I've Been Bad. Real Bad.

Friends, it was never my intention to begin this blog and so abruptly abandon it. I truly enjoy blogging, and over the past 2 months have had every intention of doing just that. Life, it seems, gets in the way.

Admittedly, I have spent a vast majority of my personal on-line time working on my store at CafePress.com. I hereby and theretofore promise to balance my time more efficiently between the two endeavors.

Starting today.

For now though, please take a moment to offer a prayer for CJ and ManChild and the heartbreaking scenario that's unfolding before them.

Cole Rodgers

Born on April 29, 2007 to Cathy McMorris- and Brian Rodgers, Cole has been diagnosed with Down Syndrome.

Cole is apparently doing well, and the parents are taking things one day at a time (as they should) as they get over their initial shock.

Oh.

Almost forgot.

Cathy McMorris Rodgers happens to be a Congresswoman from Washington state.

You can read about the story here.

Benefit For Parker!

Please take a moment and visit Tammy and Parker at Praying For Parker.

Tammy is promoting a benefit concert on June 29th at the American Fork Amphitheater in Utah with proceeds to be used for Parker's medical needs and a generous portion of CD sales being donated on Parker's behalf. Singer/songwriter Stephanie Smith is performing and donating her time for this awesome event. Please continue reading below for more information.

From Tammy's blog . . .

You can go here to hear selections from this CD.

CD Prices are $15.98 plus shipping. ($3.00 per CD for shipping.)

Concert Tickets can be purchased for a Suggested Donation of $5.00 per person OR $20.00 per family. This is only a suggested amount. All donations are greatly appreciated.

Please use the “Make a Donation” link in our sidebar, to make your purchase. Please note whether or not you are donating, purchasing CD’s, or purchasing concert tickets.

Thank you.

You will receive an email confirmation for your purchase/s.

Blogger Ate My Post, or How We Celebrated World Down Syndrome Day 2007

Yesterday, March 21st, was World Down Syndrome Awareness Day. I wrote out a nice post describing my thoughts on the day and what we did.

Then Blogger pooped out on me and I lost everything.

Not having the strength to re-write the post, I thought I'd sum things up for you . . .

1. Diversity is good. Celebrate it. Our differences are what make us the same. Our world is rich in experiences and wealthy in variety. After all, it's the spice of life.

2. If you are lucky enough to have someone special in your life, be happy. Be proud. Be their advocate.

3. Be excellent to each other (and party on, dude).

Speak Up

I know that so many of you do, but it never hurts to be reminded how important it is for us to be advocates for our children. I myself need to be reminded of this too. It is our job to be their advocates and to teach them how to be their own.

There are words, stereotypes, misconceptions, and fears that are either unfounded or simply have no place in our society. At their most innocent they are misguided, at their worst, they are hurtful and degrading.

Do not be afraid to educate. To clarify. To empower. To correct.

Don't make excuses.

Advocacy is powerful because you will be armed with the truth.

It is not intended to make others feel uncomfortable, although that is a likely, yet temporary, outcome. The alternative is that your child may someday feel hated, belittled, or unwelcome. And with that as your only other option, you will have the courage and strength to speak up.

Check this out!

We interrupt our story to bring you this important commercial announcement!

Please take a few minutes to check out the awesome and original artwork over at BSB Creations!

T-shirts, sweatshirts, note cards, totes, artwork, fleece blankets, and wooden letters are all available now. Coming soon are bibs, hooded towels and burp cloths!

Becky is a fellow T21 parent and has come up with a fantastic, unique design. The three caterpillars depict the shape and orientation of the three #21 chromosomes that are the hallmark characteristics of Trisomy 21, or Down Syndrome.

We've already ordered one piece from Becky, and we'll certainly be coming back for more!