FYI Friday: World Down Syndrome Day!!

I haven't posted a FYI Friday since January, but Charlie and Way think it's a perfect day for a FYI!

Ready??

Today is World Down Syndrome Day! This day, March 21st, which is 3/21 was chosen as WDSD because people with Down syndrome have a third copy on their 21st chromosome! Cool! Learn something everyday, right?

Some people might wonder why we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. We celebrate because we love someone with Down syndrome! We celebrate to inform others, to spread awareness and to let people know that Down syndrome is okay!!

Decades ago, people with DS were institutionalized. There wasn't enough information and research out there that told others, that people with DS can live wonderful lives and contribute to society and the world! There are still countries today that believe people with DS are cursed. And even in our own country, there are people who discover their unborn baby will have DS and choose to terminate that baby's life. They are afraid of the unknown and either misinformed or just don't know the incredible lives they are missing out on.

My prayer on this special day is that someone, somewhere can learn about DS through the thousands of people taking part in raising awareness today, and choose life!!

Will you help raise awareness? Learn something new about DS today and share it with someone else. It's fear of the unknown that leads to devastating decisions being made in doctors' offices. It's ignorance that leads to hurt feelings and exclusion. Maybe you know a family who has a loved one with DS. Ask them questions or tell others about how typical their life is! 

I can tell you that this little one has been true blessing to our entire family. Just like his older brothers. Way is getting tubes in his ears today, just like his brothers did! He's an amazing sleeper, just like his brothers are! He has the most contagious laugh, just like his brothers do! He loves books just like his brothers did at his age and still do now! We, as parents, have been concerned about things, just like we have been and are with his brothers. We, as parents, love him unconditionally, just like we do Way's brothers!

A diagnosis does not change this kind of love!

I'm writing a bit more at One Fun Mom, today as well! I'd love for you to follow me over. . .and after you do, let people know that World Down Syndrome Day is a day to celebrate

 and that ALL life is precious!!!

Happy Friday!

choosing between good vs. best -- {Guest post at One Fun Mom}

I've been talking with a lot of friends lately who seem to be in our shoes right now. It's decision time. One of the times in the year when you are looking toward spring, summer and even (gasp) the next school year and you are facing decisions.

The calendar plays a big part in decision making for our family and I'm guessing it does in your family too. But, whether it's the calendar that's forcing you to make certain decisions, or family, or school, or health, etc., we've found that often we are faced with a "good vs. better" choice. I'm over at One Fun Mom today talking it out! I'd love for you to pop on over and share your thoughts too!

Christmas book favorites {a guest post at One Fun Mom} and giving thanks!

Now that the Christmas season is underway, it's time for cold weather, warm fires, and a favorite part of the season for us. . .cuddling up together with our favorite Christmas books!

I'm over at One Fun Mom today sharing my family's Top 6 Christmas Books! So, pop on over, find a new book to add to your collection and share in the comments a favorite of yours!

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But, before we say goodbye to November and the Thanksgiving season. . .we just returned from the lake, having had a sweet time with Mimi, Grandpa, Aunt Mary, Uncle Kevin, extended family and friends! We played games, had block wars, roasted marshmallows and made smores, watched college football, ate yummy food and gave thanks to the Lord!

This Thanksgiving we were thankful for. . .

our boys, sunlight, playing trains, Disney World, rain, Fall, our house, our church, Native Americans, praise and worship music, lovies to sleep with and comfort us, modern appliances, the ocean, music to sing and play and listen to, date nights, God's Word, yummy food, warm clothes, warm food, recess, my family, coloring and painting, Star Wars and Mario, my friends, time to play outside, that Jesus died for us on the cross, my brothers, my Hubby, warm tea, fires in the fireplace, sleeping children, God's beauty, teachers who love our boys, our extended family, schools, soccer and sports, bear blankies, sweet friends who love us, doctors and medicines, special treats, Way's therapists, support and people who encourage him, family time, and so much more!

We are blessed and are filled with thanks! Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Dinner for 6: A recipe for conversation {A guest post at One Fun Mom}

If you could be a fly on our dining room wall, you'd be in for a treat! The crazy and hilarious antics of our boys at mealtimes (really at most times) never cease to amaze us! And the noise! Wow! If you have or have had littles in your house, or if you've been a dinner guest at our house, I know you feel me. Dinner time can be crazy!! But, it's also a sweet time to connect with your family!

I'm over at One Fun Mom today with a guest post on how our family attempts to cultivate conversations at mealtimes! I'd love for you to click here, drop by and share a few tips on how your conversations flow or just make me feel better by sharing a story of your three-ringed circus at dinner!

Can you smell it?? Fall has arrived!!

Can you smell that? It's Fall!!! Ohhhh, how I love October!! It's everything Fall and Fall is perfection! Well, snow is really perfection, but I do so love Fall!!

Miles and I have been busy making fall treats today. Just fun little mouth happies! Pop them in and enjoy! Who knew that just unwrapping chocolate kisses would be such a great fine motor skill for this newly turned 3 year old?! Filling a cookie sheet makes so many that you can easily put them on a plate and deliver happiness to some friends. I think we will do just that!

October 1st, is also the first day pumpkin is allowed in the kitchen! Why? I don't know. I just like to save things until it's time. Although, I used to have a rule that there was no Christmas music allowed until December 1st--that's been long tossed aside. Now we start listening the day after Thanksgiving! Ohhh, big rule breaker. I know.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. It's October! So, there are chocolate chip pumpkin muffins being made and a quinoa dish for tonight--that involves pumpkin, and little else! Yum!!

And, one more thing. I'm excited to tell you that I will be a monthly contributor over at One Fun Mom! If you've never stopped by the website, you should check it out. This week, there are some great giveaways--all to let you know that One Fun Mom has relaunched its site with a new purpose and new writers! One Fun Mom is embracing God and embracing others with the purpose of encouraging moms and bringing glory to God through the gifts he has given us! Hope you'll check it out!