d I tailor make a lot of Bethany’s reading books because there are some very specific things I want her to know. The first book I made was a catechism of sorts titled “Who is God?” It asks questions and then gives simple answers. ie- Who is God? God is my Creator! Who is God? God […]
Have you ever been part of a production, a play or show? Then you know success is inextricably tied to rehearsal time. Bethany and I just spent 5 days before school started “rehearsing” the first day of school. We went in twice a day, found her locker, opened her locker, met her teachers, practiced their […]
I “pride” (tsk, tsk 😉 ) myself being one of Bethany’s foremost advocates; insisting she can learn, expecting her to achieve, facilitating inclusion, reaching for the stars. The Middle School meltdown opened my eyes! My role is shifting gears! Did you hear the sputter as I went from 2nd gear to 3rd? LOL- I’ve […]
Make a stone altar and burn the fatted calf! Monumental Milestone! Our 7th child just turned into a teenager! Last time through the turbulent, terrific teens! Jesus was once a teenager! That kind of blows the mind eh? Of course He was perfect, but still, remember the “walkabout” He took when He was twelve? You […]
I can only think of 2 reasons why we would ascent to undergoing prenatal testing. 1) the ability to prepare yourself and do what you can to intervene or medically aid your child! 2) the ability to eliminate the child by abortion to prevent “suffering” – of the child- of the parents- of society… So there […]
Celebrating 33 Years of TREASURE (re-posted on our 36th celebration) To my life song with Jesus- my beloved husband and friend, We go together like: peanut butter & chocolate, like a wink & a smile, like a wave & the ocean, like copy & paste, like melody & harmony, like cookies and milk. ~ Through […]
I want you to meet an incredible family! Aren’t they just beautiful? I want you to love them as much as I do! Meet Sarah, Noah, John, and Genev’e Here is there amazing story from my friend, John! In April of 2004 I received a call from our Doctor informing me that there was […]
I blog from a bit of a different perspective when I talk about special needs. I don’t want to try to convince everyone that Bethany is the same as me- or you. I want to illuminate the truth that WE are like HER! [Tweet “We are all #related- God designed- God created- fallen yet will […]
World Down Syndrome Day is March 21st IDSC is uniting with bloggers and parents all over the world to celebrate “Who I Am” – an awareness campaign to help people understand that ALL of life is precious! Don’t forget to come back this Thursday, the 21st, to view the exciting video but for today- Here’s […]
What a wonderful video! Every school/club/person/church/organization/family should be so blessed to be able to see this heartwarming, informative “snippet” explaining how people with down syndrome are JUST LIKE YOU. This video highlights the lives of 3 teenagers with down syndrome and their friends. Great advice and insightful understanding that will be sure to strengthen and […]
Before “special needs” made its grand entrance into our lives, I walked in ignorant bliss, unaware of hidden treasure. “Special” Needs – the gift that no one asks for …… [Tweet “Sometimes the most #precious #gifts were never desired in the first place. #downsyndrome #treasure”] c When Bethany was born and the genetic testing came […]
You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book Psalm 56:8 God knows I must have a ginormous bottle and I’m fairly certain you do too. Sometimes, my “life between the trees” journey feels like someone unexpectedly pushed me off a […]
Do you love me? We show our love in millions of miniscule ways; hugs, flowers, a card, a phone call, small gifts, expensive gifts, silly gifts, thoughtful gifts, the gift of time, touch, a smile, sharing, encouraging, cheering, and certainly we should daily say the three little words that have the power to rock someone’s […]
We just got back from an incredible Barclay Clan retreat. We tried to “unplug”! We left behind TV and FB but still held fully charged cellphones, 1 I-Pad, 1 Kindle, and 3 I-pods, but perhaps the most interesting electronic aid was enjoyed by the children; a full-screen fireplace they viewed on the IPad while going […]
October is National Downs Syndrome Awareness month. Bloggers are being encouraged to post 31 days to bring awareness & celebrate people with DS are deserving of inclusion and equality. October is also National Clergy Appreciation month, Fire Safety month, Pregnancy Loss & Infant Loss awareness, Rett Syndrome month, Breast Cancer Awareness month, Domestic Violence awareness, National […]