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The week in reverse…. Today we enjoyed the longest day with lots of outside. Splashing in the backyard before dinner. Morning at the beach with Auntie Jess and Lady Dog. Lovely lovely day. Mom! Put the camera down! We’ve been here all of three minutes and haven’t eaten anything yet [signing and saying Eat]. I concede with the 11am lunch….Whitney puts new meaning...
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Tyler, I love how you do Daddy. …with snuggles, and tosses up in the air, sleeping giants, and kiss-chases. With walks, stories, strength and comfort in times of pain, guitar and piano lessons, talking about the wonders of nature, pulling bike trailers, singing songs to help with calming. With building block towers and typing ABC’s, signing questions, and practicing prayers. We are lucky to...
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We’re still in the afterglow of a great trip to see family in Colorado this past weekend. The piles of laundry are disappearing and the kids are back to taking good naps, and finally I’ve gotten to go through my photos and reminisce some of the good times. We haven’t been on a plane with them since Christmas…and travel days can be tough…here are...
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We participated in an exhibit called Testify at our church that showed this morning. Our story and the image they used are below. Delighted laughter and the thumping of dancing bare feet sound from of our backyard deck. Our eyes meet and the familiar twinkle says what we don’t have to: we love our kids. Praise God, for life is good. If feels good...
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I’ve taken it upon myself to do some family screenwriting lately. It goes like this:Act 1 Scene 1: garage door lifts, child runs shrieking with glee toward the street as mother frantically chases yelling all combinations of ‘stop!’ ‘Freeze’ ‘wait!’ ‘[name!!]’. Child turns a corner into neighbors yard and dares mother to hurdle waist-high shrub. And on and on.Act 1 Scene 2: [sound of...
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Let it be known that I’d like to be done with hospitals and funerals for a while. While I’m at it, I’ll add breakups and unemployment to the list. Done. Thank you. The mess of things gone south for those close to us is enough to make one wonder if it’s contagious. Nevertheless, the importance of the shadows in life is not lost on...
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There really is nothing like a dance party to de-stress. Especially when it’s toddlers. Especially during the after-dinner mania. The past week has been a rough one. Very needy kids, tired mama, and hearts carrying heavy stuff going on with close family and friends. Thank God for the levity amidst the mess. Next time I think I’ll DJ. And then join in and show...
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Having Down syndrome automatically qualifies Whitney for government funded early education services. Since birth she has met with a teacher and/or specialists each week through the county’s Early Start program. Over the last month or two we have been preparing to enter the public school system. (!!!) When Whitney turns 3 she “graduates” out of the county program and into a pre-K special classroom. ...
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I love gatherings with loved ones! We have been lucky to have a few special visits lately… First, the amazing and wonderful Aunt Patty and Uncle Bruce (were there ever two people more kid-fun?) it was a tutu and boots day. their visit included a BBQ with other fun [local] family…cousins copying and chasing each other through the grass while adults relaxed...
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I’m learning how to take a walk from my toddlers….here’s what I’ve got so far. 1. The alphabet is amazing. Any time you see a letter it is cause for excitement. Point and name it (or guess). 2. When you see big rocks, embrace this opportunity for physical challenge. 5. Every living thing deserves a pause for a greeting, this especially includes people, cats,...
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Today’s Favorites…. Michelle: the Waffle Maker – I love this thing! We had waffles today and they were just great. As usual. And left us wondering why we don’t have waffles more often?! We like to eat them with syrup or yogurt, or even freeze them for a quick and easy meal or snack. I want to try dipping them in chocolate for a...