Hi Friends,

I wanted to let you know about a raffle on my friend Stephanie's blog.  She is doing this to help raise money for Oleg, one of the children at Reece's Rainbow (the site I mentioned yesterday).  One of the biggest factors keeping these children from being adopted is the high cost of adoption.  Having a "grant" that goes toward the adoption helps so very much!

She is raffling a very cute, custom-designed handbag.  Check it out!!!

My heart is heavy for these precious children.  I'm praying that they would find homes, that they would receive the care that they need and that God would touch the hearts of those that he wants to bring them home.  Please check out Stephanie's site (just click on her name in the first paragraph - and join me in praying.

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress." (James 1:27)

Blessings,

Wondering about this title?  I just recently read about this - 31 for 21.  It's something in support of Down Syndrome Awareness Month which is October.  Many bloggers are blogging each day in the month (that's the 31) about Down syndrome (that's the 21 for the extra 21st chromosome).  I think it's a great idea.

I'm not sure what I'd write about for 31 days.  I guess that's one advantage to starting a little late - there are only 21 days left in the month now.  I'm going to borrow an idea from a friend.  If  you have a question about Down syndrome, my experience or just something you've wondered but haven't asked, please feel free to ask.  You can email me or just post a question in the comments and I'll blog an answer.  (I'm really wondering if anyone will ask a question!  LOL)

I wanted to share about an organization that I think is pretty special.  Reece's Rainbow.  It's an organization dedicated to helping people adopt children from foreign countries with Down syndrome.  You can visit the site and see many of the beautiful waiting children.  There is a lot of information there too about adoption, sponsoring a child and helping families to bring a child home.  You can click on the link above (in the name of the organization which is underlined) or go to the button on the right hand side of my blog. 

We sponsored a child last Christmas in lieu of Christmas gifts and are looking forward to doing that again this year.  We've also talked about other things we, as a family, can do to help this organization.  These children are heavy on my heart and I pray for them often.  Will you join me?

Blessings,

Thank you friends for praying for me.  Thank you also for the notes I received.  I wanted to post a small follow-up. 

Yesterday went pretty well.  I spent most of the day just being with my children.  We had one therapy appointment at home and spent most of the rest of the day doing schooling.  In the evening I took the 5 youngest children to a church program while Roger and Christopher were at football. 

I was amazed at the peace I felt throughout the day.  I truly expected less.  Why am I surprised when God blesses me?  I prayed to start the day and on and off through out the day.  I asked for one small thing - something I just didn't want to deal with - and God was so gracious to answer that  prayer.  It was a reminder to me that He does love me and cares for the details.  (Not to say that if this prayer hadn't been answered that I would have felt any differently, kwim?) 

Our devotion was on Psalm 23.  I felt like God wanted me to hear that again.  He is my shepherd.  I shall not want.  He leads me.  He restores my soul.  Thank you Father!

I am thankful for this little child.  I am thankful for the opportunity to have carried and loved this little one if only for a short time.  I do believe that this child - just like every other child - is a blessing. 

Thank you friends for loving me.

With love,

Leslie

Dear friends,

Would you join me in praying for those facing loss?  I know that includes so many of us - in many different situations.

This in on my heart - though I've debated posting it at all.  It seems a little selfish to ask as it isn't a huge or urgent request.  I've been praying and trying to find where God wants me in the midst of some of my own pain.  I want to learn.  I want to walk the path that He has called me to - and to do it with joy and contentment.  Sometimes its hard.

Today (Oct 7th) was the due date of our little that was born into heaven.  It's been a hard loss for me for a number of reasons.  Though I only carried this little one here for about 10 weeks, I still carry this sweet child in my heart.  I know that there are many others here who have faced this loss and other loss related to children.  Many far worse.  Tonight I was working on a quilt square for a gal that has lost her son.  It was an opportunity to pray for this precious family facing a loss that I can't even imagine.

I'm feeling more at peace, though I still miss this baby.  I've been praying.  I want to be in God's will and not get stuck in feeling sad or hopeless or envious.  I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God loves me and is working things out for good.  I know that doesn't mean a life without pain and heartache. 

As I've been praying today, my heart has been turned to the many people that are hurting, grieving.  I know so many that have faced such great heartache.  I'm praying today for those who have experienced loss - that you would know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are loved so deeply by a loving Father.

A friend reminded me of the truths in Psalm 23.  Some of the things that really resonated with my heart are that the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.  He does fully meet my needs and I'm thankful for that.  He restoreth my soul.  This is a sweet promise.  Thank you Lord!

Please pray with me.

Blessings,

Just wanted to combine some of the things that have been going on around here or I'll never get caught up.  lol  Catching up seems like something I'm trying to do in so many areas of my life.  I feel like my head is flying in a million directions - and yet I do want to simplify.  It must not seem like it, though much of our business is not my choice.  I am thankful for the opportunities we have and seek to make the most of them.  Here's a look at our past month (with the exception of one more birthday that will get it's own post, along with a birthday party).

Sports.  Christopher is playing football.  Contact.  *sigh*  It's not the sport that I thought one of my children would be playing, but he really enjoys it!  It's been fun seeing his interest in the sport both on and off of the field.  I'm learning a lot too.  He has been working hard and it shows.  He is number 22.

It's been hard to get good action shots where you can tell who is who in the photos. 

Eliana getting some help from Isaiah as they explore the park.

Rebecca is playing soccer.  She has been doing this for many years now (since she was 4).  We debated joining a more competitive league, but the time commitment (and driving distances) was just too much for now.  She has remained in a city league.  She is enjoying the game and it's fun to watch her play.

Science.  We do a weekly science lab with friends.  Christopher and his friend Dillon have been doing science labs for years now - this is their 4th.  They are doing Chemistry this year.  This wasn't my strong suit in school, but Christopher likes science and thankfully hasn't needed too much of my help.  Honestly trying to figure out those formulas - yikes!  I can see why I was not a science major!

Rebecca has started a general science course with her friend Hanna.  She wasn't sure she was going to like it - in fact, she didn't want to do it.  She reluctantly went into the year, but after a couple of weeks has found that it is a lot of fun!  I credit some of that to the course and the labwork.  We are using Rainbow Science.

The hands-on lab experiments really make the learning fun - and it helps you to understand more clearly the concepts being explained.  Rebecca is learning about "force". 

Elections.  We have started a study on the elections.  We are using a combination of things - websites, books and a lapbook study.  When we decided on this topic of study months ago, there was no way to know just how interesting it was going to get!  My oldest two have read/watched the debates and many other items of interest.  We also enjoyed the game Hail to the Chief with our friends.

One of the projects suggested on a website was to hold a primary or caucus.  Christopher had planned to do this for dessert one night, but some early snacking (of the desserts!) interupted his plans.  Rebecca chose to have a primary to determine breakfast.  She set up a voting booth (in the bathroom) along with the ballots and the choices.

Learner's Permit.  After looking for - and not finding - one of the documents needed to get the permit, we started the process of replacing it.  Waiting and waiting - and then finally success!  Yes, we have another driver at our house!  :-)  Thankfully the permit doesn't affect the insurance rates.  Yikes!

We celebrated with a plate of doughnuts - his choice.  I did put a car on top for fun. 

Little Mended Hearts Picnic - This is an annual event sponsored by the Triangle group.  We went last year and were happy to be invited back again this year.  The event is fun for all of us.  It's held at a nearby park and is attended by some of the Duke cardiology staff as well as families (like us). 

There were firefighters there as well as Sparky the firedog.  The boys enjoyed this!  Below, Joshua is with Sparky and Isaiah is in the firetruck.

There was also a face painter who does amazing work (see Rebecca's face) and a man blowing up balloons.  Check out Daniel's fun hat!

We ate a great lunch and enjoyed music throughout the event.  Eliana especially enjoyed the music.

Rebecca was able to sell more of her bracelets.  I need to update our numbers at some point.  I'm not sure where she is at this point.  I know it's over $7000 total though.

That's all for now.  More later.  Hope you've enjoyed the pictures!

Blessings,

We went to the beach the second week in September.  We debated about going as this was the time that several hurricanes were forming and we didn't want to be on the coast in the midst of any of that weather.  We did however want to go and spend time with our friends that have moved to VA.  We did this last year and looked forward to doing it again.

We were blessed to have beautiful weather all week!  It was overcast on some days, but that can be a nice thing at the beach.

We arrived shortly after a storm and found that many things had washed up on the beach.  We saw quite a few sea urchins.  

We also saw sunglasses and even a live starfish.  Surprisingly, no  jellyfish though.  Isaiah found a really large crab which we tried to get a photo of - but it was blurry due to being partly in the water.  The children spent a lot of time hunting for shells and found some beautiful ones.  Daniel loves to find shells and has learned the names of the ones that he finds most often - auger and olive.  Rebecca even found a shark's tooth, lightning whelk and a dried urchin shell.

We spent one day down at our friend's pool.  There was a large slide, and fountains in the pool.  It was a fun day.

This is Joshua coming down the slide.

Mostly, we just hung out on the beach.  We like to build sandcastles, play in the water, play football and hunt for shells.  Oh, and walk down the beach.  One of our favorite spots in where the ocean comes in to form a river.  It's a mild spot in terms of the tide and a great place for the younger ones to play.  It's also been a great spot for finding shells. 

Doesn't she just look pleased with herself?

Rebecca is buried up to her knees if you are wondering about her height compared to Christopher.  lol

This is taken in the "river" - Isaiah giving Eliana a ride. 

I love pictures from the back - there is just something so sweet about them.  This is Daniel, my little shell collector.

Love his beautiful smile!

Eliana loved it all - the sand, the water, the freedom.  We had a wonderful week!  I'm thankful we had this time to spend together as a family.  We are truly blessed in so many ways.

Blessings,

Leslie

I've tried starting a blog about our Keepers Group.  We'll see how that goes.  I thought it might be helpful for those just wanting that information.  I'm not sure if I'll still post about it here or not?  Any thoughts?  Here's a link to the other blog and the post I just put up there as well. 

Keepers Blog

We've made our plans for the upcoming year.  For our group we just meet once per month as our busy (and conflicting) schedules just don't permit meeting more often.  Here's what we have planned.

Sept - Herbs.  We'll be planting and learning about herbs.

Oct - Card making.  I'll be teaching this one and am looking forward to it.  Since it isn't one of the activities in the manual, I'll be coming up with my own requirements.  I'm hoping that the timing will be good in allowing the girls to make cards to send or to give for Christmas.

Nov - Pie-baking.  Yum!  Just in time for the holidays!  We're hoping too that this will be something the girls want to practice on and bring to future meetings to share.

Dec - Part 2 of herbs.  Taking the herbs we've grown and learning how to use them - in cooking, sachets and more.

Jan - Storytelling.  Learning more about the art of storytelling and how to put it into practice by telling a variety of stories to both family and friends.  We'll so some sharing/ storytelling at future meetings.

Feb -  Dollmaking,  Learning how to paint and embroider a face.  Learning how to make jointed legs/arms.  Learning how to make different types of hair.

Mar - Part 2 of dollmaking.  The girls will have chosen the specifics of their doll and will start making it.

Apr & May - We are holding open for a couple of options.  Either adding another class or recreational activity (I'm lobbying for badmitton) or finishing up projects we've already started.

We are looking forward to a fun year!

Blessings,

I'm late in posting - no surprise there - but wanted to share a little bit about one of my favorite people.  My sweet son Joshua.  He recently turned 9 - halfway to manhood.  How can that be?

I remember well longing for a third child - and praying for a long, long time.  God waited to answer - and His gift was a sweet one.  Our precious son Joshua.  He was born on his grandmother's birthday.  He was also born right on his due date.  He was my biggest baby at almost 9 and a half pounds.  He was also my easiest and best birth.  My mom was there with us at his birth.  We had music playing and it was a very sweet time.  (It went thankfully quickly after getting to the hospital.  I thought our timing was perfect, though my mom thought we cut it a little too close!  lol )

Joshua arrived with blond hair, blue eyes and very pale skin.  Not what I expected since both Roger and I have dark hair.  The eyes come from both sets of grandads.  ;-)

Joshua has always been sweet and sensitive (not that he is perfect by any stretch!).  He remembers things and asks questions that have been surprising to me given his age. 

He loves to read - and frequently has his nose in a book!  He loves the Redwall series and Jules Verne is one of his favorite authors.  He also loves to play outside - to hike, run, play games and use his imagination!  Joshua enjoys baseball, kickball and cops and robbers.  He really just likes to have fun!

Joshua is creative and enjoys drawing.  He likes a wide variety of foods and especially likes condiments like Texas Pete and mustard.  He likes being silly and playing with his siblings.

He recently told us that he wants to get baptized.  He asked Jesus into his heart several years ago and continues to grow in his faith.  I'm excited that he wants to make this profession of faith. 

I thank God for giving us this precious boy to love and to raise 9 years ago.  He has blessed our life with laughter, joy, happiness and more.  I pray for him to continue to grow in his love for God.  I pray that He would walk the path that God has for him. 

Thank you God for Joshua!

I love you sweetie!

Mommy

I know I've mentioned it before - but wanted to share again - we love Baby Signing Times DVDs!!!  Here's why:

1.  It's helped all of us to learn a lot of signs.  (Yes, all of us.  *grin*)

2.  It's so cute to see Eliana signing along with the DVDs.

3.  The music is catchy and fun - and helps you to remember the signs.

4.  There are young children in the movies demonstrating the signs which is helpful to see the variety of ways that there can be in signing.  The important thing is really that you understand your child!

We have both of the Baby DVDs and a few of the older ones too.  The Baby ones are really just perfect for Eliana.  Well, I was thrilled to find out recently that 2 more are coming out!!!  Yippee!  Here is more info for those that might be interested.

Baby Signing Time 3

Baby Signing Times 4

We are also very excited to have Rachel, Alex and Leah from Signing Times at our Buddy Walk this year.  It's Oct 12 for anyone that might be interested.  I'll post more details later, but would love to send info to anyone interested in coming.  It is a lot of fun for the whole family!

Blessings,

Leslie

This is another "retropost" until I get caught up.  lol  This was another great field trip to go with our Mailing May/trains study.  We visited the North Carolina Transportatin Museum for their homeschool days.  This is one of our state historic sites - which we love!!!  (And we've visited all of them with our "NC History Group"!)  We were joined by 3 families for a beautiful, fun and full day! 

We began in the morning by being split into 6 groups.  We rotated through various stations learning about cars, riding on a turntable, learning the difference between diesel, electric and steam engines, hearing about rail transportation, air transportation and also about dug-out canoes.  Each station had a different interpreter to share information with us.  We also had worksheets which the children could complete as they learned things at the various stations.

This is our group riding on the turntable.  You can see the roundhouse behind us.

Listening to an interpreter inside the roundhouse - which was huge!  This roundhouse was part of the "Spencer Shops" which was the site for many train repairs during the early 1900s. 

Learning about how dug-out canoes were made (fire) and then getting inside of it.  (Isaiah even brought some of the soot home with him - on his white shirt of course.  lol) 

My two beautiful girls.  Eliana likes to walk around as much as she can - and explore wherever she can.  Rebecca is great about helping to keep up with our little curious one. 

We then had an hour for a picnic lunch before boarding the train for a ride around the site.  Daniel and I sat in the very back - in a row that was all by itself and at least 15 feet from the rest of the rows.  Not sure why those 2 seats were there and at first he was not buying it.  They were the last seats though and it was fun.  He even took some pictures from the window of the train.  Here's a photo we took of ourselves. 

After our ride, we explored the very large museum.  It's all part of an old roundhouse that was used to repair trains in the early 1900s.  It's an amazing building! 

There was even a mail car like the one in our story, Mailing May.

We didn't get any rain until our ride home for which we were very thankful. 

As I reflect on this day, I'm reminded of how much for which I have to give thanks.  I'm also reminded that it isn't just in the times of blessing that I am called to be thankful. 

I'm thankful that I'm able to go on fun trips like this with my family - and also for friends that can go with us!  I'm thankful that God has blessed us with good health and a flexible schedule.  I'm thankful for the opportunity to learn in a fun and hands-on way and to make great memories.

Thank you God!

Blessings,

We've had a busy couple of weeks and more that I want to share.

Our computer is fixed - yeah Roger!!!  I'm so glad he knows so much about computers and can fix things when they aren't working!  :-)

We had a wonderful time at the beach last week.  The weather was perfect and we were able to spend some time with friends.  We also met some other homeschoolers while we were there which was fun.  I have pictures to post - hopefully soon.

I still want to post about a couple of field trips - one to the Transportation Museum and another to a local nature center.  I'm thankful for the opportunity to go on field trips.  I think it's a great way to have a hands-on learning experience.

We celebrated a birthday this week.  Joshua is 9 years old.  Halfway to manhood.  How can that be?!  My sweet baby boy.  I remember the day he joined us so very well.  I'll write more about him and what a precious gift he is and has been to our family.  I'll share some pictures too!

I thought I'd share one story though about Eliana on Joshua's birthday - this is the praise.  One of our birthday traditions has been to allow the birthday child to pick where we'll eat.  Joshua picked Golden Corral - great pick for everyone!  As we were leaving, Roger was packing some food for Eliana.  I told him I thought she would do well there, but he brought some baby food just in case.  She had feeding therapy earlier in the day and did great there!  She ate a graham cracker by herself.  Self-feeding is NOT a skill she has learned or is even remotely good at doing.  Both her OT and I were thrilled!

Anyway, back to dinner.  I walked around and selected a few things I thought she could/would eat.  Not a great variety - but we're still learning, here.  This is what I put on her plate. 

*Mac 'n cheese

*Peas

*Spaghetti (this is a new favorite and one of her first "real" meals)

*Green beans

*Pears (not to keen on these)

*Banana pudding

*Ice cream

She ate her whole dinner from the buffet line!!!  In fact, she did MUCH better than Daniel did in terms of variety (not that this is a huge accomplishment, lol).  Way to go Eliana!  I think we may be turning the corner soon in her eating and I'm very excited.  Just a year ago, we were feeding her through a tube and just trying to get her to learn to take a bottle orally. 

Thank you God for teaching me patience, for teaching me to go slowly, for showing me that a different path can also be a good one filled with blessings.

We have a busy week-end planned with sports (soccer - twice & football) and a birthday party.  Will write more when I'm able to.  I hope you each have a blessed week-end!

Love,

Leslie

So many things are reminders - but maybe it's really that I just haven't forgotten.  This "should" be an exciting time - when I'd be counting down the days.  It's less than a month until my "due" date that isn't any more.  I think about it every day.  It's one of those things though that feels so alone. 

It's not really "proper" to talk about it, is it?  It is certainly a subject that makes many people uncomfortable.  I remember one of my children being told not to mention it after my first miscarriage.  Yet, so many have experienced it.  Why does it feel so lonely?

I received something in the mail this week.  A note from a company congratulating me on my upcoming birth.  A guide to labor and the hospital.  The promise of a gift when I got there.  It made me cry.

Sometimes I feel like such a drag even mentioning that its still hard.  I feel like I should have gotten over it by now.  It can make me feel like I have no faith, that I'm weak or untrusting.  (I know I am weak and I'm continually trying to trust.)  I know that in the grand scheme of life that this is small compared to so many other things.  I also know that God cares about all of the details of our life .   

I've been talking about it with God.  Just yesterday at our field trip, one sweet friend came up to me and asked me about the approaching date.  I was honestly surprised and touched that she remembered.  I shared with her that it was hard and that it often felt really lonely.  She gave me a small gift to show me that she was thinking of me.  What a gift of God's love this sweet friend's remembrance was to me.  I had cried out to Him and He heard me. 

I'm not sure why I'm posting this.  I'd love your prayers.  Sometimes, my heart just hurts.  I keep telling myself to be happy with the children that I do have.  It's not that though.   I'm very happy with the children that I have.  I just feel like I could love more.  I know that I'm blessed - beyond what I ever could have expected.   

I'm still grieving this loss, this child.  I so want to hold and love this little one.  I know that the approach of the due date will just bring sad feelings.  It is something else to learn from, to lean on God and to hope in Him.

Reminders.  I know that God is good.  I know that He loves me.  I know that our little one is safe in His arms.  I know that no matter what happens, God has a plan for my life.  I remind myself of these truths often - maybe someone reading needs a reminder too.  It is easy to listen to the lies and whispers from the enemy.  I am seeking to hear God.  God is a voice of truth - of hope - of love.  He loves you - cares about you and every detail of your life.

Love,

Leslie

I'm dating this a few days early to try to squeeze in a couple of posts before writing about what we are currently up to.  On Sept 4th, we went on a field trip with our FIAR (Five in a Row) group.  It was a great tie-in with our study of Mailing May.  (The story is about a little girl that is mailed to visit her grandmother.  It is a true story too!)

The childen wrote letters and were able to hand cancel them before they were posted.  We toured the back and learned about the postal system, how things are handled and delivered, looked at the inside of a mail truck and talked with a postman.  It was a fun morning all the way around.  Here are a few photos of our day.

Afterwards, we visited a nearby park to picnic and play.  It was a beautiful day and a fun way to spend time with friends.  :-)

Blessings,

We've been vacationing and I thought I'd be able to post some things while we were gone.  We didn't have internet though - so I'm playing catch up again.  :-)  More on our vacation once the pics are uploaded. 

We are doing a two week study of Mailing May and trains .  So far, it is a lot of fun!  As the mom, it's wonderful for me as I have 4 students studying similar or overlapping subjects.  That doesn't happen often and I'm enjoying it!

We started the week last Monday.  I made a small display  - books on trains and related topics, a train whistle, train videos, train drawing lesson, conductor's cap and toy trains.  I did this to excite them and also to gather resources.  They loved it.  (This is not something that I typically do - it was just easier to pull off since I was more focused on one direction this week instead of many). 

Here are some of the things we've enjoyed so far.  Mailing May is based on a true story set in the early 1900s so we've learned some about that time period as well as Daniel Boone (mentioned in the story).  Rebecca has been doing some research and writing above and beyond what the boys are doing.

Daniel liked painting shapes and then making them into a train.  He has also loved watching Thomas the Tank Engine. 

We learned about quilts and patterns, the post office, Idaho, Daniel Boone and more.

Another highlight was making a train out of boxes and furniture and then just pretending.  Sometimes it really is the simple things that bring great  pleasure.

We've been using the lapbook templates at Homeschoolshare to add a visual dimension to our lessons.  At the end of study we had 2 field trips planned!  I love field trips!

The first field trip was to the Post Office with our FIAR group.  We learned some of the history of the post office and the younger children wrote and then hand cancelled their letter.  Afterwards, we went to a local park to play.  It was fun to see friends - both new ones and old ones as well as learning more about the Post Office.

Our second field trip was to the North Carolina Transportation Museum.  This is one of our state's Historic Sites.  These are wonderful!  We visited ALL of them with our NC history group.  I was excited to be returning.  We did hands-on activities in addition to riding a train and a turntable and seeing an actual mail car (like in the story). 

This was the part I was hoping to do before our vacation - upload pics from the field trips.  Well, we are having computer problems (I'm on a laptop and can't get to our photos).  I'm also having cell phone problems and am wondering what is going on with me and electronics!  lol  I'll post pics when Roger is home and able to fix the computer - he is great with them and I know very little beyond just using it. 

In the midst of all of this, Eliana has learned to "sign" train.  It's not the official sign - but the pulling of the whistle that most of us recognize.  Can you see it in the last picture?  Isn't she a cutie?!

That's all for now.

Blessings,

Leslie

So, how do you feel when you see a car like this?

Probably a variety of emotions if you are like me.

But, how do you feel when it is your child in that car?!

In North Carolina a student is required to take Driver's Ed before getting a learner's permit.   Parents aren't allowed to teach the course so we elected to go with a private driving school for this class.  The actual class was a 30 hour class (5 hours per day for 6 days) in addition to 6 hours of driving time.

Christopher took this class along with a couple of friends and seemed to enjoy it.  He wasn't able to do the driving part early on due to failing the "vision test".  He had just gotten a new prescription for his contacts and once we got those filled he did pass the eye test.  This was his first experience with the DMV - not too bad either.

On his last day of driving as we were headed to the school it started to sprinkle, then pour.  I knew what Christopher was thinking - "Oh, no".  I was thinking it too.  I also thought that this was probably a good opportunity for him to practice under less than ideal conditions - though maybe not for 2 hours when you are just learning.

In any event, he did just fine!  I think  he'll be a good driver.  He has a lot of common sense and is pretty level-headed.  He has commented that he isn't worried so much about driving as he is about the other drivers out there.  That is the difficulty, isn't it?

We are waiting now for some paperwork from the state (because we homeschool) and then we can go to the DMV to get his learner's permit.  Wow!  Driving.  My baby is growing up.

Blessings,

 We had a full schedule of therapies.  We met with our speech therapist and case worker to discuss options for Eliana.  I'm considering using a program called Boardmaker or Overboard to enhance her communication skills.  It's basically using picture cards to communicate words and ideas that can't yet be spoken.  This would be in addition to using signs as well as verbal communication.  If anyone has feedback, I would love to hear it!

Physical therapy continues to be a struggle.  Eliana needs to work on strengthening her muscles to be able to walk better.  She is walking more and more - which is exciting.  She walks though with a wide gait and somewhat stiff legs - cute, but not the best for her long-term. 

Although when we met with her ped this week, she was pleased with her walk as she thought she needed the stability of a wider gait.  Hmmm...  I am thinking she will figure it out eventually - and probably with a little work from her therapist.  She is doing well in terms of her health and growth.  She is still on the traditional growth curve (ped seems pleased and a little surprised by this).  She is about 10th percentile for weight (21 pounds 6 ounces) and 25th percentile for height (31 inches).  This is for the standard growth chart which is very surprising.  For those that don't know, children with Down syndrome are typically smaller and even have their own growth chart. 

One note on a success this week in terms of Daniel's sensory issues.  When we were at the park, he came up to me crying because someone had poured sand on his head and down his back.  The sand had gone down his shirt and a little into his pants.  I was not surprised that he was upset.  I talked with him calmly and just brushed it all off.  He stopped crying and then went off to play.  This was a wonderful step for him!!!  At times something like this would just make him melt and getting over it would take a looooong time.  So, another YIPPEE for Daniel!

Here's the funny part of that story.  I asked him later what had happened.  I was curious since I hadn't seen it.  He told me that some boys were following him and following him before the sand was dumped.  I asked him why they were following him (wondering if it was a game) and he said with a funny little smile, "Because they like me".  I'm love that he sees no malice - just someone that likes him.

As an added part of our work with Daniel, his therapist thinks that he may benefit from speech therapy as well.  Eliana's therapist evaluated him briefly and informally and agreed.  His ability to sustain breaths and his vocal quality were some of the issues.  She also thought he might need to be seen by an ENT to assess if he has problems with his tonsils and adenoids (he sounds a little nasally).  He has never been checked for his as he has never had an ear infection which would have led to an examination.  I'm thankful to have an ENT that I trust.   I'm also thankful to have a great speech therapist on our team as well.  I will admit that I'm not thrilled about adding more therapy to our week, but very thankful that it can be done in our home.  I'm obviously thankful that we can get Daniel the help that he needs and we hope this will be a short term need.

I attended a special needs conference locally and found help and encouragment in most of the information there.  Some of it was also overwhelming and felt like a firehose of information - things I "should do".  I know that it's easy for all moms to feel guilt about the things that they should be doing or wish that they were doing.  For me, having a special needs child has added even more to that plate.  I wonder if she will somehow fall behind or not get something because of my failures.  I know that this is a common feeling from talking with other moms.  It's something I work to hand over to God.  I know I can't do it all.  I can only try my best and leave the rest to Him.  Easier said than done at some times.  

Lastly, I was able to attend a Mom's night out with our local Down syndrome group.  It was fun and I'm grateful to my family for working it out so I could go.  It was nice to be with other moms and ask questions, talk, share and laugh.  It helps to learn from others and I'm thankful to have this support.

Wow, this is world in which I never thought I'd be a part.  We've done therapies in the past, but just short-term for speech.  I'm so thankful to live in a place where we have access to so many resources to help our special little people.  I'm also very thankful to have special little people in my life!  It is a blessing!  Truly it is!

Blessings,

One of our back to school traditions is getting new school supplies.  This is typically a part of our first day of school.  Well, this year, we came back from the beach late Sun night and started on Mon morning.  Not enough time for me to pull it together.  So it got postponed for weeks.  Rebecca very sweetly reminded me of it - and finally I gathered all the things I'd bought and surprised them with some goodies.

They received things like their new math books.  LOL  Isaiah was excited to be moving up to a new level.  They also got some new art supplies, handwriting books, a calculator and new books.  I put in a few silly little things that were a huge hit - wikki stix and a white board.  I received several sweet notes on that white board that night.  I should have bought one for each of them instead of one to share. 

(Excuse the shadow - still learning with my camera.  LOL)  Daniel was so excited about his new handwriting "dough" and letter cards that he wanted to start handwriting right away.  No problem! 

Blessings,

Leslie

Too many things to catch up on, so I'm going to try to lump some together.  ;-)

I had a birthday this month - don't ask how old - I'm not telling.  ;-)  I really don't like getting older.  I know it's better than the alternative, I just don't want to get "old".  Being diagnosed with osteoarthritis a few years ago didn't help with that.  I thought I'd have a few more decades before getting something like that.  One doctor told me that he wasn't surprised at all - that it made sense given the difficulties of my pregnancies.  It was still worth it though - every single one of those precious children!!!

My birthday was made sweet by family and friends.  Rebecca made me breakfast in bed - accompanied by cards that she and the boys had made.  I love this sweet and thoughtful gesture from ALL of my children. 

Later in the morning, a precious friend also named Rebecca, gave both Catherine and I the gift of a pedicure.  We were surprised to find a beautiful gift basket of chocolates waiting for us when we arrived.  Did I also mention that she stayed at my house and watched all of our children?  (Minus the oldest who was in Drivers Ed)  It was relaxing and pampering to have this time out. 

I received a gift that was something I've been wanting - a new camera!  Mine died a few months ago.  Christopher's has gone missing.  So we've been down to one camera - Rebecca's - and it's been hard for me.  Roger and his parents gave me this wonderful gift and I'm loving it!!!  It has a huge screen on the back and lots of neat features.  Did I mention that I love it?!  :D  Hopefully I'll get better about posting more on here. 

I was treated to 2 desserts - chocolate cake and banana pudding.  Rebecca made them both and we all thought they were delicious. 

The following week, while Roger was out of town, we headed to Virginia to visit with friends.  We had a great time and one of the neat things we did was to tour a cave.  I love caves!  I've always been interested in them.  Our family visited Mammoth Caves about 5 years ago and since then I've been hooked.  These were beautiful and interesting.  Christopher took lots of photos for me so my hands were free to help little people.  Here are a few highlights.

We also had fun just playing and being with our friends.  We still wish they lived right next door though!  That's probably enough for now.  More later on schooling and a few other August happenings. 

Blessings,

Our little cutie pie is a busy, busy girl!  She continues to delight all of us!  I don't know that I can say often enough what an incredible delight she is to our family!  I'm so very thankful that God chose to bless us with Eliana!

Eliana is enjoying exploring.  She is able to find more to get into as she has learned to walk and climb.  There are many more things in her field of vision - and grasp!  She loves to copy, which is really quite fun!  She likes to try to open the door - standing on her little tippy toes.  Thankfully she isn't even close to being able to turn the knob.  I'm not looking forward to mastery of that skill!

She is walking more and more!  She is once again "on the scale" developmentally for her age in terms of physical development.  I know that this has little to do with me and am thankful for all that she has been able to learn.  I'm thankful for a great group of therapists working with her as well.

Part of her exploring has been making new messes. 

 She is also signing more and more!  She is adding more and more each week.  We have been watching Baby Signing Times - and she LOVES it.  She has learned to ask for it by signing baby.  She cries/whimpers when it is over too.  It is neat to see her trying to imitate the signs as she is watching them.

Here are some of the signs that she knows.

*More               *Milk                 *Eat                      *All Done

*Music            *Baby               *Shoes                 *Head

*Knees           *Toes               *Ball                     *Sleep

*Diaper          *Mommy           *Daddy                *Please

She also likes to sign to songs.  I think that music is going to be a great avenue for teaching Eliana.  She likes signing to "Twinkle Twinkle", "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes", "Itsy Bitsy Spider", "Pat-a-cake" , "If You're Happy and you Know it" and "B-I-N-G-O"

 One more cute picture.

Yesterday was a lovely day.  We had our first meeting of our Five in a Row homeschool group.  We met at a wonderful local park (Pullen) that has rides in addition to a great playspace.  We had thought it might rain and it looked very threatening on our drive over.  Instead, we enjoyed cooler than usual temps - and a gorgeous day!

It was fun to welcome 3 new families to our group and to see old friends as well.  I enjoy our field trips and outings so much and I'm glad to get back to them.  We typically go on field trips every other week with this group.  It's a really special group of friends for whom I've very thankful. 

The children had a great time running around and playing.  Christopher did a great job taking a wide variety of photos of all of the children.  He is going to help with photography for our group's yearbook.  I think he has a good eye. 

After the park, I wanted to run by the Farmer's Market since we were so close.  It was a quick trip due to some sleepers, but we did manage to buy some yummy things.

Hmm ... can you tell what this is - or how much of it?

I know this doesn't look like a lot - but it's 65 ears of corn.  I thought I'd try my hand at putting some in the freezer.  I did about 25 ears last night with Roger's help.  I finished the rest tonight with a friends help.  The corn tastes sweet and yummy!  I hope we'll enjoy it.

More later.  It's late now and I need to get some sleep.  We've had a busy week and I have more I'd like to share.

Blessings,

 Leslie