31 for 21: Halloween

Sorry about posting this so late.  I fell asleep last night while writing!

We went to a Harvest Festival at a church close to our house. 

 Dave dressed up with the kiddos.

 My little guy looked so cute in his Tigger outfit.

 They had a little ferris wheel.

 Both girls really enjoyed it.

31 for 21: Emma's Birthday Party

 Emma LOVES the VeggieTales movie Sweetpea Beauty.  So, we had a Sweetpea birthday party for her.  We got her and Abby Sweetpea t-shirts.

 She got a Sweetpea doll.

 After the kids open a present they have to go tell the person thank you and give them a hug before they can open the next gift.  She gave her little friend Bruin a hug after she opened her gift from him. I think this picture is so cute.

I made gluten-free cupcakes for everyone.  Her party was completely gluten-free, which is so nice to not have to worry about her getting sick.  At most birthday parties I spend my time watching her and making sure there is no food lying around that she can pick up and eat.  It's not very relaxing, but this time it was.

 She thought they were yummy.

 My uncle made this picnic table for his grandkids and once they out grew it he gave it go my parents.  They brought it up for the kids since they don't get to use it very often at their house.  It came in handy today!

It was a good day.  I think Emma had a great time.  She got spoiled by family and friends.  Thanks everyone for lovin' on my girl!

31 for 21: Please Forgive Me

Today we went to Pump it Up with some friends.  I took some pictures, but I am too tired to transfer them to my computer.  Tomorrow is Emma's party so I've been doing last minute stuff....So, please forgive me for not blogging today. 

31 for 21: God Doesn't Make Mistakes

Today was a busy day.  We slept in, a great start to the day.  Dropped the kiddos off with Grandma.  Went to lunch with the hubby at a pita place I've been wanting to try.  Dave went to work early because they had a rehearsal.  I did some deep cleaning around the house.  (When Dave got home from work he said the kitchen was 'sparkling'.  The best compliment ever!)  Went to pick up the kiddos.  Ate dinner with the in-laws.  Came home.  Put the kids to bed.  Hanging out with the hubby.  Watching 'Psych' and trying to blog, but to no avail.  I found this video on YouTube.  I loved the title of this video.

31 for 21: Tuesday

I love Tuesdays.  First, Bible study.  Next, met Dave and the kids for lunch at Raising Canes.  They have some yummy chicken fingers.  Then we went to the park.  Today little Josiah turned 6 months. 

31 for 21: Crazy month

This month has just been so crazy.  Dave usually works evenings, but for the past month or so he's been working days also.  It started out as 2 days a week, but life happens and he ended up working a little more than that.  He's been busy working on Episode 2 of 'The God Effect'.  Have you watched it yet?  You should.  The kids keep me busy cleaning up, feeding them, going to play with friends, grocery shopping...(you get the picture)! 

I've been taking an online photography class for the past 6 weeks to learn how to use my camera.  There are so many buttons and numbers, that I just couldn't figure it out on my own.  The class was amazing.  I can now use my camera in manual mode and the pictures aren't blurry!  Thank you, Candice Stringham.  (She's my teacher.)

I've been trying to keep up with this blog and I've been researching all kinds of things about Down Syndrome and nutrition.  It's a tab bit over whelming.  Right now my brain is on overload with everything.  I'll give you the scoop on the nurtitution stuff, but it's a lot so I'll need to figure out how to condense it down and do it when I'm not so tired.

My brain is also preoccupied with Emma going to school.  I can't believe she's only 3 and going to school!  I keep thinking about what she'll learn, what her teacher will be like, if she'll like riding the bus, my brain just won't stop.  I'm also so overwhelmed by God's goodness and His grace.  Emma has been doing so well, compared to 'typical' kids she's way behind, but I think she is doing amazing.  During her IEP meeting they have to determine if she's eligible for special education.  They make that judgement by seeing if she qualifies because she has a development delay or if she has mental retardation (MR) (ah, that word I despise)  Anyway, she basically is delayed in all the areas they tested her in, but at this point she isn't eligible for other services through the state because she isn't considered MR.  I have to be honest, I was surprised because I expected her to be MR because it's pretty typical in the DS population.  This could change over time.  (I'll explain this a little more when I post about nutrition.) 

I'm so overwhelmed with joy right now and pretty much speechless before the Lord.  So many continue to pray for her and her development, so if you are one of those prayer warriors, thank you for your faithfulness.  This month has been a lot about rejoicing in the things I'm seeing all around about DS:  like other people who adopt several children through Reece's Rainbow, people who devote their lives to providing therapy and teaching kids with DS.  I really had no idea how much doing the '31 for 21 Challenge' would affect me.  I was trying to show other people how our life with DS is, but God ended up blessing me through it.  Who knew?  Well, I guess He did!!!

31 for 21: Outta Ideas!

Blogging everyday is quite a stretch for me.  Today I'm tired and can't think of anything to blog about.  I haven't taken any pictures for 2 days, so I got nothin'! 

Here are a few misc. things going on:  Dave is just finishing up Episode 2 for his web tv series.  It should be up on the website tomorrow or the next day.  I let you know when it goes up.  You can click here if you haven't seen the first one yet.  Dave has put a website together to sell t-shirts for Down Syndrome.  If you're interested in one you can click here to buy one.  He can customize the shirts so if you see one you like, but you want to change it a little he can do that.  He also created a facebook profile for it and has 'met' lots of people through it. 

OK, well that's all I have for right now!  I'll try to be a little more exciting tomorrow.  I'm planning on playing with my new camera lens tomorrow so I should have some new pictures.

31 for 21: She's Going to School!

Today was our meeting with the school district.  I've been in these meetings before to make a child's IEP (Individualized Education Program), but only as a teacher, now it's my turn to switch roles and be the parent...very different!  They start off by giving you all the results from the testing.  She was tested by the psychologist, speech therapist, and the nurse.  They all gave their run down, which was so much info.  Most of it I already know because she's my baby and I'm around her all the time, but trying to keep up with all the technical jargon is tough, especially when they are explaining the test scores.  If they would make all tests worth 100 then it would be very easy to understand the results.  What can I say I like things simple. 

Anyway, Emma qualifies for pre-k and will be attending Mon-Thurs, for 2.5 hours a day.  There is not an opening at the school that she's zoned for so they had to find one with an opening, which wasn't easy.  They finally found one about 15 minutes away, but their only opening is for the afternoon class.  I was upset at first, because Emma focuses and does better in the mornings.  Afterwards, I had to do a little time praying about it and trying to gain perspective.  So, here are my thoughts after praying about it:  maybe this teacher will be the best for her where she is at right now, maybe this school has more to offer her right now than her home school does, maybe she will do great in the afternoon--she recently stopped napping and so maybe it won't bother her going later.  Or maybe, she won't do well and we will have to re-evaluate things and the school district will have to figure out a way to get her into a morning class....time will tell. 

I don't have the answers, but I trust that God has the 'Big Picture' under control.  That gives me peace.  He has always protected her, so why should this time be any different?  It isn't .  I know He will give Dave and I wisdom to know what is the best thing for her.  I went on the school's website to find out exactly where it was and to see if I could find something out about her teacher.  I found out that I know the principal.  She used to be a teacher at the school I worked at...small world.  That eased my fears a little too.  Next week we will be going to register her for school and meet the teacher.....craziness!  I can't believe I'm registering one of my kids for school.  I know she's going to grow and have fun.  I am so grateful for the programs they have in place for Emma.  I know her teachers are going to help her so much and I can't wait to see what the future holds for Miss Emma Joy! 

31 for 21: Music To My Ears

The girls both said 'Dada' first, that's no surprise because most kids say Daddy first.  I knew that language would be one of Emma's biggest obstacles so I knew I had to be patient for her to say 'Mama'.  She would say the 'm' sound so I would always say 'Mama' to her ALL the time.  I think I just kept doing it without realizing I was saying it.  No matter how much I said to to her she wouldn't say Mama.  Awhile back she finally said Mama, but then wouldn't say it again, much like her big sister did.  I don't know maybe Abigail had a chat with her and told her not to say it either :)  Anyway, she would say it every once in awhile, but it was rare.  Well, for the last 2 months or so she says it all the time.  I love it!  She'll call me from her room, 'Mama, Mama'.  She usually says it twice which is extra cute.

Emma used to do this really cute thing when she got out of the tub and I would put the towel around her she would always say 'Daddy' but she would drag it out and say 'Daddeeeeee'.  It was probably the cutest thing she has ever done.  Well, this past week she started saying 'Mommy' and it is music to my ears.  I love hearing her say it.  Lately, she's been doing better with repeating words.  Whenever she wants something she always 'Me'.  Then I was changing her diaper and she kept saying 'poops'.  She has started saying 'Allie' and 'Pooh Bear'.  Her favorite word is 'SweetPea'.  She loves SweetPea Beauty, one of the new VeggieTales movies, so she always asks to watch it.  I know her speech will take awhile, but I am enjoying hearing Mommy for now.

Here are some pictures from the other day.  It was pouring down rain and the wash next to our house looked like a river.

31 for 21: I Have a Confession

I have a confession to make....I am obsessed with a new website and blog that I have come across in the last month.  It is an International Down Syndrome Orphan Ministry, called Reece's Rainbow.  It is an amazing story of a mom with a little guy with DS and her heart to see other kiddos with DS find their 'forever families'.  The website is both sad and encouraging at the same time.  They have over 200 kids on their website that need a family.  They know that not everyone can adopt a child, so they have created a sponsorship program so you can donate to help families raise the funds to bring one of the little cuties home.  It breaks my heart to see so many children that need a family, but it's encouraging to know that their are families out their they want to bring home a child with DS, or another disabiltiy home.  It seems like every blog I read has a Reece's Rainbow story.  This is the part I'm obsessed with.  I love the stories and homecoming pictures.  I've already picked out a ton of kids I'd like to bring home too!  If only I had a big old ranch and a ton of money to go with it.  Anyway, I thought I'd share with you about their website in case you, or someone you know, may want to adopt, or if you feel led to donate to help one of the kids find their 'forever family.'
Click here to go to their website or click here to go to their blog.

31 for 21: Such a Blessed Day

Today was a good day.  First, Abigail and I headed to church for Bible Study.  It was great, as usual.  It's so funny how God uses our 'uncomfortable' moments to do great things.  I did not want to lead this bible study.  I'm just more comfortable being on the sidelines, but I did it and now I am so glad.  I really love the ladies in my group.  They have all been so open and encouraging and we have had some great discussions.  I feel so blessed to have them in my life right now. 

Next, we headed out to Dave's parents because Dave was out there with Emma and Josiah.  Abby really wanted to play at the McDonald's play structure by their house so we went there for awhile.  As they were playing, I was thinking back to this time last year when Emma was so sick because we didn't know that she had Celiac disease and how she wasn't even walking yet.  Now she's feeling great and is everywhere on the play structure.  Then Dave's mom sent us home with dinner, have I mentioned before how wonderful my mom-in-law is?  She's always doing sweet things like that.

Then we came home and we hung out and played.  I checked the mail and my new lens for my camera came!  I got enough money for my birthday to by it and I am so excited to have it now.  It's a great lens and I should be able to get some cool shots.

Then I let the little angels stay up late and just as we were getting ready for bed a thunderstorm started.  We turned out the lights and watched the lightening.  Then Dave got home from work so we all sat outside and enjoyed the storm.  Ah, what a perfectly blessed day!

31 for 21: Times Are Changing, Part 2

Today was Emma's last day with her Physical Therapist.  The last few days I've been getting a little teary when I think of Emma going to school in two weeks.  I'm scared to let my baby go.  I know it will be good for her and I know she will love it. 

All of her therapies have been in our house and I've been there for most of them.  I always know what's going on and how they work with her.  Once they turn three they transition from the Early Intervention Program to the school district's Early Childhood Program.  This Friday is our meeting to discuss her test results, we will find out what school she will go to, what time, what days, etc.  I'm sure I'll feel much better once the meeting is over because I'll have the answers and then I can process for a week before she gets on the school bus!!  Can you believe that my 3 year old will be on a school bus?  Don't worry there will be a white mini-van following the bus to school with a teary mom, dad, and possibly a teary sister.  Pray for all of us and we embark on a new journey!

31 for 21: Lazy Sunday

Today was a nice relaxing day.  We had some thunderstorms and just hung around the house.  I'm still feeling lazy so I'll just post some pictures of my favorite people!

Guess who is back...Mr. Sunshine.  Here he is working on gettin' some teeth and smiling at his mama.

 Sunday is Dave's only night off so he got to read to the girls at bedtime.

Emma read a Pooh Bear book to Pooh.

Now I'm off to bed and my window is open and I'll be falling asleep to the sound of rain.  Thanks for the rain, God, and for making my favorite people in the world.

31 for 21: Randomness

So, I have some random things I want to blog about.....

Last night, I chased and killed the most ginormous centipede in the world, in my living room.  OK, so maybe I'm being a little dramatic, but he was pretty big.  Here's what happened.  I put the girls to bed and went downstairs to feed Josiah.  I turned on the light and walked to the couch when I sat down I saw Mr. Biggie creeping down the path I was just walking.  Bwahhh, yuck!  So, I put Josiah down and grabbed my shoe and tried to smoosh him, but he was reseilent and ran around the living room, but I finally got him.  I left him on the floor until Dave got home, a little welcome home gift!  I just couldn't bring myself to pick it up and I wanted Dave to see his monster size.  Dave took a picture of it with my phone, but I can't email so I can text it to you if you'd like to see it, but it's a camera phone so it's kinda blurry.

A few months ago I found an almost dead scorpion in the living room.  Yeah, I'm ready to leave the desert.  I was a little squeamish so I got a big jug and put it on top of him, with a shoe on top.  He was on his back and looked dead, but when Dave got home he was upright and trying to find a way out.  His way out was into the toilet!  Oh, I can't handle these critters.   

My friend just told me that aside from it being National Down Syndrome Awareness Month it is also Celiac Disease Awareness Month, and it's Emma's birthday month.  It's a big month for Emma!  Well, in case you don't know Emma has Celiac which means she can't eat wheat/gluten.  If she eats it or her food touches anything wheat she gets the nastiest diarrhea and will become lethargic and just lay around, poor thing.  Randomly she'll get 'contaminated' and get diarrhea a few times, but she seems ok otherwise.  Back around Easter she got super sick all over again and was sick for about 2 weeks.  This was right when I went on bed rest, crazy times, anywho...  The hard thing was that I had no idea what she ate that made her so sick. 

On Tuesday night, Emma got into my purse, found a mini granola bar (which contains wheat), opened the wrapper (I didn't know she could open them), and just started eating it.  I was feeding Josiah and she comes walking in my room eating it.  I wanted to cry.  Immediately Abby and I put our hands on her and started praying that she wouldn't get sick.  I was so sad because she doesn't understand that when she eats certain foods they make her sick.  I kept praying God would give her grace.  He is good! He has totally answered that prayer.  She hasn't had diarrhea once since then.  It's just amazing.  One of the reasons I was so sad was because I've seen her in so much pain and so much diarrhea because of her Celiac and how long it takes her to recover.  I was thinking she would probably still be sick on her birthday.  Praise the Lord for his mercy on us.  Emma is her spunky, silly, happy, singing, and dancing self!

31 for 21: Welcome to Holland

I just read this story a few weeks ago and I thought it was well written.  There really isn't any way to describe how it feels to have a child with DS, but this did a great job.

Welcome To Holland
by
Emily Perl Kingsley

©1987 by Emily Perl Kingsley. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission of the author.

I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a
disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique
experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like
this......

When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous
vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your
wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas
in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very
exciting.

After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack
your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The
stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."

"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for
Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going
to Italy."

But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in
Holland and there you must stay.

The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible,
disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's
just a different place.

So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole
new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would
never have met.

It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy
than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your
breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has
windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.

But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and
they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And
for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was
supposed to go. That's what I had planned."

And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because
the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.

But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to
Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely
things ... about Holland.

31 for 21: Cool Shoes

We went shopping the other day and Josiah fell asleep in his car seat in the stroller.  Emma was in the stroller behind Josiah's car seat.  She decided to share her shoes and put them on the little guy.  Not his color, but very funny.  I guess she thinks he is one of her baby dolls!

31 for 21: Emma and Grandpa Huwe

Grandpa Huwe always plays "This Little Piggy" with Emma.  It's so cute because she will sit down and stick out her foot and ask Grandpa to do it for her.  This is exactly what she did the other night when we went over there.  I had my camera so we got some pictures.  I love the smile on her face.

31 for 21: Dancing Queen

I was looking on my Flip today and I found this old clip of Emma dancing!  This is from back in March, just a month or so after she started walking.  She has come so far in the past few months.  I'm so proud of her.  I love to see her dancing so I thought I'd share it with you too!

31 for 21: Story Time

For the last few months, off and on, she'll ask you to make up a story to tell her.  I have to tell you that this is not my favorite game to play.  I don't feel very creative with my stories.  I feel like that's Dave's department.  He's the creative writer type, I'm the creative scrapbooker type.  Anywho, she kept asking me all day, and how can I say no to that cute curly hair girl.  I told her several stories today, and I guess they weren't that bad 'cause she kept asking for more.  Then at bedtime she didn't want me to read her a story she wanted me to tell her another story.  Only this time it was super cute, because when I finished my story she said she wanted to tell one.  Oh, it was so adorable!  She took parts of my story and switched them around to make it her own.  It was so much fun to hear her tell stories.  She made up 2 more after that.  It was the perfect end to the day.

31 for 21: Chaos!

Today we had a little playdate with the girls from my Bible study.  School was out today so we had all of our kiddos together to do some crafts and play.  Between the three of us we have 11 kids.  It was chaos, but a good chaos.