Santa

Jonathon went to the local mall today and had a visit with a very special person!

He let this person know what he wanted for Christmas.....

Hot Wheels.....

My little boy is growing up.

I can remember when I used to sit at home and get sad this time of year because Jonathon was not able to go out and see Santa.

I love these very important days.....

Wonderful memories ....

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful that my children are healthy.

I am thankful that I was able to afford to put in a new furnace this year.

I am thankful that I was able to afford to put in a new hot water heater this year.

Field Trip Today

to Upland Farms!  It was a perfect day to head out to the farm with the rest of the students.  It was a little foggy in the morning, but our temps started out in the low 60's and by the time we finished up at the farm it was beautiful and sunny out.  I believe it got up to 72.

Here are a few pictures to share.

31 for 21 Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Jonathon had a pretty good weekend.  Especially today.  Today went really well.

We are working on a new system.  Reward system.  If he is caught being good, he will receive a ticket to McDonalds or the Movie store.  When he collects enough, then he will get a trip to McDonalds or the movie store or both.

He received one McDonalds ticket tonight.  He ate all his dinner.  He then picked up all his toys(which never happens, not all of them in less than 5 minutes), he listened when told to go take a shower and then he got to play Monster Trucks on the Wii for 30 minutes.  He listened when it was time to get off and get a snack.  He then went potty and brushed his teeth and got into bed.

I am so proud of him.  I believe he understands.  That's why I picked 2 of his favorite places.  He loves chocolate shakes from McDonalds and he loves going to the movie store and walking around to get a movie.

Tomorrow I am going to speak to his teachers and have them start using these rewards at school.  He is having a hard time listening to his young 5's teacher.  I was really saddened on Friday when I witnessed just how bad he can be.  I commend his teacher.  She handled it very well.  very calmly.  She is a great teacher.  Anyway I want him to listen to his teachers.  I want him to get the very best education he can get.  So I am willing to try anything for him.  I came up with this idea myself and I am hoping they will be on board to try it out.

Who knows....maybe it will work.

FACT:   All people with Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses. http://www.ndss.org/Down-Syndrome/Down-Syndrome-Facts/

31 for 21 Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Children that are born with Down Syndrome want what any other child wants.....

To be loved......

To be accepted......

To be able to go to school......

To make friends......

To learn.......

There was a lot happening at Memphis Elementary today.

It was a busy day for Jonathon.

The Firemen were at school today.

It is Fire Safety week.

We had a fire drill.

All the children went outside safely.

All the children and teachers went to the football field to listen to the Firemen talk about fire safety.

Then!

There was a huge surprise!

St. Marys Flight Care Arrived in the sky.  I am glad that I was at school today and got to experience this with Jonathon.  I have never been this close to a helicopter before and to be there and watch with Jonathon was amazing.

He was very excited at first when he was looking up into the sky to see what was coming.  He could hear and at first thought it was an airplane.  As it got closer and the wind picked up it got a little scary, but we were prepared because the Firemen warned us ahead of time to shield our eyes.  Jonathon was very scared as the helicopter came closer and then it was quiet again after it landed.

I am so proud of Jonathon.  Two years ago he would have never been able to stay out there and witness this special day.  The noise and the size of the helicopter would have practically scared him to death.  Yes he was scared, but he stayed, and he listened when I told him it would be okay.  Then we hurried off to use the restroom and when we returned all the students were on the football field up close to the helicopter learning more about what St. Marys Flight Care does.  We did not go close to the helicopter.  He is not ready for that yet.  And that's ok.  I know one day he will be thrilled to get into a helicopter, ambulance, fire truck, and learn and see more.  This was good for now.

Afterwards all the students and teachers got a group photo taken.   I did not get this picture.  Maybe when the teachers have it developed they will share and then I can share too.

Children with down syndrome are like any other child.  Maybe some things may take longer to do or learn. Maybe some things may be a bit more scarier.  Most of all they are children who want to learn and succeed just like you and I!

FACT:   People with Down syndrome attend school, work, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in many wonderful ways. http://www.ndss.org/Down-Syndrome/Down-Syndrome-Facts/

31 for 21 Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Well I did not make it again this year.  I got extremely busy over the weekend and I forgot(embarrassed) to blog.

FACT Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades - from 25 in 1983 to 60 today.  http://www.ndss.org/Down-Syndrome/Down-Syndrome-Facts/


Jonathon is still having some issues at school.  He is not listening.  Which makes me really sad.  Because he is doing it at home too.  But then there is times that he does listen.  Very frustrating.  I hate going into the class and seeing him misbehave.

We started the visual aid this week.  I'm hoping by the end of the week he gets the hang of it.  I want to make him a copy that is smaller that he can carry with him.

Rest time is not going the greatest either.  He just does not like it.  And I can understand why.  He has not napped for over 2 years.  Later this week or the beginning of next week we are going to try his IPAD.  He can sit and work on his IPAD for rest time as long as he is quiet and as long as he gives it back when rest time is over.

Most of all, I love Jonathon very much and I know we will get through this!!!

31 for 21 Down Syndrome Awareness Month day 5

Visual Aid.

That is our word of the day.

I had a meeting with the speech teacher - Miss O this morning.  We discussed how to help Jonathon through out his day.  And I asked her if she could make up some pec cards for him.  And of course she said sure.

So she made him some signs and also put a book together for him.  I'm sorry to say I did not get time to take a picture of it to post.  But I will this weekend and then add an updated post to show all what we are doing.

I really hope this helps Jonathon out.

Mrs. Claeys (his young 5 teacher) said he had a better day today.  He still wants to run into other classrooms at times.  And he didn't listen at quiet time 100% so he got some activities taken away.  I firmly believe that he will get it.  IT's just going to take time and alot of patience on his teachers end.

We are keeping the lines of communication open.  This is great.  Because together we will be able to help Jonathon.

I love my little boy so very much!  And just like everything else he has learned and accomplished so far.  He too will learn this new routine.  And one day we will all sit back and laugh about it.
"remember when Jonathon........

FACT: Down syndrome occurs in people of all races and economic levels.
http://www.ndss.org/Down-Syndrome/Down-Syndrome-Facts/

31 for 21 Down Syndrome Awareness Month Day 4

So Jonathon did not have a good day at school today.  He was very fidgety and hyper.

It's hard for me to fix or help the problem turn into a solution when I am not there to see exactly what is taking place.  I just want Jonathon to have a good day.  I know that he loves to go to school. I know that sometimes he gets hyper.  I know that sometimes he just needs to focus.

At rest time he is taking a book to look at now.  At first this was helping.  Today it did not help.  Today he thought it was a joke and read his book out loud(which is disturbing the class) and then kept trying to get up(which is disturbing the class).  I will keep rest time going on the weekends now.  Maybe this will help.

As far as everything else that is going on, his teacher and I will have to keep the lines of communication open and do what we can to help Jonathon.

I have started doing research about sensory disorder.  I believe he has this even though he has never been diagnosed with it.  I have just figured it out on our own and so far the things that I have bought to help him(headphones for noise issues) have worked so I will keep researching and keep trying until Jonathon and I figure it out.  And we will!

Known Fact:   There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States.  http://www.ndss.org/Down-Syndrome/Down-Syndrome-Facts/

31 for 21 Down Syndrome Awareness Month ..Day 3

FACT:  Down Syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition.  One in every 691 babies in the United States is born with Down Syndrome.  http://www.ndss.org/Down-Syndrome/Down-Syndrome-Facts/

31 for 21 Down Syndrome Awareness Month

I was able to speak with Jonathon's P.T. for a brief moment today.  She informed me that Jonathon is doing great in therapy.

I told her that at our Buddy Walk on Saturday he was jumping over cracks in the sidewalk.  And he was doing it very well.  And that we have been working on standing on 1 foot for 3 sec.  He can do 2 seconds with me.  And we have been throwing his balloons around the house and he has been catching them!  Well until our pumpkin cat popped them all.  But we will just get more!

We love Miss Jen.  She has been Jonathon's P.T. since he was an infant.  I am very happy to have her.  She is an amazing woman.  Thank you for choosing this career Jennifer.  You are great at your job.

Known Fact...There are three types of Down Syndrome....trisomy 21(nondisjunction) accounts for 95% of cases.  translocation accounts for about 4% and mosaicism accounts for about 1%.  http://www.ndss.org/Down-Syndrome/Down-Syndrome-Facts/

Jonathon has trisomy 21.

31 for 21 Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Well our county was a little ahead of schedule this year and we already walked last Saturday.  Our team raised $1,941.00 for St. Clair County Down Syndrome Group.

Jonathon started back to school in September.  He is continuing with his ECDD class and then he is mainstreamed the second half of the day in young 5's.

As we were walking through school last Thursday, I walked behind and watched.  I was/am so proud to be his mom.  I swear EVERYONE knows my son.  All you hear down the hall is "Hi Jonathon", "Hey Jonathon"  and some of the kids will say to me "Are you Jonathon's mom?"  " He is my friend".  My son knows alot of people.  From teachers to class room aides, to kitchen help, to principal and lots of kids.

I hope and pray that this never changes.  I hope that Jonathon is always treated equal.  I hope Jonathon is never bullied.

I am going to leave you with one known fact. Down Syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. This additonal genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down Syndrome.http://www.ndss.org/Down-Syndrome/Down-Syndrome-Facts/

Buddy Walk 2012

Today was our day for our annual Buddy Walk located in Port Huron Michigan!

It was a beautiful day outside.  The temps started out in the high 40's and by the time we were done it was 65 degrees outside.  We had a great turn out today.  We changed it up a little and had our walk in the morning instead of afternoon.  We served coffee, hot chocolate, water and donuts, instead of pizza.  This was a very positive change.  I think everyone involved enjoyed the donuts from Tim Hortons and Donut Girls.  We had water and ice donated from Sams Club.

We also held a raffle after the walk.  We were not able to get any big ticket items this year.  We did have a variety of smaller prizes which I think the crowd was pleased.

Team Fishy Cracker did not win Grand Marshall this year.  We were beat out by Team Ranger.  Congrats to Team Ranger!!!  They did a great job.  It was very close though.  Team Fishy Cracker raised $1,941.00 and Team Ranger raised $2,000.00.  A $59.00 difference.  Amazing!!  There were many other teams and donations.  I will not know the total count until our meeting in October.  Very excited to hear how much money we raised all together for St. Clair County Down Syndrome Support Group.

Team Fishy Cracker had a special gift for the Grand Marshall this year.  So we were actually kind of relieved that we did not win.  We wanted to show the board members of our group that its for the children and we feel that the Team that wins Grand Marshall should get some sort of prize.  We have been trying to get the board to listen since we joined.  Why?  Because we feel the child of the team that wins should get something.  Because its for the children.  When we won Grand Marshall in 2009 Jonathon received a medal to wear around his neck and some balloons.  In 2010 when we won Grand Marshall Jonathon received some balloons.  Team Fishy Cracker wanted something more.  And not because we won 2 years in a row, but because we felt Grand Marshall should have more.

So....with the help of my good friend Nik we came up with a gift for the Grand Marshall.  MC'S Garage (her husband) donated a $50.00 gift card from Toys R Us.  And I made a certificate stating Grand Marshall.  I just remembered that I did not take any pictures of this.  I wish I would have.  Anyway when Team Ranger received their gift they were very happy.  And thats all that matters.  Ranger(Tracy Hopp's son) aka Team Ranger will be able to hang his certificate on his wall and he will get a very special trip to the toy store!  So for that reason we are glad we did not win this year.

But....we will be taking back our title next year!!!!!!  "Go Team Fishy Cracker"

I am very proud of my team and our friends and family for raising $1,941.00 for my son and all of his friends in St. Clair County.  We couldn't have done it with out you.  We appreciate you more than you'll ever know!  Thank you as always for being a part of Jonathon's world.

Thank you to Donut Girls!  They donated over 600 donut holes today for our walk.  We received so many compliments on how good the donuts were.  And when I asked them to help us out, they did not even hesitate.  Thank you so much.

Here are some photos from our great day!!!!!

our team

Jonathon and his brothers

Buddy Walk 2012

Tomorrow is our day!

Jonathon is sound asleep, resting for the big day.

Our team did very well this year collecting donations.

As always we are very very proud to have all of our family, friends, and team help us.

I still have to get the Grand Marshall gift finished.

All shirts are sorted and ready

We are waiting for our special team shirts to get done.  Ran into a little snag today, but i was assured they would be on our doorstep at  7a.m. tomorrow morning.  Which I'm glad we did just a few to start with instead of the whole team.  This way we are able to fix the bugs and then make them perfect for next time.  Very excited to see finished product in the a.m.

So.....until next time!

Jonathon sold these pumpkins for our Buddy Walk.
He raised $236.00
Go "Team Fishy Cracker"

Wordless Wednesday

Cool Contest

going on over at Saving Star and Cafe Mom.  Go check it out!

http://savingstar.com/blog/2012/09/win-6-months-of-groceries-from-savingstar-and-cafemom/

Have a great day friends!

Trying on the Zombie look!

So we went to a party today!

http://www.childrensdmc.org/openingcelebration

Jonathon enjoyed it for the most part, except for the fact that Radio Disney was on the premises and they were very loud.  I was very happy that I brought his school back pack, because his headphones were in there for him.

The new hospital is very very nice.  Therapy rooms are huge, lots of lighting and the colors were wonderful.  The children that will go there will be very happy.

Jonathon will not be going to this hospital for p.t, ot. or speech.  He gets his services right at our school.  We went for moral support.  The hospital that we visit on a regular basis is across the road.

Last year we went to a party and met Jake and Ellie.  A lady came up to us today and said that she remembered us from last year and thanked us for coming out again.  She also remembered that we don't live close.  That was very nice to be remembered.  Her saying that made all of us pretty happy.

Inside the hospital we went on a tour.  This tour did not go well at all, and I am still not sure why.  Jonathon freaked out and did not want to go into the first therapy room that we tried to visit.  I don't know what scared him.  I think he thought he was going to have to stay.  I tried to keep telling him that it was ok and we were just visiting, but my husband ending up picking him up and carrying him for safety.  When we visited the second part of the therapy room he did a little better, but when we went back out into the hall he once again froze.  He was really scared.

Jonathon had a dental procedure done less than a month ago at his hospital across the street, but this is a brand new hospital.  Brand new opening.  Why did he not like this hospital.....

We may never know.

So we went back outside.  He got a spider painted on his hand.  Amazing!  Last year he would not let anyone paint him.  Another milestone for Jonathon.  I was very very proud of him for letting the lady paint on his hand.  He received a free bicycle helmet, and a basketball player signed it.  Embarrassing, but I don't follow basketball and I'm not really sure who he was. (Sorry).  But it was still nice.  We did a contest with Radio Disney and some other children and parents.  We lost, but Jonathon received a prize.  He got alot of Jake and the Never Land Pirates gifts.

Overall a fun hour out of our day!

Getting some prizes

New ambulance, but Jonathon wouldn't go inside.

Checking out the therapy room

Getting hand painted

hand painted

playing a game

spider painted on

at home trying on his new helmet

School has started

Tuesday Sept 4, 2012 was our first day back to school.  Andrew is a Senior this year.  Kenny is a Sophomore and Jonathon entered the public school system as a student in Young 5's.

We have 3 very large Kindergarten rooms this year so I decided not to put Jonathon in Kindergarten.  Young 5's is a brand new program at Memphis this year and this is the program I decided to enroll him in after a lot of thought.

Jonathon will continue to see his ECDD teacher Mrs. Rhodes from 7:55a.m. - 10:30a.m.  Then he will go down and join the other students in Young 5's.  He is in Young 5's from 10:30a.m. - 2:40p.m.

During this time he will have recess, lunch, science, rest time, specials(music, library, computers and gym) along with another recess in the afternoon.  While this is a big adjustment for Jonathon he is doing okay so far.  I actually think it's harder on me than him.  Jonathon loves to go to school and I am very happy that he is.

Tuesday I sat with my good friend Nik and we just chatted all day.  All day until pick up time.  It was a great way to spend the first day.  Her daughter Rylee started Kindergarten.

Wednesday I sat around and tried to do paperwork and catch up.  But I just kept thinking about Jonathon and then I would tear up.  I did not like Wednesday.

Thursday - today was a little better.  I kept myself busy with paperwork about our upcoming Buddy Walk. (ST. Clair County Down Syndrome Support Group)  I can't wait for this event to take place.  I had a little bit of anxiety off and on, but I survived.  And Jonathon had a great day.

So we will take one day at a time and see how it goes.  I am hoping for a very good year.

Almost time

for school that is.  10 days and counting.  Jonathon is ready.  He has been ready all vacation.

Today we went up to the school to show Jonathon his new playground.  I let him check it out and play for 20 minutes like he will at school and then had him line up at the door like he will be doing all this year.

I was pretty amazed how well he did.  The new playground is huge compared to the playground he was on for the last 3 years.  He enjoyed playing on the playground.  He worried Kenny alot, but I explained to Kenny that we have to back off and let him go.  And that he is ready!  Yes, I do believe he is ready.  Is mom ready?  No, not really.  Jonathon is my baby.  It will be hard to have him gone all day.  We are together all the time.  He is my little shadow.  But we will adjust and change is good.

We will continue to travel to school all this week so that Jonathon can get more familiar with his new surroundings.

I am trying to prepare him for the changes that are taking place.


Here are some pictures to share of Jonathon exploring and getting ready for a fun filled year.

walking the bridge

Checking out the teeter totter

Ok  I'll just go under

Time to line up!

Almost there!

"Made it"  

Wordless Wednesday