Special Exposure Wednesday

I wanted to capture the end of our autumn leaves and also some flags from Veteran's Day last week. Of course, I had to squeeze "Dimples" in here, too











Check out more great photos here.

P.S. I have been looking around for blogs about other teens and young adults with special needs and have found precious few. Do you know of any?

Veins and CPR

Today N experienced more of the mysterious stomach pain (which fades as the day progresses). Is this anxiety? We are also between two other medical issues—oral surgery for an anklyosed molar (plus various case scenarios for implant and orthodontia, totally unrelated to Down syndrome) and the sleep study coming up very soon. All this individually makes me concerned , but it is all happening simultaneously in my head today. After the oral surgeon consult earlier, we went shoe shopping (no, for him!) and got some pumpkin yogurt.

On the way home from all our errands, N said, “I think my muscles are getting bigger.” Since his swimming hiatus, he has been concerned about a decline in his physique. “You know, Tim has this big vein that pops out of his muscle when he shakes my hand. I wish I had one.” (Tim is his beloved youth pastor.) “Mom, do you think my muscle is getting bigger?” “Hmm, I dunno. Maybe,” I answered. Then he said, “Well, I think . . . . . I do see . . . . you know, . . . . a vein appearing . . . .” It was hard to contain myself and I cracked up, which really puzzled my poor fellow.

This was after he explained to me while we were in the exam room that he thought it would be cool to be a lifeguard. He said he was sure he could pull anyone out of the water who needed help, but he would only be able to do CPR on the girls -- not the guys. He clearly had thought this out. I never know what’s coming next! These moments are so funny to me and keep me from getting too wrapped up in the other stuff.

Special Exposure Wednesday

This is the best gift anyone has ever made for me. Ever. I love art by kids and this one was made by my son for me! Art is a great thing to request for a Christmas gift, if they are asking. If you are getting ready for the holidays and don't want to stress out, consider checking out the Flylady!


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Confessions of a Bling-aholic

I started out with good intentions. At least I think I did. I mean, I have been to this same shopping event for multiple years in a row with the same friend and some years I buy nothing. This thing is more than a bazaar, it is . . . a colossal extravaganza that is not for those with poor stamina nor for the easily distracted. (If you have seen the T-shirt, “I started out to conquer the world, but I was distracted by something sparkly”, you know what I mean and you can relate to me.) You have to have a plan, have your list and your concentration on. This event was formerly held in an arena and now it is in a convention center. My good friend and I look forward to going to this annually, and as soon as we drag our tired bodies out of it, we begin the anticipation for the next one.

But back to my good intentions. The purpose was to shop for Christmas gifts. For OTHER PEOPLE. Yes, I bought Christmas gifts. But for myself. Is that even legal? I don’t know, but the worst part is that some of it was going to be for Baby Sister. We have similar taste, so her stuff sorta . . . grew on me. I am still waffling about whether to keep or give some of it, hence this confession. I mean, I could replace it with other stuff. . . . Some of it is really good bling, though.

My shopping companion did not help matters. Can I just blame it all on her?? When I was considering a long necklace for myself, I was debating between the gold one and the silver one. Did she encourage self restraint? No. How about this—“It’s such a good deal, why not get both?” said she. See? That’s why I did it. But it’s not too late. I could just wear these “gifts” for a month or so and then give them up, right? Oh, what a slippery slope. I did start out with good intentions . . .

Have you ever kept a gift that you intended for someone else?

FLY into the holidays!

Have you heard of the Fly Lady? She is an actual person who lived in c.h.a.o.s. (can't have anyone over syndrome) for a number of years, decided she was not born organized, and decided to find out how people live who ARE born organized. She changed her habits and wrote a book to help those like herself! She also started a very helpful website which will send you emails that remind you to do things like plan dinner. She has got something going on here and I have followed her for several years now. One of the best habits she taught me was to do certain tasks on certain days. For instance, I do laundry on two certain days, grocery shop on Thursday (or Friday), work on checkbook/budget on Wednesday, etc. (I am not committing to the clean- the- house thing on Monday--- haha! But I usually do.)

One great thing she has set up is a Holiday preparation guide. I love it! It helps you do things early so you won’t be stressed out when it gets here. She has a vision of one enjoying oneself during the holidays! If you go here, you will see all kinds of fun ideas. My favorites are the missions and the journal. Just today, I picked up several grocery items that I know I will need in a month, but getting some of it ahead spreads the expense and it makes me feel like I am “on my game”. A great feeling.

I was trying to get my gift ideas list going in my Holiday Control Journal, so I asked my dear N what he might like for Christmas. Considering his souped up, super- testosterone- driven , wrestling, competitive self, can you guess what the first items requested are? “ALL the Rocky movies!” I can only imagine how those would fuel his fire. He seems as though he thinks he might die without them, yet I can see us having to hide them because he will want to punch out everything in sight. I promise we do not feed this! Ted and I are pretty docile and mild creatures. Our older son was not into sports. Yet, this guy seems to live and breathe for any kind of battle of the wills and test of strength. I do not think a few broken noses would slow him down, either. YO, ADRIAN!!!!! I need some help here!

Special Exposure Wednesday

On Saturday I went out and discovered this:
Me + one hour + my camera = a new perspective.

Snapping photos of just about anything outside leaves me with a satisfied and thankful feeling. Below are some of my favorites. And there are others, too.














A recent visit to my mom's for her Happy Birthday.


This is the new and improved "rapping" Jimmy Buffett.

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Hippie Giant

So we are following the World Series around here and are a little disappointed in the performance of the Texas Rangers. So, what is a sports fan to do, except pick on the appearance of the other team? (Have I mentioned that my son is a little competitive??)

Heard from the next room as soon as the game is turned on, "HOLY COW, their pitcher is a hippie!!" Was that my husband? No, his son. Sorry, Giants, but he does have long-ish hair.