I am sitting here trying to fight the temptaion to go see what kinds of Early Bird deals I can get in to. Some stores are still advertising great deals today, and I am so curious!! Shopping on Black Friday is not actually fun to me, unless you go super duper early and get things that are actual deals. By the afternoon, I was finding that most things were just as much as they normally are, so it wasn't worth the lines. Last year, I scored a $50 sewing machine, but this year found nothing I wanted, and surely don't need.
Thanksgiving this year was awesome. We were able to see lots of family that we don't normally see, and that is always nice. I love my family! And I am SUPER THANKFUL.
:)
11.26.2011
11.17.2011
Honest
"O taste and see that the Lord is GOOD." -Psalm 34:8
I have tasted and see that the Lord is GOOD. Without Him, none of what I HAVE or experience would satisfy or bring me peace. And peace and contentment I often crave.
It bugs me so much when someone says something SO RUDE and inappropriate, and says, "Well, I'm just being honest." I do believe there is a time and place for honesty, I do. Sometimes it is so good. But, there is also a time to hold your tongue. Mostly, I am talking about someone talking about someone else. In my case today, I shared some simple honesty about recent frustrations, not about a person at all. Just life. To my husband, who is the MOST understanding and genuinely compassionate person I know. He gets me I think. God knew what He was doing when he matched us together.
I am frustrated over the simplest of things, like, not having a place to put Annabelle's toys and THINGS, or a play room. Goodnight, that's silly. It's one of those things you don't want to say out loud, because you are truly and wholeheartedly GRATEFUL for what you have, but you may sound so ungrateful. Here's a little more honesty: I also would love to go shopping. And buy cute fall outfits. I would like to FEEL settled in a home.( I have not felt settled in this home since we moved her over a year and half ago) I hate how unorganized I feel. I want fake nails. I felt really chubby today. I want a bigger house. I don't FEEL like being nice to a someone who was SO AWFUL to me. I love TV. I am a sucker for America's Next Top Model and that Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader show. I like wine and beer. I am super excited about Breaking Dawn. There, SIMPLE honesty.
ANYWAY, I have major baby fever. There it is again. Honesty. I do. I have for a while. A friend of mine had her baby this week. Another (many others) are pregnant. Whew. It scares me to have another baby, or to get pregnant, but another one of those things I KNOW will be a blessing and a gift.
Welp, Have a great weekend. I am sorry there are no pictures. It requires me downloading and uploading and waiting, and I wasn't in the mood tonight. I love that girl. I love her tagging along at my feet all day. ;)
Oh, and I love Pinterest!
I have tasted and see that the Lord is GOOD. Without Him, none of what I HAVE or experience would satisfy or bring me peace. And peace and contentment I often crave.
It bugs me so much when someone says something SO RUDE and inappropriate, and says, "Well, I'm just being honest." I do believe there is a time and place for honesty, I do. Sometimes it is so good. But, there is also a time to hold your tongue. Mostly, I am talking about someone talking about someone else. In my case today, I shared some simple honesty about recent frustrations, not about a person at all. Just life. To my husband, who is the MOST understanding and genuinely compassionate person I know. He gets me I think. God knew what He was doing when he matched us together.
I am frustrated over the simplest of things, like, not having a place to put Annabelle's toys and THINGS, or a play room. Goodnight, that's silly. It's one of those things you don't want to say out loud, because you are truly and wholeheartedly GRATEFUL for what you have, but you may sound so ungrateful. Here's a little more honesty: I also would love to go shopping. And buy cute fall outfits. I would like to FEEL settled in a home.( I have not felt settled in this home since we moved her over a year and half ago) I hate how unorganized I feel. I want fake nails. I felt really chubby today. I want a bigger house. I don't FEEL like being nice to a someone who was SO AWFUL to me. I love TV. I am a sucker for America's Next Top Model and that Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader show. I like wine and beer. I am super excited about Breaking Dawn. There, SIMPLE honesty.
ANYWAY, I have major baby fever. There it is again. Honesty. I do. I have for a while. A friend of mine had her baby this week. Another (many others) are pregnant. Whew. It scares me to have another baby, or to get pregnant, but another one of those things I KNOW will be a blessing and a gift.
Welp, Have a great weekend. I am sorry there are no pictures. It requires me downloading and uploading and waiting, and I wasn't in the mood tonight. I love that girl. I love her tagging along at my feet all day. ;)
Oh, and I love Pinterest!
11.10.2011
Pink Petal White.
Pink Petal White is the color I chose today for Annabelle's almost finished piece of furniture. I have come home a few times this week with primer and paint stuck under my nails and on my arm hairs. It's coming together.
With an 18 month old, it is hard to find time to do all the things you want to do. I was feeling like a failure as a wife, homemaker, and momma this week. I looked at my TO DO list, and had to really prioritize it. I LOVE having Annabelle at my feet all day, I really do. I understand that she is my first priority when I am at home. BUT, gosh, there is so much I want to get done. ;) For some reason, I thought that the older they get, the less demanding they might be of attention. I don't know why I really thought that. But, it seems that little sweetie has gotten more demanding of momma, especially this week. She has been feeling icky, and every time she is a little cranky I wonder if it is teeth. She still has only 2 little bottom teeth, so I am on the lookout.
She had 2 ECI appointments this week. It makes me so proud when both our O.T. and the Developmental Specialist think Annabelle is and looks amazing. She has made so much progress in the last just 2 or 3 weeks it seems. I have to brag on her. She for sure knows the signs for: Eat, music, milk and pray. (and she may or may not have done the sign for "beautiful" the other day.) Our goal was to have 5 signs by the time she was 2! :) She also is 'trying' to say words like: Pray, Dadda, Pops, Duck, Dog, Bye Bye. We basically celebrate ANYTHING that sounds or looks like a word. She also drank some milk out of a sippy cup today. Big step. :) She is communicating and super duper responsive to so much more than she was just a month ago. I am so proud. She also wants to walk SO bad. She uses that little walker and just cruises all over. She can also waddle holding onto just one hand instead of two. Thanks for letting me brag for a minute. Now I'll boast with videos. :)
So, when Nana was here, she was teaching Annabelle some animal sounds. When it came to "Bunny", Nana wiggled her nose, and somehow Annabelle mimicked that as a little growl. SO ADORABLE. So, she has been doing that ever since. It's awesome.
ANNNNDDDDDD......Wagon time with silly daddy....
"
Nana also was able to give Annabelle her first little trim. It was pretty adorable, and Daddy was doing his best to entertain to keep little one still. Clearly, we only trimmed a little bit. But, it was probably still at least an inch or two. With the length of her hair, it is hard to tell.
With an 18 month old, it is hard to find time to do all the things you want to do. I was feeling like a failure as a wife, homemaker, and momma this week. I looked at my TO DO list, and had to really prioritize it. I LOVE having Annabelle at my feet all day, I really do. I understand that she is my first priority when I am at home. BUT, gosh, there is so much I want to get done. ;) For some reason, I thought that the older they get, the less demanding they might be of attention. I don't know why I really thought that. But, it seems that little sweetie has gotten more demanding of momma, especially this week. She has been feeling icky, and every time she is a little cranky I wonder if it is teeth. She still has only 2 little bottom teeth, so I am on the lookout.
She had 2 ECI appointments this week. It makes me so proud when both our O.T. and the Developmental Specialist think Annabelle is and looks amazing. She has made so much progress in the last just 2 or 3 weeks it seems. I have to brag on her. She for sure knows the signs for: Eat, music, milk and pray. (and she may or may not have done the sign for "beautiful" the other day.) Our goal was to have 5 signs by the time she was 2! :) She also is 'trying' to say words like: Pray, Dadda, Pops, Duck, Dog, Bye Bye. We basically celebrate ANYTHING that sounds or looks like a word. She also drank some milk out of a sippy cup today. Big step. :) She is communicating and super duper responsive to so much more than she was just a month ago. I am so proud. She also wants to walk SO bad. She uses that little walker and just cruises all over. She can also waddle holding onto just one hand instead of two. Thanks for letting me brag for a minute. Now I'll boast with videos. :)
So, when Nana was here, she was teaching Annabelle some animal sounds. When it came to "Bunny", Nana wiggled her nose, and somehow Annabelle mimicked that as a little growl. SO ADORABLE. So, she has been doing that ever since. It's awesome.
ANNNNDDDDDD......Wagon time with silly daddy....
"
Nana also was able to give Annabelle her first little trim. It was pretty adorable, and Daddy was doing his best to entertain to keep little one still. Clearly, we only trimmed a little bit. But, it was probably still at least an inch or two. With the length of her hair, it is hard to tell.
11.01.2011
11/1/11
HAPPY NOVEMBER!!!
I've lately been obsessed with THIS site. It's a before and after blog, mostly of furniture. I have been searching and searching Craigslist for the perfect piece of furniture for Annabelle's room. So, I found just what I wanted on Craigslist for 20 bucks! I have ideas for it, because obviously $20 for a piece of furniture needs renovation. :) I can't wait to post my own before and after pictures. It may take a while, and really I hope it works the way I hope. :)
So, Craig and I decided to try this diet we heard about. I gotta tell you, I wasn't motivated enough to commit, and I lasted till after breakfast. Craig followed the rules totally for 2 days, and was starving and tired. Diets are silly. I'll just do my best to help us eat better. :) If Craig wouldn't buy Halloween candy with NO intention of us turning the porch light on to pass it out, then maybe my evening munchies would be better, but I do love those mini snickers and twix! :)
I've lately been obsessed with THIS site. It's a before and after blog, mostly of furniture. I have been searching and searching Craigslist for the perfect piece of furniture for Annabelle's room. So, I found just what I wanted on Craigslist for 20 bucks! I have ideas for it, because obviously $20 for a piece of furniture needs renovation. :) I can't wait to post my own before and after pictures. It may take a while, and really I hope it works the way I hope. :)
So, Craig and I decided to try this diet we heard about. I gotta tell you, I wasn't motivated enough to commit, and I lasted till after breakfast. Craig followed the rules totally for 2 days, and was starving and tired. Diets are silly. I'll just do my best to help us eat better. :) If Craig wouldn't buy Halloween candy with NO intention of us turning the porch light on to pass it out, then maybe my evening munchies would be better, but I do love those mini snickers and twix! :)
10.30.2011
October 30
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!
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!
10.28.2011
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.
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