Finding the beauty

A rite of passage... it seems so!

2012-02-02T08:32:00.000-08:00

There are a set of words that keep repeating in my head. These are words I will never forget. They came from an adorable little, sweet, innocent voice.

Saying, "Mommy, do you like my hair cut?"

I was quickly snapped out of my afternoon downtime and into a mini nightmare!

Now, to state for the record. I am not a very materialistic person. I like nice things, but I can also do without. I don't worry about vanity or being perfect. I like looking nice, but I also like days where I get to hang out in over sized sweatshirts and a pair of lulu's! I don't teach or expect my kids to be perfect and I teach my kids that being nice, being a good friend and having integrity are much more important things than being beautiful.

With that cleared up, lets just say; I was a little shocked. Her beautiful hair was no longer on her head, but in a sad pile on her bedroom floor. My fear was caused from an experience I had as a young child. In grade two there was a child in my class that had very short hair. I, being naive and innocent asked this child, "Are you a boy or a girl?" Turns out she was a girl and a very nice one, but I fears for my daughters self worth!

I quickly called my husband who is away in Las Vegas. He laughed! Than his parents laughed. They all thought it was so funny. While I am doing the ugly blubber cry, snot coming out, can't catch my breath... you know. I proceeded to call my friend who was much better at handling my tears! Meanwhile (which I later found out) Kyla was hiding under her bed.

If you remember, she came to tell me about her new haircut. So obviously she didn't realize that I would have this kind of reaction! She didn't think it was wrong. And when I showed her in the mirror what she did... the look in her eyes made me realize that she was also scared of what she did!

I started to think a little more clearly and realized that I had to handle this with a little more dignity. It was hard! Her hair takes forever to grow. She had some adorable curls at the back. But, all of that was gone now and I needed to talk to her in a non-crazy-mommy way and make sure she knew not to ever do it again and that we would make sure to fix it so it would be pretty!

And you know what, the end result is so adorable! Of course it is, because Kyla is so adorable!

And I have told her, that is anyone says she has hair like a boy, she is to sweetly tell them that actually, she has hair like tinkerbell!

She was also excited to learn last night that her hair is the same as Ellen Degeneres!

I think I am actually excited about it... so maybe this was all a good thing!

A friend has read my mind

2012-01-30T20:05:00.000-08:00

Have you ever read something and it connected so gracefully to your own thoughts, that it is almost as if this person READ your thoughts??

That is what happened when I read this today, and I had to share.

Written by a friend of mine and Macys who has recently moved away from us and settled in Cambridge, England.

Her words are so eloquent.

I could not have said it better... Click below!

Mothering a child with a disability; The secret thoughts

From Krista at One Beautiful Life

2 years already!

2012-01-29T00:54:00.000-08:00

Two years ago I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of a baby boy! I was so sure. Because of course, doesn't every women know her body so well? I also had a coworker tell me that for sure I was having a boy, because when I had been pregnant with a girl the previous time, I glowed more and looked more radiant and beautiful... Huh? Really? Did I hear that right or do I need my ears cleaned? haha. I was taken back by that then, but now it just makes me laugh.

Well, it wasn't a boy. But a girl. An absolutely beautiful and perfect baby girl with Down Syndrome.

I think the Lord prepares us for the life we are going to live. I don't think it was a coincidence that my dad worked at a developmental center. I don't think it was a coincidence that I chose to do volunteer hours at the developmental center in high school. It's not a coincidence that I have always been aware of the people around me with disabilities or that I have had a soft spot for them.

There are no coincidences, only His plan. And I love when I get to look back over my life and see the moments that I was being prepared. When I can say, "Huh, so that is why that happened!"

Those full circle moments are confirmation for me! Validation! Reminding me that I am still heading in the right direction.

These were the thoughts running through my head in those first days of Macy's life. It was an "Ah Ha" moment for sure!

Many people like to think that special needs children are given to special parents. I think different. I think that I was slowly prepped and prepared and given the chance to prove if I was capable. To prove if I could love her unconditionally. Could I learn to see her and love her as the Lord does? To learn that perfection is not defined by the physical things. There is a bigger picture here. I think like anything we go through in life, we are able to do it when we rely on Him to help us!

For me Macy is one of God's "Tender Mercies."
He must have known that I needed confirmation.
He knew that I needed to see "The pure love of God" in action.

I won't lie and say these last two years have been easy.

Raising a child with special needs takes more of everything! More patience, more teaching, more appointments and more advocating. But what I want people to know is that it doesn't have to be scary... it is beautiful! So beautiful! An experience I would not trade for ANYTHING!

I think of Macy and I wouldn't change her. I would not take her Down Syndrome away if given the chance. Without it she wouldn't be able to touch so many hearts. She wouldn't get to experience life with pure joy and happiness.

This was God's plan for Macy and who am I to wish it away?! There is a reason why she was given Down Syndrome and every day I get more and more glimpses into why!

My heart almost burst just thinking about how much I love her. If you know her, she is easy to love. It's almost impossible not to. The joy she has brought to our family is beyond measure. She adds light and depth to everything. Her sweet personality is uplifting and her laughter is infectious!

Macy turns 2 today and I have a feeling we are just at the beginning of all we will learn from her and I am so grateful that I was trusted enough to take this journey with her! It is definitely a wild and blessed ride.

Filled with all the best things. I celebrate her today and I celebrate her future, the sky's the limit!!

I love you Macy... forever and ever!

Happy Birthday Big Girl!

Thirty-What?

2012-01-26T22:28:00.000-08:00

I think I am turning 31... las (laugh at self!)
I'm getting to the part where I start forgetting what age I am! I remember being young and wondering how anyone could forget. I mean, I remember being one whole hand! (5) or when I no longer had enough fingers to count my age! (11) Well, if that child only knew that age is but a number :)

Actually, some days age is MUCH more than a number... I am starting to think my grandma wasn't so crazy to go to bed at 8 pm. Sounds kinda nice sometimes! I have started realizing that between about 2pm and dinner, I am not coherent enough to handle big girl jobs or questions... those are my FOG hours! Where the lack of sleep, and nourishment takes it's toll! And, if you ever struggle finding something in my house, it is probably because I put it in the wrong place! Like a box of cereal in the fridge or my keys on the bathroom floor because when I got home I ran in there so fast to pee before having an accident!

Those are not every day occurrences, luckily! But yes, this age thing is creeping up on me in good and bad ways!

I'll take the bad though, because I actually like aging. Every year I learn more about myself, I become more comfortable in my skin, I laugh at myself more easily and my cooking sure improves! ;)

I have spent this week examining my life. Where I am against where I thought I would be. Then, where I am against where I want to be.

Am I where I thought I would be?
If you asked me this question as a kid I would say YES!
If you asked me this ten years ago, I would think it too good to be true!

So I took a little detour? I got to the right destination after all right!

So the more important question. Where am I compared to where I want to be?
For the most part I feel like I am living exactly the life I want, just not doing it as efficiently or completely as I wish. I'd like to learn to balance my life better. And though comfort with myself is coming, I would always like more of that! More time with friends, more quiet weekend getaways with the hubby, more tea parties with the girls and more sunny days to throw footballs with Tommy, and always more times to laugh and dance! Those are all on my list. But, really I am feeling pretty at peace with it all.

So I turn 31 in about 45 min... and what do I say to that?
Another day older, another day wiser...another day of blessings (and laundry) in abundance!!

I'll toast to that! Happy Birthday to me!!

The down low on the babe

2012-01-19T18:30:00.000-08:00

Macy's surgery went well, it is such a quick procedure. Only takes 15 min or so. Unfortunately we had to get up at 4:45 to be there at 6 am. Even with that, she didn't get into the OR until about 8:15 sort of annoying!

Anyway, after the surgery, the doctor mentioned a slight infection in her ears and sent us home with some ear drops. It quickly became apparent that she wasn't okay! I almost took her back to the hospital but tried to get ahold of her surgeon first. Well she finally called me back later that afternoon, no help there :)

Well after a few days of no smiles and all fussing, fevers and "mommy hold me's" I finally took her in. Turns out she has a really bad ear infection and a "rattly" chest. (not pneumonia though!) So I am hoping to see some improvement soon!

Here is Macy ready for surgery! She did have a mild cold going into it and that made me a little nervous.

But, I also didn't want to be sent home and have to return again. And the anesthesiologist felt like she was okay to go ahead with it.

To sooth her mind before surgery, Macy listened to some Coldplay!

She likes quite the repertoire of music! Signing time, the wiggles, J Beibs and Coldplay!

And now, on to lighter topics and a little sunshine to remind us that, Yes, it will return again.

And I would like to say, I hope it is soon!

These were taken at a splash pad in Utah last summer!

See the Diva! She loves this pose... I'm just not sure it is "America's Next Top Model" worthy?!

So sassy! Tag hanging out and all!

And here is the little miss during happier times! I am hoping to get back to these smiles soon :)

We may have some stiff competition, but I vote Tommy as worlds best big brother!

And I interrupt this slide show for another Diva moment!

Above is my hansome boy, below is the reason why I get so few pictures of him! He runs from the camera!

Tommy with cousins Bryton and Desiree - they are all three the same age! How fun is that!!

Thanks for visiting... I think I hear a little one crying for me, again! I think I will pray for no sick kids, sunshine and temps above -20!

Macy's 3rd Surgery

2012-01-16T14:43:00.000-08:00

It is common among people with Down Syndrome to have hearing problems. That is a large part of the reason why many of them have difficulty communicating well. If you have ever heard a deaf person speak, they don't pronunciate their words as well. If you can't hear the correct pronunciation, you have a harder time repeating it.

Well, somehow Macy got overlooked in the beginning and never got her initial hearing test. Then when she finally got in around 8 months old, they found she has fluid behind her ears (to her it sounded like she was under water) and therefor she needed tubes to drain the water. She got those tubes last January.

Since than she has had multiple hearing tests. At some of them they thought she would need hearing aids, then some of the tests would be better. I really think it is hard to get a good result with an awake baby who could care less that she was being tested and didn't really cooperate. But, the testing continued, and I was okay with that. She has always been a chatter box and she has always responded to her name and acted like she could hear us. so I was just going with what the doctors wanted with little concern.

Eventually we got in to the Opthomologist again and she was stunned with how much wax Macy had produced, which surprised me because I never see wax in her ears. I guess it is a really sticky type that has completely blocked her ear tubes. Thus the failed tests! Though, we still know she can hear and she is doing great at her speech therapy appts.

Still, tomorrow she gets a new set of ear tubes, and though I am not supper nervous, there are still risks with every surgery! I am hoping that everything runs smoothly and that her new tubes stay nice and open! Unlucky for us, we have to be at the hospital at 6 am. I guess that means less time to wait for her to be done tomorrow! I'll be glad when I get to go see her in recovery and hug her and love on her!!

Ramblings, Goals and a little eye candy!

2012-01-14T10:34:00.000-08:00

Every saturday morning I think I'll get the chance to sleep in. I get all excited on friday night just thinking about those precious extra hours of nothingness! Than saturday morning comes and along with it comes what I like to call, "My life is not my own!" The nagging of a hungry and TV wanting 4 yr old. The chatter from the crib in the room next door and the gut wrenching guilt that I should probably go get her. Because deep down, I have a hard time letting Macy suffer, at all! Lets also not forget the husband, bless his heart, who is hoping for some saturday morning attention. See, like I said, My life is not my own! Thanks to my really independent and helpful 9 yr old, I can quickly get them settled with him and head back for at least a few more moments of dreamland.

I hope no one takes this as complaining... I assume most of us feel this way at times! And really, do I want my life to be my own?? Not really, that would be quite a lonely and boring existance!

I realized yesterday that I hadn't written down my goals for 2012.

Like most people, I have a lot of things I would like to improve on such as; more consistant prayer and scripture study, taking more pictures of my family, since quantity isn't available... more quality time with friends, and spending less and spoiling less!

But, I have decided on a few larger goals for 2012.

1. I want an need to become more organized. With my house, Macy's medical documents, and my time. I'll gladly accept any tips and tricks!

2. I want to set up a budget. I am the mom who buys on a whim and I want to stop doing that. I want to keep better track of spending and make better choices about what we NEED and dont need. Though I told my husband that he isn't allowed to do the budget with me... funny I know. But when we budget together I get crazy anxiety.

3. The last thing is going to be hard for me but a good challange. I want to do more little things for people around me; friends, neighbors etc. Last year we donated so much to charities and did fundraisers. But I think you can make HUGE changes in peoples lives with a homemade batch of cookies. I am not the best about taking meals to new mothers or taking treats to neighbors, but I want to improve on that. I want to do this because it is the people closest to me that directly bless my life and I need to show my appreciation! My hope is to do one per week!

Okay, with that said, on to the rest of the vacation pictures. I have to say, I regret that I have no pictures of Tommy on our trip. He was at his dad's the majority of the time. But I am going to get some good ones of him up on this blog soon.

If you notice in the pool picture, Kyla is holding onto Macy's float. Protective or controlling? You decide!

We put on some Justin Beiber music and I'll admit, we are big fans! Especially Kyla. Her and Sadie were having a major dance party on the side of the hot tub! Not quite sure yet where Kyla got her hip thrusting and rotating moves... I'll have to keep an eye on her!

Again, we ended up going to Disnelyland. But just for one day this time and the park was extremely busy, but we did get on a few rides with the girls. And of course, within the first hour of being in the park, Barry had to buy Cotton Candy for them!

At least we believe in a wholesome breakfast!

The only ride at Disneyland that Kyla really wanted to go on was (in her words) "The horses that go around and around.!

I am thinking that we have done Disney enough for a few years! So maybe next year we will do Universal, Sea World or Lego Land! Any Suggestions?

Back to life... back to reality!

2012-01-12T15:33:00.000-08:00

The lull after the vacation... I've actually been so busy that I haven't had a chance to miss being on vacation! Weird, I know. Today was spent in therapy with macy and booking appts for Macy, it seems like she hasn't seen her pediatrician or her surgeon in forever. But some good came out of today...

Macy got approved for an in home developmental aide that will come for about 6 hours a week. We will have this aide for 6 months and my hope is that in that time Macy learns to communicate better, listen better, stop pulling hair/biting, and learn to walk. I am very excited about this!! I have been really stressing about all this lately.

I left one of her classes at PREP a few months ago in tears because she would not stay in her seat, was throwing fits and pulled her friends hair... HARD! I was embarrassed... so I cried. Then I was ashamed of myself for being embarrased about my own daughter so I cried again. Shouldn't I be her biggest supporter and fan? I was having many conflicting emotions. Sometimes this process is just a little overwhelming I guess! Anyway, I want to break these habits before everyone thinks she is mean or difficult. She is really a great kid, but she has a HUGE personality. Basically, she knows who she is, she knows what she wants and she thinks she is running the show! That is probably because I love her so much and she knows I am weak and will give in to her!

Enough of that...

So, I am sure your all interested in my trip :) If not, pretend! We had a great, relaxing time. Here are some of our adventures.

The dogs were a hit at the city park!

This is Kyla trying to be like her uncle Brian!

Kodak Theatre - I couldn't help but think about one of my good friends while I was here.

I think she would love it. Next time!

We saw this car on Rodeo Dr. There were tons of people getting their pictures with it.

Barry told me it is a Bugatti and I can have one for only 2.4 million! Better start saving my pennies!

We ate at Mels Drive-in where many famous movies and shows have been filmed.

We drove around with a map of the stars homes. We did find a lot of homes!

Unfortanulty they are all mostly behind 20 foot hedges ;) So, we didn't see much, but we still saw LOTS of awesome homes! Beverly Hills is a must see!

Twilight Footprints and Handprints in front of the Chinese Theatre

And Harry Potter of course!

I got a lot of star pictures. I had to post this one since we are taking the kids to see the Globetrotters in Feb!

And I know everyone loves Dirty Dancing!! Don't Deny it!

Even Kyla got in the action! Snow White is her favorite Princess and the first one she ever met at disneyland! The funny thing is, she has never seen the movie and when the 7 dwarfs came by in the parade, she asked me who they were! haha

My own little Marylin

I think Kyla ate too much cheesecake!

Worlds tallest man!

More pictures to come...

2011 at a glance

2012-01-03T08:02:00.000-08:00

This was not a year of big high or big lows. This was a year of smooth sailing, and what more could I ask for? I love smooth waters! But there were some great times that stand out in my mind... I wouldn't feel grateful if I didn't write em down! Here goes

This has been a great year for my marriage! The best so far. I think we have found our groove!

Buying The Wilderness Club in Montana, and spending most of our summer there!

Watching Tommy play baseball, basketball, And piano. As he gets older, it is fun to see his personality come alive!

Watching Kyla take her first dance class and her first gymnastics class! still the shortest in her classes! I love my little pixie!

Becoming comfortable with Macy's development! It has been so great this past year to worry less, compare less and enjoy her more. She is SUCH a gift! And I am glad to have her no matter what!

Going to Cavalia! A show that mixes cirque and horses. So cool

We were able to do lots of fundraising and donating this year. Some for friends, some for Macy's school, some for Ups and Downs and a bunch of smaller ones here and there.

Barry and I got to take two trips this year. One for a quite weekend at a romantic lodge in British Columbia, and the other to Dallas for the Thanksgiving football game at Cowboys stadium!

I got to spend two weeks again this year visiting my family in Utah... Now to just get them to come see me :)

Our annual Christmas Trip to California... Always fabulous!

Some lows of the year...

- A close friend moved far away ;(
- My sister in law moved far away ;(
-

Merry Christmas from sunny California!

2011-12-26T20:42:00.000-08:00

Great news in store... I am jumping back into the blog world. I took a nice long hiatus and I am feeling the need to once again document our lives. I haven't taken a single picture of my children since Oct... Eek. Until this one! We have been great though and are currently doing better than great as we are once again spending our Christmas holidays in Palm Springs. We had a wonderful Christmas with more abundance than any one family deserves, but we feel so blessed!

May you all keep the spirit of Christmas and the Love of the Savior in your hearts all year long!

Our pumpkins are bettter than your pumpkins!!

2011-10-21T15:24:00.000-07:00

We found some large, round amazing pumpkins this year at the Calgary Corn Maze! Expensive? Yes! But worth it! I am usually the mom searching the city for pumpkins the day before halloween. So I am proud of myself go getting them early!

It has been a busy few months, mostly because Barry has been working down in Montana at our newest resort golf course - The Wilderness Club . It has been hard having him gone so much, but it is worth it because we are so excited about this new project! It is all the buzz right now in the golf community in Calgary. Everyone who goes down there has fallen in love with it!

With the season winding up down there, Barry was able to come home and we are so glad!!

A few updates...

~Macy is starting to cruise along furniture and she is likes to get into the bear crawl position (on her hands and feet). I am so excited for her to start walking! She is starting to get her 7th and 8th teeth. She talks a lot (we just don't know what she is saying!) She will answer yes and no. and we are learning that she has a very "spirited" personality!

~Kyla is LOVING joy school this year! She could spend hours at a craft table, tracing letters and following simple directions. She loves it! She is still tiny and her and Macy are sharing some clothes. She is taking gymnastics and obsesses over being able to do things like, "hop on one foot" , "safety landings" , and "star jumps." It's fun to watch her, but she tells me that she liked dance class better.

~Tommy has finally blossomed at school and actually says he likes grade 4. Big shocker! He is in love with his new scate board he bought with his own money and begs to go to the skate park. He is still a natural on the piano and barely needs me to help him anymore. His piano teacher loves him!

~Barry and I are looking forward to a week in Dallas in November. This will be fun because it is where we met and dated. We will also go to a Dallas Cowboys game, barry has been dying to take me! I'm excited for some time alone with him!

Twinkle little Star

2011-09-20T19:42:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post a few more vacation pics, but took this one last week and it deserves its own post. We have taken a break from dance and Kyla is trying out gymnastics. With her petite body, sassy attitude and monkey type personality. I'm thinking she may be a future Canadian Olympic Gymnast!!! and if not, she will look adorable and have fun!!

Summer Adventures

2011-09-08T21:11:00.000-07:00

Just returned from about 4 weeks of vacationing! Amazing right! I am actually feeling a bit spoiled and wondering when someone is going to pinch me :)

But before we did that we spent a week with family in Southern Alberta and Montana. It is funny to me that when i think about Montana now it is with a sparkle in my eye, because previously I always thought of it as sort of creepy. It's the last untamed wilderness. You know... mountain men, trappers, ax murderers... that sorta thing ;) Well, I have found a spot there and it is pure HEAVEN! I love it and after months of hard work and waiting, we have finally closed on it. We (as well as a few other friends/family) are now the proud owners of The Wilderness Club. So exciting! But, now the real work begins. Selling cabin lots, building more amenities etc...

So back to the family reunion... here are some of the things we did.

Slide down a giant water slide. Even grandma and grandpa went down. And so did our dog Zoe - a little against her will ;)

Climbed trees

Looked at birds nests

had water balloon fights

Did fancy hair-do's

Spent time with cousins

Used our OUTSIDE voices!

Read lots of books

Played at Lake Koocanusa with cousins. This lake has a cool name "Koo" stands for the Kootenie river that feeds into it. "can" stands for Canada because it starts in Canada and "usa" stands for USA because it's southern parts are in the United States! Cool right!

Took pictures with cousins (this is almost all of sharon and rons 25 grandkids) a few were missing ;(

Played golf

and more golf... it is just too beautiful here!

It was a fun week with family that we don't see much because they moved away. We hope to make this a tradition!

Our next adventure was in Utah seeing my family. We did lots of fun things, here are a few of them.

We went to the Truck show grandpa LOVES old cars!

Tommy did the kids golf cart pull and just about won!

I went to Josh Groban!!!

I swear that voice comes straight from heaven!

this post is getting long and therefor

To Be Continued...

Miss Macy

2011-08-08T10:11:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to document some milestones. Macy is 18 months.

Macy has been army crawling for a few months now. But she is four point crawling now!

She has also started pulling herself up to stand on furniture. The funny part about that is, she is still to scared to sit back down. So she stands there and screams for someone to sit her back down.

She has three teeth and two on the way.

She is finally in a size 1 shoe!

She can blow kisses and gives "closed mouth" kisses. (she has been open mouth kissing for a long time)

Yesterday she was old enough to go to the nursery class at church! It was so fun to peek in at her playing and having a great time. At one point during snack we peeked in and there were three little ones crying, but not Macy, she was sitting up straight in the big girl chair stuffing her face with crackers! SO CUTE!

I don't think it is possible to love her more than I do!!!

Pink Polka Dot...

2011-07-19T12:35:00.000-07:00

We got to see rain, rain and more rain out at the cabin this week. Oh, except when we got to see hail! But, the few times that the sun came out, we soaked it up! Needless to say, we came home early, but luckily still captured some great memories!

Oh, one more thing... Tommy comes home in 4 days!!! Woohoo!

Enjoy the pictures that I call... Sweetness at the cabin!!

First half of July...

2011-07-12T11:19:00.000-07:00

We are missing Tommy and look forward to him coming home in 1.5 weeks!!! Yahoo!! Here is a glimpse of what we've been up to this summer :)

We spent Canada Day (July 1) in Raymond, Alberta. Barry's parents grew up down there and we have a ton of family there. We also have a family softball team who has been playing in the tournament since Barry was little. So it was fun to cheer on the team!

After the Parade, uncle Max brought a few horses to his house so the kids could ride them. Kyla was scared at first. So I talked her into sitting on it for a picture. But after she was up there she said, "Mommy, make the horsey walk." She LOVED it and wanted to go again and again.

Macy mostly liked to pull the horse's hair!

After that I headed off to YW Girls Camp. I was camp director for our church group. My camera died after this one picture, but hopefully I can scroungeup more from others. This was our "comfort station" and where we spent all our time between activities. We had lots of visitors and this became a popular spot for everyone!

The day after getting back from camp, we headed back to Montana. Go figure ;) and we found a really fun beach just 2 minutes from our place!

Where do you ask are we off to next??? Me and the girls head out to the Cabin in BC for a week, then... Tommy comes home and the summer fun continues!!

Understanding

2011-06-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

I found these lists recently that have helped me understand my husband more and they have helped him understand me more! Can you guess who the extrovert is and who the introvert is?

How to care for Extroverts

-Respect their need to share, to ‘talk it out.’ They get their energy from other people.

-Just as with introverts, never embarrass them in public. If you do embarrass them in public, go along as much as is reasonable if they play it off like a joke.
-Don’t be surprised if they dive into a new situation headfirst. Don’t freak out either if they flounder a little. They’ll find their way.
-Extroverts blurt. It’s the nature of the beast. Most try to leaven it with charm, but try to be patient when they don’t.
-Expect interruptions that may seem rude, to some. Most of the time, they mean well.
-Build surprise into your lives together. Most extroverts love the thrill of not knowing what’s up - as long as it’s positive.
-Be prepared for what looks like ADD. The organically outgoing among us feed off the environment around them. They are often the best multi-taskers around, so understand that they are often paying much more attention to you than you think they are.
-A flash over temper goes with the extroverted personality. The bad thing is it can look like a much more severe storm than it is. The good thing is it’s over quickly.
-Many extroverts live for the intuitive leap. They reach for it. If teaching an extrovert something new, have patience with them jumping ahead of you.
-They will always have lots of friends. But most extroverts have a core of best friends, and their loyalty can be fierce and aggressive if they feel the need to defend those friends. As with so many aspects of the extroverted personality, you may have to be patient with this.
-They love compliments, but can usually see right through insincere flattery. Well-timed encouragement, though, can help an extrovert soar.
-Sometimes, it’s okay to just go along with the “show.” Consider it free entertainment.
-Respect their extroversion. Don’t try to pin them to your board or cage them. And do them a favor, if you are not yourself outgoing, extroverted - gently but persistently remind them to read something like this as often as possible. They probably will need the reminders.

How to care for Introverts

-Respect their need for privacy.
-Never embarrass them in public.
-Let them observe first in new situations.
-Give them time to think. Don't demand instant answers.
-Don't interrupt them.
-Give them advanced notice of expected changes in their lives.
-Give them 15 minutes warning to finish what they are doing before calling them to dinner or moving to the next activity.
-Reprimand them privately.
-Teach them new skills privately rather than in public
-Enable them to find one best friend who has similar interests and abilities; encourage this friendship even if the friend moves.
-Do not push them to make lots of friends.
-Respect their introversion. Don't try to make them into extroverts.

What a wonderful world!

2011-06-27T21:45:00.000-07:00

I took all these pictures in Montana last weekend at the Wilderness Club

The joys of June...

2011-06-20T10:24:00.000-07:00

This has been a busy and exciting month. Here are a few of the things we enjoyed!!

Another trip to Montana. Always so relaxing and fun!

This is why they call it BIG SKY!! Waking up to this and relaxing with the afternoon sunsets is probably my favorite part of it all!

Took the kids to the Vortex and House of Mystery. Pretty wild! Because of the vortex, the trees grow crooked. It's pretty cool to see, wish I would have taken pictures of the trees.

Last weekend we walked in support of Macy and raised money for Ups and Downs. Thanks to all our friends and relatives, we raises $3,440.00 to give to Ups and Downs!!! It was a really fun event!!

The walk of fame!!!

Macy's friend Gage and his amazing Firetruck wagon! This team won the team spirit trophy. I think it is cool because Gage was delivered at birth by firefighters and had his first birthday at the fire station, so this was perfect!

Tommy played baseball again this year and really loved it! He took last year off so I wasn't sure if he would want to play this year. Well he did and every day after school he wanted to practice!

Isn't he so cute! His favorite position is Back Catcher.

Some highlights from his baseball season...

Pitching the last inning against the #1 team in the league and striking them OUT!! We beat them!

Preventing a runner from stealing home and gettin him out while playing as back catcher.

Beating another one of the top teams by 8 points!

Hitting it out of the park!!

Playing with his best friend Carter!!

Looking forward to July with Young Womens Camp, and a family reunion!!

If only I could fly!

2011-06-09T07:55:00.000-07:00

A little talk with Tommy tonight...

2011-06-05T20:31:00.000-07:00

Tommy and I were talking a bit about how lucky we are tonight, then I pulled up this info.
Does this humble anyone?? Find more HERE

At least 80% of humanity lives on less than $10 a day.Source 1

More than 80 percent of the world’s population lives in countries where income differentials are widening.Source 2

The poorest 40 percent of the world’s population accounts for 5 percent of global income. The richest 20 percent accounts for three-quarters of world income.Source 3

According to UNICEF, 22,000 children die each day due to poverty. And they “die quietly in some of the poorest villages on earth, far removed from the scrutiny and the conscience of the world. Being meek and weak in life makes these dying multitudes even more invisible in death.”Source 4

Around 27-28 percent of all children in developing countries are estimated to be underweight or stunted. The two regions that account for the bulk of the deficit are South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

If current trends continue, the Millennium Development Goals target of halving the proportion of underweight children will be missed by 30 million children, largely because of slow progress in Southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.Source 5

Based on enrollment data, about 72 million children of primary school age in the developing world were not in school in 2005; 57 per cent of them were girls. And these are regarded as optimistic numbers.Source 6

Nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their names.Source 7

Less than one per cent of what the world spent every year on weapons was needed to put every child into school by the year 2000 and yet it didn’t happen.Source 8

Infectious diseases continue to blight the lives of the poor across the world. An estimated 40 million people are living with HIV/AIDS, with 3 million deaths in 2004. Every year there are 350–500 million cases of malaria, with 1 million fatalities: Africa accounts for 90 percent of malarial deaths and African children account for over 80 percent of malaria victims worldwide.

Living and Loving... especially the weather!

2011-05-31T15:56:00.000-07:00

Life for most, I think goes in waves... Good days, bad days. Good Months, bad months. Good years, bad years...

Well, lets just say that for the most part I am on the top of the wave right now and it is feeling pretty good! This probably has to do a lot with the weather... and a lot with whats been going on in my life lately!

We'll start with my arizona trip with friends...

A girls mix CD,

Dancing in the streets in small town southern Alberta during a red light

Hot weather and cool water

Laughing till it hurts

Good food

Better shopping

morphing our faces on photobooth

Too much candy

and a dye job that made a me a red head, made me say a few "choice" words and caused a lot of laughing (on my part)!

Such a fun weekend... Unfortanulety these are the only pictures I have, because my camera broke on the first day!

Then to continue on with the adventures that were our month of May... we headed back to Montana. We've got a few things in the works down there and will be spending much more time there in the near future! With these views... who wouldn't?

The kids have free reign to run, play, explore, bike ride, laugh and just be the kids we all want them to be! And the adults get to pull up the lawns chairs, sip lemonade,watch the sunset and enjoy!!

Now for a week or so of down time and than we are off again!!

I want to send a HUGE congrats to the Cox's!! The judge has granted their adoption and Kareen is their little girl!

Big news!!

2011-05-19T13:14:00.000-07:00

My friend Kecia is in U right now and yesterday got to meet Kareen! So exciting for them and for all who helped raise money! Go here to view blog.

The hardest job in the world!

2011-05-03T08:50:00.000-07:00

I thought as my month goes on, I would share a little of what I learn from all this ME time!

So here is the BEST thing I got out of last weekends retreat.

How many of you would die for your kids???

........

Okay, but how many of you are willing to LIVE for your kids?

Being a mother IS the hardest job on earth. If it is not hard for you right now... just wait, your challenges will come! It is also the most enjoyable, and rewarding!

There is no greater thing you can do than to raise your kids well!

Can you imagine what the world would be like if every child had a loving mother and father who provided for them, gave them opportunities and helped them become their best!

So what am I getting at??

Well, We can't give our best selves to our kids, unless we take care of ourselves.

If you're finding it hard to find joy in parenting, you're probably not taking time to do things for your self.

So many moms think that if they admit it is hard to be a mom, or if they admit that their kids are not always the best or easiest that they are denying their love for them. That is just crazy! If you are a GOOD mom, than parenting should be hard... because your standards are so high. And I don't know a single kid in the would who is perfect 100% of the time!

So what I learned is...

Take time for me, so that I can live for my kids. So that I can be there (present in the moment) to give them meaningful experiences. So I can teach them and enjoy them.

From the scenario of the love tanks in "The five love languages." When your love tank for yourself is full... you can handle more and give more!!

Time for ME!

2011-05-02T16:43:00.000-07:00

My lack of posting is sitting somewhere between guilt and who cares! :)

I am feeling so busy lately... but wanted to pipe in and say this. I am looking forward to a month for ME!

**Last weekend I went to a mothers day retreat for the parents of kids at PREP (Macy's School) - always good times with the moms who know exactly how it is to raise a child with DS!

**This coming weekend I spend Fri and Sat at "Time Out for Women" - it is an event related to my church that reminds us women that we are important and special. It gives us a chance to laugh, cry and be inspired! Then Mothers day and the annual Brunch at our Golf Course.

**The following weekend I am lucky enough to go on a girls weekend to Pheonix. A whole weekend of lounging by the pool and eating out!! Oh, and a massage!

**I am hoping to spend the 3rd weekend in May with friends in Montana!! Anyone interested???

**The 4th weekend will be spent at a ladies retreat with the ladies I attend church with and I am already excited about what they have planned!!! Oh, and a trip to the Temple!!!

So cheers to a month for me!!

Work it girl!

2011-04-26T16:09:00.000-07:00

It seems like the majority of my life is consumed with therapy right now. Which is actually quite fun and entertaining! I love that I get so much time alone with Macy to watch her learn and grow.

Though I do feel bad that I never take photos of her at therapy... until last week :)

I finally remembered the ol' camera... and wasn't I proud!

Macy has done a huge jump in her abilities over the last few months. She is army crawling (almost full crawling) Pulls herself up to stand with minimal support and stands alone for long periods of time. She has started imitating me at times and is babbling more!

Here is a sneak peek of Macy at therapy with her amazing physical therapist Anita... more to come I hope!

Letting some things go... letting other things shine!

2011-04-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes in life things get so crazy busy that you just have to let some things lay in wait! That has been my blog for the past two weeks. But the guilt of not "documenting memories" is creeping in.

Plus there have been some great things to talk about lately! Some things that Shine!

Like... Tommy's spring piano recital! He played so well. And let me have a proud mamma moment and say this... He came in 4th place out of 60 students for points and he was the top boy. They get points at lessons for scales, songs and bonus points for memorizing those songs. I was so proud!!!

Tommy also participates in Dance Club at school. He was totally Jammin'

About a week ago we had a dance at our church and Tommy was one of the winners for dancing to every song and really getting into it. What can I say... the kid loves attention!

Go team go!!!

2011-04-12T19:55:00.000-07:00

To my fellow Kareen cheerleaders...

The Cox family has an appt in May with the government in Kareens country. So I believe they are headed to meet her on the 14th on May. SO EXCITING!!! I hope you are all following their progress. If you helped me raise funds for them than you get to experience the joy right along with them! You helped bring this little girl home!!!

Follow at http://kareensjourneyhome.blogspot.com/

Turn that frown upside down...

2011-04-12T08:03:00.000-07:00

If your ever having a day where you need help turning lemons in to lemonade... visit this blog.

Those ducks are chickens!!

2011-04-10T20:14:00.000-07:00

We took a little mini trip to Montana a few weeks ago...

and while there, me and the girls decided to go feed the ducks.

Oh, what an exciting adventure!

The fresh air and sounds of nature... plus the smell of a skunk near by

Well the ducks had other plans... and in the words of Kyla,

"Those ducks are chickens!! They are so scared of us!"

Than she threw the bread down and stomped away!

She is so funny! What would I do without her spicy personality?

Random thoughts of a tired mom/nurse at midnight after a long shift!!!

2011-04-08T23:24:00.000-07:00

I had a patient die on my shift tonight.

He was old. But I don't think that necessarily makes it easier. I had a feeling it was coming, but hoped it wouldn't happen on my shift. His son and daughter sat at the bedside, and I kept my intrusions to a minimum because I am a softy for that sorta thing. (and it is somewhat unprofessional for your nurse to cry.)

His family sat at his bedside and wept for 4 hours after he passed. We are safe to say I had a long shift. But, I am glad they got their time and left when they were ready.

On a similar note...

I have been interested lately in learning about my own family tree. It is fun to learn that the names on paper are actually so much more! I called my mom a few times last night, at one point asking about clarification on my great-great grandmothers maiden name. But what I got was my mom saying, "Oh, that was my grandma green. I just loved her. She was so funny! She would always unwrap her Christmas gifts when no one was looking and peek at what they were." I told her she must write these memories down. It is so fun to learn about who these people were!

I have always felt so special to be a direct descendant of the Prophet Brigham Young. It goes like this...

Me - My dad Gary Keller - My grandma Helen Young Keller - My great-grandpa Dale Young - My great-great -grandpa Hyrum Young - My great-great-great grandpa - Brigham Young.

But, the thing that is just dawning on me is, he probably has thousands of living descendants. But, knowing he was such a great man and Prophet, it does make me want to make him proud. So that is a good thing.

So what am I getting at with all these thoughts?

I don't want my family, my kids etc.., to just be a name on a family tree someday. I want people to see who we were, what we liked and disliked. I want there to be fun stories about us and memories. So I guess that is why I blog. To document my life, but also to give people a glimpse of who I am.

Together we WILL make the world a better place!!!

2011-04-05T19:25:00.000-07:00

Good news for my readers,
Kareen's adoptive parents are within a few weeks of receiving a date to travel and meet her!! So they will most likely meet her in May or June. Their paperwork has gone through and Kareen has been held for them. Thanks to all my friends who helped raise money for them!!

I want to share another story.

On March 17, 2011, the Davis family sat in a Russian courtroom and listened as the judge rejected their plea to adopt Kirill, an orphan with Down syndrome. "The judge said, “Your application to adopt is rejected.” The basis given was that Kirill was “not socially adaptable” due to his “medical condition” and he was better off in an institution than in a home with a family. As the judge read her ruling, she stated several times that we were a good family, that we met all the criteria to adopt a child, but that she would not approve our adoption because Kirill has Down syndrome. She told us that we could adopt another child, because legally our application had no problems according to Russian adoption law. She said she would approve our adoption for a “typical” child, but not this child. Why? The only reason? Because he has Down syndrome."

A blog friend is helping this family raise the extra funds needed to appeal this case with the supreme court in Moscow. Visit her blog to view how to help and to see the amazing prizes they are offering!

Thanks and Hugs!

Yummy!!

2011-03-29T12:38:00.000-07:00

(This is not my photo, or my recipe! Go here for the source.)

I love new recipes! I would love to be a chef actually. All that aside, I found this recipes and it is so yummy!

Whenever spring starts approaching (who are we kidding here with our snow covered ground still) I start craving anything "fresh." Delicious salads, sandwiches, smoothies etc...

This sandwich was so good I made myself a second one last night, ate another one for lunch today, and I think I will have one for an afternoon snack ;)

Panzanella Panini

Panini bun or thick bread

Tomatoes - the small heirloom taste the best

Fresh Basil - MUST be fresh not dried.

Mozzarella - any is fine, but I spent extra and got the real good stuff. Mmm.

Balsamic Vinegar

Light Mayo

Salt/Pepper

So, I started by putting Mayo on one half of the bread, then layer both sides of bread with cheese. Than put tomatoes and Basil on. Drizzle with 1 tsp balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Then grill.

Hope you like it, I'm going to go make one more! :)

I miss him!

2011-03-27T14:24:00.000-07:00

You know that pain that burrows deep inside your gut and than takes up residence?! That is how I am feeling the last few days. I have tried to ignore it, push it aside or put other things in its place. But it stays there saying, "Hey, I am here and you can't make me leave!"

Tommy left for Texas on friday and I spent the rest of the day with a broken heart and red eyes. Barry kept asking why I was crying AGAIN. I actually started crying on the way to the airport, but turned my face to the window so Tommy wouldn't see. I don't want him to think his leaving will make me that sad. It would be too much pressure for a little boy. He looks forward to going to see his dad and I am okay, if he is happy and okay. A mothers love just runs that deep!

He will be back in a week. I have done this so many times before. He will be back before I know it. I am lucky that he is in my life the majority of the time, I do know that. And I must share. I made my bed, now I must lay in it.

But our house does not feel the same without him.

I finally remembered

2011-03-24T12:56:00.000-07:00

Tommy LOVES to jam and sing to this song (magic - B.O. B.) on his ipod.

It is the cutest thing.

(I think this song makes him feel really cool!)

Here's to you buddy!

We're all jammin now :)

March 24!!

2011-03-24T07:23:00.000-07:00

My boy is 9 today!!!

How can you not fall in love with that face???

We love you Tommy!

2011-03-22T07:50:00.000-07:00

Guess who had balloons and cake after all???

This does so much for my soul!

It means so much.

Thank you D.

and now... a song for dancing with my kids.

and a little extra from yesterday. Check out these stories!

Grateful

2011-03-21T09:35:00.000-07:00

My heart is full today. But, my heart is also heavy.

Today is world Down Syndrome Awareness day. 3/21 because Macy has 3 of her 21st chromosome. I was hoping to throw a party with good friends. I was hoping to have cake and laughter and balloons with messages of Love, Acceptance and Understanding written in them.

But, sometimes life goes in its own direction. We have all been sick, for weeks it seems. So the parties will have to wait for another year.

But I want to take a minute...

For all those babies not given a chance. (and now the tears are coming)

For children that are told, "You are not good enough for our family."

For the gifts given that were not received.

For the fear of the unknown or imperfect.

I want to keep those thoughts very fresh today. So that I appreciate more and love deeper.

But I also want there to be lots of joy today!

Joy for those parents brave enough to face the obstacle and break down the barriers.

Joy for everyone in my life who loves Macy, who has wanted to hold her and enjoy her.

Joy for friends who without know it, have given me backbone!

To one friend in particular... that walked the path before me. She did it with grace and gave me the courage to know that it is a beautiful thing to raise a child with Down Syndrome.

Joy for a Heavenly Father who knew the world needed people with Down Syndrome. They have a spot here too and we can learn so much from them!

Mostly Joy for Macy... this little girl who has been placed in my care. Who the Lord has trusted me with. To love her, unconditionally. To teach her and let her teach me. I am so grateful!

Rockin' this season!

2011-03-18T11:06:00.000-07:00

American Idol is delivering this year!!
I love the judges. Steven Tyler is just amazing. Jennifer is obviously gorgeous and has so much more to give to the show that paula ever did. Plus, can't forget "The Dog" Randy.
I love the artists!
I just LOVE it!

I like unique artists that bring something cool and different! I like people who put their heart and soul out there! These people make me smile!

His smile is absolutely darling!

So confident! I love it!

She makes me wish I could sing, even more than usual.

If all of us had the courage to have that much passion...

I also really liek haley but she needs to find her niche.

Who do you like???

A peek into my life...

2011-03-17T19:27:00.000-07:00

My blog has taken the bit of a detour lately, but I'd like to get back to the simple things. The things that bring me the greatest joy!

We were all sick today, but didn't waste any time "finding the beauty."
This first song on my playlist always makes me feel great. Reminds me of when Barry and I were dating!

2 years ago, we were NEVER going to have a dog! Well, I guess things change, because we love our little Zoe. She actually sleeps at the foot of our bed and comes to wake me up when she is ready to go down in the morning.

(I know her hair is too long... but we waiting for warmer weather before we cut it!)

Give Baby! It feels good!

2011-03-16T09:05:00.000-07:00

If you have followed my blog, you are well aware of the hard year my daughter Macy has had. I fear this is just the beginning for her. Yes, she is a happy baby and very much loved. But, she has to work so much harder for everything and she is not in the clear with her medical problems yet. So many of her little friends go through similar journeys and it is important to me that these children are given every opportunity for a full and happy life!

We have decided as a family to walk in the Street Meet 2011 sponsoring Ups and Downs (The Calgary Down Syndrome Association.) They are a great organization that does more for their members than any other support group type charity in Calgary. A few of the things they do...

-Wonder Years Conference - for parents to learn how to give their child with Down Syndrome the best chance at life!

-Cooking classes, Dances, Young Adult Conferences, Socials and much more for Teens and Adults with Down Syndrome.

-They offer a huge resource library with learning DVD's, Books, Toys etc. To help our children reach their full potental.

-They offer grants for parents to travel to larger conferences if they don't have the funds.

This is only a small portion of what they give back! They are a great organization and we are hoping to raise $2,500.00 this year to give them. To spondor Macy click here. Thanks Everyone!

Devastation

2011-03-12T19:11:00.000-08:00

What do you say when words aren't enough?
What do you say when words diminish feelings?
You don't say anything.
You just be there. You hold a hand. You give a hug. You be a rock... Something to hold on to until the storm calms.
It is killing me that I can't be with my friend right now.
I spoke about her miraculous pregnancy a few posts ago.
I have just found out that there is no longer a heartbeat.
I am devistated
I wish I was there Kira!
I love you!

The things I rarely say...

2011-03-09T20:51:00.000-08:00

Some may say I am an extrovert, and I would agree... to an extent. I also think I am very much an introvert. I over think EVERYTHING, sometimes to the point that I do it or say it wrong. I internalize so much and keep most of the negative packed inside. I like being honest and saying what I feel, but I also try and filter most of the negative. But I am human, like all of us!

I get my feelings hurt.
I have bad days.
I do things I regret.
I feel weak my fair share of the time.
I say things I regret.
I get overwhelmed, more than I would like to admit.
I cry.
I loose my cool.
and so on and so on...

Nobody can be strong all the time!

I say these things because
1. Sometimes you have to open yourself up and let the cards fall where they may.
2. It just feels good to empty out the soul from time to time!
3. I read once that the things we write or say are often times the very things we ourselves need to work on!

I am having one of those moments where I've packed so much in that I am bursting and find I have ZERO energy. There are so many factors all coming together to cause this, and I hope to tackle the ones that I can fix.

This weekend couldn't have come at a better time. 2 nights away from reality, with my husband.

You know what I am looking forward to the most??? No, not that. Get your mind out of the gutter ;)

I am looking forward to slowing down my mind, and breathing in the cool mountain air...

We had a scare!!

2011-03-06T16:05:00.000-08:00

Yes, one of those moments where your world pauses... everyone holds their breath... and than, before you know it, it's gone again and your left...dizzy and shaking!

Yesterday we decided to go to dinner and a movie as a family. As we stepped into the restaraunt, I noticed that Macy was limp. Like, more limp than normal. She kept passing out. Dead weight, flopping over my shoulder and arms. Her eyes were half closed, so we thought mabe she was asleep (yet she had just been awake in the car). I'd look at her and say, "Macy? Macy?" and she'd give me this half closed eye charming smile... which kind of scared me more in the moment... In my mind I am thinking..."Don't go to the light Macy, stay away from the FREAKING light!!!" I looked at Barry and he looked at me and a million words passed between us that instant! FEAR being the biggest! I'm thinking... maybe there is something wrong with her heart that we didn't know.

For some reason I though, Hmmm, she hates to have her bum changed. So, I decided to change her and see if she came around. If not, we were high tailing it out of there. But, she did. And I was so relieved!!

We still don't know what was going on. But, I was shaken.
I asked Barry, "What would I do if I lost one of my children?"
He said, "You would go on, you would have to."

I kept thinking all night,
"I'd have to go on... but how could I?"
"Who am I without them?"
"What would I do with my time?"
"What kind of life would I have without one of them?"
"How would I ever be able to smile again?"

I cannot imagine the strength it takes for so many to move on... I am awed by you!

I remember a quote by Kelle Hampton that I put on here recently.

"We don't have to be defined by motherhood because there's an intricate infrastructure of talents and dreams and passions that makes us women who are strong enough to stand alone. And yet, ask any mother and she'll probably tell you there's nothing more incredible she'd rather be defined by than the amazingness of her littles and her family."

I see this quote in a whole new light now. Though I believe it is true, I believe that a HUGE part of me IS that I am a Mother. I am strong enough to stand alone, because I know they have my back! I am not defined BY them, but they ARE the majority of the definition of ME!

Melencholy

2011-03-02T20:46:00.000-08:00

That would be how I am feeling these days.

-Maybe it is because I am growing on the inside faster than my brain can keep up!

-Maybe it is because about 2 seconds after I walk out the door I am literally turned into a popsicle.

-Or maybe it is just normal, and everyone gets their chance to feel this way.

I still smile and think happy thoughts though, because I really believe that you will go in the direction that you stear your path! And because there is a silver lining on the horizon...

-No matter how my day or life is going, my family can still bring me intense joy beyond words!

-Our church just did some switcheroo's and there is some excitement in the air around forming new friendships and strengthening the current ones.

and last but far from least...

-Eventually - and I use that term loosely - eventually the snow will melt, the thermostat outside will creep back up to above the 0 degree mark and the birds will come home!

2011-02-28T13:48:00.000-08:00

Please help pray for another friend of ours whos little girl Abigail was just diagnosed with Leukemia. (My worst nightmare for Macy.) Abigail and her twin Natasha both have Down Syndrome. This is taken from their family blog.

"Abigail was diagnosed at 2 a.m. this morning with Leukemia. We had taken her in because her leg hurt and she wouldn't walk. We went from probable toddler fracture to Leukemia in 2 hours. 13 hours later she was in surgery getting a permanant port, spinal puncture with chemo, and a bone marrow biopsy. Tomorrow or Sat. she starts 2+ years of cancer treatments. The success rate is 80%. Another fun statistic is that Natasha has a 50-75% chance of getting it. If not now, eventually. Please keep our little fighting angel in your prayers."

We can never know for sure what life is going to throw our way. All we can do is try and "Find the Beauty" in the moments that we do have! Pray that Abigail and her family will have many more of those moments!

Words are Power!!

2011-02-24T08:29:00.000-08:00

There's a girl I've talked about on here alot! It's funny, I feel like I know her as good as I know anyone. I get her and she seems to get me which is SUPER STRANGE, cause she doesn't even know me! How weird is that? Very weird and very cool in this new over connected cyber world we are living in. But really, she is amazing and I think EVERYONE needs to follow her blog! She takes motherhood, and womanhood and freeflying to a whole nother level! I have a serious crush on her empowering, and free spirited words! Plus, her Nella reminds me so much of Macy and her Lainey reminds me of Kyla. Totally Cool! Here is a snippit of her most recent post...

Breath that one in Baby! Make s you feel good right! Go check her out kellehampton.com

2011-02-21T23:07:00.000-08:00

Not a lot going on these days, but lots of internal shifting. During a conversation with a friend a few weeks ago, I was told about this book. I am a believer that even the happiest person in the world could us more happiness! Plus, I think as women our lives sometimes move so quickly and morph into something different before we grasp that we have left the past stage. Sometimes that can leave me feeling... Off, a little. Like I hit a speed bump going to fast and it knocked the alignment off. Just need something to realign everything. This book has been that for me. That chance to take a good look at myself and appreciate, adjust and grow. There are other recent events that help me see the world more clearly.

1. After medical problems, years of infertility drugs and crazy hormones, then two adoptions... One of my closest friends is pregnant. Did it on her own, somehow. It is a miracle and I am taking it upon myself to be her "baby monitor." I try calling everyday just to make sure that peanut is doing good!

2. The amount of support I have felt from friends in my attempt to help raise money for the Cox family and little Kareen is astounding!

3. Also reading the book, "The year my son and I was born," and starting to understand some different perspectives and learning from that!

I feel like I am a constant work in progress. Always changing, growing and learning. But I welcome it because that means maybe someday I will have it all figured out!

Flu Cookies... anyone want some??

2011-02-15T11:19:00.000-08:00

I'm on day 4 of not feeling so hot. That headache, sinus pressure, scratchy throat, nausea, dizziness and coughing kind of unhappiness! It is even hard to take a nap I feel so crappy, plus juggling little girls and trying to sleep when they wont is awful hard! Can't really send them away since their noses are running and Kyla's coughing. So, I've run out of PVR'd shows and tired of watching Dora and Blue's Clues... Reading is even tough because my throat is dry and it hurts to talk... so I sit and watch to two little ones play and try to share my cuddle space but even that is hard at times!

I have secured some time alone by getting them in front of the Ipad watching Signing Time videos... So I wanted to let you know, I'm not being a completely lame mom.

I did in fact throw a batch of sugar cookies together last night and let the kids decorate.

Then we wrote love notes to each other and played our favorite game... Labyrinth.

No, we didn't actually wears these while we made cookies, but I thought a little humor was needed in our home this week!!

Hoping tomorrow things turn around!

Don't miss it!

2011-02-14T12:33:00.000-08:00

To all my friends who have donated to Kareen and supported me in helping them I say a huge Thank You!! I know times are hard and your money does not come easy. You are helping to save a little girl!

I wanted to let you all know of a super fun Auction going on for Kareen. Even if you just want to brouse and see what they are auctioning off that is okay! I didn't want anyone to miss out Spread the word to friends and family... Thanks.

Auction to Bring Kareen Home

Also remember, if you wanted to buy Scentsy, that sale is still on until the end of the month!! Thanks.

A Beautiful Dancer

2011-02-13T11:07:00.000-08:00

There once was a little girl, who wanted to be a beautiful dancer. It was almost all she thought about, all she cared to do with her free time. As she grew the dream continued on... She spend hours at the studio, took every dance class possible through school, and even stretched while watching TV. There was nothing more the girl wanted than to dance for the rest of her life. But, at some point that little girl lost sight of that dream for a moment... and that moment changed her path forever. She found herself away from the world of dance and she became a little lost. A part of her was gone, and she would feel a little emptiness there forever. It would never be filled again. But, other things came into her heart and though it did not fill that spot... it crowded it to a small corner where the girl was able to forget about the emptiness most of the time. The girl was happy. The new things in her life made her feel whole and needed and loved. It even became easier to think about the dream of being a dancer and it didn't hurt anymore. The emptiness inside became sort of a momento of the girl that used to be; of the dreamer. The girl was proud of that memory. And at last the old girl and the new girl came together as one and everything felt right.

That little girl was me.

So you can imagine my utter joy at taking my little girl to her very first dance class. Words cannot express. Even going to try on and buy her first pair of ballet shoes was magical for me!

True to my little girl though, on the way to class she decided to rip her hair out and mess it up. I can laugh about it now but on that day, I thought I would cry! So after jimmy rigging her hair out of her eyes without a clip or elastic, I was able to return to that joy and watch her in her first class.

She had a great time and the teacher was wonderful! I don't know if she is going to dream of being a dancer, but I am okay that. I just want her to be happy and do what gives her the most joy. But for now I will continue to take her to dance and experience the butterflies of excitement as I watch her!

Passionate!

2011-02-12T09:49:00.000-08:00

Do you have children? Hug them tight, tell them you love them. and...

Be grateful that God's plan was to put them in your family, instead of a family that didn't want them.

I will not stop fighting, I will not stop advocating, I will not turn my back because it is easier!

Over the past year I have felt this strong pull. There is something needed of me in the Down Syndrome Community.

*Whether it is to help raise money for families to adopt or whether it is to adopt myself.
*Whether it is to raise awareness to decrease the 90% abortion rate or to increase love and acceptance of people living with Down Syndrome.
*Whether it is to be a face in my local community, to increase quality of life for families and children with DS or whether it is to spread my love and knowledge past my community.

I don't yet know what I'm wanted for, maybe a little of all of these things... But I will not stop searching and doing what I can. I will volunteer in my community, I will donate money, I will be a voice for others and I will spread awareness!

A few years ago one woman had that same pull. So she created Reece's Rainbow. Because of her... in the last 5 years 400+ children with Down Syndrome have been adopted out of orphanages! She is just one woman, a mother, filled with love and a desire to do more!

All children deserve a loving home! and yes, your small donation DOES make a difference!!!

Do something HERE!!

Oh, where the time goes???

2011-02-11T09:17:00.000-08:00

My little girl turned 3!!

and a party was in order...

Planning this party was a big accomplishment for me, I think I am now ready for more fun and cute parties!

(thanks to a few fellow blogger who I got ideas from :)

If tears were dollars...

2011-02-08T12:31:00.000-08:00

If tears were dollars, I'd have enough to find a home for all of these children!! I have cried so much it draws me to action!! Until I am able to bring one home, all I can do is help others do just that!

There is a list of people who you can help here.

I'm putting all my efforts for now HERE... Join me!!

I always think... if a million people each gave 1 dollar... we would have a million dollars!!! Is it too much to ask???

I can save this one!

2011-02-06T19:22:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean.

He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"

The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.

To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "It made a difference for that one."

by Loren Eiseley

Help save one little girl... and make your home smell good at the same time!!! A friend of mine who is a consultant for Scentsy is giving 100% of her commission to help bring an orphan home from Europe. She will keep the party open for the whole month of February and everything is 10% off!

Meet Kareen!! She is in an orphanage in Europe. A friend of mine needs help raising the money to bring her home!

I know some of you may think I am beating a dead horse here in talking about this so much, but... This little girl could be Macy, or any other child born "imperfect" according to society! It seems like once per month I hear of one of these little children dying! They need us!!

Look how adorable she is!! I get all choked up when I picture these children laying in cribs, often times over medicated to keep them "quiet." But, I get even more choked up when I see people stand up and try and do something... even just to save one!

This is a chance to save this one little girl!! Go to http://www.meghannclements.scentsy.ca/ and click on the party Bring Kareen Home. Open to anyone is Canada or the US and it ships directly to you. If in the US click on select market and switch it to US prices. Don't know what scentsy is??? You must check it out!!

And again a big thank you to all my friends who have given to her so far!

Follow there journey at http://www.kareensjourneyhome.blogspot.com/

and visit other angels at http://www.reecesrainbow.org/ oh, and grab a tissue!

What? Where did it go?

2011-02-01T15:19:00.000-08:00

Me and you cake, we go together like peas and carrots!

Introducing the cake!

And it's going...

Going...

Gone!!!

One happy cake filled baby!

Oh wait, I forgot a piece!!

She seriously killed that cake!! I still can't believe it!

I can't believe it!

2011-01-29T11:48:00.000-08:00

One year ago today, I was introduced to this beautiful little girl. She has changed our world.

Her birth story is here.

My baby is 1!

I still cannot believe that a whole year has passed. Words can't express how much we love her! There are so many thing I would love to say about her, but I fear that words will diminish the actual feelings that I have.

So I will just say this...

My other too angels have this strong sense of protection over Macy. They treat her will care, love and gentleness. I think they sense something truly special about her little spirit!

Macy,
You are a rare gift! One that most people choose not the accept. We have loved you from the start and that love just continues to grow day by day! You are already touching so many people and opening their eyes to the possibilities. You are truly here to make the world a more beautiful and loving place. You have burrowed your way deep within our hearts and that is where you will stay. We love you!!

The first 1/3'd

2011-01-27T13:29:00.000-08:00

I figure if everything goes as planned, I am about 1/3 the way through my life. Crazy to think about! Yes, I am 30 today. It feels good! It suits me... I feel like my age is getting closer to matching up with my life experience! :) I feel like I have learned and been through enough in the last 30 years to last a lifetime!

Now I am starting to wonder what is in store for me and the next 2/3'ds of my life! I hope lots of love, happiness and moments to bury my toes in the sand on a beach somewhere!

I was thinking today about some of the really significant things I have learned over the last 30 years.

1. - There is beauty in EVERYONE! I wouldn't say I didn't know this before... but it has become so much more clear over the last few years. I no longer think there is a specific mold for what is beautiful!

2. - As I age, I am caring less and less about what others think about me. Don't get me wrong, acceptance is a wonderful thing and I love feeling like others "like" me. But, at the end of the day... it is getting easier for me to realize that I can't please everyone and it really isn't my job to do that anyway.

3. - Life is only going to give back to me what I give to it! That goes with relationships as well.

and the most important things I've learned and continue to learn is that I am becoming more comfortable with myself. I am more confident in sharing my opinions and knowledge, and I am more at peace with the path my life is on. (that may sound weird because of how stressful my life is right now) But, what I am trying to say is... I know this is the life I am meant to be living! I am at the right place at the right time!!! and I am only more excited for the future that is in store for me.

For my birthday I ask that you visit the site of my friend Kecia from Utah. She is adopting this beaufitul girl Kareen through Reese's Rainbow. Kareen lives in an orphanage in Europe and she has Down Syndrome. I look forward to meeting this little angel next time I am in Utah!

Grab This!

My Marathon life continues!

2011-01-26T13:36:00.000-08:00

My desire for an easy, slower schedule for 2011 goes up in flames!

We met with Macy's surgeon yesterday. He is afraid that if she keeps getting enterocolitis that it will scare him into giving her an ileostomy. For those who don't know what that is... They cut a hole in your tummy (an ostomy) and they detatch the large and small intestine and than attach the small intestine to the hole in your tummy. At that point she poops out of that hole and so she will have to live with a bag attached to her tummy to catch her poop. :( So in his attempt to prevent this, he wants to now see her every other week instead of the old every two months.

After that appt we headed to the pediatrician. She was concerned as well and wants to see follow Macy closer. So she will now see Macy once per month. She also thinks Macy needs a dietitian and a GI doctor... so she is sending off those referrals. As well as that, she thinks Macy is developmentally behind due to her long trip plus hospital admission. So, she is sending a referral for a developmental aid to come and work with Macy in our home a few days a week.

All that on top of her current appts, school and therapy!

I'm just hoping I can keep up!

2011-01-25T07:25:00.000-08:00

"Be still and know that I am God." -Psalm 46

Having lots of anxiety lately over the stress in my life. Early this morning, this scripture literally popped into my head as I was sitting quietly and thinking.

I kept telling myself,

Be still, be still...it's okay... it is all a part of His plan.

Easy come easy go...

2011-01-22T09:09:00.000-08:00

The first few words of my playlist song totally define my life right now! Easy come easy go...

Macy is sick, again. But it is different this time. She began throwing up yesterday and has had fevers. She is lethargic, unwilling to eat solids and has diarrhea. I am thinking it's either the flu or C diff. I don't want to end up back in the hospital and I am watching her closely. But, it may come to that. She looks like she has lost weight over the last few weeks and kids with Hirschsprungs disease can become dehydrated way faster that typical kids.

It is so weird that she was SO well over the summer and in the fall. Then Bam... everything comes crashing down. I am feeling really guilty about not getting her the flu shot this year. I honestly didn't even think about it because she was so well.

On a happier note. Kyla is so cute playing on my Ipad. She can open netflicks, pick a movie and start it. She can play games herself. It has been a great thing for my sanity this past week. She has changed SO much in the past year. Still sassy and stubborn, but she is getting sweeter with age! She says the funniest things like this just last night.

Barry - "Kyla, it is time for bed. It is almost 10:00. You need to go to sleep in your princess bed."

Kyla - "Daddy, I can't go to bed.

Barry - "Why Kyla?"

Kyla - "Because I will cry in my bed, daddy. I will CRY."

Me - "Too bad Kyla, it's bedtime!"

Potty training her has been so easy! Which is a huge blessing! She pretty much trained herself.

and what would I do without my almost 9 yr old Tommy. Seriously! Macy puked while I was at Walmart grocery shopping. When we got home, I had to run upstairs and change Macy out of her clothes and get her taken care of. Well, Tommy brought in all the groceries for me. A few minutes after that I saw him sitting on the couch with his eyes closed. When I asked him what he was doing, he said, "I am saying a prayer for Macy!" Really! What would I do without him!

Home

2011-01-20T07:48:00.000-08:00

I sit here in front of the computer this morning watching the cursor blink... just trying my best to organize my thoughts!

So, 2011 is not quite starting like I had expected! But, it's given me a good chance to see the puzzle pieces of my life sort of coming into place. I truly think it is through the challenges we are given that we become stronger!

I had a really busy fall season. I felt like I had to take Macy to everything that was offered for her. This was mostly out of fear and guilt. These last two hospital admissions have made me realize that I need to slow down. I need to Savour the time I have with my kids while they are little.

I feel a HUGE need to say thank you again to all of you who step in to help us out! Barry and I both began the year feeling like we had exhausted all of our HELPS for a while! We feel we have leaned on others too much. So we hope you know how much it means to us!

So, Macy is home... again. The low down is this... Something in her colon is not working like we wish it would. So, the Surgeon took a biopsy last Tuesday and gave her some botox injections near her rectum to relax the sphincter. We will hear the results from the biopsy next week. At that time we will see if she needs additional surgery or if the botox can keep everything working for now. We are glad she is home and continue to be reminded that there are millions of people going through so much more than we are!

So this brings me to a story I read about on a friends blog this morning. This family needs your prayers. Molly is a 1 months old baby who was diagnosed with Leukemia on Christmas Eve. Go read their story and send some love! http://molly-campbell.com/w1/node/1

hmm... I don't know what to call this!

2011-01-16T21:14:00.000-08:00

I have a good friend who has a special needs child. Well, in fact I have a handful! But she said this to me the other day. She said that part of the reason she feels the Lord gave her this special child, was because she NEEDED that constant reminder to rely on the Lord. To pray and follow his direction!

This really resonated with me and my life. I think I need that constant reminder too.

I have a chronic problem. I believe that I can "do it all!" I feel like no one can care for my kids the way I can. I feel they are happiest with me. I try to be strong even when I should let others take some of the weight. I realize I have these problems. It was great for me to get that reminder that maybe things would be a little easier if I turned to the Saviour!

It has been a CRAZY week-and-a-half! Macy admitted to the hospital, than out of the hospital, appointments, school, ex-husband stress and than readmitted to the hospital! At this point it is looking like Macy with need another surgery to remove more of her colon. I am hoping and praying that is not the case... but I have learned to accept whatever needs to happen so she can come home and be healthy!

Give a little LOVE!

2011-01-14T11:14:00.000-08:00

Thanks to fellow blogger Kelle Hampton for all you do!!!

visit her at http://www.kellehampton.com/

and Donate!

Where's your favorite IV site?

2011-01-12T13:33:00.000-08:00

Smack dab in the middle of your forehead... Right?

Heaven on earth in Southern Cali!

2011-01-07T20:28:00.001-08:00

I don't know what happened!

We had come off a great high at the end of 2010 and we had settled nicely... into a cozy little spot where 2011 was looking pretty sweet. But, what can I say, the Ehlert engine never slows for long.

So we will keep our chins up and hope that Macy is home within days. Just a little Cholitis... no big deal right! I have fried WAY bigger fish :)

When things get a little bumpy on my road of life, I like to remember the happy/beautiful/fancy free moments... so I can remember that they are just around the corner again!

Here are some of our most recent beautiful moments...

All I have to say is Venice Beach!!! oh, and lots of questions from little boys about...homelessness, medical marijuana, offensive tee shirts and other topics I would have preferred to avoid! But, the beach is still just plain fun!

Disneyland! We stayed at the Grand Californian Hotel in Disney's California Adventures. It was amazing and magical... I'll probably never stay anywhere else!The World of Color water show at Disney... Seriously breathtaking! I could post so many of these pictures. It was so amazing! All water and lights! Some major Jedi action! I love this picture because that little boy in the middle has some serious jedi skills! All three of the older boys in our group got picked to become real jedi masters! They were in HEAVEN! Some serious character chasing! Autograph books and all! I really did chase Dale down in true crazy mother fashion...it went something like this. "Dale, hey dale (while chasing) I know you're trying to get away from the crowds, but we really need your signature... we already got Chip's and well, now we need yours Dale. Please!"In the house of the one and only Minnie Mouse! Some serious princess lovin'! Though she looks like she was forced into it... I promise she LOVED those princesses and still talks about them. Oh, and so does Barry. He thought they were quite pretty as well ;)Macy's first cotton candy! We had lots of this... it was Barry's continued bribe to get the kids to go on scary rides! Jammin with Mickey. I think it is safe to say this was one of the boys favorite moments! And don't they have skillz!

Hours spent swimming and practicing Jedi moves in the pool!

Christmas morning!

This was one of my favorite trips ever. Right up there with my honeymoon cruise, Mexican cruise and trip to Disney world with my childhood dance team! So many things that we didn't get pictures of, but it was a vacation that was warm, magical, relaxing and unforgettable!

Can't wait to go again!

The Chase

2011-01-03T20:03:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking for a few months now about the goals that are attainable and the goals that are impossible.

I'm sure you have all heard of the dog that likes to chase his tail. Endlessly. Never to catch it... always to chase.

Well, sometimes I think it is good for us to realize that sometimes we need to let the chase go! Sometimes what we want is impossible. It doesn't exist.

Take this quote for instance... "The grass is greener on the other side." Well, let me tell ya, I really don't think it is!

And for another instance... That perfect person, who you think has it all together... doesn't. It is a total facade! I know this because many people this year have told me that they think I have it all together... haha, if you only knew me. Seriously... just ask her, or her, or her!

So I've been really trying to be "authentic" or to learn what that even means for me. I'd like to find out who I am right now. I know who I was in the past, I know I am not that person anymore. Parts of me are, but I've grown, changed and hopefully improved. I know who I want to be in the future, or better yet, I know how I want to feel about myself and my life. Now it's just a matter of figuring out who I am now. Aside from being a mother and a wife-FIRST and MOST IMPORTANTLY! But, I truly believe that loving yourself and being true to yourself makes you better at being both of those!

I heard a phrase the other day... I'm going to change it slightly... than try it on for a while and see if it works for me! It goes like this.

"Don't change yourself to fit the life, change the life to fit YOU!"

Diving into 2011

2010-12-30T23:28:00.000-08:00

I may need to dip my toe in a little first. Get a good feel for it, but my hope is that I get comfortable enough in 2011 to Dive in. Hey, maybe even do a few canon balls or throw in a herkie for my cheer leading years!

Ending the year with lots of sunshine changes your thoughts about life and the future. I think the rays have seeped deep under my skin and I am hoping they will stay a while!

I wondered this week. Why does ordinary life have to be ordinary? Why can't life always feel like a vacation? Yes there is laundry to do and dust piles to wipe. But, can't that be done during the "time-outs" from celebrating life? This may all be sounding weird and you may think I have completely lost it. But... let me just say it.

We all only have one life to live... ONE! I really don't want to waste it. I don't want to say, well... I could have gone and done this with the kids or played with the kids for a few hours, but I just didn't get to it after all the other things I had to do... Sound Familiar?

So here are a few things I'd like to focus on in 2011
-Living - not just being alive, but FEELING alive! Stopping to smell the flowers, laying on the grass to look at the clouds, playing in the leaves... you know.
-Giving back. We've gotten so much love this year, I think it is only fair to put a little focus on others this year.
-Finding a small piece of the "ME" who is hiding within this wife/mother/friend. I'd like to find some new things I enjoy and get back into some old ones!

Don't you just love a new year? A new chance. A free do-over. Every 365 days we get the opportunity to look on the past year, see what worked, see what didn't and try again! Amazing!!

I love it!

End of year reflections...

2010-12-27T10:17:00.001-08:00

Lots of time to think these past few weeks. I think the sunshine does something good for my brain... it's all a little clearer. Either that or maybe, it's not just babies who need extra vitamin D!!

I remember the end of 2009. I was with friends and we decided to let everyone express their thoughts about the year. I hated 2009. It was not a good year for me. It was the year of little sleep, little money, little time with friends or myself, and lots of feelings of under-achievements in almost every aspect of my life.

But... I had high hopes for 2010. I was going into the year almost due to have my third angel. I was starting the year on mat leave so that meant more time. Time for my kids, my husband, my friends and myself.

Well, let me tell ya, 2010 delivered! It has been a hard year, but a good year. A busy year, but an eye opening year. It has been a year filled with blessings flowing from heaven. It has been a year of receiving from many people in our lives. But mostly it has been a year of breathing deeply and latching onto the good that this life has to offer.

I'll take a moment to say Thank You again to every person who has sent our family positive vibes, prayers, life lessons, support, food, gifts and mostly love.

We dove into new waters and we've arrived on top... just riding the waves! And we are happy!

Some of my favorite moments of 2010 (I'll start from the beginning)

- My delivery of Macy (by far my easiest so far! Thank you Macy!)

-The moment that the Doctor confirmed to me that indeed Macy had Down Syndrome and the strength I saw in Barry's face. He gave me my moment to cry and process and kiss my baby. This year I have learned how strong he really is!

-The nurse who earned her spot in my heart by telling me how beautiful Macy was.

-The instant we saw Macy's Surgeon walk in the waiting room after 8 hours, to confirm that he was done, that it was a successful surgery and Macy was doing well!

-Seeing the pride in Tommy's face as he showed off his new little sister to his class at school!

-Seeing Tommy get baptised... and being the first person he came to hug after! (with a huge smile on his face!)

-Our new tradition Friday night pizza and movie together!

-Finally getting Barry to go camping (for the first and last time), but he went!

-When we finally found a successful treatment for Kyla's eczema!

-After 5 months of pumping... having Macy finally learn how to breastfeed.

-Late nights at our Cabin playing Rook with great friends! And watching all the little boys water ski.

-Tommy's first piano lesson and the happiness he felt after!

-Kyla starting Joy School and her excitement about learning.

-Watching Macy just light up at school and therapy!

-Spending a wonderful 2 weeks in Utah with my family. Watching my sister Marsha play the guitar and sing, spending time with childhood friends, Lots of talking and laughing with my sister Pam, Seeing my brother Mark (he works in Kansas), and spending time with my parents.

-Meeting some new friends from the DS community in Utah. Watching their DS kids... being kids!

-The sunshine on my face in Southern California!

-Watching our friends experience Disneyland for the first time!

-Kyla seeing the princesses as Disneyland

-Tommy and his friends in the Jedi Training... they will talk about it for years!

-Warm winter nights in the Hot Tub!

-Pizza for Christmas Dinner!

-All the people we have met online or in person!

-Every milestone Macy has met. Smiling, rolling, eating, sitting. She works so hard for them!

-Seeing my kids grow, learn and bond together!

Yes 2010 has been a success. We are fulfilled and we're goin' out breathing deeply and smiling!

Warmth and wisdom!

2010-12-21T22:11:00.000-08:00

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." - Dr. Seuss

Just thought I would share that!! Sending love and warm air from California!
Merry Christmas... only a few more days!

Motherhood...it's always good for a laugh!

2010-12-07T16:21:00.001-08:00

While at the hospital today, Kyla had to go pee. She is newly potty trained and therefor not aware of the modern highlights of toilets these days.

Well, she was sitting all sweet, doing her thing when out of the blue while she sat... the toilet flushed itself.

Oh man, her eyes met mine so quick and the look on her face was priceless. Like there was a monster in the toilet! hehe

I quickly dissolved the problem by saying, "Oh, did the toilet flush all by itself?" (while holding in my motherly chuckles!)

Well, what do you know a couple seconds later... it flushed again. And this time she broke into tears! Sweet girl!

She is so funny!

Sometimes these little moments are the things that make motherhood so enjoyable!

2010-12-07T10:30:00.000-08:00

This may sound silly, but I am going to write it anyway.

I was talking to a friend today about blog comments and facebook comments. Is it normal to feel unimportant or unacknowledged when people don't comment?

I feel like, in a sense, the "online" world is becoming somewhat of a "world of it's own." So when no one comments I sometimes feel like it is the same as someone walking past you on the street and not saying "hi." Is that strange? It is isn't it! I know, but I am not one to keep my feelings and opinions to myself. That is what many people say is my good quality. I say what I feel and I feel what I say!

Anyway... I will admit that I am not always the best commenter myself. I do comment of blogs very regularly... but not every blog I read! Though I am conscious about where I blog and try to spread my comments around to various people, hoping no one gets left behind.

I guess I am really thinking about this right now because after I posted Tommy's piano videos, he asked me what people thought. I think he was a little sad that only 1 person (other than his grandma) had anything to say. Kids love to hear positive words.

I do also realize that I am not the best writer in the world, but if you could read my thoughts and help me organize them into a witty post... well, then maybe, just maybe I would get a few more "hello's" from my readers.

And we will end with a cute pictures of Macy in her new hat!

Our time is up!

2010-12-06T11:57:00.000-08:00

Our week with the Trisomy 21 afghan is over, but we gave it some love and we're sending it on it's way.

The timing could not have been better... since in a few days we are off.

Off to california to enjoy some time with friends

Off to california to warm up our frozen bodies

and Off to california for a much needed break!

Spreading Christmas Cheer!

2010-12-03T16:37:00.000-08:00

Tommy started learning to play the piano in September. He is doing so great! He loves to go online, print music and try to play it. We are so proud of him!

I also wanted to post this years Christmas card!

What are we up to???

2010-11-30T17:05:00.000-08:00

I was lucky enough to enjoy a day at a Down Syndrome Conference this weekend.

The Wonder Years Conference

put on by Ups and Downs

There were many great speakers and I learned so much. One of the best things I learned was that Calgary has more resources for a child with Down Syndrome than anywhere else in Canada. Hallelujah for living in Calgary! A friend of mine summed up the conference on her blog if your interested. You can fine that HERE.

In other great news! We were the proud recipients this week of the T21 Traveling Afghan. It is an Afghan that has been traveling the world, visiting families who have a child with Down Syndrome. We get it for a week and than we send it off to the next family. Along with pictures and a journal entry of our time with it! How cool is that? To have an amazing connection with people all over the globe because of one thing... AN AMAZING EXTRA CHROMOSOME!!!

Pictures to come!

Pizza Friday

2010-11-26T15:29:00.000-08:00

Macy joins us for Pizza friday and has her first experience with Pizza!! I started out quite a bit bigger, but she gummed it down to a soggy little piece. She also loved when I dipped it in extra sauce and gave her that!

2010-11-25T15:46:00.000-08:00

A year ago or so, someone asked how I would feel if the Savior came to my home.

How would you feel? I am sure many would feel nervous.

I won't lie about having a few nerves, but I would greatly welcome the occasion!

To have my home filled with His presence and to have his footprint left there. To get a little time to find out how I'm doing at this HUGE job He has given me. Maybe He could throw in some pointers ;) and maybe, just maybe he would let my little ones sit upon His knee!

So that leads me into this little story(at bottom). I have loved it since I was a little child. It is by far my favorite story at Christmas time. You will not be disappointed :)

So with that said, what I am most Thankful for is a season to spend celebrating my loving Savior with my very special family! The two most important things to me!

and maybe this season will linger into the new year and leave footprints of the Saviour in our home!

Uhh, rewind please!

2010-11-24T16:09:00.000-08:00

You remember that WONDERFUL day I blogged about yesterday???

Well it was shot down! I'm gonna spare you the details. But suffice it to say, it has thrown my world into a bit of an uproar! One of those "my mothering skills suck" kind of things.

But, I've had roughly 24 hours to mull it over, talk to some people, get some great advice, and kick the devil and his evil whisperings out of my ear. So now I can think a bit more clearly. I've opened the door to heaven (and keeping it open) and I am ready to be filled with motherly knowledge! ;)

So, today I wanted to present another Awesome thing... because everyone needs a little awesome from time to time. This is the Awesome that got me through my evening last night, after the kids were in bed of course!

#574 Nudging the shower faucet a little bit hotter then a little bit hotter
If your body starts getting used to that hot water it’s time to crank up the heat to keep the steam coming. Or if you’re in a race against the tank just turn that dial without mercy and get ready to lean back, relax, and sweat it all out.
AWESOME!

A wonderful day!

2010-11-23T13:02:00.001-08:00

Today is a fabulous day for Macy and Me!!

Macy was born with problems with her colon (Hirschsprungs disease)and had 1/3 of her large intestine removed at 3 weeks old. They were able to successfully attach the rest of the colon to her bum hole. Therefor she is able to poop normally. Yeah for that!

The down side.

Since that surgery (for 8 1/2 months now) I have had to dilate her bum hole once a day. This is to prevent the scar tissue from closing up her bum hole. I was going to post a picture of a dilator... but I didn't want to scare anyone. It's a metal probe that I have to put 2 inches up her bum everyday (just a quick in and out). Every few months the surgeon increases the diameter to further stretch the scar tissue. Obviously Macy hates it... wouldn't you! and I hate doing it to her.

Well, we had an appt with her surgeon today, we thought we were going to increase size again, but he said... She no longer needs the dilator!!! YES YES YES!!

Give me a minute to do my little happy dance!!!!

My Angels!

2010-11-20T15:02:00.000-08:00

Last month when we headed down to Utah, I had a friend of mine take some pictures of my three angels (then she threw me into a few... YIKES!). I've known (and admired) shannon since we were wee kids dancing at the same studio... I secretly wanted to be her and if not, at least to be in her circle of friends! Yes, I finally made it! ;) Thanks for the great pictures shannon! Her blog is HERE!

Giving me a heart attack!

2010-11-19T09:43:00.001-08:00

Is she trying to KILL me?
All for a little candy...

You all know what I'll be buying today... a child proof door knob thingy!

Start this season off right!

2010-11-17T16:21:00.000-08:00

This is what it's all about!!

In all honesty...

2010-11-15T12:30:00.000-08:00

I really do want to say something witty. I'd love to help you start your week off with a good laugh. Hey, I'd even love to inspire you today. But you know what?

I'm just not feeling it! Everyone is entitled to their moments, right!?

I was feeling it at one point this morning. That was around 7 am as I stepped up to the admitting desk at the Children's Hospital to check Macy in for her surgery (ear tubes). *note- this is the third time it has been scheduled.

Well, my bubble was burst when I was told that Macy's surgery was being postponed. This was after dealing with a hungry baby all night who could not be fed (because of the upcoming surgery), getting up at the crack of - well, no it was way earlier than dawn! And after changing her into her surgery clothes and even after they gave her a dose of medication to prep her.

Macy showed up with a bit of a cough, I can understand a little concern. But let me remind you we live in Alberta where is is extremely dry. She wakes every morning with nasal congestion. But this being an early morning, I didn't get the chance to syringe her nose. Well 2 nurses listen to her chest and said she was clear and it would be fine. Then a resident comes in and listens to her and says (in broken English) "oh, very noisy chest, we cannot do the surgery today." (The thing that makes me the most mad is that the surgeon did not come assess her and neither did the anesthesiologist.) So upset and near tears I leave and take Macy to the doctor.

Well, the doctor was shocked that they didn't do her procedure. She said Macy had a mild cold, but her chest was clear and she was in no respiratory distress. This surgery is an easy 5 min procedure.

Why am I mad?

- She will probably have to wait till January now when she should have had them done in September.
- I feel that I am at the hospital often enough and don't like going there for nothing!
- and a few other reasons that I will kindly keep to myself :)

K, I'm climbing off my soap box now!

Parenting and a recipe!

2010-11-13T16:35:00.000-08:00

I'll share a funny conversation I had with My sister-in-law at a family party a while back.

Her little girl was playing roughly with a doll. Spanking it and saying angrily, "Go to bed baby, right now!" (so normal!) But in the moment I said, "Sheri, what kinds of things are you teaching your kids? All Kyla does with her dolls is hug them, kiss them and say... I love you baby!" In the moment it was quite funny and we laughed about it for a while! **Note- My sister-in-law does not spanke her kids and she is a very good mother!

Well, today I was playing with a new toy with Kyla and every time she got it right, I would say. "Yeah, good job Kyla! You did it!"

I left her and Macy there to play and after a minute I heard her saying to Macy, "Good job Macy, you did it! That's a good job, baby!" She said it in a very "oochie goochie goo" kind of way!

So there you go... They do what they see! :) They are like little sponges.

So glad Macy had some fun times with her sister Kyla today, because the rest of this evening has been spent like this.

Macy is teething and fevering and teething some more. Her gums are so soft right now. Hopefully the rest of the night will go well. I had barry pick up a truckload of Tylenol, Homeopathic teething medicine, Baby orajel, and Gripe water... Something has got to do the trick! Bless her little sweet self!

K, so... Who likes Steel cut oats? Raise your hand! ME!!!

Who hates waiting 30 min in the morning to cook them??? ME!!!

Who hates when they boil over or don't turn out right?? ME!!!

Here is the solution!

Before bedtime, place an oven safe bowl in your crockpot. Then place 1 cup steel cut oats in the bowl and 4 cups water (pinch salt). Then pour water into the crockpot on the outside of the bowl up to an inch from the top of the oven safe bowl. Put the crock pot lid on and cook on LOW. Go to bed and wake up to perfectly cooked Steel Cut Oats! I like mine with slivered almonds, dried fruit and honey! Mmm.

A whirlwind day!

2010-11-12T08:07:00.000-08:00

It started with a 7am brief phone call from my mom. Their bobbing smelly and boring home (The Carnival Splendor) had finally reached San Diego! Of course anticipating more phone calls and eager to know what was going on, I jumped right onto the computer and turned on CNN.

Well, a quick comment on twitter about my family on the ship and me stuck in Canada opened Pandora's box! I was contacted by someone from Canada Press. She asked if she could call and ask me a few questions. She must have leaked that number because for the rest of the day I answered call after call from different media sources.

It's kinda fun to feel important for one day! I will admit :)

-Global TV came to my home last night for an interview.
-CTV sent a car to my home at 3:45 this morning to take into the studio for an interview (with my sister on the line from California).
-CBC radio had my mom and myself on their morning program today.
-660 News did a phone interview yesterday, then posted this article. http://www.660news.com/news/national/article/127769--nearly-200-canadians-stranded-on-cruise-ship-4-days-after-fire-knocked-out-power
-and my initial interview with Canadian Press is being aired on different radio stations.

Exciting! Oh and CTV promised me a free Canada AM Mug! Wow, hey... lucky me!

But I can honestly say I am ready to get out of the house, away from the computer phone and TV and feel normal again!

But it was fun while it lasted :)

Awesome!!!

2010-11-09T12:03:00.000-08:00

Found a great book! 1000 Awesome things. Every Monday (Tuesday this week) I will try and put one of them that I like on my blog. Here goes!

#538 Laughing so hard you start crying

It’s a beautiful moment.

Your friend suddenly squeezes her eyes shut and starts shaking her head while laughing so hard little streams of salty tears start running down her cheeks. She covers her mouth with her hands as her wide-eyed face turns red — and you can see shiny reflections sparkle in her glittery wet eyes. Big booms bounce off walls until she eventually slows down, gasps for air, and open her eyes wide while wet sniffling, smiling widely, and regaining her composure.
And then she looks you right in the eyes and smiles. And you look her right in the eyes and smile. And it starts all over again.
AWESOME!

A time and a place!

2010-11-05T10:25:00.000-07:00

I love reminders that there is a time and a place for everything. I may not have the time right now to have the perfect home or the perfect body. I may not be doing everything that I know I should. I love what kelle hampton once said about trying to juggle everything. She talked about sometimes letting one ball drop so you can catch the other one.

Being a mom and wife is a fine balancing act. Some days my kids take all my attention, some days my husband needs more of it and than there are days here and there where I get time to breath deeply and smell the roses. It's often on those days that I am reminded that it is okay to "drop a ball here and there." That's the stuff "good moms" are made of!

Architect?

2010-11-03T13:09:00.000-07:00

Remember when we were kids and we didn't have nintendo and computer games?

We had to make mud pies or play cops and robbers.

And our favorite toys were blocks, bikes and marbles!

Well, what do you know... those basic toys are still a hit with my kids!

We are alive!!!

2010-11-01T17:03:00.001-07:00

Yes, we did get back from our trip safely. But as soon as we get home, we are quickly swept up in our whirlwhind of life!

Been thinking lately. Thinking about the Jones's (you know that perfect family!), been thinking about the Hamptons (you know... that perfect DS family!) and I have discovered something. It has taken me until Macy's 9 month birthday to figure it out. I'm a little slow :)

I have decided that I just can't keep up with those two "perfect" families, and I am not going to pretend anymore! It all hit me one afternoon this week. Macy was needing some extra love. So, I dropped the laundry basket, put the dish towel down, and walked away from the mess. I climbed between the soft cool sheets and snuggled her. I got to thinking while lying there... it's not about being perfect. It's not about looking perfect in others eyes. It's about LOVE and it's about FAMILY!

I'm just going to love them and enjoy them at whatever stage they are in - that includes my husband!

Time spent "trying" to be someone I am not... is time spent away and therefore time lost. That is time I will NEVER get back!

You learn a lot when you just sit and enjoy them, watch them, listen to them.

And on that note... have you ever seen anything cuter?

Kyla and her cousin Taryn held hands all night! I think they were scared of all the monsters.

This scary dude sure has a soft side!

This has got to be the cutsest ladybug on the planet!

Italy is overrated anyway!

2010-10-25T19:18:00.000-07:00

For those who wonder what it may be like to raise a child with Down Syndrome.

Here is a little poem.

Welcome to Holland

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

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

"Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.

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

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

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

But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned." And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.

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

Emily Perl Kingsley

and in my opinion... holland is beautiful these days!!!

I don't like labels!

2010-10-23T08:18:00.000-07:00

Visiting with someone last night and She said,

"I used to work with special needs kids in a school. I had a few that had Down Syndrome. One was so sweet, and then there was another little girl who was a "more typical" down syndrome child. She was really pushy and didn't listen well."

There was more to the conversation and she wasn't trying to say anything bad... but I couldn't help the growing knot in my gut.

Why do we put labels on people? What is typical anyway?

People with Down Syndrome are just as much individuals as anyone else! They are unique and have different personalities.

Eye Candy!

2010-10-22T10:39:00.000-07:00

Oh, the cuteness!!!

That extra chromosome sure has a positive effect!

Every family should be blessed by someone with Down Syndrome!

What's so great about it??

2010-10-21T15:05:00.000-07:00

All because of Macy and her Designer Genes, I get to make so many new friends! A handful of these ladies found my blog within days of Macy being born and were such a great support while she was in the hospital. I love having a huge DS family.

Till next time!

(most of their blogs can be found at the bottom right of this page)

I feel stalked!

2010-10-20T21:58:00.000-07:00

I still find it strange when someone says, "Oh, I read your blog all the time." I have been hearing it a lot since being in Utah. I love it, don't get me wrong... but if ya don't comment periodically, I assume you don't read my blog :)

When I hear these comments it makes me really think and evaluate what I have written. I hope to give a little giggle here and there, a lot of honesty and some inspiration! I love my kids, and I love my life... but I hope no one gets the impression that it's PERFECT all the time or that we all walk around with big grins on our faces all day.

My husband and I have a good healthy typical marriage where I nag at him to pick up his dirty socks, and he nags at me that we have to eat homemade stew and biscuits for dinner, instead of steak and potatoes. But he's right for me and I'm right for him!

I may call my kids angels and I really think they are. But, trust me. There are moments when I have to S-L-O-W-L-Y count to 10 and remind myself that they are just kids! But they are my world. I would be a nobody without them! Literally! I mean what would I do with my time?

Anyway, this blog is a peephole into our lives and we hope it leaves you with a warm fuzzy feeling! Oh, and don't be shy... let us know when you stop by!

We head to Wheeler Farm tomorrow then a play date with some DS friends... then it's off to Aunt Pam's for Caramel Apple dipping and cards!

Guess What?

2010-10-19T14:50:00.000-07:00

She's sitting.

Kinda. Sorta.

But I'm taking what I can get!

Doesn't she just look snuggle-able?

Ramblings in my Brain...

2010-10-18T07:59:00.000-07:00

I become so overwhelmed with emotion when I see HUGE groups of people, walking, with banners, and T-shirts, and almond eyed little cuties! It just hits me, I feel it and I want to be a part of it! I'm gonna have to talk to the Calgary Down Syndrome Society about that... WE need to be a part of THAT!

My brother-in-law came to Lagoon with us and spent lots of time loving on Macy. He mentioned that people stare at Macy and I think it bothered him. I told him, it's okay... Usually they are curious. Just tell them. She has Down Syndrome, isn't she beautiful!

He had a woman come up to him and say, "I am so glad you are wearing the right hat (U of U)." So then he asked... is it like that with Down Syndrome too? If you see another person with Down Syndrome, do you say something? OF COURSE YOU DO! We are in the same club! We get each other... We want them to know that we've been touched by THE LOVE BUG too! That we now see the world like they do, too! That we are another one of the blessed :)

My dad works at the Utah State Developmental Center and has for many years. So I have always been around people with disabilities. So I asked my dad if he has told anyone at work about Macy. He said No. He is worried about what they will think. So I said, "Dad, you have to say it like this... Guess what? We are so lucky, our granddaughter has Down Syndrome!"

and last thought lately...
a few years ago I heard about a couple in Texas that had a child with Down Syndrome and I was told the father said, "I am so glad that Heavenly Father put this baby into our family, because we LOVE it." I remember at the time being so touched and thinking... I hope I get the chance one day to say something as beautiful as that! I hope I get to do something big! Well, I got that chance :) and I am loving it!

Lagoon

2010-10-17T19:46:00.000-07:00

Such a fun day.

I am obviously getting OLD.

All the big rides make me feel like I am going to have a heart attack!

By the end of the day we were all a little TIRED.

Major Lovin'

2010-10-16T22:52:00.000-07:00

Spent our day at Lagoon Amusement park

I love seeing joyful smiles on my kids faces.

Tommy is my daredevil. He likes that he can go on every ride and his favorites are the most dangerous kind! The more upside down, fast and high... the better! He is so fun to ride with!

Kyla on the other hand prefers to keep her feet on the ground. Her favorite was driving the little cars around the track. Man she looks so cute doing it too! She is so proud of herself after (jumping up and down saying, "Mommy, I did it!")

And Macy, well... she obviously draws so much attention with her big blue eyes and adorable smile! I'm not sure what percentage of people know that she has Down Syndrome just from looking at her, but I don't care if they stare or comment or ask... I'm just proud to be her momma and I know they stare cause she is so dang CUTE!

Busy Busy

2010-10-15T22:43:00.000-07:00

Too busy loving and snuggling on my Down Syndrome Child to write much.

Because snuggling her is so irresistible!

Oh, and I went to Odyssey Dance Theatre's Thriller tonight!

Click here to see.

Can I say LOVE? I LOVE IT!

Reminds me of when I danced with them at Rocky Point Haunted House in 2000.

Also reminds me of when dance was my LIFE! It was a fun time!

Cry

2010-10-14T08:49:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's not about being strong. Sometimes it's about letting the tears flow!

I don't cry because I am sad.

I don't cry because I think it is unfair.

I don't cry because it is hard.

I cry because Macy and all her DS friends all over the world give us a little glimpse of heaven on earth! I cry because Heavenly Father thought I was good enough to be a part of it! I cry because it is sometimes overwhelming to feel that amount of love coming from one little child!

It's a just amazing and overwhelming and I feel so so so lucky and blessed!