Long Over Due

Today I got to celebrate one of the great joys of staying home with my kids. I got to accompany Katelyn on her spring field trip to the Tanganyika Wildlife Park. Although a little chilly, we had a great time. I also kept Paige home from preschool so that she could attend the field trip with Cole and I too.

Enjoy the pictures. You will see pictures of one of Katelyn's biggest blessings in preschool -- Ms. Margaret. She has been Katelyn's preschool special ed teacher for the past 2 years (although different schools). We loved her so much we followed her to a new school this past year. We will be sad to part ways at the end of this year when Katelyn completes preschool. She will attend Kindergarten at a different school next year -- a traditional magnet school that will give her quality special ed support and regular inclusion too. It will be a bittersweet experience to move on past preschool and Ms. Margaret's loving attention.

Cole Isaac's 1st Year Montage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qH3FucSekjo

"Jill" of all Trades

I have to admit -- I am proud of myself. I am so glad that my parents taught me that I can do anything. They instilled in me the value of hard work and a "can do" attitude.

This past weekend I did something I have never done before -- break a window you may ask? Well, that too. But I broke it while reglazing one of the windows on our house. When you live in a house built in 1938, you run into a lot of issues I am finding out (Settling is something we have experienced due to the extremely dry summer too). But besides tackling the reglazing project on my own, I also successfully repaired the window pane too. This meant scraping out the remainder glaze and popping out the rest of the window (now in 3 pieces), getting new pane of glass to fit, and then installing it with glazing points to hold glass in place and securing with the glazing putty around the window.

I am so proud to say I have added a couple more "Trades" to this "Jill". And with my new tool kit from Josh on my birthday, I am sure I have a lot more trades to accomplish.

NDSS Buddy Walk Video

Several months ago I submitted Katelyn's picture to the National Down Syndrome Society to potentially be selected to be displayed at the NDSS Buddy Walk at Times Square. She was chosen. Below is the video. (Time 13:40 to be exact). (sorry couldn't figure out how to put in link -- will have to cut and paste)

http://www.ndss.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=266:ndss-times-square-video-2010&catid=74:video&Itemid=120

As I watch this video, I get chills. Good chills. The smiles and the features that I love and know so well about Down syndrome bless my heart. But more than the cute smiles, I love the pictures of siblings and families together. There is no doubt in my mind that the child or sibling with DS has had an incredible impact on their lives -- like a magnet drawing everyone closer, building a stronger bond than thought possible.



I can't wait to see how my children grow up and watch them interact with each other. Right now, we have the typical sibling rivalry of she took my toy, she hit me, "mom, she's busying (Paige's word for bothering) me", etc. I hope they all learn to appreciate and love each other. They are so blessed to have each other for siblings. There will be a bond that many families will never get to experience. I cherish this and would never change this.

(The above picture is precious because it wasn't a requested "hug your sister for the picture" pose, it was a genuine I love you, come closer hug. I love it!)

Pumpkin Patch

Making Memories -- There's one thing I love about staying home with my kids and that is being able to tag along on some school field trips. This past week Paige's preschool went to the AppleJack Pumpkin Patch. Pumpkin patches make for great photos. It was fun to watch the girls pick out their own pumpkins, jump on the bouncing pillow, go down the slide, and ride the "train". We were exhausted when we left, but we had a great time.

Buddy Walk 2010

I sure wish I was better at using this blogger. Life just seems to busy to update it more frequently. Anyway, wanted to share a couple pictures from the Buddy Walk that took place on October 9th. It was a beautiful day and over 2000 people participated. It is always so moving to see so many people celebrating Katelyn and other people who happen to have Down syndrome.

Inquisitive Kids

I remember when Katelyn was younger and she went through the "What's That?" stage. I loved that stage. Sometime I miss not hearing it as often. But as with all childhood milestones, we move on. Paige is in the "Why?" stage. My personal feeling -- it's cute sometimes, but can get old quickly. Every rational explanation for her question leads to another "but why?". Sometimes all I can do is laugh and start asking her, "Why?" too.