I started out last Friday with this–a Hannah Montana dry erase board. Yes, I was reduced to Hannah Montana. Took the kids to Target to get my muteself a dry erase board and they had these for only $1. The normal plain white boards were $5. So, this is what I got. Ashlyn seemed to think it was cool. And, Evan has enjoyed coloring in Hannah’s face (does anyone really call her Hannah or is it always Hannah Montana?)
Earlier today, I got this notepad in the mail from someone who had the same surgery I did. Check out how cool this paper is…it says “Just had vocal cord surgery – all healthy. can’t talk for a few weeks…” I enjoyed scribbing notes like crazy on this today as my mom helped me and we took a trip out to Sight & Sound theater to take the kids to the Easter show called Behold the Lamb. 
Here’s a picture of the family outside the theater (Drew fell asleep during the last 5 minutes of the show…hard to believe since there were legions of angels at the throne of Christ singing Crown Him at the time). And, here’s a picture from our seats before the show started.
And, here is what I came home to. My talking machine arrived. I can type away on this baby and then Mr. Roboto reads what I typed. Unfortunately, the better model that has a female voice had a long waiting list. This was the best one that was readily available for loan (only borrowing–this thing costs about $4000!!!). So, it’s pretty funny hearing a man speak for me. I typed away at dinner to the family. Ashlyn stopped everyone at one point and said, “wait, mama’s talking!” as I continued to quickly type away. It’s nice to have some sort of outlet besides writing on Hannah boards and notepaper. I was away from Mr. Roboto for a few minutes and was motioning like crazy at Mark trying to ask him something. He didn’t understand me and my face and motions must have shown my frustration (no, I didn’t give him the finger). Mark actually said, “I wish you’d stop yelling at me” at which point we both just started laughing….but, of course, mine was silent.
Hey there Throaty Girl. So besides the no speaking part–are you feeling ok? I think that machine is really cool! Especially for a writer like yourself–your fingers can really fly–not as fast as you can talk, but I bet pretty fast. And BTW–tell Ashlyn I love her outfit–were sweet!
Oh man that is so funny. I’m laughing…outloud…all by myself. I hope I get to hear Mr. Roboto speak for you tonight at small group. This is going to be entertaining. I can tell. :)
Sorry to find so much humor and fun out of what you are going through. :) I really do feel bad.
Hi throaty girl – so glad you have a way of communicating better now! I am so glad you had fun at the Sight and Sound – next time, let us know when you are coming to Lancaster and maybe we could meet!!!! Your little Ashlyn is too cute, that’s for sure! I bet the kids are going to love hearing “you talk” now!!!! I do hope and pray that you are feeling better each day….love, Melissa
So glad you have a way to “talk” with everyone, even if it is with a man’s voice!
So glad you are able to “talk” with everyone during this difficult time, even if it is a man’s voice!
Hi Kelly,
Thanks for your post on my blog! Here is the answer:
http://nihaobaby.blogspot.com/2009/04/multiple-log-in-dates.html
Thanks for stopping by! Looks like we are in the same boat… 3 kids around the same age, living in the suburbs of the same city and adopting from China. Good stuff! BTW, your blog is great! Hope your throat is healing well!
Cindy
Icall her Miley Cyris (sp?) myself. But if you do use her stage name I believe it is both first and last name. I try to not call her anything…I’m not too big a fan of the girl myself.