LPA Fall Regional 2011

This past weekend we went to our first LPA regional.  I have actually been helping planning the regional since it is here in Kansas City.  I was so excited to finally get to meet so many people that I have spoken with via Facebook over the past 22 months.  It was just wonderful to see everyone!!! 

Friday night we had a meet and greet with pizza party.  Our friends Ashley, Dennis, Dylan and Caden were able to come from Texas.  Myself and Ashley ( I think more Dennis) have been counting down the days of when we would acutally get to see each other.  We seen each other for the first time in the lobby of the hotel and the tears started to flow.  Caden is 17 months and we have talked on Facebook since then and I truely felt like to knew this family.  We have joked that Caden and Jalinn will be married someday and I think we might be right.  My girl has picked her man..everytime Caden would move away from her she would move right next to him and just look at him and touch him.  It was the sweetest thing ever.   She keep giving him kisses and hugs all night long.  I think we have a match!!! 

Saturday morning we had our doctor discussions and our general business meeting.  There has been a change in District 7 over the past week and with that I will be taking the President spot for our chapter.  I am so excited to help advocate for Little People of America. 

Saturday afternoon everyone was able to go enjoy Kansas City with groups or on their own.  We didn't go because all my kids and husband were just pooped out from being up late the night before.  They all napped and I was able to get things ready for the dance that night. 

Saturday night we had our dance at the Uptown Theater http://www.uptowntheater.com/UptownTheater/index.html and it was a blast.  We received cupcakes from SmallCakes http://www.smallcakescupcakery.com/ as a donation for our event.  They are awesome cupcakes.  We also had a photobooth from Black Ice Photobooth  http://www.blackicebooths.com/.  I think the kids like it more then the adults.  I know my kids came home with several photo strips.  They loved it.  We also had a DJ and everyone danced the night away.  We had a great time!!

I was sad when Sunday morning came around because I knew that I had to say bye to everyone.  The weekend went by way to quick.  I can't wait for our next regional.  We will be there!!!   Thanks to everyone that came out and to all the compaines that made the event a success. 

Caden and Jalinn

A sleeping beauty

Dylan and Hunter...friends for life

Lilah, Dylan and Jalinn



Jalinn claming her man..lol



My little lion

Dancing

Jalinn and her sissy Taylor

Dylan and Hunter

Group Photo

Eating a cupcake

This is what happens when you are on sugar high and are up late

Jalinn is a star

Today myself, Jalinn, Jack, Jesse and Jeffrey where on the local news raising awareness for dwarfism.  Here is the link.  Hope you enjoy!!

http://www.fox4kc.com/videobeta/f0dc3e11-5fe0-49e6-a95b-90ef195a435c/News/Little-People-of-America

October is Dwarfism Awareness Month

I can't believe it that October is already here.  I have been working on our LPA Fall Regional that will be taking place the weekend of October 14th.  I can't wait to meet everyone and have a great time.

I have also been working with the Missouri Governor's office to make Missouri declared Dwarfism Awareness in October and I am happy to say that it has passed the legislation. 


I thought I would share some facts about dwarfism for you:

• There are over 200 distinct forms of dwarfism and skeletal dysplasias.
• People with dwarfism are generally not taller than 4' 10" at adult height. The typical height range is 2'8" to 4'5".
• Eighty percent of people with dwarfism have average-height parents and siblings.
• There are an estimated 30,000 people in the United States and 651,000 internationally with a type of dwarfism.
• In July 2009 the word "midget" was declared inappropriate and offensive. Preferable terms are: having dwarfism, short stature, little person, lp, and the medical terminology use of dwarf. A person's name is always the most preferred.
• Skeletal Dysplasias affect bone growth, but generally do not affect cognitive abilities.
• Don't treat people with dwarfism according to their height, instead of their age or ability. Little people are attorneys, teachers, engineers and doctors.

 

We are so lucky to be Jalinn's parents and to have her in our lives.  She is the BEST little girl ever!!!  Her smile can lighten up any mood you are in.  She is such a joy to be around.   

  

I have always said that if it was not for Jalinn I would have not meet some of the best people.  I am so lucky to have the LP and POLP family in our lives.  With the medical concerns that we have had for Jalinn in the past 21 months our LP and POLP family have always helped me through it.  I can't thank each of you enough for your support and love.  You will always be in my heart!!!