Friday, February 20, 2009

Pick me! Pick me!



Check it out. Fresh Design Studio is hosting a give away to redesign your blog. If you don't have a blog then head to her website and post a comment about how much you think MY blog needs some artistic help. I don't have that decorating talent. I must have missed standing in that talent line.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

The Love Magnet is sick today


I brought her home from school. She immediately put on a pair of pjs, ate a bowl of chicken noodle soup, and cuddled up with her favorite doll to watch Disney Channel while I worked on homework........actually I spent more time watching her and thinking.



The other day I read an article called Down Syndrome a Modern Day Death Sentence by Joseph A. Cannon (who also has a daughter with Down syndrome). You can find it here.




So many professional seem to think it a moral imperative that we not allow children with Ds to be born. The professionals quoted offered many reasons: It's too hard on those born with the disability. It's too hard on their families. It's too hard on the world.


I think that everyone should spend time with a person who has an intellectual disability.



They would see that people with disabilities have the same wants and needs. The same emotions. The same need to love and be loved in return that every single one of us have.
They would also see that people with disabilities are teachers of compassion, forgiveness, understanding, empathy, and acceptance.


But then those things can't really be measured in a lab, can they? I feel bad for the professionals in that article. They just don't get it. They have surrounded themselves with textbooks and research. Maybe if they tried field research? Got themselves out of a lab and into a typical home. I wonder if there is anything that could change their opinion?
They certainly haven't changed mine.

Monday, February 16, 2009

On the 14th Day of Valentines, Mr. Wonderful gave to me....

A gorgeous bike

a cool bike


It's girly!


It's comfy.

It has lots of cool things.

I'm sure this means something, too.

With lots of gears that I need to learn how to use.

With cool lace-up handles.


I want to get a basket attached on the back for hauling picnics and books, and bell on front to warn people I am coming. Oh, and a helmet. Something that matches.
Thanks, Mr. Wonderful! I can't wait to use it.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Sunday Gratitudes

This Sunday I am so grateful for my Mr. Wonderful. He works so hard for us. He is my love, my sounding board, my best friend, my rock (call me a rock! - private joke for Mr. W), my math and stats tutor, my reason for my "million little reasons". Yesterday I made him a gourmet dinner to thanks him for the things he does for me every day,

Halibut Oscar and Fingerling potatoes (and me wishing I would have sucked in my stomach before the picture was taken. Look at the food. Please, look at the food....)
Mr. Wonderful brought me roses. He also set the table.

Usually, Mr. W ducks when he sees a camera, but he couldn't this time or he'd spill the nonalcoholic peach sparkly he was pouring. I have to be sneaky with a camera.



Halibut Oscar and lobster bisque (I didn't make the lobster bisque. Bought it as Costco.)


I did, however, make the most fabulous blackberry creme brulee for dessert. It is a dangerous thing, this knowledge that making creme brulee is insanely easy. Oh, but it makes a grand impression. Mmmmmmm.
Happy 14 Day's of Valentines to my Mr. Darcy, my own private Michelangelo statue, my honey, my Sweetheart of the first order. You deserve every single day of effort that went into it. God blessed me the day he brought you into my life.












Friday, February 13, 2009

Check out this new blog

Extraordinary Mothers

I can't get their link button to work so just click on "Extraordinary Mothers" up there and you'll find your way to it.

Think they could use a writer who is all about Family, Special Needs, education, the importance of the family dinner table, music, and Loving your Mr. Wonderful?

Thursday, February 12, 2009

On the 12th Day of Valentines

I printed out 11 poems/sonnets/lyrics/love notes. Instead of making scrolls as planned, I put them all in a binder. The final 12th page is an original poem by me. Not a cheesy poem, a serious one.

Did I ever mention that I am GREAT at cheesy poetry?


Not so great at serious attempts of poetry.



I trust Mr. Wonderful will get the gist of my intent and forgive me my many and varied faults. He has enjoyed the 14 Days of Valentines this year. The kids have loved pointing out the days he received treats. They wanted to be there when he opened them. They are all about the sharing.

I think I will share my stats homework with Mr. Wonderful tonight........

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

On the 11th Day of Valentine's

On the 11th Day of Valentines
I used to give you candles of red
To tell you about our dinner date.
(And give hints for what lies ahead.)

This year I leave it to you
To bring candles on your own.
And pick a bottle of sparkling-something.
(If you want, you could write your own poem).

I will be uber consumed
With planning our special night.
There is a lot to be considered.
(And I want to make it right.)

We’ll start with Lobster Bisque
And a Hot Crab Dip for two.
With pita chips and crackers
(it’s the least the I could do).

Then I will attempt to make
Your most favorite dish
From my most favorite restaurant
(hint: it will be fish).

Dessert will be our favorite recipe
I’ve attempted once before -
Also from my most favorite restaurant.
(I will be tempted to eat more.)

That is all I’m going to tell you
For the rest you will have to wait.
Dinner will be at 7 sharp.
I trust you won’t be late.


(this will be printed on a scroll and waiting for Mr. Wonderful on his nightstand.)

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

On the 10th Day of Valentines

Ten Reasons I Love Mr. Wonderful:

His arms wrap completely around me.

He makes me feel safe and protected.

He understands my sense of humor.

He thanks me for every single meal - he has never forgotten in 17 1/2 years of our marriage.

He is one amazing kisser.

He listens to me when I talk my head off, knowing that I need someone to hear me.

He encourages me in everything I do.

He works hard for our family.

I love the way he looks at me when we are sharing a private joke.

He honors his priesthood.

I taped this list on his bathroom mirror to find when he comes home tonight.

Sunday, February 08, 2009

Sunday Gratitudes



This past week was incredible. We hosted an athlete, his unified partner in Floor Hockey, and the team doctor from Kazakhstan. Dimitri, Rustam and Yevgeni were charming, wonderful guests. They loved our American streets. "Just like in the movies", Yevgeni said. When I asked him if they were very much different from Kazakhstan, he started to laugh. Apparently they are.


Our guests were amazed at American grocery stores, especially Costco. They couldn't believe the availability of items and the fact that they cost less here. They took pictures of everything: Mustang cars (everyone had pose around one they saw in the high school parking lot), buildings, birds, school buses.


The loved the high school, with its available computers, library, culinary school, exercise equipment, weight room, and cafeteria. The boys stopped to stare at every single American girl. They loved American food. They thought the hoedown was a riot. Rustam tried every line dance taught. They rode the "mechanical" bull. They stuffed themselves with hamburgers, potato salad, and Idaho ice cream potatoes. (remind me to tell you about that Idaho tradition sometime).
I am so grateful for these three opening my eyes to blessings I might have taken for granted. Our homes are huge compared to theirs. We elect the President of the United States every four years while they have a president who has been in power much longer than any president should in a democracy. Our schools make so much available to our children. Our buildings each have their own individuality and beauty.
Yevgeni invited us to stay with him if we ever make it to Kazakhstan. We told him we would be honored. I would love to meet his sweet wife and adorable baby. In the meantime, we are making plans to attend some Special Olympic events. Particularly floor hockey.
I need to learn Russian for "GO TEAM!"