I've said it once, I'll say it again, the r-word IT HURTS!

http://alisonrowan.bigcartel.com/

I totally missed posting something about 3/6/13 being Spread the Word to End the Word day! As many of you know, I absolutely can't stand it when someone says the word "ret@rded".

It hurts, it plan old hurts... I understand when people say that they have the freedom of speech, but guess what, it doesn't mean that it's right, it's wrong...

Again today, just like when I posted a while back when an old friend of mine posted something on Facebook using the r-word, I wrote a post that you can read here.

WELL, today another old friend of mine posted something using the r-word and again rather than calling them out on it, I hope that they may read this and begin to understand what hearing that word does to me and other parents & family members that have someone we love that has Down syndrome and other intellectual & developmental disabilities. Not to mention the fact that when Joey gets older, he will understand that word and what it means and how much it hurts....

Our community is so lucky and blessed to have so many self advocates that stand up for themselves and individuals that are not able to speak up for themselves. And Eddie Barbanell who stared alongside with Johnny Knoxville are featured in this video and how they feel about the r-word.

Four-leaf clovers & Down syndrome

I just saw this on Facebook and had to share! It's a great comparison!! We truly are lucky and blessed to have beautiful children who have Down syndrome in our lives!

Who knows why Down syndrome occurs? Why does the extra 21st chromosome stick to the cell when the fertilized egg begins its first cell division? It can be compared to what happens in nature to a field of clover. Usually, we see 3 leaves on each clover. Once in a while, however, we find a clover that has an extra leaf –- making it a four-leaf clover. We don’t know why Mother Nature decided to add that extra leaf; she just did. There is no obvious explanation -– all of the clover plants grew in the same soil, were exposed to the same sun and rain, etc. Mother Nature just decided to add an extra leaf to one of the clover in the clover patch. This doesn't make it better or not as good as the other clover -- it just makes it different. Some people even believe it brings a person good luck when they find a four-leaf clover. It is much the same way with the extra chromosome. We don’t know why Mother Nature didn't let the cell divide evenly, but she didn't  She decided to add another chromosome to that baby’s cells. It doesn't make the baby better or not as good as the other babies -- it just makes him or her different. And if you find one of those babies, you are truly lucky for they are very special babies -- who grow into very special people. 

 Arthur ~ Unknown

Thanks Beth :)

40 Days of Prayer for Reece's Rainbow: Day 33, Glenn

During Lent, I have decided to pray for one child with Down syndrome a day that they find a forever family to adopt them Reece's Rainbow. These children need our help!

The mission of Reece’s Rainbow is to rescue orphans with Down syndrome through the gift of adoption, to raise awareness for all of the children who are waiting in 25 countries around the world, and to raise funds as adoption grants that help adoptive families afford the high cost of adopting these beautiful children.

Every family deserves the blessing of a child with Down syndrome!! 

Day 33: Glenn

Another ham for the camera!! Glenn was born August 16, 2003. He currently only has $81.70 in grant money towards his adoption! If you feel compelled to contributed to Glenn's adoption, you can visit his page. The more people donate to Reese's Rainbow, the more of these children will find homes! 

"Glenn has blonde hair and blue eyes. He has Down syndrome, and struggles with the effects of FAS. With this comes strabismus and a valvular heart defect. Despite this, he is doing well, mobile and active and friendly. 

As with all children living in these difficult conditions, this child’s cognitive development has regressed significantly since he/she was younger. It is of crucial importance that any family considering the adoption of an older child from the mental institution setting be well prepared for what to expect with regards to how the neglect and lack of adequate medical care and nourishment has affected this child. These children all have TREMENDOUS potential for improvement, and deserve to have a life outside these four walls. 

Updated 2012: Sweet Glenn is such a love! Despite multiple medical conditions he is doing pretty well! He loves to hug and understands commands. His finger motor skills are not well developed. He can eat and use the bathroom independently. He is currently not speaking very much but it does not sound like he attends any speech therapy. He does need help changing his clothes but he is practicing! 

This little guy could greatly use a family to help stimulate his speech and his fine motor skills. 

These children are truly living on borrowed time, and families should be home study approved before an official commitment can be made for this child."

Please pray to Saint William of Rochester, who's sole purpose is to intercede with each and every one of these beautiful children that need their forever families!!

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Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You that children are a gift from You and that their angels are always in Your presence in heaven. (Matthew 18:10)

Today we pray for Carol who is in need of a new family better able to care for, nurture and love them. We also thank you, Father, that you have given loving hearts to a forever family that they feel called by their love for this precious child to begin the adoption process. You know the difficulties that Carol has gone through and the prayer and effort they have put into their decision to adopt.

We pray that the adoption process will run smoothly and that the doors will open so this child may become a permanent part of a new family. We pray for wisdom and discernment for all doctors, lawyers, social workers, judges and court staff that they will work in the best interest of this child. We also pray for Your provision of the resources of money and expert advice needed for the prospective parents.

We pray that your will be done in this precious child’s life and that this child will be surrounded by love and nurtured in the knowledge of You so they may grow into the strong, secure, beautiful person you desire.

We are asking for Saint William of Rochester intercession and help Carol to find her permanent family.

Guide us as we pray and make us instruments of healing and help in this situation. And guard our own hearts with the knowledge that You are here and that You care. In the name of Jesus who blessed little children by taking them into his arms, Amen.

*prayer adapted from the original prayer by Karen Barber 2012

Walgreens: FREE 8x10 collage print now thru 3/20!!

I have gotten this freebie more times than I can count and I LOVE it when it comes up! There are no strings attached and you don't even have to give a credit card number! I just made one up for myself with all of my nieces and nephews to hang up in our living room!! These make awesome gifts to give to any family member!!

Head over to Walgreen's Photo Center website and you can score a free 8x10 photo collage!! Just center coupon code COLLAGE4FREE when you go to check out. Choose pick up at store and pay at store and that's it! Offer expires 3/20/13.

40 Days of Prayer for Reece's Rainbow: Day 32, Louie

During Lent, I have decided to pray for one child with Down syndrome a day that they find a forever family to adopt them Reece's Rainbow. These children need our help!

The mission of Reece’s Rainbow is to rescue orphans with Down syndrome through the gift of adoption, to raise awareness for all of the children who are waiting in 25 countries around the world, and to raise funds as adoption grants that help adoptive families afford the high cost of adopting these beautiful children.

Every family deserves the blessing of a child with Down syndrome!! 

Day 32: Louie

What a ham for the camera!! Louie was born April 2005. He currently only has $74 in grant money towards his adoption! If you feel compelled to contributed to Louie's adoption, you can visit his page. The more people donate to Reese's Rainbow, the more of these children will find homes! 

"Louie is walking, running, jumping and crawling, can stand with one foot for 5 seconds, can jump with both feet. His balance is good. Louie can use the scissor deftly, like cutting paper, can draw simple pictures, can imitating drawing fish. 

He would like to express with language, though his voice is not clear, other people can understand him. Every day he comes to the classroom, he can make greetings with teachers politely and express his willing. Also he can communicate with adults. Usually he can help mates in trouble like older brother. 

Louie likes studying, is curious with new things, likes operating with hands, like drawing. He can not only join kinds of sports, but also he can use materials to create. His self-performing is improving, can answer the questions actively. He can recognize common color in the daily life, can paint and draw simple pictures. He has good memory, can remember poems and children’s songs. He likes imitating, and can write his name. He can learn dancing quickly and often joins art performance. 

Teachers and other children all like Louie. He is active, open, confident, often plays with mates. He likes handcrafts, also likes outdoor activities, like rocking horse, sliding, see-saw, etc. He has good safety awareness. He likes balls, toy cars and toy guns."

Please pray to Saint William of Rochester, who's sole purpose is to intercede with each and every one of these beautiful children that need their forever families!!

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Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You that children are a gift from You and that their angels are always in Your presence in heaven. (Matthew 18:10)

Today we pray for Carol who is in need of a new family better able to care for, nurture and love them. We also thank you, Father, that you have given loving hearts to a forever family that they feel called by their love for this precious child to begin the adoption process. You know the difficulties that Carol has gone through and the prayer and effort they have put into their decision to adopt.

We pray that the adoption process will run smoothly and that the doors will open so this child may become a permanent part of a new family. We pray for wisdom and discernment for all doctors, lawyers, social workers, judges and court staff that they will work in the best interest of this child. We also pray for Your provision of the resources of money and expert advice needed for the prospective parents.

We pray that your will be done in this precious child’s life and that this child will be surrounded by love and nurtured in the knowledge of You so they may grow into the strong, secure, beautiful person you desire.

We are asking for Saint William of Rochester intercession and help Carol to find her permanent family.

Guide us as we pray and make us instruments of healing and help in this situation. And guard our own hearts with the knowledge that You are here and that You care. In the name of Jesus who blessed little children by taking them into his arms, Amen.

*prayer adapted from the original prayer by Karen Barber 2012

40 Days of Prayer for Reece's Rainbow: Day 31, Carol

During Lent, I have decided to pray for one child with Down syndrome a day that they find a forever family to adopt them Reece's Rainbow. These children need our help!

The mission of Reece’s Rainbow is to rescue orphans with Down syndrome through the gift of adoption, to raise awareness for all of the children who are waiting in 25 countries around the world, and to raise funds as adoption grants that help adoptive families afford the high cost of adopting these beautiful children.

Every family deserves the blessing of a child with Down syndrome!! 

Day 31: Carol

What a precious face to start my day looking at and praying for! Carol was born September 2010. She currently has NO FUNDING towards her adoption!! If you feel compelled to contributed to Carol's adoption, you can visit her page. The more people donate to Reese's Rainbow, the more of these children will find homes! 

Carol loves sitting and rocking on her hobby horse! She is enjoys listening to music and rocking on her horse. She can sit on the bed steadily and can stand with hands holding onto the bed rails. Sometimes when she sees other children take her favorite toy she will try and take it back."

Please pray to Saint William of Rochester, who's sole purpose is to intercede with each and every one of these beautiful children that need their forever families!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You that children are a gift from You and that their angels are always in Your presence in heaven. (Matthew 18:10)

Today we pray for Carol who is in need of a new family better able to care for, nurture and love them. We also thank you, Father, that you have given loving hearts to a forever family that they feel called by their love for this precious child to begin the adoption process. You know the difficulties that Carol has gone through and the prayer and effort they have put into their decision to adopt.

We pray that the adoption process will run smoothly and that the doors will open so this child may become a permanent part of a new family. We pray for wisdom and discernment for all doctors, lawyers, social workers, judges and court staff that they will work in the best interest of this child. We also pray for Your provision of the resources of money and expert advice needed for the prospective parents.

We pray that your will be done in this precious child’s life and that this child will be surrounded by love and nurtured in the knowledge of You so they may grow into the strong, secure, beautiful person you desire.

We are asking for Saint William of Rochester intercession and help Carol to find her permanent family.

Guide us as we pray and make us instruments of healing and help in this situation. And guard our own hearts with the knowledge that You are here and that You care. In the name of Jesus who blessed little children by taking them into his arms, Amen.

*prayer adapted from the original prayer by Karen Barber 2012

40 Days of Prayer for Reece's Rainbow: Day 30, Kaleb

During Lent, I have decided to pray for one child with Down syndrome a day that they find a forever family to adopt them Reece's Rainbow. These children need our help!

The mission of Reece’s Rainbow is to rescue orphans with Down syndrome through the gift of adoption, to raise awareness for all of the children who are waiting in 25 countries around the world, and to raise funds as adoption grants that help adoptive families afford the high cost of adopting these beautiful children.

Every family deserves the blessing of a child with Down syndrome!! 

Day 30: Kaleb

I'm sitting here in tears as I write today's post. In addition is saying my daily prayer for the child I'm praying for, I've been doing The Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Each and every single one of these children need our help. Whether it's through prayer, donating money towards one of their adoptions or even possibly adopting one of these beautiful children!

Kaleb was born September 2003. He currently only has $100.30 in grant money towards his adoption!! If you feel compelled to contributed to Kaleb's adoption, you can visit his page. The more people donate to Reese's Rainbow, the more of these children will find homes! 

"Kaleb is on a gluten free diet for symptoms of Celiac disease. 

Kaleb’s gross motor skills are developing, but delayed. He started walking when he was 4 years old and still requires assistance going up and down steps. He can run, but it is with a “clumsy” gait. He spends most of his time sitting in a child’s chair. He requires 1:1 assistance with academic tasks. He eats with assistance. He is a calm child. He does not exhibit any auto-aggression. He responds to his name but doesn’t usually follow verbal instructions. He makes eye contact, but he does not talk. He likes to play with cars, balls, stuffed animals and on the swing. He prefers to spend his time alone instead of interacting with other children. 

Additional photos and videos from October 2012 are available of Kaleb."

Please pray to Saint William of Rochester, who's sole purpose is to intercede with each and every one of these beautiful children that need their forever families!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You that children are a gift from You and that their angels are always in Your presence in heaven. (Matthew 18:10)

Today we pray for Kaleb who is in need of a new family better able to care for, nurture and love them. We also thank you, Father, that you have given loving hearts to a forever family that they feel called by their love for this precious child to begin the adoption process. You know the difficulties that Kaleb has gone through and the prayer and effort they have put into their decision to adopt.

We pray that the adoption process will run smoothly and that the doors will open so this child may become a permanent part of a new family. We pray for wisdom and discernment for all doctors, lawyers, social workers, judges and court staff that they will work in the best interest of this child. We also pray for Your provision of the resources of money and expert advice needed for the prospective parents.

We pray that your will be done in this precious child’s life and that this child will be surrounded by love and nurtured in the knowledge of You so they may grow into the strong, secure, beautiful person you desire.

We are asking for Saint William of Rochester intercession and help Kaleb to find his permanent family.

Guide us as we pray and make us instruments of healing and help in this situation. And guard our own hearts with the knowledge that You are here and that You care. In the name of Jesus who blessed little children by taking them into his arms, Amen.

*prayer adapted from the original prayer by Karen Barber 2012