The Narretto Family

Team Work Tuesday

2012-02-01T18:35:00.005-06:00

Quick Explanation:
My computer is at it again, this virus is killin' me and the connections if quite iffy. I feel lead to participate in this effort to help some of the most precious children in the world who need all of our help. Once a week I am going to do my best and team up with Teamwork Tuesday. I am having uploading picts and so much more so for now I will be copying and pasting what I can for these lovies from over on Stephanie's Blog, Daily Smiles

From Steph's Blog....
Teamwork Tuesday: Meet Chandler and Wyatt
Well, this Dumpling is just about the cutest little bug I've ever seen. This is Chandler.

He's more delicious than a cupcake!! I hate to think how spoiled he'd be in my house! But boy would he deserve to be!Right now he is in an orphange in EE waiting.

Boy, born January 2010 Look at those big blue eyes!! Chandler has Down syndrome and a patent for a men ovale – which is a small hole between the chambers of the heart. This is common in childhood, and often closes without any medical intervention.
These children are blessed to be in an excellent orphanage, however this region typically requires 3 trips. This is a great orphanage and the children receive excellent care, and there is minimal travel in-country. This orphanage is close to the Capital city, so it's fantastic for sight-seeing.
We have had many successful adoptions from this orphanage, and families are willing to share their experiences.
$1208 .20 is available towards the cost of my adoption!
His birthday is in January, could be today, maybe it was last week, whenever it was, I'm sure it was not acknowledged.
Happy 2nd Birthday Chandler. Pray next year you are home with your family, celebrating BIG!! And Mr. Wyatt is back for his second appearance, on Teamwork Tuesday. Wyatt gets to double dip because he really to needs to get his little butt home!

Wyatt has some medical needs that need immediate attention.gpr3-26HABoy, born February 2009Eyes: GrayHair: blondNature: Quiet Update Sept 2011: Our little Wyatt is not doing well. He is described as a recumbent patient. Along with his Down syndrome, he has hydrocephalus and can hardly move his hands.

Update Jan 2012: Wyatt also has possible Cystic Fibrosis and is fed through a tube.

Please share this anywhere you can no amout is too little and prayer is free!

a mystery

2012-01-31T07:00:00.000-06:00

A few days after Christmas I noticed William sitting at the fireplace looking in and upward. As I asked what he was doing I realized he was trying to figure out how "hoho" gets down the chimney.
He tries to figure it all out. He tells me "hoho fat"then tries to act like he is squeezing into something. I love his thought process.
He sticks his hand up to feel around...

all he finds is black soot and in his words asks if Santa gets dirty too. YUCK!

We have been going through these questions for the past monthly on pretty much a daily basis now. Some examinations of the fireplace last longer than others but again I love watching him try to figure it all out.

Just this weekend as we pulled up to our house, he looked at the smoke stack on the roof and wanted to know more about Santa and that little hole."Mama, HoHo in?", he asked.

Just yesterday he grabbed two plates and put them by the fireplace, asked for a hot dog and told me "HoHo eat hot dog." He did not want to listen to me as I told him we must wait another year (apparently a long year) before the big guy comes back around. Maybe next year we will leave him a hot dog too.

He even gets Brooke involved in the investigation and trying to get all of the details on this unsolved mystery.

love is in the air:Valentine's DIY and decor

2012-01-29T22:00:00.001-06:00

Valentine's is just around the corner and although it seems like it was just Christmas a month has already slipped by. Valentine's brings a bit of simplicity to the home. It wasn't until about four or five years I began putting out little {heart} happies around the house. Now I have projects running through my mind of DIY I would like to complete by the13th.

This is a new little Valentine subway art I found on Pinterest that I printed out and put into a little white frame I had on hand. It is displayed on table in my entry with my ever so faithful glass hurricanes I use for most seasons.The kids know this candy is "DO NOT EAT" stuff. I stocked up on it a couple of years ago after Valentine's Day and I store it in a ziplock with the <3 decor. Such an easy way to add a little color to the home. I always put a candle in these to make them a look cozy.I have been eyeing something else on Pinterest lately also.
Coffee filter wreaths and other decor.
I decided to give it a go while the kiddos were still asleep Saturday morning. I bought the wrong size coffee filters not long ago so I had plenty "extras". I did not have a wreath form so I found a piece of cardboard ready to be thrown out and I cut out the shape of the heart. I simply took a pencil to the center of the filter, dabbed hot glue and pushed it onto the heart form. No pictures b/c it was that easy. The project took maybe an hour but the heart is pretty big. I have it hanging on my mirror above the fireplace and I'm lovin' it. One of my favorite pieces of Valentine's goodies I have collected over the years is this cute little canvas with easel I am displaying on my mantle this year. I'm keeping it simple but I still have hints that {heart} day is just around the corner.

The canvas' partner in crime is this sweet bowl which would be perfect with some Hershey Kisses inside....too bad I have the candy monster living in my house.....ahem, William. http://www.thegirlcreative.com

http://www.craftskeepmesane.blogspot.com/

a wild winter

2012-01-28T10:50:00.003-06:00

This winter has been quite mild even for south. We have spent much time outside enjoying the warm sun together, riding bikes, taking walks, jumping on the trampoline and last week the kids had fun in the sprinkler (and bathing suits).

I have the iwanttoplant bug and I know as soon as I do there will be a freeze so I will sit and wait until I can't wait any longer then I will begin.So what are your plans for the next couple of days?

I hope y'all have a wonderful weekend friends.

are you my mama????

2012-01-27T17:25:00.007-06:00

It costs nothing to be a prayer warrior for the little loves at Reese's Rainbow, you are simply asked to pray for these children who have been deemed worthless by their culture because they have Down syndrome or another special need of some sort. Most of these children will be confined to a crib once transferred to an institution at the age of 4-5, there they will remain until their death which is often within the first year there.
Did you read that?
They need YOUR prayer.
Don't turn away.

If you would like to donate to either Benji or Bogdan's adoption grant you can click on their names, no amount is too small and every bit goes toward saving their lives. If you donate leave a comment to be entered into their birthday giveaway to win a $10 Target gift card or a pretty "arrow" bracelet perfect for Valentine's Day.
Bogdan
Benji

Could you be these birthday boys' mama?

Please visit Jane at Flight Platform Living for more sweet faces

family

2012-01-27T07:00:00.001-06:00

My mom and I brought my kids and my nieces to this little park which we stumbled upon several years ago. It was fun to spend the afternoon there on such a beautiful day.

Emily and Catherine

Catherine

Ragan and Meghan

Brooke

wordless wednesday~king cake

2012-01-25T09:08:00.000-06:00

Mardi Gras season will begin in only a few short weeks. One sure hint (other than the decor since Christmas at Hobby Lobby) is the smell of yummy king cake.The kids always hoping they are the one with the king cake baby hidden somewhere in their slice of cake.

second nine weeks

2012-01-24T16:09:00.001-06:00

remember this post?

2012-01-22T16:00:00.000-06:00

First and foremost even if you dont read this please hit the share button if your are reading this from fb. Someone may be interested in helping these lovies.

This month is the beginning of a new year.

Exciting new fresh starts for many.
For these boys there is no new fresh beginnings until they are found by loved ones.
This month both Benji and Bogdan turn two.
They should be with a mommy and daddy, family who love them. Blowing out candles. Balloons. Opening gifts. Happy Birthday...being sung to them. Digging into cake. Parties. Squealing with pure joy.

Instead they have been cast away into an orphanage because they were born with Down syndrome. They will be lucky to stay in their orphanage for a couple of more years b/c when they are five they will be dropped off at an institution where they will spend the rest.of.their. days.
I could not believe my eyes this morning when I checked on the boys, this is what I found......

NEW PICTURES!!!!
~*~*~*~*happy dance~*~*~*~*~

Bogdan is described as easy going and charming. "everyone loves him" (ahem, wonder why....have you seen the smile that could melt your heart?) NO HEART CONDITION. social. lots of pictures. I sure hope his momma is reading...
Benji looks like he has grown from his last picture but I'm not quite sure how old it is (I have only known about this little fellow since the Angel Tree started). His description says he crawls, focuses on objects for long periods and vocalizes :) Such a doll.

Happy second birthday boys. My prayer for you is that your Mommy and Daddy find you soon and your next birthday is spent celebrating at home where you both belong.

Bogdan Jan 2011 Bogdan newborn (Jan. 2010?)

Benji 2011In honor of the boys' birthday I have a little something to offer. It may not be much but I saw what we are capable of during the Angel Tree so let's get to it, shall we?

I have a pretty metal gold tone bracelet from Adorn U (what a perfect addition to your Valentine's Day attire) and a $10 gift card to Target that you could win.

*This giveaway will last through the month and end February 5th as it is the boys' birthday* and I am starting this a little later than originally anticipated.

leave a separate comment for each of the following:

*for every $5 donated in either boys' account (you must donate $5 to be eligible for other entries and let me know who you donated to)

* blog about this (you can copy and paste this onto your blog)

*post /share on facebook

*email friends and family

PRICELESS:

***Find these boys a family***

What are you waiting for .....

.....

LET'S CELEBRATE!

living free...National WWI Museum

2012-01-21T09:01:00.000-06:00

Thursday I chaperoned one of the best field trips I have ever been on with my kids.

The National WWII Museum

I will be the first to admit I am not the history buff that I wish I were or my husband is, but this is a must see if you ever get to the New Orleans area (preferably without small children).

John and I visited about five years ago with four children in tow....maybe not the best idea of the century but we saw some things then toured the city a little. My favorite trip there was only a couple of years ago, John and I brought my uncle C who fought in D day and oh my it was amazing hearing first hand stories from a veteran. I highly recommend bringing a vet when you go if you know one....what a perspective you will gain.

I wish I could have taken a picture of all the many photos, you really see how blessed we are to live in a free country.

One of the men in the museum told us to take a look at this photo of the soldier with the flag, he told us "This was the best souvenir the soldiers could ask for."
These are a couple of photographs taken as our men prepared for war. The photo in the bottom left breaks my heart....a soldier writes a simple message to his loved on that he was sorry he had to go. It brought up a number of questions, this simple photo of a tent. Was Jean his wife? Did he have children? Did he ever come back to hug Jean one more time? The simplicity of the pictures are much more than what they seem.

After touring the museum we went across the street to view the most amazing video about the war and how it came about. Put this on your things to do when you go to the museum. The last time we visited it had not opened so this was my first time seeing it.

We had a little more than 2 1/2 hours to freely walk around the museum. We found a cute little retro cafe next door to the museum which I think we found within two minutes. We got our coffee pick-me-up as did the kids and walked around some more. My group and two other friends groups took our girls to Lee Circle then later we walked there with the entire 6th grade class for little history lesson.

top right clockwise: Ragan and friends in the cafe with their history/science teacher looking at her new baby pictures. The little girl she adopted is named Ragan (how cool is that?), Ragan in the museum, an old library we found walking to Lee's Circle with great architecture

father/daughter dance 2011

2012-01-20T20:02:00.001-06:00

Could it be any sweeter than this?

Father/Daughter dance tonight....can't wait for them to get home to hear about all of the fun they had.

happy heart...true friends

2012-01-17T15:38:00.003-06:00

Oh this guy was happy today!
This morning for lunch, I walked into the cafeteria to tell William hi as I usually do when I am at school, but today he wasn't sitting where his class was. In fact, I did not see him at any of the tables. Panic hit, but only for a moment.
As I turned in the other direction I saw him sitting at the friends' table where he proudly pointed to himself as to show me "Mom, look where I am today."

The Friends' Table may be bought by any student who wishes to use their "bucks" (given as positive behavior reinforcements) to do so. This is very popular with the kiddos, they have a special table with five of their best buds.

Thank God for the sweet friends my William has made this year.

DIY team wreath

2012-01-16T08:00:00.000-06:00

My name is April and I am addicted to Pinterest. I love wreaths.
Lately I have been on a wreath making frenzy.
What a wonderful way to set the tone for your home by adorning your front door with bursts of color. Of course wreaths are not limited to the front door. My favorite one is hanging on the mirror over my mantle right now.
To show support of our beloved LSU tigers playing in the BCS this past week, I made this purple and gold tulle wreath, of course here in Louisiana, there is always a possibility to change it a little and keep it up for a Mardi Gras wreath (purple, gold and green)

Here is how to make one of your own:

*Buy your favorite team letters (I recommend LSU) from Hobby Lobby (1.99~ you may find them on sale)
* 4 yards of each color tulle.
*Paint wooden letters colors of choice with acrylic paint
*Simply wrap the tulle around the wreath form and "fluff" as needed (hot glue the beginning of the tulle onto the form to anchor it then do the same at the end.

*Hot glue letters onto your wreath.
You can use any type of adornment to spruce up your wreath and could be used for any occasion.

Enjoy and show some support for your favorite team!

Wouldn't it be festive to make a red/pink/white one and hang a heart in the center? Hummm, you may see one in the next few days on my door.

linkin' to:

The Girl Creative

I {heart} Naptime

Katie's Nesting Spot

Hope Lives Here??? Maybe not so much

2012-01-14T15:00:00.001-06:00

What a beautiful motto for Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Hope lives Here, don't you think? It would lead a parent to believe that all children will be given the best care regardless of circumstances.

Quality of life~who decides?
Imagine you go to the hospital where the doctors, staff and facility are highly regarded, the best! You walk in terrified as it is....your child needs a life saving kidney transplant.
NO QUALITY OF LIFE is what the doctors declares. They will not perform the surgery b/c this precious child has "no quality of life", are you kidding me? Who are they to say this?

This is the exact nightmare the Rivera family is living.
Their daughter, Amelia was born with Wolf~hirschhorn syndrome, caused by a deletion of genetic material near the end of the short (p) arm of chromosome 4. She was not denied a transplant b/c she does not have a donor, she does. She has insurance as well (not that it should matter).
She is denied because her IQ is not up to the standard some idiot decided upon. Forgive me if I sound disgusted but this is disgusting. Someone decided that if an individual's IQ is not "high enough" they will not have a HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE hence they are not eligible for organ transplants.... again who the hell is to decide this?

Does this make me sad? it does. More than sad it angers me! If my son was to, God forbid need a transplant this means he could be denied. SICKENING!

This is 2012 and we livein America.....let's get it right!!

To read more about Amelia follow this link: http://www.wolfhirschhorn.org/2012/01/amelia/brick-walls/

Please go to the CHOP fb page and let them know how wrong this is, we have to support this family and precious little girl who is so worthy of life... you would want others to do this for you if it were your child wouldn't you?
http://www.facebook.com/ChildrensHospitalofPhiladelphia

As for you CHOP: so much for being the best. You need to educate yourselves and think about what "quality of life" truly means. This sickens me and I pray you reverse your decision.

ragan's 12th birthday party....giraffe (print) party

2012-01-14T09:19:00.005-06:00

It's funny how times change so much as our children grow. When they are younger they may be best buds with boys and not think anything about having a boy as their pal to run around with. As they approach second grade, boys get gross and girl parties are usually the way to go. We have had so many girls parties over the years I can't keep count. Tea parties, dress up, slumber parties you name it they are full of squealing, excited girls shrieking and running around with joy. As our littles grow up they then begin to revert to the "old" parties....BOYS!

Last weekend Ragan and her friend,K, had a birthday party together as their birthdays are two days apart. Boys were invited which kept the parents on their toes a little more:). We ended up with about 25 (ish) kids with girls out numbering boys by probably 75%. Its funny to see these kids changing so much over the years. The boys run around and play football while the girls are, well....doing girl things, talking, giggling, dancing and what ever else it is they do:)

My camera was rebling the night of the party so my photos are limited but the hit of the party other than of course football for the boys was the Wii we set up in the backyard. The kids played it on a blowup screen and it kept them entertained all night long. William had such a fun time with the big boys, running around and playing with them, so sweet to let him hang out with them for most of the night.

"EB"ing a mommy

2012-01-14T06:00:00.000-06:00

If you have not heard about or know baby Tripp by now please stop by his momma's (Courtney) blog.... "EB"ing a Mommy. Please pray for Tripp as he is met with open arms by his Father. Courtney's blog will break your heart, this should truly make one think before they complain about everday difficulties.

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Frandycourtneytripproth.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F01%2Fstrongest-boy-ill-ever-know.html&h=TAQEIU4klAQFcmd_ql4GOtGGhrjibKgbW4wrbN7qBDuI85g

long time no see...

2012-01-09T20:32:00.004-06:00

Well hi there y'all. It feels like so long since the last time I've been on my little blog and let me tell you, I've missed catching up with you my friends. We have had lots of things going on lately. Our first week back as school last week was all you could expect from the first week after a two weeks vacay. Lunches, waking up early, dance schedules and the everyday stuff kicked our hineys! I worked every day last week and is the case this week. You won't see me complaining but doesn't leave much free time, but I love working with the kiddos.

My computer is stinkin' again and I have minimal access to it. I'm trying to figure out how to get to my pictures right now, Grrr! This weekend was packed so many activities. Ragan and her friend had a birthday party together which was super fun on Saturday night. I will surly post more about that in the near future.

John's older and younger brothers came in from Arkansas this weekend, they were able to play a little golf yesterday and this afternoon they headed to the ole' BCS Chanpionship at the Superdome, heard of it? Yeah, they left us behind but brought this ole' guy......he eagerly awaited ~~taped to~~ at the window for John to take him. He will be heading to Arkansas with Uncle Brian tomorrow for his great adventure! Let's hope he doesn't get returned with the horrid red Razorbacks jersey (ahem, Aunt Brittany no shannigans)

reflecting on 2011

2012-01-01T13:00:00.001-06:00

WOW!!! What a year!

As I reflect on 2011 how can we not be thankful for each and every beautiful day we are given a chance to be a part of?

January:
Welcome 2011!

The year was kicked off with Ragan's first basketball season, a new adventure for all of us. We also look forward to January b/c it kicks off LSU girls' gymnastic season....fun family time we love spending together. We find as many ways we can to stay warm inside usually with a toasty fire, hot chocolate and fuzzy blankets. February:

The month of love. We celebrate {{Heart}} day with many little traditions, one being streamers we have to walk through in the hall way (shown in picture) March:
William turns FIVE!
He begins telling us "I FIVE!"and very proudly showing us five fingers. April:
The weather begins to warm up and John plants his garden. William is nominated student of the month, a super exciting moment for us all! DSAGNO has their spring picnic where we visit with many friends as well as making new ones. All four kids begin ball ....William T-ball for the first time and is the cutest thing I must add and the girls softball.

May:
One month we look forward to is May. We say good bye to structure, waking up early, lunches, and school work. End of the year parties and programs are a sure promise summer is around the corner. June:
Carefree days of summer are here. Family time. staying up late. sleeping in. friends. sleepovers. time at the river.
Ragan's softball team wins the championship as does William's (the month before) . I proudly become a Partners in Policy making graduate! C and B participate in the Girl Scout bridging ceremony and the garden begin producing obscene amounts of food. July:

July is packed with birthdays: Meghan 3rd, John 12th and Brooke 30th!

The Fourth is celebrated with a visit from Aunt Brittany and Uncle Brian, we watch fireworks with them and cousin Brittany on the lakefront with gorgeous weather. John surprised me with an amazing weekend getaway to visit plantations, we spend the night in one of the most beautiful plantations, take strolls around the ground and sip mint juleps (my new fave drink). As the canning begins to get out of control I wonder if we can live off of pickles and salsa alone:)August:

As summer comes to an end we squeeze in a fun vacation to Panama Beach City, Florida! We go to Gulf Word, Wonder Works, play putt putt golf and Ragan and John see a fabulous magician while the other kids and I meet up with our blogging friend and her family. In August we also celebrate mine and Catherine's birthday only one day apart. School begins Ragan is in 6th, Catherin 4th, Brooke 2nd and William kindergarten! Everyone has great teachers and we are liking school.

September:

William's heart day is never missed as we are always thankful for a successful heart repair, this year we celebrate five years!! Beautiful weather prompts us to spend lots of family time outside at the park and festivals.

October:

A month full of awareness!!!

Breast cancer awareness and Down syndrome awareness

We attend walks for both and are thankful our friend K is kicking some cancer butt. We are so blessed to have such amazing friends who support us and attend the annual Buddy Walk each year.November:

November was kicked off with a trip to Destin with six other families. This trip was the most fun we have had in a long time, everyone got along great and the mommas had a blast to boot. As we reflect upon what we are thankful for we prepare for the holiday season. Of course we can't forget hunting season has begun and Ragan and Catherine take turns going with Daddy.December:

Christmas parties, homemade, ornaments, hot chocolate, decorating, caroling, family, Christmas lights, celebrating our Savior's birth.

We enjoyed our Christmas with Uncle Brian and Aunt Brittany this year, which is always a little treat for us all.

Ragan celebrated her 12th birthday on the 29th.

This year all of the children on the Angel tree at Reece's Rainbow reached the $1000 goal!!

happy 2012!

2011-12-31T21:02:00.010-06:00

Our new New Year's Eve party consists of staying home as of just two years ago.
Never thought I would want to be home but the reality of it is that I can enjoy being home...no pressure, get comfy, sit back and relax.

We can hang out in PJs or whatever we choose.

The kids get to eat junk, drink lots of hot chocolate, stay up late, watch movies, play games and what ever else makes them happy (for the most part).

Tonight is no different from the past two years...

The kids are on the front porch with the door wide open (yes, my northern friends it's warm...quite warm here).

We watch as about 5 neighbors shoot off beautiful displays. William has enjoyed this year more than I could have ever imagined. I told him today he had to wait until it was dark to see fireworks, as soon as the sun went down he asked to go outside to see fireworks.

The kids scream "shoot more fire works" until their voices grow weary. Gulp, take a breath and begin again:) They video the majestic scenes on their new Christmas gifts full of sheer excitement. Oh, the joys of being a kid again. No doubt our neighbors think we are nuts!

As I sit and reminisce about our last year looking at our photos I can't help but be thankful for all we are blessed with.

I also look at how much my kids are given the opportunity to do and it makes me sad to think there are children in orphanages waiting for a family. no fireworks. no friends. no celebrating. no life.

Although the Angel tree ends tonight it does not mean these children do not need us anymore. This year has been quite successful for the R/R angel tree, all of the children have reached the $1000 mark! Twenty children have had a family commit to them! Isn't God so good?

This New Year if you are trying to think of a resolution wont you consider doing something to help the children of Reece's Rainbow?

Would you become a prayer warrior?

We are their only hope.

If you cannot donate, you can always help advocate...spread the word, you would be amazed at how many people are interested.

Lastly, keep these loves in your prayers, praying costs nothing. These children need us, we are their voice. Benji

Bogdan

Please let's not forget how important it is to keep their funds growing this year. $1000 is amazing but they don't have a family yet. Spread their pictures and stories everywhere you can.

Happy New Year!!!

What a happy birthday!

2011-12-30T13:00:00.000-06:00

Yesterday morning we got up and had breakfast with two great families. One is my friend C, her daughter shares the same birthday as Ragan. The other family is our sweet friend Penny from Penny's Peeps. I told her that its crazy I've been seeing more of her lately than some of my friends who live just ten min. away! But that's ok, schedules are not always the easiest to get together. I love that she frequents Louisiana like she does b/c we always get some time with her and of course her amazing boys!

Happy birthday Ragan and Brennan...

Top right clockwise: William and Brennan; two b-day girls; Catherine, Brennan and Brooke checking our Cracker Barrel's goodies; Forrest and William waiting for a meal the gang...
top right clockwise: Catherine and Brennan;, William holding Logan; Wyatt; Brooke and Logan

the mommas...

givin' the birthday a little hug!
After an adventurous day out and about shopping we picked up Ragan's friend who also just had a birthday 2 days prior to Ragan's.
It's kinda of strange when your child wants to make and decorate their own birthday cake.
Once John got home we brought the kiddos out to eat again (do you see an eating theme with this family?)

When we got back we celebrated Ragan's birthday with the yummy cake she and K made earlier with PawPaw John, MiMi, Pops, Meghan and Emily.Ragan and Emily (Leslie's youngest) celebrate their birthdays together (Emily is one year younger).

Ragan (12) Emily (11)

Happy Birthday girls!

Now for a day of rest...
...NOT :) !

gingerbread houses

2011-12-30T07:00:00.000-06:00

Each year MiMi has the kids over to decorate gingerbread house. This tradition has become one that is cherished for all. Unfortunately we did not get to make the houses last year due to MiMi's illness but we were happy to resume our wonderful family memories this year. I told Ragan her house looked more like a Martha Stewart house with the whites and simplicity...the snow covered ground and rooftop as well and that warm little fire she has outside. The other kids houses looked more like the candy fair threw up all over....you are welcome for that image:)

Looking forward to next year's houses...

happy 12th birthday Ragan

2011-12-29T08:00:00.000-06:00

Happy birthday my beautiful girl, we are so proud of all you do. There is so much I want to say to you but for now know that you are treasured part of our family and we love you immensely.

lets get 'em home

2011-12-28T13:44:00.007-06:00

This holiday season has brought so much joy the past couple of weeks. It not the material things, the family or "off" time I am speaking about, however I am more than grateful for everything.

The joy I feel is from those around us. Some are complete strangers, other are people I know many were my children's friends. All of these people have something in common although they don't all know each other.

My friends, I am talking about those of you who have helped Benji and Bogdan. Those of you who have felt a little tug at your heart strings, compassion, love.... You understand and know the importance of these guys getting a family. Most importantly you believe they are worthy and important. They are loved. Children of God, just like us.

I truly don't know, other than the grace of God how these boys are being found but I thank each and everyone of you have donated any amount in their funds.

Some days I can't help but check B&B's funds a couple of times to see what has come in. To my amazement some days the boys have had several donations! Benji has has 2 $35 amounts so far today! Y'all rock! Thank you God for softening the hearts of others.

At times I am puzzled: What makes a family commit? How do they know when a child " is theirs" ? It's not always the amount of money in the fund as you can see from the angels already committed to. By the way, 19 children have had their family commit to bring them home since the angel tree started over the past month!

I pray each and every day one person would see the boys and realize they belong in their home. It only takes one family to commit to a child.

I look forward to the day to see themboth on the "My Family Found Me" page.

Could you all do me a little late Christmas favor and repost this on your fb page or email this to as many people you know?

Let's get this boys home!

christmas 2011 Part: IV... the last of Christmas 2011

2011-12-28T07:00:00.001-06:00

and for the last of the Christmas pictures....

Christmas afternoon at MiMi and Pops' house....

the crew...

Brooke got the game Headbandz....the kids loved it

his very own "real" guitar...(he was saying "WOWWWW"~priceless)

PawPaw John stopped by Monday afternoon to wish us a Merry Christmas...this is the only pict I got the entire night. Brooke wouldn't take a picture and Ragan and Daddy are hunting (deer #3)! I promised I would post this pict. for PawPaw so he could see it.....at least I have one faithful reader:)

christmas 2011 Part:III Santa comes

2011-12-27T14:30:00.002-06:00

before and after

it always amazes me how long CHristmas prereations take and how little time it takes for things to be torn aparta little something for the guy in the red suit....

Notes from Santa and stockings... iPods!!!

Christmas 2011 Part:II

2011-12-27T09:50:00.005-06:00

One of the best things about this Christmas was that Uncle Brian and Aunt Brittany (aka Aunt Beatrice and Uncle B Dog....thanks to the girls wonderful nicknames) were able to be here. We love spending time with them when they are able to visit. I wish they lived closer but this way we enjoy every minute we can get with them and they are lots of fun!

Christmas Eve we spent at home while Aunt and Uncle B hung out with us for the day. Aunt B said Maw Maw did not put up a tree, so we decided to make one since we would be there for a bit that night opening gifts. Oh what fun everyone had painting and decorating!

bottom left corner: our Charlie Brown tree hanging at MawMaw's with gifts underneath:)

Aunt B made each girl a precious canvas made with buttons.....just another reason I love Pinterest:)

Christmas 2011 Part:I

2011-12-27T09:33:00.004-06:00

There is much catching up to do in this little corner of my world so I figure today may be the day to get it done. I think the Christmas pictures will be in separate post according to families and homes for my sanity.

Anyway that is my explanation so here we go......

I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas, hard to believe it has come and gone so quickly and 2012 is going to be here in a matter of days. I have been asked by Ragan to leave the tree up until her birthday (on the 29th so I will refrain from tearing it down until the morning of the 30th)

The night before Christmas Eve we spent some time with our dearest friends, the B's.

The kids painted their initials and 2 ornaments b/c Aunt Stephanie is cool like that. (clockwise top right corner...Brooke, Maddie, Ragan bottom Meghan, Catherine, Emily Left Uncle John and William) Top right Brooke, Maddie, and William bottom William and Riley left B and W

Riley had been in Colorado and got home about an hour after we arrived. William was so thrilled to see R he could not contain that sweet smile.

Thank you Aunt Steph and Uncle John we love you all.

hidden angels: American Families...

2011-12-26T21:11:00.006-06:00

If you weren't able to watch the Cox's journey to Mia (Kareen) you can click here to watch the clip and read more....
Hidden Angels: American Families Saving Children With Down Syndrome

What a beautiful perspective for us.

I wish in this clip they would show the children's faces (they did on TV), for more of a sense of reality....putting a face with this horrid problem.

------------------------
If you check Reece's Rainbow right now they are down due to so much new traffic, I think Im going to go do my happy dance right now then go to bed, hehehe:)

C'mon people let's help some babies!

It's a date TONIGHT....please join me!!!!

2011-12-26T09:26:00.005-06:00

Tonight is a big night for Kecia and her family as they will be on ABC world news. We will get a glimpse into the adoption process they went through this past year as they brought their beautiful Mia home. Their girl is home where she belongs, she was surrounded by loved ones this holiday season, however so many loves are still waiting for a family to rescue them. Wont you join us and watch with an open heart and mind? This will be life changing for so many. Please share this with anyone you know and ask them to watch also.

Here is a post from her blog yesterday...

Literally it is big NEWS....

Last Feb. just after we had committed to adopt Mia we received a call from Andrea at Reece's Rainbow saying that she had been contacted by ABC world news and they wanted to do a story about Reece's Rainbow and wanted to follow a family in the process from start to finish. ABC decided to follow our journey to Mia.They came with us to Ukraine which was quite an adventure for them, and we were glad to have a few more English friends for a few days. We had lots of fun stories that we couldnt share at the time because we couldn't say they were with us. they were there with us when we met Mia for the first time and stayed with us for a few days there. Then when we got homemwith Mia they came to our home for a few days to film Mia in her new family and do a follow up. we had to keep this a secret for the last 10 months but now the story is supposed to air TOMORROW NIGHT MONDAY DEC 26 ON ABC WORLD NEWS TONIGHT WITH DIANE SAWYER. I beleive it is on at 5:30 mst so set your dvr and spread the word!when we were first approached about doing this my first thought was "no I do not want a national camera crew following this crazy, nerve wracking journey with me" but when we thought of the potential for good that this could have for the other waiting children on Reece's rainbow we knew we had to do it. our hope is that it will bring. More national awareness to Reece's rainbow and that more of these children will find their forever families before it is too late!So tune in tomorrow night with us! we can't wait to see what they put together!

Will you be watching?

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-24T19:00:00.000-06:00

rudolph and santa

2011-12-23T16:00:00.000-06:00

have you checked the babies?

2011-12-23T09:20:00.004-06:00

Thanks to a tip from a sweet lady last night I checked R/R one last time before I got in bed....
Have you checked?
I think you should. .....

you really should, but I can't wait for you to know so I guess I will spill the beans....

EVERY

BABY

HAS

AT

LEAST

$500

IN

THEIR ANGEL TREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And don't forget 15 little ones will be home hopefully soon with their newly committed families working to get them. Keep them in your prayers too.

What a Merry Christmas surprise ;)

Christmas parties at school

2011-12-22T13:06:00.003-06:00

Trying to catch up with my pictures from the past week. My computer is finally up and running thanks to a sweet friend who helped me over the phone and the phone guy who help reconnect the Internet. I'm sure that was a fun experience on his part. Just picture it... a momma trying to listen to Mr. phone guy all while four children wake up and slowly make their way into the world of the living. William had to potty two times and had one potty accident. I know the Mr. heard me telling Ragan to get WIlliam to the bathroom and at one time get a towel to clean up his accident. Let's just say the guy probably didn't need coffee this morning as he got a jolt first call of the day from our family:) . Crossing my fingers it does not crash again.

Last Friday was the kids' last day of school (1/2 day) so parties were held Thursday....
Brooke's class decorated gingerbread men while sipping hot chocolate. William's class had some fun centers with Christmas activities. The kiddos watched Polar Express while lounging in their PJ's.

reece's rainbow angel tree narretto style

2011-12-22T10:01:00.013-06:00

What a privilege it has been over the past year or so to be able to advocate for orphans in Eastern Europe. Those with no voice, no family and no hope unless they are adopted out.
Many folks have listened as I explain what goes on in those countries. Some look at me in shock others look as if they are trying to grasp the full reality (which I don't think many of us can even begin to do unless we have been there), others want to know immediately what they can do.

I am so thankful to God for giving me the chance to talk to my children's friends and parents about these orphans too. They love and accept William for who he is. They have learned about Ds and understand that is only a small part of our sweet guy. They know that William is capable of so much. When I tell them about children from R/R they ask questions, their wheels turn and you can see a light bulb go on. Each year since Ragan was three (she will be 12 next week) we have had a Christmas party for all of the girls' friends. It started off with a few little girl and cookie decorating which you can only imagine the mess. Over the years the number of kids have multiplied and the messes seem to diminish. Once upon a time I could sweep sprinkles and sugar off my floor for days now I don't find many. Just another little reminder my girls are growing up...be.still.my.heart.

Yes, this year we held our annual Christmas party and had cookies to decorate, but we added a little twist.

(the Narretto version of an Angel Tree)

I made ornaments with the boys' picture on it for each child to bring home and place on their tree.

As I said before my kids' friends have heard about the orphans for some time now. This Christmas it is time to focus on others rather than ourselves as we tend to do so often. Party goers were asked to collect change and bring it to the party in lieu of snacks or any other goodies. The change then would be used to add to Benji and Bogdan's Angel Tree fund at Reece's Rainbow. As children poured into my house they eagerly placed their money bags under the Angel Tree we made at home. At the end of the party everyone added the grand total which was......

$255!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

These kids rock, don't they?
More so, God rocks for giving them the heart to help others. I pray they continue to see the good and have the desire to help others.
God is planting a seeing in these kids and I believe this will impact them as they grow into adults and have families of their own.
---------------------------------------------

I would like to take a moment to thank each and everyone of you who has donated in the boys' fund. I try not to check their amounts in fear of not seeing a change, some of you understand what I mean. Well, the past week I have checked it about four or five times and BOTH boys have had donations added each time I checked. It looks like the donors are adding the $35 amount and possibly receiving an ornament. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

If you would like to donate you can click on their pictures on my sidebar. If you go to the angel tree page at R/R you will have to scroll down to their pictures. The children are listed by the amount in their funds. Just so you know how far to scroll ....Benji has $401 and Bogdan has ~~$1100~~ $1130 (someone has added another $30 since last night).

I'd love to know what angel(s) do you have hanging on your tree this year?

Christmas, virus, ear infections, parties....tis the season

2011-12-17T12:04:00.004-06:00

Well, it seems like such a long time since the last time I posted. This past week has been incredibly busy as for anyone else living in this holiday season. Children or no children it is simply busy. Over the last few days we have baked cookies, breads and brownies for teachers and therapists which is always something fun to do this time of year. The girls exchanged gifts with their friends and they had loads of goodies coming home as well. In the midst of the hustle and bustle John and I had our 14th anniversary squeezed in there. Santa visited school on Thursday and each of the kids had a Christmas party. Ragan also participated in the school Christmas concert and finally yesterday was the last half day of school until the New Year. Yes, it was a hurried run to the store to get some odds and ends, but all ended well.

John and Catherine are off hunting in Alabama this weekend. Ragan spent the night out while Brooke had two friends spend the night. This morning William woke up with drainage from his ear so off to the Dr we went with friends in tow. He has yet ANOTHER ear infection and one of the tubes is out. He just got these suckers put in a month ago! I will be calling the ENT first thing Monday morning.

I have a ton of pictures to share including some with the fat guy in the red suit but they will have to wait b/c my poor computer is now sportin' an amazing virus and I cannot access the internet. Thanks to my parents I am quickly using their computer for a minute.

white

2011-12-12T06:30:00.002-06:00

sometimes....

ya' just have to let go ...

and embrace the mess...

Santa Clause is comin' to town

2011-12-11T13:04:00.006-06:00

....actuallly he came to town.

As the late sleepers were still dreaming yesterday, I searched for something to do. I came across a small event in our little town. We arrived just in time to watch and be a part of a great interactive play for the kiddies (Ragan and her friend even participated in it).

William enjoyed time with his horse friends who visited him at his last birthday party, I must say that boy was elated.

Minutes after the play concluded a special visitor arrived....I wish Catherine was with us but we are planning on seeing Santa next weekend when she is home (but Ragan will not be with us) :(

Brooke forgot what she wanted, I had to remind her so she could tell him.

Photo Card

2011-12-11T11:16:00.002-06:00

Wreath Monogram Christmas

Customize your Christmas cards this season at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

whatcha think?

my dear, dEEr catherine...

2011-12-11T07:00:00.001-06:00

I know you are one excited little girl to have been with Daddy this weekend while he shot the first deer of the season. I can't wait to hear all of the stories you bring home this afternoon about your adventurous weekend my girl.

working backwards....inclusionMatters, violin performance, medical

2011-12-10T09:00:00.001-06:00

I'm going backwards today (don't say I didn't warn ya').
This week is in desperate need of rewinding in order to "catch up" a bit.
Last night we had the best time at a friend's party, minus the freezing our hands off. E and Brooke have become best buds over the past year and a half and spend lots of time together. They are so much alike it is scary...these girls tell it like it is,,,what they think flows out of their mouth, this is not always a good thing....they both have big sister so they act a little to old for their age but that is what makes them so unique, the girls are funny but sometimes leaving their moms with a look of "where did she learn that?", witty and confident...there is nothing these two won't try. For E's party we roasted marshmallows, hot dogs, ate smores and went on a hay ride which was such fun! By the time we got home I was drained, all I could think about was the fastest way for my head to hit the pillow.

B and R had friends spend the night which is sometimes easier than if we didn't. My Catherine girl is hunting with Daddy this weekend as it is her turn (she and Ragan take turns each weekend)....great one on one time with Daddy.
Thursday night I returned from a two day conference with four other moms. My sweet hubs held down the fort and took great care of four munchkins, getting them ready for school, driving them to school, picking them up, homework, feeding them, studying and to bed. We left for the conference Tuesday night and drove to Lafayette for inclusionMatters where we listened to speakers sharing information on the topics of collaborative planning and supplementary aids and services. The second day we chose which break outs we wanted to attend. The breakouts were very informative and I left with some great ideas about creativity, a variety of accommodation and modifications, etc... lots of "out of the box" thinking ideas. I may do a post strictly on things I left with. All in all we had a great time, learned and had fun with friends.

The night I left for the conference C and B had a violin performance, I was thankful I was able to go before we had to leave for Lafayette. Here are a few pictures from the concert.

catherine...brooke...My neice, Meghan was also in the concert. It was great to be able to see her too with the girls.

the three violinists....to get to the performance there is lots of practicing involved at home....William likes to try his hand at it also....we are very serious about our practicing:)can't you tell?...

------------------------------------------

side note (for my records)

william has upper respitory infection yesterday morning, brought him to the dr.....antibiotics:( thankfully he feels fine

happy birthday

2011-12-07T07:00:00.000-06:00

This is the sixth birthday you havent' been here. I still miss you everyyday and wish you were here.

I will always love you little (but taller than me) sis.

she's getting a family for Christmas!

2011-12-06T07:00:00.001-06:00

Several months ago I was speaking to a friend about Reese's Rainbow, wondering why I haven't seen anyone from Louisiana adopting. I mean really, does it seem like there are concentrations in particular areas of the US, or is it just me?

Is it economics, educational reasons, or simply community support and awareness?

It boggles my mind how many of you amazing families are from Utah or the east coast (I know there are many more but I'm just sayin') and have made that Eastern Europe trip once or more to rescue your precious child/ren desperately waiting for you.

Shortly after that little conversation with a friend I hopped on R/R only to find a sweet doll who was being adopted from a family in Louisiana!! I've been hooked on her momma's blog ever since.

Paisley, a beautiful orphan girl has spent her days and nights her entire life in a baby house.

She had never been comforted, snuggled or read to by her family.

Her holidays and birthday were not celebrated with loved ones.

A little girl with so much potential, left by her birth parents and deemed unworthy by society because she was born with Down syndrome.

Until now....

Meet the Tam family, they have worked feverishly trying to get their little girl home where she belongs. This past week they arrived in EE for their second trip.

When she arrives home she will be greeted by many loved ones including her three handsome brothers. What a little blessing she is.

Today is their court day, please pray that everything goes smoothly for them and that their worries are calmed by our loving Father.

Paisley will never have to spend another day in the orphanage wondering if a mommy and daddy will someday come for her. Because she has them...

She now she will have a loving family to call her own.

Update:

The Tam's are finished with court....officially meet Paisley Ghislaine Tam ....
isn't she beautiful?

Whatcha waitin'on, go check out the Tam's adventures on: http://mudpiesandmoonlight.blogspot.com/

i heart faces~feet

2011-12-05T07:00:00.000-06:00

It's been a while but I figured why not participate. Today is I heart faces challenge, typically all photos are to have a face in them, however it's all about the feet for this one.

This picture was taken the day of the biggest snow "storms" in southeast Louisiana. My kiddos first snow!

Warming little tootsies

Reese's Rainbow Angel Tree 2011

2011-12-04T07:00:00.002-06:00

Do you ever get on Reese's Rainbow and just look at all of those precious faces? If your answer is no, I challenge you to do so at least three times this week, that is all, THREE times for just a few minutes. How could you turn away? There are so many children without a Mommy and Daddy to call their own. Sweet babies who have done nothing wrong, they were born with Down syndrome like my William.

I literally could sit for hours and look at those sweet babies and never get tired. My heart aches for them so badly I wish I could advocate for all. Thankfully, some have amazing warriors to get their names and stories to others. Please keep them in your hearts and prayers... that hearts will be softened and one day their country will accept them for who they are: intelligent, loving, deserving of life, wonderful children of God.

From the Angel Tree this year, 9 children have already been committed to. That means they will finally have a chance at life, they will be given the love and family they so much deserve. So many grants are being fulfilled and it is thrilling to see what God is doing.

Aliceher fund is well over the 10,000 mark, 12,260 to be exact. Praying big this for this love. Single moms can also adopt her.

Ashlyn is such a beautiful girl and her fund is working it way up too.

Ttoo many children to name each one but you may want to spend some time on this site during the Christmas season... this is where we see what is truly important in life.

Great news!!!
Bogdan met (and exceeded) his angel tree fund!!

Thank you, thank you!

This does not guarantee a family will commit though so if you can please continue the donations, he has a LONG way to go.
If you would like to donate to his grant fund (or angel tree) you can click on his picture on my side bar, it will bring you directly to his page or CLICK HERE In addition, I am a Christmas warrior for Mr Benji.... You can CLICK HERE or click on the Christmas warrior button on my side bar. That will bring you to all of the children with Christmas warriors, then you will have to scroll down to him. He has $330 and the kiddos are listed by the amounts of money in the funds.
Have a wonderful Sunday and don't forget that challenge.....
Reese's Rainbow......

three times....

this week.

Let me know how it goes:)

what you don't see

2011-12-03T08:47:00.000-06:00

To you this may just be a picture of Brooke looking out of the window but for me this is a funny memory for this family of ours.

William loves turning on the hose in our front yard. Sometime he does it on his own and other times he sneaks it when we are watering the plants. Regardless how he gets the hose we know we better watch out and RUN!
This picture was taken after we had all been chased inside by a five year old with a hose. He was showering the door so we couldn't get out. Prisoners in our own home:)
I have to sneak out of the back door around the front to turn off the water to insure the coast is clear for us all to return to the front yard (I'm sure it is a sight to see)

deck the halls...

2011-11-30T07:00:00.000-06:00

Deck the halls.... with boughs of holly....

fa la la la la...
la la la la

Each year when the Christmas decor goes into the attic I pack away the cards from that year. The following holiday season when everything comes down we enjoy reminiscing about past years as we go through the cards talking about good stories and how our friendships have grown and changed over time.

the joy of christmas cards

2011-11-29T07:00:00.004-06:00

If you are like me getting the "perfect" shot for the ole' Christmas card is on the top of my least favorite things to do, possibly right next to having a tooth pulled or scrubbing toilets. I mean really sometimes I wonder about the hype of this card thing.

The pressure to get four kids in "presentable" clothes is just about exhausting as thinking about the chore in itself. Don't mistake the word "presentable" and dressy. "Presentable" in the girls' world entails a minor/major freak out, questioning why they ALWAYS have to dress up (surly you have seen previous picts on this blog....rarely are they dressed up). My definition of the word simply means not a junky t-shirt which they always seem to have on. *Ahhhhh, deep breath....and another one*"dressy" hummmm, we won't even go there on this post, you are welcome.

Once in clothing that we all can semi-agree on for a total of ten minutes you have to be certain every person has been fed and is in a fantastic mood b/c if not the next few moments will turn into sheer DISASTER!
**note...if anyone is unhappy....GIVE UP!

When we took our long weekend beach vacation a few weeks ago I thought it would be a good time to try for the Christmas cards so after some time of disagreements on clothing we finally figured something we could all work with, packed it and were ready for our beachy Christmas card (how original, I know). LSU was playing a big game that weekend and the kids all had their purple and gold attire, a friend suggested letting them wear that and get the shot. That made it easy, go figure:)

Once dressed we headed for our picture takin' spot (right off the boardwalk). By now, keep in mind no one is happy including myself. Remember that note above... if anyone is unhappy, give up?

I should have taken my own advice for these are the results of that God forbidden day...

William insisted on the hat backwards look which I so can't stand.Seriously people, if you could just try to look in the direction of the camera it would be amazing!

Looks fun huh? Jealous, aren't ya'?

Needless to say I have more than I would like to admit amouts of pictures that look like this but I finally got an ok one of my girls together. The smiles.....FAKE. They were all three so irritated with me and each other it wasn't even funny but when they are older and they look at this they will think how happy they were, at least that is the plan, haha.and my rebel little man never turned that hat around and never smiled for a picturehe sure was happy with that football though, so we sat on the beach for several hours while he played in the sand that afternoon

Nope, I didn't get my beachy Christmas pictures this year and I nearly gave up on the whole idea of cards this year but I love receiving cards from friends and family so I took one more stab at it Thanksgiving Day and to my happy surprise all four were happy, dressed, fed and we got a decent picture to send out.

This year as usual I will be ordering from Shutterfly, if you haven't tried them they have great deals and a huge selection of cards. I am having trouble trying to decide on one card but for now these are my top picks.

So what about you...Do you send out cards for Christmas?

Is it stressful, ahem....please don't tell me if your kids cooperate, thankyouverymuch (and don't tell me bribery b/c it doesn't work)

Who do you send them to and how many do you order on an average?
If you are a blogger and you would like to blog about your cards and shutterfly you will receive 20 free cards

a visit from a blogger and a family visitor

2011-11-28T13:24:00.000-06:00

Last night we were in for a big treat..we planned a little night out with the kids to go to C's house with another couple we have met through our Ds group. Penny and her family were stopping through Louisiana after Thanksgiving with the family in TX....we were more than happy to visit and the kids had so much fun together, big and little. William serenading us....

Wyatt is such a cutie pie (he has grown and matured so much since the last time we saw him in August)...trouble....(william and brennan trying to sneak upstairs!)the mommas...

Catherine and John went hunting Thanksgiving afternoon in Alabama and finally returned late last night (only b/c it was going to rain all day there today). Friday we went to my parents' house to see my Uncle Caesar and his daughter and husband. Unfortunately, this is the only picture I got from the entire visit. Brooke loves Uncle C, I wish he was closer than TN.

Tomorrow we are back to the grind, I have already checked this morning to see how many days we go to school until our next break. I am so thankful for such a relaxing and fun week with all of the kids.

little indian

2011-11-27T16:49:00.000-06:00

so thankful....the boys

2011-11-25T08:59:00.005-06:00

After a warm shower I snuggled into my PJ's last night with a cup of coffee as my girls watched a Christmas movie. I watched William playing with his legos as he climbed on my lap for a quick story from his favorite book every so often. Relaxing in our own home I began "catching up" on blogs I have neglected to read over some time now. I read post after post about thankfulness and thanksgiving.

I surly would never question what people are thankful for but post after post I heard ....good health, homes, family, friends, good jobs, etc. Don't get me wrong I am oh so thankful for all of those things too. Simply looking around my house I could think of hundreds of things to be thankful for. Simple things. Many children don't have toys and books. Too many people don't get that warm shower we are so accustom to daily. Lots of mommas don't have the luxury to get in their favorite PJ and sip coffee while surfin' the web. And sadly, there are parents who would do anything to get one more hug or "I love you" from their child they will not see this side of heaven again.

So much to be thankful for, it's the small and simple things isn't it?

I just can't help but think of the sweet lovies waiting for their family to rescue them from the orphanages. What do they think when one of their friends leave for good with their mommy and daddy? The thought breaks my heart. Do they wonder what they have done wrong for no one to get them? Today on black Friday many people will get into their cars and go shopping, they will buy toys galore to make their children and others happy. This too is something many people will never have the opportunity to do. Let's face it we as American are spoiled.

I challenge you this week to hold off of one gift, one fast food meal or one coffee and save it to donate to an orphan.

There are hundreds of children on Reese's Rainbow and every one is in dire need of a family.

My two angels are Benji and Bogdan, aren't they are dolls? Please even if you don't donate share their pictures with the world, I know their mommy and daddy are out there. If you donate $35 into their Angel Tree fund you will receive a precious ornament with their picture, I am enjoying mine on my tree already:), no amount is too small and every penny makes a difference.

Benji

Bogdan

UPDATE: As I was checking on Benji's angel tree fund a few minutes ago, his picture was not in the same place as it usually is, my heart hit the floor...WHERE IS BENJI?

there he is!!!

He has had over $100 more added to his grant which has moved him up!!!
Thank you to who ever put this money in for Benji, I am so thankful for you and your giving heart.

And Mr. Bogdan's fun is steadily growing.

Keep up the work friends it does make your heart happy to give.

give thanks

2011-11-24T07:00:00.002-06:00

wordless wednesday~the unexpected

2011-11-23T08:28:00.001-06:00

Happy Wednesday!

christmastime in the south

2011-11-22T07:00:00.005-06:00

Typically this time of year my home is still decorated in fall decor with lush hues of reds, oranges, and yellows. However, last week I could not take it any longer. Down came the fall things and I began to plan for Christmas. I've had the bug for sometime now but with temps not getting out of the 70's (and usually remaining in the 80"s) I couldn't take any more. Don't get me wrong I am not the gotta-have-cold-weather kinda of gal to get out the Christmas stuff, I actually enjoy the warmer weather over cold.
Saturday while at my parents I got a wild idea to make my own wreath so with my dad's help we began gathering evergreens for me to bring home. Sunday morning I was eager to get that wreath going so I began placing swags on top of swags creating a layered look with a variety of leaves and sizes.
This is what the final product turned out like...

Later I talked John into draggin' down the ole' Christmas boxes and out they came. The tree was decorated in no time. Don't you just love looking at ornaments throughout the years? More on my favorite ornaments and memorabilia later.

Monday, I got up and decided to try the same sort of O-natural look on my mantel. I think I like it. For now. I will let you know in a week or so if it stays.

I love the greens with the small red berries, it adds an extra little punch of color with the silver accents. Candles are also layered throughout although they do not show up well in the picture. It looks much prettier in person and when the candles are lit.

And of course living in the south this really should not shock anyone with the crazy warm temps we've been having..... the kids ate watermelon that we picked out of the yard.

That's right folks, on the fourth of July my kiddos spit out some seeds, which in turn sprouted. Soon thereafter it became a little joke to see how big the plants would grow, then they began to flower and melons started growing. We picked several but two were a great size (John said the big one weighed about 20lbs!)....that is the one we ate today and it was delish if I do say so myself. We have one other big one and then I'm sure the kids will want to try the small ones....we may just be eating the hearts from those but we will see.

For now we will be cranking up the A/C with a little Christmas music while we eat out tasty watermelon and dream of Christmas time in the South.

the creative girl

baton rouge state capitol

2011-11-21T08:30:00.000-06:00

Before the holiday rush begins I want to get some pictures up of Catherine's field trip to the capitol in Baton Rouge this past week...

In the governor's office (left), Louisiana flags which have been used (top right), state seal (bottom right) What a wonderful experience for these kids to learn a little "extra" history while having the opportunity to get out of the classroom for a while. Students were also allotted time to visit the museum across the street which is full of amazing Louisiana history.

almost there!

2011-11-20T14:05:00.007-06:00

WOW! I am so thrilled to announce that Bogdan's Angel Tree donation is nearing the $1000 mark. We only need five of you to donate $35 to his fund. You will not only receive a priceless ornament with his picture on it from R/R, but your donation will be matched dollar for dollar and this boy will be closer to his forever family. We don't have to stop at $1000, let's see how big his fun can grow this week.

Won't you help this lovie?

Click on his picture on my side bar to donate any amount but be sure it is put into his Angel Tree fund for it to be matched.

Don't forget precious little Benji either, isn't he a doll?

click here to donate to his Angel Tree

Baby Tripp

2011-11-19T15:00:00.000-06:00

If you haven't read about baby Tripp Roth take a moment and read about him for yourself.

Tripp has epidermolysis bullosa (EB) which is a connective tissue disease that causes blisters and can lead to death. Reading his sweet momma's, (Courtney) blog will bring anyone to tears.

I am honored to say the girls and I ran this last weekend to help raise funds for the family and their medical needs. I was proud of all of three girls. My Brooke jogged the entire mile with me only stopping 2 times for a quick little breather. It was difficult for Brooke toward the end of the race, but I was one proud momma of my little girl and feel this is minimal compared to the pain this precious boy endures every day of his short life.

Chick-fil-A sponsored the event and we were cheered on by the cows....

and...

local high school cheer leaders.After we took a walk down town to the art festival to check out the amazing art work.There were a few places for the kids to do some crafts and learn a little history. Here the girls are watching an arrow head be made.

wordless wednesday~lunch notes and pictures

2011-11-16T06:30:00.000-06:00

....a few words...

when I pack the kids lunch I try to always to send a little note in it for them. One afternoon a week or so ago, I was getting all of the left overs out from William's lunch box and found this sweet note Brooke stuck in after I put in mine that morning. What a kind hearted sister he is so blessed to have. William has been able to draw people for close to a year now. His pictures are getting better but are prompted by me telling him to "draw a big circle", "where do the eyes go?", etc.
Last week I found this on the table....

The girls said they knew nothing about it so that means he did this on his own with NO prompting.

Rejoice with me!!!!

...First, he thought to do this on his own, pretty exciting, I think

...Second, he gathered supplies needed

...Third, took the initiative to create this masterpiece on his own

OK, I'm finished, this is Wordless Wednesday afterall :)

now is the time....DOUBLING FUNDS!

2011-11-15T06:40:00.001-06:00

Looking for a Christmas gift for a family member, friend, teacher, pastor or anyone else? Are you wanting something with some meaning? Something different? A gift with sentiment and thought?

I have the gift for you...

If you donate $35 to Reese's Rainbow Christmas Angel Tree you will not only be helping a child grow their adoption fund but you will receive a priceless ornament for your tree with that child's picture on the back. What better gift.

I know I am looking forward to my ornament!

Although I am Benji's Christmas Warrior at Reese's Rainbow I will not stop advocating for my sweet Bogdan. You could not imagine how thrilled I was to find out that blond little doll had a Christmas Warrior. The Lawrence family (click to donate) is having an amazing offer right now....

donate to Bogdan's Christmas fund and your donation will be DOUBLED!! That's right, what you donate will quickly become twice the amount!!! (be sure to go to the Lawrence family blog to get to his Christmas Angel fund for it to be doubled)

Please act fast though b/c this is only through this week. If $35 is too much to donate, anything would be a step closer to getting the heck out of that orphanage and finding the family he deserves.

$5 turns into $10...$10 doubles into $20... $50 to $100....you get the idea.

Oh that sounds so sweet. Check out his grant fund now it is right over $900!!!! I can't stop grinning ear to ear I pray that fund grows quickly b/c I am a little concerned.

In an email today from Andrea at R/R she told me Bogdan has not been inquired about....

How can that be?

Look at this face.

I know his family is out there we just have to help find them so they can bring him home.

Please let me know if you donate so I can be sure the Lawrence's know.

If you are interested in becoming a child's Christmas Warrior go HERE, you have a $1000 goal but that's not to say you have to reach it and surly nothing will stop you from getting more... again ANYTHING helps these children.

fb friends I need YOU ...

2011-11-14T15:30:00.000-06:00

the tale of three boys....

William was the first boy after having three girls in our little family. Girls open a new world around but William has opened doors I never knew existed. When I found out my unborn baby boy would have Down syndrome it changed me in ways I never knew possible. William has not only taught me to slow down and enjoy the "small things", not taking life or any milestones for granted but I have learned to love, fight and stand up for things that are important. Advocacy. passion. being a voice for children who do not have one.

William's fifth birthday was a celebrated day.

Family. Party. Cake. Gifts. Friends. Candles. Fun.

unfortunately, this is not so for all children...

Let me introduce you to two handsome little guys, Bogdan and Benji but first let me tell you a little about them

Benji and Bogdan are two gorgeous boys who live in Eastern Europe

when these precious boys turn five they will not have such a special day planned....

Unless we help them find families who love them and will rescue them from the horror they live each and every day of their lives.

These boys were both born with Down syndrome, just like my William. They have done nothing wrong or bad, they were just born with one extra chromosome.

If they are not adopted soon they will live in a hell for their rest of their short lives.

These sweeties are living across the ocean, in a place where they are thought of as helpless, useless and unnecessary to keep in society. Children living in EE are given up for adoption at birth and left to die when they are born with Down syndrome.They will lie in their cribs for most of the day with little or no stimulation, some will be changed while others remain in their waste. They will find little or no stimulation other than banging their head or rocking all day. Oh how they must long for human touch.

Some will see the other children go home with parents who love them. What a sad thought, do they wonder why they don't have a mommy or daddy coming to get them?

When they turn five they will go for a ride possibly for the first time ever. Will they be excited? perhaps. They may think they are going to find their mommy and daddy they have been so eagerly awaiting. But when the car stops they will not be greeted with open arms from a loving family. They will be entering hell on earth....

An institution for...

THE LOST BOYS AND GIRLS....

what a horrid place. They will not be with the other children they knew and once played with. They will not see familiar faces or smell familiar scents nor will they have any of the toys they played with. They will likely have their heads shaved and be left in a scary unfamiliar place. The sounds of moaning and screaming must be so frightening for them.

tied to their bed

hungry,

cold,

scared.

When they are allowed to go out this is where many will go...

the shed ...

to find out more about the shed go HERE (if you dare). I know that many of you will choose to not read more about this place but to get a feeling of what it is like I encourage you to do so.

"this is where nothing means nothing"

What a horrible way to waste away a precious life.

Each and every day I pray for these two little ones and wonder how they are taken care of. Has anyone inquired about them?

This breaks my heart to think of these loves without someone to hold and love them. If you would like to help with their adoption fund please click on their name, it will bring you to their Reeses Rainbow page where you can also find out more about the amazing adoption ministry for children with special needs.

I am a Christmas warrior for Benji. The goal for the end of the year is $1000! If you put $35 in his adoption fund you will also receive a beautiful Christmas ornament with his picture on it.

Boy, born January 2010Eyes: Gray Hair: dark brown Character: newborn
Update Oct 2011:
This dark-haired and brown-eyed boy is kind, affectionate and curious. He can roll over, begins to crawl. He can focus on a moving toy for a long period. He grabs a toy and holds it for a while. Vocalizes.
$190 towards his adoption

This little pumpkin is Bogdan, my girls want Bogdan terribly. Wouldn't it be amazing if I could tell them he has a family committed to bringing him home? Oh, what a Christmas gift that would be!! You can donate to his fund by clicking on his picture on my sidebar or going to his Christmas warrior's page at http://lawlovefaith.blogspot.com.you/ can only imagine how happy I was to see this guy with a Christmas warrior too:)
Bogdan B.

Boy, born January 2010Eyes: Blue Hair: Blond Personality: Engaging, sociable, happy.
No heart disease.
The child is charming and easy-going. He is happy, quiet, sociable, shows interest in toys. Everyone loves him.
More photos available.

$870 towards his adoption !!!

If you do not feel led to donate right now please keep these lovies in your prayers and spread the news about them, you can post this exact post onto your fb page. It only takes one person to decide they will make the commitment to adopt and save a life forever.

wordless wednesday~beach time in the fall

2011-11-09T06:51:00.000-06:00

Anne Frank and the pumpkin patch

2011-11-08T14:00:00.000-06:00

The fourth grade students had the famous "biography day" this past Thursday. Everyone worked so hard on their projects and presentation for the past month. My shy Catherine was quite nervous but did a fantastic job as Anne Frank. So proud of my girl.

Halloween day Kindergarten took a field trip instead of having a party which was great:) The kids had a fantastic time running through the corn maze, picking out a pumpkin and painting it, going on a wagon ride led by mini horses and jumping off the tall hay pyramid!

Ahhhh what a fun week we had last week. Fun but very busy.

beach fun with friends

2011-11-07T14:00:00.001-06:00

Before I get started on our past five days or so I will tell you that William is doing well since his surgery this morning. My guy now has a new set of tubes and those pesky adenoids are now gone... adios.
Looking forward to not visiting the doctor every two weeks with ear infections:)... not that we don't love her just don't like seeing her under those circumstances, ya' know? Anyway we were up bright and early this morning, my sweet mom kept the girls last night so that she could bring them to school today. For anyone who has not had their child sedated I do have to say, although I hate going through all of the process it is funny afterward to think of your child when they were given the goofy juice. William just babbled and was hilarious. After surgery they gave him pain meds which made his equally silly. He will be staying home with me tomorrow just to be sure he has one more calm day and then back to the grind on Wed.

The past few weeks have been terribly stressful for me for many reasons, none of which you all have not been through but it seems like some things happen so fast and time is getting away. homework, girl scouts, dance, projects, etc I have been involved in more than I should be and I really need to down size literally and figuratively speaking. Everything is fine just too much busyness so Itoldthe girls we will be taking a much needed break and we will be slowing down.
After a week which almost pushed me to my limit we were able to finally relax in the sun with the sand between our toes. We took the kiddos after school on Thursday to Destin, Fla. Yes, they skipped school but it was totally worth it. A sweet friend had her birthday party at their family house and invited several others. I think the total was 6 families equaling 25 or so people. Lots of kids and 6 mommas.
Oh what a time we had... ...half of the crew of kiddos

...William loves chasing the birds (and throwing shovels at them)
...Catherine, the birthday girl, Grace and Caleigh...sweet Catherine and beautiful flowers on the dunesRagan with a friend's little one, Catherine with a friend and C carrying William to the water

...designs by Brooke ...my LSU tiger fan

...friends and family

...hanging out ...party time ...how can't you celebrate those tigers!!!!

jumping for joy!...

2011-11-06T21:54:00.001-06:00

Why is Brooke jumping?

Stay tuned for what's been going on the past week....

Please keep William in your prayers as he has his adenoids removed and tubes placed in.

Hugs

xoxoxo

halloween, tubes/adenoids....

2011-11-02T06:31:00.002-05:00

This may be the last post until next week. The kids and I are leaving to go on a trip tomorrow and Monday William will be getting tubes and adenoids removed so please keep him in your prayers. We have a lot to get done in the next day and I am working all day at school both days so that means a lot of rushing by the time we get home.

Just wanted to take a minute to get a couple of Halloween pictures up before it is mid-November.

Can you believe it is Nov. already? It seems like we just started school! That means Christmas is right around the corner....is anyone else holding back the decorating bug? I totally want to get the decorations and tree up....maybe in a few weeks:)

Thank you all for donating to Bogdan's grant fund. Y'all ROCK! We really need to get this baby's picture out an institution is not where this lovie belongs. I will be contacting the winners next week when I get back (sorry not sooner ladies). If you would like to donate you can always still do so by clicking on his little picture on my sidebar. I will be announcing another precious little gem in the next week also.

Have a great rest of the week and weekend!

31 for 21 Buddy Walk 2011

2011-10-30T11:30:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was our Buddy Walk with our friends and family.

Enjoy, I can't seem to get my thoughts in order this morning to make a decent post....

our team...
William's teacher, Mrs. B came too! (Top right)
let me explain....
these guys were awesome sports. halarious! look at the clothes. Oh my!
They were getting down with some new moves in their old clothes.
Seriously they had everyone dancin'

Thank you to all of our friends and family who cam out and supported our sweet boy...we love you!

PawPaw John, William is sorry he would not take a picture with you.

to be continued...

2011-10-29T08:36:00.001-05:00

to be continued...

31 for 21 Day 28 Forget me not Friday

2011-10-28T11:00:00.000-05:00

Please don't forget to stop by Flight Platform Living today.

Could one of these children be yours?

It saddens my heart to the point of no words as I look into their eyes. I dreadfully try to imagine the lives they are living each and every day.

Each and everyone is so worthy of life.

They are worthy of a family and they are in need of love.

Tabitha

Alice

Carina

Oh, how this picture breaks my heart, I can only imagine this love in a home with her family running around and playing. She needs our help.

Could one of these children be yours?
Bogdan

Please click here or on the picture on my sidebar to donate to his chip in and dont forget my giveaway dont' forget to comment if you donate...there are SO many ways to be entered!

31 for 21 Day 27 ~A light at the end of the tunnel!

2011-10-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

The pictures may not have a thing to do with the post but I thought this would get y'all to read on about our up-to-date ear saga while looking at pictures of our every day life. I will start off by saying I see a light at the end of the tunnel! To catch those of you up who did not read Tuesday's post.... ahem I know you all did right?

I brought W to the ped. to deal with the 6th ear infection in just 2 1/2 months. We saw an ENT last week and he gave us no reason to do tubes which is what our ped. thinks should be done (as well as John, the other ped in our group and I). So, Dr. L was not happy about the outcome of our last week visit as I told her what had happened...

she called another ENT (the best of the best, as she called him) and we were in his office by 9:30 Wed. morning.

I'm not sure if it's just me or if this is with everyone but I never get into the specialist's office within the first hour and many times more. Yesterday, I was called back within 5 minutes upon arrival and out within less than 30 (that includes scheduling tubes and everything)

we saw Dr. O and I was thrilled! He agreed W needs tubes and adnoids removed. So we have him scheduled within the next week and ahalf !! I never thought I would be so happy about something like this but I want his ear to get better and I know this is the only way for that to happen.
William was hilarious when we entered the room (just the two of us), he hopped onto the table and told me to "doctor" him. I have never heard him say this but being at the dr. so often he expects a full work up. So I checked him out and the ENT came in. He was so patient and kind with W. As he was about to walk out the door William said something to him, I knew what he was asking but Dr. O asked me what he said. I went on to explain that W wanted him to listen to his heart with the stethoscope, he obliged and we moved on with one happy boy in tow.
After the appointment we scooted on over to get a little blood work done for his surgery so we won't have to add it to our hectic schedule next week.

So now we venture back to the tubes.

honor roll

2011-10-26T16:30:00.000-05:00

Last week honor roll students were rewarded for their good grades. Families gathered to have a "special" breakfast with their students. This year Catherine was able to participate as grades fourth and up have the breakfast.

stoping for a second to pose with Pops
Later that afternoon lower grades were treated to an extra recess for their good grades

31 for 21 Day 26 Otitis media

2011-10-26T07:00:00.003-05:00

Otitis media (Latin) is inflammation of the middle ear, or a middle ear infection

Thanks to Wikipedia now I know just in case I have forgotten in the past 14 days and here is that picture I glare at on the back of the doctor's door.

GO AWAY EAR INFECTIONS!!

Written Tuesday night sometime before crashing...

Some of you may remember last week I brought my little man to the ENT b/c 5 ear infections in 2 1/2 months was just NOT cutting it.

After leaving the visit I was more confused than ever and told him I did not understand what he was talking about b/c I went in honestly thinking we would schedule tubes from the sound of the peds. Anyway, our ped was out last week so I was unable to speak with her about this ENT and what he was talking about. Seriously people I get the doctor stuff, I mean we've done heart surgery and many visits to the hospital with respiratory, why am I having trouble with an ENT?

SOOOOOO last night William's ear started draining again!! Are you shocked? Well don't be b/c we are literally going to the ped ever two weeks, the infection won't clear:(

I told Dr L about my concerns and what the ENT told me. Let me just say she was not too happy about this! She told me to wait in the room for a min. I thought she was going to write a script for meds for the infection again. NOPE! She walked into the room and said "You've got a 9:30 appointment with Dr. O (another ENT....45 min closer to home too).

I was so happy! Any of you moms who use specialists know you don't walk into an office as a first time patient only hours after scheduling. What can I say? Our ped ROCKS!!! She still says he needs tubes and I am ready for this so we won't have to visit the dr ever other week.....not that I don't want to see her, but I mean really. Say a little prayer if you don't mind that everything goes well.

On a side note:
Ragan had her shots yesterday morning. My mom brought her and she sucked it up and took it like a pro:)
The Buddy Walk shirts are in!....and dispersed to the rightful owners. I am ready for this fun day. One thing I know for sure, our team won't be missed...the girls picked out the color of the shirts...

...

...

SAFETY YELLOW!

watch out and get your glasses out!

31 for 21 Day 25~"hi mom"

2011-10-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

This was the text message (and title) I received from William's ST Friday afternoon....isn't it so sweet? I wish I could enlarge it on the screen:) Havin' a fun time at speech

31 for 21 Day 24~music to my ears

2011-10-24T07:00:00.002-05:00

So Mister William had his hearing test this past week. Kind of hard to explain all of the details but bottom line is that his hearing is fine. Can I hear a WOO HOO??? When he "does not hear me" it is total ignoring and now I know this! Sometimes he is a little stinker, I know you'd never believe it but he is.

Anyway the nurse said anything btw. 0-25 decibels is normal hearing range. His left ear was 5 dec. and his right was 15, which I though was good since that is the ear with all of the ear infections. With that being said he just got off of antibiotics for an infection and the ENT said he had fluid behind his ears so all and all I thought the results were great and they may actually be better but he falls under the normal range of hearing, PRAISE GOD!

A dark picture of William having his hearing test administered. He was wearing head phones while the nurse was in the other room telling him (through the head phones) which flash card to choose, he was pretty comical.

What is a visit to Children's Hosp. without a quick stop at the Audubon Zoo?

William and I had such a nice time, just the two of us walking around for a couple of hours checking out the animals...

race for the cure

2011-10-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

Saturday we spent the day at City Park in New Orleans supporting a friend who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer. You always think it happens to someone else until it hits someone close to you. Here are just a few special pictures from the day, I wish I could have gotten more pictures of the entire group but I love the picts. I have. The weather was perfect and the walk was beautiful. (lower right corner is the finish line)

Kathy's Bosom Buddies joined together and walked 3.5 miles for our friend as she awaited our arrival at the end. Such a special event to share with daughters.

friends...

There were some sights to see. Some teams had very creative shirts most had funny team names, such as _____Breast Friends and Save the Bead Catchers (anyone from La gets that for Mardi Gras time).

As we were leaving the girls spotted a group of Fairy-ballerinas (?) and asked to take a picture with them. They were so kind and obliged.

31 for Day 23: Look who was featured!

2011-10-23T10:00:00.000-05:00

Have you gone over to Flight Platform Living yet? If not, you may want to do that before the day is over.

Check out who was featured today....

precious Bogdan

THANK YOU, JANE from the bottom of my heart!

Jane has a beautiful heart for orphans and hosts a hop for individuals raising awareness about children left behind b/c they are deemed unworthy.

unworthy of a family, friends, love, and life...

Some are treated so badly that if we treated our animals in this manner we would be put in JAIL!

Such sweet faces over there so go check it out and if you feel led to help one of them in any way you will be blessing a child in more ways than you can imagine.

I think it's stuck....my first GIVEAWAY...jewelry and scrapbooking kit!!

2011-10-22T21:00:00.001-05:00

I think the R/R donation box must be stuck, I know you amazing peeps out there are trying to help get Bogdan home. We have come a little way but please click on his picture to help with his adoption fund.

He really wants a mommy and daddy, I just know these things.

I have decide to leave this giveaway up for the rest of the month. Please spread the word and share his precious picture. Let me know in this post about what you have done to have your name entered in the giveaway. Thank you to all who have already donated, we are going to help Bogdan and save his life!!

***this post will be reposted every few days...please comment on THIS post if you donate and/or complete any other way to qualify for this giveaway***

don't forget to leave separate comments for each

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

Grab This!

Last week I was convicted of yet another one of my human faults. While helping the photographer (my other part time job for the next few weeks, which I love) I messed up three times. Hindsight, it really was not a big deal but being OCD (as my hubs likes to call me) it totally bothered me. Who likes to mess up? Ummmm, I'm the first to admit I don't like messing up, I don't want to fail....at anything. I want things "perfect". Human nature seems to get in the way too often. So this is my confession....

I am scared, nervous and want to do a great job at all that is done. I became a prayer warrior for little Bogdan and I had many plans. Wrongful thoughts continually flood my mind...

What can one little ole' me do for a sweet little boy?

I will never be able to raise enough money to get him home with a family.
Is this too much for a person to take on?

In my mind I am constantly struggling with wanting to do something to help raise B's adoption fund, we have got almost $700 from one lovely lady in my community show has a consignment sale a couple of times a year. The problem is looking too far ahead. I want to raise lots, enough to bring him home. But this little blog-O-mine doesn't have a lot of followers....or does it?
This is where the fun comes in....
Letting it go and giving it to God, that's what I'm doing. It's not ME, it's Him, God is in charge here I am not orchestrating this one bit. He is prompting me to share this giveaway with others and now it is evident this should be done to glorify Him. I don't have anything huge like a fancy shmancy iPad, but I am doing what I can. The funny thing is I NEVER win anything and over the past few months I have won two things just from Patti. Soooooo here is the deal. I have three things....

1) scrapbook kit (Patti)
This is sure to keep you entertained while preserving family memories or you could use it for a Christmas gift any scrapbooker would love.
2) doily (metal) earrings (Patti again)
These delicate earrings are a fantastic way to spice up any outfit casual or dressy.
3) cross necklace Photos do not do this piece any justice as it is full of beautiful shine.
Wear it to work or a pair or jeans. The name is this necklace is "Grace" how fitting.
There is a catch...
This is how the giveaway will work

I am going to giveaway the first two items BUT once we have raised oh, let's say $200 I will add the beautiful cross necklace to the giveaway so there is potential for three winners. Do you want to win one of these great prizes? Well, there are a few ways to do this:

leave separate comments for each please

FIRST, donate $5 to Bogdan's adoption fund ( you MUST donate to be entered). You can click on his picture on my side bar and it will take you there. FIVE dollars, that's it...if you donate more let me know, for every five dollars I will give you an extra entry.

Second, follow me on my blog....click on the very top left corner of you can't do it on my sidebar. If you already follow let me know.

Third, share this on your blog or on Facebook (leave separate comments for each)

Fourth, if someone donates $5 b/c you sent them to his grant fund let me know too, you both will be entered.
So let the giveaway begin.... Come on don't let Bogdan down he needs a Mommy and Daddy to call his own. He needs a family to go to and a safe home where he will begin wonderful new memories of love, security, fun and much much more. Bogan will be two in January, just think he could possibly be home for Easter next year (maybe sooner?). Won't you please take a minute to share a little about this doll, his family is out there we just have to find them.

If you don't want to make your own post just copy and past whatever you want from here.This giveaway will go through October 19 and will be re-posted several times.

31 for 21 Day 22~ 21 Things about William

2011-10-21T16:00:00.000-05:00

21 Things About William

1. He will eat almost anything with syrup or ketchup. Some of the more strange things are eggs with syrup and ketchup on beans,bread or veggies.
2. William is very friendly and has no concept of stranger danger.
3. William has worn a size 8 shoe for almost a year and a half.
4. William has just begun thyroid medicine.
5. Bath time is still a favorite past time. At times I have to lock the bathroom door to keep him from starting the water for a bath.
6. William can identify almost all of the letters of the alphabet (still confusing the harder ones: q,v,z,y,x)....and knows sounds for most.
7. When I tell William that I love him, he replies, "I wuv woo too Mommy". Melt.my.heart.
8. Animals and cars are the#1 toy. He is motivated to do almost anything if an animal is involved.
9. William has a wonderful time at school and cries when he misses b/c of doctor visits.
10.I am now confident to say William is potty trained 95% of the time. That is for another post but let's say it has been a LONG process and I haven't posted anything about it in fear of jinxing it. But we are proud of this boy and his very hard work.
11.When William was 6 1/2 months old he was hospitalized for thirteen days while he recovered from a complete AVD repair.
12.Although I do think my girls may be W's favorite people he has some really sweet friends....real friends (know what I mean?).
13.William is amazing on the computer and navigates with the mouse like a pro.
14. At 17 mos. William was walking.
15. Some of W's favorite things are: music, play dough, painting, animals, going to the park.
16. William can write his name!
17. When he realizes we are going to do something fun he says, YES! as he pumps his fists (so cute).
18.William loves to play outside and jump on the trampoline, ride his bike or swing.
19.William like to brush his teeth.
20.Sentences are now consistently 3-5 words.
21.William is the joy of our life and can't imagine not having him our family.

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...and don't forget to stop here either...

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31 for 21 Day 21 THREE

2011-10-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

For those of you who do know, here is a little FYI about Down syndrome.
This is a karyotpye, notice the 21st chromosome is triples and is NOT a pair like the others.

There are three different types of Down syndrome: Standard Trisomy 21, Translocation, and Mosaicism.

Standard Trisomy 21 is when the extra chromosome 21 comes from either the egg or sperm cell. Between 90% and 95% of all Down syndrome is Standard Trisomy 21.

Translocation is caused when a piece of chromosome 21 is located on another chromosome such as chromosome 14. The person with Translocation Trisomy 21 will have 46 chromosomes but will have the genetic material of 47 chromosomes. The person with Translocation Trisomy 21 will exhibit all the same characteristics of a person with Standard Trisomy 21 since they have three copies of chromosome 21. Translocation occurs between 3% and 5% of cases of Down syndrome.

Mosaicism is when a person has a mix of cells, some containing 46 chromosomes and some containing 47 chromosomes. This occurs either because: a) The person received 46 chromosomes at fertilization but somewhere during early cell division the chromosome 21 cell pairs failed to split creating a cell with 47 chromosomes and a cell with 45 chromosomes. The cell with 45 chromosomes can not survive but the cell with 47 chromosomes will continue to divide. All cells that come from this cell will contain 47 chromosomes. b) The person received 47 chromosomes at fertilization but later during cell division the extra chromosome is lost. Mosaicism occurs in 2% to 5% of cases of Down syndrome. A person with Mosaic Down syndrome may exhibit all, some, or none of the characteristics of Down syndrome depending on the percent of cells carrying the extra chromosome and where these cells are located.

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31 for 21 Day 20 Football Player Scores TD in Washington Game (The Ike Spec...

2011-10-20T07:00:00.001-05:00

I love this story, I remember when it came out but to see it again bring tears to my eyes. What an awesome group of young men and coaches.

GO IKE!!!

wordless wednesday~ 31 for 21 Day 19 Determination

2011-10-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

the million dollar question

2011-10-18T16:13:00.002-05:00

just for the record:

Yesterday I brought William to the ENT with the understanding (mostly from what the ped had said) that we would most likely schedule tubes (possibly adenoids removed) considering this is his fifth ear infection in two and a half months. YIKES!
After a quick history and explanation of the ear problems that have been going on, the ENT took out one "dangling" tube from William's ear and confused me to no end.
He talked about hearing tests, possibly patching the ear where the tubes were since now there is a perforation, possible tubes (probably not) and sedated hearing tests if the first one does not go well. Trust me I told him I seriously had no idea and I was confused.
I have a hearing test scheduled for this Thursday for little man and we will go from there. I am going to call the ped and ask her to please find out more info so she can explain it better to me.

In more recent new, as if that wasn't recent enough....
This morning W woke up with redness and somewhat bumpy torso. Ragan insisted it was probably from sleeping so I went with it and we went to school. After being at school for a little over an hour I on checked him and it was still there (just a little more ). I called the ped to make an appointment....got in 20 min. later. We saw Dr. S, the only other doctor I will let see W and she decided the million dollar question for the day was : what is the rash on William's chest? She was positive it was not the antibiotic and he has not been around anything new....food, sunscreen, etc. So she said to bring him back to school and if it got worse this afternoon to call her.
It seems to be gone right now. Thankfully he does not feel bad and just goes with the flow of this crazy little life of ours:)

31 for 21 Day 18~it's the truth

2011-10-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

Myth: Down syndrome is a rare genetic disorder.
Truth: Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring genetic condition. One in every 691 live births is a child with Down syndrome, representing approximately 6,000 births per year in the United States alone. Today, more than 400,000 people in the United States have Down syndrome

Myth: People with Down syndrome have a short life span.
Truth: Life expectancy for individuals with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent years, with the average life expectancy approaching that of peers without Down syndrome.

Myth: Most children with Down syndrome are born to older parents.
Truth: Most children with Down syndrome are born to women younger than 35 years old simply because younger women have more children. However, the incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother.

Myth: People with Down syndrome are severely “retarded.”
Truth: Most people with Down syndrome have IQs that fall in the mild to moderate range of intellectual disability (formerly known as “retardation”). Children with Down syndrome fully participate in public and private educational programs. Educators and researchers are still discovering the full educational potential of people with Down syndrome

Myth: Parents will not find community support in bringing up their child with Down syndrome.
Truth: In almost every community of the United States there are parent support groups and other community organizations directly involved in providing services to families of individuals with Down syndrome.

Myth: Children with Down syndrome must be placed in segregated special education programs.
Truth: Children with Down syndrome have been included in regular academic classrooms in schools across the country. In some instances they are integrated into specific courses, while in other situations students are fully included in the regular classroom for all subjects. The current trend in education is for full inclusion in the social and educational life of the community. Increasingly, individuals with Down syndrome graduate from high school with regular diplomas, participate in post-secondary academic and college experiences and, in some cases, receive college degrees.

Myth: Adults with Down syndrome are unemployable.
Truth: Businesses are seeking young adults with Down syndrome for a variety of positions. They are being employed in small- and medium-sized offices: by banks, corporations, nursing homes, hotels and restaurants. They work in the music and entertainment industry, in clerical positions, childcare, the sports field and in the computer industry. People with Down syndrome bring to their jobs enthusiasm, reliability and dedication.

Myth: People with Down syndrome are always happy.
Truth: People with Down syndrome have feelings just like everyone else in the population. They experience the full range of emotions. They respond to positive expressions of friendship and they are hurt and upset by inconsiderate behavior

31 fo 21 Day:17 My new family

2011-10-17T07:00:00.002-05:00

REPOST:
I just came across this blog post from last year and wanted to share it again. My sweet friends I am ever so thankful for each and every one of you, no matter how we have met or how we are connected I cherish you all.

I never wanted to be part of "that group". I remember weeks after finding out my baby would "more than likely" be born with Ds (I opted not to have an amnio) being thrown into this "special needs" world worried, full of doubt, questioned what our family would go through, angry with God...there I said it, there were many conversations with He that had something to go like "Why me?, Why us, or Why this little baby?"...I didn't want to go there. People called me to tell me about their neighbors friends who had a baby with Ds or a pastor's daughter who had a child... I talked to them in my haze that I was living in, went through the motions and prayed I could get as much info as possible. BUT....

I DID NOT WANT TO BE IN THAT GROUP!

I talked to a mom out of state and as she said those exact words to me and I knew I would be ok. She was ok, she did not ask to be in this group either but she was surviving and better yet she was great and so was her precious son who was 5 at the time. Oh what hope she gave me.

Six weeks after William was born I had lunch with 7 amazing moms who all had children with some type of special needs. As I sat and listened to their stories I thought of my babe at home and how sweet he was. The world was perfect BUT...

I STILL DID NOT WANT TO BE IN THAT GROUP!

Don't get me wrong the moms were nice (am am still close friends to many of them) but I did not ask to be here. Darn it I did not want to be "that family". You know the one everyone looks at and says "I don't know how you do it" OR "it takes a special person" , blah, blah, blah...

WELL,
I am in that "group" and it is not just a "group" anymore it is a FAMILY, a family who I have grown to love and cherish. A family God has carefully knitted together with our precious children, a family I would not had it not been for my little man. These are the people who I love spending time with and talking to. We rejoice at every small milestone our children reach and understand how frustrating it is when it takes hours to feed them one meal. We know how hard our babies try to sit up and how determined they are to stand and communicate. We empathise with one another when we are full of frustration with therapy, school and everyone telling us what to do and we pray for each other for the wisdom to get through each doctor visit, IEP and just every simple day sometimes.
This family pulls for each and every child facing chemo, OHS, and every other difficult time.
These are people I have met in the community, others I have met through blogging this is the best family and I would not change it for the world. I am proud to be part of this family and I have my little William to thank. Our stories may be a little different but it all start with one small connection...

one extra chromosome!

I love each and every one of you, I am proud to be in this amazing family and I thank you all for your love and support.

Feb 2008

23 mos old

cow train, corn maze, parties, cheering and.....

2011-10-16T20:55:00.014-05:00

Today was spent at the .....

corn maze. MiMi and the girls along with all of my kiddos and the Girls Scout troop went on a little adventure. Being that I am officially a hunter's widow we can do stuff like that, oh wait we were never stopped before, just thought I'd throw in that hunter's widow thing in anyway.

Like I was sayin', we got to the corn maze and the fun began....some sights I've never seen before.... goodness, a grown man in a cow suit, I'll spare you the picture and don't you think for a minute I didn't think of posting it b/c I took it and had every intention, you are welcome don't mention it.

Well, let me tell you....the guy, yeah the one in the cow suit drove around his tractor and pulled the kiddies in these little cows, think of it as a cow train. Hun, let me tell ya' ....cun-try (you got that twang in there?), but oh my the fun the kids had. I already told John we (he) needs to make one HA!Ragan was so sweet to let William ride with her b/c he could not have done it other wise. I really wish he would have had fun!

The top right picture is William waving to his fans....AKA girls scouts and parents.

William loved the animals...my children of the corn...

Now we are going to work backwards on the weekend. Saturday morning we woke up early, B and C went to one of the local churches in our community(many kids from school attend) for cheer camp (10-4pm) with a little program at the end to show the parents what they learned. They had a ball! While they were cheering Ragan and I were on a mission to find a Halloween costume for a party she had that night. After we went to Meghan's soccer game where William played with a friend we met a month or so ago. Here are some shots of cheer performance and Ragan at the party as an 80's girl. Catherine did not perform b/c she said she didn't not know the routine well enough....I told her no one knew it perfectly b/c they learned it in a few short hours, but she did have fun though and that's all that counts. Sadly I only took one picture of R at the party. While she was at the party C and B were invited to yet another church event. Talk about one exhausting day!

Friday night seemed so calm looking back at my weekend. We celebrated MiMi's birthday which was this past Wed. with her favorite cake...carrot cake.

I kept a friend's three girls (Brooke's BFF and her 2 little sisters) William liked helping with the baby and had fun playing with C (she is in his class)

isn't this a precious picture?

If that weren't enough....

Ragan lost a tooth Friday night and Catherine lost one Saturday night!!That poor tooth fairy was a busy little thing this weekend:)

I'm actually looking forward to the week as it can't be as busy as this weekend:)

William has an ENT appointment, please pray for everything to go well....he NEEDS tubes!

31 for 21 Day 16~the pot

2011-10-16T06:00:00.002-05:00

An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which she carried across her neck.
One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water.
At the end of the long walks from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.
For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water.
Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments.
But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do.
After two years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream.
'I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house.'
The old woman smiled, 'Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side?'
'That's because I have always known about your flaw,
so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them.'
For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table.
Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house.'
Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding...
You've just got to take each person for what they are and look for the good in them.
SO, to all of my cracked pot friends, have a great day and remember to smell the flowers on your side of the path

31 for 21 Day 15~ just another day

2011-10-15T23:21:00.005-05:00

When I found out at 4 1/2 mos. pregnant William would need open heart surgery I could not imagine my children doing typical every day things once this baby arrived. truly I did not understand what our family had in store. Why did our children have to deal with this, it wasn't fair I thought.

Just b/c you have (or may be having) a child with Down syndrome, it does not mean you will have change your every day life. You will have many "everyday" days ahead.

poor Max... ...and let's see that closer up in slow mo.

31 for 21~ Day 14 Forget me not Friday

2011-10-14T23:02:00.006-05:00

Technically I have 20 minutes before day 14 is over for "31 for 21". I did have something scheduled to post this morning but for some reason it didn't, perhaps b/c I needed to post about Forget Me Not Friday.

Jane has a huge heart for orphans as do so many women (and men) in this little Down syndrome community. Please take a minute to just look at the beautiful faces she has on her post today. Could one of those precious children be your child? Could this be your niece/nephew, your neighbors child? It never hurts to share the faces of these gifts from God with others, you could change a life/lives forever. If you feel led to donate to their adoption fund any amount would be greatly appreciated as that may be the amount to help one child get home. But most importantly, please keep these innocent little ones in your prayers. They need homes and a family who loves them more than anything in this world.

Week by week Jane's posts have more chidlren added. Let's pray that these loves find families and do not have to live in the conditions they are currently in. Let's work together and help share their pictures.

Some of the children include...Francine

Lizzy ...and please don't forget "my" darling little Bogdan who is desprately awaiting a family to find him and bring him home where he will be loved and safe forever. He will be 2 January 2012 and needs a Mommy and Daddy now. You can enter a giveaway for his grant fund ->->-> HERE

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31 for 21 Day 13: one reason I love inclusion

2011-10-13T12:49:00.005-05:00

I love that WIlliam is in a full inclusion kindy class. The friends he is making melts my heart. A couple of weeks ago I was texted by his para to please check on his ear (to see if he had an ear infection) I was tutoring that day so I walked over to check on him then brought him out to the playground. The para and I had a little conversation something like this:

Para: The little girls love William.
Me: Awww, they probably like to mother him. (he is a little smaller but since his words aren't as clear many kids think he is much younger than 5)
Para: No, they want to marry him.
Me: *insert slap myself on forehead* BIG AWWWWWW!

WIlliam was off playing with some boys and two little girls came runing up to me.
Girls: (at the same time) We are going to marry William!

The para told me the day prior he was walking with his hands on his hips with a girl on each arm as they both said they were going to marry William.
On another note just for my records:

We went to the ped. yesterday b/c of drainage in W's left ear....he has another ear infection, yes 5 in less than 2 1/2 months. This meant, yet again we could not get shots or the flu shot. Our ENT visit will be this coming Monday and I can't wait to get things moving in the direction to help this little guy. So frustrating somtimes.

Happy birthday MiMi

2011-10-13T12:42:00.002-05:00

Today is my mom's birthday. The kids were so excited this morning to call her and sing Happy Birthday on speaker phone. William even sang and kept up very well with the words and of course he sticks cha-cha-cha in at the end, such a funny kid. We won't get to see her today b/c my kids have dance and she has to get Meghan and Emily to soccer and Girl Scouts so a birthday celebration will have to wait until this weekend. This picture is from last year, I can't believe how much all of the kids have changed.

Happy Birthday Mom!

I love you!

31 for 21 day:12 wordless wednesday

2011-10-12T06:30:00.000-05:00

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catherines's 10th birthday party

2011-10-11T08:00:00.001-05:00

Catherine celebrated her 10th birthday this past Thursday (since they were out of school Friday). We had 12 little girls at the Marriott to swim, eat, play and sleep over. What a fun time.

31 for 21~ Day:11 the butterfly

2011-10-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

The Butterfly

by Anonymous

One day a small opening appeared on a cocoon. A man sat and watched for the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through the little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gone as far as it could and could go no further.

So the man decided to help the butterfly. He took a pair of scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings.

The man continued to watch the butterfly because he expected that, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time. Neither happened! In fact the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly.

What the man in his kindness and haste did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening were God"s way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into the wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon.

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If God allowed us to go through life without any obstacles, it would cripple us. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. We could never fly.

I asked for Strength. And God gave me difficulties to make me strong.

I asked for Wisdom. And God gave me problems to solve.

I asked for Prosperity. And God gave me brain and brawn to work.

I asked for Courage. And God gave me danger to overcome.

I asked for Love. And God gave me troubled people to help.

I asked for Favors. And God gave me opportunities.

I received nothing I wanted. I received everything I needed.

31 for 21~ Day 10 I wish...

2011-10-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

Oh, how I wish I could have told that momma everything would be alright.

I wish I could have given her a glimpse of her family's future as she lie on that table listening to the doctor's frightening words: Down syndrome, heart surgery, choices, not too late.

I wish that she would not have worriedy so much, everything would be ok...better than ok, it would be amazing!

I wish I could have told her that this child will bring a new perspective to everything in life and she would find new friendships which would last a life time.
She probably would not have believed a word because she didn't want to be there but God did.

I wish she were as strong as I am today.

I wish I could have told her that the baby WOULD change her chidlren's lives but not in aspect she thought.

This little bundle of joy was the best gift our family could have asked for and I am thankful every day.

31 for 21 Day 9 Sharing Sunday

2011-10-09T07:00:00.006-05:00

One of the happiest places in my opinion is HERE right on Reese's Rainbow on the My Family Found Me page. You will find many pictures to make your heart happy...smiles, momma and papas huggin' their precious little ones who have waited all of their lives to be held in the loving arms of their parents.
Reunions. Safety. Love. Security. Family. This is what life should be about.

These stories bring tears to my eyes as I see the sheer joy, happiness and the works of our amazing Father. These loves no longer have to live a life of pure hell, laying in a crib with minimal stimulation, malnourished and in dire need of being saved.
These children no longer have to be sent to a hospital without a parent to protect them, they will no longer cry without a loving touch from a parent. They will have bedtime stories read to them, cakes on their birthdays, and family gatherings during the holidays. They will know they are important and that they matter.

They no longer face institutional living for the rest of their lives.However there are so many children awaiting a momma and papa to rescue them, and to love unconditionally...a family to call their own. These kiddos have done nothing wrong. Many were not up to society's standard quality of life so a doctor told the parents it would be best to give their child up and never see them again. And that is just what they did.

Here are some of the beautiful pictures of the innocent children left behind in orphanages wondering when it will be their turn to go home. Could one of them be your child?

Did you notice Bogdan's grant fund is growing? Well it is and we are .50 away from $700.

Can I hear WOO HOO!!!

Please share his photo and pray for him, that costs nothing, not a penny, nada. It only takes one person to find him and bring him home where he belongs. Bogdan could be home before spring!

You can copy and paste his button from my side bar. If you would like to enter his giveaway click HERE.

Leave a comment on that post if you donate. For every $5 donated leave a seperate comment, there are several other ways to get you name entered. $5 it's that simple and you will be helping save a life. Stop by Flight Platform Living for Sharing Sunday to see more children waiting.

family breakfast and dinosaur day

2011-10-08T11:40:00.000-05:00

Wednesday was Brooke's family breakfast with her most favorite Mommy and Daddy and in the whole entire world.... MiMi and Pops. When breakfast was over the families were invited back to the classroom for a short time to view the dinosaur projects which were due that day and help the students with an activity.
At the end of the day students were allowed to dig through a rocky material to find their own fossils which were ordered from a company...many students found sharks' teeth, which by far was the hit of the day.
Brooke and two of her besties!

31 for 21 Day 8 writing his name!

2011-10-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

I'm so proud of my big boy. Kindy has really done something for him. His teacher and para are great and we are all on the same page which always helps. When school started 8 weeks ago, he would not sit still long enough enough to write anything, honestly the first couple of weeks of school I began to wonder when (not IF) he would ever write it.

He is so interested in everything around, fine motor is the least of his worries. The past month he has FINALLY been sitting for me in small increments but it is getting better (with some bribery). Here is a small sample of his name from last week.

I write his name on top of the page then we talk about the letters together. He writes each one as we discuss the way they are formed (up, down, up, down or small line with a dot, etc). He gets better and better each time and he seems to be enjoying it (perhaps he likes watching me act like a fool for the end result).

This is a sweet little family port. he made after working on his letters and name. His people are changing since this summer, the hair does not continue around the face and he is making ears and just started working on feet:)

31 for 21~Day 7 Take a Walk in my Shoes

2011-10-07T22:30:00.000-05:00

TAKE A WALK IN MY SHOES
by Susan Drumright

I am a kid with Down syndrome. It is not something I would choose.

I'd like you to know me better. Would you take a walk in my shoes?
Down syndrome affects my body from my muscles to my brain.

But I'm more like you than I'm not. Come with me and I'll explain. Let's take a walk together and you can see things through my eyes.

Look we both have Nikes on and we even wear the same size!

As we walk listen carefully, I'll be teaching you about me.

Together we can have some fun, but your help will be the key. Be patient as I am talking. I often get tongue-tied.

If you can wait long enough, you'll see we're the same inside.

In school I'm often frustrated, learning stuff that's new.

Learning isn't as easy for me as it seems to be for you.

So if you see that I'm in trouble and I need a little clue.

Try drawing me a picture or showing me what to do.

Don't worry if I tell you, "No thanks, I don't want a hand."

I like to do things for myself.

My motto is: "I CAN!"

But you can always help me by cheering for my success.

Just like I'll cheer for you when you score a goal or ace a test.Smiles, hugs, pats-on-the-back...they all make me grin.

I'll give back all these things to you, multiplied by ten.

My world is full of fun things, like movies, pizzas, swings.

It's great to have a friend to share in what each day brings.

Thank you for walking in my shoes. I wanted you to see.

I really need a friend like you who likes me just as me.

31 for 21 Day 6:Difference is an Artist's Game

2011-10-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

wordless wednesday~31 for 21 Day:5 life

2011-10-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

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31 for 21~Day 4...the scar

2011-10-04T06:30:00.000-05:00

This picture is so much more than just hands.

It shows the love between a big sister and her little brother as he lie asleep on her lap. I watch as she gently kisses his little forehead and strokes his blonde hair. Moments like this are becoming few and far between as he is full of energy running from here to there most every moment of the day.

You see only minutes before we were in the car, he was wide awake and everyone was talking telling me about their day. He often crashes on the way home from school. The girls scurry inside and many times ask to hold the sleeping boy as this is the only time they can enjoy him at a still moment.

This picture not only shows this nostalgic momma love but if you look closely you can see the bottom of William's scar. A scar that he proudly shows to anyone who is interested. Oh, how I would not wish this scar on anyone but how thankful I am for it. Without it we would not have our sweet William.

31 for 21~day 3 are you walkin'? buddy walk 2011

2011-10-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

This year will mark our fourth Buddy Walk. We didn't attend the first one b/c our little guy had just undergone open heart surgery. THe second year we didn't attend b/c, let me just say it...

I was uncomfortable. It honestly made me a little sad to see older people with Down Syndrome. I knew my son would be capable of many, many things but how would he be when he was an adult?

BY the thrid year I was raring to go.

Let's do this Buddy Walk!

I'm so glad we went b/c since then my kids are always looking forward to the next one as are our friends.

What great friends we have who always support us.

THank you all for loving William and accepting him for who he is.

So who wants to walk?

I'm trying to get our team together

The walk will be at Zephyr Stadium.

Saturday, October 29

noon

For more information email me at narrettog@yahoo.com

Great fun is had by all.

food, fun, and entertainment by Top Cats are some of the highlights.

Our first Buddy Walk...

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