BECOMING BROTHERS...BECOMING FRIENDS

As I watched the boys wrestle and play the other day, I was struck by how awesome their relationship is for both of them.  They will always have each other.  Even if other friends come and go in their lives, they will always be there for each other.  I think that is pretty special.  

DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS GOES ROYAL!

Prince Harry has an Adorable Fan

I'm not a big fan or follower of the royal family, but this video really touched my heart.

As I have always thought with our boys, they live their lives without inhibition.  If they feel an emotion, they show it.  This means if they feel affection for someone, they let that person know.  

Perhaps this is a wise way to do life.  Think of it, we may miss out on some incredible moments in our lives because we are to scared to share what we is really in our hearts...

JUST AS I AM!

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, a chance to spread awareness. During the month of October, we celebrate people with Down syndrome and make people aware of our abilities and accomplishments. It's not about celebrating disabilities, it's about celebrating abilities.

I think our family has lots to celebrate!

SENSORY DIET

First a little dose of cuteness!

The boys at Bookwork Gardens.

A light bulb went on for me this morning as I was dealing with a difficult Ben getting him ready for school. One thing we have used in the past when Ben gets a defiant phase or difficult phase is upping his sensory diet.  Perhaps I need to introduce some of these activities again in our daily routine.  Sensory issues has kind of went off my radar in the past months...

Kiddos who don't get to have normal bonding and attachment during infancy, sometimes benefit from increased sensory input.  I really don't completely understand the why of it, but we have found that when we give Ben some extra "doses" of sensory input, we have sometimes seen a softening of his mood.  

Here is what we use for Ben's sensory diet during difficult phases:

1. Weighted lap pillow while he sits at the table

2. Textured seat cushion for the table also

3. Sit and spin

4. Lots of swinging on the swing outside- my dream would be to have a therapy swing in the house, but  Andrew isn't on board for this yet  

5. Sensory bin that is an extra special treat to get to play with

6. Calming sensory videos

Again part of me thinks this sounds kind of goofy because why would this work, but we have found that upping his sensory intake has helped him improve his mood when he gets defiant, growly, etc.

Ben is such a sweet little boy in there, and when he can let his guard down and relax, it is a joy to see that beautiful personality in action.  But when he gets on defense mode, he can be a handful  

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OUR FABULOUS FIVE!

We got to go up to Minneapolis to see Stephen run in his 2nd college cross country meet!  This meant we could also visit with Abigail!  

It was nice to have the whole family together. 

The above photo is actually from Stephen's 1st college meet 2 weeks ago.

NOT WINNING ANY "PINTEREST AWARDS" WITH THIS ONE!

Jonah's 8th birthday is today!  What an adventure it has been since this little 7 pound bundle came into our lives.  We are so privileged that we are able to be his forever family.  He has brought great blessings and joy to our lives!

From this:

To this:  

Now the story about his birthday treat for school today.  Jonah doesn't like sweets- no cookies, cake, candy etc.  About the only sweet he will eat is ice cream.  However, for reasons only understandable to Jonah himself, he was adamant he did not want to bring ice cream cups for his class treat today.  

I mentioned this relunctance to his teacher and said that really the only thing Jonah would consider a "treat" would be buttered bread.  Jonah loves buttered bread!  This has been his church snack for the past 2 years.  It's his go-to food.  

Well Jonah's teacher, being the amazing teacher she is, came up with an cute idea.  There is a book called Mercy Watson to the Rescue which is about a pig who loves buttered toast.  His teacher suggested that she read the book to Jonah and his class, and then Jonah could supply the class with buttered toast as both his birthday treat and supplement to the book.

So that is why I am being the worst "Pinterest mom" ever by having my son's birthday treat being buttered toast!

Happy 8th Birthday Jonah!  We love you so much!

Ready to bring his treat to his class!

1st DAY OF SCHOOL

In keeping up with my tradition of taking the WORST 1st day pictures, here is the one for 2018-19.  

In my defense, the boys are like moving targets when trying to take the photo.  

They never stand still at the same time!  

At least Lydia has a smile on her face. 

Lydia 10th grade, Ben and Jonah 2nd grade

After school the first day, I took the boys to the park.  Needless to say the 1st day wore out Jonah!