The Honeymoon

I'm loving this honeymoon period. (Except the part where I don' t have time to get ready so I look like I just crawled out of bed...)

Playing outside today(the smiles say it all)

To give you and idea of size. The pants are 12m (rolled up a the waist)
the shirt is 18m
He is tiny


So Debbie, feel free to send up those prayers for energy. I have a feeling I'm going to need them.

Stricklin, Party of 6

OK. Today, I figure I want to get Turner on our schedule so I decide we need to go out and do something. So we decide to go out to eat. Yep, his first full day home and I'm dragging him out to one of our favorite Mr. Ron's (Ansley's word for restaurant). We go into the restaurant and 3 of our 4 kids are climbing all over the booth. The 4th (and newest) is screaming his displeasure about something. I turn around to see the person who is going to be our waitress, roll her eyes. I just had to laugh and apologize before we even got started. She was like, oh no, it's okay. (She didnt' expect to get caught)

Even though we had a rough start, the lunch went well. Everyone ate well, even Turner. Who'd think a kid with only 4 teeth could eat tortilla chips!

Overall, I'd say we were doing quite well. He definitely doesn't want dad to get out of site. If however, Dad is going to be gone, Mom will do (after much screaming). The kids are loving him. Ansley likes the job of 'big sister'. Judson is doing pretty well with the screaming. (When Ansley came home and screamed, Judson would melt down) Sawyer thinks Turner is pretty cool too. So for day 1, I give us an "A"The Great Rift Valley

Sick and Tired

Ansley, Sawyer and I woke up this morning coughing, sneezing, etc. Yep, we have the same thing Judson has had for the past few days. We're SICK!

Randy and Turner/Mesfin are on their last leg of the their journey. They've been in airplanes/airports for about 13 hours and have about 9 more hours to go. They're TIRED!

At least, we'll be together soon!

Buddy Walk-What Happens to the Money

Last fall the DSAA Buddy Walk made almost $150,000 after expenses were paid. Of this, $15,000 (10%) was donated to NDSS, specifically designated for their Washington, D.C. Policy Center. The remaining $135,000 stayed in DSAA and has been used for the following activities:

• Grant to the Emory Down Syndrome Clinic -- $31,250
• Grant to the Adult Down Syndrome Clinic -- $23,000
• Funding for the Hispanic Support Group -- $ 4,200
• Launching of Down Syndrome Specialists Project in schools - $ 3,200
  
• Costs for bimonthly DSAA Newsletters -- $ 11,000
• Costs for website maintenance -- $ 3,000
  
• New Expectant Parent and Medical Provider Guides -- $ 25,000
• New Parent Packets and Parent Liaison Program costs -- $ 1,000
• Spring Educational Conference -- $ 800
• Scholarships for members to attend conferences -- $ 4,000
• Bregman Dance for young adults -- $ 1,000
• Winter social and spring luau -- $ 17,000
• Advocacy $ 2,200
• Fall Conference Planning and Publicity -- $ 8,350 TOTAL $ 135,000
  

A Fly on the Wall

Note: Judson has a summer cold right now

Overheard in our car today:

Mom: Judson, we cannot go there today. You are Sick.

Judson: I"m not sick. I"m just a little down in the nose.

First Week of School

Sawyer completed his 1st week of school. It/he was a huge success. Monday when I picked him up, his teacher said, "See you tomorrow, friend". Ah...no. He will only be coming M-W-F. Disappointment was written all over her face. She said they thought he was 5 days a week. No, just check the IEP, should be written in there. So, Wednesday, when I pick him up, first the para-pro approaches me about 5 days per week. Again, NO. Then the teacher says maybe he'd do better with more routine and perhaps I'd like to consider putting him in 5 days per week. Again, NO. We planned on3 plus we have OT on Tuesdays. So today, Friday, who's out there? The principal of the school. SHe's 'in love' with my son, as is everyone apparently. He is such a wonderful little boy, blah blah blah. Perhaps, I would want to put him in 5 days per week.

Now, my son is a charmer. True enough. Plus, this first week he has been on his best behavior and has not unleashed that temper he gets from his father's side of the family. However, is that the ONLY reason they want him in school 5 days a week. I suspect not. There are only 3 kids in his class. Not sure the time frame the other 2 children are attending but I suspect it's hard to justify 1 teacher and 1 para-pro for 3 kids. Alas, I do not want them to lose this program or change it to another school. However, at this point, my son will only be going 3 days per week. Hopefully, as children age out of state early intervention program, more children will be in the class as the school year progresses.

When the Cat's Away

We PLAY:

1) Overheard at McD's play place this week:
Elderly woman: Your children are precious. So beautiful.
Me: Thank You.
Woman: You are so lucky. I wish my daughter would give me some grandbabies.
Ansley (Looking at me all wide eyed and sincere): She can go to Taiwan and get a baby!
Me: That's a GREAT idea!

2) Pictures of our Jumping Fun (while Sawyer was in school) with our friend Luyushu(apparently the roof leaked rain in on this slide. Luyushu was soaked. Luckily, I had some extra clothes in the car, so we didn't have to go home and change or anything)

Ansley thought she was as big as Luyushu and Judson and tried to do everything they did, UNTIL, she got stuck between two jumpy things. Had to be pulled out by one of the other moms. (I didn't know she was stuck)



Judson and Luyushu have been friends for almost 4 years now. At one point, he was her 'prince' and she was going to marry him someday.(Seriously, she told her mom that she was going to marry him) She even told him at swimming this summer that he was 'kinda cute'. However, times change and people change and she found a new boyfriend. I did hear that her new beau 'Dump-ed' her for another girl. So maybe these 2 can get back together!!!! So cute!

Tropic Thunder

I've debated whether to write anything personal about the movie, Tropic Thunder. I believe if you give something credence, then it becomes bigger than it would have otherwise. I don't like giving power to something so trite as a movie meant to make 15-year old boys laugh. (even if it is as the expense of other people) So instead I will tell you about a 3 year old boy whom I love very much and who someday will know what the 'r' word means and will be hurt by it.

He was born with Down Syndrome but that is just one aspect of his life and personality. He LOVES music. Sings at the top of his lungs to Wiggles songs, Disney songs, Josh Groban songs, The Banana Boat song, Avalon's song, Orphans of God, and on it goes. He loves playing outside. He likes sliding and swinging and just being outside. He adores his big brother. If big brother does it, he thinks it's the best thing every. He loves slap stick humor. Falling on the floor and bumping into things are some of his faves. He tells knock-knock jokes. He also will say, "Give me 5" "Up High" "Down Low" "Too Slow".

He cannot stand it when someone cries. (except maybe his sister) He LOVES teasing his sister. (who doesn't?) He can count to 20 and recognizes the numbers 1-20. He knows his abc's and their sounds. He has trouble with his colors. He loves cars and trains and anything with wheels. He needs to work on trunk strength. He loves meat and potatoes. Sweets and Veggies? Eh, not so much.

In other words, he's just like your kids and kids you know. He has strengths and weaknesses, just like everyone. It may take him longer to learn something and he may have to work twice as hard as other kids, but he can and does learn. He has feelings like everyone else. So, before you use the 'r' word (or any word that demeans a person or group of people),
DON'T. Plain and simple.

Guess Who? (3rd post for today)

Someone is learning to write her name. I only helped with the "S", she did the rest.
Be sure to check Sawyer's 1st day of school too.

Movie NOT TO SEE

National Down Syndrome Congress

August 10, 2008

Dear Friends,
I am taking the unusual step of contacting you over the weekend, because we have a lot of work to do and a short time in which to do it.
On Friday, our Resource Specialist, Sue Joe, and I attended a special screening of DreamWorks new film, 'Tropic Thunder'. Journalist Pat Bauer also attended the screening and reports on the contents of the film on her blog, www.patriciaebauer. com. So far, we are the only members of the nationwide disability community who have seen the film, though more screenings are planned for Monday for leaders in other cities. To say this film is offensive is an understatement. For me, watching this film felt like sitting through an assault.
The National Down Syndrome Congress is a founding member of a coalition of disability-rights organizations who have been in discussion together -- and with DreamWorks -- about this film. Now that we have seen this movie, there is no doubt but that we must come together to fight what has been characterized as damaging and hurtful hate speech.
Members of the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles, led by Gail Williamson, will be among the local and national representatives providing informational leafleting and picketing at the Hollywood premiere of this film on Monday. However, we need your help.
If you are in Southern California and can get to Los Angeles on Monday, please contact Gail at gail@dsala.org.
If you cannot make it on Monday, please start planning for Wednesday's nationwide premiere by polling your members for those who might be able to show up at one or more theatres in your area that day to share our message that movies like 'Tropic Thunder' do cause harm, both emotionally and by giving insensitive individuals new ways to taunt children and adults with intellectual disabilities. It would be best to have a large turnout at one theatre than to have one or two people at many, and it is important to involve self advocates.
Lest you think the movie is so ridiculous that no one will take it seriously, Josh Tyler, Editor-in-Chief of CinemaBlend, has already given the film a glowing review, noting that his 'current favorite' quote, 'You never go full retard,' comes from the film.
On Monday morning, we will provide information gathered from various coalition members, to use in your efforts.
In Solidarity,

David Tolleson

National Down Syndrome Congress

1st Day of School

Just a quick note. Sawyer did well when I dropped him off at school. Lots of people, he was in heaven. More later after I pick him up. The picture is when I brought out the book bag before we left. He was not happy then! He wanted to go to "Donalds" (aka McDonalds)

HIGH NOON: Just got a call from the teacher. Sawyer is having a great day! He only cried once when they first went into cafeteria for lunch. Once he figured out the whole routine he was fine and ate like a champ. She says he's doing well.

Picked Sawyer up at 2. He was quite happy and had a great day. He is now back in his room listening to music which is one of his favorite things to do.

Buddy Walk - October 4th

Many of you know, every year we participate as a family in our local Buddy Walk day. This year the day is October 4th. We always have a great time. The kids love the games and music. This year we'll be a family of 6!

If you would like to donate, you may go here. This site allows you make a donation via your credit card directly towards Sawyer's goal of $500. If you prefer, you can send us a check made out to DSAA with Sawyer's name on the Memo line. We'll make sure it gets to the proper place.

As always, thank you for your support. Obviously, Down Syndrome is a huge part of our life. It's part of who we are and we wouldn't have it any other way! If anyone is local and wants to come join us, we'd love to see you there. (Registration fees get you a t-shirt and lunch. Or just show up and enjoy the sites and sounds) If you are not local, I encourage you to look for a Buddy Walk close to you. Last year there were 275 Buddy Walks held in October. They would love to see you and even better, they'd love for you to volunteer. You will be blessed beyond measure, I promise.

Miracle Emma

You have to pop over and read the latest on Miss Emma. Just click the button to the right. "Emma's Hope" What an awesome story!

Update on Emma

Click on the EMMA BUTTON on the right to get the update on her. She is out of surgery and in recovery. All is going well.

Little Miss Emma

Emma is having her surgery on Monday. She needs your prayers/good wishes/good karma and any other good vibes you can send her way. It will be a tough day for her mommy and daddy, so send those good vibes their way too.

Tigger or Eeyore

How many are familiar with Randy Pausch? He's the author of The Last Lecture (I believe that's the name). He recently died of cancer but made a big impact upon many folks before he died. I was reading part of his comments and one that stood out was (to paraphrase) "Do you go through life as Tigger with a childlike exuberance or do you go through life like Eeyore, always expecting bad things to happen and consequently, bad things do happen"

That struck a cord in me. There are so many folks out there that are happy most of the time and then there are the folks that are never happy. My grandmother's side of the family, definitely TIGGERS. They were a happy group. With 11 brothers and sister growing up in the early 1900's, theirs was not a life of earthly wealth. Man oh man, did they make the most of what they had. (Which mainly consisted of each other) They laughed and played music and sang and danced. They were always there for each other even when they were grown and had families of their own. Just a wonderful family. Then there was my Grandfather's family. They fell more in the Eeyore side. They were not bad people per se. IT was just their outlook was more puritanical and cold. Not a lot of laughing occurred in that family.

What's the difference? Both sides had ample resources (Without being monetarily rich). Both sides had sadness and hardship in their families. Everyone does. It was how they handled the bad things that came their way. Totally different perspective.

So I ask, are you a Tigger or an Eeyore?

What Happened?

I go away for 1 hour to my annual doctor's visit. I come back to find my den has been transformed into a pirate ship. (don't ask what happened when they had to pick it all up)
What else have we been up to, you ask:

Sawyer singing Apples and Bananas



Ansley with Gum in her hair

Emma's Surgery

Miss Emma is having surgery August 4th. (10 days earlier than originally planned) Click on the button to your right "Emma's Hope" and follow along. It is a very scary time. The surgery carries a lot of risk but without it there is no hope for Emma. So, send those good vibes to Emma and her family.

Just a Few Days Left

To win a Blackberry Curve. Go HERE and check it out. It's for a good cause.

Keeping Busy This Summer (Lots of pics and 1 movie)

Riding Bikes (she really was happy to be riding)

Studying Bubbles

Chalk Drawing (Notice the "A" and holding the bubbles so brothers can't get them)

Two Swimming Parties in One Weekend (This is our local Down Syndrome group. Judson is trying his swimming skills)

There really were lots of folks there. I just don't post other people's children without permission. There was even a couple from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia! It's a small world.

Say a Prayer for Emma

Click on the button labeled "Emma's Hope". She needs your prayers/thoughts/good wishes right now. She's one month from heart surgery. Her heart is failing.

Mother of the Year/Wife of the Year?????

Do you think I have a chance to win either of the awards listed in the title:

1. When I plot in my head to send Sawyer to chaperon Ansley on her dates, as 'payback' for her being mean to him when they were little? How bout I only use this approach to potential dates I don't trust? How about I just make her bring her dates inside and let each sibling ask one question of the beau before I let them leave on their date?

2. When I'm happy that my husband moved his office to the basement instead of having it upstairs where the rest of us 'roam'? I truly am excited that he's working from home but it was getting hard to keep 3 kids quiet every time he was on a conference call.

3. When I won't let my 5 year old watch Zack and Cody or Sponge Bob? "But Mom, they're funny!"

So, I'm thinking those awards are not in the cards for me. Perhaps, I'll let the kids help me make chocolate chip cookies and we give them to Dad. That's bound to get me some points!

Here We Go Again

So for those who do not know, we are adopting again! We're quite excited. We are currently waiting on the courts to approve us to be parents to an adorable little guy living in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We hope to be able to bring him home by November/December.

If you'd like to follow along with our journey, please go here:

Our Adoption Blog

Happy 4th of July

Hope everyone is having a great holiday. We got up this morning and headed over to the local 4th of July parade. Judson actually rode his bike in the parade. AND he won Most Creative for his bike decoration. (and you thought Randy and I were just 'eggs' and weren't creative)

Spending time with Family

Cousin Abigayle (and Aunt Robyn and Nana and Pop) came to visit us this weekend. The kids had a great time putting on plays and doing 'kid' things. Poor Cousin Abigayle does not feel good today.

Things We Like To Do

Play outside!
(Notice the footwear: Picture 1, socks and flip flops Picture 2, barefoot)






Play Dress Up (He's a pirate!)


Go Swimming (Mental note: Sawyer cannot go swimming before bedtime again. Too much to process and he stayed up most of the nite, therefore, so did mom)

Game Ranch

So we took the kids to the Game Ranch again. (We met some friends there) Had a great time, even though it rained a bit. Sawyer actually fed a deer this time. (In between throwing fits, that is) Ansley enjoyed it until one of the turkeys got a bit cranky and scared her. Judson enjoyed it but was disappointed that we didn't get to go on a picnic afterwards because of the rain.

Here are some pics.

This deer would not take NO for an answer. He's 'eating' my shirt!

Emma's 1st Surgery

Click on the button on the right to follow along with Emma today. She's having a T&A today. It's the first step to getting her heart fixed. While for most children, having your tonsils out isn't that big of a deal. It's a huge deal for her. So, keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers today please.

A Trip To the Botanical Garden

Took the kids to the Botanical Gardens today. See what fun we had!

Digging for dinosaur bones and 'swimming'. (Okay, so I forgot Judson's trunks so I made him wear Sawyer's trunks, (24m)) Sawyer has that old Tarzan thing going on with his swimmies pulled up under his arm pits.

Thanks, Annie

For giving me this site: Click and see how rich you are http://globalrichlist.com/

Judson's Daddy Haiku

We Love Our Daddy
Daddy is the BEST Daddy
Happy Father's Day

What's Your Reality?

A fellow blogger (Christine) showed these stats and I thought it was worth repeating here. Pretty eye opening, I think.

If our diverse world were melted down to a village of 100 people, do you know what it would look like?

57 Asian, 21 European, 14 from the Western Hemisphere, 8 African
52 Female, 48 Male
70 Non-white, 30 White
70 Non-Christian, 30 Christian
89 Straight, 11 Gay
6 people hold 59% of the world's worth (all from the US)
80 live in substandard housing
70 are unable to read
50 suffer from malnutrition
1 has a college education
1 has a computer

How does that jibe with your reality? She got the information from this website:
http://www.sustainer.org/meadows/

Out to Lunch

We went out to eat with friends this weekend. Here are the pics Lisa took of the kids. This is Sam. Isn't she a cutie!!!!! Judson was probably under the table at this point.

What are you doing tonite?

What we do, every night: "Plan to take over the world". Ok, maybe not. Maybe we just play outside until we get hot and sweaty. Come in, clean our rooms, take our baths, and watch Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. (during the commercials, we wrestle with dad) It's pretty funny when Ansley asks, "why didn't they give me an "S", Dad?" while watching Wheel. (She actually walks up to the tv, cups her hands around her mouth, and says, "can I have an S please") Or when Judson actually gets an answer to the Jeopardy questions, which he usually does at least once each night. Oh, what a wonderfully boring life we lead. LOVE IT!