I met a man today

I took the kids to get their haircut today and as we were leaving, there he was. He had a great smile, dark hair and in his early 30's. I saw him and just couldn't take my eyes off of him. I watched him tell the stylist what he wanted, sit in the chair and remove his glasses as the cape was draped over his shoulders. He was so confident, so sure of himself, he was kind, and he was so considerate. I took a little long to pay and let the kids look at the books in the reception area a little more, just so I could watch him.

This is the 2nd time since moving here that I have seen this kind of man. The kind that make me stop, try to watch without being noticed, and then smile back when I am caught, trying to look like I wasn't just looking.

The last time the man was blond, with blue eyes. He wore a black leather jacket with blue jeans and also had that total confidence. He was a little young, early 20's. But nevertheless took my breath away. I worked up the courage to talk with both these men and had some very memorable conversations with them.

I so desperately wanted to know how these men became the way they were, such spirit, such presence and with such character. I watched them, I remember them, and then I look at my son. And my mind wanders.

Like Anthony, both these men have Down syndrome. They seem so independent, polite, considerate, and confident. How did they get like that? How do I instill that into him, or does that come with the extra chromosome?

Unlike watching today's teen girls and young women, and then freaking myself out over what it will be like when my girls are that age. I watch men like this, like Anthony, and I feel such hope. If they, without the opportunities Anthony has in today's world, can turn out like this...what will Anthony be like? Will he walk into the hair salon and pay for his own haircut? Will he drive the grocery cart without hitting anything and buy his own milk? Will he play on a softball team, hold a job, go to dances, or have season tickets to the car races? Will he live on his own, or with us? Will he have a room-mate or a wife?

I wonder so much. Sure there is fear, with all 3 kids I have that. But since moving here, I keep running into these adults with DS and I keep having to look into the future and ponder. I look at my little boy and I can't believe how far he has come already, it makes me ask myself, what on earth could the future hold for him?

I know the future is one I can't even imagine for him yet. But I sure think about it a lot.

I hope he has that confidence, that charisma, that "little extra".

And a black leather jacket.

Country Girls

These are some shots from the other week at Grandma and "Silly Papa's" house, (my parents).

My girls often just take my breath away, with their silly stories, thoughtful words or acts of kindness. Even their sassiness can take my breath away- mostly because I thought some of that came much later in life. But these little girls took my breath away again... at how they are growing up.

Emma's personality is bigger than life and what those little red boots can carry.

And Bella is starting to discover and define who she is.
(Right now it's a toss up between Tom boy and Country girl). What ever she decides, she at least knows what she doesn't want.

My little Emma - always has her own style. And a smile that goes with everything!!!

I love the sunlight in her hair. She is a shining light in my life.

And the tough girl with her boots and tractor. She even baits and releases her own fish from her pole now.

Each day I pray that both my girls keep shining in their spirit and always go after what they want. To know who they are, by their own definition and no one else's, and to stay true to themselves. I pray they keep their "Laura Ingalls" nature in this "Hannah Montana" world. And that if a boy does win their heart and respect, that he nurture and love her for who she is and encourage her in all she does. God bless all my angels, for they are such treasures.

What a compliment!!

Back in April I went to a conference of Dr. Tim Kimmel's. He is a writer and has sold over 750,000 books. I think his philosophies of raising children is amazing and has changed my life, and the lives of my kids. After the conference I got an email asking for feedback for the conference. If you scroll down I wrote a story about an incident and breakthrough with Anthony. Well, I sent in that same story as my feedback. I had totally forgotten about it until I got an email just the other day.

Dr. Tim Kimmel himself liked the story so much that he read it to his staff and his board of directors. I guess all were very moved by my story. This email was asking my permission to use the story in future presentations!! Dr. Tim Kimmel wanted MY story!!!!!! I couldn't believe it.

I have loved writing for years, and many people have blessed me with their comments about how they like what I write too. I have been challenged by many to write a book. Often I think about it, and I browse through the bookstores and I think - How could I ever get a book off these shelves??? Everybody writes a book these days!! And there isn't a story that hasn't been told it seems like.

I always felt so discouraged. But now, with the huge compliment from a writer I respect so very much, I feel more than encouraged. I might actually be able to do it!

Now - if only I could figure out what to write about. Mmm??

Birthday Boy

My little boy on his first birthday!! What a little peanut. God bless him.

And here he is at a wedding on Saturday. He is 11 today. My how he has changed!!!!



Seriously, where does the time go?????
Happy birthday precious, mommy loves you!!!!!

Work, work, work...

What a whirlwind!! First Shaun gets a job with one company, and then he gets another offer for a different one. He took it and starts next Tuesday. I believe he will be much happier in this new job and he will do well. He will be the General Manager of another restrurant here in the cities. So that is good.

I still have to try to add to our income so now I have the possibility of 4 jobs! I am cleaning houses now, I am hopefully signing with someone today and have 2 more interested. I am hoping to have six houses to alternate weeks and work 3 days a week on that. I also have a part time day care for a little girl with Down syndrome. I met her and her family today and sooo loved it. I can't wait for the first day. I will only have her one day a week for now, maybe 2 eventually. I also have 2 other part time possibilities in the works. One at a daycare/school, and one for the fall as a coordinater for an after school program for children with disabilities. Wow, I hope these all work out, and that it will provide enough money for me and my family, and that I can cover daycre for all the kids. We'll see. Wish me luck!