Down syndrome Awareness Month 2017

 I was born with Down syndrome, but it didn't stop the excitement or the love on my birthday.

 I had little toes, little hands and little ears.

I learned to eat in a high chair and crawl on the floor.

Then I got sick, but then I got better and did things typical kids do like celebrate Christmas and birthdays and play in the snow.

I like to play at the playground, cook in the kitchen and go on family vacations,

just like everyone else.

I have Down syndrome but I'm able to go to school, have friends and have a full and enriching life. I think that's what Down syndrome Awareness Month is all about. Making people aware that I'm more alike than different. And although I may not do everything at the same pace or speed as everyone else and although my body may have more illnesses and issues than typical folks, I can still do all things in this world, including the absolute most important things in life -- which are to love and to be loved.

 

Happy Down syndrome Awareness Month

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Childhood cancer awareness month is almost over- in it- a lot of memories- both good and difficult to relive. Like most people, we tend to remember the good- namely, the helpful friends and family who pulled us through and our faith, which was surely strengthened. It’s always a “Cancer” month for someone; join us in keeping that someone and their family in mind and in prayer. Thanks for being part of our Septembers- both then and now.

All better now. Only checking for cancer every other month at this point in the journey. Days are filled with school, therapy visits, family activities and going to church.

So blessed and so thankful for your prayers.

Keep them coming for continued health and good luck in school- and prayers of gratitude too! 

Thank you!!

Graditutde in my attitude

Being able to be thankful is one of the greatest gifts God has given us.

So many things have gone right in this world, it's hard to focus just on the bad stuff.

Sure, in every life there is some rain. In some lives, it's a rainforest of rain- but in that rainforest there is still such beauty- I guess that's what I'm trying to say-

It's not the actual situation and circumstance, but one's perception that makes all the difference. Pretty big concept for a 5 year old, like me, but my mom is trying to teach me to be thankful for what I have- and not to focus on what I don't have or the things that haven't gone my way.

In this last month- I have had a lot to be thankful for...

My friends, my family, my health, my ability to see and hear (I passed my hearing test with normal scores! My eyes are giving me a little trouble and I have an appointment next week), my teachers, my school, my hospital, my house, my garden, my faith and the ability to see the good in others. It was really easy to see the good in others this month, because so many people came out to my blood drive. Thanks to each of you who could come out, and thanks to those who shared the promotion and who prayed and rooted for a successful drive. We did it again! THANK YOU! 

I have a pretty long list of thank yous.
I hope you can make a list like mine- and that you can pray with me for people who are struggling to see the blessing in their lives. It's not always easy- sometimes it's easier to focus on things like disabilities, feeling lonely, being unhealthy, struggles in school, drug abuse, hunger, feeling safe, fights with friends or family, not having big things, not having even little things. I think God wants us to focus on the good things that are interwoven in the unpleasant stuff- the more we focus on those things, the happier we can be. 

I'm blessed to be happy, most of the time. They say that kids and individuals with Down Syndrome are happy all the time. Well, that simply isn't true- I threw a fit just yesterday- but for the most part- I try to see the good.  Join me and spread the joy.

Here's what I'm thankful for- gratitude is my attitude!

Thankful for a new hat!

 

Thankful for my cousins!

 

Thankful for my mom on Mothers Day.

 

Thankful for my Aunties.

 

Thankful for my teacher and my school!!

Thankful for my garden.

Thankful for my friends!

 

Thankful for my grandparents. And thankful for planes.
I get to see my Texas grandparents soon!

Thankful for my friends!

Thankful for my siblings.



Thankful for Nicole.




Thankful for Smiles and volunteers!

Thankful for my big brother on his graduation day!

Thankful my school allowed me to be fully included!

THANKFUL for BLOOD DONORS. 

Thankful for volunteers and friends who came to my blood drive and helped promote it!
Without blood products, I wouldn't be here today.
Thanks to the 78 people who game to the party, because of you lives will be saved!

Thanks for friends and pool parties!

Thankful for my hearing and my audiologist!

Thankful for the MACC Fund and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin!

Thankful for your friendship and your prayers! Because of you, I'm here and able to share the good news that having a good attitude starts with gratitude.

THANK YOU!

Had fun, then fever

Boy, did Mom keep me hopping yesterday-

I went to school, then a visit to Dr Burke at Children's Hospital, then the Zoo, then Occupational therapy, then a big dinner with Grandma and the family.

 

    

    

    

      

Busy day- must have worn me out- then again so many public places in one day is really not good for someone with my history.

I was up all night, fever raging, but this morning, I'm back to a normal temp. Hopefully it was only temporary.

Pray for me and other people with illnesses. It's no fun to be sick in good weather.

Keep my blood drive on your radar- tell your friends who donate- even if you can't. We want to try to get 80 donors this year. We need your help.

Thank you!!!