We participated in an exhibit called Testify at our church that showed this morning. Our story and the image they used are below. Delighted laughter and the thumping of dancing bare feet sound from of our backyard deck. Our eyes meet and the familiar twinkle says what we don’t have to: we love our kids. Praise God, for life is good. If feels good...
I’ve taken it upon myself to do some family screenwriting lately. It goes like this:Act 1 Scene 1: garage door lifts, child runs shrieking with glee toward the street as mother frantically chases yelling all combinations of ‘stop!’ ‘Freeze’ ‘wait!’ ‘[name!!]’. Child turns a corner into neighbors yard and dares mother to hurdle waist-high shrub. And on and on.Act 1 Scene 2: [sound of...
Let it be known that I’d like to be done with hospitals and funerals for a while. While I’m at it, I’ll add breakups and unemployment to the list. Done. Thank you. The mess of things gone south for those close to us is enough to make one wonder if it’s contagious. Nevertheless, the importance of the shadows in life is not lost on...
There really is nothing like a dance party to de-stress. Especially when it’s toddlers. Especially during the after-dinner mania. The past week has been a rough one. Very needy kids, tired mama, and hearts carrying heavy stuff going on with close family and friends. Thank God for the levity amidst the mess. Next time I think I’ll DJ. And then join in and show...
Having Down syndrome automatically qualifies Whitney for government funded early education services. Since birth she has met with a teacher and/or specialists each week through the county’s Early Start program. Over the last month or two we have been preparing to enter the public school system. (!!!) When Whitney turns 3 she “graduates” out of the county program and into a pre-K special classroom. ...
I love gatherings with loved ones! We have been lucky to have a few special visits lately… First, the amazing and wonderful Aunt Patty and Uncle Bruce (were there ever two people more kid-fun?) it was a tutu and boots day. their visit included a BBQ with other fun [local] family…cousins copying and chasing each other through the grass while adults relaxed...
I’m learning how to take a walk from my toddlers….here’s what I’ve got so far. 1. The alphabet is amazing. Any time you see a letter it is cause for excitement. Point and name it (or guess). 2. When you see big rocks, embrace this opportunity for physical challenge. 5. Every living thing deserves a pause for a greeting, this especially includes people, cats,...
Today’s Favorites…. Michelle: the Waffle Maker – I love this thing! We had waffles today and they were just great. As usual. And left us wondering why we don’t have waffles more often?! We like to eat them with syrup or yogurt, or even freeze them for a quick and easy meal or snack. I want to try dipping them in chocolate for a...
Whitney’s original heartbeat had a whoosh whoosh whoosh sound. After surgery, with VSD all patched up it’s now a thump thump thump. Amazing, huh!? On another note, we’ve got the hospital bill and yes, there are quite a few decimal places. Sticker shock? Well, not really, we knew this was a pretty big deal. Still, I didn’t expect it to start with a 3....
So I started using a Fitbit. What is a Fitbit, you ask? It’s just magic little gadget clip on my bra strap that watches me like a hawk and tricks me into healthier choices. Instead of an angel on my shoulder it’s like having Mr. Hunter from 8th grade PE in my ear bellowing ‘pump your arms’ and threatening me with a muumuu. I’ve...
For a few decades my mom collected charms. Dozens of adventures and meaningful moments are molded into these little tokens. I love it that I can scan through her charms and remember some of these experiences because I have either been a co-adventurer or have lived vicariously through her stories. At Christmastime I decided to figure out how to get these memories out of...