A Wetsuit, a runway, and a camera


Tis' the season for backyard fun!  Black Widows have been sprayed, dirt has been swept, and new fun toys fill the backyard in effort to distract dear Sadie from scaling the pool fence.  Unfortunately, this smart little first grader has figured out how to unlock the poolgate... so, outside fun is closely monitored. 

When Sadie was little I heard/or read once that children with DS do not 'do creative/imagination play'.  I'm not sure why (and honestly have not seen that to be the case); but it has always bothered me.  I think it goes back to my homeschooling days when I heard 85% of kids are creative at the age of 5 and by 20 only 5% of the population is creative. Sadie's creative play is always heavily influence by Disney Channel, DVD's, Nick Jr., and the endless youtube music videos she watches... so I'm not sure how much of that is imagination?  Anyway, here's a funny scene - influence by her one of her sister's, and her friends, favorite pastime's (I'm almost too embarrassed to say it)- Rupaul's Drag Race!

FASHIONISTA

Daddy's wetsuit makes for a perfect runway curtain..

Work it Girl!

 Yeah, you got it!

 The ever popular 'Hairflip'

 And again...

 She walked that Catwalk at least a dozen times



A 17 yr. old, 900 miles, a roomate, and a new life....

What do you see when you look at this picture?

I see someone who has found her wings. 

Someone who has discovered her divine potential

and has found courage and confidence...

I see someone who is happy, validated, and hopeful....

and I am GRATEFUL!

Who's up for a little Country Boogie??

It's starting to happen more and more... you know, when you have a smorgasbord of feelings bubbling inside of you and you don't know whether to cry, laugh, smile, or shout from the rooftops how proud you are of your kids.  Yeah, that's me... the crazy lady in the corner who you ask why she is crying and she burst out in laughter that she isn't quite sure.  Today, I picked my very sore and hurt body up and drove through our California Mountains (otherwise known as little hills or bumps in the road) to take Hannieo to perform for families and children who lives have been struck with Childhood Cancer.  Of course Sadie is always up for watching a 'show' so she hopped in the car, hair still wet and not brush, and joined us for an afternoon of some country music. 

I was curious to see the show because this is the same show they are taking to the opening of CarsLand at California Adventure Disneyland this summer and I will not be able to see her because I do not have a pass.  A whole different story of how Disneyland decided to raise their prices for season passes ridiculously high!!!  Anywho (new word from Sadie)... the show was stellar, as always, but the best part?  That came after when the big kids (yes Hannah is a big kid measuring at 5' 8" at 13 years old) were asked to grab someone and teach them a dance.  fun, fun, fun!!  I was touched at Hannah's enthusiasm, kindness, patience, and easy going nature as these youngings had a very crash course in the ever popular wedding dance- The Electric Slide.  I like to think my kids are naturally nurturing and kind; but I'm sure having Sadie in our family hasn't hurt.  Well, take a look for yourself.  Introducing.....

Hannah and her new friend from the

Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation

Company Kids taking a break from Performing to teach the kids The Electric Slide

She did it!!

Gotta give you one with Sadie and 'Hawk' -

first time she ever touched a horse

Sisters!!  Sadie loves to watch them perform!!

Blogging vs. Pinterest and Super Moms

Blogging vs. Pinterest - that my friends has been my delima.  It all started last semester when I went from taking Madison to school 3-4 days a week to driving in her math assignment and the occasional testing.  It's like I was fired (gladly) from a part time job that kept me going from early morning until school pickup and afterschool activities.  So, naturally the question would be... "What ever would I do with all my new found time?" 

Honestly, the first month was spent recovering and watching TV if I am to be completely honest.  Then I spent the following month with Dance, dance, dance - costumes, shows, tryouts, etc.  Lastly, I spent a lot of time doing little home improvements.  So... here I sit with lots of thoughts and creative energy ready to be let go and my next fork in the road found me looking to one side- my blog.  I've missed being able to spill my thoughts; but I haven't missed the emotions it brings up- which of course leads to sleepless nights and grumpy mom in the morning.  And down the other road? This road I see all my friends having a blast on Pinterest turning all their creative energy into yummy meals, cute decorating projects, and of course 'the never to be topped' teacher gifts.  Oh, the delima which I faced...

My blog won!  I know the days of browsing and reading blogs has passed; but frankly, I find it cheaper than therapy and I don't have to do my hair and makeup! So, my journey begins.... AGAIN.  So much has happened in the past 6 months I can't even imagine where to start.  I will leave you with an article I was featured in for OC FAMILY about Super Moms.  DISCLAIMER: I have never claimed to be a Supermom; infact I am very honest that most days I wake up hoping for the best and going to sleep wishing for a 'do-over'.  And in the past 7 years I have spent more hours in 'timeout' or crying in my room than all four of my children combined.  The article was taken from 4 1/2 pages of typed responses- so, it is a very abbrevated short version of all the things we talked about.  I will most likely post the whole interview (in pieces) because while answering the questions I did a lot of soul searching and learned a lot about myself.

Here's the article:

http://digital.ocfamily.com/gallery/view.asp?seq=183642&path=120503171155 (PAGE 72)

http://www.ocfamily.com/t-Cover-Story-Supermoms-in-Orange-County-z4-Kari-Teague.aspx