Bumper Stickers for Cyril's Sake!

We are selling "Live Life Big" bumper stickers to raise funds for Cyril K. at Reece's Rainbow. We are taking a $5 donation for one, $8 for two, $10 for three, $12 for four ($3 each after that). Contribute via the chip-in and be sure to include your address so that we can send your bumper stickers to you. Your bumper sticker will not have the watermark on it and it measures 4"X4" THANKS!

**also, since I'm new at this.... if you order, would you also leave a comment that you did or email me: lakesmit at gmail dot com so that i can make sure and not miss any orders. thanks

the extra measure.........

I am touched when people take extra time with Nevin..... when they give him a little extra compassion, a little extra attention.    When they make him feel valued and important.

Tonight we were planning on going to a band concert.  It was going to happen at a local bar and we had heard that if we got there early and ordered food........ and kept the food on the table....... we'd be able to bring Nevin in and stay through the first set.   He was SO excited...... a "Rock'n Roll" concert. 

But, tonight we found out that rules had changed and NO one under 21 would be admitted.  Nevin was disappointed...... but Jon (the lead singer of Midnight to Twelve) met us outside the bar as they were unloading and gave Nevin some extra special treatment!!   He got to watch them unload their equipment, got a tour of their bus, got an autographed CD, pictures with the band and with Jon.    Definitely a night to remember.    

Jon is the son of a friend of mine (they live in CA)....... but doesn't really "know" Nevin....... yet he was WONDERFUL with him...... actually the whole band was great with him.  It just warms my heart!!

   Be sure and check out Nevin's blog for more pictures.  

Blessed by health

As I've joined the world of blogging, I'm enjoying reading blogs written by others.  I have especially enjoyed the stories of other families who've been blessed by something extra (i.e. an extra chromosome, T21, a.k.a. Down syndrome. 

I am reminded of how blessed we were when Nevin was born healthy.   His heart defect was minor and did not require any surgery.  He latched on and nursed as well as my previous two babies (and although he couldn't handle too much flow..... pumping first to avoid "drowning" seemed to solve this problem .... and after several months, he did fine).   His immune system was easily compromised, requiring frequent hospitalizations that first year,  but nothing compared to what some families must deal with.  

Sooo..... we were spared some of the extra "worries" that can sometimes come with "extra chromosomes".    Please join me in praying for families who have to deal with significant health issues related to DS.   I've added links to a few of these families.     Brianna is dealing with leukemia, she is part of our local Down syndrome support group.    Kennedy's daddy is in Afghanistan, she has had multiple health issues including Leukemia and now faces surgery and a halo for severe neck instability.    I'll let you meet Chelsea and Parker via their blogs.   Princess Mya doesn't have Down Syndrome...... but she does have a brain tumor (her grandpa and my dad are cousins).

Thank you for your prayers.

Beautiful Video

I Have a Voice

overwhelmed

Wow, the second day of having a blog and I get to report that I am overwhelmed already.   Not really by the blog, but by the events that inspired me to start a blog.  I have offered to speak (what was I thinking?!?) with our local Down Syndrome Group about some of the strategies that we have used to make reading more accessible, as well as share some of the websites that I have recently discovered that have free online interactive books.

My job tonight was to just come up with a "blurb" for the newsletter about what the next meeting will be about.     Oh, my goodness...... if I struggle this much trying to write a "blurb", maybe I shouldn't have offered to do this.   Although, some of you know that I'm usually ok if you stick me in front of a group and allow me to speak my heart and my passion.  If I try to write a script, I'm usually in trouble.

Sooo....... back to the blurb.  (*note.... rough draft follows... to be reviewed and re-written after some much needed sleep)    Maybe just something along the lines of:

"A Show and Tell Session"  

Laurie will be sharing some of the tips and tricks that she has found useful in making reading accessible for her son, Nevin 18, over the years.  Some things that will be shared include examples of: how to write/make books personal and meaningful for your child;   a variety of ways to publish books in your kitchen with simple household tools; how to turn your digital camera into a teaching tool, as well as a communication tool; how to make your own interactive books with PowerPoint; ............. (and maybe some more things I haven't thought of :)

She will also be demonstrating the Boardmaker software and a few of the many ways it can be used to make learning visual for your child.

We will also go online together and see some of the wonderful free interactive books and activities available.  

Whatever the age of your child, birth to adult, you'll walk away with a new idea to try when you get home.

......... ok......... now I feel better, at least I have SOMETHING written down...... now on to the much needed sleep!!    good night!