Isaiah

This is Isaiah. Today his Angel Tree Warrior posted this about him.

I imagine sweet Isaiah when they took this picture. Busy playing with toys and trucks. Looking up, not sure what was going on. No idea that THIS picture would capture his identity for so many. I know he has SO MUCH MORE to give than this one picture....more smiles, more hugs, more joy. Only 7 days left to have an ornament of Isaiah (or any other RR Angel) on your tree.

I have been thinking about this post since I read it. I have been thinking of how much Isaiah looks like Mr. O. I have been thinking about how Mr. O likes to make similar faces and such when he doesn't want his picture taken. Then I read a comment about this post, saying that these kids don't know what a camera is.

This is hitting me hard. They don't know what a camera is. No one wants to take their picture. No one wants to create a memory of them. They are not part of a family. They are not going to get older and look back at their baby pictures, and see how sweet and cute they were. Who will look at them? Who will care? As I sit here crying, I wish there was a way that would let them know that I care. They matter to me. Sweet little innocent Isaiah matters to me. And so does Jamison. And Preston. And Rebecca. And Cora Lynne.

That is why I continue to post. Even when I am sure that no one wants to read this. It is not funny. It is not cute. It is hard life. Hard for these kids. Hard for me. Please help me change this. Please share Reece's Rainbow with everyone until we can get a family for all the children.

Meeting People

The other day I took Mr. Owen with me to the store. I don't always take him places, he can get rather upset at times in the store. I am getting pretty good at understanding what is going on, but can not always avoid the triggers. He usually likes to be helping -- unloading the cart, putting things in bags, things like that. And he doesn't always get why he can't do something.

Anyway, we were picking up the pictures for the Christmas cards. And of course, there was someone ahead of us at the photo counter. Of course she had an issue. Of course it was taking a while to resolve.

The lady in front of us reminded me of a nun. She was very nice. She noticed Owen and talked to him, and to me. She told me of a member of her Church, who I think had a growth problem. She talked about how he grew up, how his parents loved him, how he is included, and how well he is doing today. Although this man and Owen have are not too similar, I do like how she took a positive story and related it to us/to our situation. She was looking for common ground. Reaching out to us. Including and Accepting us. How wonderful that is. For all the stares and looks we get (especially when Owen does have a breakdown at the store), it is so warming to have a warm, positive experience. Before we left, she gave me the card for her Church. I am not sure what faith it is (I didn't really look at the card, I had to chase Owen and then try and keep him near me and not out the door while we paid), I do know it is not the same as mine.

How incredible that this woman, sees us, talks to us, and reaches out to welcome us to her Church. I want to be like that. I want to walk in the path of God. I want to feel so strong in my beliefs that I can reach out to others. Huh, I don't like how I said that. I am strong in my beliefs. I often want to scream them out to the world. God shows me all the time powerful proof that he is helping me live my life, he blesses me in some of the tiniest ways, in some major ways, quietly, loudly, every day, and more often than I notice, more often than I deserve. I want to show everyone, tell all my stories. I want to be like this woman. In a time when genocide of people with Down syndrome is a real possibility, here is someone going out of her way to want us, to want Owen. I am thinking of visiting her Church. I love my Church, and don't want to change, not the parish, not my faith.

As I say about Owen & Jason (all kids), I can say about our two faiths - we are more alike than different. At least, from what I understand about Christianity.

Speaking of Faith, I have been volunteering with our local food pantry. There are seven Churches in our city (I think) that make up the pantry - Christians in Action. I volunteer directly to the pantry. Each week, on a rotational basis, each Church has volunteers come to help. I like that I get to go and be there and meet the people of all the Churches.

It was during our Thanksgiving week, that one of the volunteers came up to me and we started talking. She had put the pieces together (thankfully, cause I don't think I ever would have). Our sons are in the same class. I had seen her each week when it was her Church's turn to volunteer, and we had small conversations. I didn't catch on when I went to the school field trip, but it was shortly after that she figured it out. Her oldest boy (she has 3 and is pregnant with her 4th boy, God Bless her!) is in Owen's preschool class. What an amazing connection. What a small world.

Tonight, after everything was just about done, we were talking, and another girl from their Church was with us. This other girl is there and helps two of our families who are deaf. I had told her how wonderful it is that she is there on the same nights as the women, and is able to talk to them. I guess she works with deaf people, and she has offered to help us learn sign language! She mentioned a different Church, in another city, that offers sign language lessons. And she said she would love to help us. We talked for quite a while, and she is an amazing person!

I always here of the negative, the bad, and the ugly, in meeting people. Those stories are sometimes so shocking -- retelling them is important. (Like last week a friend of mine's daughter got up at lunch to get something, and a teacher sat in her seat and was playing with her food and picking on her when she returned. Yes, I said teacher. Not student, teacher.) Heartwarming and positive stories are also important to hear. There is so much good in this world. The good often gets drowned out by all the bad. While we need to have our eyes open, and knowledge is power, so we need the news, it would be great if there was a larger portion of it devoted to uplifting, positive, information.

Wow, it is late now. I was just going to start this as a draft. Mostly to remind myself of what I wanted to write about, not to write it all. I am sure it is a rambling, soap box kinda blog. Maybe I will come back and read it later. Like after I get some sleep.

The Biggest Loser

I just love this show. I love Ramon and his infectious smile. It looks like he will win the marathon. That makes me so happy! I am still hoping that Antone wins for the season. And he does it!

So who will join Ramon in the final 3? Oh, come on Antone. This is the moment. We need to see a 29 pound loss now! Yes! 30 pounds gone, and a spot in the final 3 :)

I am very excited and happy with the final three. It would have been great to have seen Becky here to (or Jessica!). I would love to go to the ranch for 12 weeks and have all that time devoted to just learning to eat well and exercise. I hate to even be away from my kids for even one night, I can't imagine actually going for that time. But, to get that life changing experience, it would so be worth it! I would not do it while on camera! I would have to go while they are not filming. I wouldn't want to do it for the money. Although I say that, I kept thinking how cool it would be to win the money while watching the show. I need to find a way to get my hands on $5,000. Or maybe $10,000, then I can pay off some of my debts. If we could make it $40,000 I could pay off those debts, and probably arrange a way to go get Mr. Jamison. If I went for him, I think I would have to get Cora Lynne too.

10 kids are on the My Family Found Me, during Angel Tree 2011. This includes the lovely Alice S. Alice has over $12,000 raised during Angel Tree this year. Her grant is over $19,000. God is good! Just think if all the children had $20,000 in their grants, next Christmas they would all be home with their families!!!

I am off to dream big dreams. Please help these kids -- Share the information about Reece's Rainbow. Thanks!

Down Syndrome and Abortion

This is direct from a blog I saw today. I wish I could write words this beautiful. Many of what she has written could have been by me. I did not ever wish that Owen would die. Not while I was pregnant, and not after he was born. I did not even wonder why me. I didn't question God's decision, though I can't say I buy that line of God only gives special children to special people (I don't think we are any more special than anyone else, but Owen, he sure is special, and I don't know how we got so lucky as to get him).

But, I was scared. So scared. What did this mean for me, for Jason, for our family and for Owen? Life still gets hard. Really hard at times. But just as often it is hard in reference to Jason as it is in reference to Owen. Children can be hard to raise. There are often difficult decisions to be made. As a parent you want what is best for your child. And just because a child does not have a "disability" doesn't mean that there won't be anything "wrong".

Check out the Stumbo Family Story here with her very well written piece. This is so important now, we all need to be aware! Thanks!

Yippee!

I thought I would stop by and see how Mr. Jamison is doing, with his grant fund, and I am so Over the Moon Happy! I am glad I did :) Jamison is up another $50! I don't know if that is one friend, two friends or 50 friends! What wonderful news! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you to everybody who has helped us get here! His total grant is just $15 shy of $4,000. What a nice size donation for his Mommy & Daddy to start with. I so hope that we can find them, and soon! Next year Jamison can be at HOME and celebrating Christmas -- with the best presents ever, a family, love, security, food. We sure all deserve these basic needs. Thank you for helping Jamison get his!!

No baby, No Blog, post about Jack

Good evening. Not much time for the computer tonight. I did however, happen upon this blog. As I sit here crying, I want to share. For Jack. What a sweet boy. Often I think people maybe able to tell themselves (incorrectly) that the children with Down syndrome in orphanages don't know any better. Most (but not all) have never been in homes and this is all they know. I would like to think they all feel some love, from caregivers, or other children. And I think they all know they need a family.

Here is Jack. Jack is eleven, and HE is able to express himself. He is able to say all the things that they all feel, but can't all say. Take a minute to read, and see what he says. http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Tonight we watched the new Fast and Furious movie. I don't know the name, I think it is number 5 though. All these movies involve some kinds big plot to break in and steal cars. And here I sit and try and think of a plot where we can break into these orphanages and rescue all the kids, and bring them HOME to a family who wants them. Like so many others, I want Jack. I want him to have a family. I want him to know the feeling of being picked. I want him to feel wanted. And Loved. He sure deserves it. Just like all the other kids.

Please share Jack with everyone. Let's find a way to reach his momma!

Go Here

the dishes

So, what a great topic for a post. Ha Ha!

I hate to empty the dishwasher. Hate to do it. So much so, that I will just wash new dirty dishes by hand, instead of emptying the dishwasher and reloading it. It is a bit ridiculous. I get that. I just wish that someone else would do it. My mom will, when she is over. Don usually will do it. But, he was away hunting for several days. And my mom hasn't been over since Thanksgiving. But Don has now been home for most of the week, and the dishwasher is still full. Come on now!!

I need to send a thank you out to those people who have been donating to Mr. Jamison! I love seeing his fund grow, and I know that there are supporters out there, and I don't know who they are. I also need to get to the bank and deposit the cash from the fundraiser, so that I can get that check out to RR.

Spencer, sweet boy, has been transferred to an institution. I am so saddened by this. Spencer is the same age as my Owen. Owen and I were looking at his picture today, and talking, and I just can't imagine. How lucky I am to live in this country - where even though the doctors initially assumed we would abort, when told we would be having our baby, regardless of any "issues" - that not only accepts Owen and those like him, but also supports us with some great organizations.

I wish Spencer were so lucky. I hope that his forever family is out there, and that God is working to bring them together, and fast. To imagine Owen in an institution, there are no words. And, after much looking at all the kids, I really think Spencer reminds me most of Owen. Not that that matters. But Spencer tugs on my heart (just like Jamison does). He is worth a chance at life. Being in an institution does not give him the chance.

Somehow we need BIG Change. Change in the minds and the hearts of people everywhere to see that an extra chromosome is not a bad thing. It can bring additional challenges, yeah, for sure. But all children can bring extra challenges, you can't predict what the future brings. The extra chromosome does bring so much GOOD too! There is a special innocence, a special sweetness that comes. You can learn to slow down, and appreciate so much more in life. And you get a good lesson in what is important, and how petty some small stuff really is.

I don't know the answers. I just know that I can't just sit back and pretend I don't know. I pray that God will take me in the right direction, and that my heart and head are open to hearing Him, and following Him.

Mr. Stubborn

Who says Owen isn't smart? I'd like to meet them, and more importantly, let them spend some time with this Mr. man.

Owen is being rather stubborn since his surgery last week. His recovery was much easier in the beginning, and has been a bit rough the last few days. Owen takes medicine everyday for a couple things. He is a good medicine taker (Thank you, God). He has even come to terms with taking his antibiotics well. Which is good, since he is always on them.

And then surgery. Everything has changed. It was shortly after we came home that he decided he was no longer taking any medicine. I get it, his throat hurts. I don't blame him. So, pain meds, they would be good, right? Wrong. Spits them out, if I can come near to get them in. Even his daily medicines are being refused. Coat his throat with ice cream as a number first? Sounds good, but that was a no go. Put it in his yogurt or pudding? Sure, if he would still have some. And we sometimes will pin him down cause he needs meds, but not now. I know how he is hurting, and the crying that comes from that just increases the pain.

So, I figured a milkshake! I really believe they are the answer to most of life's questions. I would put the pain meds in the shake. So, Jason requested strawberry, and I blended them up! One for both boys, and one for me. We sat down and watched some tv before bed, drinking our shakes. Owen takes a few sips of his, and has a look on his face, that says - Mom, what did you do? So, ignoring the look, I said, yummy yummy shake! And then we were all saying cheers and clanking our cups. The little sneak then picked my glass up, I thought to hand it to me to do more cheers, and he takes a sip! He wanted to see if his shake tasted different than mine. Cause he knew what I did. Clever little man. He still did drink more than half his shake, so it was a little victory for me.

I tried the same thing today, with his antibiotic and a chocolate shake. No such luck today. He is on to my trick, so I guess I will have to come up with something new. Don comes home tomorrow, and I am hoping that he will be so happy to see his daddy, that he will take the meds from him.

Moved to the top of the $100 - $499 Section

Yeah! Thanks to some donations I think I received online, and some of the checks that I have been sending in that I received at Jamison's fundraiser, Jamison is moving on up! I still have at least $400 here that I need to write a check for and mail in, then he will be much closer to his goal :) I am so Thankful to all the generous people who have donated!

I have been so busy here, that I haven't had much time on the computer. In some ways I think that is good, it gets easy to waste away precious time looking at so many interesting things. In other ways it is sad. I know I have missed birthdays of friends, I have had trouble keeping up with the other RR warriors, and more. I have been caring for my Mr. O. He was doing so awesome after surgery, but it is catching up to him. I think yesterday and today especially the pain is kicking in. He is not eating much (right now he wants his scrambled eggs, but I think it hurts to swallow). I want to give him some medicine, but he is refusing anything. Even the meds he takes on a daily basis. If only I could get him to take the pain reliever, he could eat, and feel better. His is breathing is better. He is sounding stuffy - which would be helped by his antibiotic, if only he would take it. Owen is pretty used to taking meds, so I think this is a good sign of the pain in his throat.

I am usually so far ahead of the game by now. I usually mail out our Christmas cards on the Monday after Thanksgiving. Very early - but it is because I send out the invitations to our Christmas party with them. We are planning on having the party, but I get tired thinking about all the work ahead of me. I think if I could sleep at night...... Oh, how things would be different.

Black Friday

Well, the Christmas season has officially begun. I know the decorations and stores have had displays since around Halloween, today is the day. I did not go out black Friday shopping, but my mom did buy me a paper to look at the ads.

Mr. Owen had his tonsils and adenoids out on Tuesday this week. Much of the reason why I have not posted or really been on the computer. I went from Jamison's fundraiser last Friday, to Owen's surgery on Tuesday, and then Thanksgiving for 22 on Thursday at my house. All good, all busy activities.

Now I am getting ready for our Christmas party, Jason's birthday and Christmas. Again, lots of busy activities, but all good.

I am excited to see that Jamison's fund has gone up. I am not sure if that is from the checks that I mailed earlier this week, or from online donations. I would guess online donations. So, thank you to the donor! I need to get the cash deposited to the bank so I can mail the last few checks I have here. When all is posted, I think Jamison will be pretty close to his $1000 goal.

I don't want to stop there, though. I would love to see his forever family find him. I so wish it were the right time for us to adopt. I was watching a video put together by Andrea, and my heart was aching. I so very much long to adopt. I look at the happy pictures of the kids with their families, and I want that for us! I also realize that it is not always easy. Bringing in a new member of the family has its challenges as well (for any new family member).

I am going to try and attach the video. I say try, because the first video I attached was easy and smooth. Then, I had some troubles. So, I am hoping that this is an easy go for me. I ask you to please share the video. Please share Jamison's information, and Reece's Rainbow with everyone. With awareness, change can come. The more people who see the children, the faster their families can be found.

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
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It is almost time!

Friday is finally almost here! I have tonight and tomorrow morning to really get things done, since I will be working tomorrow night. I found out yesterday that it is really hard to wrap baskets nicely :) It was frustrating, but I think they turned out good.

There are lots of great raffle items, I am happy with the amount of donations I received from our community. I wasn't sure how that would go - since I am not the one adopting, and Reece's Rainbow isn't local. Not so many restaurants donated, but lots of fun places did! I think I could list everything here, cause I don't think anyone reads this blog anyway!

I was thinking of making a public invitation to the fundraiser on my facebook page. Not sure I want to do that though. Maybe I will just send it out to those people I invited, as a reminder (especially those who did not respond). Oh, I don't know. I really want to get lots of people to come. All of this work and planning, and I want it to raise lots of money for Jamison. I have $100 donated already from people who wanted to help, but were not able to attend.

I love seeing all the kids on the Angel Tree's funds go up and up -- I hate that Jamison's hasn't. Which is why I knew that doing my fundraising online wouldn't work well for me. Please say a prayer that all works out, that lots of people come and we raise tons of money for Jamison! Thanks!

Mr. Jamison

I always come up with some great ideas for blogging, while I put my Mr. O to sleep at night. My memory then lets them slip out of my head by the time I reach the computer.

I am feeling very anxious about the fundraiser for Jamison on Friday. There is much work to be done this week, and I am working 2 nights and volunteering one night. Which leaves me little down time. Plus, my mornings are filled up with appointments. I know that everything will work out, and the fundraiser will be wonderful! I have lots of family and friends who are helping me out! Thank You!

I really want to raise money for Jamison. I hate seeing that his fund is only up by $60. However, I do have another check for him here. And I have a few more coming in from people who can not attend the fundraiser. With all the planning and preparation, I would love to see at least 50 people :) That would be $500 to Jamison!

I look at Jamison's sweet face, and I want to hold him. I have fallen for this little boy, and I wish there was a way I could let him know he is loved. How scary his world must be, but there are lots of people trying to help him. I pray that God surrounds him with thoughts and feelings of all the love that is out there for him, and that he can know what it feels like to be wanted.

linking - Success Finally!

I have been having trouble linking to a page -- I keep trying and can't seem to get this. Here is another attempt. I think I will have to take blogging lessons!

Success! Yippee!

Angel Tree 2011 – Scroll Down to Donate to our Angels!

By clicking Here!, you will be taken to the Angel tree page. It shows the kids whose families have found them at the top. From there, each child is in their "tier", based on how much has been raised. You will have to scroll near the bottom to find Jamison. He is at $60. I would love to see him move up before his fundraiser next week.

There are still over 20 kids who do not have any donations. Please take a minute to visit this page. It took me quite a while to learning linking, and what a great reward it would be to see Jamison's fund grow, and lots of page shares!

Thank you!!!

(Donations are coming in for the fundraiser next week! It is very exciting!)

Angel Tree Babies!

Short and sweet, as Mr. Owen is sitting with me and has no patience for me to be on the computer. I just wanted to share this link - it shows the my family found me angel tree kids (there are now 5), and it also shows the donations, with top dollar going out to Alice S, who has over $5,000 raised! Sweet Alice, where is your mommy? I hope we find her soon :)

I would love to see Mr. Jamison move out of the $60 mark and into a higher bracket. I know it will happen after our fundraiser, but would love to see some support before.

As my friend Laura says, Spread the Love, All!


I am having trouble with sharing the link within the post. There has got to be a way, but I am afraid I lack blogging knowledge. Maybe one day. So this post has been in draft mode all day. I am going to add the link to the side. Check it out! A few minutes looking at all the sweet children, and how much has been raised will sure lift your spirits! I know it did mine :)

Forever Families are being Found

I just read a post that said 3 of the Christmas Warrior kids have families! Praise God :) This is what it is about. Lucille 15 H and Trixie 26 HA. I am not sure who the 3 child is, I will let you know when I find out. I am hoping Jamison is next!!

I am in the waiting period for the Fundraiser right now. I am waiting for RSVP's. I am waiting for donations. Slowly and surely it is all going to come together.

I received a phone call from one of my cousins last night. Not only are they coming, but they have offered to help out with some of the raffle baskets! They are going to donate some items they have to make a few baskets, and help supplement some of the items I already have and make them into baskets. I am so excited, and blessed to have them help me out! Thank you, thank you, thank you :)

Lucille & Trixie

It's Time!

Yeah! We have made it, November 1st :) The start of the Christmas Warrior campaign. Time to raise awareness, find families, and help the financial burden of adopting these children, who need LOVE,Security, Food -- the basic HUMAN needs.

Last night, my Owen (who is 5 and has Down syndrome), went trick or treating. Mr. O loves to eat, but candy, not so much. He is rather picky in this area. He dressed up as a pirate, and set off with his older brother, his father, uncle and some friends. We live in a very good area for trick or treat.

Owen was one of the first kids to come back home. He was tired. And it was cold. He very happily went inside to hang out with my parents, while my dad went through his candy. For only going a short distance he sure ended up with lots of treats :)

At about 7:15 he was done. I came inside from passing out treats to put him to bed. Owen is a sweet man, loves to hug and all, but not at bedtime. At night, he loves a good cuddle and some kisses, then don't touch him or lay next to him - he sleeps on his own!

I like to sit next to his bed as he falls asleep. Yesterday, as we were there - he took his little hand and placed it on my arm. He kept it there for a good 5 minutes before he moved it and fell asleep. That little gesture meant so much. It was full of sweetness and love. Owen is pretty much non-verbal, so he doesn't say I love you or anything like that. He does find ways, like this, to show it. And his message was loud and clear. It reminds me of how beautiful life really is.

And maybe because we were on the eve of the Christmas Warrior's starting, that meaning ran a little deeper last night. I couldn't help but think of all the children who do not have families, or security, or sweet bedtimes. I think of all the love in their hearts, and no one to give it to. I think of the children whom cry at night (oh, my heart breaks to read that on a child's page). How lucky Owen is to have us. Even better -- how lucky We are to have HIM! Life may get frustrating at times, for us and for him, but it is so much better, so much richer with him here. I know I have said this before - on my list of why to adopt is to show people that we would CHOOSE a child with Down syndrome. Owen may not have been a choice, he was a gift, and we would gladly open our hearts again, by choice. Oh, how I wish that was our road, but it is not (at least not yet).

Here is a picture of the little pirate!

12 Hours to Go!

Yeah! I have too much to do in way too little time today, what else is new. And, we have scheduled some crazy things for this week, overwhelming to say the least! I should not be sitting here at the computer, wasting some time, but I can't help but check out what's going on, especially with the Christmas Warriors! I am very excited! I mailed my invitations today to the fundraiser, and will be posting the details on the blog soon. Exciting times! I am dreaming big this year! I want all these kids to get forever families committed to them, and I want the funding to be there so there are no financial worries :)

S A T U R D A Y Night!

I am sitting here watching the Twilight. I really think I need to see a marathon of the first three movies before Breaking Dawn comes out. I remember vaguely hearing about Twilight when it first came out, and I couldn't figure out what the hype was all about. I never heard of Stephanie Meyers or the books. I didn't know what Team Edward or Team Jacob were all about. And then my brother borrowed the movie from the library (way, way after it came out). Against my wishes, I watched it. Don fell asleep, and I was Hooked! I still can't figure it out, but I love the movie. I started reading the book right away, and even got the four book set for my birthday that year (thank you Don). I have been looking forward to the Breaking Dawn movie coming out, for so long now. One of my friends has invited me to go with her to see the movie (they always go right when it comes out). Yippee!

And then I realized, the date of my fundraiser for Jamison is the day the movie comes out! I really tried to pick a good day, this time of year gets so booked up, and I spent lots of time looking at dates. This was the best date, and the place was available.

Honestly, I am way more excited about the fundraiser than I am about the movie. And thankfully, my friend is very forgiving! She is not mad about the conflict of dates, and we are trying to find a different time to go that weekend. I am very thankful that she wants to be at the fundraiser with me (and has even volunteered to help out). I have sure got a great group of really good friends, whom I love!

Very quietly here, I want to admit that I am nervous about this blog going "public" to my friends and family. I think I have never really started blogging because I am not sure people will like my writing. Math is my strong area, but I have always wanted to be a writer. I love to write. I also love to sing. And just cause I love it, and I do it, doesn't make me good at it (the singing especially). Out here in the Internet world, where people don't know me, I am o.k. with people reading what I write. But my friends and my family? Maybe this is too personal. It is easier to write about feelings than it is to say them. I have even thought about deleting all my prior posts (except for the videos) before I post the blog on Facebook. And I have decided to wait until November 1st, the start of the Christmas Warriors to do so.

I don't have much traffic, I see the numbers. And that is alright, especially since I have never told anyone about this really. Will my friends and family even come and read? Does anyone else really read it? I guess it doesn't really matter to me, I do enjoy the writing. But, I really do want to raise awareness for Jamison and Reece's Rainbow, and help them raise the needed funds for adoption. I love this ministry, and that I want to shout from all the rooftops! It would be really cool if I can make it take off. If you are reading, thank you! I appreciate it!

Christmas Warriors are Coming!

Well, it is almost time! I am very excited! I have been working at getting donations and planning the fundraiser. I have also contacted some of my friends to help with the running of the event.

Did I say I am excited? I am! I am really hoping to see bunches of donations coming through the door, and that LOTS of my friends and family will be able to come out that night. It really sounds like a fun night, and I planned it the week before Thanksgiving, before all of the craziness starts ;)

So, Tuesday morning I will start promoting, talking about Jamison and Reece's Rainbow on Facebook. I will also be getting the invitation and information posted on here.

Wonderful Video

Just have less than a second.... But I watched this video a minute ago, and wanted to post it here! So much is said in the video that is so true and so important. Take a moment and watch it!

Thanks!

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
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All orphans

I have been finding myself wondering about all the other orphans in the orphanages. Not just around the world, but here in our country as well. I think I mentioned before that I am adopted. I was adopted when I was 3 months old. According to my friends mom, I was born in a hospital type home, where my birth mother was probably living there with me, obviously before I was born, but I don't know about after. Anyway, I am not sure what the laws and such were, but my parents got a call on a Friday, right around my 3 month birthday, and I was in their home on Monday. My mom has told me that she was always wondering if there would be a knock on the door and my (or my brother's) birth mom would be there. When we were older, probably in our teenage years, she told us we could find out who they were, if we wanted. Neither of us has. I know my brother has thought about it, as I have, and I always come to the same decision -- I don't want to find them.

Infants are pretty popular, and I believe there is a waiting list to adopt an infant in our country. Children don't just become orphaned at birth, though. What are our orphanages like? Do we even have any? Or are all the children in foster homes? I think children with Down syndrome may be popular here in our country as well. I thought I had read that somewhere. I do remember visiting some sites a few years ago looking for kids with DS. I can't say I remember what I found. Not many, that was for sure.

I feel so loved by my family. After 40 years I still need them, and they still help me out, in so many ways. My mom is truly one of my best friends. I get so sad for all children who do not have that. And it is not just orphaned children who don't have a loving home or family. It gets very overwhelming thinking about kids who don't have their basic needs met.

I guess sometimes I feel like I should be doing something more for all orphans, and not just the ones with Down syndrome. And I just don't know what else to say about that. On one hand, I think that a child with DS, especially older ones, would be more forgiving of their past than a child that does not have DS. In looking at my Owen, his nature is just so loving, and I think he would be able to adapt to a family who loved him. In looking at my Jason, while he is very sweet and caring, I think he might be bitter and would have a harder time adjusting to a new family. Does that make sense?

That said, I still really believe that all children really do deserve a family. I think Reece's Rainbow is a wonderful ministry!

At Church Today

Today I was at Church by myself. I really do loves these days. I can really concentrate on what is being said. My mind wanders anyway, and when I have one or both of my boys with me, I have to keep them in check too, so it can get hard for me to pay attention.

Yesterday my cousin was ordained a Deacon. The boys were with me there, and that was pretty rough at times. I am very lucky to have my brother, though. He is very patient with the boys, and he really helped us out (poor Don had Owen in the back of the Church most of Mass). The ceremony was beautiful, and I am just so proud of my cousin. I don't even have the words for how I feel. I am in awe at his faith.

It was because Jason was in Church yesterday (and Don too) that I thought they could stay home today. Owen came with me, and was in Sunday school, leaving me to enjoy my time at Mass.

The first reading was from Exodus, and was something like (I got this online, and it doesn't read exact, but it's as close as I can find in my quick search):

22Do not mistreat widows or orphans. 23If you do, they will beg for my help, and I will come to their rescue. 24In fact, I will get so angry that I will kill your men and make widows of their wives and orphans of their children.

Wow, pretty strong words. And they got me thinking.

I am not mistreating any orphans. I don't actually know any. I do, however, know about a whole bunch of orphans. And even though I am not personally mistreating them, I know of their mistreatment. And with that, I think I must be held accountable. I don't think God would be expecting me to somehow adopt them all, or even one of them. I do think that God wants me to help them.

How appropriate. I was feeling overwhelmed by all that I have to do - in many areas of my life. I have been trying to keep my priorities straight. And I have been working at getting the fundraiser organized and figured out. Obstacles keep popping up, and we keep figuring it out. Today's first reading was a message from God telling me that these orphans, that Jamison, is worth all the effort in the world.

I have a choice. Many choices actually. I can choose to cry (and cry and cry) at the unfairness of these children's lives. I can choose to ignore them (often people will tell me to just not look at Reece's Rainbow). Or I can choose to ACT.

I want to ACT. I want to stand up and shout from the rooftop that this is not fair. These children deserve love and acceptance, families who love them, food, hope, a future. All children, all people in fact, deserve this.

I really have to get going, but I want to leave a note for myself here to write about all orphans (not just those with down syndrome); and something for those with other beliefs than my own (faith wise).

Now the real planning begins!

I have not been on here too much lately. I guess I have to get used to blogging. I have been pretty busy lately, getting things ready. I have never had a fundraiser before, and I am pretty excited! I am going to get the invitations and the details together, and I will post it all here too!

Yesterday I picked up our first (of hopefully lots of) donation(s). It was from the Cleveland Indians. I am so thankful that they agreed to donate!

Today I found out that the room we wanted for the big event is reserved for us! My husband also talked to our neighbor who has a board for a 50/50 raffle. And, he said that he thinks an event like ours should be something people want to go to. I sure hope he is right! I am nervous about the timing of it. It is right before Thanksgiving, and I hope, before everyone's schedules get too crazy.

Oh, Jamison! I am praying for you everyday buddy! I sure hope that we can raise lots of money, and that we can find your Mommy & Daddy!

The Decision

So, after many phone calls and price checking, I think I have decided where and when to hold our Jewel's for Jamison fundraiser! And tomorrow, I pick up our first donated item, from the Cleveland Indians! I have no idea what it is, and I am excited to find out :) I also have a couple things around the house, a pair of movie tickets and popcorn and two drinks, and a foot spa package from Mary Kay, that I have been saving.

I just love Jamison! And I so want to raise at least the $1,000. I would love to have his forever family find him, and help them bring him home.

cancer

Yesterday, Steve Jobs, a co-founder of Apple, passed away. An obituary read "Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple."

Steve had cancer. Pancreatic cancer. Which does not hold a good prognosis. He was diagnosed in 2004. To live another 7 years is good. But it is hardly any time at all. Steve was only 56. That is so very young. It really is. To think if he had another 25-30 years in the workforce, what he could have created.

I read a caringbridge update tonight for a little boy named Grant. Grant was born in the year that Steve was diagnosed. Grant is only 7 years old (which is the same age as my Jason). Grant was diagnosed with cancer when he was only 16 months old. Grant had ATRT (atypical teretoid rhabdoid tumor). This is a rare, extremely aggressive, malignant brain tumor. We were told Grant had a less then 10% chance for long term survival.

Today's update is not a good one. His recent scans show that his tumor is growing.

I pray that Grant will beat the odds he is facing, and get a chance at having life. Everyday 46 children are diagnosed with cancer, and 7 die from it. Children who do not get to grow up and share with the world their talents.

We can not let these children who are dying, who are suffering, who are going through chemo, being pricked and poked, who are sick - who should all be playing, learning, growing, being kids, continue to do so in vain. We must find a way to honor their lives and find a cure.

For all the kids, the young adults, and for everybody, we need a cure. We need to fund research to find one. We need to raise awareness. This is not acceptable.

And like the orphans around the world, hidden away from the main stream, with no voice, cancer is not a pretty subject. It is hard. It is hard to think about, it is hard to take action. Life is so much easier for us if we stay ignorant. If we choose ignorance. Is that really how you want to live? I am tired of always wanting to do something, but not doing anything. I am choosing to change that. I will continue to follow the stories of children with cancer. I will rejoice with those that beat the odds. I will mourn with the families of those who do not. I will be Thankful for all the time that I have with my children and my family, knowing that time is borrowed. I will help give these children a voice. I will raise awareness and money for research so that a cure can be found.

What will you do?

Desire

I have to say, deep down, I have a strong desire to adopt a child. Maybe it stems from me being adopted, or a childhood dream of adopting. Maybe it is knowing the circumstances that these children are in, and the futures they will face. Maybe it is looking at the sweet faces, and falling in love. Maybe it is wanting to have another child with Down syndrome. Maybe it is wanting another child.

Adoption sounds beautiful! I read all the blogs, and long to have my own journey, my own child to bring home. Adoption is SO much more than all of that. It is a big decision to be taken very seriously. And when I seriously look at all the reasons why vs. all the reasons not to, I know the answer is not now. And I have prayed, and prayed, and then prayed some more over this. The answer is loud and clear, in my head and in my heart.

That does not quench the desire. I have fallen for Jamison. And how I wish he could be mine. Knowing that is not to be, I want more than anything to find his family. I want to help them find him, help them by easing the financial burden.

I pray that one day things will change. Until then, please join me in helping Jamison. You can donate now by clicking on his picture which will take you to the Reece's Rainbow site. Or you can start saving now, and donate after November 1st, as part as the Christmas Warrior campaign (if you donate $35 or more you will get a Christmas ornament :) Please share this page, share the information about Jamison and the others like him.

The first YES!

I am so excited! I just got an email that said the Cleveland Indians (our awesome baseball team) has approved our request of an in-kind donation for our fundraiser!! I have no idea what it is, but I can pick it up next Friday. Of course, I won't be home that day, but I will either have hubby pick it up, or I can pick it up the following week!

They said to allow 6-8 weeks for approval, and this came fast! I have been composing a letter of request for donation -- and I think I am almost done. This just gets me excited for what is to come!!!

Reece's Rainbow

I watched a video earlier today, about Reece's Rainbow. I have known about this awesome ministry for several years now, and I did know that this was their 5th year. What I didn't realize was that Andrea started RR in June 2006. June 2006, while I was in my last month of my pregnancy with Owen. While the high risk doctor told me he had never seen a baby with down syndrome as big as the baby was in my belly, so don't worry about it. Back in the time when I knew very little about Down syndrome. Very little. I had really no idea about so much. And I was sure going to learn. How lucky am I?

So much of what Andrea says in the video feels like something that I could say. To have this drive, this passion, for these children who have no voice is one thing. She took that and DID something. She built this ministry, and SHE is SAVING the world, one orphan at a time. And she has saved over 500 children. Children who would have been forgotten. Locked up behind closed doors. Doors she has fought to open. So many doors are still closed. So much work still has to be done. And now that we know, we can help. We CAN do SOMETHING!

I am hoping that this works -- I am going to try to attach the video here. It is worth EVERY minute to watch. Please open your heart, and take the time for these kids.

Jamison

I am proud to announce that I am Jamison's Reece's Rainbow's Christmas Warrior! After looking over all the sweet children, so many of whom my heart aches for (well, that may be all of them), I decided to go with Jamison. Jamison will turn 5 next May. It is my hope that through spreading the word about him and Reece's Rainbow, raising money for him and lots of prayer, that his forever family will find him, commit to him and be able to bring him home next summer.

Sweet Jamison! If you click on his picture it will take you to his Reece's Rainbow page. There is a link there to donate to him. Remember donations are tax deductible. Every little bit helps. Jamison is worth it! He deserves a family. He deserves LOVE. To be held. To be safe. To be able to reach his full potential.

Planning a Fundraiser

I have attended a couple fundraisers over the years. Not too many really. Enough to know they are lots of work. I think the first date I picked maybe a little to soon. I will have to re-think that! I also thought of another place, another idea, to do one. A wine tasting! There is one for our Church this coming Saturday. I am thinking maybe I should contact the restaurant (the owners are members of our Church) and see what the cost would be to do it there. That could be fun! So much to do, but I am excited! I am praying that Jamison's family will find him, and that they will have the money they need to get him. He is just so sweet. Well, this is short and sweet today, as I need to get moving!

Small World

Yesterday we went to a surprise birthday party for my mother-in-law. She lives up by the lake, about an hour away from us. My father-in-law and some of their friends planned the party. I took my boys up there early (my husband couldn't get off work early to make the surprise, so he met us there). We were one of the first to arrive. As some of my MIL's friends got there, I recognized some faces, but didn't know all of them by name. These ladies are pretty nice, and one of them and I were talking. She was telling me how she teaches preschool, for kids with disabilities. We were chatting about how this year has been a little more physical for her, with having 3 children who are not mobile. I mentioned that Mr. O has a friend in his class who is also not mobile, and I said that he had down syndrome. I have to believe that she must have known that. But after saying that, she started to tell me about a child that she has in class with ds. She said that this child was from a village. Overseas. Adopted. I had said something about how wonderful that was, and how I follow an international ministry for orphan children with down syndrome. She seemed to recognize what I was saying, and asked if it was a rainbow, or something like that. I said - Reece's Rainbow? She said yes. That was who helped them. So, I immediately told her how wonderful this ministry was (which she agreed) and then told her about Jamison, and how I am trying to help raise money for his adoption.

This was a really awesome and positive. A long way we have come in 5 years.

After Mr. O was born, I was still adjusting to his down syndrome that summer. It took a little while. I was very self conscious about a lot of things. What other people would think of Owen. What would they think of me. Lots of little, unimportant to me now, things. There were only two people, outside of my parents, Don's parents, and my brothers, who I told about the diagnosis right away. I felt very strongly about people meeting Owen before telling them. I was afraid if they new before they saw him, they would get a picture in their head that Owen was a monster or something. And he was just a baby. Like any other baby.

We went up to visit my in-laws late that summer. There was some sort of party going on and we went down to it. Almost immediately I felt as if everyone knew. Of course they did, my mother-in-law told them. And why not? These were her friends to tell.

So we wheeled Owen down in his stroller, he was napping, Jason and Don were with me. And the four of us kinda hung out by ourselves. No one was coming up to us to say hi, talk or meet our new baby. Very different than when Jason was little.

Usually everyone loves to see a new baby. And Owen would have been less than 3 months old. It was very weird. I felt very out of place. This was what I had feared most - being cast outs.

Now, there were a couple of my MIL's friends who did come over. Sharon, who is like Aunt Sharon, a friend so close, she is more like family. And Donna, another really good friend, who is like family.

Even Don had to admit he felt the same way I did, that we were ignored. I guess people just don't know how to react.

The good news, things have changed. My in-laws will usually watch the boys for a couple days each summer so Don and I can go away. This is such a blessing! We may not visit or see them much, and this is a great gift from them. My boys hang out with grandma on these visits. They ride on the golf cart, visit friends, go to the "club", wherever. It is a lot of fun for them (and I hope for my mother-in-law as well). So, I think the boys know their friends better than I do! And as time has passes, Mr. O has won over them. I feel much more accepted, no longer judged by the people at the lake.

And to know someone up there - who knows a family, who went halfway around the world, to bring home an angel with down syndrome, brings joy to me. It shows just how much worth people with Down syndrome have. They are wanted. They add joy and love to our lives, to the world.

I always think it would be cool to seek out and adopt a child with Down syndrome to show the world that Down syndrome is not a bad or feel sorry for me thing. That, in fact, it is so wonderful that we would do it all again! We have been asked, outright and implied, "what if" we had another baby with Down syndrome? In the tone, one is bad enough, what would you do with two?

Adoption is a very serious and personal choice. As I have mentioned before, I am adopted. I am very pro-adoption. After much prayer and soul searching, I know that adoption is not where we are supposed to go at this time. And it is that knowing that brings me to raising money for Jamison. If I could be any bit of help, to find his forever family, to help their financial burden, to bring him home, I would be honored.

Picking a child to sponsor

This has been such a hard decision for me. I have been going back and forth, do I pick someone who reminds me of Mr. O? What about a little girl, like sweet Teri Lynn? Do I choose a child that is older or younger?

Well, I am about to put my request in, and I will find out soon, I guess, who I will get. I have decided to pick a child who will be turning 5 next year. Someone, whom I hope we can save before he will get transferred to an institution. There are so many. It gets very overwhelming.

I have also been trying to get some information put together, something to pass around. To whom? I don't know yet. I have some ideas.

Well, that is all for now. Short, yep. I wanted to be upstairs reading a while ago, and I have so much to do still. First off, sign up for RR Christmas Warrior!

All aboard

Hi! I am new to the blogging world. I have already typed out a nice little intro, and there was an error. No big deal, but a little frustrating. Mostly at trying to remember what I was saying.

So, I wanted to give a little background as to why I am here, trying to figure out how to do this (I am much better at paper writing). A long time ago, my parents adopted me. I grew up always knowing I was adopted. I had several friends that were also adopted. I always felt very special, and very wanted. I was spoiled! My parents waited a while before I came along :) I have two brothers, one who is also adopted, and one who is a biological son of my parents.

I have two children, both boys. My second child was born with an extra chromosome. That little extra has sure added a lot of extra in our lives! Maybe over time, I will journal about the road in detail from there to here. I have always wanted to anyway (before my mind has completely forgotten the details).

The shorter version of the story - a few years ago, I came across the Reece's Rainbow website. While I would spend hours crying over all the beautiful faces on my computer screen, praying that they would all find homes, I was wondering what my place would be in their lives. After much prayer and soul searching, I knew that it was not my time and place to adopt, and I wanted to do more than just pray. I have been thinking about the Christmas Warriors, and I have decided that I would sign up! Now, that has not happened, yet (I think that might start next week?), and I am getting excited. I have spent some time looking through the pictures, and I am going to have to pray to find the one for me.

Welcome aboard my trip to help one or more or ALL of the children on Reece's Rainbow who are looking to find their forever family. I will talk more about all these topics -- especially Reece's Rainbow (RR) in the days or so to come (for all of you who may not have heard of this life changing organization!).

Well, I best be going to bed now. That morning alarm comes too early with school in session these days!