This Is The Life...

IF you are a kid. We're on the road - traveling from pool to pool:-)



What you don't see in this photo is K, poolside with the laptop (I know), and me reading an e-book written by Michelle Mitchell of Scribbit, Motherhood in Alaska called Blogging the in Pink: A Woman's Guide.

When I jumped into the blogosphere, I had NO clue as to what I was doing. I found some wonderful support in a very short time for which I'll always be grateful. Much I learned about blogging I learned the hard way but you don't have to! If you are new to the blogoshpere or want to improve your blog/blogging than this book is for you! It speaks to so many things that come with blogging - HTML, social networking, blogging manners (courtesy, reciprocating), growing your blog, making money from your blog...and on and on! Oh, and its free to download from Michelle's site, Scribbit, Motherhood in Alaska!

I really do love spring road trips. I spend a great deal of time reading when I'm not driving - my favorite thing to do! All of my favorite spring flowering trees are in their glory. From north to south - crabapples, redbuds, dogwoods, magnolias - making all this driving delightful!

Now to go settle in with my book!

H/T to Renna at Finding My Knitch for the book link. Thanks Renna!

Another Missy Funny

The conversation went like this:


Me: "Its time for your bath."

R (14 y.o. with Down syndrome) scowling: "Don't ever say that 'B' word in front of me again."

Me: "You're too funny, Missy"

R - hands on hips: "I'm not funny - I'm VERY serious. The 'B' word is my enemy."

I'm beginning to see a pattern here as I watch the enemies list grow longer....

Perhaps personal hygiene has become an issue. Nothing that can't be dealt with though.

Oh, and she now hates it when I call her Missy. I guess I'll stop adding fuel to the raging hormonal state fire by using the nickname I've used for her since she was a very sweet newborn.

Charity Update

Charity is extubated and breathing on her own!

She is still a very sick little girl so pray on...

Online DownsEd Materials

The Down Syndrome Educational Trust in Great Britain is putting its Down Syndrome Information and Issues series online!

So far, they have put their number skills booklets online along with their speech and language development booklets.

I purchased this series years ago and spent a fortune - especially on shipping and VAT from Great Britain. I guarantee you will find excellent, helpful information in this series for homeschooling a child with Down syndrome and its FREE! Just download the appropriate age group and/or read ahead!

Happy Day

Celebrating the birth of K.



Bright, beautiful, thoughtful, giving, fun, sweet, passionate, almost grown young lady.



Happy 17th birthday!

A Moving Story...

I'd seen this video mentioned on a couple of blogs but the embedded video had been removed (by request) and never bothered to go to youtube to see what the excitement was about.

Let me tell you, I was moved to tears watching this unassuming but cheeky middle-aged woman change the opinions of the audience (and later the world) as soon as she opened her mouth to sing one of my favorite songs from Les Mis, I Dreamed a Dream.

Susan Boyles, 47 years old, grew up the youngest of nine children and a coal miner's daughter in Scotland. She had learning difficulties and was bullied growing up. She was her recently deceased mother's caregiver, lives alone with her cat, is unemployed and has never been kissed. Her dream...to be a professional singer.

When she appeared on Britain's Got Talent (which must be similar to American Idol) they laughed at her. They saw the plain, middle-aged, frumpy woman (like me) until she opened her mouth to share a talent that can only come from God.

Please watch this video and remember never to judge a book by its cover. All have value - even if they don't come in a package that this culture values - Hollywood good looks and high IQs.

Susan Boyle's dream may have finally come true and my hope is that the dreams of those who live with challenges this world doesn't value (and many terminate) have a chance to make their dreams come true too.

Some follow-up stories here and here.

Edit to add Ms. Boyle singing Cry Me a River

International Down Syndrome Coalition for Life - Help Spread the Word

Not too long ago I was thrilled to find the International Down Syndrome Coalition for Life. As a part of the community, I would like to help spread awareness of the mission of IDSC for Life. My dear daughter created the button below for those of us who believe that all life is precious - especially those who are deemed disposable by many in our society, children with Down syndrome.

More about the mission of IDSC for Life:

IDSC For Life is dedicated to promoting the dignity and respect for all individuals with Down syndrome, from conception and throughout life. We are a coalition that has worldwide representation. Our mission is to celebrate and enhance the lives of individuals with Down syndrome, as well as to ensure fair and accurate representation in the case of prenatal diagnosis. IDSC For Life will accomplish this mission by educating medical staff and families with a prenatal diagnosis as well as offering current and up to date information.





Copy and paste HTML below to your blog!

<a href="http://idscforlife.wordpress.com/"><img src=" http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i62/storms_legacy/idscforlife-1.jpg"/></a>

Would You Pray With Me...

for little Charity?

Charity was born with Down syndrome and is extremely critically ill on ECMO.

Please stop by the family blog and let them know you are praying for their precious Charity.

Be Blessed Today

by this beautiful song by Jamie Slocum -- Dependence on You