“It makes me really mad when people don’t treat everyone with respect.” Spencer Manning, 8th grade, advocate, hero, friend 3 For the past 8 years, our family has been uber blessed providing after school and summer care to Spencer and Amy. They have become our Framily. (see post on Friends + Family = Framily) […]
Inclusion is not just the law. It’s an ideology I’m convinced to should spring from respect and be integral in every person’s set of core values. Inclusion should be a core belief in all persons, leading to respecting and including all into our communities, our places of worship, our educational systems and our lives. I […]
Advocate- one that defends or maintains a cause or proposal Wouldn’t it be nice if things would automatically work out for the best in our lives? But since they don’t, 🙂 I’m raising the praises today for Bethany’s many advocates! Without her team of supporters, she would likely be pigeon-holed by low expectations and lose […]
Having home schooled Bethany until last year- we were blissfully ignorant about constructing an IEP. Each public school child receiving special education & any related services must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Each IEP is an individualized document which creates an opportunity for teachers, parents, school administrators, related services personnel and students (when appropriate) […]
The first day of school has come and gone- but not without a fashion show and a lot of debate about what to wear. Amy, Bethany, and Finley (5th, 6th, and 2nd) tried on outfits. ( many outfits! 😉 ) I was barely holding in my laughter as they debated about what was too fancy, […]
Whew! What a week! First the COOL part! Micah and Adrienne gave birth to their little girl- drum roll please- ************** Mataya Joy- meaning God’s gift of joy! Adrienne’s water broke Saturday morning and I rushed to the hospital to sit and pray and anticipate. The day wore on and still no baby. Finally, […]
“There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots, the other, wings.” – Hodding Carter I could NOT be a mother eagle. They actually tear apart their nest to encourage their young to fly away!!! How barbaric is that? lol I can’t help reflecting: the dazzling, dynamic season […]
Foggily aware that “someone” was worming their way into into bed with me, I opened one eye to see the sun rising through our window. Turning to assess the big lump under the covers beside me, I acted surprised when Bethany popped up, then laughed when I saw she was fully dressed in her new Hello Kitty dress! Eyes sparkling, […]
Ever since Bethany was diagnosed with down syndrome, I ask myself this question: Why do we place so much importance and make such a big deal about I.Q.? [Tweet “Does our #happiness in #life depend on our #IQ?”] Our new adventure in learning: Bethany is running around the house, excited for her first foray into […]
