would be missing something if they weren’t a part of this journey. I’m grateful to Jannine DeMars Cody for having the tenacity and courage to create The Chromosome 18 Registry & Research Society over 20 years ago!! I LOVE all Y’all!! If I left out your country and we are C18 “family” let me know!

***************

Thomas’ gratitude for today:

I’m thankful for Mommy.

****************

Adventures in discovering how stuff works!!! Cool!! – Discovery Museum


_________________________

November 18 2011:

Today I am thankful that this fire seems to be under control . . . When I stepped outside this morning at 5:30 for my morning quiet time . . . . I could see this from the Damonte Ranch area . . .

Got Thomas and the Year of Lasts

Posted on by

August 13 2023

Horrible photo, but I got ‘em. Thomas got home last night about 11:00. My mama heart is drenched in joy and happiness that they got to have this experience. Here’s to you, Thomas. A beautiful, talented, creative, sweet, kind human. ❤️❤️❤️

August 18 2023

Thomas was off to Senior Sunrise this morning. First day of last year of high school, first day of second year of college. Last end of summer at home with me. This is the school year of “lasts”, leading to a lifetime of firsts for this beautiful, amazing person.

I’ve tried to enjoy all the moments with you, Thomas. I always see people saying that “it went so fast.” That was not my experience. I can’t explain why, but it doesn’t feel like your life from birth to now went fast. I hope it’s because I slowed down and tried my best to be mindful and be in the present moment during our time together.

I know this for sure. You have been the most amazing blessing to me. You literally changed my life, my world view, my opinions, shifting the lens through which I view others and life events. My love for you cannot be described using mere words. It’s the feeling one has when witnessing the miracles in life. Stunning sunsets, sunrises, the birth of a child, the quiet of the snow, the sound of the ocean, the twinkling of the stars, the loving touch of another.

I had only intended to post Thomas’s photo with a brief message. But there’s no stopping the words when they want to flow. Hope everyone has a lovely day, enjoying all the moments.

Throwback Post: Hot Baths in Vegas With Donuts

Posted on by

**THROWBACK POST**

December 5 2013:

Tonight = Quiet, candle lit soak in a relaxing, hot bath …. Water is amazing stuff! Candles are amazing stuff! Now off to dreamland with this tune, “Three little birds outside my window ….. every little thing’s gonna be alright” … xoxo


_____________________

December 5 2011:

A favorite from our Vegas Thanksgiving . . . Lillian, my Mom and Thomas at the park . . .


__________________

December 5 2009:

Dough boy donuts for dessert. Yum!!!

Step Eleventy Billion Towards Independence

Posted on by

August 2 2023

Step eleventy billion on helping Lillian be more independent.

A fancy toaster with no knobs as Lillian’s poor motor skills prevent her from effectively using the toaster oven we have.

And most importantly does not make a loud noise, popping the toast up when done. It slowly rises, also having a button for checking the toast. My toast making duties are officially over!!

This is working towards our goal of me getting a vacation, with Lillian staying home alone, with helpers checking in on her. I haven’t had a vacation since about 2008.

Thanks to The Millers for sharing how they went through this process with Macy.

Throwback Post: Respite with New Friends While Digging in the Dirt With Comfort Food and Tea

Posted on by

**THROWBACK POST**

December 5 2015:

Took Lillian to Ms. Kat’s place about an hour ago and now experiencing 3 uninterrupted hours of pure bliss and quiet respite. Now I shall write or read or take a nap or just sit. There’s so much I want to do … I’ll breath into the moment and listen with my heart ….. (Picture at little Washoe lake in October 2015).


_____________________

December 4 2014:

Here’s to new friendships! Had such a great time chatting with you Michaela Koenig! YAY!


________________

December 4 2013:

The other night I asked Thomas what the absolute, most spectacular and favorite thing that he got do at school that day was. His answer was that he got to dig in the dirt today and it was so much fun. They are making a garden area in front of the school and he got to be a part of the students cleaning it up and getting it ready for when planting time rolls around. Love this school!

************

Dinner was enjoyed by all tonight! All 3 Team Members could taste the love! T & C loved the mashed potatoes made with sweet potato and russet potato… all smooshed up with 3 kinds of cheese and a little bit of butter. T & L loved the different colored carrots … red, yellow and orange. They still aren’t going for the brussel sprouts, but I keep trying! Meatloaf made with grass fed beef and some other goodies. Soooo yummy!


______________________

December 4 2011:

Chromosome 18 friends … Vanilla Caramel Truffle … Celebrating Phantom Tea in spirit … Sending a donation in honor of Lillian later this week. Any of FB friends want to join? Research performed benefits all with genetic differences.


__________________

December 4 2008:

taking Thomas on a date today – probably to the airport and then the toy store!