Special Exposure Wednesday/Wordless Wednesday

They are never too young to learn :-)

Party Time

So who isn't up for a party? Thought I'd join in the fun and see what this thing is all about. Come join the fun!

We are a family of five. My husband and I have three wonderful daughters; Abby 12, Caroline soon to be 8, and Mattie just turned a year old. As a family, we love spending time at church and with friends and family. In the warm months you will usually find us at the beach, pool, or softball field. We also love camping when we have a chance to get away......which is hardly enough.

I started blogging about a year ago after finding out our youngest daughter was born with Down syndrome. It was a wonderful way to connect with other families who knew exactly what we were going through. The blogging world is really just an extension of family. I've enjoyed hearing stories and watching children grow. I look forward to blogging for years to come!

Thanks for coming by for a visit!

Oh and by the way......if I could win.....my top three picks are:

#19, 21, 22.....$50 gift card to Target.
# 53......Signing Time Kit
# 79......Cute Clips and More

And today is

This date was chosen because in Down syndrome 21st chromosome is tripled.....March being the third month and 21st being the 21st chromosome. I challenge you to take some time and try to learn one thing you didn't know about Down syndrome.

On a Postive Note

So B. Obama put his foot in his mouth.....big time! My first reaction was shock that something like that would even slip out of a president's mouth. I don't think it is right, but I'm not one to really harp on these things. I hope that with all the hurt that people are feeling that maybe something good can come out of this too.....like awareness. Awareness that our children are nothing like those stereotypes depicted by ignorant people who just really don't have a clue. Let's face it, unless you are lucky enough to be a part of one of these peoples' lives you really don't know what you are missing out on. Sometimes it takes something negative to bring out the positive and I am hoping that these positive stories help to change those stereotypes.

And speaking of Awareness....I really like this video of Governor Sara Palin speaking out for the Special Olympics.

Pleeease Help Me Decide

Our local newspaper is having a photo contest and I can't decide between two pictures. The grand prize will win $1500 in gifts and prizes. I'm not computer savvy so I don't know how to do the voter poll thingy that others have done. Plus I have to have this thing in by Friday......and I just found out about it. So please leave me a comment on which picture is best for a baby photo contest. The more input the better so send any other blogger friends who may like to help me out. Thanks so much!!!

Photo #1 "The Rose"

Photo #2 "Snowy Day"

What's YOUR Opinion?

So I thought it would be interesting to see how other people view certain issues. This particular issue has been on my mind for quite some time and I'd thought I'd just throw it out and see what you think.

A group of children attend public school. The majority of the children receive free or reduced lunch on a daily basis. The other children pay $1.50 each day for their lunch. The lunchroom offers a slushie that is an additional 75 cents. Should a child who is on free or reduced lunch be able to purchase a slushie daily, weekly, monthly, or not at all?

Since I am asking your opinion, I will share mine as well. I see this situation every day. Most of the time, it is my free and reduced students who get a slushie. (ok I legally I'm not suppose to know which kids get free and reduced lunch but hello....you can tell by who brings their lunch money to school.) Not all of the children but the same four or five are buying slushies. Some of these children buy two slushies every day. That adds up to $1.50.....that's right the same as the cost of lunch. Usually one or two of my paying students get slushies once in awhile. I believe that all the children should be able to buy slushies, but I don't feel it is right that Free and Reduced Lunch children can buy them every day when there are paying students that can't afford them. So what's YOUR opinion?

Nap Time?

It has been raining for two days and I believe we still have more to come. It just makes me so sleepy! And it is a cold rain which makes you want to hibernate even more. If I were smart, I'd be upstairs taking a nap like Mattie. I love the idea of a nap, but I really feel worse when I wake up from one.

This morning I woke up at 6:30 thinking I was late for work. I literally jumped out of the bed and started thinking what I needed to do to get myself ready and Caroline on the bus before 6:45. Then I realized it was Saturday! Isn't it bad enough that I have to do that five days a week and then I turn around and do the same thing on the day I get to sleep in?? O.K so I'm thinking a nap wouldn't be so bad.

Wordless Wednesday/Special Exposure

I love this photo of Mattie. You can see my reflection in her eyes. You may have to enlarge.