A long overdue update….

Good grief it's been a month since my last post!  And I've missed so many WWIW's!;)  We've been busy around here lately so I'll update you with what's been going on….

Bennett finished up his first year of preschool and I couldn't be happier with where he is and how he's done.  He has grown up so much this past year (both physically and emotionally), and although I still feel like he's tiny everyone always tells me how tall he's getting.  Makes me laugh because he's still super tiny compared to his typically developing peers;).

He's talking so much more, eating great, starting to read-I'll have to share this soon-it's very basic reading but it's reading none the less and it's a start.  He understands so much more and way more than we sometimes give him credit for.

Mike and I went to Puerto Rico with his company and had a great time!  My mom and Mike's parents held down the fort and did an awesome job!  I was so nervous to leave them because I've never left all of them for a week but they were fine and it was nice to take a vacation without the kids for once!!

Bennett participated in his first vacation bible school last week and I was so happy that he could be with the 4-5 year olds instead of the nursery.  I made sure he had extra help in his class (I was volunteer coordinator;)) and the girls that helped in there were absolute angels.  So thankful for them!  And Bennett totally surprised me the last night with standing up with everyone and performing.  It brought tears to my eyes.  Here's a video of him performing the last night of vbs….

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

The girls finished up second grade and kindergarten a few days ago!  They have done wonderful this year and really are good students.  They love learning and being with their friends.  Hope this continues!  Here they are ready for the last pep rally of the year…

Summer swim team is half way through and I am so proud of Ainsley and Harper for working so hard every day!  I watch them and honestly don't know how I ever did it for 16 years.  They are way better than I was at their age and it's fun to see them get excited about learning how to dive, learning new strokes and even win some of their heats;).  Ainsley is super competitive (not sure where she gets that from;)) but she doesn't realize "practice makes perfect"  and with swimming, unfortunately there needs to be lots of practice!!

Bennett had a rough start to the swim season due to a nasty cold but he's loving the water again and is a little too comfortable with it if you asked me.  But I am glad he loves the pool and hopefully some day he can be on the swim team too!

Since the girls are tracked out for July we're headed to my mom's house for some good family time as well as a beach trip to Myrtle Beach!

After all the vacations we're going to try these with lil' man…

Yikes!!  Wish me luck!

That's all for now.  I'll be back with more WIWW's and hopefully some decorating updates as well!

Happy Birthday to Bennett!!

May 22nd is a good day….

Happy Birthday Bennett!!!  4 years ago you changed our hearts and opened our eyes.  We are so incredibly thankful for your sweet soul!!  Loving you to the moon and back just doesn't describe our love for you!!!  Here's to many, many more birthdays with you!

6 years….

To our sweet Harper who turns 6 today:  You say it like it is, you're spiritually wise beyond your years and you make us laugh every day!  Happy Birthday Harper Elise!!  We love you!!!

Easter...

Can't believe Easter has come and gone!  This year it was much colder than it should have been so we missed out on all the egg hunts because I refuse to have my kids run around in the rain and in winter coats hunting for eggs;)  But Saturday before Easter the sun was out and we decided to have our own egg hunt in the back yard….

Bennett wasn't too much into hunting, he just loves slides and it's "Weeee, slide!"  over and over.  We seriously need a real swing set for this kid!

The girls had fun hunting though! I love how they can adapt to things and didn't care that we didn't go to some big egg hunt with millions of other kids.

Well what's cuter than a little boy in seersuckers and a bow tie?  Yep, that's how we do it in the South;)

Can you believe this boy will be 4 soon!!??

The rain held off while we went to church and I got a few pics but none with all three, Bennett did not want to cooperate!

Having fun with daddy after church!  

Hope everyone had a great Easter!  I think we're all looking forward to some warmer weather after this long winter!

A day to celebrate...

3/21….today is World Down Syndrome Day!! {it's also Throwback Thursday;)} 3/21 to symbolize a third copy of the 21st chromosome in people with Down syndrome. Because that extra chromosome makes this world extraordinary! We love you Bennett and all your awesome friends!!!

Bennett at one year;)

And I just loved this (taken from my friend Aimee)...

Today (3/21 for three copies of the 21st chromosome) we're not spreading awareness that Down syndrome exists. We're spreading awareness that Bennett and other people with Down syndrome are more alike than they are different. That they are capable, intelligent, able, fun, and caring. That, by including them in society, in our classrooms, and in our workplaces all of our lives are a little bit better, a little brighter. And if we really pay attention, they will teach us just as much as we teach them. Down syndrome ISN'T scary, it's just a little different. Every day I am thankful that we were blessed to be just a little bit different.

Also, check out this video and help support my friend's effort!

My Thoughts On Inclusion...

So I think I said awhile back I would explain why I chose the preschool Bennett attends.  It's a very small school with I believe 25 students.  All of the children have special needs.  I'd say 90% of them have Down syndrome.  Why did I choose a school like this?  Well, I put a lot (I mean A LOT) of thought into it.  In the end I knew I needed a place that I was certain Bennett was loved-that was my number one priority.  He is so tiny, like the size of most 18 month olds, only he's 3 and I needed to know he wasn't going to get run over and left in a corner to just "play".  But then I also wanted a place that really focused on communication because that's one of the biggest challenges for a person like Bennett as he gets older-speech.  

Believe me, I talked to many people and at times was almost convinced that Bennett needed to be around typically developing kids, not kids with special needs because how would he ever learn?  Well now I know that's just crazy.  Don't get my wrong I do think he needs to be around peers his age that are typically developing but I also think he can learn just as much if not more at the school he's at.  

What really attracted me to this school was all the technology they were using with the children like ipads and smart boards as well as PEC communication and sign language.  When I first visited the school and walked into the 3 year old class I was amazed at what I saw.  These tiny little children, most of them had Down syndrome, participating in music therapy, sitting and singing happily and then how routined they were when it was time to move on to the next thing.  Bennett fit right in and loved every minute of it.  I could just feel the love from every single person I met.

And what I really love is how they expect so much out of these kids.  They expect them to carry their huge back packs all the way to class, they expect them to hang their bags and coats up.  They expect them to sit and listen and participate.  They want these kids to learn to be independent, they don't let them slack off.  So there's order, there's education and there's love.  Monday-Friday, all day.  I have no doubt Bennett is right where he needs to be.  

Happy as can be!

No description needed;)  

The updates from his teachers…oh how I love the updates!!  This school knows how important the little milestones are and how they're actually not little for these kids, they're huge!  I love how they get that!

Yep, eating real food!  Huge, HUGE accomplishment for him.  No one has EVER been able to get Bennet to eat real (solid) food until he started this school.  Now he picks up food and puts it in his mouth, eats everything we eat, drinks from a cup like a big boy…I never thought I'd see the day.  So, so pleased with what they've done for him in the feeding department!

I just love seeing him participate in regular school activities, following directions, having fun…I couldn't ask for more!  

Now as far as inclusion down the road in elementary school, do I want that?  Of course I do!  What I really want is for Bennett to go to his sister's school and have a full time aide but I know that is so far fetched in our county.  It doesn't mean I won't try but on the other hand I am willing to see how he does in a setting that may be more suitable for him if an aide can't/won't be provided.  If I don't think his needs are met and that he's not getting enough time with typically developing kids, well then if it's in God's will I'll pull him out and we'll try a private school setting where I hear inclusion is more accepted, at least where we live.  

But when it comes down to it, I feel this small school he's at is going to prepare him for elementary school.  So for now, I guess we don't do inclusion, other than church, the gym and just being around his sisters but I really don't think it's all that necessary right now.  Not when he's learning his shapes, colors, letters, so many more words, etc. right along with his classmates.  He's learned SO MUCH this school year and I'm thrilled with his progress.  It's just what has worked for our family.  I know many others feel differently about the topic.  And that might be what is best for their family.

But you know when something is right and this is definitely right.  We take it day by day.  And today Bennett is happy and he's thriving.  So today this is right where we need to be.

Spring Decor!

Easter and spring are up there with Christmas for me, as far as decorating goes.  I love decorating for spring!  Especially after a cold winter (okay, it doesn't get that cold here in NC but it's been a yucky one this year with lots of sicknesses and I'm over it)!  

I didn't buy any new decorations this year (imagine that!), just changed some things around.

The dining room….

Funny how my decor tastes have changed in the last few years.  This is what our dining room looked like our first year in PA…

Lots of golds and greens.  Can ya believe it-not one hint of turquoise, not even one little blue egg?!  

Anyway, moving on….

The playroom….

The kitchen…

The family room….

There really is no rhyme or reason as to how I decorate for the seasons or just how I decorate in general.  I like to use things in places that they're really not supposed to go like chargers on the mantel or cake stands to hold vases or old purses to hold eggs or starfish mixed in with eggs and bunnies-lol.  But somehow it works or at least I think it works.

So you'd think a person that makes wreaths would have a brand new wreath on her door every month but I'm currently busy taking orders and making this wreath….

 {email me if you'd like one for yourself;)}

Which means I currently have last years wreath up, which I love and it looks even better this year on the newly painted door….

You don't want to see the most recent before.  It was black but had some splotchy parts due to my fast paint job.  This time I took my time.  It's so creamy looking-I just love it so much better!!  Especially for spring and summer!

I'll leave you with a few more outside pics…

Happy Spring!

Linking up to Savvy Southern Style!

The BEST treat on a sick day!

Well, I think we may be over our last (hopefully last) cold of the season.  I say that because how could we possibly all get sick again?!  Enough is enough!  With that said, I'm wrapping up my last post for a three part series program for Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold.  As part of this program I've shared some tips on how I keep my children somewhat smiling on sick days as well as how to survive this cold and flu season.  So many of you have shared as well and I've enjoyed reading all the fun and sweet things you do with your children to make them feel just a little bit better on those sick days. 

On my last post I shared a yummy recipe for cookies that Ainsley and I made while she was at home and not feeling well.  I highly recommend you try the recipe-really, really good!  But I think my kids all time favorite treat whether they're sick or not (but it really helps when they're sick-although not with some stomach thing is RED VELVET CUPCAKES!  

Do I have some magical recipe?  Nope.  Just the ones from the box but you must use cream cheese icing!  

Of course it's always fun to make these around Valentines Day as well!

Yes, these make my kids happy!  And let's face it, it's not easy staying home with sick kids.  It wears you out as well but I promise this little treat will make you happy too!

   
I like to use this fun little tool to make my cupcakes look somewhat professional and the kids are totally impressed 

So while Children's Mucinex helps the kids with their congestion, runny noses, and cough, the red velvet cupcakes help to really put a smile on their face  

One reader commented that she likes to make vitamin c smoothies with her child-great idea!  I would love the recipe!!  Much healthier than my red velvet cupcakes!

Here's your last chance to receive that $100 CVS gift card!  Read below for the question….

Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold 
When your child has a bad cold, you both can feel miserable. Children's Mucinex is the #1 children's brand for relieving congestion* and provides fast acting relief from your child's worst cold symptoms. Try Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold if your child needs relief from stuffy nose and chest congestion. Always use Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold as directed. 

-Do not use more than directed 

-Product is intended for children 4-12 years old

-If you are unsure about using Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold, please consult your pediatrician

(*Based on IRI unit share data for the 52 weeks ending November 2012) 

Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold is offering readers a $2.00 off coupon to use on your next purchase, you can retrieve your coupon here!
  
Would you like a chance to win a $100 CVS gift card?  Let me know “What special treat puts a smile on your child's face when they're not feeling their best?"

No duplicate comments.
You may receive 1 total entry by leaving a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 2/6/2013 – 3/31/2013

Be sure to visit the Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

Just Stop Saying It!

See this little guy? Yeah, he pretty much hung the moon according to his mommy and daddy. Today is "Spread The Word To End The Word"...the r-word. When you say "that's so retarded" or "you're retarded" or "does this look retarded?", it hurts millions of people. And you may not even think about a person with intellectual disabilities when you say it, but to a parent, a sibling, a grandparent, aunts and uncles and friends of someone like Bennett, it HURTS. It hurts to the core. 

You may never understand why it's so offensive but if you were in my shoes, you'd be writing this post. So just take my word for it. Please, please think before you speak and take the r-word out of your vocabulary. And tell others it's not okay to say this word. Its about respect and Bennett and so many others would really appreciate it;)