Today's Special

It's almost been a year....

2010-05-14T10:06:00.005-06:00

Since I went MIA! It's been a crazy one at that with no shortage of blogging material, I just really didn't have a lot of extra time or didn't feel like it. This year has probably been the most challenging with too many things to account for and changes in our family. In a nutshell, both kids started school full-time, I went back to school and work, Brandon had a collapsed lung that required surgery, Cadence had a minor surgery, we got a dog- and that is just the beginning. It's been quite the adjustment, so I hope with summer approaching (maybe...we've hardly even seen signs of spring), we can slow down a bit and get back to "normal" (whatever that is!).

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!

2009-06-22T09:06:00.004-06:00

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!

It's Been Awhile...

2009-05-31T09:33:00.017-06:00

Wow! I can't believe it's been almost 2 months since I last posted. There actually has been no shortage of blogging material, so I'm not sure why I've neglected it for so long. In fact, March, April & May have been our busiet months, so maybe that was it!

In March, the kids and I headed to Iowa for my Mom's 60th birthday party which was actually a surprise! We had been planning for a few months & the timing worked out great because the kids had 2 weeks off of school for Spring Break. Brandon had work commitments & we were taking another vacation at the end of April, so unfortunately, he stayed back. I drove to Iowa myself with the kids, which was not too bad. Thank God for the DVD player! Anyway, my Mom ended up being VERY surprised, which we can't believe we were able to pull off since she is kind of nosey (sorry, Mom!). We had a great turn out & it was like a family reunion. The day after the party, we headed up to my sister, Angela's house near Minneaolpis/St. Paul, MN. We spent a few days relaxing & hanging out & even took a much anticipated trip to the Mall of America! Boy was Skyler in heaven! All in all, it was a very nice trip and I ended logging about 36 hours of driving which I am not ready to do anytime soon. We did hit a blizzard on our way back, about 45 minutes from home, so the home stretch took almost 2 hours. Not fun, but we ended up making it home safely.

While we were in Iowa, a new addition to the DeYoung family was born here in Colorado! Aiden Alexander Kley (nephew #6) was born to Brandon's sister, Stacy & her husband Ben. He is a sweet little guy & Cadence is just in love with him! He is so fascinated by the baby and is very curious and gentle & loves to stroke his soft head. It is too precious! (and no, Cadence will not be getting his own baby to adore! LOL)

April was no boring month, either. We finished up our competition season for dance & Brandon & I celebrated our 10th wedding Anniversary on April 10th. We celebrated by taking a vacation to Cozumel, Mexico. We flew my mom out to stay with the kids & spent 5 wonderful days in Mexico. We almost had to change our destination, as the outbreak and scare of the Swine Flu reared it's ugly head just as we were about to leave :( After lots of research & phone calls, we decided to forge ahead with our plans to Mexico. There had been no reports of Swine Flu at all in Cozumel or in the Yucatan region. Considering that Mexico has over 100 million people, we felt our odds were pretty good of not getting it. To be safe, we washed our hands alot & brought hand sanitizer. The funny thing was that you would have never known the Swine Flu was even happening unless you turned on an American TV station (a little overblown I do think).
After a few weeks of researching for the perfect place (one of my favs things to do!), we decided on the Wyndham Sabor Cozumel (adults only!!). It was really beautiful & just what we were looking for. On the second day of our trip, we came back to our room after breakfast with a note on our door saying we could upgrade(at no extra cost) to the Aura , which was the sister resort next door & even more spectacular. After a tour, we decided to to move over to the Aura. All I can say is "WOW". The food, service, amenities were outstanding! It definitely added to our vacation. Brandon was very pleased with the scuba diving~ Cozumel has the 2nd largest coral reef in the world. The snorkeling off the beach was great too. We saw many different sizes & colors of fish, huge lobsters & even saw 2 large stingrays! I've snorkeled a half dozen times & have never seen a stingray, so this was a first for me. We had an amazing time & needless to say, came home Swine Flue free :)

May has come and gone now with the kids finishing up school. I can't believe I will have a 5th grader & a Kindergartener! Cadence will be going to summer school for a few weeks this summer to keep up on his skills for K. He will be going all day, Monday thru Thursday. We are excited that he *might* have his own para ALL DAY (pending approval right now). Regardless, he will have one most of the day to help keep him on task :) And I can't forget to mention that Skyler finished her 4th grade year with an AMAZING report card. They don't get letter grades yet, but almost all of her subjects had an "A" for Advanced. Her test scores also showed Advanced & she is reading at an 8th grade level! I am so happy that she loves to read :)

Also in May, we added another addition to the DeYoung family. Brandon's sister Tricia gave birth to a baby girl, Ashlyn Rose, on May 21st. Skyler is excited to have another girl in the family~ she has been the only granddaughter on the DeYoung side for the last 10 years! LOL

Whew! That's about it for now! Will try to do better with all the summer fun we'll be having soon :)

HAPPY EASTER~ HE IS RISEN!

2009-04-12T08:53:00.002-06:00

It's been awhile! I will be updating with lots of pictures this week! Stay tuned...

DANCE!

2009-02-23T21:48:00.003-07:00

I suppose it's about time I mention the thing we do A LOT of and spend A LOT of time doing~ dance. This is something that Skyler & I enjoy very much and are lucky enough to get to do it together. I have to admit~ sometimes being Skyler's instructor can be challenging, especially when we are working one on one and I ask her to try something and she says she can't~ something I know she wouldn't do if I was not her mother! Not only that, I am probably hardest on her than any other student in the class and sometimes end up feeling very guilty for that. But, I have to say, Skyler takes it in stride & is one tough cookie. I think that experience has made her stronger. She also has a drive to succeed that I don't remember having at her age. It's so neat to see.

This past weekend, we had a competition here in Colorado Springs where Skyler got to compete her solo for the first time this season, as well as 5 other group numbers. Her solo scored a"Top First" and she also got 5th place in the photogenic category! (thanks, Carmen for taking those beautiful pics!).

We are so proud of Skyler & it makes me excited to see what the future holds for her in dance & all she decides to do!

(Oh, BTW, Skyler did a hip hop solo to "Boyz" by M.I.A.)

A New Year....January Happenings

2009-01-27T19:07:00.006-07:00

I can't believe January is almost over and this is my first post of the year! January has been very busy for us. We started off the New Year with a big party with family and friends. It was a fun night and good way to kick off the New Year!
Skyler has been busy with basketball & dance. Unfortunately, she developed an infection in her foot & it took several weeks, many doses of antibiotics and an MRI to tell us that. The doctors thought she may have had an infection in the bone, but the MRI revealed it had not gotten into the bone, thankfully. She was able to dance this past weekend after being off of it for over 3 weeks. She was so happy to be back on her foot and running, jumping & dancing again.
Cadence started Hippotherapy today. Hippotherapy is a form of therapy that done upon a horse. The word comes from the Greek word "hippos" which means horse. Riding horses can improve core strength and movement that can improve balance, posture, behavior & cognitive functions. Cadence was very eager to get on his horse, Taan-Taan today & was not afraid at all! I was able to get a few shots, but tried to be sneaky & quick so he wouldn't see me! The Pikes Peak Therapuetic Riding Center is out in Black Forest and only a few minutes away from our house, so that is a plus. I am looking forward to adding hippotherapy to our schedule for some time to come.
Skyler also started cooking classes today as an after school program. She was very excited when I picked her up today and said it was pretty cool. They made "spiced chicken" and she ate it before we got home. I am hoping this will help her to try new things as she is our "picky" eater! It actually works out great that she is in this class because Cade's hippotherapy is at 3:30 and she gets out of school at 3:30, so I would have had to take her out of school early to get to Black Forest on time, so this works out wonderfully. She will head to the cooking class right after school and is finished at 4:45. Cade gets done at 4:30, so with the drive back to Falcon, it is perfect!

Although we had a good week here in Colorado that was unseasonably warm (60's or so), we've also had some cold days & nights! Brandon likes to start a fire in the fireplace. I love having a woodburning fireplace and the kids like toasting marshmallows and making s'mores as a special treat!

A DeYoung Family Christmas

2008-12-26T09:11:00.002-07:00

Our attempt at a family picture! Skyler & Cadence playing "Gone Fishin"

Cadence loves his new books!

Skyler got a new memoboard!

Cadence'e 2 favorite things- Elmo & Dinosaurs!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

2008-12-25T10:27:00.002-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY/GRANDPA TOMMY!

2008-12-24T09:54:00.004-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! WE LOVE AND MISS YOU!

Merry Christmas to Our Military!

2008-12-23T08:49:00.005-07:00

I just wanted to remember those who will not be home this Christmas to celebrate with their loved ones because they are fighting for our freedom. This is a picture of my Dad taken in '98. Although he was home that Christmas, he was not in 1994. While all of us spent the Holidays in New York City, Dad was in Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm. He was actually gone most of my sophomore year of high school. Having a parent gone off to war is never easy, and Christmas time makes it that much harder. I wish I would have known this song then. I'm sure I asked Santa to bring my Dad home too! I love you Daddy!! And someone has a birthday tomorrow....

A Night With....ELMO!

2008-12-18T22:18:00.004-07:00

This evening, Cadence and I headed to the Pike's Peak Center to see "Sesame Street Live! Elmo Makes Music". The tickets were a gift from Grandma & Grandpa Tanhoff to Cadence for Christmas! What better gift for Cadence than his 3 favorite things: music, dancing and ELMO! Although he enjoyed all the Sesame Street characters, he is simply fascinated with Elmo. He would get a little nervous when Elmo would leave the stage and repeatedly ask for him, but Elmo was never off for very long. There was always so much to see and the show was interactive. During intermission, we got up to walk around and Cadence kept asking & signing "more". I assured him there was more Elmo to come. We were only 6 rows from the front, so we had a GREAT view.
Thank you Grandma & Grandpa for a wonderful gift~ as you can see, he was over the moon!

Cadence signing for "more" Elmo at intermission!

The Sesame Street Gang!

Ernie is asking to help him find the number of the day!

Taking it all in...........

Elmo & Grover (who happens to be MY favorite)

A Weekend In Keystone!

2008-12-15T19:07:00.003-07:00

This past weekend, Brandon & I spent the weekend at The Ski Tip Lodge in Keystone, CO. It was a quaint little B&B and was our birthday present from Brandon's Mom & Dad. Brandon's sister Stacy and her husband, Ben, were also staying at the lodge as their gift as well. We had a great time exploring the area, taking in the beautiful, snow covered scenery, eating yummy food, drinking some good drinks and trying new beers (Breckenridge Brewery) and even tried tubing for the first time! Just being able to spend time together was very nice as Grandma & Grandpa took care of ALL the grandchildren this weekend!! Of course, we got up there Friday and my camera says "change battery pack"- go figure. So I was able to capture some pics on my camera phone!

The tubing hill~ what a BLAST!

The Gondola

Brandon the snowy Mountain Man. There was sooo much snow!

Breckenridge was having a snow sculpture contest. This one was in front of Bubba Gump's Shrimp Co. where we ate Friday night. Mmmmmm.....

Let There Be Peace On Earth...

2008-12-15T13:13:00.002-07:00

A group called B.E.S.T. which includes individuals with Down syndrome, singing and signing "Let There Be Peace On Earth".

A Little Color....

2008-12-05T20:29:00.002-07:00

Here are the pics we had done only in some different color settings. I LOVE them! I think I will use the last one as Christmas card!

Little Man

2008-12-05T13:51:00.001-07:00

I don't know how, but I forgot to put this one up of Cadence when we did the photoshoot last week...it's one of my favorites!

All I Want For Christmas....

2008-12-03T22:52:00.004-07:00

What I wouldn't give to have one of these little angels under my tree on Christmas morning!! But since that in unlikely this year, I would settle for a Reece's Rainbow Angel Tree Ornament! If you're looking for the perfect gift for, say...me or anyone else, why not sponsor an orphan with Down syndrome and receive a beautiful ornament with your chosen child's picture on it to remind us what Christmas is all about. For $35, you can have an ornament sent with your chosen child's picture AND have the satisfaction of knowing you could help that child find a Forever Family!! If you have not done so yet, PLEASE visit REECE'S RAINBOW ANGEL TREE and glance at all the beautiful little faces this year!

We Elfed Grandma & Grandpa!!!

2008-12-01T09:42:00.000-07:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

We've Been Elfed!

2008-11-30T23:12:00.001-07:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Pictures With Grandma & Grandpa

2008-11-30T15:10:00.003-07:00

Well, they did it again! Our good friends Carmen & Judah with JCM Photography came out last week and took some pictures of the kids with my parents. I don't think my parents have had their picture taken together since I graduated in 1996! And 2009 will be their 40th Wedding Anniversary, so what better time than now! Thanks again to Carmen & Judah for another awesome set of photos!

Skyler's Party & Halloween Fun

2008-11-06T20:18:00.003-07:00

Skyler likes it that her birthday is near Halloween~ it makes for
a two-in-one party!

Even Cadence got in on the action of bobbing for apples~

he and the little boys just liked getting wet!

Trick-or-Treating was a family affair!

(I think the camera was on the wrong setting- oops!)

Skyler grabbed the stem- no fair!!!

The sweetest little devil in town!

Update to 10/30 Post

2008-11-05T13:31:00.000-07:00

Something More Important

2008-11-05T09:34:00.002-07:00

Please take a moment to stop and look at Reece's Rainbow Christmas Angel Tree! There are so many little ones waiting. Please consider these angels this Christmas. It makes a wonderful gift and you can help save a life. You can give these precious little sweethearts a chance at life and a forever family.

A VIP Seat & the Golden Tickets!

2008-11-04T19:50:00.005-07:00

Yesterday, my friend Carmen and I headed over to the Sarah Palin rally here in the Springs. Totally spur of the moment, I didn't even know she was coming until yesterday morning. I wasn't sure if we'd get in since you have to RSVP online. So I RSVP'd all of us (including the boys) and it went through. I rearranged my schedule and even picked up Skyler from school early. We headed over to the Jet Center and got there fairly early. While trying to find a good place to hang out so we could see, the volunteer team saw us and asked us if we would like to sit in the restricted "invite only" area in the bleachers right behind the stage and podium. Well, heck, yes, we would! After seeing Cadence and Jaemen (our Golden Tickets), they thought it would be nice for us to be back there and also thought it would be nice for us to be able to sit! THANK GOD! Cadence is almost 40 pounds and my arms were already aching. Needless to say, we got an AWESOME seat in the house. It was a very spectacular event to be at. The highlight of the evening was when Sarah turned around and saw Cadence & Jaemen. She gave us a wink and a wave and we gave her one back. At the end, as they were making their way out and shaking hands and signing autographs, Todd Palin told me to give Cadence a hug and we told him "We love Trig!". He also told Carmen he loved Jaemen's curly hair! LOL.

My friend Lisa was in the audience and actually captured these pictures- thanks Lisa!
Oh, and the boys did very well for having to sit there for almost 4 hours!!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! WARNING SCARY IMAGE....

2008-10-31T13:51:00.003-06:00

Happy Halloween! BEWARE! The image you are

about to see is VERY SCARY!!!

Are you ready?????

HAHAHAHAHA!!! Ok, not very scary, but you have to admit- that's funny!
(Ok, get over it now, it's just a joke....)

On another note, I made it all the way to 31 days for Down Syndrome Awareness Month! 31 days of blogging and I never skipped a day! So tomorrow, I will be VERY busy taking Cadence to Soccer Buddies, Skyler & I have dance rehearsals since there is a competition next weekend and Skyler will be having her 10th birthday party on Saturday night. Monday will bring lots of pictures, so check back then! Have a fun and safe HALLOWEEN! XOXO

That was the longest ballot....

2008-10-30T13:43:00.002-06:00

....in history! Whew! An hour later and I'm finish and ready to mail in my ballot. It's so long that it will require extra postage to mail it. I was surprised it even required a stamp at all! I vote for prepaid postage ballots...

IF YOU LIVE IN COLORADO...

2008-10-30T09:35:00.003-06:00

PLEASE VOTE "YES" ON AMENDMENT 51!!

This admendment will increase funding for the developmentally disabled for services! Currently, there is a 2+ years wait for the Medicaid Waiver here in Colorado for children who are developmentally disabled under the age of 18. They cannot get services or have to pay rediculous amounts out of pocket to afford health care, physical therapy, speech therapy,etc. Several years ago, we got Cadence on the list and he was lucky enough to get off the list and on Medicaid only after 4 months. We are very grateful that his healthcare and services are covered since they would not be or we would have to pay a large amount out of pocket if he were on a private or group insurance plan. To learn more about Amendment 51, please click HERE.

***UPDATE*** I am sad to report that the citizens of Colorado do not think my son and others like him are literally worth 2 cents (the amendment would have taken 2 cents from every $10 to help provide services for the developmentally disabled in Colorado). Thank you so much, Coloradans, for opening my eyes to the greed and heartlessness of the community I live in. It must feel good that you can hide anonymously behind a ballot. God forbid YOUR child ever need special services here in Colorado. That's ok, I guess I'll be putting on my boxing gloves and seeing you in the ring!

Stories in Pictures...

2008-10-29T22:26:00.004-06:00

Skyler thanking Grandma & Grandpa DeYoung
for her birthday gifts. We went to Bamboo Garden
so Skyler could have her favorite- Lo Mein!

Skyler opening her birthday gifts at Bamboo Garden- looks

like a new pair of warm, fuzzy slippers!

Sunday night, we went to Boo at the Zoo and represented

Dance Unlimited. The kids had fun handing out candy & flyers

to trick-or-treaters.....and had fun trick-or-treating themselves!

Sunday was also the Colorado Springs Down Syndrome

Association's Annual Halloween party at Mr. Biggs. As you

can see, Cadence's loves the giant sandbox!

Driving the firetruck at Little Biggtown- hours of fun!

A Birthday Tribute to Skyler MacKenzie....

2008-10-28T14:41:00.003-06:00

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Please enjoy this heartfelt slideshow and turn up your speakers! The song "Cinderella" by Steven Curtis Chapman reminds us of how fast they grow up!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SKYLER!!

2008-10-28T09:05:00.000-06:00

Happy 10th Birthday to my beautiful little girl! Check back later for a slideshow of Skyler's 10 whole years on earth! I love you, baby!

It's So Close....

2008-10-27T15:08:00.003-06:00

I really struggled whether I should post anything related to politics on this blog, but then I thought, "Wait a second, this is MY blog and I can say whatever the heck I want to say." So if you don't agree with things I say, that's fine...just go start your own blog and say what YOU wanna say on YOUR blog! So, with that in mind, I'm going to post this e-mail I got today regarding the upcoming election. Keep in mind, I am a registered Independent- my vote could have gone to ANYONE. And I've decided to keep GOD in my country- whether YOU like it or not!

It's called:

I'm Voting Democrat (read on to learn why I am actually NOT voting Democrat)

I'm voting Democrat because English has no place being the official language in America.
I'm voting Democrat because it's better to turn corn into fuel than it is to eat.
I'm voting Democrat because I'd rather pay $4 for a gallon of gas than allow drilling for oil off the coasts of America
I'm voting Democrat because I think the government will do a better job of spending my money than I could.
I'm voting Democrat because when we pull out of Afghanistan and Iraq, I know the Islamic terrorists will stop trying to kill us because they'll think we're a good and decent country.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe people who can't tell us if it will rain in two or three days, can now tell us the polar ice caps will disappear in ten years if I don't start riding a bicycle, build a windmill or inflate my tires to proper levels.
I'm voting Democrat because it's alright to kill millions of babies as long as we keep violent, convicted murderers on death row alive.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe businesses in America should not be allowed to make profits. Businesses should just break even and give the rest to the government so politicians and bureaucrats can redistribute the money the way they think it should be redistributed.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe guns, and not the people misusing them, are the cause of crimes and killings.
I'm voting Democrat because when someone with a weapon threatens my family or me, I know the government can respond faster through a call to 911 than I can with a gun in my hand.
I'm voting Democrat because oil companies' 5% profit on a gallon of gas are obscene, but government taxes of 18% on the same gallon of gas are just fine.
I'm voting Democrat because I believe three or four elitist liberals should rewrite the Constitution every few months to suit some fringe element that could never get their agenda past voters.
I'm voting Democrat because illegal aliens are not criminals, are not sucking up resources through government aid, hospital services, education, or social service, but are just people trying to make a better life by coming to America illegally. We can't blame them for that, can we?
I'm voting Democrat because now I can now marry whatever I want, so I've decided to marry my horse.
Makes ya wonder why anyone would ever vote Republican, doesn't it?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANGELA!

2008-10-27T13:34:00.003-06:00

Wow! October is full of birthdays! There's Brandon's Mom, my sister Michelle, my sister Angela (Today!) and Skyler (tomorrow!). So Happy Birthday, Angela!! Ang and her family just moved to Minnesota last weekend, so I guess a nice, new house was a GREAT birthday present. (And just for the record, Angela is the one on the far right!)

Oh Deer...and Elk!

2008-10-26T09:28:00.002-06:00

Last week, Brandon left to go hunting for 5 days in the mountains of Colorado with a group of avid hunters. They even rode on horseback to get to and from the hunting grounds! Unfortunately, Brandon did not get the elk or deer he had a tag for, but most of the others did. So yesterday, they set up a "butcher" shop in the ship in the back and spent the entire day processing and packaging ground meat, roasts, steaks, etc. I'm not sure what the total poundage of meat was, but all freezers were full by the end of the day. You can see by the antlers how big these elk were. Oh, and by the way, Brandon did get an antelope during bow season a few weeks ago. (Just wanted to let you know he DID bring home the bacon...or antelope).

Fondue, Pumpkins and Fight Club?

2008-10-25T16:23:00.003-06:00

Last night started out as a nice, low-key night with good friends. We made cheese & chocolate fondue and it was a HIT! We also grilled steaks...mmmm. After dinner, the kids painted pumpkins- even the little guys had fun. As the night wore on, we decided it would be fun to put on boxing gloves and have "Fight Club" with our husbands...only they couldn't hit back! LOL. It may have had something to do with the wine we had with our fondue....seemed like a good idea at the time!

Skyler's School Pic

2008-10-24T16:43:00.001-06:00

I think these turned out pretty good. Yep, I'll take 'em.

Another Awesome Raffle!!

2008-10-24T15:16:00.003-06:00

Wanna have a chance to win a $200 VISA GIFTCARD or a $100 TOYS-R-US GIFTCARD? For only $5 per chance, you can be entered in this great drawing AND help a family bring an orphan with Down syndrome home to his Forever Family! With the holidays quickly approaching, those giftcards would sure come in handy. So hop on over HERE and help bring Ean home!

A New Sport!

2008-10-23T19:13:00.002-06:00

Well, Skyler has decided to add basketball to her roster of activities! She had her first practice tonight and will have practice 2 times a week with 2 games a month. Seems pretty reasonable to me! She just got back a little bit ago and LOVED it. Brandon is going to take her to get some good basketball shoes this weekend so she'll be set. Does this look like a basketball star to you?

School Pictures!

2008-10-22T22:19:00.003-06:00

Ok, I had to laugh when I got these yesterday. I am not quite sure what Cadence was doing/saying/thinking here. But I never spend a whole lot on his school pictures as they are usually not that great. I know they don't really take alot of time to get the kids to smile great, but sheesh...Oh, well. At least they captured the moment! Skyler should get hers back on Friday, so we'll see if hers are any better!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MICHELLE!

2008-10-21T08:49:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday to my wonderful sister, Michelle! Umm...29, right?! LOL

(Michelle is on the left, my Mom is on the right)

A Very Special Gift

2008-10-20T12:41:00.002-06:00

In keeping with the theme of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, I'd like to post a sweet little poem about gifts coming in unexpected packages. Poems like these always catch my eye and have expressed the way I feel about Cadence and Down syndrome. So without further ado, I present- A Very Special Gift.

Very Special Gift
By S. Guevara

Once upon a time, three angels were busily working in the miracle factory. They were responsible for wrapping up all the little miracles and sending them on their way. Normally they wrapped each one in bright, sturdy paper with big, shiny ribbons. They stamped it with a delivery date and away it would go to the parents who eagerly awaited its arrival. Things usually ran pretty smoothly.

One day, however, down the conveyer belt came a little miracle that made the angels pause. "Oh my," said the first angel "this one's uhm...well...different." "Yes, he is unique" said the second angel. "Well I think he is quite special," said the first angel "but I don't think he will quite fit our standard wrapping procedures.

"And the second angel added, "And we know he's special, but will everyone else?" "Not a problem," said the third angel "obliviously a special miracle deserves extra special wrapping; and of course we'll send him off with our most heartfelt blessings. Then everyone will see how special he is." "What a wonderful idea!" replied the others.

So they searched the shelves high and low for their finest paper, and their most delicate ribbons. When they were done, they stood back and admired their work. "Beautiful!" they all agreed. "Now for our blessings," said the third angel "for it is time for him to go."

"I will bless him with innocence and happiness," said the first angel. "And I will bless him with strength to face the many challenges that lie ahead," said the second angel. "And I will bless him with an inner beauty that will shine on all who look upon him," said the third angel.Before sending him off, the third angel, who was very wise, gently tucked a note inside.

And it said:

Dear Parents,
Today you have received a very special gift.
It may not be what you were expecting,
And you may be disappointed, angry and hurt.
But please know that he comes with many blessings,
And, while there may be pain, he will bring you much joy
He will take you in a very difficult journey,
But you will meet many wonderful people.
He will teach you patience and understanding
And make you reach deep inside yourselves
to find a source of strength and faith you never knew you had.
He will enrich your lives,
And will touch the hearts of all who meet him.
He may be fragile,
But he has great inner strength.
So please handle him with care,
Give him lots of attention,
Shower him with hugs and kisses,
Love him with all your heart,
And he will blossom before your eyes.
His spirit will shine like the brightest star for all to see,
And you will know that you are truly blessed.

In Case You Missed SNL Last Night!

2008-10-19T22:19:00.001-06:00

This was really funny....

A few of my favorite things

2008-10-19T18:46:00.004-06:00

Since my camera battery died this weekend and I can't find the charger, I was not able to take pictures of our busy weekend. Nothing really exciting to share anyway, just a normal weekend around here. I did want to get pics at Cade's soccer class, but that'll have to wait til next week. So, I thought I'd put together a list of my favorite websites and ones I frequent. I thought this would actually be interesting for myself. :)

(in no particular order)

http://www.reecesrainbow.com/

http://www.youtube.com/

http://www.amazon.com/

http://www.craigslist.com/

http://www.ebay.com/

http://www.weather.com/

http://www.downsyn.com/

http://www.facebook.com/

http://www.lemarssentinel.com/

http://www.food.com/

http://www.allrecipes.com/

http://www.expedia.com/

http://www.tripadvisor.com/

http://www.onetruemedia.com/

http://www.kidscamps.com/

http://www.summercamps.com/

http://www.vrbo.com/

http://www.idealbite.com/

http://www.itunes.com/

http://www.self.com/

www.donorgarden.org

and of course, all my favorite blogs :)

Ok, it's a start. I know there's lots more, but my brain is fried tonight. I will update & add as I can remember them. LOL!

YOUR VOTE IS NEEDED....

2008-10-18T21:03:00.004-06:00

...and not just for the upcoming Presidential election! On some Monday mornings, when my kids are in school, I will head down the road to High Plains Helping Hands Food Pantry and fill boxes and grocery bags with food & supplies for area needy families. I like going here- the people are nice and it's fun knowing I can help someone who really needs and appreciates it. The Colorado Springs Hub ( a small local newspaper) is taking a survey on local charities called the "YOUR HEART COMMUNITY FUND". The winner will receive a write-up and recognition for their charity, making it more visible to the community. I am not sure at this time if there is any monetary contribution to the charity itself. So anyway, please be a friend and VOTE for Helping Hands and read the article below about the pantry.

High Plains Helping Hands, Inc. a 501(c)3 Organization exists to feed the poor in Falcon and to the north and east. We will accomplish this by providing hope through presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ, through food distribution, and through resources and educational opportunities for those in need. We desire an environment of unconditional acceptance & peace where all can be empowered and equipped to allow God the opportunity to better their circumstances.
Out here on the eastern plains, the views are unobstructed and vast. Large parcels of land with old homesteads are quickly disappearing as progress and large developments swallow what is left. It seems progress cannot be halted.
Most that move out to Falcon are looking for those wide open spaces and less congestion. More will buy homes and land farther out. Most that have lived out here for a number of years know that the majority of residents do not live in homes in these developments and instead prefer to live with little or no neighbors. Some have no choice.
What is not known is that many of those residents live in absolute poverty. The elderly out here have set pensions and their choices involve paying for the ever increasing cost of gas, propane, food, and medicines. Single parent families that have to try to balance the necessities and keeping warm. The families involved in domestic violence and abuse due to isolation. The lack of jobs have left more with no funds at all. The homeless in Colorado Springs are more visible than those out here!
Jean and John Woolsey have dedicated their lives and money to helping those in need. They are sponsored by the Mountain Springs Church and together they have created the Helping Hands Food Bank. Jean and John have donated a large portion of a building on their property to this task and spend a large portion of time toward gathering food, donations, clothing, and other necessities and sorting those items. Jean estimates they have approximately 300 families currently being served with almost 33 new requests a week asking for help. Thirty-five percent of those are elderly, some with diabetic needs. The food bank is in desperate need of eggs, milk, any type of meat, canned fruit, baby needs including formula, diabetic foods, and toiletries including toothbrushes, and gas cards. For all you hunters out there. Do you have any game to donate? It must be professionally processed because of the health laws, but it would be a treat.
As I stood talking to Jean and her volunteers, a steady stream of donations came in from Daisy troop 1195, Brownie troop 1229, and Girl Scout troop 61. These young ladies proudly told me of how they had collected food items for Thanksgiving and had even used their own hard earned money to buy many of these items.
People in need of the basics walked in, some in such depression. A 75-year-old woman entered in tears. She feared losing her home as she had no money for taxes. She had no propane as it was too expensive and she couldn't pay her bills. She has no way to heat her home or buy food. She has no family and is feeling desperately alone. Jean and the others gave her hugs and supplies. They also referred her for other assistance. I was told of another family where the mother had been abandoned by an alcoholic husband and hadseven mouths to feed. She has no funds, no transportation, and the kids are expected to go to school and be able to learn. Domestic violence is a great concern. How do you call for help when there is no phone? Isolation can be deadly and devastating to the younger generations of witnesses. Some families live and sleep in their cars to stay warm as their trailers have missing windows or deteriorating walls and floors. Some out here simply don't have a structure to live in so the car is important. No electricity out here means no water. Wells require electricity to pump it out of the ground.
Most out here are proud and have a hard time asking for help. Some just need a little boost. How lucky do most of us feel? How many of us could be one paycheck away from this same situation?
The food pantry is located off of Hwy 24 just east of Big R between Falcon and Peyton.
Jean and her husband have been able to get seven freezers and refrigerators donated to preserve perishable foods. The pantry itself is about 15-by-20 feet and they are trying to expand. Upstairs in a room they have set aside for seniors meetings or classes in nutrition, safety, and anything else that's needed, they have boxes of clothing. There is a great need for blankets, coats for all ages and sexes, hats, scarves, and mittens. There is a woman in Alaska who is knitting and sending 50 sets of hats and scarves to Jean and the Helping Hands Food Pantry.
Care and Share donated with 130 turkeys last year but it still falls short. Care and Share does not have enough supplies to provide assistance to families out here on the plains. Care and Share does buy food stuffs at a discount and those supplies are then paid for with donations to Mountain Springs Church and placed in the food bank. Other donated contributions come from Safeway. The Wal-Mart in Falcon has food donation boxes right now set up near the entrances and all those donations will go to families out here. Woodman Hills Elementary and the Lion's Club are in the process of food drives too.
Jean Woolsey and the Helping Hands food pantry supply an area far greater than Colorado Springs. People come from as far as Limon and Rush, as there is nothing out there. Jean even has a family coming in from near Elbert County.
They need your help. The need is not just for the holidays, but for all year round. With the ensuing winter coming on, the need will be great just to keep warm. Christmas will come all too soon and children will need "something" from Santa or whatever their beliefs allow. If you can deliver a new, unwrapped toy for at least one child, you have done a great deal for that child!

This is Too Sweet!

2008-10-17T08:41:00.001-06:00

A Year Ago Today....

2008-10-16T18:26:00.005-06:00

We were heading down to Mexico for a week of fun in the sun! We spent 6 wonderful days in the Riviera Maya, Mexico with my sister Michelle & crazy Rory. We took Skyler on her first international vacation! We relaxed, drank umbrella drinks, ate tons of guacamole and other yummy foods, visited Tulum, which had the most amazing blue water, shopped and even swam with the dolphins. We stayed at The Grand Palladium Kantenah, which I would recommend to anyone. It was a very large resort, but had TONS to do and even a kid's club included in the price. Skyler liked to spend her time at the beach or in one of the MANY pools. We were rarely in our room. We all enjoyed the all-inclusive drinks and the food, the beach, the warm water and the beautiful spa. It was a week of heaven and I hope we'll go back sometime soon!!

Could YOU Be My Mommy??

2008-10-15T09:05:00.002-06:00

During the month of October, REECE'S RAINBOW Down Syndrome Adoption Ministry is featuring a different child every day on their blog. Many of these children are facing intitutionalization and need committed families. In just 15 days, REECE'S RAINBOW will also reveal thier Angel Tree! You will be able to view all the children available for adoption and donate toward a child's adoption fund. For a certain donation amount, you will receive an ornament with your chosen child's picture on it to hang on your Christmas tree! The 2 orphans we sponsored last year on the Angel Tree are now home with their Forever Families. I will be posting more about the Angel Tree when it is up and going, so please check back.

This is Nikita. From the write up from RR-
Nikita is just a doll baby! He has blonde hair and blue eyes, and is doing very well. He is learning to walk and ready to come home!
Nikita is HEALTHY and doing very well. He is crawling and cruising and almost ready to walk on his own now. He is very active. He is a favorite in the orphanage.

Happy Birthday Grandma Cindy!

2008-10-14T08:07:00.001-06:00

21 Things About Cadence

2008-10-13T09:35:00.002-06:00

For Down Syndrome Awareness Month, I saw many bloggers were noting 21 things about their loved one with Down syndrome. (21= Trisomy 21). So here they are in no particular order:

1. Cadence loves ice cream and will ask for it at least once a day (although he does not get it every day).

2. Cadence is in his third year of preschool.

3. Cadence just started playing soccer with typical & special needs kids.

4. Cadence loves anything related to dinosaurs.

5. Cadence likes to throw things even if it's not a ball.

6. Cadence likes to listen to music, but only likes certain songs on each CD and will throw a fit if it's one he does not like.

7. Cadence likes things in 2's- for instance, if you give him a marshmallow or a pretzel, he needs 2- one for each hand.

8. Cadence does not like getting his hair washed.

9. Cadence calls elephants "Woos".

10. Cadence prefers to sleep in his crib instead of his full size bed.

11. Cadence likes to ride in the car and is a very good traveler.

12. Cadence will take everything out of a basket or a cupboard...but will not put them back in..yet.

13. Cadence goes to speech therapy, occupational therapy & physical therapy every Friday and has a half hour of each back to back.

14. Cadence will rarely leave a hat on his head.

15. Cadence drinks soymilk instead of cow's milk.

16. Cadence does not have a congenital heart decfect and has never had any problems with his heart.

17. Cadence loves to watch DVDs and can put the DVD in the player & take it out- not always a good thing!

18. Cadence has the most precious giggle and belly laugh.

19. Cadence had pnuemonia when he was 3 years old and was hospitalized for 3 days.

20. Cadence was on oxygen for 6 weeks after he was born.

21. Cadence loves his sister Skyler more than his dinosaurs, DVDs and ice cream!

Soccer, Dance & Bowling

2008-10-12T20:00:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was a very busy & fun day. Cadence just started Soccer Buddies a few weeks ago and I tried to get some pictures and must have had the settings wrong because they didn't turn out :(
Hopefully, I will get some next Saturday. Yesterday, I also taught a few hours of dance and then we took the kids bowling with the Dance Unlimited Team families. It was a fun day, but we were all exhausted at the end of it!

Skyler's Headshots

2008-10-11T22:31:00.003-06:00

Another HUGE thank you to my friend Carmen for taking these headshots of Skyler. We will be using them this year for the photogenic portion of our dance competitions. You can see the other ones she took HERE along with the headshots she took of her beautiful daughter (and Sky's friend) Hailey. Now which one should I pick?

Wanna Win a Mini-Dell Laptop?

2008-10-10T07:52:00.002-06:00

Grab This Button

Then head on over HERE and join the raffle! For every $5 donation, you could have the chance in the drawing for a Mini-Dell Laptop AND help a family bring a little girl with Down syndrome home from Russia to her Forever Family! It's a Win-Win situation!

Is That a Monkey?!

2008-10-09T18:35:00.002-06:00

Nope-it's Skyler enjoying her Fall Break in our crabapple tree!

Brandon made these adaptive stairs for Cadence for the kids' playset- so much safer!

The Creed

2008-10-08T10:01:00.000-06:00

The Creed of Babies with Down Syndrome
Author unknown - submitted by Hope Colen
My face might be different
But my feelings the same
I laugh and I cry
And I take pride in my gains
I was sent here among you
To teach you to love
As god in the heavens
Looks down from above
To him I'm no different
His love knows no bounds
It's those here among you
In cities and towns
That judge me by standards
That man has imparted
But this family I've chosen
Will help me get started
For I'm one of the children
So special and few
That came here to learn
The same lessons as you
That love is acceptance
It must come from the heart
We all have the same purpose
Though not the same start
The Lord gave me life
To live and embrace
And I'll do as you do
But at my own pace.

Something Very Interesting

2008-10-07T20:56:00.002-06:00

This video is NOT intended to reflect my political views or spark any debates. This video was called to my attention from a Down syndrome forum and I thought it was important to share it. Please be advised, it is very hard to watch. CLICK HERE.

Speaking of Saurus'....

2008-10-06T15:35:00.003-06:00

Today, we went to Build-a-Bear and Cadence made his first creation-yup, you guessed it, a DINOSAUR! (So technically it was Build-a-saurus for us).
Since the kids are on their Fall Break and it was really windy today, we decided to take a trip to the mall and use Cade's gift card that he got for his birthday from Uncle Brad and Aunt Corky, and cousins Eva, Georgie & Robbie! Thanks guys!!! Skyler and her friend helped him, but he picked out the T-Rex immediately. Here's some pics from the fun experience:

Look at all that stuffing!

Helping the lady stuff his dinosaur. Cool!

Giving his dinosaur a "bath".

Giving it a name- "REXY" (original, I know)

So happy.

Cade the 'Saurus

2008-10-05T21:08:00.003-06:00

Anyone who knows Cadence knows that he is a nut for anything dinosaurs AND that he loves attention from his sister and her friends. Well tonight, Skyler and her friend are having a sleepover as the kids both have 2 weeks off for Fall Break. I am looking forward to sleeping in and not having to get up and going right away in the morning. It'll be nice to have the kids home and even go do some fun things around the Springs-finding something to do around here is never a problem!
Anyway, tonight the girls dressed Cadence up in his Halloween costume (which he will wear again this year) and he spent a good half hour stomping around and pretending to attack everyone! He actually got a little ticked when it was time to take it off for his bath! Silly kids!

One Smart Cookie...

2008-10-04T21:04:00.003-06:00

Okay, I'm going to brag a little bit about Skyler.

Those of you who know Skyler know that she is very creative and love to read and write stories. In fact, she has wanted to be an author for quite some time now. Well, this past week marked the end of the first quater at school. Mind you, they started August 6th or so- early here. Anyway, I got her report card when I had parent-teacher conferences on Tuesday. Now, I am never really concerned or nervous when it comes to Skyler and schoolwork, but you always wonder what the teacher is going to say. Well, it was ALL good things about Skyler from her teacher. She received VERY good grades in every subject- they do not give letter grades at her school though. Their system is like, NP, PP, P, P+ and A. (Not proficient, partially proficient, proficient, very(?) proficient and advanced). I'm not really sure if I like this system, but whatever.

Anyway, her teacher was showing me her test scores and Skyler scored Advanced for reading, writing and Math! (which was kind of weird in the Math dept. since she was having a little trouble at the end of 3rd grade). Her teacher said she had NEVER had a student who received an Advanced "A" grade in the subject of writing, either. She also suggested that next semester (if Skyler wants to and doesn't feel pressured to, of course) Skyler start doing some reading assignments at the 6th-8th grade level. Funny thing, she also received an "A" in P.E. and technology! Guess all that dance and all those hours on Webkinz paid off! LOL!

Anyway, we are so proud of our Skyler and I am so happy she loves to read for pleasure. I remember when I homeschooled her in Kindergarten and she DID NOT want to read. So I got a piece of poster board and for every five books she read to me, she would get a prize out of the prizebox I kept. (and these were good prizes, not cheap, crappy ones!!) Then I would move it up to 10 books, 20, etc! The prizes got bigger as the number of books read got bigger! But it was so worth it. By first grade (she homeschooled the 1st semester) she was in love with reading and I no longer had to reward her for it. I, myself love buying books, so a bookstore is an equivalent to a candy store for her. She and I can spend HOURS in Barnes and Noble and Borders. But I usually do not buy a lot of books at the bookstore because she will read a book that I just bought in a few hours and that can get expensive! Yikes! We occasionally do the library, but I find it easier to get a stack of her favorite books (The Babysitters Club, The Boxcar Children, etc.) at Goodwill for $.25 or $.50 and she can stock her little "library" and have a feast of books to choose from. I usually end up giving them to friends or donating them to her classroom. The teacher really likes that!

Way to go Skyler! We are so proud of you and I think your Dad owes you some money now...

MORE PICS BY JCM!

2008-10-03T07:55:00.001-06:00

For all the pictures and other pictures taken by Carmen, you can also visit her BLOG!

PICTURES BY JCM PHOTOGRAPHY!

2008-10-02T17:52:00.005-06:00

Yesterday, my good friend Carmen and I took the boys (Cadence & Jaemen) to Quail Lake and Carmen took some shots of Cadence. Needless to say, they are gorgeous! And I highly commend Carmen, as Cadence is NOT an easy one to take pics of. He is not normally fond of the camera in his face, so you mostly have to get candid shots of him. Carmen and her husband Judah have a photography business- check out their website at http://www.photosbyjcm.com/.

GETTING "DOWN"- 31 FOR 21

2008-10-02T09:39:00.002-06:00

Since October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, I will be participating in the "GET IT DOWN-31 for 21" Challenge! That means that EVERYDAY this month, I will be blogging! Now let's see if I can do it...

So, I will start by posting this article about "Down syndrome language". These are some tips for those who are not familiar with how to address a person with Down syndrome. The NDSC put this release out when Sarah Palin came into the public's eye and her son Trig, who has Down syndrome, was also in the limelight. I, myself saw many articles that said her son was "afflicted with Down syndrome" or "suffered from Down syndrome". I can't say I didn't cringe when I read that. I do not believe that Cadence "suffers" from Down syndrome. So, in an effort to get the facts straight, here is the article:

Presidential nominee of the Republican Party. Governor Sarah Palin recently gave birth to her
son who has Down syndrome. The Palins knew before their son’s birth that he would have Down
syndrome.
Below are tips for the proper use of language for ‘Down syndrome’. The National Down
Syndrome Society and the National Down Syndrome Congress encourages all media to use the
language below:
• Down vs. Down’s. NDSS and NDSC use the preferred spelling, Down syndrome, rather than
Down’s syndrome. While Down syndrome is listed in many dictionaries with both popular
spellings (with or without an apostrophe s), the preferred usage in the United States is Down
syndrome. This is because an “apostrophe s” connotes ownership or possession. Down
syndrome is named for the English physician John Langdon Down, who characterized the
condition, but did not have it. The AP Stylebook recommends using “Down syndrome” as
well.
• People with Down syndrome should always be referred to as people first. Instead of “a Down
syndrome child,” it should be “a child with Down syndrome.” Also avoid “Down’s child”
and describing the condition as “Down’s,” as in, “He has Down’s.”
• Down syndrome is a condition or a syndrome, not a disease.
• People “have” Down syndrome, they do not “suffer from” it and are not “afflicted by” it.
• It is clinically acceptable to say “mental retardation,” but you may want to use the
more socially acceptable “cognitive disability” or “cognitive impairment.”

Team Pictures

2008-10-01T09:20:00.002-06:00

On Saturday, the Dance Unlimited Competition Team had their picture taken at the Olympic Training Center here in Colorado Springs. Brandon took Skyler and was able to get a few shots of the group. Can you find Skyler?

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month!

2008-10-01T09:10:00.003-06:00

Did you know that October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month? During the month of October, I will be posting facts, articles and all things related to Down syndrome.(Just so you can learn something new every day!). So, as they say in the Ds world, "Welcome to Holland".

Down Syndrome Facts
• Down syndrome occurs when, an individual has three, rather than two, copies of the 21st chromosome. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.

• Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. One in every 733 babies is born with Down syndrome.

• There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States.

• Down syndrome affects people of all races and economic levels.

• The incidence of births of children with Down syndrome increases with the age of the mother. But due to higher fertility rates in younger women, 80 percent of children with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age.

• People with Down syndrome have an increased risk for certain medical conditions such as congenital heart defects, respiratory and hearing problems, Alzheimer's disease, childhood leukemia, and thyroid conditions. Many of these conditions are now treatable, so most people with Down syndrome lead healthy lives.

• Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades - from 25 in 1983 to 60 today.

• People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in many productive ways

• Quality educational programs, a stimulating home environment, good health care, and positive support from family, friends and the community enable people with Down syndrome to develop their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.

MORE PICTURES OF THE GOLD BELT BYWAY

2008-09-30T13:23:00.004-06:00

I should also mention that Phantom Canyon Road is 22 miles from start to finish and much of it is very narrow. The tunnels and bridges only fit one car at a time, so you have to be very careful and look ahead!! There are also many "blind curves" that fit only one vehicle at a time, so you hope and pray nobody is coming around the corner very fast! Thankfully, most people are going slow and looking at the scenery, so you get it figured out who gets to go first!

MY FAVORITE TIME OF YEAR!

2008-09-30T13:03:00.004-06:00

We have been very busy and having lots of fun, I have a lot of pictures and updates! I LOVE Colorado in the Fall! And from these pictures you can see why. On Sunday, I took the kids to one of our favorites places that we have been going for a few years, The Happy Apple Farm in Penrose, CO. It is a cute, family owned apple and pumpkin farm, very rustic, surrounded by beautiful scenery. Unfortunately, they had an early frost and lost their apple crop this year, however, their pumpkins were looking good and we still had a great time searching for "The Great Pumpkin".

Since we were already down that way, I then took the kids on a drive to see the fall foliage which is in full bloom here. We took historic Phantom Canyon Road, which is part of the Goldbelt Byway, from Florence to Victor, CO, a historic mining town. It was so beautiful and Skyler thought is was pretty cool and took an interest in the history of it. The aspens were just starting to turn and it looks like we'll have another 2 weeks or so before they will fall. I'm hoping to get up there again soon before it's over!

Goodbye & Good Luck!

2008-09-18T21:04:00.008-06:00

This wonderful young woman is a lot of different things to our family: she was my dance student (for 6 years!), the BESTEST babysitter & our friend! Jenny will be leaving this Saturday to begin training with Youth With a Mission in Montana for several months and then will head out into the world to do missionary work in a foreign country (unknown at this time). Please pray for Jenny, that she have safe travels to all her missions and that she is able to spread the Word throughout the world and of course, help those in need. We will miss you Jenny! XOXO

Outdoor Fun!

2008-09-18T21:04:00.003-06:00

Today was a beautiful 75 degree day with no wind....we took advantage!

Our Trip to Iowa

2008-09-09T21:18:00.005-06:00

On Saturday, August 30th, we loaded the car and headed to Iowa to spend some time with family & friends for a week. We left the house at 3:00 am (waaay too early for my taste) and arrived in LeMars around 4:00pm (there is an hour time difference). We stopped at my parents' house briefly and then made our way up to Brandon's parents' lakehouse in Lake Park, IA. The weather was beautiful, a little humid, but nice. We spent a few days relaxing, fishing, playing cards and watching movies. Our friends Marty & Maria Pippett joined us on Sunday with their family and we had a great time catching up and hanging out together. We were able to see and spend time with relatives and even had a nice dinner with Brandon's grandparents and aunts & uncles. It was so nice to see everyone again (and I didn't get a picture, so if someone wants to send me one...hint, hint!!!).
Before heading back on Friday, my Mom & and the kids and I went shopping~ and we shopped 'til we dropped! (and I got some much needed updates to the wardrobe!).
We headed out Friday afternoon and drove about 3 1/2 hours to Brandon's cousins' house in Friend, Nebraska. They were kind enough to let us stay and break up our looong drive. Skyler had fun playing and getting re-acquainted with her cousins. We had a nice time catching up with Tiph, Jack and the kids and even met the new addition, Jake! Wish we could have stayed longer guys! Thanks again for opening "Hotel Potter".
Cadence started to get a fever on Friday morning and wasn't acting like himself. We gave him Motrin every couple of hours and it seemed to help, but his fever would not break. We arrived home Saturday evening around 6:30pm, unpacked and relaxed. Cadence just layed down and watched a movie. By Sunday, he was still running a fever and seemed very uncomfortable. I suspected an ear infection, so I took him to Urgent Care clinic right when they opened and he did indeed have an ear infection starting in his left ear. They gave him some antibiotics and he seems to be on the mend. He even went back to school today as he was back to his happy self and had been on the meds for 48 hours. He woke up from his nap early this evening very upset, though. Unfortunately, he had developed a cold sore on his lower lip and no doubt it was hurting him. Poor little guy. Hopefully he'll be better in the morning!
Well, we had a great, relaxing vacation. It was great seeing everyone and I am bummed I did not take more pictures than I did, so if anyone has any, please send them my way!

Please Vote for Reece's Rainbow!!

2008-08-28T15:01:00.003-06:00

Grab This Button

Please take a moment to go and vote for the very important project. If the idea is chosen, it has the chance to receive 2.5 MILLION dollars in funding from American Express. Can you imagine how many orphans could find their forever families?
Reece's Rainbow continues to be a very near and dear cause to me. Please help if you can! Voting ends August 30th and you do not need to be an Am-Ex cardholder!!

A Beautiful Colorado Evening!

2008-08-26T20:11:00.002-06:00

We took advantage of the beautiful weather tonight....

BUDDY WALK 2008!

2008-08-26T19:00:00.004-06:00

This past Saturday, we all had a big, beautiful sunshiney day- a perfect day for the 2008 Buddy Walk! This year was another big success. We seemed to have alot more people in attendance than last year, but I haven't heard the final tallies yet. Thank you to all of our dear family and friends who supported Cadence by either walking, donating money or volunteering (or all the above). It was a very fun (and exhausting) day. I did not get to walk with the family as I was busy helping at the event, but I got to watch everyone come across the finish line- my favorite part! Hope you enjoy the pictures from our day!

In the News!

2008-08-16T10:49:00.004-06:00

A few days ago, I wrote about the movie TROPIC THUNDER. If you're tuned into the news and the papers, there have been countless articles regarding the unfavorable views of people who are upset at how loosely the "r-word" is used in this movie, not to mention the way it protrays people with mental disabilities. Our friends Carmen and Judah, who are parents to Jaemen were interviewed by a local news station and made it on the news last night! Click here to read the article and watch the video clip from the news! Good job, guys! Can I have your autograph?!

Coca~Cola & The Olympics

2008-08-12T07:57:00.002-06:00

I saw this commercial for the first time the other day during the Olympics. It also features the Special Olympics. It is such a wonderful, heartwarming commerical. Thank you, Coca~Cola! I will be loyally drinking my Diet Coke today!!

A Birthday Tribute to Cadence

2008-08-11T20:17:00.008-06:00

Five years ago today, at 10:20pm, Cadence Thomas-Lee DeYoung came into this world. Little did we know that he would be such a blessing to us and to many others. He has changed hearts and brought out the best in most people who have had the pleasure of meeting him. His 1000 watt smile lights up the room and he makes quite the impression everywhere he goes. We love you little man!
Love, Mommy, Daddy & Skyler

PS- Turn up your speakers!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

In the months after Cadence's birth, this poem helped me to realize all the wonderful things about him, what he could do instead of couldn't and the new world that we were about to be introduced to:

I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disabilityto try to help people who have not sharedthat unique experience to understand it,to imagine how it would feel.It's like this......When you're going to have a baby,it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy.You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans.The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice.You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives.You pack your bags and off you go.Several hours later, the plane lands.The stewardess comes in and says,"Welcome to Holland.""Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."But there's been a change in the flight plan.They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.The important thing is that they haven't taken youto a horrible, disgusting, filthy place,full ofpestilence, famine and disease.It's just a different place.So you must go out and buy new guide books.And you must learn a whole new language.And you will meet a whole new group of peopleyou would never have met.It's just a different place.It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy.But after you've been there for a whileand you catch your breath, you look around....and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips.Holland even has Rembrandts.But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy...and they're all bragging aboutwhat a wonderful time they had there.And for the rest of your life, you will say"Yes, that's where I was supposed to go.That's what I had planned."And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away...because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.But... if you spend your lifemourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy,you may never be free toenjoy the very special, the very lovely things ...about Holland.******

HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY, CADENCE!!

2008-08-11T19:29:00.003-06:00

Yesterday, we celebrated Cadence's 5th birthday with a pool party! Everyone had so much fun! The weather had been rainy and overcast all day, but during the party, it was nice enough and the sun came out so everyone could swim. Just as we were about to leave, it started raining. We sure lucked out! Cadence enjoyed the day with about 30 friends and family. Thank you everyone for coming and honoring Cade- it means so much to us that you are a part of his life. Thank you also for all the wonderful gifts, cards, etc. He received so many nice things as well as a few donations in his honor. A few people had asked me what he needed/wanted- Cadence's closet is full and his toy box is overflowing! So I asked them to consider a donation to Reece's Rainbow, a Down syndrome adoption ministry that is close to our hearts, and also contributed to The Balsis Family's adoption of a little girl with Down syndrome in his honor. (Bethany is one of my friend Carmen's friends). The people who received these gifts were very touched and grateful! What a GREAT gift to give someone! (hint, hint...my birthday is in September, LOL)

Happy 5th Birthday, Cadence!!!

BOYCOTTING TROPIC THUNDER

2008-08-09T14:14:00.005-06:00

One word: DISAPPOINTED. I am very saddended that Hollywood has decided that it is okay to yet again line it's pockets with millions of dollars at the expense of people like Cadence. When I first saw the trailer for the upcoming movie "Tropic Thunder", I was excited because it had two of our favorite actors in it- Ben Stiller & Jack Black. Excited that is, until I learned more about the story line and some of the lines in the movie.

Mr. Stiller, you should be ashamed of yourself. As co-writer of the movie, I believe Ben Stiller had the option to take the high road on this subject. THIS HAS GONE TOO FAR. I also believe ALL of those actors in that movie had an opportunity to say something and opt not to use those lines. I am sure the movie would still have been funny & entertaining and NOT at the expense of our children.

I will be joining in the thousands boycotting this movie any way and shape possible. I hope you will too.

Say Cheese!

2008-08-07T09:34:00.004-06:00

Tuesday night, Brandon and I took the kids to Kiddie Kandids for some much needed picture updating! Cadence got really mad when he had to get down. He really enjoyed having his picture taken. Of course, we treated the kids to ice cream because they did so well. Skyler even managed to talk me into getting another Webkins, her current hobby. (But she paid for it herself! Way to go, Skyler!)

Catching Up & Starting School

2008-08-07T09:20:00.004-06:00

I really do not know how people do this blogging thing every day. It's all I can do to post about once a week right now. Yesterday, Skyler had her first day of school. She is now officially a fourth grader! Initially, she was not too happy about starting school (and neither was I- I think they start WAY too early) but when I picked her up yesterday, she said she had an "awesome" day. She really liked her teacher and some of her friends from her third grade class are in her fourth grade class this year.

Cadence will continue in preschool this year and will turn 5 this weekend! We will be having a pool party for him with of course, a Finding Nemo theme. He is obsessed with Nemo. So today, after he visits the doctor, we will go shopping for party supplies and most importantly, balloons!

Happy Birthday Brandon!!

2008-08-07T09:09:00.003-06:00

Crockett & Tubbs (aka Brandon & Judah)

On Saturday, we celebrated my wonderful husband's 32nd birthday with what we thought would be a BBQ with ping pong and bocce. But NOOOO, Brandon decided he wanted an 80's themed party and requested that our guests dress up as 80's icons! Everyone really got into the spirit of things and had a great time. In true DeYoung party fashion, it was a crazy, fun night.
Unfortunately (!) I was behind the camera all night, so you will not get to see me dressed as Punky Brewster. We had fun Googling all the 80's icons and doing our homework! Thanks to our awesome family & friends for making Brandon's birthday a memorable one!

More Pictures from the Party!

2008-08-07T08:44:00.007-06:00

Sonny Crockett & Indiana Jones
(aka Brandon & Michael)

Cyndi Lauper & Caddyshack Guy
(aka Ardelle & Carlos)

She's a MANIAC! Flashdance Girl
(aka Carmen)

Deb (best we could come up with-from Napoleon Dynamite)
(aka Stacy)
Any guesses??
(aka Dwight & Patty)

Best "Buddies"

2008-08-01T11:18:00.007-06:00

I LOVE this picture! This is Cadence with his best "buddy" Jaemen. They play together often and love each other very much! Just like last year, we have formed our Buddy Walk team with Jaemen's family. Our team is called "Cadence and Jaemen's Friends". Our goal is to have the most walkers and raise the most money. I usually hate asking for people to donating money, whatever the cause, but for this particular cause, I don't mind! The Colorado Springs Down Syndrome Association has been a blessing to our family as well as many others here in the Springs. Every year, each family is alotted $2100 to use in several different areas- Education, Recreation & Medical. They also have scholarships for graduates and adults. We have taken advantage of these and appreciate them very much. In fact, the Down Syndrome Association just paid for several months worth of Cadence's private preschool at Hope Montessori, where he is currently attending! In the past, they have also paid for Kindermusik, My Gym, therapy aides and more! It is so awesome to have this and it's nice to actually see where your money goes. The CSDSA also put on wonderful Christmas parties, Halloween parties, Picnics, luncheons and offers so much support to its families. All of this is made possible from the money raised from the Buddy Walk. So come and join our team! Or, if you would like to help volunteer at the event, I am also the Volunteer Coordinator for the second year in a row and can set you up with a fullfilling job!

The Buddy Walk is THE BEST walk in the Springs (no bias here, I swear). Lots of food, music, prizes and sun in beautiful Manitou Springs! Hope to see you there!

A Special Child

by Sharon Harris

You weren't like other children,

And God was well aware,

You'd need a caring family,

With love enough to share.

And so He sent you to us,

And much to our surprise,

You haven't been a challenge,

But a blessing in disguise.

Your winning smiles and laughter,

The pleasures you impart,

Far outweigh your special needs,

And melt the coldest heart.

We're proud that we've been chosen,

To help you learn and grow,

The job that you have brought us,

Is more than you can know.

A precious gift from Heaven,

A treasure from above,

A child who's taught us many things,

But most of all-"Real Love”

Our Summer in Pictures

2008-07-29T22:32:00.006-06:00

Instead of posting about each and every trip and event, here is a little bit of what we've done this summer in pictures! The last picture was taken just several days ago. Notice the snow still on the mountains in Rocky Mountain National Park!

Make New Friends, But Keep the Old

2008-07-29T21:31:00.006-06:00

On Sunday, after a fun-filled weekend in Rocky Mountain National Park, we dropped Skyler off at Meadow Mountain Ranch Girl Scout Camp near Estes Park, CO. This year, she got to go with a friend (Sabrina). This will be Skyler's 3rd summer at camp. The picture above was taken outside their tabin (tent/cabin). It's pretty rustic, no electricity or heat. (It gets pretty cold up there at night...about 9,000 ft. in elevation) but they should keep cozy with lots of sleeping bags, blankets and warm jammies.
The last 2 mornings, Cadence has run into her room first thing and looks around for his best friend. I keep telling him that she is at camp and I tell him throughout the day. He will be happy to have her home on Friday!

Alaska- The Final Frontier

2008-07-29T17:22:00.003-06:00

This past May, Brandon had the opportunity to go on a fishing trip to Alaska. It was a "guys" trip which included his Dad and a few other guys. He had a great time and brought home LOTS of fresh halibut. We have enjoyed grilling, baking, searing and even boiling it! Notice his scruffy beard- he grew it out to help keep his face warm. I sure was happy to see it gone when he got home though!

Welcome to Our Blog!

2008-07-29T10:39:00.000-06:00

Welcome! I debated a LONG time whether or not to start a blog. I thought our life was too boring for anyone to care to read it. So yes, I have caved, but for good reason. I finally decided a blog was a great way to chronicle our lives and our kids' lives and maybe even force me to use the camera more often. It always seems we forget it at the most important times. (Like this weekend in Estes Park, for example!)
So, I guess this is it...no turning back now!