I saw this story a few weeks ago that just encouraged me. Have a look....
I just love that the kids at her school treat her with respect and treat her the same as they do other students. It's so amazing that the other girls who were nominated for homecoming queen told everyone to vote for her. Most high school girls are not that selfless. My friend that I just met here that has a girl with DS, said she feels like our community is like this. They are supportive and understanding. My greatest fear for Emma is the way other people treat her. I want to protect her and make sure that no one hurts her. I pray that she will be loved and accepted, that people will look past her label of Down Syndrome and see her for the person she is on the inside.
I love this little girl. I can't give those cute smooth checks enough kisses. She is so beautiful.
Today I am tired! Life has not slowed down since the middle of July. We've packed up a house, moved, unpacked, worked on the new house inside and outside, painted the living room, hallway, dining room, and kitchen, driven back and forth to Vegas a gizillion times for therapy and doctors appointments, grocery shopping. I am ready for life to slow down a bit. Dave has been working 8am-11pm for the past month in Vegas so we haven't seen him much. Today was his last day on this job!! I feel like a single mom and it's no fun. I am looking forward to spending time together as family. I am so thankful that he's had this job, but I am glad it's done. So, because of my crazy life I really have nothing exciting to blog about nor do I have pictures to post! Sorry! I need to bust out the camera this weekend.
The theme of the calendar was 'Reach for the Stars'. We were to pick something we wanted to her to become when she's older and dress her like that. We chose for her to be a nurse or caretaker because she loves to take care of everyone.
I scanned Emma's biography that's in the calendar. If you click on it it will be big enough to read.
Today I'm just having a hard time focusing on blogging about DS. I have a heavy heart for a few different people I know that are going through some tough times. There is so much that I don't understand about this life. I don't understand the pain and suffering that so many people go through, people who love God and serve Him. I know God can use anything that we go through and in the end we look back and can see Him every step of the way, but today my heart hurts for some friends.
One thing don't understand is cancer. I just don't know how to get my brain around it. My heart is heavy for some friends who are going through this journey with their 2 year old daughter. This family has been through this journey before 10 years ago with their oldest daughter. She wasn't expected to beat the cancer, but she has been cancer free for 9 years. It's a miracle that she's here still. My heart aches so much for them, knowing that they have to do this all over again. I wish I could do something for them.
My friend who has been married for forever and is a sweetheart who works hard at everything she does is facing divorce because her husband wants the single life. Really, how can you just walk away from your wife and kids? This is something that has always baffled me. How you can adore someone and promise to take care of them forever and then you just change your mind and pick a new life. The one thing I know and I do understand is that God is good, when life stinks, He is there, when we can't handle it, He is there. I really don't know how people can face life, especially these tough situations without Him. I just want everyone to know about the love and peace that only He can give. I wish I could give them a little glimpse into the life He wants to give them.
There is a song by Lincoln Brewster that I love, it's called 'The Power of Your Name'. It's a great song. I love it because it talks about some of the things in life that are hard and how that's not what God wants for us, but there's hope because God has a better place for us after this and we can make a difference to people that are hurting now. I thought I'd share it with you. I found a video someone made on YouTube. I hope you like it. Thanks for letting me vent today. If you could pray for my friends too I know they would appreciate it.
Today I am loving where God has lead us. I love our new small town. It is the cutest little town with the nicest people. Everyone has been so friendly and finding a babysitter has been super easy. Emma was sick the week before last and two neighbors called to volunteer to pick up Abby from the bus for me, I couldn't see that happening if we were still in Vegas. I have never lived in a small town like this so adjusting to planning ahead for shopping in Vegas is still kind of hard, but I think I'm getting the hang of it now.
A few weeks ago two ladies stopped by with cookies to introduce themselves. They both have daughters with Down Syndrome and wanted to meet Emma. One of the girls is 6 and the other is 2. They both live in the neighborhood right around the corner from us. What are the chances of that? I am so excited for Emma to have friends that are like her. Today we met at the park so the girls could play and we could have a chance to talk about our little angels. It's nice to have someone to talk to who has been in my shoes, and to be able to encourage someone with a girl younger than Emma. I love how God works! This was something that was important to me and God just placed these other 2 families right by us. Thanks, God!
Here are some random pictures because I just can't blog without pictures!
These kiddos can't get enough of playing in the water.
Emma enjoys following our new pup around and feeding her grass.
The girls got Josiah a bunch of toys and then put him on the futon to play. It was so sweet.
Dave bought the kids this water slide for their 'housewarming' gift. It was a big hit.
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month so I'm starting 31 days of blogging for Trisomy 21 (aka Down Syndrome). I am looking forward to this month and I think it's awesome that Emma's birthday is in October! The Buddy Walk was yesterday and it was the perfect start to the month. I loved seeing all those kiddos being loved and supported by their friends and family. I hope you enjoy following along this month.
Yay for another year of doing the Buddy Walk! This is our 4th year of doing it and we love it. It's always in the afternoon, during nap time, and HOT...but we still love it. Getting pictures is difficult so we changed it up this year and just did one group photo. (Deb was there too, but she was kind enough to take the picture.)
Here's our little star!
We got our calendars today. Emma looks so cute in the pictures. I will scan it and post about it soon!
