What in the world is an SLP?

What is an ESS. ELL. PEE??????  (without the medical mumbo jumbo words)

Suprisingly enough, I get this question pretty often after telling people what in the world im doing going to school for 50 years. A lot of people really have no idea what a speech language pathologist (or speech therapist) does. Even more people have no idea of what all an SLP can do. Several times Ive been asked if SLP's teach college public speaking classes! HA. NO. Definitely not. Ive also been told that SLPs are just "speech teachers" as in they teach kids how to talk at school, just like a science teacher teaches science. WRONG AGAIN.  There is lots more involved!  An SLP has a VERY broad spectrum of practice, which is one of the reasons I decided to do it. So here you go! My explanations in a nutshell.

A Speech Language Pathologist can work with anyone who has difficulty in communication and then plus some...such as  children's articulation (production of speech sounds) and stuttering, writing and literacy development, language and social impairments, adult and infant swallowing disorders, stroke related speech and language impairments, computer generated speech, difficulties from cleft lips and palates, etc....An Slp can also work in A LOT of places... schools, hospitals,rehabs, nursing homes, early intervention clinics, private practice etc..

So why did I decide to take 3 years of my life [after 3.5 yrs of college], lose a lot of money, stay up all night long studying, and almost lose my mind?
its pretty simple. (now anyways, at first I was unsure if this was what I was supposed to do. BUT, i got it now).
Communication is our world. Imagine waking up in the morning and being unable to speak. Imagine knowing what you want to say but when you open your mouth, nothing comes out. Imagine feeling like your trapped inside of yourself and being unable to socially get involved in conversation with anyone else? .......Thats why I'm doing it...I didnt want a job that just made lots of money (Although, money sounds really good right now, when youre a broke newlywed grad student:) ). I want a job that when I get home at the end of the day, I can feel a sense of purpose. I can feel like a helped someone. I want God to be able to use me.  If I help just one person communicate their needs, wants, and emotions better,  then it was all worth it.

So, since this is such a huge part of my life right now, I decided it needed more blog recognition, and maybe I'll start sharing more of what im learning with my loving blog readers!

Im certainly no expert yet, or EVER for that matter [DISCLAIMER], but I do get asked every now and then about someones child's speech. So this is for anyone who may be a mom of young children or teachers. I think this is such a great little tool  for moms and teachers to have around to keep up with children's speech.
This is the ages of when sounds typically should be mastered in a child's speech system. There is a little variation, but typically all sounds should be produced correctly by age 9. Its totally normal for a 4 yr old to say "wabbit". But if they are still saying "wabbit" in fifth grade, you should probably get an SLP evaluation!! Nothing worries me more than parents who wont/ or dont know how to get their sweet babies some help!



Also, here is the list put out by ASHA: American Speech Language Hearing Association ( which is pretty much the rule governing body in SLP world) that gives an idea about when your cute little one should start talking:

birth to 3 months: cooing
4 months to 6 months: laughing, and  they should start babbling (babbling is what  know as "baby talk")
7 months to 1 year: more babbling and also begin FIRST words like "dada, dog, and mama"
1 year to 2 years- production of single words continues to grow and also put 2 words together, like "more juice", and they may start producing questions like "where dog?"
2 years to 3 years-  they should be calling and naming lots of objects! and also put 2 and 3 word sequences together.

ASHA has lots of info on their website about children's development and how you can help them. And also info on typical speech and communication development for older kids. Click here

Also, my pinterest board has several ideas for speech activities for other student SLPs, teachers, and parents!

Hope you all have a fabulous week!
Love, the FUTURE Samantha Webb, M.S., CCC-SLP

Hot Water, Oven Mitts, and Allergies.

We are officially moved in and almost all set up in the new WEBB residence. And oh boy, has it been comical around here... from hanging shelves...to baths...to slugs on the kitchen floor!!! I am blogging about these newlywed moments in hopes that some day, we (and my children) can look back, remember, and laugh about how clueless we were. So here is the latest update on Pete and Sam:

 I came to Caledonia a few days last week to bring a load of stuff and start playing house. Can you say OVERWHELMED when I walked through the door that day? and Pete knew it the moment he looked at me! I wanted to change everything. I wanted to do this, that, and the other. Until my husband clearly reminded me that this a rental house, and that I cant do whatever I want to it. We'll probably only be here a year or so until I finish school. And so I'm just going to be REALLLL nice to those landlords to get what I want ha! It really is a nice place.  Weve only had a few issues so far...such as...
On the first night, I discovered the bathtub plug was missing in action. And if you know me, youll know that I must take a bath before bed. So Pete decided he would craft me one out of a water bottle top, and a plastic sacky.  Pretty genius, I must say, however, slightly redneck. So I proceed to taking a bath, except another problem arises : the water is so not hot!! So I got out, and began my "OH MY GOODNESS, HOW AM I  EVER GOING TO LIVE HERE, I CANT EVEN TAKE A BATH" selfish cries on the bed. And a few moments later, I notice my husband wearing oven mitts flying down the hall with cooking pots. SERIOUSLY. My first reaction is "what in the crazy world are you doing", and Pete responds with "I'm making you a hot bath." .......Im not kidding. The boy was boiling my bath water, and running down the hall to fill up the tub quickly! Thats serious love people. OR serious craziness. Maybe both......
But, yall will be glad to know the hot water has been fixed, we are good to go, and that I prayed for forgiveness for being so selfish about hot water, and thanked the Lord for a husband who is willing to boil my bath water!

I then went back home to do some last minute things and work last friday, and returned here to Caledonia on Wednesday, and everything is coming together fine except for one thing, Im allergic to my new house. Really. Pete has been threatening to take me to the ER at night. I refuse. So, he drug me to Lowes to get an air purifier tonight and maybe I can breathe and survive until I get to the allergist on Tuesday. (high maintenance wife, right?)
and No, its not because of our new family member, Spider Webb. This is a way different kind of issue then cat allergy sneezing and Spider is NOT allowed inside! However, I have been making Pete give Spider some loving because he's so sweet and I cant touch him. Although, I did rub him a little with an oven mitt on...... (gosh those oven mitts come in handy around here.)

I also went on my first wifely big grocery shopping adventure Thursday.  When Pete came home from work and looked in the fridge, he laughed! He claims that I was still shopping for one girl, and that he could not survive on oranges, lettuce, and avocado. My reply: "why not? ofcourse you can!"  I did buy some other things too, dont worry, I made Mr. Webb a yummy casserole last night. We had our first real meal at the cute dining room table with our lovely new dishes! But, he claims he is going on the next grocery shopping adventure...we'll see about that :)

The house really is looking lots better on the inside. The outside needs some yard work, etc..and the yard boy plans to do that as soon as the weather shapes up! Ive had lots of fun decorating, putting up all my dishes and gifts,  and thrift store/dirt cheap shopping for things I can redo. I love to do that. And Ive gotten some really cute stuff! Ill blog about all that when I get finished.

This has definitely been an eventful adjustment for both Pete and I, and were learning......learning about each other, learning how to compromise, and learning how to survive! Love shows itself in many forms, and that is so evident to me lately. The tiniest things that Pete does for me make me feel so loved and I am so thankful!  Please pray for us as we continue on with our new life together......that we will love more everyday, that we will have an easy transition with me starting back to class on Monday, that we will find a new church home close by very soon, and that God will show us exactly why HE has chosen Caledonia, MS for the NewlyWEBBs!

 

GOODNIGHT from SPIDER WEBB

A little JAMAICA love!

When we left the reception. We headed off to the Peabody, where we had the best room ever. seriously. We were given an upgrade because of renovations being completed, and let me just say, it was FAB. Even Pete suggested that we just skip Jamaica and stay at the peabody "apartment" all week. Unfortunately, we had to be at the airport super early and didnt get to experience more Peabody time that next morning! 

However, it was Petes first plane ride. (YEAH, i know. How in the world had he not flown in 24 years of life?, I dont know!) I could tell he was a bit nervous before we took off! And ofcourse I was all giggles about the situation. WELL, turns out, I was the one who got nauseated on that first leg! It was all bumpity bump and I wanted OFF that plane. So I spent the next flight from atlanta to jamaica asleep, and Pete was perfectly fine. We were SO lost when we landed at the Montego Bay airport.  We were glad when we finally figured it out and got on the right shuttle to the resort. The shuttle ride was scary! Jamaicans do not follow speed limits, and stop lights apparently mean go faster. The tour guide told me " dont worry, we dont run over anything we dont eat"....Oh, how lovely...

Roadside Photo time

The resort was absolutely beautiful! and our "villa" was away from the hustle and bustle of the main area, so we really enjoyed it and our balcony.

hey hubby, smile!

where we spent most of our time! 

He got a little tired of me trying to take his picture all the time :) He better get used to it..

I loved the pool! 

Each night we had dinner in a different restaurant at the resort, which we loved! Pete was a little more adventurous with the food than I was (He eats everything). After dinner we would go sit on the balcony area over the giant pool and ocean, and it was sooo beautiful!

We always had fun asking people to take our picture. Never knowing if they spoke English or not! Everyone was either Asian or British. I think we became known as the "american honeymooners".

On Wednesday, we decided to leave the resort and get a taste of the real Jamaican culture. Which also meant, get on a scary bus ride again. I very much enjoyed getting a tour of the towns and goats all over the road (all farm animals have free range). We stopped at Margaritaville in Negril and had lunch, then did a little more touring and went to Rick's Cafe and watched crazy people jump off of cliffs. (very entertaining actually). We also caught the beautiful sunset there, before heading back to the resort.

Pete was very concerned about someone stealing me while we there (super cute), so I wasnt allowed to go anywhere alone..ha! Especially in the airport! Which is also where I set off the customs security alarm. Future advice yall: Renaldo and Yurman bracelets will not go through airport security in Atlanta, and will cause giant men with guns to give you funny  terrorists looks!


We had such a great time with each other, and Jamaica was a wonderful, romantic place for a honeymoon. It really was a great way to relax after such a busy time and be together without having any other plans.

But there is nothing like coming back home to Mississippi!

See you next time Jamaica! 

Old, New, Borrowed, Blue..and some others too!

The last post consisted of what happened that day, but it wouldn't be right if I didn't share a few of the most precious things that made my wedding so special. I'm a traditionalist. I love old things. I love family things. and I love pretty things. So obviously these things needed to be involved. and blogged!

First we needed something OLD. So here it is, my favorite old thing. My paternal grandmother's wedding dress. It is over 50 years old, and thanks to Ms. Paulette O'Neal, still looked as beautiful now as it did then complete with hand-sewn lace and silk.  My Pop had given this dress to me a few months back, but he had no idea that my plan was to restore it and actually wear it. When I walked out to leave at my reception and my Pop saw that I had changed and put it on, I could see the tears that were puddling up inside of him... and me. The love he must have felt the last time he saw that dress on someone...on my grandmother...in a little church 51 years ago. And then I thought about the love that would have been on my Dads face, had he been there to see me wear his mothers dress. And then all within 3 minutes, I thought about her, too. How proud she would have been to see her granddaughter in her wedding gown, how much I have been told that I am like her, and how unbelievably sad I am that we never met.  And had I not been in such a rush to leave, I believe I would have sat in the floor of the church foyer and balled my eyes out..overwhelmed with love.

Pop and I with their wedding portrait. 

Pop gave me red boots when I was little, and I have loved red shoes ever since! 

( Bridal photos by Katie Kubler, shes fabulous and super sweet, check out her website here )

Heres the NEW: My new dress and veil! how I loved it as well! If i could wear this dress everyday, Id always feel like a pretty princess.

Dont forget the BORROWED: My maternal family bible was held by my pastor during our ceremony. The bible that my sweet Mamaw and Papaw started complete with all the family births, deaths, baptisms etc..So special and so almost falling apart. There is nothing more beautiful than a bible that is falling apart!
I dont have a picture yet :(


and BLUE: One of my most loved things were my shoes.

 nothing like a pair of heels to make a girl happy.

I also loved my garter. Handmade by my precious friend Austin May! Shes so creative and this means so much more knowing that she made it just for me! Thanks Austin!

My grandmother, GiGi, made my cake! and the grooms cake! and it was sooo good! Shes always made my birthday cakes so I loved that she was able to make my wedding cake too! Also, the pewter goblets in the picture are from my mom's collection :)

My Aunt Beck makes the best divinity in the world, and since it was winter, and I love my beck, I talked her into making 400 pieces of divinity!! Thanks Aunt Beck for sharing our family tradition!

Sweet little divinity box to go! 

And I dont have a picture reading it yet, because I haven't got our wedding pics back yet, but Pete and I exchanged letters instead of gifts at our wedding. and Oh, how precious it was! Such a treasure to have for our children and grandchildren! 

I sure hope you have some precious things from your wedding and family too :) 

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND YOURS! 

Sam 

TWO became ONE: A little wedding recap.

Lets start with the BRIDESMAID BRUNCH! On friday morning, my dear, favorite friends Rosy and Elizabeth and Ms. Leland hosted the bridesmaid brunch. It was absolutely precious. I have been keeping Rosy's girls and Elizabeths three cute munchkins for a long time. Theyre all so special to me. Having my bridesmaids all gather together for a yummy breakfast was so much fun and a great way to start the weekend! We had a beautiful "charm pull" cake. I pulled the money tree charm (whoop whoop:)). I think the moms were glad I didnt pull the stork charm haha! Beka Alford took care of that for me.....But, the cake was delicious! Thanks to all three of my sweet hostesses!

Best Girls Ever. 

Best Roommates for life. Good luck beating them, pete. 

After a little bit of crazy running around, and driving Kristin Geeslin and Erin Briscoe crazy (I would have been in big trouble without yall) , we went to the Como Courtyard to get ready for the rehearsdal dinner. We had a great practice at the church, thanks to Jac's organizational skills, and then went back to the Como Inn for dinner. A Big thanks to my new In- laws for hosting! So yummy! and there was such a great video made by my very own G.J., full of baby pictures of Pete and I, and our fun dating days.

My cute date. 

After dinner, Mom, Mallory, and I spent the night at the Como Courtyard and it was one of my favorite parts of the whole weekend. Such a peaceful, fun night in the hot tub with my mom and sister was exactly what the bride needed. It was definitely a memory to keep always.

The next morning, I woke bright and early to go to Ms. Margies to get my hair done, and while Im sitting in the chair, I get a call from the groom asking if I had my wedding band. To which my response was "No, why would I have my own ring?, dont mess with me, Im getting my hair did." And I hung up. Then I thought, hes not kidding. Pete doesnt do that. He knows I am a hot mess right now. He wouldnt do that. And then in walks the mother in law to be. Thats when I lost it. Something about seeing that woman just made me lose it right there in the beauty chair. Me: "Hes not kidding, He lost the ring, what are we going to do!! <insert tears>". And yet, Ms. Kristi is so unbelievably calm and happy! She just looks at me, laughs and says its going to be fine. And so,  I just thought to myself, Sam, get it together, youre getting married with or without a ring. SO GUESS WHAT? I did! So thats why everyone chuckled during the ceremony when Pete put the "ring" on my finger. The "ring" was my engagement ring. not my wedding band. HOWEVER, after much much turmoil, the REAL WEDDING BAND has been found. (Just a week late). It was in Adam Webb's lockbox in his truck. Go figure? Silly boys.....


Back to December 15th.......And so we move on to getting dressed then taking pictures, laughing in the bridesmaids room,  and taking pictures, and taking pictures..until its time to get married! I loved Pete Webb's face when I walked down the aisle. It was exactly how I pictured him. He had this tiny little smile that said "Gosh, I love you Sam, you look beautiful, but I'm really about to pass out, so lets get on with it. " His poor leg shook throughout the whole ceremony! After we had communion, we had a kneeling time of prayer while "My Jesus I love Thee" was sang and it was such a special time for us. To pray together and realize that it wasnt about us. it wasnt about the 200 people watching. But it WAS about our God. and oh, how marvelous He is.

Mr. and Mrs. 

First Dance. 

Cake time. 

Our reception was absolutely lovely, and when we left, I have to admit I was a little sad because it was over and yet relieved!!!! I had had my special day! and now it was time to be married! TWO HAD BECOME ONE! Mr. and Mrs. Webb made a quick stop to change clothes after leaving the reception and were then off to the Peabody!

Mom right before Pete and I left! This is also right before I hugged her and before we had our crying spell. 

  

There were so many emotions, tears, and laughs on my wedding day and the days prior. I enjoyed seeing each and every one of you who attended our wedding! My most favorite part was seeing all of the faces I loved in one place! Its difficult to even remember everything. But I do remember one thing.... (even when doped up on cough syrup)...IT WAS PERFECT! There are so many wonderful people to thank. I really wish I had the oppurtunity to hug each of you and tell you how special you made Pete and I feel! To our sweet parents, thank you for making it all possible. We think the world of yall! To my beautiful bridesmaids, thank yall for being there for me ..you made it so much fun! To Jacqueline Poe Simpson "the best wedding director in the world", it seriously would have never worked without you! To Ms. Ellen and Ms. Jennifer and everyone else who helped decorate, A GIANT BIG THANK YOU! We had a beautiful winter wedding! Im so in awe of those who helped make the ceremony so special. Aunt Mona and Aunt Jane, your voices brought me to tears when I went back and watched the ceremony, and it would not have been possible without my favorite piano playing Ms. Pam! Our preachers were so gracious and I hope no one else saw all my tears and mascara running as my pastor said such sweet words to us....THANK YALL!!!

But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” Ruth 1:16:-17