Brady's Bunch

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

2009-11-26T09:28:00.000-07:00

This is it........

2009-11-22T12:05:00.013-07:00

My 1000th post - wow!!!! I've been trying to think of something special to do - something profound to say - for the last several months as I've been watching my posts count up to this milestone. Unfortunately I don't seem to have an epiphany of anything amazing and special to do to mark this momentous celebration of my verboseness....

I started this blog 4ish years ago as a journal and an information source for people searching for answers to what having a child with Down Syndrome is really like. There are so many families who get the diagnosis of Trisomy 21 from prenatal testing or at birth who have no idea what having a child with down syndrome will really be like. They get that dx and it throws them for a loop and they aren't sure where to turn - but if they're like me - they turned to the internet. And - what a treasure of information the internet is on Trisomy 21 - good information, and not so good information - but information just the same -and a life line for people struggling and grieving with the fact that their baby is - well - different. I wanted to be able to show people who, while silently grieving, were making decisions about their babies, and I wanted to document and chronicle our journey as a family, of our life as Brady's Bunch.

It hasn't all been roses - our journey.... It's been an adventure with ups and downs, days that I've struggled with the things that come with Down Syndrome - but not with Brady himself, if that makes sense. Sometimes I struggle with his diagnosis, but I would never trade him, or the things that he has taught me, or the person he has helped me become, for anything in the world.

Most of our struggles come from outside influences - a society who doesn't understand, who sees Brady as "broken" or "defective", a school district that values children with cognitive disabilities less than typical children - and offers them an education that is substandard and is not willing/unable to fund programs/supports to make meaningful inclusion possible, teachers who have underestimated Brady's abilities and were unwilling to make the modifications and adaptations needed to help him learn and succeed, a medical community that sometimes offers the cop-out of "it's just down syndrome" there's nothing else going on/that we can do - or question my concerns when I voice them.

But - the negative things - the struggles are far surpassed in both quantity and quality by the positive effects of having Brady in our lives. If I had enough time, and brain power, I could probably list 1,000 things that Brady has taught me - but I guess you'll have to settle for a tenth of that ;)

So - to celebrate my 1000th post, and our journey as Brady's Bunch- here are 100 things/ways that Brady has taught us/influenced our lives.....

1. babies with down syndrome are sooooo cute!!!!

2. hypotonia makes for the best snuggles!

3. babies with down syndrome do stay babies a little longer - some people see that as something negative - that was a positive for us - newborns are my favorite - and I got to enjoy that a little bit longer with my cute boy!

4. babies with down syndrome meet the same developmental milestones as typical kids - sometimes in they typical time frame, and sometimes not!

5. signing is an awesome way to communicate with babies and kids!

6. I can do more than I think I can.

7. I can adjust to changes in my life - and sometimes having your life all planned out is overrated :)

8. I can do hard things - like advocate for my child, and take on nay-sayers :)

9. running water IS soothing and interesting the way it moves through your fingers and sprays everything when you plug the faucet with your hand.

10. the smiles of people with down syndrome are brighter than the sun, and having one turned on you, makes your day.

11. joy in the simple things.

12. that there IS time to stop and watch the ants crawl, notice the bugs in the grass, and lay on the trampoline and watch the clouds go by.

13. I love you is the sweetest sentence ever spoken.

14. you just might be sad when the words you've been working on for months pronounce correctly finally do get pronounced right, and you miss the "wrong" way....

15. that there is no such thing as "normal".

16. that most little kids are more tolerant and patient than you give them credit for - and that their prejudices come more from their parents than from themselves directly.

17. that DreamWorks makes some pretty dang good cartoons.

18. the Wiggles have much better dancers than the kids on Barney.

19. what the acronyms IFSP, IEP, T&A, ASD, VSD, PDA, SID, BIP, FAPE, OT, SLP, PT, APE and LEA (to name a few) mean.....

20. to do things that are wayyy out of my comfort zone.

21. patience.

22. that my kids are awesome people.

23. to be more comfortable and accepting of all people with different disabilities.

24. that maybe I shouldn't cheer quite so loudly at soccer games :)

25. that sometimes it's nice for your kids to stay small and wear the same clothes two years in a row :)

26. that you can persevere through things that you don't like and are hard (hospital stays and tests) with a smile.

27. there is something new and exciting to learn and notice every single day - and most of those things are pretty simple and we tend to overlook them.

28. that Woody and Buzz are some pretty dang cool toys!

29. toddlers have an amazing knack for learning how to work the tv and dvd player.

30. that some TV shows you said you'd NEVER let your kids watch may have some redeeming value - so much so that you know own all 4 seasons and a music CD of the most annoying yellow cartoon sponge ever created.

31. that there is more going on in your children's heads then you give them credit for.

32. that some therapists are better than others, and once you find the right one to work with your child - they are worth whatever it costs.

33. to celebrate the little things as much as the big ones, because the little ones come more often :) We party over some of the most basic things here at our house :)

34. tattle-taling from a fairly non-verbal child is cause for celebration!

35. some things take a LONG time to learn - patience really is a virtue......

36. out of the blue kisses and hugs are the BEST!!!!

37. organization is important.

38. internet friends are awesome!

39. support comes from all different places, and often when you least expect it, but need it the most.

40. people are generally very accepting and kind.

41. Grandma and Grandpa can bring a smile to Brady's face like no one else (well - except maybe Spongebob :)

42. relatives usually mean well, even when they say dumb things.

43. antibiotics are a gift from God.

44. Lakeshore learning makes FABULOUS learning materials - even if they are spendy.

45. there are so many amazing people who work in the field of people with disabilities - they have so much knowledge and they really care about the people they serve.

46. the squeaky wheel saying - well - it really is true.....

47. the school district people don't like parents who know the law and who study Wrightslaw - they show up at the "trouble makers" IEPs much more often than the "non-trouble makers".

48. Leapfrog makes some really cool electronic toys, and they really are good at teaching things!

49. repetition, repetition, repetition is the key - 100's and 100's of repetitions.

50. baths are more fun when you soak everything in the entire bathroom.

51. playdoh isn't always fun - sometimes it's work - luckily we're back to the "it's fun" again phase.

52. that candy is gross, but glue, playdoh, lotion and hand sanitizer might actually be tasty?

53. it's more fun to take up an entire King sized bed sleeping horizontally, than the regular way.

54. shelves were made to be empty of all books and anything on top of them.

55. tidy rooms are overrated, and the cleanliness of a room can be remedied in 30 seconds flat.

56. crackers from un-opened packages taste better than the ones from yesterdays half-finished package.

57. microwave popcorn is only good HOT, and not palatable after 30 minutes.

58. spaghettios, ramen, mac and cheese, and chicken nuggets really are a staple of a well rounded meal.

59. eating with utensils is more a guideline than an actual rule.

60. Oxyclean and Biz really do work well on stains.

61. those dry erase markers that OT's and teachers are so fond of - don't come out of clothes - even with Oxyclean and Biz.

62. there IS a difference in chicken nuggets between fast food places - the ones you think would be the healthiest are the least preferred, and the ones that are the ickiest - well - they are apparently the best - or it could just be they have better toys at McDonald's.....

63. Disneyland IS the happiest place on earth - and one can apparently ride the rides time after time after time and never get sick of them :)

64. Land Before Time is timeless.....

65. Little Critter rocks!

66. music is the key to unlocking short term memory problems ;) Teach something with a song, even a terrible mommy-made-up song, and it's remembered forever :)

67. appointments with specialists are like appointments with the President - you never want be late or miss them....

68. family is the most important thing!

69. Stride rite makes cute wide shoes ;)

70. things that you used to think were important, really aren't.....

71. the word "retarded" used to mean stupid, dumb, ridiculous - hurts :(

72. always expect the unexpected...

73. so much can be communicated with out real words.

74. I have great kids!

75. that tests can all be negative for something, and you can still have it.

76. never put light colored carpet in a master bedroom.

77. perfection can be found in the least expected places :)

78. true joy

79. selflessness

80. unconditional love

81. responsibility

82. tolerance

83. understanding

84. cameras with fast shutter speeds are worth extra money :)

85. being included means more than just being in the same room as typical kids.

86. anything worth doing takes effort.

87. times goes too fast!

88. resilience

89. to view the world with the eyes of a child

90. finger painting and getting dirty and doing kid things is fun....

91. childhood is short - make the most of each and every day!

92. reality changes every single day - living in Brady's world requires flexibility.

93. be careful what you pray for :)

94. Heavenly Father knows Brady personally and loves him as much as I do.

95. bubbles are motivating.

96. human touch is important.

97. it's hard to be a violet in a world of daisies, especially when the daisies want you to be like them.

98. there unexpected gifts that come from having a child with a disability, and your child is the greatest gift of all.

99. don't worry about things you can't change.

100. God doesn't make mistakes....

101. our family is complete and enriched and blessed because Brady is a part of it......

What has knowing Brady - being part of his bunch - even just virtually taught you?

It's November......time for gratitudes....

2009-11-17T12:15:00.005-07:00

So I thought maybe I should post 100 things I'm grateful for - to make up for the 100 posts I've probably missed writing for the last 6 months of this craziness I call life.....

I'm grateful.....

1. for my parents, for all their patience in raising me, and for being such great examples.

2. for my grandparents - they were amazing people - so very very talented, each in their own way. I think of my gentle grandpa every time I'm around animals. I think of my fiery grandma when I look at her china in my cabinet (or on my table as my daughter has a cereal buffet at her fake preference ;) and think of her writing in the town paper and what a great writer and money manager she was with only an 8th grade education. I think of my super talented Nana, every year when I pull out my crocheted nativity that she made me when I was just a little girl, and I remember her living with us and being such an amazing person. I miss them all.

3. for my siblings :) I don't have very many, but I love them dearly, and they have provided me with many nieces and nephews who I also love dearly :)

4. for my hubby - he is amazing and wonderful. I'm grateful he convinced me he was the right guy for me. I love him more than I can ever express.

5. for Big K :) My firstborn, independent, amazing girl. Her motivation and hardwork at all she does inspires me :) Her sparkly blue eyes and contagious smile and laughter - I miss them :) Love you K!

6. for C :) My started-out-shy-but-is-really-super-outgoing-and-crazy girl :) Her sweetness and compassion are a great example to me. She is super. Love you C!

7. for J :) My super smart little tiny little guy :) I know you'll grow someday - but remember - good things come in small packages ;) I love your even temper and easy going-ness - your calming influence is so appreciated on those crazy days - which are often in our house :) Love you J!

8. for H :) Mr. Mischievous, from day one :) You make me laugh with your antics and smile with your enthusiasm for anything and everything. You want to do it all :) I am grateful for all your help with Brady at school :) I know he loves to see you when you come and get him :) Love you H!

9. for Little K :) My lone little girl buddy! Soon the big girls will both be gone and it will be you and I amongst all the boys :) I'm glad you will be around to keep me in nail polish, cute shoes, and shopping mode :) You are my great buddy - I love all your notes and pictures you make me and your sweet hugs and snuggles. You are indeed my baby girl!!! Love you Little K!!!

10. for Brady :) For all the things he teaches me every day, and the wonderful people he has brought into my life. I wouldn't be the person I am today, if not for his influence. I love his smiles and hugs and impromptu kisses (even if they still are a little slimey ;) There is nothin' better than a snuggle from my baby. Love you Brady!!!

11. for a wonderful home and neighborhood, with good people to surround my children with support. It really does take a village....

12. for my hubby's job and that he is willing to keep at it to support us and allow me to stay home with the kids.

13. for food storage :)

14. for Costco - it helps with the ol' budget and food storage ;)

15. for nice smelling laundry detergent - it makes the job much more fulfilling :)

16. for a dishwasher - now if only I could get it to load itself???

17. for paper plates - although we've cut down on our use of them (they went wayyy up in price -what is up with that? I think maybe Heavenly Father wanted my kids to know that most people actually eat on re-usable dishes?) they are so very handy for those nights when the momma has had it and can't do one more thing.....

18. for crock pots - they make cooking easy :)

19. for fireplaces on cold, snowy days.....

20. for i-tunes - love those playlists for everything from working out, to cleaning house, to Sunday music.....

21. for good soccer coaches. They make all the difference!!!!

22. for friends who let us swim in their pool and practice soccer in their garage :) And - who love and support Brady and provided him with one of his bestest friends :)

23. for v-tech - their entertaining electronic toys are good teachers :)

24. for Walmart - really - how would we do it without Wally World???

25. for computers and the internet. Hand-me down lap tops are the best (thanks Dad) and what would I do without this ol' desk top conveniently situated in the kitchen amongst all the action?

26. for fuzzy socks to keep my winter cold feet warm.

27. for sweet soft sheets from my mommy - they feel like heaven :)

28. for chocolate. It's straight from heaven :)

29. for Bath and Bodyworks antibacterial soaps - they smell so good and entice my children to wash their hands ;)

30. for the orthodontist and the magic he works on my kid's teeth and that they are so good (so far - to wear their retainers and keep those beautifully aligned smiles we spent years working on :)

31. for good schools, that offer good programs and teachers and support people who want my children to succeed as much as I do :)

32. for Brady's aides - he loves them and they are sweet and patient with him.

33. for the parents of the great kids in Brady's classes - especially from last year and this year. They are great kids - I know he is happier and better off from their influence, and I know they are better off from his :)

34. for Brady's awesome teacher - she is the best. I give thanks for her every single day! Love you Mrs. A!!!

35. for my kids good friends. I love that they have great standards and goals.

36. for the gospel in my life. I don't know what I would do without it.

37. for my savior, Jesus Christ, and his atoning sacrifice for me and the knowledge I have that if I live my life righteously I will see Him again someday.

38. for having a temple close. I don't go nearly enough, but I will - it's a New Years Resolution :)

39. for my camera - I need to capture those memories for those alzheimers days that I am sure will come.

40. that I got to go to France this last summer with Big K and see so many amazing things.

41. for my little laminator. It gets a workout every week with supplemental things I make for Brady, but it keeps on giving :) I'm glad that Walmart sells them for less than 30 bucks - so when it finally does give up the ghost, I will be able to afford a new one ;)

42. for Christmas music - love it!!!

43. for trampolines and the smile they bring to my kids faces - who even though they are big - still love to play "uncle scar" with their dad.

44. for my sandbox. I love sand!!!

45. for soft carpet :)

46. for Spongebob - cause it entertains my whole family...... scary isn't it???

47. for Disneyland - cause - well - I just LOVE it there :) It's magical.......

48. for the sun - I love warm sunny days - they make me happy :)

49. for rain - jumping in puddles is - well - awesome!!!!

50. for snow - the cold fluffy big white flake kind - and the wet kind that's good for snowmen and snowballs.

51. for fallen leaves to jump in and crunch!!!!

52. for the lake and the cabin - so many good memories and so much fun!

53. for playing cards with family and friends.

54. for fun puzzles to figure out with the kids :)

55. that I get to listen to my kids play the piano - well - mostly :)

56. that several of my kids have beautiful voices - I love to hear them sing (a couple are like me - tone deaf though - I still like to hear them sing though :)

57. for Christmas cards - I love to see pictures of old friends and catch up with their families :)

58. for my health.

59. for health insurance. We are changing companies this year to save money - hopefully the new coverage will be as good as the old.....

60. for my internet friends - some of you are like family - I'm glad I know you!

61. for warm bubble baths and romance novels :)

62. for silly tv shows that make me laugh/cry/give me an escape :)

63. for christmas pedicure gift certificates :)

64. for hair dye - it's true - blondes have more fun ;)

65. for cute sweaters - you can never have too many....

66. for treadmills - they make handy clothes holders and always serve as a reminder that I should be doing more in the exercise department.

67. for Dove promise chocolates - I love the little sayings :)

68. for silly computer games like Webkinz - they give me a way to connect with my little kids and great nieces and nephew :)

69. for FB - even though it's a time waster, it helps to keep track of my teenagers and their adventures ;)

70. for Stephens Hot Cocoa - milk, cocoa on a cold morning - what could be better?

71. for the color yellow - it makes me so happy :)

72. for bright blue water and white sandy beaches. Just thinking about them, even if I never get there - is relaxing :)

73. for airplanes - what a great invention :)

74. that my parents took us on a cruise for their 50th anniversary - we saw such cool things and made such fun memories. Family vacations are the best!!!

75. for restaurants. I love that I can go out on special occasions and someone makes the food, brings it to me, and cleans it all up :)

76. for Mr. Clean. It just smells good :)

77. for Christmas ornaments. I love to decorate our tree and get out all the ornaments - my parents give my kids ornaments each year and they are always excited to get them out and put them on the tree and reminisce about different christmases and we always try and get an ornament from each trip we take, so we talk about those too. I have put together a "memory" tree that has ornaments of each of my kids from each year of their life til the present - I love to look at their sweet faces and see how they've grown.

78. for post-its :) They help with my forgetfulness :)

79. for my big washer and dryer that help me get my laundry done ;) Now if only there was something that folded it and put it away. We have tried that invention called "children" and it doesn't work that well ;)

80. for SigningTime :) and Rachel Coleman and all she has taught Brady and the help she has given us to help him communicate better :)

81. for Google images - how would I do all the visuals and supplements I do for Brady without Google :)

82. for online shopping - I don't even have to get out of my pj's :)

83. for good deals - I love a bargain :)

84. for Target - their pharmacy is so much easier to work with than Walmarts :)

85. for simple and cheap Christmas requests :) I love those $10 gifts :)

86. for rubbermaid totes :)

87. for orange kittens who snuggle.

88. for remote controls - especially volume controls.....

89. for yummy ward recipe books :)

90. for phone calls from friends - just because, and just to chat.....

92. for mail :)

93. for good YW/YM's leaders - like soccer coaches and teachers - but on an even more important level - they make all the difference......

94. for running water and indoor plumbing.

95. for enough food to eat.

96. for clean water to drink, and enough of it for all our needs.

97. for access to books and magazines and educational materials - our city finally got a library :)

98. for children who want to go to college, go on missions, get married in the temple, and make something of themselves.

99. for the many necessities and luxuries I enjoy.

100. for my life.........

Sunday Grains of Gratitude.......

2009-11-01T12:48:00.002-07:00

Wow - it's November again - NOVEMBER!!! Seriously? I can't believe it. I dare scientists to show we aren't in some sort of time warp - cause we've got to be!!! I swear the world is turning faster ;)

Sorry I've been so delinquent in my grains - it's not cause I'm not grateful, but I feel so strapped for time and pulled in so many directions, I haven't had a chance to formulate my thoughts and put them down in a post! I have so much to be grateful for!!!!

This week I'm grateful.....

We could carve pumpkins :)

(do you like H's gap in his teeth? The orthodontist is expanding his palate and this is a temporary gap - we're calling him David Letterman :)

I could finish pictures for the Soccer Yearbook and take a few of C and her friends in the process :)

That C works hard in school and received an All Region Academic award again this year :)

That Big K came home on Thursday night to celebrate her 19th birthday a few days early! It was fun to get together!!!!

That Little K's soccer season ended on a positve note - a WIN!!!! She progressed and developed her skills this season and had such a postive experience with her team and coach. You could really see a change in their skills and level of play from their first tournament games in July til the end of the season. She gained a lot of confidence and competitiveness and she was thrilled that she had the opportunity to be a captain for her team.

that the big sisters could come and cheer on their little sister for her last game!

that it was Halloween!!!! I love Halloween - although it was a bit rushed and hectic and crazy this year due to the soccer yearbook. I'm thinking that although I will miss HS soccer, my falls for a few years just might not be soooo busy, and maybe that is a good thing! The kid's loved their costumes and had a great time dressing up, going to their parties at school, the ward party and trick or treating! Brady LOVED trick or treating this year. He went to more houses than he has ever gone to before and could have gone even longer - but mom and dad were tired LOLOL He ran up to each and every door and knocked and said "TRICK OR TREAT!!!!" and then "thank you" once he got his treat :) He loved all the decorations, even the scary ones that he was nervous of at first - he wanted to check everything out. He really loved all of it!!!!

that the little kid's Halloween parades were at different times - so I could attend both!!!!!

I'm just so grateful for everything! Life has it's ups and downs, and I feel so crazy and behind on everything all the time. I'm sure I'm failing each and everyone of my children at any given time in a week, I know I'm failing in my housekeeping and laundry duties, I'm a terribly forgetful friend, and delinquent blogger and poster on my internet boards, but, in spite of all my apparent failures, I feel like I am so blessed, in so many ways, each and every single day. Life is GOOD!!!!!

What are YOU grateful for today????

Happy Halloween 2009!!!!!

2009-10-31T22:30:00.002-06:00

One of Brady's favorite movies is Nightmare Before Christmas - so I thought it would only be appropriate to use a Jack Skellington picture to wish you all a very Happy Halloween!

Brady loved Halloween this year - he had a great time being dressed up at school and during the Halloween parade and his party (even though his mom was a crazy woman helping first graders make paper plate skeletons which were taller than they are!) He had a blast trick or treating and ran to each house with gusto and proudly held his bag up and said "Trick or Treat" and "Thank you" :) He loved going with friends, and he did more houses and ran faster and farther than any previous year :)

The other kids went off with friends this year to parties, and trick or treating - so it was just the hubs and I with Brady and his good friend next door and then another little girl from down the street joined us a bit later. It was kind of strange to not have the other kids with us. They are all growing up - most of them aren't even back yet from their adventures with their friends. I'm not sure I like this growing up and leaving stuff - it's kind of bittersweet!

It was a fun dayall around though :) Starting with cousin Madeline's baptism this morning, then some tidying up and making yummy stew for our pumpkin shaped bread bowls, then finally trick or treating. It wasn't the same with out everyone though - especially Big K! For the last 19 years we've always spent time celebrating both Halloween and her birthday - but this year she is gone and we celebrated earlier in the week. It seemed very strange to not be waiting to open her presents and sing and have cake tonight! We miss you Big K and hope you had a fabulous time at your stake activity tonight! Hope you post pictures on FB :) Happy Halloween/Birthday Pumpkin!!!

Hope you all had a fabulously fun and haunting Halloween :) I'll post pics tomorrow :) I never did get one with C in her costume - bummer - I think it was probably hilarious - she stuffed herself into a little kid's bird costume and went as Kevin (the bird from UP) with some friends who were the boyscout and old man :) I'm not sure what Big K went as either - I think they were being Disney characters maybe????

Happy Happy Birthday Big K!!!!!

2009-10-31T22:25:00.003-06:00

Wishing a big HUGE Happy 19th to my oldest!!!! I can't believe that 19 years passed soooo fast - seriously - it was like a time warp :)

Hope you have had a great day Big K - and enjoyed your weekend of Halloween/Birthday celebrations!!! I'm glad we got to celebrate on Thursday :)

You are wonderful - and may this last year of teenagerhood be as awesome as you are!!!

We love you!!!

Happy Happy Birthday!!!!!!

Behind in everything!!!

2009-10-19T12:05:00.002-06:00

I feel like I will NEVER get caught up!!! Life is just moving along at such an alarming rate!!! Things are just crazy here! Between mountains of laundry, sick kids, soccer, and week long business trips and single parenthood - I have got to figure things out!!!!

Fall break was superb - but not nearly long enough :) Hopefully I'll be back to catch up on things here soon! And - I hope you are all staying well and are happy and caught up with all YOU have to do!!!

Hugs!!!

Sunday Grains of Gratitude......

2009-10-11T06:54:00.002-06:00

Man - what a week it's been - I can honestly say, in some ways, I am soooo glad it's over :) There were some great things, and some not so great things - but - I guess that is how life is - right??????

This week I'm grateful.....

for the safety of my children and family. My heart goes out to the band teacher at that was killed last night in an accident. I am grateful to HER for her selflessness in trying to help all the people on board that bus - I feel without a doubt if she had not intervened there would have been more loss of life. She is a hero. I am grateful that my children have been safe on each and every tour they have gone on, and every bus they have ridden on to away games, or cars they have ridden in down to soccer tournaments, girls camp, etc...

for a wonderful date with my husband last night. The food was amazing, and the company - well - there's no one better! I LOVE you honey :)

for wonderful friends who have good values, who are christlike and set good examples for me. Friends who think first, and act later - who want to help, instead of hurt. It has been a dramatic week for soccer at the HS, and I am grateful for people who see the good and want to help make positive change within the program and who are willing to give people a chance to change and want to be part of the solution. People who want to help find tools and resources to make the change so it can be a positive experience for everyone involved.

for Brady's darling teacher. She really is just so amazing - I LOVE her! He has been out all week with a fever, but is hopefully on the mend now (and now H is sick - sighhhh). She sends cute notes, and really has made SUCH a difference in his life. I couldn't ask for a more perfect teacher for him - her bubbliness and enthusiasm and overwhelming love and support for her students has made all the difference for him this year. He is not the perfect student, and still has his challenges, but he is thriving and learning in her classroom - it may not all be academics, but for Brady the things he is learning from his peers will benefit him his entire life. I am grateful to her for embracing him, his differences, and his challenges, and for loving him for who he is and doing her best to teach him :) She is just amazing - thank you Mrs. A!!!!

for Little K's amazing soccer coach. She is just, well, amazing, and patient, and darling, and supportive, and patient, and encouraging, and patient, and positive, and kind, and did I mention patient :) She has taken her little team of ragamuffins and turned them into genuine soccer players ;) The scores of our games are, unfortunately not reflecting their true progress, but, wow - the improvement over the last 3 months is nothing short of amazing! C looks at them and is sad that she didn't have their training, she sees how much they have gained, and how much better they are getting and wishes she had that same opportunity when she was 10. Of course, we didn't know anything when she was little, so hopefully this will make all the difference for Little K :) This coach has inspired Little K to work hard, to challenge herself, to not give up, or settle for second best - to give her all and then give some more, to never give up. Valuable lessons that will help her even off the soccer field :) She is awesome!!!!

for C's club coach :) She is amazing too! I'm grateful for her friendship for the last 14 years - I can hardly believe it's been that long! I'm grateful that she looked at C at tryouts 5 years ago and saw something in her and took her and developed her and gave her the opportunity to play. I think that C would be a very different person had she not had E as a coach, believing in her, pushing her, teaching her, and giving her the confidence that she could achieve her goals and be a leader. It has helped C become a leader on and OFF the field. Some would argue that we aren't a premier team, and it's true - we aren't hanging with the top teams in the state in our age group - but the girls on some of those teams? Wow..... Wow good, and Wow bad. E has taken her ragamuffins and turned them into soccer players, while still keeping their integrity and morality. They are all good, good girls - excellent students, leaders, kind friends, active church members etc... She has expected and required much, but in turn, she has given and sacrificed much, and truly loved and cared about each and every one of her players. She is amazing! Love you E!!!!

that I got to see Big K for a while on Friday night. I am so grateful she is having such a great experience at college :) I miss her so, so, SO much.

for my wonderful parents. They are just inspiring and amazing. I am excited for them to be snowbirds soon and closer to us. I miss them. I am grateful to them for raising me in the gospel, teaching me, setting such amazing examples for me, and loving me and my kids. Especially Brady - they have embraced and supported him, loved him, and done everything they can to help him when help was needed. They are the best parents a person could ever wish for, and I am so grateful that Heavenly Father let me be born into their family. Love you Mom and Dad!!!

for conference last week. I was well nourished by the word, and it was great to have Big K and her friends here for the weekend. I'm grateful for modern day revelation and for the guidance and inspiration church leaders give us. I'm grateful for conference, and for a living prophet on the earth who guides and directs the church. I'm grateful for my testimony of the Book of Mormon and for Elder Holland and HIS testimony - what an amazingly powerful talk he gave. I'm grateful for forever families, and for MY forever family.

I am grateful......

What are YOU grateful for today?????

Brady's Bits......

2009-10-03T20:30:00.002-06:00

Have I ever mentioned how much Brady loves teenagers??? Seriously -he loves them - wayyy more than kids his own age (although he's starting to really get attached to those too ;) Whenever the big girls have their friends over, he always wants to be around them and part of the action. He might even think he is ONE of them :)

Big K is home for the weekend to watch conference, and she brought a couple of her roommates and two guy friends. Brady was so excited.

And..... get this - he did something we have NEVER seen him do before......

he walked up to one of the guys and took his hand and said......

Hi, I'm Brady - what's your name?

Seriously - he said that - a whole social greeting - all on his own - unprompted.

Wow. Not much for some - but for Brady - wow - HUGE HUGE milestone :)

See what school is doing for him? He may not be understanding math..... He may not get 100% on every spelling test (or any spelling test yet for that matter LOL).... Recess, lunch, music, and PE may always be his favorite subjects....

But - he went up to someone he didn't know, introduced himself and asked the person's name.....

Wow and HOOOORAY!!!!!!!!

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month......

2009-10-02T22:14:00.002-06:00

So - educate someone about Trisomy 21 :) Say hi to someone with DS that you see out and about in the community! Tell a parent you think their child is darling, and all about your grandson, cousin, nephew, brother, friend - Brady - who also has down syndrome! Celebrate the amazingness of Trisomy 21 - cause it sure comes with some amazing perks - the snuggles, the hugs, the smiles, the innocence and purity, and the love - yup - there is nothin' like the love :)

We'll be celebrating, and educating, and raising awareness all month long......won't you join us????

p.s. if you could get all your friends and family to stop using the R-word inappropriately, that would be an AWESOME way to raise awareness :) I'm pretty sure all the parents AND the girls on the soccer team are tired of me reminding them what "retarded" really means, and how much the word hurts people and families when it is used in conversation to mean - stupid, dumb, idiot, etc..... or make fun of someone for doing something silly or goofy or dumb.

We've found that RIDICULOUS is a much better substitute :)

Fall fun!!!

2009-09-28T08:56:00.002-06:00

It's that time of year again :) You know the one - the time where I make my children all wear coordinating (well - I try to coordinate anyway) colors and drag them out to the mountains to smile and pose and do that family picture thing - the one they call family torture :) They are getting better at it, truly - they know the drill. Even Brady..... Who walked right up the rock we always take pictures on, climbed on up, posed and said CHEESE!!!! Of course he wasn't nearly so cooperative the whole time - but I am grateful that he knows what the self-timer on the camera is for and helps us out by smiling for that for the most part :) It makes family pictures a little more in the budget :) Every year I say I'm going to have one of any number of different friends do our portraits professionally and photoshop us all pretty, but every year we seem to be lacking the funds to actually do that, so we're on our own :) I do think I need some lessons in positioning though - as the kids get older and bigger, my lack of experience does show more in getting them in the right places to have a good photograph. But - we have traditions, and it's fun to see how the landscape has changed along with my kids over the years ;) It's all good :)

So - here is the result - and it's not too shabby, there are definitely some keepers in the 200 or so that we took. I am sooo grateful for digital - as we used to take 5 or 6 rolls every fall and hope and pray that one would be good enough for Christmas cards, and still have to spend the money developing each roll :) LOVE digital :)

Sunday Grains of Gratitude......

2009-09-28T08:13:00.002-06:00

I can't believe it - September is almost over??? It just zipped by!!!! Time to start thinking about Halloween and Fall!!!! The leaves are changing in the mountains, the mornings are getting a little crisper, the sun is setting a little earlier - it's coming!!! I will miss summer though - I love the hot, long days - my body craves the sunshine - as the days get shorter it gets harder and harder to drag myself out of bed in the mornings LOL But I do love fall - and the crisp mornings always bring back memories of when Big K was just a tiny baby, and we would go out in the mornings and the air was so crisp and clean and smelled like leaves and frost :) It seems like such a short time ago - hard to believe she is off to college!!!!

I have so much to be grateful for this week - it's hard to know where to start :)

This week I'm grateful....

for fabulous friends who offered their love and support as Brady went in for his Cine MRI. I was terrified about it all, and my wonderful friend and neighbor and her daughter (one of Brady's favorite friends) accompanied us up to the hospital and spent the day up there with us. Our 1 hourish procedure took the entire day and Annie was so sweet and patient for the whole time. She was such a calming influence for Brady when he was nervous and scared (really the first time he has felt that way about a procedure) and it was such a blessing to have them both there. I am so grateful for their friendship and love for Brady!!!

that the test itself went reasonably well. I wasn't happy that Brady had to be intubated in the end, but he is alive and well and breathing on his own and back to his happy sassy opinionated self again :) He was pretty mellow on Thursday and I was a little worried - never thought I'd hear myself say that - I often wish for more mellow boys LOL But - being that it was out of the ordinary - it was a little nerve wracking!!! I am hoping to talk to his doctor about the results today.

that we got to visit with Big K a couple of different times this weekend!!! She came up for the HS homecoming football game and to hang with C, then took C down to college for the weekend, then spent the afternoon with us for family pictures and a birthday dinner for her dear ol' dad :) It was great to hear about her adventures and see her - we miss her!!!

that C did so fabulous in her SBO Homecoming dance and had such a GREAT soccer week! Wow - after our not so fabulous season, we pulled off two very definitive wins this week - over our biggest rivals too :) This coming on the heels of a small loss to the best team in the state (which pretty much feels like a win, since the score was so low ;) has been AWESOME!!! C is playing so well, even though she is injured. She is such an example of perseverance to me, and I am inspired by how hard she works to achieve her goals.

that Little K is making big improvements in her game too. She is such a hard worker now, and it is really showing in her skills, speed, and ability to move the ball. Now we just need to get some GOALS :)

for J and H and Brady and their hugs and their ability to blow things off LOL I love that about boys - they can be fighting like cats and dogs one minute - then best friends the next. I'm not sure whether it's the short attention span or what - but I love that boys don't hold grudges very long :) I'm grateful that the bigger boys were willing to babysit a bit for me this week so I could try and take some pictures at the soccer games :) I am so behind on pictures for the yearbook - and I really need to get on that!!! Thanks boys for being willing to entertain your brother while I am out and about ;)

that we could celebrate my hubby's b-day :) I'm sure it was a bit of a let-down, as it was kind of a fractured weekend with a lot going on and the girls being gone, but I promise I'll make it up to you honey ;) You look FABULOUS for 39, my love :) I'm so grateful for him, he is such a great husband and father, and I love him more than I can say!!!

for my parents - they are just the best!!! I am excited that they will be down here soon - so we can see them more :) And - even if we don't see them more - at least it feels nice knowing they are closer :) Love you mom and dad!!!

for the primary program :) It's always a nice change from regular Sunday meetings :) It was fun watching all the kids up there. The choristers really do a great job helping the kids learn the songs. My Eternal Family was Brady's favorite one to learn this year, and he often goes around singing "I am a builder, working so hard, to build my familyyyyyy" :) He just LOVES singing time :) When the next door neighbor's son talked about having his cute little sister (the same sister who came to the hospital with us) sealed to them after her adoption, it just brought tears to my eyes. I love that little girl so much and I know that she was meant to be in their family - she needed them, and they needed her :)

for all the prayers and positive thoughts that all my "cyber" and IRL friends and family offered on Brady's behalf on Wednesday. I know they helped, and I did feel at peace that things would go alright and that Brady would be fine. Those prayers help and mean more to me than you will ever know - thank you!!!

What are YOU grateful for today?????

Sunday Grains of Gratitude.......

2009-09-20T12:31:00.002-06:00

Lest you all think I've given up on being grateful - please know that I haven't :) Since there are wayyyyyy too many summer gratitudes to catch up on - let me just say - I had many many things to be grateful for during the last three months, but you would all be bored to tears to read my "catch up" post - so I'll start fresh this week - recommitted to posting gratitudes each Sunday :)

This week I'm grateful.....

that I have time to write my grateful post!!!

that Brady is in a good school with people who really want to support him and help him be successful! And - that I had my easiest IEP ever on Thursday - hardly any stress, and lots of peace about our decision to change schools, even though we most certainly miss Brady going to school with all the neighborhood kids. He has a fabulous, darling teacher, great aides, and such cute kids in his class. Of course we still have some glitches, but it is definitely an answer to prayer!

that the hubs was in town this week!

that C and Little K played well at their respective soccer games :) We didn't get wins at either one - but apparently the girls played super well at the HS game to keep the score very low against the team that has won the state title the last 2 or 3 years, and Little K's team continues to improve each game - and that is the goal :)

that C had fun at homecoming :)

that H is enjoying school. He wasn't too sure about going to a charter school, but I think in the end he is happy and learning and having fun.

that my dad's back surgery went well and that he is HOME from the hospital. It took a few days, but I'm glad he is home and I hope and pray he continues to recover and is back to health soon!

that the mole we had removed from C's back came back as an "age spot" and normal tissue. An age spot at 17??? She better stay out of the sun LOLOL

that the weather has been beautiful for the most part. The leaves are starting to change in the mountains, so it won't be long until my children have to endure our yearly torture - er - picture taking session :) It has been gorgeous, and while I love fall, I will be so sad to see the summer weather go - I just LOVE summer!!!

that I will get to see Big K this coming weekend :) She has pencilled us in to celebrate her dear old dad's b-day - so that will be great. I'm grateful she is having a good time at school, but we still miss her tons :) I actually opened the door to her room the other morning to get her up for scriptures and then remembered - oh ya - I don't have a kid in this room right now ;) The little kids asked if she was going to come home for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter :) They really miss her too!

for the sweet new sheets my mom bought us - they are like HEAVEN :) I think she purposely bought light colored ones to ensure I make my bed each morning so the kids don't get food on them while they are sitting on my bed eating and watching tv, in what they KNOW is a NO FOOD ZONE. They are awesome - thanks Mom!!!!!

What are YOU grateful for today????

Labor Day Weekend Get-away!!!!

2009-09-17T11:16:00.002-06:00

My climbing boy had no fear!!! That can be kind of scary thing around big climbing rocks and drop offs ;)

Red Rocks are COOOL!!!!!

A hiking we will go :)

I LOVE the red sand - it is soooo cool :)

Rocks and a stream to throw them in - what could be better????? YAYYYY!

We found all sorts of wildlife - including frogs from tadpoles to hoppity little full grown froggies. This was the fattest tadpole I have ever seen :) The kids thought it was so cool!

Sooo exciting!!!!

2009-09-17T11:14:00.003-06:00

Little K's team had a chance to be ball girls for a local college game a few weeks ago. They were so excited to snag balls and play a scrimmage at half time :) They could barely contain their giddiness. When the local team scored barely into the game they were so excited - then so bummed when it was called off-sides. It was a GREAT game, unfortunately the team we were cheering for lost 1-0 in overtime - but the little girls had an amazing time anyway :)

Soccer girl :)

2009-09-17T11:12:00.000-06:00

Getting ready!!!!

Goooo C :)

Dress up fun!!!!

2009-09-17T11:10:00.001-06:00

The princesses and the cowboy :)

Yee haw!!!!

Pretty pretty princesses :)

SBO Sweater and Swearing in Ceremony :)

2009-09-17T11:02:00.002-06:00

Cute C is an SBO (student body officer) this year and she is the spirit officer - it's perfect for my crazy, spirited, funny, amazing girl :) The sweater ceremony was late this year - right before school started, so everyone was soooo excited to get their sweaters :)

Taking their oath of office :)

Sweater!!!!

Cute girls!

Student Body Officers 2009!

Hi Ho Hi Ho, it's off to school we go.......

2009-09-03T11:40:00.003-06:00

Big K off to college!!!!

Brady off to first grade!

C;s first day as a senior!

H goes to Jr. High!!!

J off to High School!!!!

Little K to 5th grade!!! How did they all get soooooo big?????

I'm baaaaaaaack!!!!!!

2009-08-27T11:59:00.002-06:00

well - kind of :) I WILL be back :)

Things are finally settling in and I have so much to catch up on. I haven't even posted the rest of our France pictures - I am sooo lame!

What a whirlwind summer and back to school it's been. Definitely eventful times in my life, that I need to write down and remember. So many firsts and lasts - I'm hitting a bittersweet phase of my life, I think! I don't know whether to love it or hate it - but I figure I better embrace it - because it's the beginning of more and more firsts and lasts as the kids grow up and move on to newer and bigger (and not surprisingly - more expensive - ha ha) adventures!!!

So - I'll be back to share our adventures, and what few pictures I managed to take this summer - mostly we were potty training - with progress - but not success yet - so our days were pretty tame at home boring days - although Brady would probably tell you they were torture :)

Off to do some laundry and clean a bit during my first 2 hours all alone in months :)

Cya soon!!!!

To my blog.....

2009-08-07T04:47:00.002-06:00

Dear poor neglected little blog,

I'm so sorry you've fallen by the wayside this summer. You and my camera are in good company. For some reason, the restful, relaxing summer sitting by the pool and getting nicely tanned through 50 SPF, that I dreamed of, just didn't happen. In fact, you aren't the only neglected area of my life - my house, my yard, my waistline - heck - I could go on for ages, but I would hate to bore my readers, or deflate my self-esteem even more ;)

So - please don't feel lonely - one of these days I will return. I figure school starts in 2 weeks - so I'll either have died from the stress of trying to figure out exactly WHERE my children are going to school, or I'll be back to post more exciting and witty posts (or not so witty or exciting - but hey - mundane is almost as good - right?)

I miss you - you are such a good listener, and you never talk back or tell me I'm being silly or "needy" (the hubs is in big trouble for that one - he'll be sorry - ba ha ha ;) Of course I can write that, because he never reads my blog - so he'll never know - he figures he's living it - so why read it ;) And - you are so cathartic - especially during those stressful, frustrating school adventures - which don't seem to end - so be prepared - I may be coming to vent to you. I hope you won't forsake me, as I seem to have forsaken you :) Lucky for me - I think you're almost as forgiving as Brady :)

So - I hope you'll forgive and have me back, when I have the time, and a coherent thought to share :) You're the bestest!!!

Be back soon - ummm - I hope......

p.s. after 2 months, we now have 4 fully functioning toilets until Brady decides to send another toy - or C's keys - or his UNDIES (all which were fished out of one of said functioning toilets just this last evening...) on an adventurous voyage to the ocean (no more NEMO!!!!) I was sure we'd missed this phase - we keep telling him there are only TWO things that should be flushed down the toilet for such adventures, and we would be EVER so happy to for him to be flushing them on a consistent basis ;)

Back from Sacramento!!!!

2009-08-03T07:38:00.002-06:00

Oh what a wonderful weekend it was in Sacramento at the NDSC conference. There is just something so amazing about being surrounded by sooooo many people with down syndrome. I love going to these conferences because people are so kind and accepting and it's "normal" to be there - with no one staring (except to say how cute the kids with ds are). I don't think people who don't have someone with a difference in their lives notice how much it stands out to other people.

At first, Brady having T21 really stood out for me, and I noticed it all the time. As he has gotten older, there may be days that go by that I don't even think about it - because Brady is just Brady! But, whenever we go out - it is always apparent that other people in stores, at parks, in restaurants DO NOT see Brady as Brady - but that the fact that he has T21 is the number one thing they notice. And the stares - wow - there are lots and lots of those - and by kids who barely seem old enough to notice that he is any different.

But, at the NDSC conference there was none of that ;) Just families and people with T21 in all shapes, sizes, hair colors, skin tones, and abilities. Two hotels full of people who "get it" :) It's a wonderful experience!!!

And - I got to meet up with a bunch of online friends - and it was WONDERFUL!!!! Most of them I'd met before, but one friend from New Jersey, a kindred spirit, for sure, Stephanie, and one from California, Beth, I was meeting for the first time. Yet - within this community of wonderful women that I have known online since Brady was 3 months old, there are no awkward moments upon first meeting, no feeling of not knowing the person - it's almost like coming home and meeting up with an old friend who lives far away. It's almost like having 25 sisters :) I LOVE it!!! It was so fun to meet Patrick and Katie, and watch Emma, Chloe, Katie and Jennifer play - I love these kids! It was so fun to see everyone - and in some ways I wished I had taken Brady, but in others, it was nice to be able to just sit and visit and go to the conference sessions without having to worry about what he was up to :) He's a busy little boy, afterall :)

It was great to see presenters who are "the" people in the T21 community, to get new ideas, to feel a feeling of "community" and know I am not alone in some of the struggles I face with education and behaviors. It's kind of like having a weekend of General Conference - I always come away with a new sense of determination and direction from General Conference, and I feel the same way about every Down Syndrome conference I attend. While General Conference fills my spiritual bucket, down syndrome conferences fill my parenting-a-child-with -differences bucket :) I have some new ideas, some things I want to try, some things I want to change about the way we are doing things.

I love Brady so much and I want what is appropriate - oops - I really mean BEST for him. So - I'm off to make some materials, to switch up the way we do things, to read a couple of books and to get to work!!!!

See ya all soon!!!!

p.s. I left my camera home so my family could take pictures of Little K's soccer tournament (which they didn't - grrrrrrrr) sooooo no pictures from the conference, unless my friends email me some - pretty please?????

Happy Happy Birthday J!!!

2009-07-20T23:20:00.001-06:00

Happy 15th Birthday J!!! We had a great time spending the day with you! Hope you enjoyed doing nothing today - cause as Scarlet O'Hara says - Tomorrow is another day :) We love you!!!

Sunday Grains of Gratitude....

2009-07-19T14:08:00.002-06:00

I'm sooo behind on everything - including my blogs and my grains - so sorry!!! I'm going to blame it on the fact that it's summer and I have six very busy children :) That's my story and I'm sticking to it :)

So much to be grateful for - always.....

This week I'm grateful.....

that I got to exercise and that my kids and hubby were willing to come with me to the track :) Little K and can walk and run 3 miles in the time it takes me to do 2 :)

that my neighbor is soooo kind and generous to allow us to swim in her pool. It makes Brady's day to slide down her slide and play with her kids :)

that we've been having such nice weather - love it!

that my hubby has been home and not traveling lately - it has been sooo nice!!!

that everyone was healthy and well and we all got to go to church together on Sunday (well - except Big K - she tried out the Single's Ward - it was kind of weird without her - but I guess I need to get used to it, as she will be off to school in a month!)

that we got J's b-day shopping done - so excited for his birthday tomorrow!!! I can't believe he is going to be FIFTEEN!!!

that we got a bunch of weeding done yesterday - not nearly enough, but, it's kind of one of those jobs that is never done - like laundry and dishes :)

that Little K is such a GREAT big sissy and has been such a big help with potty training this week - she can make Brady smile and laugh like no one else and he'll sit longer on the potty for her without whining than for anyone else :) Thanks Little K :)

What are YOU grateful for this week?

Summer is......

2009-07-09T17:49:00.002-06:00

swimming......

potty training - uck.....

late nights......

tired moms......

cleaning.....

weeding.....

trying to keep up with the kids......

soccer (who knew that I'd never get a break from being a soccer mom - no summer vacation, no winter vacation- it's a year round sport - who knew?????)

sunshine :)

annoying speech therapists who think they know everything about "downs kids" - I sure wish Brenda was on our insurance......

more potty training......

sidewalk chalk.....

trying to get into an exercise routine.....

trying to eat healthier.....

playing with the kids.....

trying not to count down the days til school starts again :(

TOO SHORT!!!!!!!