My Sweet lil' Family

The Real Freakin' Santa...

noreply@blogger.com (Liz) — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 04:56:00 +0000

So ya know we have a big holiday, Ugly Christmas Sweater themed birthday shin-dig for Ruby Doobs every year...right? Oh...and Santa Claus comes and the kiddos get to sit on his lap and take pics. The past few years it had been a good friend of mine dressed in a Target Santa suit (Thank you Dakus for your Santa Service and sweating your ass off in that outfit for the sake of the kiddos..It is Texas ya know and has been known to be in the 90's in December). The first few years seemed to go off without a hitch...but the kiddos are getting older and wiser and last year in the line leading up to Santa all you could hear was "That's not the real Santa!", and "I can see his strap!"....and my favorite was Ella Mae looking at him with squinting eyes and then looking at me with confusion and going "whose in there?" in a half whisper, half disgusted voice. I gave her the ol' "Santa can't be everywhere" speech and "It's the spirit of Chrimstmas"...blah blah blah. The plot will continue to thicken as the charade goes on I am sure of it...but I am willing to keep it up for as long as I can...

Ok...so maybe his beard was a little crooked...

AND... I'll be danged if I am gonna be the one to spoil anyone's Christmas Cheer or belief in the Big Guy in the jolly red suit!! So this year we enlisted the guy who my kids have been seeing every year at another holiday party. We told Ella Mae and Ruby that the REAL FREAKIN' Santa was coming this year and oh how I wish I could go back to my days of believing in Santa. Ruby doesn't quite follow the story line yet (ok mom..I will sit in this crazy guys' lap and smile...) but Ella Mae...oh sweet Ella Mae...she is a believer. The look of excitement, wonder and curiosity when he walked into the back yard...priceless.

He got there a little early so none of the kiddos would see his wife dropping him off (kinda loses the magic a little...right?) so Ella had about a half an hour with Santa to herself...and she stuck right by his side. Girlfriend had all sorts of questions for him too..."When you come down the chimney and there is a fire...what do you do?"...and "Did you bring your Reindeer?" ...and the old favorite I am sure all kiddos ask "How do you make it around the world to all the kids in one night?". He was a professional though...answering all the questions with all the right magical answers. We let the pipsqueaks take pictures with him for a bit...

Winner winner chicken dinner (get to that in a sec)

"Old Santa's" kiddo...

Me and Ty's mom may or may not have arranged a marriage for him and Doobs...

One of my fave things about this party is seeing everyone get into their "Ugly Christmas Sweater" gear. Ok...and the margarita machine...that is pretty fun too. Anywho..every year more and more peeps get into the "spirit" of the party and get "uglified"...

You go Tracy with your "Rhinestones"....

No one gets more "uglified" then our "three year undefeated ugly sweater champions" though...

They are newlyweds ya'll..can you feel the love??

So there are trophies to be had and we also have a "Jr. Category" (this is serious business folks)...and one of our fave culde members actually made his own sweater this year...

Umm..how freakin' cute is that?

He was so excited about his trophy winnings that he took it to school the next day for show and tell. That is the spirit of Christmas ya'll!!!

Winner winner chicken dinner...

Now I may or may not have been more excited about the next thing that happened at the party then the kiddos...but Santa read "Twas the Night Before Christmas" (insert school girl squeal)...

Notice in the background Ella's "Pictures with Santa" sign :)

Just look at Ruby's face...

Oh my goodness...the spirit of Christmas was alive and well around these parts folks! But I never forget the true reason behind this shin-dig. One of our greatest joys has graced our presence for four wonderful, inspiring years. Four years where my heart is a little more wide open. Four years where I have struggled wondering if I am enough of a mommy for her. Four years where every milestone, every smile she flashes me, every sweet kiss and hug I get from her assures me that I am. Four years of her showing me the true beauty in everything.

Dr. Doobs to the rescue...

You don't think she likes her Uncle "Kook"..do you??

She kinda likes her Daddy a bit too...

One of the most simple things that I have absorbed from Ruby in the last four years is to just simply not take anything for granted. She reminds me everyday that life isn't always easy for everyone. There are many struggles that we all go through...she works unbelievably hard to achieve the smallest things that we might find easy. This is the first year that she was able to actually blow out her candles and I think my heart swelled with so much pride it almost exploded into her Daniel Tiger Birthday Cake...

Another amazing cake by Grandmother!!! aka Baboo!

Go Ruby Doobs!!!

Happy Fourth Birthday my sweet Ruby Doobs. Keep lighting up this crazy world we live in with that killer smile, sweet spirit and determination that warms our hearts and shows us that all things are possible when we put our minds to it! WE LOVE YOU and can't imagine a world without you!!

Not just because is it Down Syndrome Awareness Month...

noreply@blogger.com (Liz) — Tue, 14 Oct 2014 17:09:00 +0000

So it is Down Syndrome Awareness month...I feel like in the first few years after Ruby's birth I was way more active with my posts and words and pics and things, but I assure you it is not because there is lack of awesomeness, cuteness, triumphs and even struggles going on over this way. Part of it is that I have tried to make a conscious effort to soak up every moment by just being present, spending time and not just writing about it. And while I certainly want the world to know just how amazing and capable this lil' lady is, I have realized that she does a lot of that on her own...just by being Doobs. She changes perceptions and raises expectations of those "rockin' it"....just by her determination to accomplish any task thrown her way. Sure, it may take her a little longer than some of her peers...but she nails it every time. I feel like my expectations are set extremely high for her....and she blows me away constantly!

Not only is she an extremely hard worker (working ten times as hard to achieve things that comes naturally to most)...she has a giggle that will melt your heart. Thankfully she does a lot of giggling so we get our hearts melted frequently. There is something so sweet and pure about her lil spirit that is absolutely undeniable. She will be the first to come love on you if you are sad or to high five you if you did something great (or even not so great!).

Not sure if you can tell...but this girl loves her some glasses....

The first time I held her in my arms I knew she was gonna rock our world. I knew she was going to be ALOT to ALOT of people. She already had that spunk and energy that just made me want to be a better person...made me want to try a little harder at whatever I was doing. I was nervous about not being able to be the mom she needed me to be...but it was her that gave me the strength and confidence to rise above my fears and give whatever I had in my heart.

And you know what I have learned? That that is enough. I have struggled trying to be sure she is getting all the right opportunities...struggled with the fear that we aren't doing enough. Did I do flashcards with her today? Did I work on her letter sounds today? Did I work on her speech homework today? Maybe not. But did I spend the afternoon being present, trying to be the best mom I know how to be? Does she know she is loved? Is she fully included in all aspects of our lives? Abso-feakin'-lutely! With each year and with each milestone I get a little more relaxed and confident that this lil' lady has it all figured out. I will always strive to give her the best and greatest opportunities we can as a family...but I will also love and enjoy her in the moment. Enjoy her giggles and her sense of humor when she puts on funny glasses. Enjoy her unsolicited hugs and Eskimo kisses. Enjoy just sitting on the floor playing farmhouse and not making a therapy session out of it. We get wrapped up as moms trying to keep up with what "everyone else" is doing that I think sometimes we may lose sight of what is important to your own family. And these are the moments important to our family....

Seriously...she loves glasses!

Anywho...this girl has not only stolen our hearts but opened it up in a way that is in-describable. We love you lil' Ruber Doobs and simply cannot wait to see what you have up your sleeve!!

Happy Down Syndrome Awareness Month ya'll!!!!!

This girl sure is rockin' this lil' life she was given!!!

Take this one to the bank...

noreply@blogger.com (Liz) — Thu, 18 Sep 2014 03:51:00 +0000

Just had to lock this one away in the ol' memory bank. That's all.

School and stuff...

noreply@blogger.com (Liz) — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 03:06:00 +0000

So school started and DANG! Why does it have to start so early? Getting the girls up in the morning so vividly takes me back to my teenage years with my mom coming in singing like Julie freakin' Andrews...swinging the drapes open to bring in the sunshine to which I would bury my head under as many layers of blankets and pillows as possible while saying (or groaning is more like it) "go away". My kids aren't even teenagers yet and they already do some version of this in the morning. Of course I don't sound like Julie freakin' Andrews either...so maybe I should work on that a little.

Anywho...ELLA MAE STARTED FREAKIN' KINDERGARTEN!!! And boy is this lil' lady lovin' it! Several people have asked me..."did ya cry?"..or "how is mommy handling it??" With all the inquiries I almost felt like a bad mommy cuz their were no tears shed on either end and I think it is pretty kick-butt that she started kindergarten. Now...maybe had she had a death grip on my leg and streaming tears this mama would have followed suit...but she marched right on in there and sat right down and there was no turning back! Here they are right before heading out for the first day...do they look nervous to you?!?

This girl is ready to go!!

Doobs would sleep in her backpack if she could I think..

Sister hugs...

So NO, I did not cry or feel nervous or any of the above...I felt excitement for my daughters new journey. I felt proud of her strength, confidence and courage, proud of her sweet, kind heart as she sat down and starting talking to a new friend at her table. She has gotten a "green" smiley face everyday since school started from Mrs. Sharp (except the one special day when she was line leader and making an excellent example for everyone and she got the coveted "purple" smiley face :)) No doubt in my mind this girl is going places...going wherever she wants to go...

Mrs. Sharp

AND this one made herself right at home..

silly girl...

Such a BIG girl!!!

Since Ruby had been in the PPCD program at the elementary school last year this was 'old hat' to her. She felt very comfy in her old stompin' grounds...although, because of the amazing team of caring and loving teachers at their school, I requested her to spend some time in the pre-k class...and they agreed! She is a year younger then most of the 18 other kiddos in the class, but it is a great fit for her. I am so grateful for her teachers and the learning environment they have created for her. I get positive reports daily and have seen a huge jump in language and confidence. We started learning some sight words and she is also doing really well with that too. It is mostly family members names at this point...although fish is one that she has down pat. Hmm...could it have anything to do with those little orange, salty crackers she stuffs her face with daily? I wonder. Anywho...super proud of this one too. And it is another one of those moments when I can take a big, deep breath....and relax. Relax into life...our life. Relax and know that Ruby will get there when she gets there...and will bring so much joy and so many smiles to others along the way. I mean...how can you not smile when she comes around the corner lookin' like this...

At least she has panties on...right?

She is ready for school!!

So much more to talk about but remember...I have to get up at the crack of dawn and sound like Julie freakin' Andrews!!!!

Rock on peeps!!!

Thriller...

noreply@blogger.com (Liz) — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 03:24:00 +0000

So one of Ella Mae's favorite things these days is to dance. Specifically to the Michael Jackson Thriller album. In the dark. With the candles lit. Oh, and in her tights, leotard and hot pink leg warmers. She calls it "Spooky Night". And girlfriend actually has some dance moves (like her looks, she didn't get that from me either :)). She has to go around the entire house and make sure all the lights are off, every curtain drawn so not a single ray of light is coming in...and then crank the jams. And you know Doobs gets in on the jams. She is usually naked cuz that's how she rolls around the house these days...so it is quite the scene as you can imagine. I would take some photos...but it is dark..and Doobs is usually naked, shakin' her "booty" all over the place. I write these things down because I don't want to someday forget...forget the simple joys of life (yes I mean Thriller) and just how simple utter happiness can be. How free the girls make me feel when they are running around without a care in the world...shakin' their "booties" to some amazing jams. These simple little joys are what life is all about and I hope my girls always keep a bit of that innocence and that free spirit...even when they are 'grown ups' and have crazy stressful lives. I hope when they hear 'good jams' that they can be immediately transported into a space in time that makes them feel like they are in leg warmers listening to MJ, shakin' their booties with the lights off, not a care in the world. We all deserve a little bit of that in our lives...Am I right??

So KINDER-FREAKIN GARTEN has started but I am obviously a little behind on all of this. I will write about that soon but here are the haircuts leading up their first days of freedom..

Ella Mae marched right into the salon with no problems or worries about the hair choppin...and she got quite a bit chopped off. She went from 'surfer girl' to 'cutey patooty' in a matter of minutes. The little one was a bit skeptical at first, but eventually let us transform her into 'I have NEVER had a professional haircut' to 'look how clean cut I look!!'

Honestly, I know it is good for their overall hair health...but the surfer look was definitely working for them both. I LOVE how they look now though and am so excited to head into the new year (no pun intended :)) I love seeing how each of them blossom and grow with each new turn of life and CANNOT wait to see what the future has in store for these two! Stay tuned!!

noreply@blogger.com (Liz) — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 17:57:00 +0000

Well...HELLO! It has been a bit since my last post but there is lotsa cuteness to catch up on. For starters Ella Mae graduated Montessori School. HOLY SHNIKIES!! How did that happen?!? She will be starting Kindergarten in a month. Geez. I want to just freeze those sweet hugs and record all the "I love you Mommy's" so I will have them to unfreeze and listen to in the teenage years....but for now...this is what I am dealing with....

If you chopped her hair off and added a beard...just sayin.

Pure sweetness (well 98% of the time). She had a solo where she sang a song about Martin Luther King during her "Transition Ceremony" as they call it in Montessori School. The song went something like this:

I have a dream, said Martin Luther King

We're gonna make that dream come true.

Let freedom ring, said Martin Luther King,

It's up to me and you.

It's not the color of your hair,

It's not the color of your skin,

It doesn't matter what you wear,

It's the character within.

I have a dream, said Martin Luther King

We're gonna make that dream come true,

Let freedom ring, said Martin Luther King

It's up to me and you.

Here she is singing her solo....

Pretty smart that Martin Luther King guy. Mrs Gayle (pictured below) told me once that Ella Mae was one of the sweetest souls she had ever met and it was such an honor and pleasure to teach her and watch her grow...

Ruby and Ella are in the same class for the summer so that has been pretty cool. I can ask Ella..."How was Ruby's day?"...and she can give me the scooby on what went on that day. It also has some of her friends asking about the differences in Ruby..."Why doesn't she talk as much?" and "Why doesn't she play the game the way we want her to?" We have talked with Ella about Down syndrome some, but we don't make it a point to emphasize it...ya know? We want her to understand what Down syndrome is...but not let it seem like it's a big deal. Cuz it isn't. I think, in part, because she is surrounded by individuals rockin' that extra chromosome all the time that she doesn't see any difference. The hubby and I were chatting with her the other day and asked her "Do you think there is something special about Ruby?" Her response? "Yeah....there is something special about her. She is a great sister and has a great heart and imagination." Be still my mommy heart! She is genuinely so proud of her sister and I know that they will make each other better everythings just by having each other to learn and grow old with. I know Ella Mae will help guide her friends and help them understand when they have questions about Ruby because that is just the compassionate lil' being she is.

And this one....

She had a HUGE language spurt while on vacation last week. We went to Indianapolis for the NDSC Conference and then to Michigan to see G-Ma and G-Pa. It was doubly cool cuz the G-parents got to witness the action. She is putting two and three words together, adding new words to her vocabulary everyday (can you say octopus??) and closing out her words with final sounds. And she does it with total flair....."buusssssssssss! "

I have to say it has been pretty darn awesome as we have been working on these things for a bit. She even knows her entire alphabet! All that bathroom reading is paying off...

Anywho....she has one proud daddy...

Dang he's handsome...

And one proud grandmother AKA "BABOO"...

And of course the most proudest mommy in the world!!

More soon about the conference, our Michigan trip, the Rockin' Rainbowl, our new Rockin' Recipients and how we are rockin' this beautiful like we were given!!

Eyelashes and Fairies...

noreply@blogger.com (Liz) — Sat, 29 Mar 2014 22:17:00 +0000

So Ella Mae had an eyelash on her cheek the other day and I carefully picked it off and told her to make a wish and that we would close our eyes tight, blow it off my finger into never, never-land, where it would go try and make her wish come true. You wanna know what this kid wished for?? Her wish was that "everyone would be funny and peaceful." Not for the new Frozen movie that just came out, not for a Barbie motor-home like her neighbor friend has...not even for that dang scooter she has been saving her hard earned dollars for. She wished that everyone would be funny and peaceful. Gah...talk about a mama's heart smiling and swelling with pride. This girl was born with a sweetness in her soul that I see so clearly in her everyday life...

The way she loves life, the people in it...she is one remarkable lil' lady already at the ripe old age of five.

G-ma and G-pa were in town, or if you ask Ruby "Papa and Nana" were here for a visit. I know I have gushed about my hubby's parents before...but I sure do love me some G-ma and G-pa! G-pa did his usual "fixing things" that needed some luvin around the house, while I would come home to a house full of the wonderful smell of G-ma's famous apple pie. She always lets the girls help her in the kitchen...and this trip was no different. She even brought them matching aprons!

She lets them get in there and do the dirty work even though it doubles the amount of time it takes to finish. But that's what grandma's do...right? I can remember sitting with my own grandmother on her front porch snapping peas and rocking back and forth laughing...feeling happy. I know my girls will have many, many of these memories with their grandparents...

It makes the pie tastes even better knowing these lil' hands helped make it too! While they were here there was a "Fairy Trail" going on down at the Botanical Gardens. Along the trail they had hidden some super unique, handmade fairy houses...who would't want to see that?!? Well I guess the hubby and G-pa weren't as excited as us women, so it ended up being a "girl" outing which was very fun.

Ella Mae squealing with excitement once we found our first "fairy house" was all we needed to solidify this was one of the coolest trails ever...

Each house was nestled into the trail and looked like it was awaiting a little fairy to come home to it soon. Ella Mae kept asking us if we could come back at night so we could actually see the fairies. Oh to be that young and have that kind of imagination and hope for magical things again!! There is definitely something to be said for seeing the world through a child's eyes..I think even I almost saw a few fairies flying around while we were there. almost. or maybe they were mosquitoes, but magical nonetheless!

Anywho...very cool and very fun. The boys sure missed out on this one!

Ruby has been super chatty lately which is exciting, but one of the things I am really diggin' is she is saying people's names (like Nana and Papa!). She has also gotten really good with the names of peeps in the culde-sac. The "grandparents" of the culde are Nani and NooNoo, neighbors who sit in their garage and are always friendly with the kids or anyone for that matter. When the garage door is up these days you just can't keep Ruby out of there. She will run across the culde-sac saying "Nani!!! NooNoo!!!" and pointing. It never fails...everytime we are outside. One of her favorite past-times is to sit and rock with them in their garage..

She sure does love her some NooNoo. No doubt she will have memories, similar to mine with my grandmother, of rocking with them in their garage and feeling happy. And then of course there is this....

an entire different level of fun! My kids are surrounded by so many people that love them and bring out the best in them it is fabulous...

ummm...can you say framer???

Nani trying to get Doobs to "peace out, dude.."

Here is Nani really trying to get Doobs to show her "peace" sign..

Life is good folks! Peace out dudes!!!!

Love Letters...Love Yourself...

noreply@blogger.com (Liz) — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 05:01:00 +0000

So the hubs and I aren't huge "Hallmark" celebrators, but we do appreciate a good love letter. Especially when our daughters are involved. So I was just going to simply post my love letters to my lil' ladies...then I realized that I could benefit from a good ol' love letter to myself. I think we could all benefit from this...am I right?? Social media and society these days put such pressure on us to be these "perfect" people...with our little homemade Valentines cards and our coordinating outfits. Nevermind the screaming it took to get our children into said outfits or the fact that it was really the parents who spent hours staying up super gluing Hershey Kisses together to look like a mouse with the saying "You're really mice" underneath it. Who has time for that?? I don't. And I am becoming increasingly more comfortable with my own limitations and what is truly important. We struggle everyday comparing ourselves to everyone else and what they see from the outside. But that old saying "it's what's on the inside that counts..." well, if we could all just be happy and focused on that? In the words of Sam Cooke...."What a wonderful world this would be....."

So here it goes...a love letter to myself.

I absolutely love the fact that I have no doubt my daughters know I love them with every fiber of my being. I know this because I tell them at least ten times a day, and even if I lose my temper (yes...sometimes I lose it) it always ends in hugs and talking and kisses and laughter. This stands true even for the hubby and I....and I LOVE the fact we can giggle after...even during and argument. I know I am not perfect... but not acting like I am is half the battle.

I am not necessarily loving my muffin top these days...but I am loving and appreciating the fact that this body gave me these lil' humans that have forever enriched my life...so you know what?? I guess I am loving and appreciating that muffin top too. And some day...when life eases up a little...I may choose to focus on losing said muffin top. But for now...I will embrace and love my body and show my daughters confidence and self-love.

I love the fact that I know and am blessed to know what true love feels like...down to the deepest parts of my soul. I love the fact that am I certain the people I call friends know that I love them and would do anything in my power to help them in any way I could. My heart is so full of love and gratitude for all these peeps in my life, and I would not be the person I am today without them.

One last thing. I am happy with the person I have become. All roads...even hardship, have led me here. With each year I am able to ease a little more comfortably in my own aging skin..and I don't mind what I see. Grey hairs? I see them as stripes of honor. Wrinkles? Each one tells a story...whether laughter or sadness...this is my life. I embrace every moment and love it and everyone in it to the best of my ability.

I love you!
luv,
me

ok...now here's the good stuff, oldest to youngest:

My Dearest Ella Mae, Sunshine of My Life

From the moment you came into my world my life has been infinitely richer and brighter. I am so unbelievably proud of you and my love grows for you more and more every day, even though I never think it was possible to love you anymore than I do today! I love watching your relationship with your sister grow too. You are the best big sister in the whole wide world! You are so patient and so willing to help Ruby learn and be the best she can be. I love hearing both of your giggles from the other room as you play together so sweetly or run around chasing each other through the house like a herd of elephants. Your sweet hugs and kisses are mommy’s favorite. You are smart and amaze me every single day with new things you have learned. Your kind spirit is probably what I am most proud of. You have the ability to make people feel happy and at ease when they are with you. You are so funny and bring laughter to all those around you!

Ella Mae….I LOVE YOU MORE THAN THERE ARE LEAVES ON THE TREES IN SPRINGTIME AND FISHIES IN THE OCEAN!! You, your sister and your daddy are my world. Never forget that!

Luv you-

Mommy

To My Sweet Ruby Doobs, The Other Sunshine of My Life!

February 14, 2014

It is hard to know where to begin. There are really no words to express how utterly in love with you I am! My world is forever changed and forever more beautiful because you are in it. I love how I see the world through a whole new set of eyes now that you have showed me the beauty in every little thing. How I slow down and try to enjoy every little moment in life because I see you doing the same. You are such a perfect example for us all. You show the world that “perfection” comes in all sorts of different little un-suspecting packages…and we should never be afraid to take a peek inside. You have taught me to never underestimate anybody or anything…not even myself. I take such joy and pride in watching you grow and can’t wait to see all the things you will accomplish in your life! You have the ability to touch people you meet so deeply and I have no doubt you will help make this world a better place just by being you.

I LOVE YOU MORE THAN THERE ARE STARS IN THE SKY…(that’s A LOT!)

Luv you

Mommy

HallowThanksBirthmas...and a Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Liz) — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 18:50:00 +0000

Ok...totally made up holiday, but this post is jamming Ella Mae's Halloween Bday, Thanksgiving, Ruby Doobs Third Bday Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, actual Christmas...and I may as well jam New Year's in there too. I mean..why not? I have got nothin' but time on my hands...ha! Did ya hear that sarcasm? Life is great over in these here parts...but super busy...lots to catch up on!

First I will start with a few quick pics from this years Buddy Walk ( yes...that's right..I am jammin one more event into this post...but whose counting?)...it was a super mellow one but still lots of fun. We actually carried one of Ruby's friends banners this year who couldn't be there due to Leukemia. I am SOOOO happy to report though that he is in remission and doing well!! Woot woot!! I am also happy to report that I actually made it through the walk this year. Last year we had to run outta there before the walk even started cuz some stomach bug hit me like a Mack Truck. I was literally laid out in the grass moaning like I was about to give birth. This year was much more pleasant. It is always nice to be surrounded by peeps and families that have a common bond. 99% of them are strangers, but we are all connected by that one tiny little extra chromosome...either having one or loving someone rockin' one. Here is Ella Mae huggin' two of her favorite 'extra chromosomers'...

Could they be any cuter??

and you can't tell in this pic but Ruby and her Grandmother are rockin' matching pig tails, "dog ears" as she calls them. They don't look like they have much together...

Ok...moving on to Halloween...AKA Ella Mae's FIFTH birthday...un-freakin'-believable. I just can't believe it has been five years since I gave birth (26 hours of natural birth...but whose counting?) to that lil' nugget of love. And she is truly a nugget of love...she is about the sweetest big sister on the planet...

not to mention thoughtful and caring....loves princesses but is not afraid of digging for grub worms or crop-dusting me while I am laying on the couch. I will call that last one payback. She is a daredevil and will be the first to try any new activity, like riding a bike, diving to the bottom of an 8 foot pool, or leaping from furniture like superman (or I guess I should say Wonder-Woman) flying between tall buildings. Fearless I tell ya. I will also call that last one payback. I see so much of both my husband and I in her...but most of the time I just see her. Ella Mae. This perfect lil' nugget of love with a mind of her own...discovering herself and the world around her...and I love love love being in the front row to watch it all go down...

So we did what we normally do on Halloween...got together with the Culde Crew and hit up some houses for some candy...

Ella Mae was going to go as a Wonder Woman "twin" with Doobs, but she had a last minute wardrobe change (wish me luck in teen years..gah!) and went with Snow White. She really can't go wrong in anything she wears though...

I mean seriously...how cute are they??

I had a last minute wardrobe change as well and decided to throw on one of Ella Mae's wigs. I had no intention of really being anyone...but three different people asked me if I was going as my mom...ha!!!

Tim was going as...Brett Micheals with a beard?

Here is a photo for comparison...I think they were right on the money...minus a few hot pink highlights...what do you think?

Moving on Folks...got alot of ground to cover here. I will post a separate post about Ella's actual sleepover bday party at a later date (maybe :)). Several people asked me if I traveled for Thanksgiving this year. I told them if you consider walking across the culde-sac traveling...then yep. We traveled. We spent a wonderful mellow day with our neighbors again this year...and it was fabulous. Bryan deep fried a turkey...and seriously...who doesn't love them some deep fried turkey??

and who doesn't love them a man in overalls...seriously.

Doreen and I shared some "not three dollar" bottle of wine with dinner...

and of course we had our one pm Thanksgiving lunch right on time at 5pm...(but whose counting?) The kiddie table was bumpin' this year again. And yes...mine are the naked one at the table and the one still in her PJ's at 5pm....that makes for an awesome day to give thanks...right??

And thankful we are...for so many things and for so many reasons. Thankful for my perfectly awesome lil' ladies, for so much love and support from family and friends, for having such a wonderful crew of neighbors...this list could go on and on and on...that's how lucky and thankful we are!! My hubby was not so thankful, however, for my love of the Christmas tunes a week before Thanksgiving...

So forging on through this celebrating and reminiscing of the holiday season...the hubby and I are trying to simplify life, shed things we don't need, not buy things we "think" we need but really don't. Which is pretty much everything...am I right? I mean...minus food, shelter and what-not of course. The truth is...we don't really really need much. I've got my beautiful lil' ladies...my hunky hubby...life is good...so we made the decision to cancel cable and move the gino Armour the TV was in out of the living area and into 'the garoom'. We still have family movie night and stream "Castle" (that was one of my main concerns with cancelling cable...how on earth will we watch Castle??), but for the most part we don't even think about it...and it completely opened up the living space, bringing in more light...more room to play, read books...it just feels better. Another great BIG plus was we brought out the record player and rediscovered our love affair with playing records....

Tim and I used to spend hours digging through old records at the record store. It was a cheap date (although I have always been a pretty cheap date, I think that is why the hubby married me) and so much fun discovering old tunes you forgot you loved....like this beauty....

Why, I do love a rainy night Mr. Rabbit...

All I gotta say is jams....serious jams. It makes family dance party alot more fun too (as if that were possible!). We had lots of fun putting the Christmas tree up this year...it's nice to have lil' helpers. Well...it actually took about five times longer...but it was way more fun :)

We also added a new addition to our "spirit of Christmas" family....meet Jimmy. Ella Mae named him and I am not quite sure where it came from...but he is pretty cute and waves at Santa, Frosty, Tree, Mickey, and Shivering Polar Bear across the culde sac...

So this is the Santa at the Down Syndrome Association Christmas party...I am thinking I am goin to have to hire him for Doobs party next year because Dakus in a Target Santa suit just ain't cuttin' it anymore...

There was a big line waiting for picutres with "Target" Santa at Ruby's Third Bday party and all you could hear was "Is that really Santa?"..."I can see his strap!"....and my favorite from Ella Mae "Whose in there mommy??". I gave the typical "It's the spirit of Santa...blah blah blah" theory...but next year we have to take it up a notch. I would hate for peeps not to come to her party for fear of ruining "the spirit of Santa"...ha!! Maybe Tim could grow a long beard?

ok...maybe his beard was a little crooked...

Anywho...there was a little more competition this year for the coveted trophy for the ugliest Christmas sweater...I mean who wouldn't wanna have this bad boy on their mantle...seriously.

So my cuz Courtney really went all out again this year...and yes.. there is a person hiding in that tree!!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner....

It was a perfect day for me because I got to hang out with these ladies...and got to hang out in my flannel doggy Christmas jammies all day....

Seriously...it doesn't get any more fun than this...the uglier the sweater the better.

The main thing is that Ruby had fun....

mission accomplished.

One of our bestest families oldest daughter turned fifteen. Just. cant. believe. it. They had a Quincenera for her and it was one of the funnest events of the holidays for us cuz we saw so many old school friends coming together to celebrate her. The dance floor was bumpin...but Ruby Doobs captured the attention of quite a few of the gentlemen...

and then more came...

Honestly...it was so great to see high school kids being so sweet and attentive with her. Although she does draw you in like a moth to a flame! We added a new addition to our family...can you feel the hubby eye roll from there? Introducing....Colonel Hedgie Hogermeister....

He is actually very easy to care for but he is just a little prickly. My thought process was that he needs to be able to defend himself from all our other fur babies in the house, but I didn't take into account there would be no "snuggle" factor. Ella asked me if next time we could get something a little more "cuddly"..ha!

So Christmas was wonderful and uneventful...just the way we like it! My brother and his family came and we just hung around, played games and caught up on life. Our tree once again was packed with lots of goodness....

And these ladies were so much fun....

Whew!! I am done for now. Next post I will update on how Ruby Doobs is doing in her new PPCD classroom. She started a program at her local elementary school that focuses on speech and language. She marches her lil' booty right on in there and with the big kids like she owns the place. Watch out for this one peeps!

Happy HallowThanksBirthmus peeps....and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Hopefully it won't take me this long for my next post...but whose counting??

I'ts Like Riding a Bike....

noreply@blogger.com (Liz) — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 17:39:00 +0000

Well is has been quite some time since I blogged...but it's like riding a bike...right?? If you ask Ella Mae these days she would say that riding a bike is pretty darn easy. She went from training wheels to balance bike to taking off on a regular bike in 10.2 seconds flat it seemed. I have a feeling that will be the story of her life. The minute she got on the bike with no training wheels Tim was running after her trying to make sure she didn't fall (what a good daddy) and he couldn't even keep up! She was swatting at him like a fly at a picnic trying to get him to leave her alone on her new adventure....

Sigh...our little lady has crept yet a little further into independence. and she has taken the culde with her! Since she started riding without training wheels three other friends in the culde-sac have joined in on the fun...shedding their training wheels like a dog in the Texas summer. Even Doobs is getting in on the action...

It all happens so fast! I can't believe I have a FIVE year old! And that Doobs will be THREE in less than a month....geez. That is what has drawn me back to this bloggin business. You can't possibly remember all the cuteness that happens. All the funny things that fly out of their mouths. ALL the sweet moments when they say "thank you mommy for this wonderful dinner you made. I know you worked really hard on it." And yes...my five year old actually said that to me the other day at the dinner table. She also told me she loved everything about me because I am her mommy. Talk about melting my heart! Of course she asked for a chocolate chip cookie directly after...but hey...she knows what makes me happy :)

Anywho...I am back and ready to document all the cuteness coming our way. I am sure I will document some not so cute things along the way also....but that's just life. It is hard not to have a pretty darn perfect day with these two super heroes on my side though! Keep rockin' it peeps!

Hiatus...

noreply@blogger.com (Liz) — Thu, 04 Jul 2013 16:21:00 +0000

So I have been on a little hiatus but we are alive and well... will be back soon....stay tuned....

Who I am...

noreply@blogger.com (Liz) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 19:41:00 +0000

Who is Ruby Doobs? It has been said that people with Down syndrome are more alike than different. This is a great statement for individuals who may not know much about having an extra 21st chromosome...because yes...my daughter eats, sleeps, grows, learns, cries, laughs, has opinions...very strong opinions...just like you or I. She walks and talks and is about the sweetest, most loving little human I have ever met. But for those of us who really know someone with Down syndrome...I mean the lucky ones who really have had the opportunity to be around these individuals....I think we can all agree that there is something different about them. Something amazingly different...something that we would never want to change. They are who they are...no apologies, no second guessing. The energy...the infectious smile...it's like a bear hug that you continue to feel the rest of the day...they are all such raw, true and real emotions. So I like the fact that Ruby is "different"....I love it actually...we embrace it. She makes it hard not to....so if I had to come up with a few things that I think is a big part of Ruby...I think Ruby might say:

I am a painter....

I am a lover...

I am a social butterfly...

I am a daddy's girl...

I am a sister...

and she would definitely say that she is Rockin it!!!!

and Ruby....Mommy would say that you are a teacher. One that teaches me about how cool and precious life is everyday!

And most important Ruby...you are you. The perfect lil' version of our sweet Ruby Doobs and I would not change a single chromosome or hair on your head. I thank my lucky stars when I wake up and when I go to sleep at night that you have come into my world and opened my eyes to a brighter way of life!

Check out this video from the International Down Syndrome Coalition for World Down Syndrome Day! They believe that all life is precious...just like we do :)

We are helping them spread the word by sharing their video "Who I Am"...

Happy World Down Syndrome Day Peeps! Spread the love!

Cardboard, Feathers and Kites...

noreply@blogger.com (Liz) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 04:09:00 +0000

Oh to be four again....I have to say I have been struggling with some emotions lately. Emotions related to everyday life, feelings of hurt from my past, stress from trying to be the best parent I can be, fences being blown down by 45 mile and hour winds that need fixin'....just life in general. These feelings are pretty new to me..not that my life has been all rainbows and unicorns...but most things seem to roll off my back...like a duck in water, cruisin' through the big pond of life. I haven't been feeling so 'laid back' lately...which basically makes me feel like an alien (sorry to all the aliens out there..). So when I got home yesterday and Ella Mae had brought home a piece of cardboard from Montessori school it put things into perspective. Her excitement and enthusiasm for this simple piece of cardboard (about the size of my hand) that her teacher let her bring home was just what I needed to snap me out of it. And then...she passed by a tiny little feather moving an inch at a time with the wind...I mean tiny lil feather. As if her enthusiasm for the plain ol' piece of cardboard wasn't enough to make me remember how simple life can be....she screeched when she saw this feather "a feather mommy!!! Look...a feather!!!" It was like Lenny Kravitz had walked by with his shirt off (ok...mabye she wouldn't have been that excited but mama would have). Anywho, just witnessing that state of mind and being in that undeniable carefree energy rubbed off on me and I am starting to feel somewhat back in my laid back lil' duck pond again. Thank you my lil' lady for reminding me that it's the little things that keep us smilin'..

On that note...we tried to go the the Kite Festival this past weekend and failed. We waited in the line of cars for an HOUR to park...and 20 cars from the finish line we were shut down! We were told to ride the shuttle from some other destination...no thanks! We decided to create our own kite festival...Plachta style! Way more fun if you ask this mama...and way less stress. We took our $2 kites to a local park....

And viola!! Kite Festival 2013...we even had a picnic and a few other peeps came up and joined.

Ella Mae's "'spidey kite"...

Even Ruby Doobs got in on the action. Here she is right before take off...

And here she is flying that thing all by her tiny lil' self!!!!!!

Seriously folks...she is flying it by herself!

And by the way...remember that hole she had in between the top two chambers of her heart?? Well I do. Dr. Wong had the pleasure of telling me after her last cardio appt. that the second hole in her heart had indeed closed on it's own, just as the first one did at 6 months. Raise the roof peeps!! He told us her ticker was perfectly perfect....just like her. These are the things that matter peeps. Cardboard, feathers and a day with your family flyin' $2 kites....oh...and dancin' ..you can't forget the dancin'...

Doobs checkin' her moves out at the dance studio...

She actually participated a bit in Ella Mae's class this week..pretty cute :)

Keep smilin' my friends!!

Love letters

noreply@blogger.com (Liz) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:56:00 +0000

Here are my Valentine's Day letters to my lil' ladies who have filled my life with more fulfillment and happiness than I could have ever imagined possible. I hope someday they will read them and know the joy, amazement and complete unconditional love I feel for them...I am one lucky mama.

To My Dearest Ruby Doobs,

From the moment I held your tiny lil’ self in my arms… you looked up at me with those sweet almond eyes and my heart was forever changed. You have given me the strength and courage to do things I never thought I would or could do. You have taught me more about patience, that everyone has their own timeline…and the longer the wait, the sweeter the reward. You teach me about determination and perseverance everyday. I watch you grow and learn with such passion…and I find such joy watching your sweet spirit touch the lives of all around you. As I watch your relationship grow with Ella Mae, I know the bond you have as sisters will be such an important one for you both…forever learning and teaching each other about the goodness of life. Hearing the both of you laugh together is the sweetest sound in the world…a sound that makes my heart smile. Since you came into my life, I see the world through a much broader, brighter scope and have such higher expectations for this world of ours. I am so lucky to call you my lil’ lady…my perfect lil’ lady. You shine so bright and I look forward to every moment we have together! Happy Valentine’s Day my love….

Love,

The luckiest mommy on the planet…your mommy

Ruby Doobs signing "Thank you"

And to my sweet and crazy Ella Mae who is a little bit princess and a little bit super hero...your imagination and creativity keep me on my toes and inspired me to live life to it's fullest every day!

To the sweetest lil' lady in the whole wide world and the best daughter any mom could ask for...Ella Mae!

Dear Ella Mae:

Ever since you were born you have brightened up my world more than I could have ever imagined! My heart is so full of love for you and I am amazed every day at your desire to help others and your protective instincts you already have for your lil' sis Ruby Doobs. You are sweet, kind and so funny...but also strong willed and dedicated to being exactly who you are! You make me, Daddy and Ruby smile and laugh all the time. I am so unbelievably proud of you and am excited to see the paths you choose and the woman you will become. Always know that and never forget how much I love you....I love you more than there is water in the ocean or clouds in the sky! and boogers...never forget that I love you more than boogers.

Love, the luckiest mommy in the world: AKA Mommy

Ella Mae and her "real web shooters" she asked for from Santa...

Ruby's First Annual SECOND Birthday/Holiday Party...

noreply@blogger.com (Liz) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 03:29:00 +0000

So I am very behind in my pics of Doobs "First Annual, Second Birthday/Holiday/Ugly Christmas Sweater Party" pics...so this is gonna be quick:

My pre-set-up helpers...

I think Ella Mae ate most of the candy canes before anyone even showed up...

Doobs is helping put out crafts...

Monkey is hangin' out demanding snacks (no help)....

Doobs is still working on getting out the crafts...

She's a hard worker....

Grandmothers cake creation...Christmas Dora:

"Candy Cane" hangin out at the food table sneakin' snacks..

Mommy and Ruby debuting our Ugly Christmas Sweaters...

Aunt Sara debuting hers....pretty ugly if you ask me...

The winners of the "Ugly Christmas Sweater" contest....

More ugliness...

The "Reindeer Food Bar" was a big hit...the dogs snacked on it a bit throughout the party as well...

I think the chickens had a good time....

The craziness started when Santa came rollin' in ...the kids were screaming and running to the door. Pretty awesome!

Oh my goodness! Thank you Dakus and Target for our Party Santa!

All the Santa Pics have a "wind blown" look to them because it is Texas and was 80 something degrees in December...and I am not sure how many of you have worn a felt outfit/fake beard combo in those conditions...but it was HOT! So we had a fan blowing on our Santa to keep the sweat drippage to a minimum..

First in line....culde crew of course!

Ella Mae asked every single Santa she saw this year for real web shooters...not the fake kind...REAL web shooters. She explained that she wanted to swing from tall building to tall building. She was a little disappointed when Santa brought it on Christmas morning and silly string squirted out for about two minutes. literally.two minutes...and mommy and daddy were too cheap to go buy the SEVEN dollar refill of super special spidey silly string that would last only another two minutes. Anywho...it was fun while it lasted...and now she has a cool spidey glove she can where with her super hero costume.

Ella Mae asking for her REAL web shooters...

All the Santa shots were too cute not to post!!

The big winners of the night..complete wtih trophy!

That's all folks! Hope everyone had a great holiday and an absolutely rockin' new year! WOO HOO!!!!!!!

Logic...

noreply@blogger.com (Liz) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 03:17:00 +0000

Ella Mae: I want this Belle Barbie..

Hubby: Well, Ella...how can you get that on your own?

Ella Mae: I can't...you have to take me to the store...

Hubby: No Ella, I mean how are you going to get the money to buy the barbie?

Ella Mae: From my piggy bank...

Hubby: How do you think the money gets into the piggy bank?

Ella Mae: Through the slot on the top...

Well dah...sounds logical to me!

Obviously we have some work to do on the concept of earning money...but we will get there!

Another conversation that I had with Ella Mae recently...

Me: Ella Mae, Mommy loves you more than there is water in the ocean...(we go back and forth with this alot)

Ella Mae: I love you more than the ocean and the fish and the sharks....oh, and boogers. More than boogers.

Hey...I'll take it! Apparently "boogers" are pretty important to a four year old....

Happy Humpday peeps!!

My Little Elves...

noreply@blogger.com (Liz) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 17:06:00 +0000

Well...Ella Mae got one of the creepy Elf on the Shelf dolls. She named her Candy Cane and was excited for the first few days...I would say things like "She's watching you and will fly back and tell Santa tonight if you were good or bad today...so you better be good." I would try and move it around an get creative...although not near as creative as the Facebook posting mom's. Those mom's make you feel like you are just sitting on the couch all day with potato chip crumbs on your shirt and a beer in your hand. Who has time for all that?? Most mornings Candy Cane would just move from the table to the kitchen or bathroom, possibly sleeping under some tissue using T.P. as a blanket...ha! Here she is doing one of her more creative moves...snow angels in some sugar.

Pretty lame I know... I think all Ella Mae was more interested in licking the sugar off the plate...so our Elf on the Shelf experience tapered pretty quickly and she ended up hanging in one spot the rest of the holiday season. Then my real elves showed up from Michigan...working diligently to prepare for Ruby's second birthday party with a holiday/ugly Christmas sweater flare.

Head Elf G-ma making cookies

We like to celebrate around these parts...cuz we feel like we have lots to celebrate...so we wanted to make Doobs party a special event that would hopefully become a family tradition for years to come. I stole this Reindeer Food Bar from another mommy blogger...

Cuz Reindeer need food too!

Uncle Matt did the artwork

The kids get to make a bucket full of it and sprinkle it in the driveway for Santa's Reindeer to munch on while they wait for him to fill your house with the magic of Christmas...

Kids got to write their letters to Santa...little did they know he was to make an appearance..

We had a craft area...

This area is soon to be filled with thirty crazy kiddos!

We were super lucky this year and got Uncle Matt, Aunt Sara and the G-parents all in one visit. I could not have pulled off this party (more on that next post) without them all.

An Elf meeting over a little breakfast...

Ella Mae loves to get her hands dirty in the kitchen and she is a complete freak for cake-pops (lets face it...they are delish...lil balls of joy..) so I got her and Aunt Sara a Hello Kitty Cake pop kit.

It turned out to be a little more labor intensive than expected and Aunt Sara might have been cursing Hello Kitty's name by the end of it (or mine :))....

but in the end they got a few good ones out of it and they all tasted delish...

Stay tuned for Ruby's birthday party pics!

Keep rockin' this wonderful life peeps!

"Ketchup"...Turkey Day and Kiddie Tables...

noreply@blogger.com (Liz) — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 06:54:00 +0000

Well...hello again. It has been a few months since I have updated you on this sweet lil' family...so I thought it was time to ketchup.

Ella Mae had her typical "culde crew" showing of peeps to celebrate her actual Halloween B-day with her...Ruby Doobs went as an Olympic Gold Medalist as Ella Mae did on her first B-day. I am sure there will be many repeats of costumes as the years roll on....

Our future Special Olympian!!

Although I am not sure Ella Mae's "Spidey-Girl" costume or her "Super Hero" costume ,as she calls it, will make it to Ruby in the future. She seriously has been wearing that thing everyday since then. I mean literally. And it is almost Christmas.

Culde Crew preparing for take-off....

Here we gooooo!!!!

Nice sunflower...

Doobs deciding she wants to hug her friend...

And then take her on a quick stroll...

Overall our trick or treating adventure was a success. No major scares, scrapes or wardrobe malfunctions...only crazy candy highs!

Now moving on to Turkey Day...we have sooo many things to be thankful for...

Football watching...

great neighbors to spend the day with...

Great neighbors who cook great food...

A Thanksgiving day cocktail is nice too...

But one of the coolest things this year I am thankful for? Doobs is rockin' the Kiddie Table....

It seems like maybe a weird thing to be thankful for among so many other blessed and cool things we have in our lives...but with each passing day, month, year...these little steps...these things that I wondered when she was born...how will life be for her? for us?

Check it out for yourselves...

Doobs rockin it at the "Big Girl Kiddie Table"

Someday she will no doubt join us at the "Big Peeps Table"...but for now she has to keep these two crazy ladies in check!

HAPPY BELATED TURKEY DAY PEEPS!

Two Birthdays...

noreply@blogger.com (Liz) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 19:22:00 +0000

I have fallen off the "31 for 21" wagon...so I am going to try and redeem myself this last day of Down Syndrome Awareness Month by posting a "two-fer". We had two wonderful birthday celebrations on Saturday. Completely different styles of parties as you will see...but both wonderful and beautiful celebrations of two very energetic, bright, amazingly unique lil' ladies. Our early morning shin-dig was for one of Ruby Doobs best buddies, Bailey...aka Bailey Boo. She is one month older than Doobers and I just cannot wait to watch their friendship grow throughout the years to come. One of the cool things about being in "the club" is getting to know families like Miss Boo's that you may have never crossed paths with had our kiddos not shared that one common extra special chromosome.

You meet lots of families along the way...but there are few you know will be around for the long haul...to watch our kiddos sprout into these independent individuals.... and Ella Mae has a thing for Bailey's older brother...so basically they aren't going anywhere...

Bailey and her mama!!!!

There was some painting of the pumpkins....

Some painting of the face.....

Some sharing of Doob's favorite snack...popcorn..

I cannot believe it has almost been two years since Ruby came in and rocked our world. It seems like almost yesterday she was in my belly and I was listening to her heartbeat with the doppler and explaining to Ella Mae her sister was in there...a little life. An unexpected little life...one that I didn't know I was prepared for. Ruby and Bailey are these little scrappers who will duke it out with anyone that may say they can't do something, and part of my strength comes from seeing that determination. I love the fact that they stand out, not because of their "disability", but because they are hilarious and spunky...they hold their own in any room, lighting it up along the way.

Moving on to our afternoon birthday party for none other than our very own Ella "Spidey" Mae...It was quite a different scene. Our lil' lady is growing up too fast and this Princess party didn't seem to slow it down any....

Ella and Grandmother with her Barbie cake..

Grandmother's 'thing' is to make the girls b-day cakes every year. She does a pretty stellar job if you ask me. Although, as grandmother pointed out, Barbie may have picked the wrong shade of spray tan for this party...

Sooo...back to the party. We usually have a big shin-dig at the house for Ella's B-day with a Halloween theme of some sort. This year we decided to have a party at the place where Ella Mae get's her hair cut (well...the two times she has had it cut in her four years of life). Anywho...she had eight lil' lady friends come and they got to get dooted up in girlie things and strut their stuff on the red carpet. I must note this is our second red carpet event this year...just sayin.

The party room..

The dress up 'closet'....

To say that Ella Mae has been excited about this shin-dig would be quite the understatement. When her first buddy arrived (Sydney, aka Syd-bug) they just stood at the door and stared in amazement...soaking it all in. I can imagine in their lil heads they are saying to themselves...this is really happening. If you could see their faces...their jaws would be open and eyes wider than Texas.

Syd-bug and Ella Mae in amazement....

The frenzy that came once more girls showed up and the choices came of 'what dress shall I wear?' and 'what hair-do shall I get?'...it was pretty hysterical...I'm not sure, but I think there might have even been a little elbowing going on in the 'closet'...

Watch your back ladies!!

Ella Mae picked out a very appropriate, very poofy, princess dress, and here she is picking out the "princess" hair-do...I am sensing a theme here...

Picking our her "do" from pics on the wall....

All the lil' ladies got their hair in up-do's, finger nails painted, and then they got their make-up done. Oh the make-up...I think it gave just about every mom there a mild heart attack to see their lil' lady in make-up...it wasn't even like it was a good make-up application either, if there is such a thing for a four year old.

I don't know...only Ella can pull off bright orange eye shadow...

Gettin her up-do...

Princess Syd-bug and mama Kim..

Ruby Doobs was all over the place...checkin' out the scene...I love her mobility now as she can just cruise to do whatever she wants to do. She is definitely feeling the independence...

Watch out ladies...the Doobs is in the house!

Lovely lil' princesses...

The finished product of the "do"

While the "princesses" were all getting their nails done they got interviewed...they asked them what their favorite movies were, things like that. Ella's current favorite movie (due to a box of 99 cent VHS's...thanks G-ma) is Barbie The Nutcracker. It is all that it sounds like...and more.

The oh so careful application of the make-up...

Doobs doing crafts while she patiently waits...

Our perfect lil' princess...

Slow down Ole!! You look like you could be headed to prom!!

It wouldn't be a party without some dancing to the Black Eyed Peas....

Or Cinderella shoes....

Ella Mae showing off her stuff while cousin Miette gets her hair-do

And then there was the finished "princesses"...

They kinda look like they should be on an episode of Toddlers and Tiaras...

No hair do is complete without Fairy Dust...

Last..but not least...they all got to walk the red carpet. Ella Mae seemed to do it a little too naturally being the ham that she is...

All the princesses!!

Ruby Doobs, as always, is learning from her big sister and was strutting her stuff when she got home. She is really into dressing up...putting on shoes, hats, shirts...you name it. If she can't get it on herself she will bring it to you and ask for help...pretty darn cute.

WHEW!!! What a weekend! What a month! Peace out for a bit! And ...

Happy Halloween!!!!!

A Little Behind...

noreply@blogger.com (Liz) — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 02:54:00 +0000

I am just a little behind on my daily bloggin for Down Syndrome Awareness Month...more tomorrow!!

Hope everyone had a great weekend...we sure did :)

Doggy Breakfast...

noreply@blogger.com (Liz) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 22:28:00 +0000

This one is important...

noreply@blogger.com (Liz) — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 15:37:00 +0000

I don't even know who Ann Coulter is...I am not super into politics or anything that involves controversy.. really. Sure, I have opinions...but don't feel the need to share them with the world constantly or have conversations (aka..arguments) with peeps about things. But this one really hits home...and if I can show just one person by sharing this wonderful man's letter on how the word 'retard' makes him feel...then I have accomplished something. I cringe even writing that word because the thought of someone using that word to describe my sweet Ruby Doobs makes my stomach turn. Will I be there to defend her if someone ever uses that word around her... to make fun of her?? How do I explain it? The fact that people in the public eye still use this word is incomprehensible to me. But if you ever wondered how it truly makes someone with Down syndrome feel and why it is important we put an end to it...read this letter written in 2008 by John Franklin Stephens, a Global Messenger for the Special Olympics...and then read his letter he wrote to Ann Coulter in response to her horrible tweet she posted after the presidential debate. This guy has class...he is a smart, respectful and (as you will find out) a wonderfully powerful advocate for the Down syndrome community...an example for all communities.

Using the word "retard" to describe me hurts

POSTED: 09/01/2008 12:30:00 AM MDT
UPDATED: 09/01/2008 07:38:28 AM MDT

By John Franklin Stephens

What's the big deal about using the word "retard"?

A lot of people are talking about the movie "Tropic Thunder." One of the reasons that it is being talked about is that the characters use the term "retard" over and over. They use it the same way that kids do all the time, to jokingly insult one another.

The people who made the movie, DreamWorks and Paramount, and many of the critics who have reviewed it, say that the term is being used by characters who are dumb and shallow themselves.

You see, we are supposed to get the joke that it is only the dumb and shallow people who use a term that means dumb and shallow. My dad tells me that this is called "irony."

So, what's the big deal?

Let me try to explain.

I am a 26-year-old man with Down Syndrome. I am very lucky. Even though I was born with this intellectual disability, I do pretty well and have a good life. I live and work in the community. I count as friends the people I went to school with and the people I meet in my job.

Every day I get closer to living a life like yours.

I am a Global Messenger for Special Olympics and make speeches to people all over the country. I once spoke to over 10,000 people at the Richmond Coliseum. I realize that I am a voice for other people with intellectual disabilities who cannot easily speak for themselves. I thank God that he gave me this chance to be someone's voice.

The hardest thing about having an intellectual disability is the loneliness. We process information slower than everyone else. So even normal conversation is a constant battle for us not to lose touch with what the rest of you are saying. Most of the time the words and thoughts just go too fast for us to keep up, and when we finally say something it seems out of place.

We are aware when all the rest of you stop and just look at us. We are aware when you look at us and just say, "unh huh," and then move on, talking to each other. You mean no harm, but you have no idea how alone we feel even when we are with you.

That is why I love being a Global Messenger. I work for days telling my dad what I want to talk about and he tries to write it down for me. Then we do it over and over until we have something that says what I mean. We wrote this letter the same way.

So, what's wrong with "retard"? I can only tell you what it means to me and people like me when we hear it. It means that the rest of you are excluding us from your group. We are something that is not like you and something that none of you would ever want to be. We are something outside the "in" group. We are someone that is not your kind.

I want you to know that it hurts to be left out here, alone. Nothing scares me as much as feeling all alone in a world that moves so much faster than I do.

You don't mean to make me feel that way. In fact, like I say in some of my speeches, "I have always depended on the kindness of strangers," and it works out OK most of the time. Still, it hurts and scares me when I am the only person with intellectual disabilities on the bus and young people start making "retard" jokes or references.

Please put yourself on that bus and fill the bus with people who are different from you. Imagine that they start making jokes using a term that describes you. It hurts and it is scary.

Last, I get the joke — the irony — that only dumb and shallow people are using a term that means dumb and shallow. The problem is, it is only funny if you think a "retard" is someone dumb and shallow. I am not those things, but every time the term is used it tells young people that it is OK to think of me that way and to keep me on the outside.

That is why using "retard" is a big deal to people like me.

John Franklin Stephens is a Special Olympics Virginia athlete and Global Messenger who lives in Fairfax, Va.

If that didn't sway you to never use the 'R' word again...read this:

An Open Letter to Ann Coulter

Posted on October 23, 2012 by Tim Shriver

John Franklin Stephens

The following is a guest post in the form of an open letter from Special Olympics athlete and global messenger John Franklin Stephens to Ann Coulter after this tweet during last night’s Presidential debate.

Dear Ann Coulter,

Come on Ms. Coulter, you aren’t dumb and you aren’t shallow. So why are you continually using a word like the R-word as an insult?

I’m a 30 year old man with Down syndrome who has struggled with the public’s perception that an intellectual disability means that I am dumb and shallow. I am not either of those things, but I do process information more slowly than the rest of you. In fact it has taken me all day to figure out how to respond to your use of the R-word last night.

I thought first of asking whether you meant to describe the President as someone who was bullied as a child by people like you, but rose above it to find a way to succeed in life as many of my fellow Special Olympians have.

Then I wondered if you meant to describe him as someone who has to struggle to be thoughtful about everything he says, as everyone else races from one snarkey sound bite to the next.

Finally, I wondered if you meant to degrade him as someone who is likely to receive bad health care, live in low grade housing with very little income and still manages to see life as a wonderful gift.

Because, Ms. Coulter, that is who we are – and much, much more.

After I saw your tweet, I realized you just wanted to belittle the President by linking him to people like me. You assumed that people would understand and accept that being linked to someone like me is an insult and you assumed you could get away with it and still appear on TV.

I have to wonder if you considered other hateful words but recoiled from the backlash.

Well, Ms. Coulter, you, and society, need to learn that being compared to people like me should be considered a badge of honor.

No one overcomes more than we do and still loves life so much.

Come join us someday at Special Olympics. See if you can walk away with your heart unchanged.

A friend you haven’t made yet,
John Franklin Stephens
Global Messenger
Special Olympics Virginia

Badge of honor John?? It goes way deeper than that my friend. Thank you so much for your courage and inspiring words that help us all strive to be better friends, mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, siblings...a better world. Let's appreciate the differences in everyone rockin' this great world...that's what makes it so cool.

Peace out Peeps!!!!

Buddy Walk...Sort Of...

noreply@blogger.com (Liz) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 14:05:00 +0000

The Buddy Walk was this weekend and we are blessed with an amazing group of peeps that put on one hell of a celebration. You can't even make it around to everything there is to do in just one day. Last year we went to the petting zoo, played the kid games, checked out the huge helicopter that lands and all the kiddos go running and screaming up to it. Oh...and dancing...can't forget the dancing. Hannah Montana was there, ok, truth be told, Meg as Hannah Montana was there. Meg as Taylor Swift was there this year. It is hilarious and all the kiddos and adults really let loose and have a good time. I made the mistake last year of setting up camp right in front of the tunes...I think the Ruby Racers crew would have been more stoked had it been a Robert Plant show, but... as great friends do, they smiled and made the best of it. This year we explored the other 'wing' of the Buddy Walk...

Ella Mae and her buddies got to pet the parrot, and of course, that wasn't enough for miss thang and she asked to hold it. He let her (but I wasn't quick enough on the draw with the camera)... Then Ella got to ride her first actual live horse! She did great....

Up we go!

This picture is a bit ridiculous..don't ya think?

Of course ,as the lady explained, the horses go about as fast as molasses drippin' down a tree stump, but it I think she was a natural. Ruby Doobs was petting the horse and signing 'horse' the whole ride around...

Of course we had to get the sister shot...

Then there was the zip line...

Miss Scarlet (aka Rocky)

Culde crew alum Goergia zippin away

Again, I wasn't quick on the draw with the camera to catch Ella Mae on the move, but you get the drift...

This year was a little different than last year...last year we had over 60 peeps come walk with us...which was awesome. We definitely felt the much needed love and support from family and friends. I have to say though it was kinda nice this year to just sit back and relax, not have to worry about anyone but my own clan (and a few others :)). We had a few of the 'staples' come join...

Uncle Dustin....

Aunt Tracy and Luisa..

Culde crew representing...along with the Ponch's...

I think that first year knowing everyone loved, accepted and embraced everything that is the Doobs...really meant alot...I have never been so amazed at my group of friends that rallied our first Buddy Walk. But this year was kinda mellow. And I liked it just the same. What I have realized is that our sweet Ruby Doobs will be rockin' this extra chromosome her entire life. No doubt peeps will drift in and out...but one thing I know, without a doubt...this girl is loved, our family is loved, and Ruby will continue to spread that sweet energy and smile, changing and opening hearts along the way. Unfortunatley, the crampy, clammy feeling I had when I woke up that morning came to a head just as the 'walk' portion of the day began. That, combined with a no nap, won't fall asleep in my stroller, meltdown from the Doobs...we made the decision leave before the end of the walk. We pretty much left right as the walk began...good thing though...this mama was not feeling well. And you know what? Our peeps still did the walk in Doob's honor...just as friends do...I think they would have pushed me in a stroller had I asked them to. There will be many, many more fun and inspiring events to come...Team 'Ruby Racers' has a lifetime club membership...

The only requirement is a Whole Lot of Love :)

Keep Rockin this Wonderful Life Peeps!!!!!!

Watch out Britney Part Dos...

noreply@blogger.com (Liz) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 01:49:00 +0000

Hee Hee!!!!

Hope your week has started off with a bang :)

Watch out Annie and Britney...

noreply@blogger.com (Liz) — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 23:00:00 +0000

Ruby looks like a natural in this headgear...combine that with her love for the tunes and obvious mad skills on the dance floor...all I gotta say is...Watch out Britney Spears... The Doobs is comin' for ya!!

No lip syncin' here folks!!

And watch your back Annie Leibovitz...Ella Mae has discovered the mini camera from Dora's backpack and has been catching photo ops left and right...

Ella Mae and Bogart's sister Karma...

Ruby Doobs was also having a good time 'blow drying Karma's hair...

Karma is a good sport :)

Ruby kept making the blow dryer sounds when it came on...

Watch out Annie and Britney...and maybe Ken Paves...just sayin' :)