tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50695345712370715802024-03-13T04:20:42.865-07:00Our Life...Special With NeedsOur life...special with needs!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10772357181970139641noreply@blogger.comBlogger138125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5069534571237071580.post-40053507278365895992015-09-09T19:01:00.000-07:002015-09-09T19:01:17.087-07:00Pre K IntroductionWow...it's been over a year since my last blog post...that tells you how exciting our lives have been. But that's ok, boring is good. Like all other stay at home moms (part time or full time), I am doing the BACK TO SCHOOL happy dance. My mind is spinning with all the things I am going to do with my free time 3 days a week! I might go to the gym, I might go shopping, will probably do some DSAMC work, will definitely spend the first few days sitting at Starbucks staring at the walls. <br />
<br /><br />
School wise we made a pretty big change for Jake last year & we choose to pull him out of the school district at 6 years old and put him in a private preschool. Didn't know that was a option, did ya? We didn't either. Until the school district tried to pin us in a corner & tell us where Jake would go. They really left us no option as they were not going to "give in" to any of our requests as to how his education was going to happen. Nothing. It was simply a take it or leave it kind of meeting. So we left it. <br />
<br /><br />
We were introduced to a AMAZING preschool in our area where Jake was welcomed with open arms, hearts, and minds. There were no issues of his age, no issues that he was not yet potty trained...no issues what so ever. They even offered him a 1 on 1 aid since this was a big change for him & the help was anticipated. The only question that was ever asked was where do we, his parents feel like he will fit in. Jake ended up being in a class of 3-4 year olds, 2 days a week for 2.5 hours. IT WAS THE BEST THING WE EVER DID FOR HIM. We learned so much about him and how he learns, what he needs & doesn't need. Not to say it was all rainbows and sunshine...it was a new experience & it had it's bumps in the road, life always will...but it was a amazing year. With that said, we decided to do it again this year. Today we went to his new class room, met some new friends, said hi to some old friends, and took a deep breath. Last year I at this time I had so many emotions running thru me, I thought I was going to explode. I was so angry with the school district, so excited to find a alternative, so filled with love that they genuinely wanted him there, and so anxious that I had no idea how it was going to work out. This year, completely different story. 2 emotions...excitement & joy. I am so excited for Jake...I feel big things are going to come our way this year. It's our year of bumping up last years game to get us ready for the big leagues. Besides the prep & the therapy and all the educational parts of school, this is the year that I start building the foundation for the friendship, the true, life long friendships that Jake will have. This is the year that we will invite HIS friends from school & outside of school to his birthday party. This is the year that we will become more social without the fear of parents & kids not "getting" Jake. This is the year that it's gonna get real.<br />
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So, what prompted this post (1.5 years since the last)...Jake's birthday & his new class. Jake will turn 7 in a few weeks & I want his classmates to come (I also invited a few of his classmates from last year). It's most likely that his new classmates would not come, because they don't know him yet & lets face it...our situation is a little different. We tend to fear the unknown & Down syndrome is still pretty unknown, unless it's part of your life. So I feel like I need to step up my parent game and do something about it. So I decided to write a letter to the parents of Jake's classmates. The letter will be in the same envelope as his birthday party invitation. Here is our letter:<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dear preschool parents,</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We would like to introduce
you to our son, Jake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know that it is
uncommon to introduce our child this way, but we wanted you all to know a
little about him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is Jake’s 2<sup>nd</sup>
year at West Side Preschool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our hearts
are full knowing that Jake has been so warmly embraced by the staff &
families at West Side Preschool last year, and we are excited for the new
friends and opportunities this school year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jake has Down syndrome, and
while that is a part of who he is, it does not define him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jake is a little boy first, Down syndrome is
part of his genetic makeup, just like his hazel eyes and dirty blonde hair. </span></span></div>
<br /><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jake is almost 7 years
old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know it seems odd to have him in
a class with 4-5 year olds, but developmentally and physically, that is where
he fits in best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jake is ALL boy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is a ball of energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loves to play outside, if there is water
& mud, even better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jake likes to
give hugs & hold hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hugs
sometimes turn into Wrestle Mania, but we are working on that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone is a buddy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loves to high five.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His favorite snacks are Cheez-It crackers,
bananas, and string cheese.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is not
the prettiest of eaters, but he gets the job done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Still wondering why we felt
the need to introduce Jake to you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well
it’s pretty simple, we want you & your child to feel comfortable around
Jake, and in doing so, you have to understand a little about who he is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For instance, Jake is pretty much nonverbal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are working hard on that & you will
quickly notice that Jake may not have the ability to verbally tell you what he
wants or needs, but he will find a way to make you understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The biggest way to help Jake with his speech
is to speak to him normally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
understands EVERYTHING you are saying to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>More than anything, we just want Jake to have the same opportunities as
any other child, we want him to be included, and we want him to learn good
behaviors and fun things from the kids around him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We purposely choose to pull Jake out of the
school district and put him in West Side Preschool because we feel that the
social interactions he gets from his typical peers is so incredibly important
to his growth and development.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the
past year we have noticed that he is learning to play with toys appropriately
(pushing trucks, building with blocks, pretend play with kitchen sets).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have also noticed that he is following
basic 1-3 step requests more frequently, and is establishing lots of small
routines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We firmly believe he has
picked up these AWESOME habits from watching and doing what his typical friends
are doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every once in a while (especially
at the beginning of the school year) Jake will get overwhelmed, or over
stimulated & will need to take a walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are so grateful to have Emily by his side to help him out. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You might notice that Jake does things a
little different in class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our goal for
Jake this year is to get him prepared for Kindergarten next year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes we have to be creative about how to
get things done. </span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If your child asks what is
“different” about Jake (it’s ok, kids are honest & speak what they see), a
simple explanation is that Jake has Down syndrome, which means that sometimes
things take him a little bit longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Like learning to walk, talk, and color.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You can also explain to your child that we are all different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That we have different hair color, eye color,
height, and weight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are all the
differences that make us special and unique.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is only 1 you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday I
overheard a little boy at the park ask his mom why Jake looks different &
she simply explained, “that is the way God made him”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The little boy said, “cool” and they ran off
to play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you have any questions, we
are always happy to answer them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please
don’t ever hesitate to pull us aside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
you are more comfortable chatting thru e mail or text, that is great too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like most people, we knew very little about
Down syndrome before Jake came into our world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We learn something new about it and about him every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have some great books that we would be
happy to lend to you about Down syndrome, if you would like or there is a great
You Tube video called Down Syndrome 101-UDSF that very simply explains what
Down syndrome is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It completely lifted
the fog for our 10 year old daughter, it’s that basic!</span></span></div>
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Happy 2015-2016 School Year<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Julie & Zach Gould</span></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">509-430-0896</span></span></div>
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<a href="mailto:juliekgould@msn.com"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">juliekgould@msn.com</span></span></a></div>
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I also added a super cute pic of Jake.</div>
Wow...that entire post was wordy...but I need to add a few more words...I need to acknowledge some people who have changed our world and become our friends.<br />
<br /><br />
Sonia (Jake's speech therapist in the school district): YOU ROCK. When we felt completely let down by the school district you came into our lives. It is so obvious you love what you do and the people you work with. We want you to know that we recognize how above & beyond you go for your students, & we appreciate you.<br />
<br /><br />
Patty P. & Krista (Jake's teacher & aid last year): Like Sonia, YOU ROCK. You two will never know how much you lifted our family up by loving & accepting Jake. More than his teachers, you became our friends & helped us realize that there is ALWAYS a alternative. You are appreciated.<br />
<br /><br />
Patty G. & Emily (Jake's teacher & aid this year): I have complete faith that you guys too...ROCK! ;) As you can tell from this very wordy post, I am excited & grateful for everything you guys are doing for Jake & our family this year. We look forward to amazing things! You are appreciated.<br />
<br /><br />
KidSPOT crew (Jake's PT/OT & Speech therapist outside of RSD): You guys know YOU ROCK, but just in case you forgot...YOU ROCK. You guys have been with Jake longer than anyone (& you still let us come back every week). We don't see you guys as "Jake's therapists"...we see you as our friends, who happen to be awesome therapists. Jennifer, when Jake pops his "tude" with you, it's because he loves you! ;) We appreciate ALL of you!<br />
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So, put ALL of these people together in 1 little boys life & watch out! Good things are happening friends!<br />
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<br />Our life...special with needs!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10772357181970139641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5069534571237071580.post-83672914815003566852013-08-11T15:55:00.000-07:002013-08-11T15:55:37.602-07:00Peanut butter, hair cuts, and a cure for Down syndrome.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">He smells of peanut butter & speaks a language that only
he understands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We call it dolphin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He's very social...when he's in just the
right mood, with the right amount of people around, the volume of his
surroundings has to be to his pleasing, and the chaos...well that has to be to
his liking as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Otherwise, he's
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is 5 and loves nothing more than
to be naked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made a chore chart that
only says "pee pee in the potty", 7 times a day, 7 days a week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm willing to pay .25 for each chore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shoot...who am I kidding, I would pay much
more but shh...that's our secret.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has
perfect flip flop feet, but refuses to wear flip flops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did I mention he smells of peanut butter?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I'm feeling very random & conflicted this
afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My day started off pretty
normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boy woke me up at about 5:30
am (his norm), so I flipped on Toy Story & put the pillow over my
head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He crawled around on top of me hooting
& hollering as Woody went about his shenanigans. I'm over it, let’s get
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had our usual breakfast of eggs
laced with Prevacid, bananas, and a Nutrigrain bar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am well aware he's done based on the
flinging of left over banana that just hit me in the head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Speaking of heads...let's shave his!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad is home (back up is required)...let's get
this done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My boy does not enjoy the cutting
of the hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when the screaming is
done, he's so incredibly handsome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nothing super exciting happened today...same ol' same ol' stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until I sat down at the computer to see
what's happening in the world (according to MSN).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I came across this...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">http://www.nbcnews.com/health/could-it-be-cure-breakthrough-prompts-down-syndrome-soul-searching-6C10879213?ocid=msnhp&pos=1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I'm not even sure where to start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I believe there is or ever will be a
"cure" for Down syndrome?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don't think so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I hope that someday
they (scientist) find a way to help give people with Down syndrome a higher quality
of life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Absolutely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I do for the rest of mankind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This article talks about the possibility of
helping/eliminating heart defects, Alzheimer’s disease, childhood Leukemia...
but with what risks?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jake had heart
issues as an infant, but had open heart surgery & now is a little superman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are good there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Alzheimer’s...that scares me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So to say they may have a "cure"
for alzheimer’s in people with Down syndrome...I say bring on the studies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my favorite parts of this article,
"If Down syndrome were completely cured, the world would lose something
from the absence of that culture," said Skotko, who has a sister with the
condition. "There is something positive that people with Down syndrome
contribute to the world."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">He smells of peanut butter, I can't understand him, and he
tends to be fussy around people he doesn't know, we spend a lot of money on
diapers (at 5 years old), and he flings food at me...but the absence of all of
that, in my world...would be unimaginable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Our life...special with needs!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10772357181970139641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5069534571237071580.post-88908377481376606222013-03-25T21:20:00.000-07:002013-03-25T21:20:45.543-07:00NeedsThis morning I woke up with a overwhelming NEED to hold my boy. My normal routine is to get up & jump in the shower real quick before I let the little distruct-o-con out of his crib...but this morning the force pulling me to him was too great. I walked into his room & was instantly greeted with his perfect little smile. I snatched him up and sat on his bedroom floor. His norm is to give me quick hug, make a kissy sound and bolt out the door to destruct. But today he hugged, and hugged & hugged. And patted my back to match the pats I was giving him. It hit me. It was 4 years ago today that we almost lost him. I squeezed him a little tighter...he squeezed back. I pulled away from him & said, "thank you for fighting for us...we need you buddy". As if he knew exactly what I was saying (I choose to believe he did), he gave me a belly rolling laugh as if to say "silly mommy...I wasn't going anywhere", kissed me on the nose, and jumped up to start his day of destruction.<br />
<br />
It's funny the things that take me back to what we went thru. Every time I hear a MedStar helo go overhead I cringe a little knowing someones life just got turned upside. I CAN'T buy Pampers for Jake or anyone else...because that was what was used at Children's. Peanut butter M&M's & Hot Tamales were my source of food because I could sneak them into the ICU in my pockets...every time I have them it takes me there...just for a second. The smell of a certain hand sanitizer makes my stomach turn because of the gallons we used while in Seattle. And every time I hear a little baby cry a little too hard my heart skips a beat...because that is what took Jake's last breath before he coded. He cried too hard & his little body couldn't catch up because it had been fighting so hard for so long...it gave up. Obviously I have 100 times more positive things that remind me of happier things, but I don't think the this day & these memories will ever escape me. <br />
<br />
So today I feel incredibly blessed that I was able to have these memories, hug my boy, and go on with our day...because our story could have been very different. Our life...special with needs!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10772357181970139641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5069534571237071580.post-63985536210706624682013-02-18T21:38:00.000-08:002013-02-18T21:38:05.032-08:00Things That Make You Go Hmmm...
<br />
To all my fellow peeps of the 90's...your welcome (<a href="http://youtu.be/XF2ayWcJfxo"><span style="color: blue;">http://youtu.be/XF2ayWcJfxo</span></a>). <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Tomorrow I am going to meet with a group of fab ladies to talk about Glitz
& Glam, DSAMC, and give them a little glimpse of Jake's "story".
I am not a public speaker...by any way, shape, or form. But I'm going to
pretend. Wish me luck. I was trying to figure out how to jump right in & it
hit me...I'm going to start by reading Welcome To Holland. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
I jumped into my word docs, pulled it up, and printed it out. I started to
read...I ALMOST made it thru without crying...almost. Keep in mind, I have read
it a million times. I could probably recite it. I still cry. It's beyond
perfect. I wipe away the "I'm not alone" tears & move on to what
am I going to talk about after I'm done crying tomorrow night in front of 20
ladies. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
I've got it all figured out (ya right), got my little cheat sheet printed
out...I'm ready to go. I look up & can't help but smile. On my kitchen
table sits a little vase with 6 little tulips. I fell in love with tulips 10
years ago while I was planning my wedding. They are simple, pretty, and
perfect. Not expensive, or flashy. I just love them. I REALLY wanted a huge bouquet
of white tulips for my wedding...but that didn't happen. They are a spring
flower & I had an early fall wedding. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
I'm sitting on the couch content that tomorrow is going to go great, & a
whirlwind of connection hit me. Starting my new life with the love of my life
& having an intense need for tulips in my hand/ Welcome To Holland / Jake/
Tulips on my kitchen table making me smile. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
I am happy.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
I have a beautiful family.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
I love and am loved in return.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Life is good.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Stop & smell the tulips my friends!<o:p></o:p><br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
Our life...special with needs!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10772357181970139641noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5069534571237071580.post-81530754146638007132013-02-11T22:38:00.000-08:002013-02-11T22:39:03.120-08:00Conversations with a 7 year oldI know every parents has these days...but for some reason to days conversations with Gracie has me giggling. It started off with...<br />
<br />
Me: Gracie, you need to go thru your dirty jeans pockets<br />
<br />
Gracie: Why<br />
<br />
Me: Because I think you left your manners in your pockets...go find them please.<br />
<br />
I get a cross eyed look from her, but she stomps off to her room & comes back a few minutes later with her dirty cloths & puts them in the laundry room!! BONUS, I got her to do a little laundry too...wasn't even looking for that outcome!<br />
<br />
Gracie:Okay mom...I have my please & thank you's<br />
Me: Oh good<br />
A little later on at lunch, she hops out of her chair & starts to walk away.<br />
Me: Hey Ms Lu...what are you doing?<br />
Gracie: I'm done, going to go play now.<br />
Me: STOP...check your pockets...come back & sit down & try again<br />
Eyes rolling, feet dragging...plop in her chair.<br />
Gracie: Mom, may I please be done?<br />
Me: No, 3 more bites (I don't even look...it's the go to answer every time)<br />
Me: Thank you Lu, now put your dishes in the sink please.<br />
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A little later I hear her headed out the front door...<br />
Me: Hey...what are you doing?<br />
Gracie: Going next door<br />
Me: How about a "hey mom, can I go next door" before you just jet out.<br />
Gracie: Ok, sorry.<br />
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10 seconds later she comes busting thru the house right to the bathroom. She means BUSINESS!! After a few minutes she peeks her head out the door and says, "Mom, I went poop...can I flush the toilet"?<br />
Me: Gracie, that is a question that you never ever ever ever ever have to ask...you just do it. As a matter of fact...if it's real big...do a courtesy flush!<br />
Gracie: what's that?<br />
Me: We will call daddy in the morning & he can explain...he's the expert in the family!!<br />
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<br />Our life...special with needs!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10772357181970139641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5069534571237071580.post-58424969198059034582013-01-01T12:21:00.001-08:002013-01-01T12:21:44.171-08:00Setting the bar high for 2013For lazy, that is. I'm frequently asked, "Do you ever stop"?..."Where do you find the time"?...and "How do you come up with this stuff"? Answers: Occasionally, bedtime, and Pinterest. Today is the exception. Why today? I'm not sure. Maybe because it's a holiday that doesn't involve any kind of "celebrating", maybe it's because I'm on day 4 of a 24 day diet, maybe it's because I'm the only adult in the house & I can be lazy to any extreme that I feel necessary. Don't get me wrong...my lazy only goes so far (it's pretty far)...but I'm not looking to make any trips to the ER (that would disturb my lazy...& it's expensive).<br />
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So, today I have STOPPED. I'm being lazy. I'm blogging from my laptop, on the couch, in sweats, hair in a towel from the shower I took an hour ago. Your welcome for the visual. How did I manage to STOP with 2 small children in the house...child slavery. Yep, I said it. Quit rolling your eyes. Anyone who has children does it, or had children did it. You call it "chores" or "helping out". I made a game of it. It's called "Gracie is mommy today". It's derived from the games "Lets see who can clean their room fastest", "Who can take a nap the longest", and the most common, "Who can be quiet the longest".<br />
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1st task...get Jake out of the bath, diapered, & dressed. Ok, I helped with the bathing (remember the ER avoidance)...but the rest was on her. She went for the PullUp (normally he sports a diaper, but PullUps are easier to put on) nice call. Dressing was accomplished, as long as we don't leave the house (which would most definitely land us in the ER being that Gracie probably can't see over the steering wheel in my car). He's rocking his Toy Story jammie bottoms & Buddy Walk t shirt. A+ for effort. He's been dressed in worse!<br />
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2nd task...breakfast. She went with what she knows...peanut butter toast. Yes, I allowed her to use the toaster. As any good parent would, I supervised...from the couch. She rocked it. She was happy, He was happy, mission accomplished. I did do med duty (no ER today rule). Oh and because she is "mommy" today she even made me breakfast. A tasty protein shake. <br />
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Playtime. Jake has a movie going & is destroying the playroom as I type. Gracie & the neighbor girl are coloring. Like any good mommy, she is having a little "me time". She has noticed that Jake is in destruct-o mode, but calmly said, "I'll get that later". That's my girl. <br />
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I just informed her that she may need to start thinking about lunch because Jake will need a nap in about a hour. "What do you think you are going to make" I asked, trying to determine if I actually have to get off the couch. BTW, I have a "no CPS rule" too. Which means the kids have to eat. "Mom, I don't know how to cook...I can't roast anything". True that. Thank God my laziness seeps out at other times because I just happen to have Crustable PB&J sandwiches in the freezer. Pop them out & they are good to go in about a half hour. I'm also teaching her time management! But she's insisting on Spaghetti O's. Can opener...microwave...potential ER visit...darn. Guess I better get on that. <br />
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It's only noon, but I'm guessing the rest of the day will go something like this...<br />
-Family nap time (remember our game of who can take the longest nap)<br />
-RedBox return & new rental (yes, I'll drive...geesh)<br />
-Pizza for dinner (that someone else will make & deliver)...& there is a good chance that we will have a "picnic" in the playroom so that we don't even have to get up from our movie marathon. <br />
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Happy Jan1, 2013!!<br />
<br />
Our life...special with needs!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10772357181970139641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5069534571237071580.post-75256354139027642592012-11-12T09:55:00.000-08:002012-11-12T09:55:11.638-08:00Two years ago we were having a hard time helping Gracie (5 yrs old) understand giving/wanting/needing/selfishness/kindness...just to name a few. There were a lot of things that contributed to the lack of understanding. Age was a big part of it. But another big part was the fact that little brother had been getting a lot of extra attention in the 2 years past & that had slowed down dramatically. Life was calm & it was time to pull in the reins & work on the things in our life that we just couldn't stop to take the time to do in the past few years.<br />
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While surfing the net, I came across a blog (via Pinterest) about a women who took her entire family out on her birthday & did random acts of kindness (RAK). She did 1 for each of her birthdays. I LOVE this idea. And with my birthday being right before Thanksgiving & Christmas...it's perfect timing! Double bonus...it's something that Lulu & I can do together...just the 2 of us, milling around the Tri Cities, making someones day a little brighter. There are so many character traits in doing this that I want Gracie to understand & love. I plan on making this a yearly tradition, with hopes that she does it with her children down the road. We started doing this 2 years ago & it gets better & better every year. The first year, I'm not gonna lie...was kind of a nightmare. She REALLY didn't understand why everyone was getting all these balloons, drinks, toys...and she couldn't have one. Last year I tried to make it a little more kid friendly by doing things that would get her interested (we Ding Dong Dashed, handed out lolly pops & balloons, & helped some people hang Christmas lights on trees)...just to name some of the 34 things we did. This year we are cooking up some REALLY fun things, and my girl is excited!!<br />
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So, Lulu & I will be out and about sometime in the next week doing our 35 (YES, 35) random acts of kindness...1 for each of my birthdays. And I think that admitting that I will be 35 this year should count as 1...but the whole point of doing this is that "it's not about me"...lol...so I'll let it slide!<br />
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Pictures to come!!Our life...special with needs!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10772357181970139641noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5069534571237071580.post-8080167703773020952012-06-21T07:15:00.002-07:002012-06-21T07:15:54.632-07:00Water water water...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The kid I have to glare at while he eats</div>
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Fudgesicles...and REALLY </div>
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I'm on day 4, and so far so good! On Tuesday I had good "before" for my before / after pics done. Love em! Yesterday I added a app on my iPhone called My Fitness Pal...love it!! All is good in diet world!! The next 3 days will be the test. DSAMC is getting a award from the ARC tonight, so I have to eat REALLY good there, Friday is Gracie's b day...my big girl will be 7!! Saturday is her party, and Sunday I have a baby shower that is sure to have some tasty treats!! I'm thinking one of those days will have my "cheat" meal in it...just say'n!<br />
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Happy weekend everyone!!Our life...special with needs!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10772357181970139641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5069534571237071580.post-53313586255941832622012-06-18T20:58:00.000-07:002012-06-18T20:58:00.283-07:00Day 1...done!Well that wasn't so hard. lol. I know, it was only the 1st day. My intentions were to eat "clean". That didn't so much happen, BUT I did eat really good. And I realized that I have a addiction to cheese. Anyway, I sat down this evening and googled a calorie calculator to see just how did I good calorie wise...I rocked it. Here is how it went down...<br />
<br />
Breakfast:<br />
Oatmeal 1/2 cup 150 cal<br />
raisins 2 tbs 40 cal<br />
<br />
am snack:<br />
Babybel cheese 75 cal<br />
strawberries 1/3 cup 25 cal<br />
<br />
Lunch:<br />
Chicken Cesar Salad (romaine lettuce 1 cup, tomato 1/2 Roma, croutons about 5...just enough for some crunch, chicken breast 1/2, dressing 2 tbs.) 230 cal<br />
<br />
pm snack:<br />
String cheese 80 cal<br />
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Dinner:<br />
Scrambled eggs with sausage & mozzarella cheese (6 tbs egg whites, 1 egg, 1 small sausage patty, about 1/8 cup cheese) 270 cal<br />
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Total it up kids...870 calories!! That still leaves room for a apple & natural peanut butter before bed!! <br />
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So yes, I clearly need to eat less cheese...but other than that it was a pretty good day. And NO, I'm not going to do a daily post of what I eat...that's just flat boring. Oh, and I went to the gym & did 30 min of cardio & a few leg machines until they were jello. Not my best day at the gym, but it will do!!<br />
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1 day closer to a skinner me!<br />
<br />Our life...special with needs!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10772357181970139641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5069534571237071580.post-28794600527079839772012-06-17T22:19:00.005-07:002012-06-17T22:19:49.345-07:00Chang'n it upWhen I started this blog a few years ago, it was to inform family & friends of the ups & downs of our life with Down syndrome. At the time Jake was having major medical issues, & mommy was having some pretty good stress issues. This was my way of filling everyone in, and "venting" at the same time. But those days are long gone. They seem like yesterday, but it's been over 2 years since Jake has seen a hospital. It's been almost 2 years since he's had anything more than a sniffle (knock on wood). So our life with Down syndrome is...well pretty boring. I'll take boring. Boring reassures me that our family really isn't much different than yours. School is out, therapy has been put on hold for most of the summer (our choice), and the sun is shining. It's time to PLAY!<br />
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Where am I going with this...I'll get to the quick & dirty. I'm going to use this blog as my way of chronicling the 20+ lbs I'm GOING to loose over the next 10 weeks. There is nothing special about the 10 week time frame, but because I often diet (and most of the time fail), I know that good weight loss is around 1-2 lbs a week. I know what works for me & my body to get the weight off, I just need the motivation. I become a 2 year old when it comes to will power. I HAVE NONE. Some days are better than others, but I can justify "a day off" like you wouldn't believe!! So, here it goes. I did something that I have never done before...took "before" (as in before & after) pic. OMG, if that isn't motivation to get going...I don't know what is. <br />
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So, for the next few months this blog will be about my diet, exercise, water consumption, headaches from lack of Starbucks, glaring at small children as the eat fudgsicles in front of me & the occasional "YEAH FOR ME", when the pounds do come off. If it's not your thing, no worries...I'll be back to life with Down syndrome soon...until them our "special need" is for a slimmer, more energetic mommy!<br />
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Raise your glass (of ice water) to:<br />
Seeing the magic numbers of 140 lbs<br />
Buying a size 6 jeans<br />
Running without feeling like I'm going to die<br />
Having a happier, healthier mommy...because<br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><strong>WHEN MOMMY IS HAPPY...EVERYONE IS HAPPY!!</strong></span></div>Our life...special with needs!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10772357181970139641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5069534571237071580.post-39168718995924541232012-04-14T17:57:00.003-07:002012-04-15T19:42:22.865-07:00It's been awhile<div>Since my last post (way back in November), I had lost my blog writing mojo. But I think I've got it back. All thanks to Kelle Hampton and her amazing new book Bloom. It took me back to a place I haven't been in a long time. Or at least what feels like a long time. The cold, sterile hospital room, the darkness, the pain, the confusion, and the guilt. The mantras of "this might be ok", & "it is what it is". The massive amounts of denial. Calling therapy "school" & trying to make my big girl follow suit...all to make myself feel better. It's funny looking back at some of the things I said, did, and made up in my own mind to make myself feel better about our unique family. But I guess those are the things we have to do as humans to make it to the next day. There were times I wasn't sure I wanted to know what the next day was going to bring. But the next day always came...and we made it thru. Sometimes we reach for answers from places that might not be so "normal" or "accepted" for guidance or piece of mind, or just the sheer power to make it thru another day. I found my latest in the form of a psychic. Yes, a psychic. Roll your eyes, tell me it's all fake, it rolls right off me. This girl knew her stuff. I've never been into the whole psychic thing, but this experience has opened up my mind...a little. If nothing else comes from it, she told me that Jake would surprise us in his abilities of what he can do. Did I walk away thinking he will be the President of the United States...no, but I did walk away with the thought that maybe I am under estimating him. Maybe I am setting limits in my own mind to what he could be or do. Just like being open minded enough to go to a psychic reading, I need to be way more open minded about the potential my children have. To the potential that Zach & I have for each other and ourselves.</div><div> </div><div>I'm having this moment of "what's stopping you" feeling about myself, life in general. Like all the things I've been saying I want to do, or I'm going to do...but conveniently find a grand excuse for each and every one of them. So, here is my 3 year (odd time frame I know but I like it) get off your butt and make it happen list:</div><div>1. Go back to school</div><div>2. Go to PA. to meet Jennifer & Tyson in person</div><div> </div><div>Yes, there are only two items on my "to do" list, but they are BIG to do's. I have a 3rd that I am entertaining, but I want it to be in my own will, with no outside influences.</div><div> </div><div>Chuck E Cheese's has put this girl in a mind numbing state of laziness, so off to put little people to bed I go!</div>Our life...special with needs!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10772357181970139641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5069534571237071580.post-35654147126253671802011-11-21T19:13:00.000-08:002011-11-21T20:18:23.704-08:00A full heartToday is my birthday (cue in Happy birthday to you...happy birthday to you...). It could have been one of the most boring birthdays to date...but I wasn't having that. Why anymore boring than the others you ask? Well, my birthday is always with in the week of Thanksgiving. Everyone is busy...always. Then add in hunting season. And don't forget the common cold/flu that ALWAYS happens this time of year. Well, this year...all of those things fell into my birthday week! Yes, birthday week. I won't lie...I got a little bummed for a few days. Then I decided I was going to snap myself out of my funk (because really, if I don't...who will)? I took a step back and realized I've got it pretty darn good. Then I felt a little selfish. Then I got inspired.<br /><br />Random Acts of Kindness or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">RAC</span>. Ever hear of it. It's the new craze (well, that I have noticed in the blogging world). For each year you are celebrating you do 1 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">RAC</span>. FUN! It's like a 1 person party! Well a 3 person party in my case because I took the kids with me to do 34 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">RAC's</span>! Here is what we did...<br /><br />1. Mailed a card to a friend with a Starbucks gift card. If we lived closer I would have taken coffee to her at work.<br />2. Delivered hot chocolate to a couple I saw outside hanging Christmas lights. Turns out, it's their daughters birthday too!<br />3. Took dinner to a friend who just had surgery.<br />4. Helped do a little house keeping for the same friend in #3.<br />5. Dropped off fresh baked cookies to friends (x 2).<br />6. Fresh baked cookies to the kids daycare.<br />7. Dropped mail off at the mail box for my aunt (a whole 2 house away) <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>.<br />8. Gave a picture of Jake to his <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">bff</span>/day care pal/ cousin. There is a really cute story behind that.<br />9. Surprised a friend with a fabulous wreath that she has been eyeballing for a few weeks!<br />10. Picked up garbage in the parking lot at Jake's school.<br />11. Gave a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bling</span> Bulb (Christmas decoration) to a lady in the parking lot of Starbucks.<br />12. Paid for coffee of the car behind me at Starbucks.<br />13. Delivered little gift bags to 2 new babies born today. In the bags were a pink/blue rubber ducky, and knitted hat that my mom made. Thanks mom!<br />14. Gave a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bling</span> Bulb to our friend that works in OB. She helped deliver Gracie 6 years ago!<br />15. Walked around the hospital handing out balloons and lolly pops to any kid we could find.<br />16. Left folders with color books & crayons in the OB waiting room & in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">peds</span> play area.<br />17. Fed all of the candy machines & pop machines we could find in the hospital.<br />18. Left little bottles of hand sanitizer...everywhere (bathrooms, tables...).<br />19. Went to a playground a dropped coins all over for kids to find.<br />20. Left a generous tip at dinner tonight.<br />21. Put shopping carts away in the store parking lot.<br />22. Gracie told a old lady that she liked her kitty sweatshirt (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>).<br />23. Put coins in balloons. When Gracie woke up she got to pop the balloons and spend the money at the dollar store.<br />24. Left a care package of vitamin C drink mix, tissue, and hand sanitizer on a few cars in the mall parking lot.<br />25. Saw a rock star parking spot at the mall, but let the car behind me have it. (that was a tough one). <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span><br />26. Didn't remind my brother that he is almost 5 YEARS OLDER THAN ME when he sent me a text to tell me that I'm old. (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span>, that's a stretch as a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">RAC</span>, but it took some holding back)<br />27. Took dad to dinner. Thanks for going with us dad!<br />28. Stopped at McDonald's for ice cream, & bought ice cream for the car behind us.<br />29. Left lolly pops on cars that looked like they had kids.<br />30. Gracie colored a Thanksgiving picture for the older lady next door! But she got to shy to deliver it, so I did.<br />31. Left a candy bar in the mail box for the mail man/woman.<br />32. Gracie stood by the door at the grocery store while I was checking out and opened the door for people. (yes they are automatic doors, but she thought she was doing something really nice).<br />33. I let Gracie listen to Kids Bop in the car ALL DAY LONG.<br />34. Our grand finale...we Ding Dong ditched! The funniest thing I have seen in a long time!<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ahh</span>...that was a action packed day. Gracie & I had lots of talks about how happy our hearts were when people smiled because we did something nice for them...tonight we go to bed with full tummies & happy hearts. It was a good day.Our life...special with needs!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10772357181970139641noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5069534571237071580.post-21413513122191836902011-10-21T22:14:00.001-07:002011-10-21T22:49:29.226-07:00Do you correct?Ok, call me crabby, call me tired, call me whatever. But for some reason today I hit a brick wall when it came to peoples incredible knowledge of Down syndrome. I'm not perfect & I am by no means pretending to be. I had my own ideas of Down syndrome before I was forced to be educated about it. I get that people generally are not meaning to be offensive or negative & are usually just trying to strike up conversation when they grace me with their "knowledge" of Down syndrome. I get it. And I'm ok with answering people's questions about Jake. I really am. <br /><br />I know, I know...get to the point. My point is think before you speak. Ok, probably not YOU, because most likely if you are reading my blog you have a child with Down syndrome and you are on the same boat. But does anyone else get SO frustrated & tired of peoples off handed/trying to complement your child but really slapping you in the face comments? I find myself (way to frequently) thinking...did you really just say that? And I will admit, I usually just smile & walk away because I am about the most non confrontational person on earth. I know, if I want the world to change the way people think about Down syndrome I need to speak up. So I will try...a little. Baby steps...baby steps. <br /><br />So, are you wondering what fantastic comment got me going on this blog post...here it is (it's really not that bad) "They (people with Down syndrome) are ALWAYS happy". Wouldn't that be AWESOME? Ahh, Yahh...it would. I gave my stock response, "He has his moments". Want to compare some other spectacular comments I get or have gotten in the past (since I'm on a rant...these are the ones that I just look blankly at the person & walk away...because nobody is really this stupid):<br />"Well he's cute anyway" &<br />I can't believe I'm about to repeat this one, but I actually had someone say this to me when they asked me what was WRONG with my son...<br />I responded, "Nothing is wrong with him, he has Down syndrome". Her response back (brace yourself), "Oh well at least he's not autistic". REALLY?...REALLY? <br /><br />I'm going to try harder to not let REALLY bad comments get to me as much & I am going to try to educate people (without sounding educational) when such comments are made. So here it is for today's comment:<br />Jake (and all people with Down syndrome) is human. He has good days, he has bad days. Like any other person, he is happy with a splash of crabby. He has more than one emotion. He has a attitude & a personality. He & I butt heads on a daily basis about something. He's not a little golden ray of sunshine 24/7. Like any other 3 year old, Jake wants what Jake wants. And he will find a way to tell you what he wants...& get it. Thankfully, Jake is a pretty happy go lucky kid. I got lucky there. <br /><br />There is my rant...peace!Our life...special with needs!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10772357181970139641noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5069534571237071580.post-67884589474898784702011-09-21T15:16:00.000-07:002011-09-21T16:24:37.597-07:0010.2 seconds<div align="left">That's how much time I have to post today. Ok, not really, but that's what it feels like! That's how everyday feels. Odd that I feel more rushed now that BOTH KIDS ARE IN SCHOOL...at the EXACT same time!! I have 2.5 hours everyday with no kids...to do whatever I want! So far, I have spent a lot of time at Starbucks! What can I say, I like coffee & love to people watch! Here are a few pics of Jake's first day of preschool! </div><br /><br /><p align="left"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 236px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654949169063366210" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b7LRbFDt_fw/TnpqTtzpjkI/AAAAAAAABQQ/smT7HmuCCpo/s320/P1000484.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654949176294016498" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I8Y3o3ryHrI/TnpqUIvkhfI/AAAAAAAABQY/TJasjHIXoUE/s320/P1000491.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 280px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654949180153022194" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RjUdKbzDT_w/TnpqUXHoRvI/AAAAAAAABQg/okfHMgprE3E/s320/P1000493.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 282px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654949184542882258" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bFC1_6aZBpo/TnpqUneQOdI/AAAAAAAABQo/BN9WnVMcFsQ/s320/P1000497.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654949190141124898" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S-ruu2F4FJk/TnpqU8U-oSI/AAAAAAAABQw/f7sbA6GjRbs/s320/P1000499.JPG" /></p><br /><br /><div align="left">He loves it! It's such a wonderful feeling to be able to walk him up to his little classroom blow kisses & <del>RUN AS FAST AS I CAN</del> calmly walk away while brushing away a little tear. Ok, who am I kidding, we all know there is a little pep in my step after I drop Jake off knowing I have a little me time.<br /><br />On another note, since I have started this blog I have made a great new friend Jennifer. Jen is also a stay at home mom to 3 sweet little girls & a extra chromosome rocking little boy Tyson. Jake & Tyson are only a few weeks apart in age, so we are going thru all of the "fun" of having little boys together! Again, I'm not gonna lie...they are naughty! We are pretty sure that the extra chromosome they have gives them some kind of cosmic connection that tells each other when to do naughty things at the exact same time, so that we are both about to pull our hair out...at the exact same time! Oh...gotta love them. It is our plan to someday meet (we are in Wa., they are in Pa.), but until that day comes we are having fun getting to know each other thru blogging, Facebook, & presents. Yep, presents. We have been sending presents back & forth with little gifts for each other (because we rock as moms & we deserve gifts), & for each of the kids. Who doesn't love to a box in the mail? Anyway, here are the gifts we just got from our friends in Pa. Thanks guys...YOU ROCK!<br />Julie, Gracie, & Jake </div><br /><br /><p align="left"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654953037520557234" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gXKy0IoqMK0/Tnpt047t1LI/AAAAAAAABQ4/O4L3i02IKq0/s320/P1000504.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 297px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654953042183771938" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PPGiyWVpBNg/Tnpt1KTg1yI/AAAAAAAABRA/QHVw0_L3hAI/s320/P1000505.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654953057080609538" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DKvxGnEKcMw/Tnpt2BzMiwI/AAAAAAAABRY/yuMNHX2rVZY/s320/P1000514.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654953046426690658" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M92OBp-aCgY/Tnpt1aHGpGI/AAAAAAAABRI/m3wb7lCRZdI/s320/P1000506.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654953438767289986" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xJu4QGwpazk/TnpuMPsZFoI/AAAAAAAABRg/uh7XtOjrs0o/s320/P1000517.JPG" /></p><br /><p align="center">This is our friend Tyson! Jenn got Jake & Tyson matching t shirts! LOVE it!</p><br /><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 262px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654953444815425506" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_yunMdC3EHM/TnpuMmOYT-I/AAAAAAAABRo/asnklv9fUm4/s320/P1000520.JPG" />Chocolate fixes everything...right? Can't wait to make my own bars!</p><br /><p align="center">Thanks Jen!<br /></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654953048787638690" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1imvS3Kwm58/Tnpt1i5_2aI/AAAAAAAABRQ/rSR1kkWo2rE/s320/P1000513.JPG" /><br />Up next...Jake's 3rd birthday on Sunday! Yahh!!Our life...special with needs!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10772357181970139641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5069534571237071580.post-814489451904072252011-07-18T09:35:00.000-07:002011-07-19T06:47:03.123-07:00I missed themLast weekend I took a little "mommy time out" and went out of town to hang out with girlfriends. It was much needed & so much fun...but I missed my favorite big person & my two little people. After catching up on hugs & kisses I took the kids to the most amazing summer time water park ever... the back yard! A water slide, pool big enough for 1 huge beach ball, 2 kids, and a duck (but only 1 at a time), and a "waterfall"! Enjoy!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lJo-WrL9izo/TiSH975Wo1I/AAAAAAAABQA/4ZCbicywr4s/s1600/P1000376.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630774932239983442" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lJo-WrL9izo/TiSH975Wo1I/AAAAAAAABQA/4ZCbicywr4s/s320/P1000376.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"></a>What?</p><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--HYJmrdJQpQ/TiRoJ3JrIoI/AAAAAAAABP4/LxLdqKiTAc4/s1600/P1000340.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630739952752599682" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--HYJmrdJQpQ/TiRoJ3JrIoI/AAAAAAAABP4/LxLdqKiTAc4/s320/P1000340.JPG" /></a> It's like...magic!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mXEteJvjKuA/TiRoJqvC_7I/AAAAAAAABPw/OcDOdwSFuEI/s1600/P1000337.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630739949419691954" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mXEteJvjKuA/TiRoJqvC_7I/AAAAAAAABPw/OcDOdwSFuEI/s320/P1000337.JPG" /></a> There is a DUCK in our pool!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cVcGx-9-vTA/TiRoJWr9PVI/AAAAAAAABPo/16dHxDgscbU/s1600/P1000332.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 259px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630739944038022482" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cVcGx-9-vTA/TiRoJWr9PVI/AAAAAAAABPo/16dHxDgscbU/s320/P1000332.JPG" /></a> SO excited to watch Gracie run and jump in the pool!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MdEwu8p4i90/TiRoI_MT82I/AAAAAAAABPg/a4HhEbpBn1I/s1600/P1000322.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630739937731277666" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MdEwu8p4i90/TiRoI_MT82I/AAAAAAAABPg/a4HhEbpBn1I/s320/P1000322.JPG" /></a>And she does it with style!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T9ZU_Tiluts/TiRoIqqP1oI/AAAAAAAABPY/FBbrLXec4Tw/s1600/P1000321.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630739932219692674" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T9ZU_Tiluts/TiRoIqqP1oI/AAAAAAAABPY/FBbrLXec4Tw/s320/P1000321.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vEF0L0XbvnQ/TiRkR4xS6lI/AAAAAAAABPQ/NbCTDeI_LBs/s1600/P1000320.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630735692579662418" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vEF0L0XbvnQ/TiRkR4xS6lI/AAAAAAAABPQ/NbCTDeI_LBs/s320/P1000320.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TS4MI8qLcNY/TiRkReMaeSI/AAAAAAAABPA/WqK566FJmK4/s1600/P1000315.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630735685445646626" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TS4MI8qLcNY/TiRkReMaeSI/AAAAAAAABPA/WqK566FJmK4/s320/P1000315.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uUIvLOMwYZk/TiRkRKb_TjI/AAAAAAAABO4/7-YaLs7GXCo/s1600/P1000314.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630735680142265906" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uUIvLOMwYZk/TiRkRKb_TjI/AAAAAAAABO4/7-YaLs7GXCo/s320/P1000314.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vev2TzZf0_M/TiRkQy7tg_I/AAAAAAAABOw/eA7xuDhzAVc/s1600/P1000310.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630735673832866802" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vev2TzZf0_M/TiRkQy7tg_I/AAAAAAAABOw/eA7xuDhzAVc/s320/P1000310.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>It was a good day!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Our life...special with needs!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10772357181970139641noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5069534571237071580.post-9659433786353675782011-07-04T14:02:00.000-07:002011-07-05T09:16:38.733-07:00Too good for words<div align="center">S'mores cookies</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">The batter</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GjRGYoaCR6M/ThI7BDGsSDI/AAAAAAAABOo/2UQIgE46Vi0/s1600/IMG_1827.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625623773738453042" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GjRGYoaCR6M/ThI7BDGsSDI/AAAAAAAABOo/2UQIgE46Vi0/s320/IMG_1827.JPG" /></a><br />Graham cracker base<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Dk__45flc0/ThI6z6sldHI/AAAAAAAABOg/s08KG9Igyro/s1600/IMG_1828.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625623548143170674" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Dk__45flc0/ThI6z6sldHI/AAAAAAAABOg/s08KG9Igyro/s320/IMG_1828.JPG" /></a><br />Add a little cookie batter on...<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fLz0Hk8UUmM/ThI6zfmnPvI/AAAAAAAABOY/Q-qwOHdELbk/s1600/IMG_1829.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625623540870364914" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fLz0Hk8UUmM/ThI6zfmnPvI/AAAAAAAABOY/Q-qwOHdELbk/s320/IMG_1829.JPG" /></a><br />Bake for 5 minutes </div><br /><div>Then add little chunks of a Hershey bar!</div><br /><div>Bake for another 5 minutes...<br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U3WRKOU6rv8/ThI6ynyET6I/AAAAAAAABOQ/7vOOiilo0Y4/s1600/IMG_1830.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625623525886021538" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U3WRKOU6rv8/ThI6ynyET6I/AAAAAAAABOQ/7vOOiilo0Y4/s320/IMG_1830.JPG" /></a><br />It's tempting to jump right in...but don't</div><br /><div>Let them cool all the way!<br /><br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0JLW8WZNpuE/ThI6yQNCI3I/AAAAAAAABOI/3CeulVTVeec/s1600/IMG_1831.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625623519556674418" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0JLW8WZNpuE/ThI6yQNCI3I/AAAAAAAABOI/3CeulVTVeec/s320/IMG_1831.JPG" /></a><br />So good!!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DJElxOyJv6E/ThI6xgXlD2I/AAAAAAAABOA/1rMsqqW7I-4/s1600/IMG_1832.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625623506716004194" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DJElxOyJv6E/ThI6xgXlD2I/AAAAAAAABOA/1rMsqqW7I-4/s320/IMG_1832.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div align="left">Want to try it...jump over to this site!!</div><br /><div align="left">www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com</div><br /><div align="left"></div></div></div><br /></div>Our life...special with needs!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10772357181970139641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5069534571237071580.post-4378953659056741862011-06-13T22:52:00.000-07:002011-06-13T23:05:09.411-07:00KissesI have this new fascination...with kisses. Hershey Kisses that is! I ran across the idea blog hopping one day a few months ago, & I can't get enough. They are so easy (if you have a Cricut), and such a easy decoration...for everything! I have made them for parties, weddings, hostess gifts, even Glitz & Glam! So I decided that since I'm making them for everyone & everything, I'm going to try and make a few bucks doing it! I got my first order with in a hour of posting that I am selling them on Face Book! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617951828603487010" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ijs6jPp5xig/Tfb5bEUqwyI/AAAAAAAABM4/BSAsAqK-dks/s320/kisses2.jpg" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617951819681892082" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zpUGm_ZSHKs/Tfb5ajFmBvI/AAAAAAAABMw/xmjVkzcSIEU/s320/kisses1.jpg" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617951810603392722" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1DkTGLnMx08/Tfb5aBRHHtI/AAAAAAAABMo/YsE5HZ7khi0/s320/kisses3.jpg" />Kisses!Our life...special with needs!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10772357181970139641noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5069534571237071580.post-42507936890865409582011-06-10T20:01:00.001-07:002011-06-10T20:04:46.181-07:00Bracelet updateIT WORKS!! He CAN'T get it off...and he quit fussing with it after about a half hour!! I recommend these for anyone with a little one...special needs or typical!<br /><br /><div>See...still on!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616792416836948098" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IaJaTqM6OIA/TfLa8a6skII/AAAAAAAABMg/BiLw9qE0iZY/s320/Jake%2Bbracelet.jpg" /></div><br />We love it so much we ordered a second one for our little friend Tyson to rock!!Our life...special with needs!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10772357181970139641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5069534571237071580.post-12909424251618734642011-06-08T22:25:00.000-07:002011-06-08T22:41:01.538-07:00ID BraceletSo excited to get this in the mail today! It's Jake's ID bracelet (cool boy style)! I'm loving it! It has a little water proof tab that slips right under the Velcro in a little pocket that I put his name, birthday, my name & phone number and Zach's name & phone number. And on the back I can list allergies, medications and other info! LOVE IT!! Now to get him to wear it! If you have a little escapee (Jennifer), ya might want to look into these!! Could be well worth the $15!! <br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616088319375558594" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pLFRLLl03MU/TfBakjeZx8I/AAAAAAAABMY/kUh3lA0Y3Xw/s320/IMG_1665.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616088312892638226" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sopu1fveVZE/TfBakLUwRBI/AAAAAAAABMQ/rPR4h0Blmp8/s320/IMG_1666.JPG" /></div>Our life...special with needs!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10772357181970139641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5069534571237071580.post-73115863849879609622011-06-05T20:33:00.000-07:002011-06-06T05:55:02.925-07:00The great escapeeIn the past few months Jake has had a few good jumps in growth. He's still a itsy bitsy little guy (wearing 18-24 month cloths at 2 1/2 years old), but he's getting taller & taller. He's a smart little booger too. He has figured out that if he wants to get things off the kitchen counters...empty a drawer, climb in it and WHA LA...everything is at his reach! He has also (somehow) figured out how to get out the front screen door! Twice in the last week I have turned my back (how dare I...I know), and there he is...half way down the drive way making a run for the open road! And there is another gray hair. So...new safety locks go on the upper drawers, and the front screen door will be locked at all times! And to up the ante a little...we got him a sweet little Velcro ID bracelet from Vital Id! Only $15 after shipping...totally worth the piece of mind. Now to see if I can get him to wear it! Wish us luck!!<br /><a href="http://www.vitalid.ca/store/scripts/default.asp"></a>Our life...special with needs!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10772357181970139641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5069534571237071580.post-23972663021156377322011-05-25T12:45:00.000-07:002011-05-25T14:57:51.358-07:00Me & my boy...Here are a few more pics...just for fun!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610743567933315570" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I1axzhJpVBo/Td1djEx5GfI/AAAAAAAABME/YANqwyCK3C8/s320/jake9.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610743565447465842" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Llaj0wGkjFQ/Td1di7hOC3I/AAAAAAAABL8/756AhHp74Rg/s320/jake13.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610743561638576482" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SXfP2stWGB8/Td1ditVHAWI/AAAAAAAABL0/o3C0SsiKOOI/s320/Jake2.jpg" />Our life...special with needs!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10772357181970139641noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5069534571237071580.post-14470574933555647442011-05-23T16:14:00.000-07:002011-05-23T16:46:25.564-07:00The guilt of a parentYou win dad...I'll start blogging again! Not that I don't love it...I just don't have as much time & subject to talk about. But because you "can't check Face Book or e mail at work...but can check Blog spot..." I'll try and get on it!! ;)<br /><br />So what has happened since my last post in late MARCH? <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hmm</span>, well... a lot! So here is the quick & dirty & I'll fill in the blanks in the next few days!<br /><br />Our niece <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Delana</span> came back to spend some more time with us right before we left on vacation. We love all the "sisterly" time we get to have with her, but it's now time for her to start her new life with her dad & "fake mom" (that is a term she lovingly came up with for her new step mom...we all like it...even Fake mom). She is a sweet little girl with lots of love & energy to share, but emotionally needs to be in one place that she can call home & feel secure. So she, daddy, & fake mom get to start a whole new life together next week! I am so excited for all of them...what an experience it will be!<br /><br />Moving on...<br /><br />For the past 13 months I have been working with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">DSAMC</span> (Down Syndrome Association of the Mid Columbia) on our 1st annual benefit called Glitz & Glam. I'm sure you have read about it, once or twice. Well, I am pleased to announce that it was a HUGE success! I will know the exact numbers in a few days (holes that I will fill in, in future posts), but the preliminary numbers are that we had less than 10 NOT show up out of 128! So how much did we raise...this number is rough, but around $15,000.00!! That's right friends...$15,000! I just wanted to break even so I didn't cost the group any money! I never in a million years thought we would double what we spent!! And the ladies LOVED it! Do I have pictures? No, not yet, but I will...and I'll post more about that later too! But here is one picture I DO have!!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610058631851577906" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dg0xugMC-0g/TdrumjCgkjI/AAAAAAAABLs/kZ9s9vw7xzk/s320/jake1.jpg" /> Thank you Mrs. Krista <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Schei</span> for this beautiful picture! Krista & I are childhood friends...I love her like a sister! You take beautiful pictures!<br /><br /><p>That's all I have for now. I'm off to work on Gracie's 6<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> birthday party...Rock Star Pirate Princess. Ya, this should be interesting! They don't make a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Cricut</span> cartridge for that!! Momma is gonna have to put on her thinking cap for this one! But what my girl wants...my girl gets!</p><br /><p>Keep checking...I'll "fill in the holes" a little more often!!</p>Our life...special with needs!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10772357181970139641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5069534571237071580.post-92125343127724305572011-03-22T19:20:00.000-07:002011-03-23T05:36:45.849-07:00Life is good...<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587252141218234466" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VxevoZXxqJk/TYnoOEvagGI/AAAAAAAABLM/wdi1H3pjO40/s320/183.JPG" /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WwSQ4832Has/TYnpLpfNNqI/AAAAAAAABLk/mqCMmjaZmTk/s1600/184.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587253199054386850" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WwSQ4832Has/TYnpLpfNNqI/AAAAAAAABLk/mqCMmjaZmTk/s320/184.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587252150322783874" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0HxgFVus36A/TYnoOmqG5oI/AAAAAAAABLc/ySFNNZS5NUU/s320/328.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XjiAWb3ovy0/TYnoOKgr4mI/AAAAAAAABLE/wx22YoaYup8/s1600/179.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587252142767071842" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XjiAWb3ovy0/TYnoOKgr4mI/AAAAAAAABLE/wx22YoaYup8/s320/179.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I just sat down to take a few minutes to look at the pictures on my phone & my camera & I couldn't help but notice how great our life is. How special it is. And how much our wants now out weigh our needs. That is a good feeling. This morning I had mixed feelings about "Down syndrome day". Today is World Down syndrome day. A day to recognize Down syndrome. It's today because of the date 3-21 (people with Down syndrome have a 3rd chromosome on the 21st set of chromosomes). Get it...3-21! Anyway, back to my mixed feelings about today. See, we (for the most part) celebrate Down syndrome (besides on a daily basis) with our family and friends at the Buddy Walk. I think it's fun to connect the dots between today's date & Down syndrome, but to what extent. I still struggle with making sure out life isn't consumed with Down syndrome. I still struggle in making sure our life stays as "normal" as possible. Down syndrome is part of our life, not our whole life. But sometimes it feels like it out weighs the normal parts. I can't ignore it and pretend it doesn't exists...nor would I ever want to. But it can't take over. So on days like today, I struggle on how much attention to give it. At one point in my head, I had a big family picnic on the beach planned, with a big family photo, & a lots of talk of Down syndrome & all the joy it has brought to us. How it ended up...we walked to the beach, balloons clipped to the wagon, got to the beach, the girls ran off one way, Jake ran off the other way...the balloons...one swift breeze took them up, up & away. Zach & I gazed in amazement of how high up and far they went, gave each other a smile and that was it! That was as much acknowledgement that Down syndrome got today! As far as I'm concerned, it was the perfect amount. Zach & I stopped for 10 seconds to watch those balloons go...and on with our day we went! It made me realize that Down syndrome can only take over our lives as much as we let it. We've got this! And it feels good!</div></div></div></div></div>Our life...special with needs!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10772357181970139641noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5069534571237071580.post-88091258195560298002011-02-09T19:50:00.001-08:002011-02-09T20:34:18.340-08:00Glitz & GlamI am in full swing DSAMC (Down Syndrome Association of the Mid-Columbia) benefit mode right now. I'm living it, well...in between play dates, pre school, therapy, work, doctors appointments, and daily life! But all those little blank spots in the day...THOSE are filled with benefit planning! And I'm loving every second of it. So, now that a majority of the planning is done & we are now in the "execution" phase of the benefit...I thought I would share with you exactly what it is I have been working on! Here it is...<br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Glitz & Glam...Stepping Up for Down Syndrome!</span></strong></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">Glitz & Glam (or G&G) is going to be a fabulous "ladies night out" type of event! It will be on May 14th, 2011 at the Anthony's event center at 6:00 pm. We will start off with hors d'oeuvers & cocktails, silent auction, & fun with girlfriends in a photo booth! We will then move into the main dining room for a delicious dinner & 3 amazing guest speakers. Our first guest speaker will be one of the members of the DSAMC board. She will talk about how & why DSAMC was started & where DSAMC is headed. Our second guest speaker is a member of DSAMC. She will be sharing with us a little bit about her families life since being given an amazing little angel of a little boy with Down syndrome. And our third guest speaker is a mother of a 51 year old son with Down Syndrome. She is going to share with us how she & her son started their own business & his success in business! I am so excited to have these three fabulous women playing such a huge role in our benefit & sharing their stories with the rest of us! We wanted to do something special for our 2nd guest speaker (the mother of the little boy), so we are treating her to a mini make over the day of the event, and we have a few other special gifts for her as well...just in case she's a reader...I don't want to spoil the surprise! In between the guest speakers we will have a few door prizes & a dessert auction! And at the end...one lucky lady will drawn at random to win a very special prize!! And to end the evening...more cocktails & dancing with our wonderful girlfriends! </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">So now that you know what the event is about...let me tell you who we are and why we are doing the event! This is coming right from our sponsorship form....</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">The Glitz & Glam benefit is organized by a group of fabulous women who care to promote awareness and inclusion for people with Down syndrome and raise money for a Resource Center. The Resource Center will provide education to families, people touched by Down syndrome, and community members.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I am once again truly amazed by the generosity of local business owners & individuals donating to this fabulous event! If this even sounds like something that you feel you would like to be part of...here are a few ways!</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">1. Provide monetary donation to fund the Resource Center</div><div align="left">2. Offer an in-kind donation of your products or services for the Benefit</div><div align="left">3. Contact me about sponsoring a table of yourself and 9 of your girlfriends! (Tables are moving quickly, so if it's something you are interested in...get in touch with me soon)</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">If you have any questions about the event or ideas to make this event even more fabulous, you can contact me by leaving a comment on my blog, or e mail at <a href="mailto:juliekgould@msn.com">juliekgould@msn.com</a> or on Face Book (Julie Moyer Gould)!</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">If you are new to my blog & would like to learn more about our life with Down Syndrome, feel free to check out our pages on the right hand side under the Down syndrome awareness ribbon!</div>Our life...special with needs!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10772357181970139641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5069534571237071580.post-86932727134448617692011-02-02T20:50:00.000-08:002011-02-02T20:51:55.741-08:00A must watch...<iframe height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ObkxEXKoklI?fs=1" frameborder="0" width="425" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>This was too good to not repost...Thanks Jen!Our life...special with needs!http://www.blogger.com/profile/10772357181970139641noreply@blogger.com2