Oh Happy Day
Last night I had the joy of hearing Luke sing for the very first time. It was the perfect end to a wonderful day! He sang very slowly “Oh, Happy Day, Happy Day, Happy Day…” over and over again. Lily and I joined in. He was beaming from ear to ear. He was proud of himself. I have to be honest, I’ve been feeling frustrated. Sometimes it’s hard to see progress when you are on the inside looking out. There are nights when I am so tired of talking, repeating ,working and interpreting. I stay strong so I can push him through those times when he is desperately trying to tell us something we just can’t understand. I’ve learned to handle Luke’s meltdowns in a very matter of fact way. Of course we go through the methods of trying to figure out what he’s saying. But simply sometimes we can’t. I’m honest with him and say, I don’t understand you right now. But I will not let you give up, I will understand you soon. Never could I have imagined how one little word, Apraxia, would change my life. It’s made me stronger in so many ways. Watching Luke work hard everyday has inspired me in such a profound way. I cannot honestly tell my children they can accomplish anything they want to in life, if I don’t believe that for myself! I think for the first time God has shown my how to believe in myself.
A gift He’s given me through my children. 
We had the best day at the L.A Arboretum
Luke by a huge art sculpture made only with twigs
It gave us all a chance to breathe. Just the best place I’ve been to in a really long time
Beautiful peacocks everywhere
Luke got scared. The peacocks sounded more like prehistoric dinosaurs
Lily enjoyed a pond full of “Lily pads”
God wooed me with His endless creativity. Who knew He created so many varieties of bamboo
Preston picked up another hat to add to his collection
Later he was so sweet and wanted to give it to me for my gardening
Thanks Pres, I’ll buy you one next time so we can wear them in the garden together.
The L.a Arboretum was only twelve dollars for all four of us to get in. It was the best 12$ I have spent. So much better than standing in lines at Disneyland or any of that. If you are in the area spend the day there. 127 acres to explore. You can purchase exotic plants at the gift shop. They give you literature about planting and gardening in So. California. I was so excited to learn we live in a climate that makes it possible to have vegetables almost all year round. Very beautiful place, Hope you get a chance to visit!
Tags: Childhood Apraxia of Speech, Fun activities for toddlers, L.A Arboretum
June 26th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Jen what a wonderful day! Lily told me all about your day—detail by detail. You are teaching your children the important things in life. I am proud of you.
Oh happy day—wow Luke!
Last but not least–I am so jealous of your garden, come help me!
Love, Grandma aka Connie
June 27th, 2009 at 9:55 am
Oh, that’s so wonderful! What a happy day indeed! Next time he does it, I think a video is in order.
That looks like a gorgeous place to visit, and lovely garden!
June 27th, 2009 at 5:55 pm
That must have been such a sweet, sweet sound to Mommy’s ears! He is making you wait for all the special moments that everyone else takes for granted. That only makes those moments all the more sweeter and worth the wait. It means so much more when you know how hard Luke has worked to share that with you!
The L.A. Arboretum looks like a really neat place. Kind of like the Royal Botannical Gardens here. You could just lose yourself wandering around that place. Check it out….www.rbg.ca
We’ll go visit when you are in the neighbourhood next time. LOL 
June 27th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
hi family
June 30th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
Hello to all of you in the House of Krause…Your garden is awesome-truly a gift from God just as all the children in the family. Preston Lily and Luke keep the music in your hearts and a garden growing in your yard. These are the things that make our lives joyful. We are so proud of you and love you soooooo much! Can we have something to eat from your garden? Our house and yard are too small for a garden,so we’ll have to ask you.