October is almost over. :( I love October. This month has been the best month I have had in a long time. It was busy, but good busy. It was stretching, but good learning.
I am excited for the coming months, and a little anxious about what it could hold for our little family. I LOVE the Holidays, and am doing my best to make my home feel cozy for the Holiday season. I LOVE sitting in my house, under my favorite soft green blanket (that I got at Kohl's for a black Friday sale a few years ago, and have never found another one), and watching a good Holiday movie. Like, THE HOLIDAY or The Family Stone. I also love the smell of baking, and if there is no baking going on, then candles or my awesome Scentsy will do. I love warm beverages, in a fat mug. I can't wait.
Thank you for your comments, messages, and texts about my last post. I worried about it, wondering if it offended, which was totally not my intention. So, thanks for assuring me. I am glad to know I actually have readers.
I love Sundays, and plan to squeeze the most of the rest of this one. We (craig, annabelle and I) went on the most awesome walk on the trail this morning. TODAY IS GORGEOUS!!! We were gone for a while and didn;t realize it till we got home. :)
Have a great week!
10.30.2011
10.28.2011
October 28
Over the past 24 hours or so I have been contemplating what my real thoughts are on the following:
(I DID NOT WRITE THE FOLLOWING, BUT COPIED IT FROM A BLOG)
"People First Language (PFL)...this ain't rocket science, people.
One of my biggest pet peeves since giving birth to my son is the inability some people have in referring to him a kid with Down syndrome. So what do these people call him?
1. Downs
2. Downs kid
3. Downs person
4. Downs baby
5. Down syndrome
Do you see the pattern here?
So what is wrong with saying, "Oh, is he Downs?" Or saying, "He is such a cute Downs kid." Or how about, "I know a Downs person and they are so loving." I could go on and on, but, you get the picture. The problem with these sentences is the fact that, not once, was my child, Joseph, ever mentioned. He was never personified in these sentences. This is NOT people first language.
For instance, if you had cancer, I would never call you "that sick cancer person" or "Cancer Cathy" or ask "Oh, are you cancer? That is just awful"... If I were to refer to your illness (or whatever) I would say, "Cathy has breast cancer" or something to that effect.
So when you are out and about doing whatever it is you do each day and you are talking about a kid with Down syndrome, a baby with Down syndrome or a child with Down syndrome and you feel the need to bring Down syndrome into the equation be sure to put it in it's proper place and that would be as the secondary numerator's holding place and NOT after the equal sign. Yes, my son is a person first and the equation should look like this
{person} + Down syndrome = PERSON
and not like this
Down syndrome + {Person} = Down syndrome.
Down syndrome is secondary in all things in my home, Person is Person first and always. We just got the added bonus of Down syndrome :0) "
I came across that yesterday, and see posts like this often on DS parent's blogs. I can't say that these are yet my feelings. Here is my perspective:
Too many people do not know about Down Syndrome, and the first things that comes to most minds are the distinct facial features, 'slower' mind, and maybe a funny way of speaking. Right? Maybe that isn't your first thought, but I think it was always my first thought. I knew, well, not really a thing. Just the other day, I caught myself saying , "I saw this cute downs girl working at wal mart". The only reason I CAUGHT myself is because i realize that some people do not like it when their kids are referred to that way. I guess the 'proper' thing to say is, "I saw this cute girl WITH Down Syndrome working at Wal Mart." If you say it the other way, I am not yet offended. Unless of course you mean it offensively. ha. ;)
Now that I have Annabelle, I do find people maybe stumbling over there words when talking to me, or trying to be careful about what and HOW to say things. I want you to know that I am not offended. If you call Annabelle a "Downs Baby", I have not been offended. If you say "Downs", rather than the correct term, Down Syndrome, I will not correct you. The reason, SO FAR, is that I know that these people are not trying to offend me, OR are they talking down to Annabelle. Does that make sense? I have not come across anyone YET, that while having a conversation about Annabelle do they speak as if she is just so super different. I have been blessed I guess to just be around people who are encouraging, supportive and truly just curious.
I will answer almost any question asked, and I do believe I know how to filter the offensive and non-offensive questions. If someone would offend me, I would not hold back, and would put them in their place. Not out of spite, or to be rude, but just with the heart and purpose to help them to understand how to approach people with special needs children. I would have wanted that, and would have appreciated a polite correction if I ever offended someone. And still would want that.
As far as this "R" word goes. This word is no longer in my vocabulary. I hear it often, very often. People say it when they mess up, or are annoyed with someone for being so ret***ed. It makes me more uncomfortable than I thought it would, because it was for sure a word I used a bit before Annabelle. But, I do know that people around me who are saying it, are not saying it TO Annabelle. Because, ooooh, if they were, ha, that would be another story. A couple of months ago, someone said it around me in a typical conversation. Maybe saying how ret***ed they were for making such a silly mistake. I don't remember. What I remember is them catching themselves and then apologizing and getting super awkward. I was not offended to begin with, but then felt uncomfortable for the way they were so apologetic. I understood the conversation, and in no way were they saying anything at all towards my daughter. But, I guess it is good that they noticed that the "R" word should not just be thrown around like it always is.
THIS is what offends me most: people making fun of Ret***ed people. Goodness sakes, don't do that in front of me! THAT makes me upset. I do not know what Annabelle will be like as she gets older, but I am SURE that it will be nothing to make fun of. Don't say things like, "Doii doiii duuh doiii, I'm a little slow". I am not sure why this kind of thing bothers me the most, when typical converstaion and the word "DOWNS" doesn't really.
Of course, I don't want my daughter labeled, but isn't that what she is? She has a diagnosis, so is therefore labeled. But, I don't want that label to LIMIT OR DEFINE her. These kiddos are MORE ALIKE than DIFFERENT. And I pray I will see more of this "Likeness to Typical" as she grows, learns and develops. :)
I hope that all made some kind of sense. Just things that have been on my mind.
HAPPY FRIDAY.
(I DID NOT WRITE THE FOLLOWING, BUT COPIED IT FROM A BLOG)
"People First Language (PFL)...this ain't rocket science, people.
One of my biggest pet peeves since giving birth to my son is the inability some people have in referring to him a kid with Down syndrome. So what do these people call him?
1. Downs
2. Downs kid
3. Downs person
4. Downs baby
5. Down syndrome
Do you see the pattern here?
So what is wrong with saying, "Oh, is he Downs?" Or saying, "He is such a cute Downs kid." Or how about, "I know a Downs person and they are so loving." I could go on and on, but, you get the picture. The problem with these sentences is the fact that, not once, was my child, Joseph, ever mentioned. He was never personified in these sentences. This is NOT people first language.
For instance, if you had cancer, I would never call you "that sick cancer person" or "Cancer Cathy" or ask "Oh, are you cancer? That is just awful"... If I were to refer to your illness (or whatever) I would say, "Cathy has breast cancer" or something to that effect.
So when you are out and about doing whatever it is you do each day and you are talking about a kid with Down syndrome, a baby with Down syndrome or a child with Down syndrome and you feel the need to bring Down syndrome into the equation be sure to put it in it's proper place and that would be as the secondary numerator's holding place and NOT after the equal sign. Yes, my son is a person first and the equation should look like this
{person} + Down syndrome = PERSON
and not like this
Down syndrome + {Person} = Down syndrome.
Down syndrome is secondary in all things in my home, Person is Person first and always. We just got the added bonus of Down syndrome :0) "
I came across that yesterday, and see posts like this often on DS parent's blogs. I can't say that these are yet my feelings. Here is my perspective:
Too many people do not know about Down Syndrome, and the first things that comes to most minds are the distinct facial features, 'slower' mind, and maybe a funny way of speaking. Right? Maybe that isn't your first thought, but I think it was always my first thought. I knew, well, not really a thing. Just the other day, I caught myself saying , "I saw this cute downs girl working at wal mart". The only reason I CAUGHT myself is because i realize that some people do not like it when their kids are referred to that way. I guess the 'proper' thing to say is, "I saw this cute girl WITH Down Syndrome working at Wal Mart." If you say it the other way, I am not yet offended. Unless of course you mean it offensively. ha. ;)
Now that I have Annabelle, I do find people maybe stumbling over there words when talking to me, or trying to be careful about what and HOW to say things. I want you to know that I am not offended. If you call Annabelle a "Downs Baby", I have not been offended. If you say "Downs", rather than the correct term, Down Syndrome, I will not correct you. The reason, SO FAR, is that I know that these people are not trying to offend me, OR are they talking down to Annabelle. Does that make sense? I have not come across anyone YET, that while having a conversation about Annabelle do they speak as if she is just so super different. I have been blessed I guess to just be around people who are encouraging, supportive and truly just curious.
I will answer almost any question asked, and I do believe I know how to filter the offensive and non-offensive questions. If someone would offend me, I would not hold back, and would put them in their place. Not out of spite, or to be rude, but just with the heart and purpose to help them to understand how to approach people with special needs children. I would have wanted that, and would have appreciated a polite correction if I ever offended someone. And still would want that.
As far as this "R" word goes. This word is no longer in my vocabulary. I hear it often, very often. People say it when they mess up, or are annoyed with someone for being so ret***ed. It makes me more uncomfortable than I thought it would, because it was for sure a word I used a bit before Annabelle. But, I do know that people around me who are saying it, are not saying it TO Annabelle. Because, ooooh, if they were, ha, that would be another story. A couple of months ago, someone said it around me in a typical conversation. Maybe saying how ret***ed they were for making such a silly mistake. I don't remember. What I remember is them catching themselves and then apologizing and getting super awkward. I was not offended to begin with, but then felt uncomfortable for the way they were so apologetic. I understood the conversation, and in no way were they saying anything at all towards my daughter. But, I guess it is good that they noticed that the "R" word should not just be thrown around like it always is.
THIS is what offends me most: people making fun of Ret***ed people. Goodness sakes, don't do that in front of me! THAT makes me upset. I do not know what Annabelle will be like as she gets older, but I am SURE that it will be nothing to make fun of. Don't say things like, "Doii doiii duuh doiii, I'm a little slow". I am not sure why this kind of thing bothers me the most, when typical converstaion and the word "DOWNS" doesn't really.
Of course, I don't want my daughter labeled, but isn't that what she is? She has a diagnosis, so is therefore labeled. But, I don't want that label to LIMIT OR DEFINE her. These kiddos are MORE ALIKE than DIFFERENT. And I pray I will see more of this "Likeness to Typical" as she grows, learns and develops. :)
I hope that all made some kind of sense. Just things that have been on my mind.
HAPPY FRIDAY.
10.27.2011
October 27
I mean, why wouldn't you want to stay in your jammies till almost noon with this cutie?
I am up way too late because of this amazing World Series game. It's funny how I don't notice or care about baseball the rest of the year. But, this game is some serious excitement. And since a team from my home state is just {this} close to winning, it's even more exciting!
Hope you're all having a great week.
10.26.2011
October 26
I LOVE being a stay at home mom with Annabelle. I wouldn't want to be doing anything else right now. :)
10.24.2011
October 24.
Check out that beautiful team for ANNABELLE's ANGELS! Buddy Walk was fantastic this year. I believe we had about 45 people come out to support sweet Annabelle. I was and still am just blown away and SO super appreciative to everyone who came out to make that day special. It was hot as heck, but the kids had fun with tons of events going on. I wanted to have time to hang out with and talk to everyone who came, but it wasn't possible with all that was happening. That's a good sign, I would say.
Thank You to anyone who came out. You can still make donations until the end of December. RIGHT HERE. I also placed a little tab on the side of the blog where you can donate as well. :)
My MIL just left this evening, and we were sad to see her go. It was a blessing to have her here this week.
Tomorrow, Craig goes back to work, and Annabelle and I have NOTHING on the agenda. That makes me so excited, I can't even tell you. SO EXCITED. I feel like there has not been a day lately that has not had something going on. I hope to not leave the house at all, and just chill here with her. YAY! :)
Enjoy the week.
10.23.2011
OCTOBER 23-BUDDY WALK
Today is BUDDY WALK! I am so excited for our team, and cant wait to see everyone! Cant wait to show you all the pictures. Have a great Sunday!
10.21.2011
October 21.
Today has been pretty fun.:) MOPS was this morning, and that always brightens my Fridays. My Mother in Law spoke to our group about "communication", and she did such a great job. She read this verse:
"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." -Colossians 4:6
The Lord knows just what I need, just when I need it. I am so thankful that Deb was able to be here for this week, not only for today, but also for SUNDAY for Buddy Walk! This week was timely, so that I could talk to her about some things, and her advice was just perfect. I am so blessed to have married into such and amazing family.
We also went to see "The Help" today. SUCH a fantastic movie. I would recommend that movie to anyone. I loved it.
2 days till Buddy Walk. We have a team of almost 40, and that is incredible!!!!!!!!! I just finished painting some team t shirts for some of us! I can't wait!
"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." -Colossians 4:6
The Lord knows just what I need, just when I need it. I am so thankful that Deb was able to be here for this week, not only for today, but also for SUNDAY for Buddy Walk! This week was timely, so that I could talk to her about some things, and her advice was just perfect. I am so blessed to have married into such and amazing family.
We also went to see "The Help" today. SUCH a fantastic movie. I would recommend that movie to anyone. I loved it.
2 days till Buddy Walk. We have a team of almost 40, and that is incredible!!!!!!!!! I just finished painting some team t shirts for some of us! I can't wait!
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