tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-190430802024-03-13T04:11:19.268-07:00Little Miss Magic“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.”
~ Roald Dahl, The MinpinsMiss Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879434442804076631noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19043080.post-23319297370277585482012-10-02T10:24:00.002-07:002012-10-02T12:36:53.697-07:00All Jellybeans are Alike and Different <br />
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I never blog these days. I seem to get busy with work, and sports, and laundry, and work, and loving my kids and more laundry. But, it is time to share my heart yet again.<br />
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Maren is thriving in 5th grade. Her math skills are soaring and her reading blows me away. I love hearing her read every sign we pass, and the novelty of that just doesn't wear off. I grin when she wants to read the entire menu at Cheesecake Factory before she orders (15 or so pages), and the server can just wait while she does it (and I know he or she will be well compensated for his or her patience). Lately, she reads me bedtime stories instead of the other way around.<br />
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I delight in the things that might otherwise frustrate or annoy other parents. Maren has truly taught me to appreciate the small things and follow my bliss. So, when she ordered Papa John's a few weeks ago, I reveled in her amazing self-help skills, and when I see her basket full of purchases at Amazon, I'm grateful I removed my credit card number from their files :-). I let her pay at grocery stores and if she holds up the line a bit while she remembers the pin to my debit card or counts the change, so be it.<br />
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But, last weekend, I learned something amazing -- the lessons Maren teaches aren't just for me. She and her brother,Archie, were in a local production called <i>The Jellybean Conspiracy,</i> which brought together people with special needs and typically developing individuals. The first night of rehearsal, a man with Down syndrome asked me to take a picture of him and Archie. I didn't think much about it, but I did so happily.<br />
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Within days, Chris (the adult with DS), and Archie formed an incredible bond. They hung out during practices, talked, and worked on their dances together. By the time the show rolled around, they were inseparable. When Archie was on stage, Chris waited in the wings. When they were on stage at the same time, they were together. When Chris had snacks, he shared them with Archie. They talked about music, games, and Alabama football. And, when I asked Archie how he felt about Chris having Down syndrome and being considerably older than he is, he looked at me with an "are you kidding, lady" look. He said, "Mom. I like Chris and he is my friend. We have a lot in common." Of course, I couldn't just leave well-enough alone and I prodded, "Archie, you do know Chris is 35, right?" Disgusted with me Archie replied, "He is my friend and I don't care how old he is. We have fun together."<br />
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Well there you have it. He sees Chris as Chris, just as he sees Maren as
Maren. He doesn't care about their label or their disability. Though he
may be mad when Maren gets away with ordering pizza, and get annoyed
that she always gets to run the debit card and hold they money, he gets IT -- the big
IT --the IT most of us will never really get because we are so busy trying to label other people and force them to fit into our socially constructed boxes. He can see past the categories and preconceived notions. He is everything I am striving to be. And, for him, it just comes naturally. <br />
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They say your children are part of your heart, but somehow Archie's is already bigger than mine, and I can only hope that mine will continue to grow to accommodate all the love and acceptance he holds in his. I guess he deserves to order a pizza now and again, too. :-). <br />
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<br />Miss Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879434442804076631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19043080.post-30729731191451174322011-10-03T20:33:00.000-07:002011-10-03T20:36:37.706-07:00Great beginning chapter books for girly girls!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Lately I have had several people ask me about Maren's reading skills. She loves to read and keep up with what is cool with her peers. So, she'll check out the iCarly and Justin Bieber books, not to mention <i>Fly Guy</i> and <i>Captain Underpants</i>. She'll even come home with<i> Babysitter Club</i> books. And, I'm THRILLED because she can read them all!<br />
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Now, the more difficult chapter books she cannot read from start to finish. We <b>co-read</b> them; that is, she'll read a page, and then I'll read a few pages. I have watched her phonics skills grow by leaps and bounds when she is reading the "cool" books. But, when it comes to her Accelerated Reader tests, she has some problems with the longer books. The AR tests often have inferential questions that she will miss, or ask for details that didn't stick with her as important. So, we try to choose books she can do well on for her AR tests. Her higher scores boost her confidence and keep her motivated to read a variety of material. Sometimes, that means she is test on easy, easy books (like 10 page books about Frogs, or Police Officers).<br />
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So, what easy chapter books make for good reads for Maren -- ones that she wants to and can read independently, yet retain enough to take AR tests on and pass (fingers crossed)?! Well, to begin, the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_1_12?field-keywords=mercy+watson&url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&sprefix=Mercy+Watson">Mercy Watson</a> series is fantastic. The stories are funny and the details are presented in memorable ways (like Mercy the pig loves buttered toast!). The stories are ones she can tackle all on her own and take the test with confidence. The stories keep her grinning from ear to ear. Kate DiCamillo, the author, has a few other wonderful chapter books that an early chapter book reader can tackle with confidence, like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cowgirl-Kate-Cocoa-Horse-House/dp/0547316720/ref=pd_sim_b11">Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa</a> stories. These stories are charming, and like Mercy Watson, don't overwhelm Maren with Details. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gollie-Junior-Library-Selection-Candlewick/dp/076363266X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317697718&sr=1-1">Bink and Gollie</a> have been great because they push her inferential skills just a bit further than they are because the books often require inferential leaps and an understanding of basic irony.<br />
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Of course, Kate DiCamillo isn't the only author of good entry-level, girl-oriented chapter books. Maren has also adored<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_6?field-keywords=amelia+bedelia&url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&sprefix=Amelia"> Amelia Bedelia</a>, a little girl who takes everything literally! Again, these books have helped build Maren's inferential skills as she realizes the humor in how Amelia responds to the world! Oh, and<i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ivy-Bean-Book-Annie-Barrows/dp/0811849090/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1317698418&sr=8-6"> Ivy and Bean</a></i> by Annie Barrows wonderfully engaging best friends who have a fabulous fashion sense!
So, if your child isn't enthralled by <i>Frog and Toad</i>, and<i> Mr. Putter and Tabby</i>, or even the <i>Magic Treehouse</i> or <i>Schoolbus</i>, keep looking. There are some great girl reads ready to motivate your girl! Now, Maren is loving <i>Judy Moody </i> and with a little help, she can make it all the way through in a few days! She can tell me all about the book and the big details, but AR tests? Not ready for those yet!<br />
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Do you have favorite books for your child? Chapter books, read-alouds, co-readers? Easy readers? Challenging readers? Let's share!Miss Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879434442804076631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19043080.post-18908152983218822292011-10-02T18:34:00.000-07:002011-10-02T18:43:37.788-07:00The power of persuasive appeals: lessons from a 10 year master manipulatorLittle Miss Magic has always gotten what she wants. Truth be told, she rarely hears the word "no." Part of that is that she is the middle child and only girl, and the other part is that she is just so darned cute and funny! We hate saying "no," and when we do, she puts on the saddest face you have ever seen...and her tears are so genuine, until a few seconds later when she hears "Yes," and starts to giggle. Then, I realize I have been taken for the 9000th time! Here's the face that breaks my heart! <a href="http://s151.photobucket.com/albums/s125/finz2leftpics/?action=view&current=P1000988.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s125/finz2leftpics/P1000988.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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Lately, she's gotten a bit snotty and has begun rubbing manipulation skills into her brothers face with the standard, "Ha, I got x and you didn't." When we have caught her, we have realized that she is getting obnoxious -- but in such a cute way ;-). Regardless, we have decided to try "no," and "wait," just a little more often, even if it hurts me more than her. She's gotten the hint, and is learning her tears don't always work.<br />
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Well, she wants her room painted a pale purpleish blue. We bought paint at Sherwin Williams 40% off sale two weeks ago. Oh, is she getting impatient!!!! But, after asking and sobbing, and realizing that "when we get time," means "your tears don't work," she wised-up and stopped the daily pestering. <br />
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This morning, she walked into our room in full Little Miss Magic mode, chipper and cute, funny and affectionate. Oh she was turning it on. Then, she turned and said, "Am I a hero?" Why Maren, do you think you are a hero? She replied, "Yesterday, I caught the dogs by myself." Ah, she is right. The dogs pushed through an open window and while we were frantically looking in the woods behind our home, Maren spotted them down the street. She somehow got ahold of their collars and waited until Jon emerged from the woods and called to him. He went and grabbed the 70 pound jailbreakers :-).So, yes Maren, you ARE a HERO!<br />
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Well, we should have known...her follow up was, "I am hero. I saved Cubby and Tiki. Can we a big breakfast?" Simple enough request, it is a Sunday. So sure! "Can I go watch TV?" Again, it this weekend, so no problem. "Can I vacuum my room?" Wow, girl, go right ahead...you are so grown-up!<br />
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Then, she finishes us off: lowers the bomb. "Today can we paint my room?" She had us. She gave us a reason to congratulate her, asked us a series of yes questions, the came in for the kill; she used the foot-in-the door persuasion tactic! And, of course, we caved. <br />
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Today, her room will be a lovely shade of light purpleish/blue!Miss Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879434442804076631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19043080.post-78706789329258570482011-10-01T21:14:00.000-07:002011-10-02T18:36:18.601-07:0031 for 21 begins! AKA Creating equality through friendship.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RrKoBjXjyLI/Toftvv7p5PI/AAAAAAAAAWg/cKdapQcG1-k/s1600/kbparty1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 279px; height: 209px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RrKoBjXjyLI/Toftvv7p5PI/AAAAAAAAAWg/cKdapQcG1-k/s200/kbparty1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658752861390628082" border="0" /></a><br />
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Lately life has been in high-speed and I have failed to post much in the past year or two. Truthfully, our daily life with three kids seems to focus very little on our daughter's extra chromosome. As she gets older, it gets so easy just to see her as Maren, a girl who loves iCarly, playing with her two dogs, drinking from the OJ jug (gross!), blasting Katy Perry and Justin Bieber tunes, and obsessing over her wardrobe and matching headbands! She is 10. Oh boy, is she ever a tweener!<br />
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But, then there are moments when I stop and get teary-eyed. Those moments when I realize that Maren is such a typical girl because of her friends who see her as a typical girl -- who include her in their gossip and girl-chatter -- who sit with her at lunch and invite her to their parties. These girls don't hang out with Miss Magic because they have been forced to by well-meaning adults, nor because they have been shamed into by teachers or administrators. At their age, they haven't decided to sign-up to be a buddy for her because it would look good on their college applications.<br />
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They chill with Maren because they genuinely like her; they enjoy her company. Sure, they know she is different in some ways, but they see the <a href="http://www.ndsccenter.org/morealike/flash/">"more alike."</a> Why? These girls are popular girls, truthfully, the kind I never hung out with as a child. I have lots of ideas and it is probably a combination of all of them: the girls come from good homes where there parents have always valued individuality and don't speak ill of others based on superficial differences; they go to churches or community organizations that focus on what being a good person really means; they have been in inclusive settings since they began school and don't see disability as foreign; and when they have questions about difference, they can ask them and get honest and heartfelt answers.<br />
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These girls just "get it," and when they are old enough for <a href="http://www.camppals.org/">Camp PALS</a> or <a href="http://www.bestbuddies.org/">Best Buddies</a>, chances are, they will embrace them. They won't see it as resume fodder or a compulsory activity. I believe in my heart of hearts they will join because they know the value of friendship and respect, and understand that it goes both ways in a relationship. Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan D. Williams is quoted as saying, <span style="font-style: italic;">Friendship is something that creates equality and mutuality, not a reward for finding equality or a way of intensifying existing mutuality."<br />
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</span> To the kids who develop friendships with children with Down syndrome and other special needs, you are creating equality! And, to the parents who raise children who can see the friendship potential in all children, thank you for making our journey so beautiful.<br />
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Now, in honor of DS Awareness month, I'm going to try to blog more regularly as part of the <a href="http://unringingthebell.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/09/the-5th-annual-31-for-21-challenge.html">31 for 21</a> challenge! I'll talk about the daily life of my Little Miss Magic...and anything else I can think of to honor this wonderful month!<br />
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</span><span class="fullpost"></span>Miss Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879434442804076631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19043080.post-72557221644744708252011-07-30T18:12:00.000-07:002011-07-30T18:15:59.256-07:00Maren, her boys, and Flex Luthor<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_fKo65M3TQI/TjSswEowB6I/AAAAAAAAAWY/85PwYHZGCDU/s1600/226046_10100366217329605_27426924_49998538_2875287_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_fKo65M3TQI/TjSswEowB6I/AAAAAAAAAWY/85PwYHZGCDU/s200/226046_10100366217329605_27426924_49998538_2875287_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635318975625693090" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jqVOqfWzMkY/TjSsqtkBbJI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/ghgDlWw5eHg/s1600/253210_10100366218487285_27426924_49998575_6901530_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jqVOqfWzMkY/TjSsqtkBbJI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/ghgDlWw5eHg/s200/253210_10100366218487285_27426924_49998575_6901530_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635318883532500114" border="0" /></a><br />Just a short post...not so much about Maren, but about her new "limo;" she needs to be driven in style, you know ;-).<br /><br />After driving myself bonkers looking for the perfect vehicle for us, I finally jumped into the Ford Flex, and here is Flex Luthor -- his name just fits him (his bald head, and our wonky family!). And, each kid has enough outlets and ports to run his or her own DS, ipad or ipod....ahh....peace at least!<br /><span class="fullpost"></span>Miss Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879434442804076631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19043080.post-91849825597579120012010-06-22T09:02:00.000-07:002010-06-22T09:13:01.648-07:00A few recital pics<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/TCDf5w3BE2I/AAAAAAAAAUo/AkC43Jy3rBI/s1600/dancecentre.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 259px; height: 194px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/TCDf5w3BE2I/AAAAAAAAAUo/AkC43Jy3rBI/s200/dancecentre.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485630529598460770" border="0" /></a><br />So many things have kept us busy lately. Maren wrapped up 2nd grade in style and turned 9 in May! Archie is done with 1st grade, and Jonah is heading into 6th. How did that happen?<br /><br />The boys both made the YMCA's All Star baseball teams for their age groups and had a great time, though they both got creamed in the first round of the playoffs :-(.<br /><br />And, Maren had her 6th Dance Recital! A busy few months we've had around here.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/TCDga7FpXGI/AAAAAAAAAVA/9r4DgtlUTdg/s1600/rose.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 253px; height: 189px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/TCDga7FpXGI/AAAAAAAAAVA/9r4DgtlUTdg/s200/rose.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485631099279858786" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/TCDgTXqWXTI/AAAAAAAAAU4/WIqrLrD7ZrA/s1600/goofing+off.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/TCDgTXqWXTI/AAAAAAAAAU4/WIqrLrD7ZrA/s200/goofing+off.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485630969511042354" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/TCDgDJjoeBI/AAAAAAAAAUw/He6ek2JQbhQ/s1600/backs+of+boys.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 140px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/TCDgDJjoeBI/AAAAAAAAAUw/He6ek2JQbhQ/s200/backs+of+boys.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485630690846865426" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/TCDgylI89cI/AAAAAAAAAVI/-R34EckZYlo/s1600/icecream.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 236px; height: 177px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/TCDgylI89cI/AAAAAAAAAVI/-R34EckZYlo/s200/icecream.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485631505705006530" border="0" /></a>Miss Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879434442804076631noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19043080.post-32924885506441788442010-02-28T18:41:00.000-08:002010-03-01T04:35:21.450-08:00I was not chosen; she is not "special;" and she is certainly no angel!Tonight I was leaving Publix (a Southern grocery store) and a the face of a gorgeous young boy grabbed my attention from the cover of a magazine. But, my immediate thought was "ugh!"<br /><br />Why? Well, two weeks ago I picked up a <span style="font-style: italic;">Birmingham Parent</span> Magazine and inside saw they had a cover model contest. Cool, eh? But, they showed a winner from a few age groups and then a "special needs" category winner. What a blow to my gut? Hey all you people with Special Kids -- they aren't cute enough to win a "real" contest, so let's tokenize them and throw y'all a bone -- a category of your own.<br /><br />Now, I know some of you can't believe I'm saying this and think it is just great! I'm not buying it. I'm angry that as I fight for inclusion, children with special needs are being excluded everywhere I look. And, here's the rub, if you don't think Miss Magic is cute enough to win a contest, don't pick her! Just like you probably wouldn't pick 2 million other kids whose eyes are big enough, whose lips aren't full enough, whose skin isn't creamy enough, etc. Just don't patronize me but adding a special category for kids "like" her and call it "special needs" when we all know you mean "visible disabilities that may detract from typical expectations of attractiveness." Certainly, a child with autism wouldn't have one that category because you couldn't see his or her disability!<br /><br />So, back to tonight (breathe Carol, breathe). The little boy who one the special needs category is now the cover model for Birimingham Parent, and across his chest are the printed words, "<span style="font-style: italic;">Chosen to Love</span> A Special Child."<br /><br />Dear Parents: at some point, I know we have all wrestled with the WHY question. Some of us find our answer in biology, some in God, some in the fates. But, we have to remember there is a world out there forming opinions of our children's rights to participate in this society based on how we frame them. Saying you are "chosen," indicates others are not. It gives them an "out." They can sit back and think "I wasn't chosen, so why should I be bothered by you and your child, who were."<br /><br />And, while I'm on the language issue, let me let you in on a little secret. My child with T21 is not an "angel," another metaphor I find haunting, creepy and downright unproductive. How can your child be included if people are in the midst of someone divine and holy? A friend of mine talks about "discrimination through deification," in a completely different context. I think it works quite well here, too.<br /><br />Let's get real:<br /><br />* My child has additional resources needs; given the proper supports, they can be met.<br /><br />* My child does not have the natural ability to be a professional dancer; neither do 99.5% of the other kids in her dance studio, so leave her with her peers!<br /><br />* My child will have a few more melt downs than most; big deal -- put on your big people pants and practice your best parenting/teaching skills.<br /><br />* My child will have areas of relative strengths and weakness; so will any child.<br /><br />See her as "special" or an "angel, " or as in need of her own groups (even beauty contests!) -- and she'll always be excluded. It is time to admit that my daughter has delays in comparison with the typical child. YUP. Some biggies too. I'm not ashamed to say she has significant cognitive impairments. I refuse to wrap it in pretty bows or lovely labels to make other people feel better. All children are different. There would be no typical if atypical did not exist. Typical doesn't mean right, good, or better. Goodness know, with my college students, the biggest insult I could hurl at them would be that they are gasp -- average!<br /><br />Let's pull together and stop defining disability in terms of ability and creating new standards and categories. Let's take each disability for what it is -- an interrelated set of issues that require different accommodations than your typical child.<br /><br />Different you say...not just "accommodations?" Different accommodations. Children who are "typical" get the "accommodation" of pencil and paper. Children who are nonverbal get the "accommodation" of PECS. Children who are sighted get the "accommodation" of lights; children who have hearing impairments get the "accommodation" of sign language.<br /><br />We all get accommodations -- we just see them as <span style="font-style: italic;">rights</span>. We don't need new categories for everything; we just need to stop judging everything that is "typical" as "right" and "good."<br /><br />End of my rant . . . and perhaps tomorrow I will see things differently. For now, though, I feel a bit sad that for as far as people want to say we have come, we still have an awfully long way to go.<br /><br /><br /><span class="fullpost"></span>Miss Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879434442804076631noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19043080.post-2730667425621936492010-01-27T12:45:00.000-08:002010-01-27T12:47:39.346-08:00Pinky Swear and "real" swears...sigh...All of a sudden, telling Maren that we'll do yoga together on Monday night after school, or that we'll make pizza together on Tuesday just isn't good enough. I guess I've broken too many promises to the Princess. So, now, when I tell her we'll do something, she makes me Pinky Swear. <br /><br />Great and cute, right? YES. Until on Tuesday I can't find the yeast and tell her we'll have to have spaghetti instead.<br /><br />"DAMN!" comes flying out of her mouth. <br /><br />Should we Pinky Swear to stop swearing?<br /><br />The life of an 8 year old going on 18!<br /><span class="fullpost"></span>Miss Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879434442804076631noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19043080.post-30470751990611921242009-12-11T06:16:00.000-08:002009-12-11T06:27:55.489-08:00And back to Bama we go....Roll TIde...I haven't posted this semester because my heart has been torn. I adore living back in a city! Growing up in Miami, Salt Lake, Las Vegas, and Orlando, small towns have never sat well with me, so of course for college and grad school it was Chicago, Miami, and Boston -- then GASP -- Lafayette, IN. I kept telling myself it was only for 5 years and I could make it through that.<br /><br />So, when we moved to Tuscaloosa for Maren to go to RISE, I kept telling myself, "It's only for 3 years." Then, I found out I really loved UA -- and the Tuscaloosa community is great (see ALL OTHER POSTS, LOL). But, it is still a small college town, and I'm a big city girl.<br /><br />But, alas, I'm a mom first and foremost, and sometimes it means making choices that are best for my kids. So, back to our old house we go (luckily? it hasn't sold yet!). Jonah is devastated because he has learned more this year than ever, and he's had an amazing time. His teacher is involved, creative, passionate, and he comes home and actually has an answer to the tired question, "What did you do today?"<br /><br />Archie has tons of friends and birthday parties, and a great trio of teachers, too. He's gotten addicted to Bakugan (UGH!), and is really developing a great little "cool kid" personality he certainly didn't get from HannahMOMtana, LOL.<br /><br />And, Maren loves, loves, loves her teachers and friends --- has a cute crush on little boy Isaiah, and has picked up on the Littlest Pet Shop toys, and even got to go to the Nutcracker with her class this week. She has really adjusted well. But, after this year, we'd be forced to homeschool Maren -- and take her away from her friends and classmates. If any of you know Maren - that would be devastating! Here, an IQ test is required for services, and that is just one point this mom won't back down on. So, our options are homeschool -- or just move back to Alabama -- where I have a career I love and an already established community. And, Jon can commute -- and I'll just dig in and learn to embrace college town life.<br /><br />Answer? ROLL TIDE ROLL.<br /><span class="fullpost"></span>Miss Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879434442804076631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19043080.post-3054858500324140682009-09-23T20:30:00.000-07:002009-09-23T20:52:15.343-07:00So long, So many changes -- a move, a new school, a flood<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/Srrs4LUbxbI/AAAAAAAAAUU/SKeq5qxhBVI/s1600-h/maren,+em,+katherine.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/Srrs4LUbxbI/AAAAAAAAAUU/SKeq5qxhBVI/s200/maren,+em,+katherine.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384876754330174898" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/SrrszPR8ZBI/AAAAAAAAAUM/vwrLkUI4djE/s1600-h/groupshot.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/SrrszPR8ZBI/AAAAAAAAAUM/vwrLkUI4djE/s200/groupshot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384876669494125586" border="0" /></a><br />In a 4 month nutshell, Jon got a job in the Altanta area on July 1 and on July 15th, we were moving in to a new home in Cobb County, Ga. And, lucky me -- I commute 3.25 hours each way to work -- but only 2 days a week. And, truthfully, I don't mind it. In the big scheme of things, I'm in the car less than many daily Atlanta area commuters :-). Our master bedroom got some minor flooding in this Atlanta flood -- yeah for renting!<br /><br />The kids are in a new school and loving it. There are 850 kids, which freaked me out, but it has a great feel, and of course, within the week, as soon as we pulled up, kids and teachers alike were saying "Hi Maren," "What's up Maren," "Hey Maren, want to come play." In fact, Archie and Jonah think it is hysterical that everyone knows Maren, and only their classmates know them! Luckily, they take it in stride and see having Maren as a sister an honor, not a detractor! They like the perks they get from her popularity.<br /><br />Maren started ballet and tap at a studio close to our house, and she loves her new tap shoes. UGH. I do not...but she's a pretty good Happy Feet kid! Jazz is on hold for now -- we can only do so much :-).<br /><br />Worst thing about the move...well, now it is not "Can we go to Outback?" me: "no." "How about Chili's?" me: "no."<br /><br />Now it is, "Can we eat at Bucca Da Beppo?" me: "not tonight."<br />"Can we got to Dave and Busters?" me: "Of course not, and don't ask about ESPN Zone either Maren."<br />"How about Blue Moon Pizza?" me: "um, no. we are eating at home."<br />"I like Tijuana Joe's." me :::::: silence and an eye roll.<br />"How 'bout Willy's?" me: "Maren, I said no!"<br />"Okay, I'll go to Fuddruckers." me: "For the last time. I said no. We are eating at home." "Fine...... I'll just go to Chili's." Sigh....<br /><br />And, then, as she eats the dinner I have prepared -- "Tomorrow I go to the zoo." And, yes, like <span style="font-style: italic;">Finnegans Wake</span>, we begin again!<br /><span class="fullpost"></span>Miss Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879434442804076631noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19043080.post-48723340965540930682009-06-09T18:56:00.000-07:002009-06-09T19:32:57.045-07:00Real Life Space Cadets...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/Si8bDrdVJAI/AAAAAAAAARg/0vuAWvGeECE/s1600-h/100_8513.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/Si8bDrdVJAI/AAAAAAAAARg/0vuAWvGeECE/s320/100_8513.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345521032731370498" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/Si8a3mJ0_FI/AAAAAAAAARY/WitXijkYovE/s1600-h/100_8511.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/Si8a3mJ0_FI/AAAAAAAAARY/WitXijkYovE/s320/100_8511.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345520825148963922" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/Si8Tm9dOmPI/AAAAAAAAARQ/bNjrnYyiPaw/s1600-h/100_8490.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/Si8Tm9dOmPI/AAAAAAAAARQ/bNjrnYyiPaw/s320/100_8490.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345512842765179122" /></a><br />When we went to Brig's graduation, we finally made the trip to the Hunstville Space and Rocket Center. It was a great day, and the kids had a blast! The highlight, though, was an unexpected one: Star Trek in IMAX. I'm not a Trekkie (shocker, eh?), but even I loved the movie. <br /><br />And, there was one hilarious Maren moment. As Kirk and a green alien are gettin' busy, Maren yells out "oooh, they're gettin' sexy!" Great, I guess she really is 8! Sheesh...Miss Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879434442804076631noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19043080.post-31353290338235568072009-06-01T19:17:00.001-07:002009-06-01T19:53:08.834-07:00A Graduation to Celebrate!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/SiSTP4QrEdI/AAAAAAAAARI/aj5fbUH6SV4/s1600-h/100_8475.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/SiSTP4QrEdI/AAAAAAAAARI/aj5fbUH6SV4/s320/100_8475.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342556958977888722" /></a><br /><br />This weekend, my kids and I took a two-hour drive to see dear friends, friends of 8 years now, friends we've only seen IRL once, but friends who mean as much to us as people we "see" everyday. We are friends connected by an extra chromosome and somehow, that connection is so deep that words simply cannot convey my feelings adequately, other than to say I truly love them. <br /><br />So, when we received an invite to Brig's HS graduation party, we were going! And, we did. And, here are some pics that just capture the essence of the connection... Brig and my boys, Brig and Maren, Brig's sister and cousin with Maren, and Brig's brothers and cousins with my sons. <br /><br />There was no awkwardness. No wondering if anyone would be "looked at." No nervousness at all. Just the kind of ease that comes with knowing that we are connected, and nothing matters except BRIG's HUGE celebration! And, what a peek into the future it was for me :-). <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/SiSTFUMQv1I/AAAAAAAAARA/mklCR06gQtc/s1600-h/100_8468.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/SiSTFUMQv1I/AAAAAAAAARA/mklCR06gQtc/s320/100_8468.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342556777497018194" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/SiSS5LQHBUI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/Gkmxc8sSdhA/s1600-h/100_8471.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/SiSS5LQHBUI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/Gkmxc8sSdhA/s320/100_8471.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342556568938808642" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/SiSSxr2t7KI/AAAAAAAAAQw/xM0oPdcQFPY/s1600-h/100_8473.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/SiSSxr2t7KI/AAAAAAAAAQw/xM0oPdcQFPY/s320/100_8473.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342556440251722914" /></a>Miss Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879434442804076631noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19043080.post-75052998907040402362009-05-24T19:03:00.001-07:002009-05-24T19:07:33.487-07:00Maren's 4th Dance Recital...The Sea and Hey Mickey!~<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/Shn9YAAzrQI/AAAAAAAAAQo/TcJYAO3PIy4/s1600-h/100_8447.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/Shn9YAAzrQI/AAAAAAAAAQo/TcJYAO3PIy4/s320/100_8447.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339577421986508034" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/Shn9QqcmjEI/AAAAAAAAAQg/tjHo9Vutq7M/s1600-h/100_8437.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/Shn9QqcmjEI/AAAAAAAAAQg/tjHo9Vutq7M/s320/100_8437.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339577295938423874" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/Shn9Kog1_4I/AAAAAAAAAQY/lR8girQkRrY/s1600-h/100_8433.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/Shn9Kog1_4I/AAAAAAAAAQY/lR8girQkRrY/s320/100_8433.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339577192340127618" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/Shn8_Ulb81I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/gH1R1tI30pc/s1600-h/100_8426.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/Shn8_Ulb81I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/gH1R1tI30pc/s320/100_8426.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339576998012121938" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/Shn85kJBnWI/AAAAAAAAAQI/PbYsWtny6Nk/s1600-h/100_8425.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/Shn85kJBnWI/AAAAAAAAAQI/PbYsWtny6Nk/s320/100_8425.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339576899108707682" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/Shn8xLTtU6I/AAAAAAAAAQA/HiZUkxmbKjo/s1600-h/100_8416.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/Shn8xLTtU6I/AAAAAAAAAQA/HiZUkxmbKjo/s320/100_8416.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339576755003675554" /></a>Miss Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879434442804076631noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19043080.post-58636750009440533452009-05-16T17:06:00.000-07:002009-05-16T19:05:56.663-07:00Happy 8th Birthday Maren!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/Sg9w5qGVIRI/AAAAAAAAAP4/F9zHcmaHG7U/s1600-h/100_8377.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/Sg9w5qGVIRI/AAAAAAAAAP4/F9zHcmaHG7U/s200/100_8377.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336608219313021202" /></a><br /><br />The night before Maren was born, I was admitted to Advocate Lutheran General in Park Ridge, IL. I was begging Jon for 5-Cheese Lasagna from Leona's, and cruelly, he turned me down, using the pathetic "you can't eat in labor" excuse. Hullo? Have you given birth? I need energy to get me through it. Anyway, I had to settle for ice chips and sugar-free hard candy. So, today, when I asked Maren what she wanted for dinner, it was only fitting that she asked for Manacotti -- a girl after her mother's cheese and tomato sauce lovin' heart!<br /><br />Ah, yes, it is true, my little MareBear turned 8 today, and I really don't know how. She was just my infant who talked to angels in the morning. I'd peak in her room and she'd be speaking in the most beautiful high pitched tones that clearly were intended for a celestial audience.<br /><br />Then, she was my toddler who began ballet lessons and was scared her first time on stage, yet next week, she will have her 5th recital and she is eagerly anticipating her performances. Just a few short years ago, I wondered if she'd fit in with typically developing peers, and today, I have to wonder why I ever worried to begin with; she has dear friends -- friends who see her weaknesses and her strengths -- friends who invite her to parties and sleepovers, and friends who argue with her when they think she is wrong. Friends.<br /><br />I sit back and just stare at my 8 year old and can't wait to see what the next 8 years will bring. More dance recitals. More friends. More girl tiffs. More sleepovers. More movies. And, boys....yes, in 8 years I presume Maren will have a boys in her life...cute boys! And, of course, she will have heartaches and heartbreaks. <br /><br />In the next 8 years, Maren will continue to have amazing friends. Some of her friends now will be friends with her for life. She will make new friends, too. But, she will also seem increasingly behind her friends in some areas, as they develop more quickly than she will. And, some kids who have included Maren will fall away as their interests change. Some kids who previously didn't judge Maren will begin to judge. And, her heart will hurt. My heart will hurt.<br /><br />And, then, I'll step back and dry my tears, shake it off and remember the tween and teen years are rough on every kid -- regardless of chromosome count. I will remember to focus on the friends who love her, not the peers who judge her. I will force myself to the reality of the world: nobody is universally loved. There are people who dislike President Obama, Stephen Hawking, Oprah Winfrey, Michael J. Fox, and even the Dalai Lama. People who chose to be judgmental will always find flaws. They will find them with Maren; they will find them with Jonah, they will find them with Archie, and God only knows, they don't have to look hard to find them with me. <br /><br />So, each day will will continue to love and celebrate and enjoy all that is our Little Miss Magic. She will continue to grow and flourish. She will get older, taller, smarter, sassier, even funnier (if that is possible!). She will continue to show the world how beautiful she is -- and those who believe in magic, they will certainly find it in her. <br /><br />Happy 8th Birthday Baby Girl! Each day with you is the greatest present I have ever gotten.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/Sg9wvB4AzdI/AAAAAAAAAPw/JM-ECoO62jY/s1600-h/100_8358.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/Sg9wvB4AzdI/AAAAAAAAAPw/JM-ECoO62jY/s200/100_8358.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336608036716858834" /></a>Miss Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879434442804076631noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19043080.post-2067369105869383292009-04-27T18:55:00.000-07:002009-04-27T19:23:03.205-07:00LIfe's a day at the beach...or the pool...This year has been extraordinarily stressful. Jon and I have to find jobs (both professors) in the same city. Timing has not been our friend... So, alas, next year holds yet another year of job searching, and uncertainty, and anxiety, and well, you get the idea. <br /><br />So, Saturday morning, when we thought we might just explode from stress, we threw the kids in the car with nothing but our swimming bag with suits and pool/beach gear, basic toiletries, and a change of clothes, and decided to head to the beach. It's a 5 hour drive, but when you step on the sugary sand of the Florida Gulf Coast, 5 hours is a small price to pay for Heaven on Earth. <br /><br />On the way, I checked out hotels on my Blackberry and hoped something would be available. Luckily, tons of locals headed to Talladega (where you couldn't catch me for a million dollars and my own talk show!). <br /><br />The waves were rough, so we did most of the swimming in the pool, and I didn't even take my camera since it was so last minute. The pics are from my phone. But, we escaped and now, I think we can make it through the next month :-). <br /><br />Anybody have a few hundred million dollars to give me? If you do, I'll start a new University in Destin -- I'll even name it after you :-).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/SfZn6x2yd8I/AAAAAAAAAPk/cdt6sEU1mL8/s1600-h/IMG00205.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/SfZn6x2yd8I/AAAAAAAAAPk/cdt6sEU1mL8/s200/IMG00205.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329561468552771522" /></a> (The girls at the Hannah Montana Movie last weekend). <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/SfZn2j_LwaI/AAAAAAAAAPc/ib7__wjiAqM/s1600-h/IMG00196.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/SfZn2j_LwaI/AAAAAAAAAPc/ib7__wjiAqM/s200/IMG00196.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329561396110410146" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/SfZnyEo93LI/AAAAAAAAAPU/2qKucaFsgR8/s1600-h/IMG00185.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/SfZnyEo93LI/AAAAAAAAAPU/2qKucaFsgR8/s200/IMG00185.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329561318976249010" /></a>Miss Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879434442804076631noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19043080.post-9642610554759454732009-04-16T15:28:00.000-07:002009-04-16T22:05:14.796-07:00A budding friendship...and Hannah MOM-tana<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/See0Qv1YU1I/AAAAAAAAAOk/H8dX3yUw-cQ/s1600-h/Hannah-montana-movie-poster.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 135px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/See0Qv1YU1I/AAAAAAAAAOk/H8dX3yUw-cQ/s200/Hannah-montana-movie-poster.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325423284200166226" /></a><br /><br />For the last few months, yes months, Maren has been begging me to invite her friend Teresa over to play. And, to be honest, we've been so busy (and her room so messy!), that I've put it off.<br /><br />Last night, Maren brought me the phone and told me to call Teresa's mom... NOW!... and I did. And, I had the best adult conversation I've had in months. What a great bonus!<br /><br />Teresa's mom was thrilled I called, said that Teresa has been talking a lot about Maren lately, too. Funny, they were in Kindy together too, but it is only recently they've become closer. These are the times I wish I could get inside my kid's head -- why these friends? Why now? Do they share interests? Are they sitting by each other at school? Did Teresa just have a cool toy, or did she like one of Maren's share day items and it sparked a new friendship? And, what do they talk about when they hang out at school? Inquiring moms want to know. <br /><br />But, of course, knowledge and nosiness has a price. This one...I'm taking the girls to see the new <a href="http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/hannahmontanamovie/#/home">Hannah Montana movie</a> on Saturday. Steep price, but I just have to know! <br /><br />And, I may not get all the answers on Saturday, but I know this, I'll get time with my baby girl and Junior Mints -- you could say, <span style="font-weight:bold;">I'll get the Best of Both Worlds</span>. Cheap Shot, I know, but I just had to take it ;-).<span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span>Miss Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879434442804076631noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19043080.post-25202332951915871512009-04-15T10:20:00.000-07:002009-04-15T10:23:06.455-07:00Sharing in the lives of two adults with T21I can't add anything to this <a href="http://connywenk.com/blog/2009/04/andrea-and-christian.html">gorgeous couple's photo gallery</a> ; instead, I'll let them speak for the themselves. STUNNING!<br />http://connywenk.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/54Miss Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879434442804076631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19043080.post-89437263445017587202009-04-13T20:58:00.000-07:002009-04-13T21:22:54.722-07:00Susan Boyle, Britain's Got Talent, and SocietyAs she prepared to sing, people in the audience rolled their eyes and mocked her. Apparently, kids have bullied her since she was a little girl because of a disability, and sadly, she told the <span style="font-style:italic;">Mirror</span>, she still sees those kids as adults, and still, they shun her. She is not pretty by a media consumer's standards. And, at 48, she's old -- and we all know that old equals ugly times 2, bahhh! <br /><br />As I started to watch the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY">youtube</a> clip a friend sent me, with the heading "The Next William Hung," I started to cry. I was devastated that anyone would send me something that deliberately targeted another human being for being different. First, I study <a href="http://www.communicationcurrents.com">teasing</a>, and second, I adore my child with T21. Both of those things make a bit more sensitive than I would have been even 10 years ago.<br /><br />When the woman, Susan, said she had never been kissed; my heart ached. Nobody should ever be deprived of such a joyous experience -- we all deserve love. I looked at Susan and saw a funny, slightly odd (like most of my friends are odd) woman who would be great company -- and I started to feel sad and angry as I watched this woman get set up for ridicule. What kind of society do we live in? Clearly, one that loves to find people we can ostracize to make ourselves feel better, somehow.<br /><br />Yet, as Susan began to sing, the audience erupted in applause. They were shocked -- her talent was unexpected. See, we expect amazing things to be wrapped in beautiful packages -- even wrapping our female babies in "bows" to present them to world as beautiful and precious objects of attention. Yet, Susan didn't appear in bows and curly ribbon. She was wrapped, like many of us, in well-worn brown paper -- wrinkled from use and worn a bit on the edges. And, yet, when she "opened-up," her glory was revealed!<br /><br />I wasn't so much surprised by Susan's talent. If I've learned anything on this journey with Miss Magic, it is to put aside my expectations and embrace the experience as it comes. But, I was stunned by the audience!<br /><br />Apparently, even those hardened by cynicism, contempt, and derision can open up and experience beauty when it is presented. It provides hope for all of and reminds me that this is why inclusion is so important -- people can't see beauty if we don't share it with them. I may want to protect Maren; hold her back from the possibility of being ridiculed, yet, by doing so, I prevent those who are willing to embrace her -- who simply don't know it yet. <br /><br />To all those who rolled their eyes, and subsequently wiped their tears -- thank you. I do not condemn you for being cynical; you are part and parcel of our society. But, I embrace you for your openness. It gives us hope for a more loving world. To those who were able to open your hearts to Susan and see the magic in her talent, I offer you a standing ovation.Miss Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879434442804076631noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19043080.post-90391961759046147672009-04-11T21:15:00.000-07:002009-04-11T23:35:14.523-07:00Archie and Moses: AKA "How can my difficult child be so good? "<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/SeFuqavA6TI/AAAAAAAAAOM/8yJpZ0sQTKA/s1600-h/IMG00181.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/SeFuqavA6TI/AAAAAAAAAOM/8yJpZ0sQTKA/s200/IMG00181.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323657909538711858" /></a><br />So, those who know our family know that Archie is my wild child. He has all all of my bad qualities -- he's stubborn, obnoxious, opinionated, and loud; he would rather lose a privilege than lose an argument. He drives me out of my mind somedays -- I look at Archie and see all that is wrong with me in a mini-form and I get angry that I still carry so many flaws, and that I've passed them on to him. <br /><br />Then, there are nights like tonight, when I realize that his good qualities far outweigh the bad. He is my child who has never left a child alone on a playground. Since preschool, his teachers have commented on his gentle heart. His best friends at <a href="http://www.riseschool.org">the RISE school</a> were not the other other typically developing children, but the children he connected with on others levels: it never mattered if other children could walk, talk, or even feed themselves. Archie just "connects," in a profound way with other human beings. Even in Kindy, he rarely plays with the same child 2 days in a row. Everyone loves Archie, and he spreads his time around. Very unusual for a child of his age. <br /><br />Archie shares. His toys are his friends' toys. If he has money at a baseball game, he buys candy for everyone, and if he can't, he shares what little he has. He never eats the last cookie without offering a piece to Jonah and Maren. He certainly didn't get that from me: I dive for the final morsel of any sweet ;-). <br /><br />And, tonight, I was reminded of this soul like I was last year. <span style="font-style:italic;">The Ten Commandments <span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span>were on, and the classic film bored Maren and Jonah in moments, just like in 2008, Archie watched the entire thing intently and intensely. He talked about what he remembered from school and church. He wanted me to print <span style="font-weight:bold;">The Ten Commandments</span> for him so he could read them when Moses came down from the mountain. He was annoyed, however, by the bad special effects of the burning bush, LOL. <br /><br />Of course, he donned his costume and helped act out the scenes. He takes his Moses seriously! And, this year, he even played "compare and contrast" <span style="font-weight:bold;">Moses versus Indiana Jones' expeditions</span>. <br /><br />So, though Archie inherited my baggage, he also has blessings of his own -- not thanks to me. And, I wonder ~~ where did this heart and soul in my six year old come from? Was he born with this amazing spirit -- or did growing up with Maren help shape the little person he has become and the little man he is becoming? <br /><br />I guess what is important is that Maren has Archie and Jonah, and Archie has Maren and Jonah, and Jonah has two awesome younger sibs, and we have three kids to be eternally grateful for -- each so different, so challenging, so wonderful, and finally ---- <span style="font-style:italic;">so sleeping</span>. Ahh, quiet ....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/SeFuvcgboGI/AAAAAAAAAOU/1ZvysswpU04/s1600-h/IMG00182.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/SeFuvcgboGI/AAAAAAAAAOU/1ZvysswpU04/s200/IMG00182.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323657995913764962" /></a>Miss Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879434442804076631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19043080.post-64247618836983069632009-04-07T05:33:00.000-07:002009-04-07T15:14:01.306-07:00Two educational tools that we are pilot testingObviously, for any child, a parent has a responsibility to make sure the child is being well-educated. For my oldest son, that means letting him explore a wide-range of topics and finding his unique talents. The <span style="font-weight:bold;">rote memorization tasks</span> and basic school work comes fairly easy to him, so the challenge is finding things that make him excited about learning. <br /><br />For my youngest son, it entails a) finding the time to even help him with his schoolwork because I get so busy with the other two -- poor #3! And, b) at this age, letting his imagination take flight with his <span style="font-style:italic;">Indiana Jones Handbook</span>, <span style="font-weight:bold;">Lego sets</span>, and the costumes he creates (his newest phase is the <span style="font-weight:bold;">James Bond</span> Tuxedo). He is a truly creative kid who loves to be involved and physical. I think he's God's way of reminding me I"m getting old, ;-).<br /><br />For Maren, the task is not "more difficult," but different. I can have faith that the other two will "learn" at school and at home, I can supplement their education and creativity. For her, however, I know that repetition and extra involvement at home is key to making sure she masters the fundamentals she will need to have to progress as a student.<br /><br />So, just eight months or so, M was crusin' with her <span style="font-weight:bold;">Math Facts</span>. I was delighted and we moved on to other things. WRONG MOVE!~!~ Somehow, poof~!~ <span style="font-weight:bold;">Math Facts</span> Vanished! As we worked on addition and carrying numbers, we started focusing on manipulatives and pictures to "see" the numbers. We failed to continue to practice the math facts. And, now, we begin again, and will remember this time to keep the practice up periodically. <br /><br />We found <a href="http://www.flashmybrain.com">http://flashmybrain.com</a> and so far, just a couple of days in, Maren likes it. It is NOT a fun or games site like <a href="http://www.starfall.com"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Starfall</span></a> is for reading (which is truly wonderful, btw). It is simple: flashcards online! There are ready-made math cards, but we made our own smaller sets with only 4 or 5 cards at time. We have found that Maren works best if she reads the numbers with the right answers again and again. If she starts guessing without having them cold, she is likely to remember the wrong answer she gave,,,ack! This allows her to sit and practice her facts while I create time for Archie. Again, it is not exciting, but functional site. It was a <span style="font-weight:bold;">29.95 fee</span> and for me, it was worth it! <br /><br />But, our happy find is a book on CD called <span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">"Story of the World</span><span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span>." We have Volume 1 (4 CDs) checked out from our library. Jonah grabbed it because he thought it would be interesting. It's a very basic look at history, but through narratives aimed at children. It is read by Jim Weiss who is an amazing book on CD actor -- we love a lot of his work! Jonah found it boring, but Maren and Archie are enthralled!! And, they are learning history from the beginning -- The Nomads. Imagine that...history before George Washington ;-).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/SdtN21Ey99I/AAAAAAAAAOE/DSb9oC3IP7Q/s1600-h/51FH8472XBL._SL500_AA240_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/SdtN21Ey99I/AAAAAAAAAOE/DSb9oC3IP7Q/s200/51FH8472XBL._SL500_AA240_.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321932989023844306" /></a><br />So, why do I recommend this? Well, Maren asked if we were crossing the "Tiger" river when we used the bridge over the Black Warrior in Tuscaloosa. Okay...we aren't in <span style="font-weight:bold;">Turkey</span> and no, it isn't the <span style="font-weight:bold;">Tigris<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span>, but hey, she is learning the rivers of the world and enjoying it! She has asked about growing corn in our backyard (like the nomads who became farmers) and she wants to write on clay instead of paper :-). For a seven year old, I"m delighted! <br /><br />Archie loves them too. He told me that <span style="font-weight:bold;">Indiana Jones</span> was an <span style="font-weight:bold;">archaeologist</span> like they talk about on the CD, and has discussed at length several concepts from the readings! Certainly, these are not a substitute for reading with my kids, or teaching them from paper books, but what an awesome and engaging supplement! We listen in the car (Jonah wants to listen to his <span style="font-weight:bold;">Ipod</span> instead), and then we can chat about what they are learning. Yeah....history is a topic I would have never "pushed" for Maren as we work on the fundamentals of Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic, so what a joy to find a new subject she loves! We'll keep listening and talking about history and then move to Volume II.Miss Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879434442804076631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19043080.post-78334339821912664632009-04-04T07:47:00.001-07:002009-04-04T07:51:17.238-07:00The morning pick-up<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/SddzQXkFRrI/AAAAAAAAAN8/K55QwCAXU-M/s1600-h/100_8334.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/SddzQXkFRrI/AAAAAAAAAN8/K55QwCAXU-M/s320/100_8334.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320848209801987762" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/SddzI6Ic0cI/AAAAAAAAAN0/4oyOR3h-ek8/s1600-h/100_8332.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/SddzI6Ic0cI/AAAAAAAAAN0/4oyOR3h-ek8/s320/100_8332.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320848081642377666" /></a><br /> <br />Apparently the girls had an amazing time and they rushed me when I came in to fill me in on the party~! They learned a new dance, pigged out, and decorated craft projects. All in all, a perfect girl party. So, Maren didn't sleep more than 30 mins. at a time, according to the dance center owners. She wanted to get up and brush her teeth again, practice her dance, make a new Easter basket, oh...and drink more Mountain Dew -- and there is the answer to her sleeplessness, bahhhhhhhh......Miss Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879434442804076631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19043080.post-29322404303158537532009-04-03T21:06:00.000-07:002009-04-03T21:49:58.818-07:00A Catch-22<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/SdbiAdoYwQI/AAAAAAAAANs/G8NYWHy_rlo/s1600-h/IMG00169.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/SdbiAdoYwQI/AAAAAAAAANs/G8NYWHy_rlo/s320/IMG00169.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320688507366719746" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/Sdbh5NB2TQI/AAAAAAAAANk/7gOu10H2-Kw/s1600-h/IMG00167%231.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_rn_F4EUSqNA/Sdbh5NB2TQI/AAAAAAAAANk/7gOu10H2-Kw/s200/IMG00167%231.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320688382651026690" /></a><br /><br />So, I have to be brutally honest. When Maren was born with Trisomy 21, a little part of me was happy about it ~~ selfishly happy. <br /><br />I've never wanted an empty nest. I like close-knit families and in modern society, I'm terrified that my kids will live thousands of miles away. So, if Maren had T21, I reasoned, I would always have one of my kids at home. Right?<br /><br />The irony of it all...she's my most independent child. Tonight, she is doing a "Pink Party Lock-In" and her dance studio. Approximately 100 girls from 1st through 8th grade are eating pizza, guzzling soda, gorging on snacks, dancing pop diva routines, and staying up until the wee hours of the morning. You can see the soda behind Maren and her friend Maddy ;-). <br /><br />I cried when I dropped her off; she couldn't push me out the door fast enough. So, though I am certain we'll always live in the same town and that she will always need additional supports in her life, she's spirited and will not want to live with me forever. I guess that is a good thing, right? I shouldn't complain when I know her independence is a huge asset for her development -- but I'm not ready. I really thought she'd be a "mommy's girl." I wanted her to be dependent, in my own selfish way.<br /><br />But, then I have to realize that we have been living in a town that embraces Maren and has included her in everything without question. She's been part of friendship circles, dance recitals, and soccer games, even sleepovers. Our community has nourished her and given her a tremendous foundation for learning to be a part of the community. She's never been excluded because of her extra chromosome (in fact -- the one time was in spite of it -- the ringleader could care less Maren has T21 - her sister does as well, bahhh!). So Maren's never had a reason to think there is anything she can't do. <br /><br />Her friends are completely aware that Maren has T21. They simply haven't cared, to this point. They know that sometimes she is hard to understand, but there is always one child who can figure out every word she is saying. When one kid gets snotty, Maren gets snotty back -- and other kids back her up ;-). When she is treated poorly, it's in the catty way all first grade girls can treat other 1st grade girls. <br /><br />And, I know that I can leave her because the other mothers or chaperones will keep better watch on her than I ever would! Her college-student dance teacher from last year, Anna, might be told to "buzz off" before the night is through if she tries to play with Maren too much ;-). For that, I will always adore this town and the people we are surrounded by. I know we have a 1 in million community for her. And, even if we move next year (I doubt we will, but certainly in the next few years), I know that she has an amazing start in life. <br /><br />So, tonight, I walked her into the overnight lock-in, scared of course -- because it is a madhouse -- terrified that she might not see anyone she knows, scared that she may not be able to clearly communicate with a new group, worried that she'll be excluded, and sad that she is growing up. <br /><br />But, we walked in and her friend Maddy found her right away, and after she dropped her sleeping bag off and walked into the large play room, I heard a chorus of voices calling, "Maren -- Maren's here -- Maren come over here -- Sit by me Maren." And, she pushed me out the door. <br /><br />So now, to keep my full-nest as I grow old, I might just have to hope Jonah and Archie are "mama's boys." Maybe I need to start telling them "Foosball's for da devil" and that their daddy died of dehydration. It worked for Kathy Bates in <span style="font-style:italic;">Waterboy</span>. Think it will work for me? Hmm... Where is that medulla oblongata?Miss Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879434442804076631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19043080.post-36348152202745103002009-04-02T14:59:00.000-07:002009-04-02T15:02:15.807-07:00Maren's first PlayMaren's class is putting on a fairy tale skit for the end of the year assembly. She told me about the play, and I assumed she'd be in the "chorus." WRONG!<br /><br />She is princess #3 with several speaking lines to memorize. And, she is practicing diligently already. Several of her lines are so Maren -- like offering mints to an ogre with bad breath ;-).<br /><br />I'll definitely film it when they perform. First the dancing stage, now watch out Hollywood :-).Miss Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879434442804076631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19043080.post-25102599878136295062009-03-27T10:08:00.000-07:002009-03-27T10:14:04.144-07:00Who needs a Blackberry when you have a Maren?So, things have been outrageously busy around here. It's always one thing or another...a phone interview, an interview, a job offer, a job rejection -- and the cycle continues in our house. So, we've done a lot of rescheduling.<br /><br />Monday night I realized that we blew off speech therapy. I rescheduled it to begin on the Monday after Spring Break and forgot to type it into my Blackberry, so it never synced to google calendar where Jon and I try to maintain controlled chaos. <br /><br />So, I turn to Jon in horror and say, "UGH, we missed speech and didn't even call Betsy." He looked at me and said, "Oh, Maren mentioned it on the way home and I thought she had her days wrong." Looks like she's more reliable than the Blackberry. And, of course on Tuesday when she told Jon she had Ballet (moved from Thursday), he listened :-). <br /><br />Note to Self: Maren has great day of the week skills! Check that off of any future IEP.Miss Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879434442804076631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19043080.post-15795445838748550082009-03-13T20:23:00.000-07:002009-03-13T20:32:06.857-07:00Not a stranger, a H__M __ ___I've been meaning to post about this for awhile, then forget. So, here it goes.<br /><br />For a long time, I've been worried about Maren and her trusting nature. She's never met a stranger, but if you've ever met me, you'd realize that it may be in a chromosome other than her extra 21st. When I was 5 or 6, my parents spent several frantic minutes searching for me at a state park. Each time they'd ask someone if they had seen a little redheaded girl, they'd inform my parents that I told them I was hungry and they gave me food and I headed on my way.<br /><br />Finally, they found me in an RV with a nice family who was again feeding me and trying to figure out how to find my family...How I made it through childhood, I'll never know.<br /><br />Anyway, Maren has that sense of familiarity with the world, and obviously, I'm terrified that in this day and age, she could become a victim of some unscrupulous and horrible person. So, we work a lot on strangers. To no avail. We talk about strangers. We talk about stranger danger. I warn her. <br /><br />So, we were at Publix and my Little Miss Magic begins a conversation with a cute college-aged boy in the front of the line. They start chatting and before you know it, he adds M&Ms to his order. As he's leaving, he hands them to her, and she beams and gives him a HUGE THANK YOU! Ugh. At least she knows her manners....<br /><br />After he leaves, I take them away and tell her we cannot take candy from strangers. With a look of disdain and contempt, she stares me down, "He's not a stranger; He's a HUMAN!" And, she stomps her foot.<br /><br />Alas, he's a human. Too bad we can't all see such sameness in the world. <br /><br />Too bad I can't rely on the fact that all humans are kind. The world would be so beautiful if the humans could act the way my daughter believes they will :-).Miss Magichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879434442804076631noreply@blogger.com3