What is it with me and phones....I get the new EVO 4g IT IS SUPPOSE TO BE FASTER BETTER ETC.... yet for me it doesn't work. Works then stops....all incoming calls go straight to voicemail and when I try to call out it says no signal. FRUSTRATING!!!!!!!!!!! My last phone the palm pre would just shut off on me. I answer a call and it shut down..my daughter said it was me until one day she watched it just decide to shut down, totally charged.. I am going to go back to home phone only if things do not change, this is crazy expensive and if it doesn't work, what's the point... really what's the point. I get calls while trying to pee, Driving and calls come so I wonder who can it be, then there is the ever so embarrassing call when I am in a meeting, yes I forget to put on vibrate. What did we do when we only had home phones.. I find it funny when a school official or medical professional discussing something make it sound like it is necessary to be available 24/7.. Wow we must have been very neglectful parents before cell phones. C-R-A-Z-Y

While on the subject I heard from my sister who was telling me all bout her best friend. She has four actually I think she said. She has two in France, two in Canada and a keep her on her toes in Ohio... talked like they had gone out for tea that morning. She is having such wonderful friend times.... OK, my sister is in the Carolina's and HASN'T BEEN TRAVELING... yes yes you guessed it her FACEBOOK friends...LOL let's avoid human contact next..... we have virtual schools, cell pone facebook friends and on line shopping... see where this is going. I am sorry, I like HUMAN TOUCH. Reach out and touch someone.... Hallmark at least gave you tangible contact... Oh I need my cup of coffee.

Yes, on top of my phone issue I am having ant eater issues as well... My Ant Eater (Tressa) is not stopping this gross nasty bad habit she has picked up. I almost can not even believe the words come out of my mouth; Tressa are you eating ants again? As she tries to hold her mouth closed to hide the evidence.. but what else would you be lapping up off the floor. and she fights to get to them. When it rains we get these tiny ever so tiny ants that are like the song the ants go marching one by one.. they come in lines and move fast and catch her attention but EAT THEM come to mind..oh no!

Treading new waters....all part of the journey

My life is taking on some new tasks, bringing on exciting challenges; I look forward to succeeding and in the same breath scares me to my core in opening old wounds. I will share when I can just keep me in your prayers for strength and direction on my new venture.

Keirsten is taking an exam on Tuesday night which is very important for her college enrollment and scholarships please lift her confidence in prayer as she is 100% on the right track. When we walk into the school, her entire body shines, she breathes deeper, smiles bigger, glo's brighter. It is obvious the environ met is exciting, invigorating and the right pick for her career. We have one more hurdle to cross and that will be known Tuesday.

Kaitlyn leaves at 6:45am for her 8th grade class trip to Tampa. She is so excited. She is going to bush Garden's with out mom. She can't stop telling me all the things she is going to do with her friends. She has her clothes by the door, her shower taken, hair fixed and now off to sleep. I am excited for her and having a little anxiety too. Kaitlyn knows Bush Gardens well although my fear is she might get a little too independent tomorrow and go off on her own. She forgets sometimes strapping herself in rides and that scares me for her not to have someone 100% aware of her .... but I have gone over and over the rules and when she comes home tomorrow night I will post all her wonderful trip experiences as she dictates them to me.. She is my sunshine.

Steven came home early from school today saying her was sick, it was a pretty nasty headache which made him cry at school not understanding what was going on. Once he took most of the day to sleep he was up and going dinner hour. I had a head ache yesterday which I thought was stress related but it must be something... Tressa had it yesterday too.

Jordan had a 100% day. This week has been a trying week for him. I think the weather is playing a huge issue, cold cold cold then hot, cold / hot, no one knows how to dress and once you get warm, you are over heated.

Tressa, oh my she has had a rough week. OCD in a big way. We see her specialists in March, I can not wait to go over everything. I am trying to take her off one medication which can cause some excessive OCD but her OCD starts when i say I do not want to give her the liquid today... she gets so stuck... just stuck...poor thing. I wish I had better answers on how to help her through those moments.

Lucas continues to slow but sure make progress. His eating is better and better. Emma well you all get daily reports on my little sidekick who is without doubt SPOILED ROTTEN.... Two months and she is going to behavioral class.LOL I am serious she will be two and i have her on the wait list to get into a play group three hours a day all about behaviors.... LOL Red Head STUBBORN...

Really, not something that comes natually?? Really

Humility is not something that comes naturally to most, especially in today’s busy competitive society. Everyday, people see others taking advantage of a situation trying to get ahead or make themselves look good and it really doesn’t do anything for them. A humble person is someone who does not boast or try to impress themselves on you. They are generally quiet, meek and typically not self serving. This is a good set of attributes to be seen but is a very difficult trait to be known for since being humble involves so many behaviors in our lives and is really the opposite of the way most people are living their lives.

Question your own Humility
•Do you take an opportunity to claim credit for things that you are involved in?
•Do you like to be right and to prove what you know?
•Maybe you think your job role is more important than the next person or that you are smarter than them?
•Are you capable of handling things on your own without help from others?
•Are you proud of your accomplishments or do you ever brag about things you do or can do?
If you answered YES to ANY of these questions maybe you are not as humble as you think
Recognize a humble person by related character traits. They are generally calm, courteous, polite, subdued and modest in their behavior and attitudes. A humble attitude is never pompous, proud or arrogant and a humble person does not attempt to belittle others or make them selves look good in comparison. Humble people are easily liked, very approachable and easy to get along with.

Let's put these skills back into our lives....let's be humble Americans

such a calming moment.... she is priceless

Prayers for my cousins, lift them from harms way

Hurting heart this morning, after a rough nights sleep, which if you know me, isn't usual. I am struggling with the thoughts of a cousin and second cousin who have landed themselves in places they need prayers. In so many ways I know moving to Florida was my saving grace to be grounded as I am. In the next thought I miss my family (as I saw it through a child's eyes) I ask you to pray for Ammie for strength to rise above the poisons of drug addiction. My memory of her is so different, this is not even comprehensible to me that this BEAUTIFUL girl, God blessed her with model quality looks; could have fallen into the clenches of such a deadly poison. I remember spending summers with her, envious of her long red locks soft and perfect. Her petite face and perfect bone structure, her ability to eat anything and never gain an ounce. Her grace, intelligence and will. Her Mother my Aunt Peggy now passed who seemed the adult figure of her daughter... Unfortunately, I did not stay in contact over the years since moving to Florida, taking on my strengths and making life for my children here was my focus.. I didn't balance my time for family back thousands of miles; making it all my past, burrying some of that pain. I have never met her daughter Morgan who at this time can be saved before the clinches of anything grab hold...Pray, please pray that God delivers her the strength to rise above the pains of dysfunction, see into her future; a positive life, to make choices that will enhance HER. She is 15 years young. The age that is so very difficult in the best home lives. Morgan unfortunately has not had this foundation from her Mother nor Father and now in the care of our system called foster care, I am terrified for her. I know foster care in ways that this has taken me to my knees. I know the paths the children Morgan will be sharing time with have gone.. I know what horrible things she can learn and be exposed to.. it is causing great pain to my heart. Fifteen is such an impressionable age..I know, I did this to my own daughter. Mandie was fifteen when I brought home foster girls to our home. Thinking I was being a good citizen, I did not take into consideration that the teens I brought into my home would be no person I would wish to build friendships for my children with. I know that is strong from me, but reality is the children I brought into the dark quiet rooms unsupervised taught my pure teenage daughter about prostitution, about sex in ways I never ever wanted her to learn as a teen. It brought out abuse and graphic descriptions of information way before any child should learn... Balance, I pray for balance in Morgan's life and all those surrounding her so everyone can think clearly and make the right decisions for Morgan. Please keep my extended family in prayer as this is very trying on my heart.
The conflict of keeping distance from why I left, to what I know; who I am, my gift to help family.

Late night ramble about our morals...

I almost posted last night on my view about the show bachelor and his crazy statements he wants the girls to be open and truthful but when they express how BAZAAR it is to have 15 girls dating and kissing and living together hoping to gain the love of one man who if he has fallen in love already is still making out with the others to meet the shows criteria although is asking the girls to not pull away, do not find this difficult just ..... WHAT... WHAT WORLD IS HE FROM.... ok calm down Mary it is made for television and the man is in love at the expense of so many screwed up emotional woman... THANKS DUDE!!! well then we all ask, Mary why are you watching it then??? Again, the main reason I didn't post last night but then here goes tonight's opinion... How does Kaitlyn know the stations on the radio to flip through channels and know ALL THE WORDS to songs that are totally dysfunctional breeding co-dependency at it's finest. I wanna hold a grenade for you, jump in front of a train for you, BASICALLY COMMITTING SUICIDE FOR LOVE....BUT here is the kicker... the love is not returned...You through it in the trash.. they claim, never returned the love at all but again they sing they will catch a grenade, throw myself in front of a train for you. So then I turn the music down to explain to Kaitlyn what she is singing... GHEE should I have done that??? So she asked me a MILLION questions with the repeat of; why? and so I found myself explaining way more about love life to Kaitlyn than she needed or I needed... and here I sit wondering why this crap is even out there for our kids... Why do 30 girls apply to go on a show to expose themselves to the world and what is it...for one guy.. then who would even write the words that they would kill themselves for someone who never loved them; tore their heart out and threw it in the trash..

I sure miss BARNEY.

JOIN YOUR LOCAL KIWANIS

The Purpose of Kiwanis
To Improve the quality of Life for Children and Families worldwide.

As a thriving organization of men, women, and youth, we are dedicated to serving the children of the world and improving the quality of life worldwide. Being committed to this mission calls each of us to live by the following objects of Kiwanis:

To give primacy to the human and spiritual, rather than to the material values of life.
To encourage the daily living of the Golden Rule in all human relationships.
To promote the adoption and the application of higher social, business, and professional standards.
To develop, by precept and example, a more intelligent, aggressive, and serviceable citizenship.
To provide, through Kiwanis clubs, a practical means to form enduring friendships, to render altruistic service, and to build better communities.
To cooperate in creating and maintaining that sound public opinion and high idealism, which makes possible the increase of righteousness, justice, patriotism, and goodwill.
Vision
We will be the world's premier organization engaging adult and youth volunteers to improve the quality of life worldwide.


time:7:30 AM every Tuesday morning

venue:Faith Presbyterian Church, 4544 Coronado Parkway, Cape Coral, FL 33904

Meets on Every Week Tuesday at 7:30 am

OR

Harney Point chapter of Kiwanis
Weekly -- Wednesday 11:30 am
Lazy Dog Grill
3522 Del Prado Blvd. N
Cape Coral, Fl 33904

This club is full of fun. They have so many community activities and action going on in line with our families. They offer our kids as they are young to adults support in the community. JOIN JOIN JOIN JOIN

Inquiring minds ask......

1. What are your children's names and how did you choose them?
2. Where do you live, and how do you like it there?
3. What has been your toughest moment in the Down Syndrome journey?
4. What are your favorite things to do when you are not being Mommy?

Mandie Marie is my oldest, she is now 32 years old. I had Mandie 10/78 as a teen in High School, marrying her Father to avoid placing her for adoption. My intent was at all times to have a baby so marrying her Father was part of the immature mind processing how to have a baby...In 1978 Mandy was a popular name. She changed the spelling during her years in middle school. Michelle came 9 months after my divorce... fancy that luck. She was to be a boy. In 1980 we could tell by heart beats and how you carried your baby, no sonograms ..the name chosen was Kortney Adam because she was a boy....SURPRISE. I was to the wire with the vital statistics police on my back that you can not leave the hospital without a name.... My nurses name was Michelle although her middle name was one given from tradition in their family and no way would I have ever remembered it or made sense of it...so Christine rolled out nicely. Michelle Christine born 09/81. In college with two children and a dead beat ex husband in tow I gave birth to the BOY.... yep Kortney Adam 05/83 he hates his name and goes only by Kory today..LOL so much for all my thought processing. In the same thought processing (immature) believing moving to Florida might change my not so good luck. I had been living in Illinois most all my life, being still immature I brought the problem to Florida in 1988. Becoming much wiser and in my own career working for the state of Florida I rid myself of baggage; the three children and I moved forward.

I opted to help the desperate cry for foster parents and brought foster children into our home from 1990 to 1996. I adopted Joshua who chose his own name (changed from birth name) Birth given name of William Richard; was shortened when I got custody to, Willie. and then starting playgroups with mean boys..."Dick" for a middle name, he had different ideas for a name at the age of five. I am sure the reason he chose Joshua was from a caseload child of mine I spent a great deal of time with; a boy by the name of Joshua. If I came home late he knew I had to go see Joshua..that case was in Englewood which is far from where we live, So he at 5 became my Joshua. LOL A couple years later I flew to Oregon to adopt a teen who was at the last chance adopt phase and she kept her name Erin Dawn, very pretty name indeed. My Keirsten is the birth daughter of one of the teen/then adult foster girls I had in the 90's. She could not care for her so to prevent Keirsten from entering foster care she placed her at a week old with me. The process of her trying to kick drugs and drinking to parent took too long and the courts placed her in adoption status, I then adopted her. Her name was Kirsten although the pronunciation was to sound like a long e and no one did it as Kirsten so one day we were getting groceries and the cashiers tag said Keirsten, i pronounced it perfect and she said wow how did you know... so we took the e and added it at the time of adoption. A few years passed and I met a little girl 3yrs old with Down syndrome who needed an adoptive home, Her name Kaitlyn Nicole fit her to the tee. Having Kaitlyn home; a local magazine did a Mother's Day article featuring Kaitlyn and I. From that publication brought us a "faxed to my job, a letter-cry for help" to help with a little boy named Steven Lee a 2 year old boy with Down syndrome living with his aging grandparents because his parents could not care for him. Steven Lee grew into his name perfectly, so it remains. In the spring of 2000 while on maternity leave from Steven's placement I got a call about a newborn boy with Down syndrome in Sarasota who needed a family right that minute.. His adoption disrupted. I said YES YES YES. We needed not only every single thing to provide for a newborn baby, we needed a name.... It was decided on the way to the hospital..If he was blond he is Tyler and if dark hair Jordan. He is American / Mexican (LOL) Jordan Tyler is his name (J.T. after my late Grandfather who is, always will be my mentor.) Home for about 18 months another call came in asking if we would take a little baby girl with Prader-willi syndrome. My journey with disabilities thus far was magical and a "yes" came shortly after researching what we could on her disability. Her name is Tressa, given to her from a book her great grandmother wrote. I could never take that from her, beautiful as she is. Her middle name is given from her birth name so we incorporated her birth with adoption. Then came the name game...We went into an adoption dissolution case and the boy born Tibor called Tibi in his orphanage in Hungary, known by this name for four plus years was made David at the age of four+ through adoption..BUT three months later was placed in a friends care who named him unofficially Luke. By the time we took custody, four months later, I saw him respond naturally to Luke/Lucas and Tibi. It was difficult because legally everything is David and in all appointments they will call him David until adoption is final with us.. It became obvious with all his neglect he needed some stability so he is Lucas Tibor (Tibi nickname) He still smiles when he hears Tibi, he is now 7 years old doing fantastic. Amazing what a family can do for a human. In march 2009 we got called about a newborn left in NICU. We knew she was blond hair blue eyes. She was tiny and very medically fragile. I went newborn shopping and the kids all started going through names to see what name the kids could all say. One issue we have is some of the children can not pronounce certain sounds; names are an issue. J is a very difficult sound and Jordan still can not say his own name. By the time I got home Emma was the given first name. I received an email from one of my friends about tummy issues etc..because Emma seems to have some issues. Rose gave me insight and offered help if need be.. Emma Rose is now her name. ironically the next day when I drove across the state to camp out in NICU I met Emma Rose for the first time, sight unseen. SHE HAS BRIGHT RED HAIR. How ironic was it that her name fit her, a gift from God.



We live in Southwest Florida in a community called Cape Coral. I chose to buy a home in the Cape in 1990 because of it's focus on family. The schools are centered around family, we have block parties and many civic organizations focus on their own right here in our community. There is not one area of Cape Coral considered unsafe or "the projects" or any side of town we would not live. I chose the area we are in as the water and sewer were already on city hook up, the neighborhood is older and well established. Our neighbors have been here since we moved in.. A real family environment.



My toughest moment for the journey is the medical. You see, I do not experience the grief of learning my children have Down syndrome, I run as fast as I can when offered the opportunity to part a child with Down syndrome. I do get kicked in the stomach when medical issues come up and at a couple points in the journey I had to face the possibility that my child may not make it to the end of the year. Jordan was diagnosis with Opsocloinsis as an infant and we went into the cancer learning phase for ruling out Neuroblastoma. I cried for the entire two weeks until the ruling out period proved he had precursors but not cancer. I was a wreck each year when the testing to be sure it had not surfaced came around. Then baby Emma's heart surgery had to be the single most walk of faith for me. This precious little angel I had to hand over to have three holes closed on her heart on this tiny lifeless baby girl who could not reach the weight they wished for her surgery was painstakingly difficult to get through seconds that day..and days prior. It wasn't until the day after my heart was filled with such joy and happiness that God delivered again, she was better than new, she was ALIVE. It was amazing the difference from the day before to the day after.

My other difficult moments are getting the professionals to look at the can do's and not the limitation. The schools to place goals high for them to achieve instead of looking at well they won't be able to get to this point..WHO KNOWS... I strive to have all the children fully included for many reasons although the #1 is that in real life when they turn 22, they have no tucked away Walmart to safely shop or a special road or path to travel to keep them safe. They are walking and traveling the population we all live in and I need them prepared. Prepared for the cashier who might not give the right change, the person who might not have their best intentions in mind. I need them to skin their knee to learn how to ride a bike, fall down learning to ski. I am not sure where parents believe because their child has Down syndrome they should be sheltered from normal ugly life experiences. This is what makes us prepared for life. I want my child ready for being called a name... I was called a name a time or two. I had to wear a bandage a time or two.. I think I turned out just fine. I see my Kaitlyn totally capable of holding her own in so many social situations from being fully included her entire life. She is not missing out on anything. She reads at a 3.4 grade level and knows math to number up for shopping. I would not do anything different other than advocating more for others to have what Kaitlyn has had in educational settings.

I love to take long weekends with adult friends to go on exciting trips. A weekend to Utah skiing, BIKEWEEK in Daytona, Disney World without children. I have my days to myself for house keeping which I enjoy. I can go to lunch with a girlfriend. I would love to travel more, take the older two out to other countries to expose all their abilities to foreign countries. I see how our country which is much more exposed to persons with Disabilities act when my children do very independent acts and I feel the more we place our loved ones in successful social setting the more we educate and break down social stereotypes.

I am trying not to impulse buy....my girls want this bed and so do I

They are asking $1,500.00 used....... oh how I wish I had $1,500. right now.... no reason for the kids to sleep in my room, I won't be in there. To the castle my little ones

HOUSTON we have a problem

I emailed the company, it was a gift, but clearly a commercial grade trampoline should hold up

Emma attends her first BFF Birthday party

All dressed up fot Serenity's Birthday Party. Oh so much fun. Emma got Serenity a dance costume pink and purple complete with a hair flower

Today was an awesome day... We woke up early for a "free day" no school because it is dedicated to our hard working teachers to wrap up final grades from this quarter.

the alarm went off as set at 6 am... I must admit since not one child was awake I hit the snooze button. At about that exact moment Jordan said..no mom Disney World. I rolled out of bed put the coffee on and they popped out of their beds like none other... WOW, I have to plead and beg on school mornings.. Seven munchkins to the table for breakfast and the front shelf for clothes. Everything was set up as if it was a school day other than back packs filled with goodies, swimsuits and towels. We are off.

Bush gardens opens at 9 am and our plan is to be there when they open to beat the rush... We are staying all day since they close at 6 pm.

The ride up we met some fog and rain... I thought possible we should phone the park to see what rides will be shut down is it is raining. We pushed on. The DVD was playing Merry Christmas Madagascar... and only a fee complaints.. One was a bit concerning, Kaitlyn yells up to me "Jordan is breaking my heart... MOM he is now breaking my stomach. You see I have assigned seating for very good reason. It can take only a hair out of place or some toast stuck in ones tooth to make a miserable moment out of nothing. We were not in our assigned seats. Jordan had decided to get in the back behind Kaitlyn and thought it funny to tug on her shoulder strap to her seat belt making it tight on her chest (heart) and then her waist (stomach) and the tight feeling made her use the words Break... Decoding comes easy in time. I pull over, get everyone to go to their assigned seat and buckle up... We are good to go. Although the rain is getting worse. the fog unbearable and my neck tight from tense driving.. We pull up weather on my cell phone...you know they have every app possible now and it shows Tampa to be clear mid morning. We plan to go to see the shows first to avoid the rain. Then it concerns ,e will they open.. Surely they open... Yes, we pulled into Bush garden's Tampa Florida as the 2 nd car in the very front row.. We saw buses coming but really not many people any where.

For anyone living on a tight budget I have this down to a science. We choose to pay monthly which is $6.00 a month to have a 2 year pass. Each of the kids have one. Being a pass holder you get FREE PARKING and 10% off purchases and other perks. Like $10 family photo 6X8. You can go now and get the day pass at full price and come back all year free... But for me paying the full price times 8 all on one day and no perks because I would have to pay parking each trip... seemed better to do monthly. So all we pay is gas in the van today... You say food.. Well If you go to Subway which is a block before the turn into Bush Gardens order 2 $5.00 subs and have them but them into 4 instead of 2 you have 8 sandwiches for kids. A can of Pringles from home and frozen water and drink boxes packed from home and trail mix. We do have the bracelet which is an all day food pass. With the 10% discount it is about $12.00 if you buy separate your mean is $7, desert$2 and drink $2 for a one time shot. I believe Jordan ate 5 times today one was an OOOPPPS he was suppose to go get a drink and came back with a bowl of Mac n cheese. Not sure how because it was not on the kids menu at this particular place but he advocated for his bowl and told me it was for Lucas... LOL Lucas had a packed lunch. Yes you can take food and drink into Bush Gardens. So we get into the park with one more stop to guest relations for our fast track pass. it gives us a quick on pass ... Grab a few maps and we are off. Jordan is fully aware of what an all day food pass is and he knows each and every stop that provides food . I move the kids on to the first show and the older ones run for the roller coaster while we ( Me Emma and Lucas) hold the front row seats for the show.. MAYBE 20 more people showed up... Ironically we wanted front and center but we were told those are held for platinum members.. Guess no platinum members came out in the rain because the seats stayed empty the entire show.. :o( The show was AMAZING... Held all the kids attention except Jordan who was running by what foods he would like to acquire in the next few minutes. Off to some roller coaster rides. We hit all the roller coasters and most all the shows. We walked and walked and walked. We did get caught in the rain once which was a fast run back to the dinner show. and more food.. Tressa was stressing at this point although the choice to walk in the rain to the van or sit and wait it out where there is food.. she coped well..Yeah Tressa. The day was calm and fun, no real mishaps other than a 17 year old who forgets the world doesn't revolve around her... Our only conflicts were the drive...and why that happens who knows. I have a HUGE van they can all have their own space almost own bench and we have two flat screen DVD's going. they had their DSi and Ipod... BUT low and behold Kaitlyn yells...MOM, JORDAN PEED MY PANTS... WHAT I ASK, and she repeats it with Oh my gosh Jordan you are so gross...I'M OUT OF HERE... now we were rolling about 70MPH on I-75 some where between Bradenton and Venice... I needed clarification... ???Jordan peed "YOUR" pants???? Mom yes it is gross. I turned the DVD down and asked her to explain. My pants are wet now because Jordan peed. I ask, Jordan did you pee your pants... Not they are wet. OK, ??How wet are they??? MOM IT RAINED. so the truth be known they are all tired and the towel Jordan used from the rain is wet and Kaitlyn apparently sat on the towel that she now has given back and it is laying on Jordan.. I am driving laughing inside because they are so darn cute... Guess you just gotta be part of their world to help them decode their feelings... it is awful traveling "moist" as we all were from having so much fun all day at Bush Garden which is all about getting their guests wet as wet as possible. They settled into a move I listened to although was a little, maybe a lot concerned with where the movie came from.. how to eat fried worms.. They say I bought it, I must have not known it.. one of those throw it in the cart and see if she notices events. Not sure if you have watched it and I have not.. I listened to it and wasn't impressed with the mental image it put into my hear let alone where it went for them. We arrived home in time for bath pills and bedtime routine... it did take a little extra time for them to shut down from such an exciting day although they are all sleeping soundly now. I love it when I take them out by myself and we have such a successful day.

Angelina and Olga need families asap.... we can help


click on link to tax deduct able donation page

http://www.causes.com/causes/523752

You can donate right on FACE BOOK CAUSES
...
or mail to:
SW FL PODS Angels
attn: ORPHANS
3422 SE th Place
Cape Coral, FL 33904-4209

deposit directly into Fifth/Third Bank
SW Florida PODS Angels Family Support Group Inc
******8533

I hope to raise 50K in the year 2011 to help save at least four children with Down syndrome from institutional living or death. Angelina who was born exactly a year before Emma and red headed with holes in her heart. She needs heart surgery living in an orphanage; She WILL DIE without this surgery. Her country of birth not willing to see her life " worthy" for surgery. As much as I would love to hop on a plane and go get her being a single mom with 7 children hinders adoption in many ways where people make judgements. We take so much for granted here. God has sent a challenge which doubles the joy. A family who had hoped to travel to adopt Olga had to back out. Olga is at the age of maturity ans will be locked away in an institution if not adopted... Olga's grant makes it possible to bring her back if we can raise a few funds for the family who might choose her. The country ties the children to their beds because they do not understand Down syndrome and feel their energy level is best served sedated. WE TOGETHER CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.. five or ten dollars from each will make this possible. Please consider helping in other ways.. go to www.reecesrainbow.com

Today has been very busy for my heart and my mind.. I had to get emma to a morning Doctors appointment, YEAH SHE GAINED... She is now 21.5 lbs giving credit to her being put on Prdiasure for the last three months. She is eating more and more but her body burns calories faster than she is able to eat. We stopped to load up on more pediasure when we got the green light to do so. Then race home for buses and uncover the mystery of why my jewlery was all over the floor this weekend... Jordan decided to gift a friend with some of my things. No worry everything back safe and sound. then to the post op appointment where we discussed Emma's blood pressure issues. We will be back next month for another follow up. The Doctoe being hyspanic fround Jordan in his suit and personaity blaring comical and persoanl.. He stated jordan reminded him of himself at the age of 10... I told him if I get the same end results I will be a happy mom..LOL Yes, Jordan was showing is ODD side along with extreme "GAS" LOL The trip home was graced by a run through the neighborhood market (walmart) found some very good meat buys..yeah me. I am trying to stay on top of Thank yous and all the internet hoopla to get the fundraising for Olga and Angelina well under way. I am waiting to hear back from the Region as to how they feel about my being a single mom with many and seeking to save 2 from their system. Never the easy path.. but well worth it if all goes as planned.

Today the children did not get out of bed until 8:30 am that is almost scary for how my day will proceed.... I knew that meant i had some wet beds and the house has an odor when that happens so this makes a busy morning for me BUT...I got a good nights sleep to face my day.

Our home is pretty routine. Actually last night I had a recent visitor in our home send me a suggestion to have parenting classes in my home by allowing moms to come and stay in my home for a few days.... not sure that is in the best interest of my kids although I think if i hopped back onto this blog and was more detailed on how I run the ship each day that would be almost the same.. near enough.

I am venturing into a new journey of my life and will be very busy sharpening my time to be more efficient so the blogging might get tighter although I need to expand our ability to get things working in our home. SO many repairs and tweaking to do here.

BOOK LIST, my library choices

A selection of books for children that depict inclusive community- building, and inclusion of children of diverse abilities in typical classrooms, schools and neighborhoods.

Bouwkamp, J. (2006). Hi! I’m Ben!… and I’ve got a secret. 2nd. edition. Rochester Hills, MI: Band of Angels Press.
3-year-old Ben introduces himself and asks readers to guess his secret. His clues tell about his family, all the things he enjoys doing, things he is afraid of, all very typical of any child his age. The secret he reveals is his Down syndrome, which is explained in positive and age-appropriate language.

Bunnett, R. (1992). Friends in the park. Yardley, PA: Checkerboard Press.
A photo essay, this book depicts friends of mixed abilities playing together and doing the activities that all children enjoy such as playing ball, swinging, and riding toy vehicles.

Bunnett, R. (1996.) Friends at school. Long Island City, NY: Star Bright Books.
This photo essay depicts young children of mixed abilities in an inclusive school setting sharing a busy school day. A Spanish edition is also available.

Brown, Tricia. (1995.) Someone special, just like you. New York: Henry Holt & Company.
Pre-school aged children with disabilities are depicted in this photo essay having fun doing all the things that any children enjoy: blowing bubbles, singing, dancing, resting, and eating. They show that, despite some differences they might have, they explore life’s experiences the way any children do: with enthusiasm and delight.

Carter, A. (1997). Big brother Dustin. Morton Grove, IL: Albert Whitman & Company.
Dustin, a preschool aged child who has Down syndrome, and his family eagerly await and prepare for their new baby.

Carter, A. (1999). Dustin’s big school day. Morton Grove, IL: Albert Whitman & Company.
This story follows Dustin, a second grader who has Down syndrome, through his school day. He is attends typical school and learns in a typical classroom, with visits to a speech therapist and an occupational therapist. Dustin is an engaging young man who is more similar to his friends than he is different.

Carter, A. (1998). Seeing things my way. Morton Grove, IL: Albert Whitman & Company.
Amanda is a second grader who has a vision impairment. She introduces us to her family, her school, her doctors, and the variety of assistive technology available to vision impaired students. Amanda is a busy and happy girl with many interests, and the photographic illustrations show how similar she is to her peers than different.

Cave, K. (2004). That's what friends do. New York: Hyperion Books for Children.
This loving illustration of friends who are very different in appearance will inspire children and the adults who care for and teach them.

Cheltenham Elementary School Kindergartners. (1991.) We are all alike… we are all different. New York: Scholastic Inc.
This compilation of kindergarteners’ drawings and words rounded out by Laura Dwight’s photography demonstrates that all children share differences and similarities in their families, houses, bodies, feelings and activities.

Clements, A. (2002). Big Al and Shrimpy. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. A big, strong fish named Big Al who becomes injured during one of their adventures together befriends a very small, smart and lonely fish named Shrimpy. It is Shrimpy’s big ideas and perseverance that builds the team that saves Big Al.

De Bear, Kirsten. (2001). Be quiet, Marina! Long Island City, NY: Star Bright Books.
This photographic story illustrates how two three-year-old girls (one who has cerebral palsy and one who has Down syndrome) learn to appreciate each other's differences in communication style in order to become friends and playmates.

Dwight, L. (2005). Brothers and sisters. Long Island City, NY: Star Bright Books.

Dwight, L. (1992). We can do it! New York: Checkerboard Press.
This book focuses on the abilities of five children with different disabilities: blindness, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and spina bifida. They are shown in inclusive settings enjoying the typical activities young children at home and at school.

Girnis, M. (2001). 1, 2, 3 for you and me. Morton Grove, IL: Albert Whitman & Company.
This counting book is illustrated with fun photographs of children who have Down syndrome and their typical peers and siblings.

Girnis, M. (2000). A, B, C for you and me. Morton Grove, IL: Albert Whitman & Company.
This alphabet book is illustrated with fun photographs of children who have Down syndrome and their typical peers and siblings.

Kent, D. (2003). Athletes with disabilities. New York: Franklin Watts.
This chapter book is meant for an older elementary audience, but is worth mentioning here because its photographic illustrations are inspiring and it contains information about athletes with a variety of disabilities who compete in the Special Olympics, the Paralympics and other competitive arenas.

Kraus, R. (1971). Leo the late bloomer. New York: Windmill Books.
This classic tale tells the story of Leo, a tiger who learns things like talking, reading, writing, drawing and eating neatly much more slowly than his father expects him to. His mother believes that he is a “late bloomer,” and she is right: “One day, in his own good time, Leo bloomed.”

Lester, H. (1999). Hooway for wodney wat. New York: Water Lorraine Books.
When a shy classmate who has trouble pronouncing his “R’s” has an opportunity to just be himself and unwittingly save his class from a bully, he becomes a hero.

Levete, S. (1998). How do I feel about making friends. Brookfield, CT: Copper Beech Books.
This book emphasizes the importance of friendship by illustrating and describing scenarios about making friends and keeping peers feeling welcome and included, all in age-appropriate language. The photographic and drawn illustrations are ethnically diverse and inclusive of all abilities.

Lionni, L. (1963). Swimmy. New York: Pantheon.
In this classic, Swimmy is a lone black fish in a school of red fish that learns to be himself, share and get along with others, and use teamwork to conquer a big task.

Mayer, G. & Mayer, M. (1992.) A very special critter. New York: A Golden Book.
When a new student who uses a wheelchair joins the critters’ class, the critters are nervous and curious. But when Alex arrives and they get to know him and learn about the assistance his wheel chair offers him, they realize that he is more similar than different.

McMahon, P. (2000). Dancing wheels. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

McMahon, P. (1995). Listen for the bus: David’s story. Honesdale, PA: Boyds Mills Press.
This story follows David through his first days of kindergarten in a typical school and classroom. He rides the bus, finds his cubby, enjoys circle time and story time. Since he is blind and hearing impaired, David experiences all of these new adventures through feeling the textures of objects and using sign language, and receives some help from his teachers and school friends.

Millman, I. (1998). Moses goes to a concert. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux: Frances Foster Books.
Moses, a young deaf student, goes to an orchestra concert on a field trip with his classmates and meets a deaf percussionist. Moses and his friends learn to feel the vibrations of the music, and are able to sample the different percussion instruments after the concert. This book includes pictures of Moses and his teacher and friends using American Sign Language, and the ASL hand alphabet is illustrated.

Millman, I. (2000). Moses goes to school. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux: Frances Foster Books.
This book shows Moses and his ethnically diverse deaf classmates learning in their school, on their playground, and on their school bus. American Sign Language is illustrated throughout.

Moncure, J. B. (1996). The child’s world of kindness. Chanhassen, MN: Child’s World.
In simple language and appealing illustrations, this book introduces what it means to be kind, being gentle with animals, taking turns, and helping others.

Oliver, C. (1999). Animals helping with special needs. New York: Franklin Watts.
This informative book is meant for an older elementary audience, but would benefit a younger group with assistance. Seeing eye dogs, hearing dogs, and other assistance pets (including monkeys!) are introduced, shown in photographic illustrations with the people whom they assist. Interesting and inspiring anecdotes are shared in sidebars.

Osofsky, A. (1994). My Buddy. New York: Henry Holt & Company.
Buddy is a golden retriever who helps a boy who has muscular dystrophy reach his goals of independence. Together, the boy and his buddy make a great team and show that children who have physical disabilities are able to participate in typical activities if they have some help.

Parr, T. (2001). It's okay to be different. Boston: Megan Tingley Books.
Todd Parr's books celebrate differences among people. Illustrations are bold and primitive, so these work well with younger children even if the topics are abstract.

Parr, T. (1999). The okay book. Boston: Megan Tingley Books.

Pitzer, R. (2004). I can, can you? Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House.
In board book format and illustrated with photographs, this book shows babies and toddlers who have Down syndrome having fun doing the things that all babies and toddlers do.

Rickert, J.E. (2001). Russ and the almost perfect day. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House.
This story follows Russ, an elementary school student who happens to have Down syndrome, through a day that is typical, but better. He finds a five-dollar bill on the way to school and decides that even though he has fun ideas about how to spend the money, his sad classmate who lost her lunch money deserves it more.

Rickert, J.E. (1999). Russ and the apple tree surprise. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House.
In the second story in the Russ series, Russ, a pre-schooler who has Down syndrome, learns that the apple trees in his back yard are more fun than a jungle gym. He picks apples with his father, helps make an apple pie with his mother and grandmother, and is excited when his grandfather surprises him with a tree swing.

Rickert, J.E. (2000). Russ and the firehouse. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House.
In this first story in the Russ series, Russ, a pre-school aged boy who has Down syndrome, enjoys an exciting day visiting his uncle at his firehouse where he learns how to help out with the firefighters’ chores.

Rogers, F. (2001). Let’s talk about it: extraordinary friends. New York: Puffin Books.
Part of the “Let’s Talk About It” series, this book opens discussion about people with disabilities and deals openly with the feelings a child might have upon meeting someone with a disability for the first time, such as curiosity, fear or surprise. With a common sense approach, Rogers assures young children that these feelings are okay, and that once they learn that everyone has differences AND similarities, it will be easier to get to know those they might find intimidating, and make friends.

Ross, D. (1999). A book of friends. New York: Harper Collins Publishers.
An age-appropriate discussion of the different kinds of friendships one can have. Diversity is illustrated with animals; one drawback is the use of non-standard fonts and cursive, which make this a book to read aloud to a young audience.

Senisi, E. (1998). All kinds of friends, even green. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House.
Moses and his pet iguana, Zaki, have disabilities that require them to figure out ways to get around easily: Moses uses a wheelchair and Zaki is missing some toes. This story looks at disability and associated challenges as interesting and positive differences.


Shirley, D.. (2008). Best friend on wheels. Morton Grove, IL: Albert Whitman & Co..
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Slate, J. (1998). Miss Bindergarten celebrates the 100th day of kindergarten. New York: Dutton Children's Books.
The Miss Bindergarten series follows a kindergarten class of recurring characters through their adventures. Lenny the Lion uses a wheelchair and he is included naturally in all activities, supported by his friends and teacher, who never mention or direct attention to his disability.

Slate, J. (1996). Miss Bindergarten gets ready for kindergarten. New York: Dutton Children's Books.

Slate, J. (2002). Miss Bindergarten plans a circus with kindergarten. New York: Dutton Children's Books.

Slate, J. (2000). Miss Bindergarten stays home from kindergarten. New York: Dutton Children's Books.

Slate, J. (2001). Miss Bindergarten takes a field trip with kindergarten. New York: Dutton Children's Books.

Stuve-Bodeen, S. (2005). The best worst brother. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House.
A sequel to the story entitled, We'll paint the octopus red, listed below.

Stuve-Bodeen, S. (1998). We’ll paint the octopus red. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House.
Six-year-old Emma learns that she will soon be a big sister and thinks of all the fun things she will be able to do with her new sibling. When her brother, Isaac, is born with Down syndrome, she is reassured that she will still be able to do all the things she planned, and with patience, she will help him learn to do everything she knows how to do.

Thomas, P. (2005). Don't call me special: a first look at disability. Hauppauge, NY: Barron's Educational Series.

Thompson, M. (1996). Andy and his yellow frisbee. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House.
Sarah attends a new school and notices that a boy named Andy spends all of recess time spinning a yellow Frisbee. She asks him to teach her how to spin her pink Frisbee, but he doesn’t seem to notice her. Rosie, Andy’s sister, is concerned that Sarah might not understand Andy’s autism, but the two girls become friends.

Willis, Jeanne. (2000). Susan laughs. New York: Henry Holt & Company.
This rhyming story depicts Susan, who is an energetic and happy girl who is busy with typical every day fun activities of childhood. Only the last illustration shows Susan’s wheelchair, which serves to illustrate how many more similarities children share than differences.

Woloson, E. (2003). My friend Isabelle. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House.
Pre-school aged friends Charlie and Isabelle are the same age and similar in many ways. They both like to dance, go down the big slide, share snacks and hold hands. Isabelle has Down syndrome and her friend Charlie notices that she is smaller, runs slower, and sometimes speaks differently. When Charlie’s mother “says that differences are what make the world so great,” Charlie agrees that “life is more fun with friends like Isabelle.”

Also: Available as a free download from Woodbine House
Thrasher, A. (2004). A teacher's guide to My Friend Isabelle: classroom activities that foster acceptance of differences. Bethesda, MD: Woodbine House.

Zeigler, S. (1996). The child’s world of understanding. Chanhassen, MN: Child’s World.
The concept of understanding is defined and illustrated through this simple age-appropriate picture book.

Is she delayed?

When the anesthesiologist came in this morning to go over the routine questions parents answer before their child is admitted for surgery he stops and pauses to ask ..is she delayed? My answer "She is doing so much better since heart surgery" must have meant to him she has issues... the next question was "is she usually calm like this?" Yes I answered without hesitation, so he asks if she is delayed again and I said..a little... He then says so she is up running around playing and talking??? The look on my face stopped him with this sorta blank stare... I then say in this uncomfortable silence, "you can tell by the chart she has Down syndrome, right?" He says yes, so "she is extremely delayed then?" NO!!!....I said "well she isn't walking or talking yet but she could be if she wanted to, she lacks confidence"...Yes, I did...LOL....it's my Emma we are evaluating here... I think we are both dog paddling around her IQ score..????..... Who cares.... WHY, can you just tell me WHY ARE YOU NEEDING THIS ANSWER.... then it came out. Will she follow commands, if I ask her to do something or a question can she understand and answer me? NO, MY KID IS SIGNIFICANTLY DELAYED....ok I said it is what went shouting through my head ... I am laughing now because as I think back on how much time we danced around this question with out the question actually being asked is now comical... I can see my reluctance to come outward with information and his not wanting to offend this parent who dotes over her Princess.. so now we get it... all is clear... well one would think .... I am known by most of the staff here on a first name basis, comments about how big she is, how is Tressa and Jordan??? they know us well, outpatient surgery..Even Dr D was there telling his not always humorous jokes.


The Inevitable QUESTIONS are here... Ma'am' who are you to this baby? What is her name? What is her date of birth?, and where was she born?...Did you ever get the Extreme home make over? I get all the answers right.. BUT it doesn't match what they have... My first name and Emma birth given name is on their records.. Emma has her Birth Mothers name and it goes on... our last admittance to this hospital was a couple weeks after being home from NICU from the other coast (different hospital ) some pretty funny notes were placed on her computer chart from our last visit... Something along the lines of this Mother is "DIFFICULT" Do you have paperwork on this baby? I give them my court orders and start to explain why I was so fearful of using this hospital weeks before the heart surgery which I was told could not be at this hospital because it wasn't equip.. OK.... so then the anesthesiologist jumps in.. How did Emma do for that surgery. I said she did well, he was thrilled and said he is very pleased to hear that because having a major surgery with a heart that had three holes and no complications means she is a strong healthy girl... YEAH.... so we proceed.

Even after a major major heart surgery it still shakes me to hand my baby over to the surgeons. She goes with a smile, her toy and babbling happy sounds. He says 30 minutes he will be out to get me... time passes 45 minutes hits and he is not out.. I am worried... he comes through the door and says she did fine for the tubes although having a time with high blood pressure... OMGosh how did I forget..how in the world did I forget... after heart surgery this was a major issue causing medications and extra days and I just felt terrible.. The other is she didn't do well..she screamed she wanted on her tummy and nothing but being on her tummy would calm her and she needed to be calm. The heart specialist with lots of resistance placed her right on her tummy on a soft pillow and she fell straight away to sleep..TODAY she wasn't having it. She was screaming so badly they sent for me before 2nd level recovery. She needs her mommy.. I hold her and she quiets so they try for another blood pressure.. she starts up again blood shooting everywhere..even the IV spot is streaming blood... One nurse grabs the location (arm) and squeezes, the other trying to wipe blood from all over me and Emma. It is not a pretty sight. They get a band aid on the IV location very tight... I am told to do whatever I need to do I can walk I can do whatever to calm her down. I act like we are leaving. She starts to calm, but I walked away from all my stuff; stroller, purse her items..I have to go back... she freaks out screaming.. I start stripping her gown off her and put her into her PJ's. The staff are looking at me. The nurse tells me some kids recover better at home, if I feel comfortable I can go home. I tell them to get me the paper we are leaving...I will sign anything.. I walk to the van put her in the car seat and she falls right to sleep. I call back into the hospital and tell them she is sleeping and they can come check her blood pressure. She is much better. We live only minutes from the hospital so I am going home with the understanding if blood starts pouring out I am to come straight back. They are calling me to check on her. The ride home she slept, she slept off and on all day, has drank about 7 OZ of a mix of formula/food. She has smiled a couple times and responded nicely to her siblings returning home from school... She is doing very well....she just needed to be home... When I lower her into her baby bed she isn't having any part of that...she wants to feel warm skin today.. I can tell you all, I have had many many many children in many outpatient surgeries and I can say...you are all right! I have me a RED HEAD!

Some cookin going on....

Please help me, HELP ANGELINA

Angelina and Emma could be twins although Angelina was born exactly a year before Emma she resides in an orphanage. The HUGE difference is Angelina will not have early interventions, quality medical care and daily contact with advocating parents if she is not adopted. The most critical is this sweet look alike to my angel baby Emma, is Angelina, she will be forced to go into an institution for life if not adopted by the age of 4. She will be most likely be strapped/tied to her for what they see as safety reasons. She will not be provided any chance of a normal/humane life. This breaks my heart in more ways than I can share. It is very difficult to know this happens more difficult to bare when you look into the eyes of a little Princess that appears to be a twin to one of your own... She needs love and attention to thrive as our Emma has. I would fly over and adopt her but my income is limited so it makes it next to impossible. I do not want to return to "out of the home employment" which hinders/neglects the kids in the home now from getting the proper care... we have the space(we always have room for one more) and obviously I have the environment but funds do not support it> NEXT BEST is advocating she get a family outside of ours. One child at a time we can all do this as a team. PLEASE GIVE WHAT YOU CAN TO HELP GET ANGELINA A FAMILY.


www.reecesrainbow.com
Angelina

fcj4, 3G

Girl, Born March 2008

This beautiful muffin, look how she has grown! She does have a heart condition and will need to seek a cardiologist and surgery once home. She needs a family ASAP!

Additional photos available!

I have $31.5 in my grant fund towards the cost of my adoption!
This $31.50 has come in within the past 24 hours..THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

a mini vacation from my mom role; very mini

I hit the brick wall of parenting; good thing I had on my protective gear and bounced back quickly.

I just needed to drive, drive solo so I can blast the music and have flash backs of my mom saying "turn that down you, are ruining your hearing" that didn't phase me today nor back when she said it. I just needed to drive... and if I had a hard top convertible the top would have been down but for now they do not make Chevy Express 3500 15 passenger vans with hard top convertibles, so having the windows down had to do... So I drove..... I kinda had to drive in circles because my daughter could text at any minute that she is in labor and I need to be home....BUT I needed to just have a moment alone with really loud music and pretty much shut my brain off other than necessary driving skills and an eye on the cell phone for an incoming text light to come on... and I drove, not sure how many song played, really didn't care if I knew all the words, I pretended I did, sang like nobodies watching.. and I drove... it works for me.. a mini vacation of my responsibilities. You see, I am a 24/7 -- 365 parent without moments of release; no partner to say, go take a shower I got it, or No it is OK you go to the store by yourself, I got it. Noone ever says that. You say; well she has a 17 and 16 year old but neither are capable to "babysit."

AND THERE IT IS...the light to the text on my phone, do I read it or just race home..

A red light aloud me to read it "what do you do when Tressa throws such a fit she tears her room up" I want to text back....go for a drive.. but I called and all I could hear was screaming, a high pitch scream to keep any communication from occurring. I could hear Mandie trying to talk over the scream..."MOM IS ON THE PHONE FOR YOU" after about 3 attempts I hear panting so I say "Tressa?" she half says yeeeesss sniffle sniffle, so I know she is on the phone.. I hear everyone in the back ground saying she was cheating on the game memory and got mad.. I go over the rules if you play with other people you play the game as the rules are written. if you want to alter the game it has to be when you play solo.. then, I am passing Walgreen's so you have less than 5 minutes to get your room back the way it looked when I left or you will pay negative consequences.. Oh it just brings me back to reality in seconds...as I walked in the door Tressa was at the table, all quiet and they were resuming the memory game. With severe OCD she struggles when the pieces are not exactly the same space apart, all facing the same way and if you play you need to let her win.. it has never worked for her so I have no idea why she continues to think it will work. I am home, reality is what it is and now I slide back into the responsible mom role...

read my parenting post to understand......

My parenting delima, getting through to a 17 year old

I have a delima... My 17 year old has this entitlement belief you might call it.. I am not really sure why she has NO DESIRE to get a job. Not even a babysitting job, cleaning a home job, a real life big girl job... anything other than the TV and social networking has no appeal to her. I must say "well you could have one of those, if you got a job" "those are things you can have, if you get a job" I set up interviews for her and she makes a reason or sabatouges the time to go... and believe me today they are very hard to arrange. You say limit the giving to her..I DO.. I have bought 2 pair of PJ's in the past eight months for her..that is it..SO SHE TAKES HER SIBLINGS CLOTHES. Even when I tell her it is not permitted, does it any way..
TODAY, it has been two years of constant "we do not eat or drink in the TV room" over and over and over... most of the kids "get it" but I have this 17 year old that feels this rule does not apply to her... I am going to post what i FOUND UNDER THE COUCHES WHICH IS HER ROOM AS HER CHORE TO KEEP UP. I do the deep cleaning.. thus how I found this surprise. I told her two days ago this room better be clean because I was going to "clean" it when they went back to school... "OK MOM" I told her I better not find anything under the couches... "YOU WON'T" well her the photos speak for themselves. I am 100% positive it is my 17 year old... WHHY . Because she is the one who came in and asked if she could fry up some cheese sticks during break..late at night. SEE 12 cheese sticks fried under the couch!!!! The cup of coofee..well cream with a splash of coffee, only her... the cake yes an entire cake (Tressa would not have left the crumbs nor used a fork or left it closed with the fork inside) the bowls dishes etc...noope, if it were any of the other kids they would have left it out on the coffee tables.. I KNOW MY KIDS>.. so what do I do?? She knows she is not to do this....she knows full well and yet has no remorse when I confront her, has no shame that I expose her... She has in home therapy who says "it is normal" IT IS NOT NORMAL after you talk about it, make rules and have repeated consequences...she is not my first rodeo... MY OTHERS would disobey but my goodness they cleaned it up so I didn't know until they were in their late 20's. I am at a loss, she is going to be 18 in a year and I know me I know me well.... it will not be pretty when she violates house rules once she is 18...... call me mean, call me terrible but I do not want rats, I hate bugs and most importantly I am responsible to keep Tressa safe and this is as unsafe as it gets for a home with a child who has Prader-willi syndrome... In a couple years Tressa will learn to clean out from under the couches...she will beat me to it and I am sure Keirsten will be more than happy to let her....URG URG this just gets my last nerve...and the worst is I do not know how to reach her about how gross it is .....

Dear Santa, I have a few things for you to remember

It was so wonderful, you dropping such child centered toys under our tree. It was apparent you truly went by the wishes the children made and fulfilled their dreams. I am thinking maybe next year it might be best for the wiser of the decision making to think before they deliver...

Think about Keirsten who will be 18 yes, EIGHTEEN, next Christmas and she needs to be reminded about adulthood and that decisions made reflect on her character so possibly some gift job related to get her of gaming and social networking... I think encouraging more of those activities has decreased her desire to FIND A JOB!!!!

Kaitlyn, she needs focused on mature although please keep in mind her innocents. She can use a little grown up style but the thongs, please DO NOT fulfill that wish for her. She struggles with all the fancy big girl lace and skimpy designs you delivered this year. and then next to that a baby doll that eats and wets... well she has two baby alives (Emma and Lucas) so she really has enough feeding and diaper changing. I would also encourage more of the music with words because while using her iPod which she loves it is becoming a public nuisance when she is rocking out and others do not see the whale calling sounds are coming from. I will discuss with her speech teacher as well...

Steven oh my oh my Steven, you sure made life so much fun for Mr Steven, actually I have been up since 4 am yes I have ... You see I was in the deep sleep where you can put together dreams that make sleeping relaxing while I lay on the beaches of so remote island....but some how about 3:45is my dream went into dance party mode and I found myself sweating to the music and at about 4 it came to me that the Daisy Dukes blasting was not a dream but a party going on in the boys room of my own house... The CD Boom Box was BOOMING!!! the boys were both sitting against the wall rocking their backs to the wall with pleasure written all over their faces ...well until I walked in... UH OH was what I recall.. The finger skate boards have taken over his world and homework might be a focus better served next year...Some educational supports which are "making learning fun" I appreciate everything the kids are loving but thinking about me a bit in the plan is where this is heading..

Jordan, well who know how one can plan for him... I think his own apartment might be the only solution. He continues to require 2 am showers and those Scooby Do movies REALLY, entire seasons, ALL OF THEM do you have any idea how many hours they run.. I DO! You can literally watch scooby Do from the time he gets off the bus on Friday until e boards Monday and have some he hasn't seen yet.. CCRRRRAAAAAZZZYYYY and it has little substance for his intellectual growth. I am more pleased with the books, puzzles and games although possibly a storage of some sort to help him learn when you tear a box into 28 pieces there is still a reason we need to put all the pieces to each game separate from another and together for additional plays... Lets think hard about Jordan for next year....like maybe something to encourage him to sleep in his own bed..

Tressa, NO MORE TINY PIECES please.... tiny pieces with OCD are not a good mix at least not in the developmental stage she is at today. I know you wanted to make her happy with all the beads..... and you looked out for me with the containers but to be honest that made sorting more OCD related so she isn't making jewelry pieces more sorting and spilling and what a nightmare for me since Baby Emma is every where these days. Keep in mind more things to keep her off the TV and active, possibly outdoors.

Lucas, you sure made that little boy happy as a pig in mud...He has shown his skills to find each and every piece of musical or noise making item in one spot and orchestrates such a loud continuous sound that goes on and on and on and on and on...and on and on and on.... get it... he is talented.. I hope to See e more purpose play without making noises, he has that mastered..well maybe not the purpose but the how to make something drive mom crazy is down solid. Puzzles are good, also if you get noise related learning focus on ones that headphones can be inserted to silence to the household... that would be wonderful because some noise is good although repeated 8 billion times over and over is not,


Emma, well this girl needs anything that requires her to walk. How about a trike...well she has a 4 wheeler and still refuses to walk... I know she is a baby but by next Christmas she will be the toddler... I have big plans for her Birthday so let's see how she matures in her own room with so many have to walk or stand to play with things to do in her girlie girl room... I will keep you posted.

Well it is onward with my day.... I am one tired mommy since the kids can not seem to get back into step with school days... I am not clear on the reason, Hmmm are they aloud to nap at school or was I totally oblivious to night party hours... Monday night well, Tuesday morning started at 3 am and Wed this morning at 4 am....during break it was 7 am.... something doesn't add up... I figure at this rate we will be in step for the next week where there is no school Monday or Friday and only 1/2 days all week.... being the week Baby O is due to deliver.. Yes I know she has a name... Olivia Lilly, my fifth grand baby is almost here. SPOIL SPOIL SPOIL she is truly already a Princess.