Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas Holiday and New Year!  The kids and I had a great holiday, especially having my father here to celebrate with us. My kids were spoiled this year!

Although, we made great memories, we will always remember that their daddy, my husband, wasn't home to celebrate with us. Due to unforeseen circumstances, his deployment was delayed and his return home would be sometime after Christmas.  I can't give out dates..OPSEC!  But, at least (I HOPE) he'll be home before my birthday!

I've been debating if I should keep this blog up and running.  Not that I don't have the time, it's just making time to sit and write.  I probably could share so much more...Lillian's first year in school, deployment stories and making new friends.

I've decided to go ahead and keep the blog going, but won't kick myself in the butt for not being consistent with it.  I can only hope, that someone somewhere will read and gain some knowledge about the things I write about.

Goodnight Everyone!  I will catch up soon!

Five Fabulous Bloggers

Thanks to Trop50 for sponsoring my writing about fabulous bloggers. This year Trop50 is granting 50 Fabulous Wishes. Click here to enter for a chance to win $1,000 to celebrate a friend with a refreshing attitude about looking and feeling fabulous!
So, I’ve been given the task of picking FIVE FABULOUS BLOGGERS (which wasn’t easy, since I like a lot) and write about why I like them.  But, let me give you my definition of Fabulous, so you all can understand why I choose them.
FABULOUS: an adjective Exciting, Wonderful, Sometimes Daring and/or  Enticing
My first three choices are all military spouses.  I think I found them by linking up with one blog and then discovering the others.  They are all fabulous to me!  They all had their blogs nominated for the milspouse blogging award and they all had the chance to attend the milspouse blogging conference.

• Household Diva of Six  Like I mentioned above, Ann Marie is a military spouse.  I am drawn to military spouses, well, because I’m one myself.  I like the fact that her blog has brought so many other military spouse blogs together in one place.  She has created a very supportive community.  She shares her life, her loves and hobbies.   AND she was on the top ten nominees for Military Spouse Blog of the Year!
  
• Goodnight Moon is one of my favorite military spouse bloggers.  She is very forward and straight to the point.  Goodnight Moon is very descriptive in her language, which sometimes reminds me of a sailors mouth.  But that’s what I like about her!
  
• Riding the Rollercoaster Wife on the R.C. is not just awesome, but totally awesome!  I love how she highlights other military spouses through her Milspouse Weekly Roundup.  I not only think she is fabulous, but so does the Homefront United Network, as she just became a new contributor!
  
• The Unknown Contributor TUC is fabulous in every way possible.  She may not be a daily post type blogger, but when she does I can’t wait to read what she has to say.  Her writing skills are captivating and strong.  I found TUC through the Down Syndrome Community of bloggers (we are in full force!)  I’m so happy I did!  She’s inspiring and very honest.  And I like that she and I have that one thing in common.
  
• The Sunday Baker  Love love love her blog!  It is laid out so beautifully and so are all her post!  Her food, decorating and craft ideas are enticing.  I go to her when I need some inspiration in all those areas.  I also enjoy the ease of her writing, along with the directions to all that she does!

There just are so many fabulous bloggers out there it’s so hard to keep up with (including myself…ha ha ha).. But I know I can always count on these ladies for deep thoughts, enjoyment and inspiration!
If  you haven’t already checked out these bloggers, go ahead and do it! Do any of these ladies fit your definition of FABULOUS?
Don't forget to enter the 50 Fabulous Wishes contest for a chance to win $1,000 to celebrate a friend with a refreshing attitude about looking and feeling fabulous. I was selected for this Tropicana Trop50 sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do. I received compensation to use and facilitate my post.

Couponing for the Community

Today, I had the pleasure to share the joys of couponing by donating some of my extra “free” items (52 to be exact) that I have been stockpiling for the past month!  I was really excited, because all the items the kids and I donated were items I paid $.50 or less, some were even free!

As, you can see, the items we donated were not only non perishable foods, but toiletries as well. 

The kids and I drove to Dunkin’ Donuts to meet Karen, Meagan and Ali, where they set up a drop off location for donations.  All three of these ladies have their own couponing and savings blogs, here in the Jacksonville Area.  So, it was kinda cool to actually meet them in person after reading about them!

Every year bloggers and readers across the U.S. participate in Couponing for the Community to help local charities in their communities.   So, from May 8 to May 14th, you have a chance to help and make donations of your own too! I’m just happy that my new couponing skills have allowed me to participate without sacrificing money from our piggy bank.

So…for all you guys who think that there just aren’t any coupons for things they need can now use those coupons for charity instead.

And just think…my pantry has double that amount you see here!

One Word

Retarded

"People must think I'm retarded cuz blah blah blah"

Tonight, I was reading through some of my favorite blogs, leaving comments and reading comments and the above sentence struck me down.  I didn't realize how sensitive I was...am...about that word.  I stopped.  I couldn't even remember what I wanted to write.  I was still stuck on that one word.

Why? Because sticks and stones may break my bones and words will never hurt me is the biggest lie ever. 

Words hurt...even if they weren't towards you or about you.

I wanted to be like "Oh no she didn't..." but I didn't go there.  It wasn't my blog and I don't like to start drama.  But, I think if I'm going to advocate for my daughter, I have to start somewhere. 

World Down Syndrome Day

Hey, so I know I’ve kinda been absent from blogging, but I have good reasons!  I moved from CA to FL, lived with our friends for a few weeks, and finally bought a house!  So, for all you people who can move and travel and keep up with their blogs, kudos to you!  But, did I say we bought a house?

Yep, we are officially home owners and I’m loving it!  Our house is perfect for us and has a lot of room.  I’m down to the last few boxes to unpack and then I can decorate!  But hey, it’s so hard to do those things when the beach is calling!

SO, today, I wanted to share something else.  March 21, just happens to be World Down Syndrome Day!  Now, for the ones who share the designer gene, I’m sure I don’t have to tell you why this day is important.  However, I wonder how many of my other friends know why this day is important…OK, I should say, why March 21 was chosen to be World Down Syndrome Day?

AND in celebrating this day, I want to send you to another blog.  This person has been a constant since Lillian was born.  She’s given me great advise and a ton of support!  Now, in return, I want to do the same for her.  She and her family are adopting!  A little boy who needs a home immediately!  As, people are coming together to show her support, I’m here to help her by running a fundraiser in Alex’s name. 

Yeah, I know, you didn’t come here asking to give your money away.  But I’m asking you.  In our small community, there are many many families who are in the process of adopting or has already done so…like my friend Jennifer who adopted Sofia (isn’t she beautiful!)  We all know the cost involved in adopting are astronomical, but all we can do is ask for support.  You wouldn’t believe how many forever families have been brought together by simple donations from online fundraisers and from blogging.  It’s amazing, and all of their stories are amazing!

So, if you are willing please go to Christie’s Blog and participate in one of her giveaways.  OR, you can check out my AVON fundraiser for them and help.  AND, if you do, please remember to use the promotional code “4ALEX” at check out. 

Your Life

If....a big if...you were going to write about your life in a blog, where would you start?  What would you include? 

I've thought about writing my life story...not that it's full of fun, drama or exciting. But, so it's out there to share with people just in case I might forget one day.

Then I thought, do I really want to put myself out there an do that?  Would I start an anonymous blog and write about it or just write about it here but adding some made up stories so no one would really know the truth.  It sounds daring to me.  

As of now, I share stories about my family, especially things that are related to military life and Down syndrome.  But, I've never shared anything else that is part of my life.  I mean, would you really want to know? 

Would you or are you already doing it? Do you have have a another blog that no one knows about?

Just a few changes

Just like I am getting ready to PCS again (another rant post to come), I’ve been getting ready for and finally have my own blog design.  What do you think?  I really really love it and I have to thank Mrs. Muffins!  Who is also a fellow military spouse.  Mrs. Muffins did a great job interpreting exactly what I wanted.  And that is not an easy task! So, please go visit and let her know what you think…and me too!

So, if you’re inclined, please grab my new and fantastic button that she created…I happen to think it’s awesome! 

I kind of feel official now…my own blog design just for me and my very own button.  How fantastic is that? 

OH…for those who don’t know what PCS stands for, it means Permanent Change in duty Station.  Which is actually never permanent.  Go figure!

31 for 21: pt. 3

Our last PCS move was from Washington to California.  Honestly, the move was pretty smooth.  The drive down with three kids and one dog went better than expected.

The problem happened right after our pack out as the driver pulled out of our driveway.  I had my master bathroom designated as a no pack zone.  Our luggage and other belongings were in the bathroom.  Sadly, I also left my wedding ring in a closed bag inside a drawer.  This ring was beautiful!  He had it made when he was working in Bahrain.  It was white gold with a very pretty princess cut diamond.  The band for the ring was created just for it also.  Well, as I head up stairs to freshen up for dinner, I opened the drawer and opened the bag and half the ring was missing!  One of the packers took off with the ring…not the band, but the ring that had the princess cut diamond on it!  What made the situation worse was the fact this happened late Friday night.  All I was able to do was call base security and filed a police report. 

When Monday came, I called EVERYONE that was involved with this move.  The moving company wanted no part in the matter.  In fact, it took over a year for us to resolve it in their favor.  According to them, I had no proof it was stolen or that I was probably lying about it.  The military didn’t cover it because they will not cover high value items.  So, by the time I finally decided to claim it on our insurance, they denied it also, because the claim is supposed to be filed within 90 days after the incident…not after a year

So, today, at this very moment I still do not have this ring.  I still have our original wedding ring, but the stolen one was a little bit more special because he designed the ring just for me.

Moral of this story is this:  DO NOT HAVE YOUR MOVERS PICK UP YOUR THINGS ON A FRIDAY!  BECAUSE NOTHING WILL HAPPEN OVER THE WEEKEND…

I can only hope for a very smooth and final PCS move this time around!

Are there any other horror stories out there beside mine???

31 for 21:24 pt.2

You guys just learned about our PCS move to Hawaii.  Now I need to share our PCS move to Italy.

It was decided sometime in 2006 that we were finally getting our chance to go to Italy!  We were so EXCITED!  Because we lived in Hawaii and our things had to be shipped to Italy, our pack out date was at least a month before we left the island.  We also decided to leave base housing and rented a small condo about a block from Waikiki beach...pretty awesome!

Everything was going smoothly until about a week before we were due to leave.  He still had orders for Italy, but this time they changed it so he had to go without his family. Bummer, right?  At this point, I only knew that I had to go to Washington.  I had no idea where in Washington I had to go.  Everything was pretty sketchy.  So, it was decided that the kids and I would stay with my dad in Southern California and then catch up with him in the summer. (a 15 hour nonstop flight with a 21 month old is no fun!  I brought a change of clothes for the kids, but not for me...)

The day before we were suppose to leave was hectic.  Our car was towed because we forgot to move it at a certain time.  We ended up spending the day trying to get our car out so we could put it on the boat going to California.  That same day, he was finalizing our travel arrangements.  We decided to fly back to Florida and say our goodbyes there.  It also gave him the chance to see friends and family again.

We went back and forth over the phone trying to find the ideal flight for our family and dog.  When all was said and done, we spent the night at our friends house and had our final goodbyes.  PAY ATTENTION....a few hours before we said our farewells, we had to take the dog to be boarded first. By this time us moms and girls were crying and hugging and telling each other we would see each other again.  It was very sad to leave great friends, whom I considered family.  My very sad daughter cried all the way to the airport.  When we arrived to the airport, I started to realize that what I thought was our departing time was not the same time on our ticket!  I truly went by the million conversations I had with him about travel arrangements and didn't look at the tickets!  Needless to say, our dog made it to Florida and we didn't.

At this point, we are blaming each other for missing the flight.  What made it worse was the fact we had to call our friends to pick us up at the airport after our very sad goodbyes...the next morning the girls were so confused!  After I took care of things we were finally on our way to Florida...but with a 24 hour lay over in Seattle, WA.  Thank you lord for the USO!

By the time we got to Florida, our dog had already spent 3 days before us!  I'm not sure if I ever want to fly again.  Murphy is not my friend!

(Mili)ing it Over...video Blog

I was recently asked to join a great group of ladies who are part of the military via wife or girlfriend. We will each post weekly a video blog answering question(s) from Jenn at Chances I'm Taking (which btw congrats on the wedding)!!!

Meet the other ladies:

Mrs. K

The Marine's Wife

Mrs. S

Mrs. Ma'am

Kat

Sarah

Jenn

Sailor's Sweetheart

31 for 21:19

I know, yesterday's post was shameful!  But, I did it to resond to someone elses post!

You must check out this blog and watch the video.  Dan Drinker posted a video of his elation over the Phillies vs. Giants game.  He is  a Phillies fan and I am a new and proud Giant's fan!  The Giant's lost game 2.  As he is celebrating on the east coast, I am NOT celebrating on the west coast...at a restaraunt...during Bobby's uncle's last night with us! 

But, my lovely Lillian made us so proud when we were at Pier 39 having dinner at a bar/restaraunt watching game 1 of the series.  The Giant's won that night and no matter how much cheering went on, I'm pretty sure Lillian topped everyone with her cheering too.  Yeah, she doesn't know that she was cheering for them, but every guy in black and orange that night just knew she was! 

So, alas, today ended Game 3 of the Series and guess what Mr. Drinker, us Giant's are ahead and my dear husband was at the game to see it in action!  I love to love you, but I'm too happy that the Giant's are up one on  you guys!  Can't wait to see game 4...who will come out ahead????

31 for 21:17 The Walk Day

Hi Everyone!  It’s been a really long day, so this is going to be really short.

I can’t thank everyone enough for the support we have received today for the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk today.  Our friends and family who came and walked for Team Lillian made me feel so proud…proud to have such wonderful people in our lives.  I am so proud knowing that perfect strangers donated their money to help raise awareness for a better and brighter future for Lillian!  It as also fun to see familiar faces, like Ms. Gabby, Ms. Playette, Sofia and Joaquin, Sheridan, Gracie, The Fischer Family, The Slapes, and families from my local D.S. group! OH…I’m sure I’m missing someone!

Last year was our first walk, and I hope to continue for many more walks. 

Today was truly an amazing day and I couldn’t have asked for anything better (ok…maybe a little less rain)!

xoxoxoxo many times over!

Sonia

 

 

31 for 21:16

Tomorrow is our Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk in Sacramento!  I want to take this time to THANK everyone who is walking on Lillian’s Team and for those who have donated (there is still time to make a small donation!)  I am so happy to share that I have reached and surpassed my goal!  My friends and family members are true heroes to me and I’m so glad they are willing to stand up and give back to a life that is so very precious to me!

I am so happy to have such great friends and family supporting Down syndrome Awareness … and supporting Lillian. 

All over the United States and the all over the world, people are walking to spread the news about Down Syndrome.  They are sharing their life stories and building a strong network of supporters, people who will offer friendship, guidance and care. 

I can’t thank you all enough!

Sincerely…with tons of LOVE!

Sonia

31 for 21:15

 

How sweet is your love?

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness.

31 for 21:14

Today I am SOOOOO tired! 

Back in July I opened up a home daycare.  I really wanted to bring in some extra income, couldn’t get a job as a teacher (stupid cutbacks) and really didn’t want to put my two younger kids in daycare anyway.  So, I was left with home daycare.

I can honestly say I like doing it.  What I don’t like is all the paperwork and inspections that come along with it.  Ughhhh….So many inspections on a monthly basis.  I started out with an infant, a 3 year old and 4 four year old.  Currently, I have the infant and 3 year old, another 3 year old and a 12 year old.  Yes, I have a 12 year old!  I only have him in the mornings, his parents drop him off here so he is not home alone in the mornings. 

Needless to say, my day starts at 530 a.m. and the last kid leaves at 5 p.m. daily!  Even with the kids gone, my day isn’t over.  Paperwork can really get annoying and the clean up from having so many kids is very daunting.

OK…so what I’m trying to get at is Lillian is learning a lot by having other children around.  She is pretend playing and doing all the sing along games.  She loves to play ring-around-the-rosie.  She also thinks the infant is her baby doll, so there is A LOT of supervision in that area!  She will sit when the other kids are sitting during story time.  However, she does not show much interest in coloring.  She is also learning to pass me her plate when she is done eating, because she use to throw the plate on the floor!

ON the bad side, she is hitting a lot more.  She learned this behavior from a previous kid I had.  I used to put her in time out, but then she would hit someone and go and put herself in timeout.  Now we say and sign gentle and sorry and she spends time out in a porta crib.  She also thinks if she keeps saying gentle while in the crib, she will be able to get out.  Not happening… I tried letting her take naps on the floor mats with the other kids, but that soon came to an end.  Nap time was no fun for me and the other kids when she would continuously get up and run off or throw things at the other kids.  So, she is sleeping in her porta crib until she can stay put on the mat.

But my favorite part of the day is when they are all doing this….

 

Oh so sweet.

31 for 21:13

 What are they looking at? 

 

31 for 21:12

First, I would like to Thank Ms. Sally from Swiss Family Carter for her sweet comment of my Lillian and for asking me some questions!  But, she is also another mother in this fantastic club that I belong to AND she happens to live in Switzerland!
She asked some very good questions:

• What sort of therapies do you receive for Lillian right now?  Right now, Lillian is receiving Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Developmental Therapy and Speech Therapy (however we are taking a hiatus on Speech). All within the week for an hour each.  I believe, this is pretty typical throughout the United States.  Every state and county here will offer something or will try to find you the resources for your child.  Now, I could be wrong, but we received very good services when we lived in Washington and now here in Northern California.
• Are you happy with what you get?  I am happy.  She has a great group of people working with her and caring for her.  They are patient and stern when needed (she’s becoming very cheeky).  They also provide me with a lot of support and information.  Not only do they help Lillian, they are very good at listening to my concerns.
• Have you ever been to Europe?  YES YES YES!!! I am a certified genuine 100% Air Force Brat!  My father served in the U.S. Air Force for 24 years and 22 of them were served overseas.  I lived in Spain, England, Japan and Korea.  I’ve traveled to Germany, Scotland, Wales, Holland, Italy and did a drive by through Luxemburg.  Now that I’m a Navy Wife, I spent a short amount of time in Italy when my husband was stationed there for a year.
• Ever likely to visit?  I think I answered that question above.  However, I know I’m going to go back one day…because I love Europe!  However, when I do go back, you will most likely be in Australia by then…so maybe we’ll have to take a vacation down under???

So, Ms. Sally, How about you answer these same questions???  I would love to know more about the services you Ms. J is receiving and I want to know if you have been to the U.S.  And will you make a visit any time soon???  In fact, if you are from another state or another country, please answer these questions!  I would love to know more and see how much different or same our services are.
And for the rest of you…I’m still open for some questions.  Email me if you like or just post a comment here!  Don’t be shy…

There’s no better cure for sadness than laughter…so Lillian says Laugh Laugh and Laugh.

At least once everyday!

 

31 for 21:11

Do you have any questions?

About me?

The family or my pets? 

Questions about Down syndrome? 

Ask them…I probably would have the answers!

 

AND, the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk is right around the corner! It should be a fun filled event and I can’t wait to see all our buddies from the area!  And I’m feeling good that we are almost at our goal…hopefully, it won’t be much longer!

!Ciao friends!  See ya soon…

31 for 21:10

So, tonight is another picture night.  I’m in the mood for pictures.  But I have to explain that I’m not the studio loving type.  I like realistic, up close and in your face, having fun with color type of pictures. I’m not a photographer, but I wish I was.  But I’ll share some of my favorites.

AND…to make this post a real 31 for 21 post I’m gonna throw in some Down syndrome Facts.

Down syndrome shows no favoritism.  Whether you are a blue collar or white collar family. Black family. Asian family. White family.  Latino family.  Middle Eastern family…the list goes on.  Down syndrome can present itself to every type of family out there.  Even the mixed up families, like ours.

So, here’s to my own personal lovelies.

us

View Full Album

BUT, if you really want to see some fantastic photos, go visit Erin’s photo blog.  AMAZING. 

31 for 21:9 (just a pic)

…because the weekends are slow and not many people are reading, I thought I would share just a pic of my baby girl.

Beautiful Girl