Angelica Grace Designs Blog

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

48 HOURS LEFT

The fun moments of moving...

Kenidi being pushed around on the dolly by her Dad...


I love how she fits just perfectly inside the contour of it. So funny!

Also, I'm sure you can see that we are in the process of altering the blog a hair. I thought that I wanted to give it a new fresh makeover. You girls know how I love to change things up a bit from time to time - never keeping anything long enough for it to get stale. Same goes for my AGD logo. If you have a good eye, you'll notice that I changed up my logo design a bit. Well Crystal did it for me - I just told her what I wanted and she magically makes it happen. I had her remove the crown and the heart from my logo. I wanted only wings from here on out. Reason being, it is the wings that AGD is known for - not the heart - and not the crown. Not only that but I have had the logo just long enough for several people to copy the design. I'm not fond of the copying especially when one of them was supposed to be a good blog friend. Therefore, in an attempt to always stay ahead of the game and keep the AGD look but yet always keep it fresh and out of the box, I trashed the heart and the crown, and made it a bit more grown up. Less girlie and more cottage chic. Less zebra-ish or less of a black and fuchsia color scheme and opted for a more beachy look. A fresh and clean new vibe. Angie. I just wanted it to scream AGD & Angie. So...I'm thankful to have a look that isn't blending in with the over saturated amounts of wings, crowns, and hearts now. I love the look and think that Crystal and Amy ROCKED it like they always do. I hope that when you log onto this page now that you will instantly be propelled to the shoreline with us and that you will enjoy your time here as though it was a virtual vacation of sorts. I can't wait to share the Naples treasures with each of you.

This card was given to me by my dear friend Tamara. I met Tamara several years ago when Brennen became friends with her son in 2nd grade. We've enjoyed our time with them ever since. They are great to vacation with and we love their company no matter where we are. Tamara and Joe are considering buying a vacation home in the same neighborhood that our Bonita Springs house is in. We are keeping our fingers crossed that they will so that they will have an excuse to come down and hang out with us all of the time. :) Either way, Tamara gave me this card after our dinner together the other night along with a bag full of "good-bye" gifts that I fell in love with. The card was my favorite though. The wordage on it couldn't be any more perfect. Just had to share...

And speaking of Brennen...a couple of you have asked how the kids are taking the move. Well, it's like this...Brennen is now 10 years old and in 5th grade. He adores his friends here and will miss them terribly. We've assured them that they are welcome at our home in Naples anytime they want to come down. Fortunately, the area where we live has lots of families who go on Spring Break to the Ft. Myers Beach area each year. Beings that we will only be about 40 minutes from Ft. Myers Beach, we are hoping to keep in touch with many of his friends just on Spring break alone not to mention the rest of the year too. Brennen is excited and nervous all at the same time regarding this move. I am the same. Thankfully he is a pretty outgoing kid and makes friends easily. I'm praying that lunch time and recess will be a breeze for him that first day/week. That is my only worry - those moments in general. Brent and I decided that if we were going to move, we needed to do it NOW. It was going to be easier to transplant Brennen there in Naples now - rather than waiting until junior high or high school. He will be at the elementary school for about 5 months before migrating over into the middle school next year with everyone else. The next 5 months will give him just enough time to meet some friends to "move over" into the middle school with. We didn't want to throw him into the junior high next year to fend for himself. We truly believe that getting in the elementary school for the next few months will be a plus for him as he transitions to the junior high next year.

And Kenidi...well...she is a whole other story. Although she doesn't quite understand what is going on, I realize the transition will be tough for her into this new school - mid year. It will be tough for me as well to have to watch her adjust. However, without going into a ton of detail here on the blog...I'd rather watch her transition into a new school in Naples than have her stay in her current school even one more day. I have not discussed her school much here lately out of fear of hurting some feelings or causing an uproar. However, after meetings with the principal of the school as well as repeated conversations with her current teacher, to say that Brent and I are disappointed would be an understatement. Kenidi has come home with multiple incident reports from the school nurse this year - sometimes weekly and even twice a week - due to injuries she is receiving while at school. Sometimes the injuries are explained by acknowledging another child hurt her within the class but then there are most times when no one seems to know what happened to her to cause the injuries. The aide doesn't know, the teacher doesn't know, etc. As you can imagine, sending your child - who can't talk and tell you about her day - to a school where she is coming home injured on a regular basis, really makes your job as a parent even that much more heart wrenching. The school is understaffed and has admitted that they are short on aides and now her teacher has even left for the year due to maternity leave. Kenidi is extremely scared - more like "petrified" of a particular aide in the classroom. When I take her to drop her off, she breaks down and goes into a mode I've never witnessed before when she thinks I'm about to leave her with this particular aide. The bus driver has noted it as did Kenidi's speech therapist at the school. They all confirmed what we were seeing. I don't believe this aide is harming Kenidi but there are other factors that I know cause her fear when it comes to this woman. We've repeatedly asked the school to work with helping Kenidi and this aide transition together but no one is listening. And the final straw came just a couple of weeks ago when I went to drop Kenidi off at school one morning. Her teacher never came outside to get her as scheduled - nor did the aide who was working that morning. When I called inside the school after all of the buses had come and gone and we were the only ones left, the front office staff sent out a school janitor to come and get my daughter from me at the back of the school and walk her to her class. Oh yes they did. Now...I know the janitor is definitely an up and up kind of guy. The principal assured me that he would have released his kids to this janitor anytime. However, I am NOT the principal. I'm a parent who is responsible for the well-fare of my children and I'll be darned if I'm going to release her to a school maintenance worker instead of her teacher - as planned. That janitors job is not to get my kid to class. That is my job and her teachers job! Nuff' said.

So...let me repeat myself again...I would rather watch Kenidi have to endure the adjustment of a new school mid-year rather than to have to watch her go thru one more day of torment at her current school. Clearly there are issues there. People are dropping the ball and they've admitted it. The children in that special needs class have gotten less than 50% since the first day of school began. I'd like to say that her teacher "checked out" in recent weeks when she got further along in her pregnancy. However, the truth is...she was never "checked in" from day one. As you can imagine, this is hurtful for us because we had her in the best school with the best teacher and the absolute BEST aides last year.

Unfortunately, the district let most of those people go and then shuffled everyone else around to different areas. So...it's tough when one school, one principal, one teacher, and four different aides spoiled us rotten regarding the care and love they showered our daughter with when she was in their care - only to go to the polar opposite when the district changed her school this year. Thankfully, I've been able to remain good friends with her teacher as well as an aide of hers last year. We love them dearly and miss them being in her life more than words can describe. I used to always hear about the horrible time that parents of special needs kids have with schools before I had Kenidi. However, I never realized the drama and its complexity until I had a special needs child of my own. As her only advocate in life, Brent and I will do whatever we feel necessary to keep this child safe and comfortable. And at this point in time, that means moving her to a new school.

Are we moving just because of her school, No. Not at all. Truth be told...this move to Naples has been in the works for 10 plus years. Deep down, even you guys knew I'd end up there someday. An opportunity presented itself to go now, so we are going - before I change my mind again. I swore I'd never leave my parents and move there. Now look, I'm leaving my Dad and Cathy behind as well as Brent's mom. It's a tough decision. In the end though, life's curve balls helped me make that decision. My goal is to get to Naples, dig in deep, and go gung-ho with my photography business there. I want to make a name for myself and build a business that can sustain itself for my family. Photography is a HUGE passion of mine and I feel that I can promote it there better than here in Indy. I can shoot year round there. As a natural light photographer, I only get 5 months or so here in Indy to shoot each year. And that is if Mother Nature doesn't cause me to have to cancel sessions due to weather issues. Naples is a tourist area. People flock there for family vacations and tons of them want family photos on the beach when in town. I want to embrace those wants and cater to the those families willing to let me photography them. I've been there and know how hard it is to find a beach photographer or any photographer for that matter when on vacation in a tropical area. Due to my own experiences when searching for a photographer, I plan to hopefully saturate the market there in Naples and Southwest Florida in general. We'll see where the good Lord takes this. I'm letting him lead the way. For all I know, he'll get me down there and away from photography doing something else totally different. I heard a saying the other day that said something to the effect that God laughs at our "10 year plans." I truly believe that. He totally has his own agenda and I'm confident that his agenda is always best. :) Less than 48 hours to go...

xoxo, Angie

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23 Comments:

Anonymous Alison said...

Oh Angie~ reading your post and seeing that pic of Jen and Kenidi brings tears to my eyes. I wish you all the best of luck in Naples and can't wait to hear how well Kenidi and Brennan do!!

11/18/2009 7:50 PM  
Blogger Angie Seaman said...

I know Alison. The photos brought back so many good memories for us too. I was sad though when I thought about, yet again, that I never got a shot of you and Kenidi together. Makes me so upset! When we do lunch sometime again soon...I'll have to snap a shot of the two of you. I know my blog readers would love to "meet" Kenidi's BEST teacher EVAH! :)

Love ya girl,
Ang

11/18/2009 8:07 PM  
Blogger The Happiest Belly on the Block! said...

Didn't you get one on the very first day? I remember seeing it up on the blog, I think.

You're so sweet~ I'd definitely love to have a pic of the two of us!

11/18/2009 8:26 PM  
Anonymous carissa... brown eyed fox said...

my goodness... so much.
there have been so many changes in your life.

angie... i just wanted you to know i have been thinking and praying for you lots... and that won't change... i'll just have to imagine you under a palm tree now!

His plan for your family is in full swing!

xo... BIG ones too!

11/18/2009 8:39 PM  
Blogger Malisa said...

GOod luck on your move! We just moved and its always an adventure! I am sooo jealous that you will be so close to the beach! Praying that the schools are much better for Kenidi.

11/18/2009 8:44 PM  
Blogger Kristine McKowen said...

Luv the new look! Perfect for your new start!

11/18/2009 8:59 PM  
Blogger Molly said...

Oh this post is kinda bittersweet, but in a good way:) Thats really awlful about Kenidi's school. You know I completely understand about new teachers and people not doing their job and what not. I can't go into detail here but in the past couple of months my sister has come and told me and my mom about something that regarded someone at our old church, thus why we left in January. We are working with a few people to help us get justice for her and also to help others come forward. I have had to really pray hard and relie on God for help and guidance in this situation. It has really broke my heart and I have tried to look for things to help me get through it. So maybe getting to see pictures of the beach right now in winter will help me. I have you guys in my prayers for safe travels and go have some fun in the sun chicky!!
~Molly P

11/18/2009 9:50 PM  
Blogger katy said...

Love your new layout! I know you are sad, and excited at the same time! Your leaving a beautiful home, but bet you are going to one as well :-). Praying for a safe, smooth move! We expect lots of pics!!! Beach Blessings!

11/18/2009 9:53 PM  
Blogger More Than Words said...

Angie, I'm so happy for you and your family. Yes, Gods plans are always better than ours.

I'm so glad we get to be included on this new chapter of your life!

11/18/2009 10:08 PM  
Blogger Tammy said...

I have been following your blog ever since your home tour on Kellys Korner. I am building my dream home this next year and I love the colors in your home. Before leaving your beautiful home if you wouldn't mind sharing the wall and trim paint colors. Thanks, Tammy

11/18/2009 10:34 PM  
Blogger Scarlett said...

Angie- I hope this move is all you want it to be, and more! This has been a tough year for you and yours (and that's coming from a *cyber-gurlfren*!)!

I know you guys will all blossom down in the SEA-air!!!

Can't wait to hear all about your new town and new digs!!! :) xox

11/18/2009 10:36 PM  
Blogger The Weathered Cottage said...

so excited for you guys!! Wishing I could move there :)

You still need to find those paint colors of your beautiful house for all us still wondering! :)

11/18/2009 10:42 PM  
Blogger CIRCLE OF LIFE said...

ok I can relate to you even more now, wow Hello are we sisters or what , we have some similar issues as well. I can understand your grief and frustration cause you do what ever you have to for the safety and well being of your child. then comes education , they are there in school half the time, you need to feel secure that they are being taught and well taken care of , enough said that a parents instinct is always correct .

My older daughter for reasons I'll explain privately is in a new school as well and she is in 4th grade and well I too felt she needed to be pushed due to her being board and well the teachers only taught for this fla exam and nothing else really a year wasted if you ask me, and well I was not fond of how they conducted the structure in the classes. we moved her to another school this Year and what a difference it has made. you do what you feel is best .

FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS

I so understand you frustrations as a parent with a child that does not speak well , My younger daughter is three and well has a speech delay by 1/2 year , She is in speech classes but the ins would not pay for them and I'M PICKY I was not thrilled with wear they wanted to send me , so I PAY OUT OF POCKET TO A GIRL I found that Emmy likes and myself, but we have a delay in potty training as well she is three and we are having a hard time , we r in pull ups and well she knows and goes on the potty but it has been hard to explain to her...

God sends you on a path and you may not comprehend it at first or even agree with it but in the long run it does always work out.

I too have been launching my photography , it is my passion and there is a clam ease about snapping away and seeing people laugh and smile , I just love it so much...

I can't wait for thanksgiving it's my birthday my hubby said he would take me to visit you when you all are settled and that he wanted to go fishing I so can't wait .... and we can discuss what else we all have in common.....


hugs friend .. I CAN'T WAIT FOR SAT WHEN YOU ARE GONNA BE A FLA GIRL ....

11/18/2009 10:49 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Angie,
I'm speechless by that email. I can't believe that school, and the janitor thing - that's one for the papers. I'm so happy for you, I'm even happier that you and Brent are staying together.

Safe travels.. God Bless!

Nikki

11/19/2009 1:02 AM  
Blogger Fiffer said...

Angie, Wow. I had no idea what you were going through at Kenidi's school. For that reason alone I'm so glad you're getting her out of there. And yet there are so many great reasons for moving to Naples and it's so cool to see God's hand in it all. I can't wait to see how your family's future unfolds in the Sunshine State! I KNOW your photography business will rock that place! I'm so excited for you and pray that the move goes smoothly. Blessings to you & yours!

11/19/2009 9:07 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congratulations and God bless your new adventure!!
Can't wait to see new house pics once you get settled.
Best,
Stacey

11/19/2009 9:10 AM  
Blogger Amber said...

I saw this verse on a blog last week & wrote it down...It's now on a sticky note by my computer. You have probably seen it, but its fitting for you & after reading about your blog redesign it is SOOO you!

"He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings." Psalm 91:4

Just wanted to share it with ya...

11/19/2009 9:13 AM  
Blogger Preemie mom said...

Oh Angie my hearts just pounds for Kenidi. She certainly deserves better than what she was getting at her school here. I have always had the exact same fear for my little Alicen, (I am tearing up now), if she were to be hurt or worse, she wouldn't be able to tell me and the way she is she would just think that "mean" person was playing with her. Why is there so many mean people in the world. They all need to be like Kenidi and my Alicen. We truly should look at life through their eyes, I gaurantee we would see things differantly. I had someone tell me that they could see Jesus in my daughter because of the effect that she has on everyone, she has led people to Christ and she can't even talk. What a testimony our girls have and they don't even know it. God bless them. I am praying for your move and the transition into the new school system, hope all goes well for each of you oh and your momma too.

God bless you because you have blessed me in more ways than you can imagine, and I thank you for that.

Christina ( a preemie mom )

11/19/2009 9:17 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am so happy and excited for you. sounds like so many things have added up to confirm your def making a good move. Im praying for you guys.

Emily

11/19/2009 9:46 AM  
Blogger The Birds Nest said...

I am so excited for you, Angie. I can't wait to read all about this new adventure in the journey of your life. I think that Naples is going to bless your family beyond measure. I just KNOW that your photography business is going to soar there.

I'm so sorry for what you have had to go through with Kenidi. God is going to take care of all of you.

I hope to visit in Naples someday...we love it there. We just started the adoption process after years of infertility. Hopefully, we will be blessed with a child one of these days. I would love to come down to have you photograph us and our blessing on the beach.

By the way, we have those same hardwoods in our home:)

Take care and have a safe trip.
XOXO, Leigh Ann

11/19/2009 2:16 PM  
Anonymous Susan Maurillo said...

i am thrilled for you and your family~
God is definately in control;
You are so right on when we ackowledge Him in all things
He truly blesses us!
Best~

11/19/2009 7:20 PM  
Anonymous Nicole Ryan said...

Angie,
I hope you and your family have safe travels to sunny south Florida.
I am praying for Kenidi to start off on the right foot with a great teacher...I hope she finds one! Good thing she has that awesome big bro to help her...for a few months anyhow!!!
We will stay in touch...I'm sure of it!
Good luck with it all...
Love and hugs!
Nicole

11/19/2009 9:07 PM  
Blogger Kristin said...

I cannot imagine how hard it must've been to see Kenidi come home with those kinds of things and then to have them act so nonchalant about it all. I am so happy that you are excited and going where the Lord leads you in your business and with this move. I wish the best for you and your family! I will look so forward to seeing all your beautiful ocean pictures! Oh, and it seems like when I was reading proverbs the other day I ran across a verse that said something about God laughing at our plans. I can't remember which one it was though! Ha! It's so true though :)

11/19/2009 11:25 PM  

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