New Class Confirmed

Well, Ethan begins class in his new environment tomorrow.  So far, I don't have any reason to fear- well, that's a lie...there is a biter in the class.  : /  Academically, I don't have any reasons to fear.  I think that the teacher is not overly excited to have Ethan join the class, but more because she already has so many students and she knows that Ethan requires just a bit more attention. 

The good news is that Ethan wanted to return to his "new" classroom on Friday when we took him back to his "old" classroom.  They sign everything with him and include him, which is something that I had not seen in his other class (not to say it wasn't happening, I just never had the chance to see it).  But, I do think that Ethan's obvious request to be in the "new" classroom spoke volumes.  I think that is where he felt he belonged. 

Praying for tomorrow and that it brings a new happy chapter to our lives and that Mama Bear doesn't have to draw her claws out again!

Carowinds Make A Wish Reunion 2010

Phew, what a busy day!  We left our house around 7ish to go pick up Devin, you remember Devin- the young man who wrote that awesome paper?  We thought it would be nice to take him to Carowinds Amusement Park with us.  Fun for him, good for us.  We got down to Carowinds earlier than when the gates were opening. 

Once inside, we went straight to The Intimidator.  It is the tallest, fastest, and longest coaster in the southeast and it ROCKED.  Goliath at Magic Mountain is still the best, but this was a very close second!  We love roller coasters.  We hope to go to Cedar Point one day. 

We took Ethan on a few rides, but he wasn't feeling them too much.  He is very hit or miss with rides.  The Make A Wish Family Reunion every year gives us the chance to see if Ethan will have fun or not, but for free.  We are very thankful to Make A Wish for all they do for us and so many other MAW families year after year! 

We left a bit after 2, rushed toward home, got gas, took Devin home, rushed home, changed clothes, spritzed hair, and then I went to my friend, Cheri's (Mama Cheri) beautiful wedding.  I will write more about it later, but it's been a really long day, but an awesome day. 

40 Lives

Today, I went in for my platelets donation and hit the 5 gallon mark of blood product giving!  That equals 40 lives saved!!!  How freaking amazing is that?!?!  I was also a match for someone at Wesley Long Community Hospital!  It really makes my heart happy to know that a simple gesture of blood donation is saving a life, and even better- a life that is waiting on my blood specifically. 

My dear boy has taught me so much about life.  Someone gave of their time and fear of needles to donate blood and platelets that saved Ethan's life.  I could never be thankful enough.  I encourage EVERYONE who is able- meaning you don't have a blood disorder or some barred reason (ie., living in Europe in the 70's) from American Red Cross, not the fear of needles- to make your appointment to give life.  You could very well be that match that someone is counting on to save their life.  JUST.DO.IT. 

New Classroom

I went and observed the potential new classroom for Ethan today, along with our case manager.  I was actually surprised by how well he was doing.  The classroom staff definitely seemed to have a vested interest in the success of the children.  They were firm, but not evil; loving, but not pushed over. 

They went out on the playground, and for the first time at this new school, I saw someone actually work with Ethan so he could play too.  The past few times that I have seen Ethan on the playground, he is sitting in his stroller watching everyone else play.  The sucky thing about the playground is the mulch.  My kid won't touch a cheerio, but his scoop up a handful of mulch and put it in his mouth...I don't get it. 

When we went back to his regular class, he was very upset.  He cried and said that he wanted to go back to the other room.  So, I am taking that as a good sign that he would rather be in this new class.  Story developing...LOL.

A Girl I Know

A Girl I Know

Let me tell you about a girl I know

A girl whom I admire

A role model we all could follow

To be this girl, we all desire

She is compassionate and nurturing

Yet strong and always stands tall

She is always there encouraging

She’s that person who catches you before you fall

She is the North Star guiding at night

The rain purifying the fog

The moon in the dark, providing light

She is the pathway out of a bog

She’s full of so much love, it’s endearing

How can it fit inside her, this big heart?

Overcome by adversity, yet persevering

This girl with whom you’ll wish never to part

In my heart she will always reside

I am providential enough to say

Through sisterhood this girl and I are tied

And I would not have it any other way

My little sister, Kamrin, wrote this for me a few years ago.  I found it the other day and was reminded again of how truly blessed I am to have such an amazing and talented sister.  She likes to remind me of how I told her that she could never make any real money as a professional poet, and I would like to officially post that I think that she could TOTALLY prove me wrong.  (In my defense, I was not very old when I told her that, LOL)  Thank you, Drew.  Love you, sista.  *muah*

The Roof

So, I really need to quit putting things on the roof of my car.  Last week, I placed my phone and my iPod on the roof of my car before putting Ethan in his seat to go to school.  I specifically placed it where I just knew that I wouldn't not see it before getting in my car.  Um...I was wrong.

About a mile up the road, I had the "OH MY GOSH" moment.  I looked to my right to my purse and saw nothing.  Insert another "OH MY GOSH" moment, except this time it was likely with a few more profanities.  My sunroof was open and I reached out of it onto the roof and felt my iPod but no phone.  I pulled over to PRAY that it was on the roof still.  Nope.  *sigh*

I turned around in hopes of finding it since it was only a mile of road to look over.  Then, I thought that it had to of fallen off in the garage/driveway since it was placed very close to the slope of the front window.  Nope.  *double sigh*

So, I am now the owner of a new iPhone.  While I love my new phone, I am furious with myself as to why I have it.  This is not the first time that I have lost a phone via the roof of my car, nor is it the first time that I have lost anything else to the roof of a car.

Maybe one day I will share about leaving my flour "baby" on the roof and how my mom had to call it in to the Sherriff's Department.  But only if you ask nicely, LOL.

Scott was none too pleased with the latest roof victim.  I can't say I blame him.  I still look for my old phone along that mile stretch.  I see bright blue all the time and everytime I check it out, it's a Bud Light or Pepsi can.  :(  Oh well...I guess I will just have to enjoy my new phone and guard it with my life, and NEVER place it on the roof of the car!

Juice Plus+

Last Wednesday, I got on a plane and headed to Florida for the Juice Plus+ National Leadership Conference.  I have been taking Juice Plus+ for a few months and noticed a change in my energy level right away.  Some may know that my Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) can zap my energy to practically nothing on a daily basis, so for me to feel like I can go on without napping has been huge for me!  Scott also feels great.  I now know that JP+ was trying to help Ethan with his backed-up issue, too.
I signed on to be a distributor to offset my family cost and to possibly share it with others occasionally.  Why only occasionally?  Because I had it my head that for someone to coach wellness, you had to be the picture of wellness.  I don't think anyone would look at me and see that I am overweight and see wellness. 

I decided to go to conference, at Bethany's urging, to learn more.  She swore to me that it would make the world of difference in how I viewed the company.  Oh boy...she wasn't kidding!  I am amazed, inspired, and hopeful.  I listened to speeches of people whose dreams came true.  I listened to BEAR GRYLLS!!! 

The research, the proven system, the dedication to people's health and wellness is beyond awesome.  Some testimonials:

• Woman with MS who lives mainly symptom FREE
• Man who has had 4 heart attacks and is Type I Diabetic with insulin pump who is on the lowest dose cholesterol meds from the highest dose, and who is on minimal insulin too.
• Parents whose kids have never missed a day of school due to illness
• Woman who was supposed to have sinus surgery due to chronic sinus infections did not need the surgery AND rarely has sinus infections anymore

There are also studies how Juice Plus+ has improved dental health and skin!  Um, hello less fine lines and wrinkles...YES PLEASE!  All from the benefits of WHOLE FOOD NUTRITION from fruits and vegetables.  And, before you tell me that you eat lots of fruits and veggies or you eat well and/or organic, I would be AMAZED if you are eating the 9-13 servings PER DAY that is recommended.  Bridge that gap and fill it with Juice Plus+.

Juice Plus+ is not another fad nutrition scheme.  It is tried and true for over 40 years!  I feel the need to share it with everyone.  So while I may not directly appear to be the picture model for wellness, I have taken the step for my better self and for my family's better self.  Will you JOIN ME?

www.fillthegap-juiceplus.com

Happy 12th Anniversary to US!

Twelve years ago, today, Scott and I vowed to love each other forever.  Today, I flew back home from Florida to be greeted by Scott and Ethan.  Ethan ran over to me with arms wide open and was so happy to see me!  It was such a special treat since I thought they would just be waiting at the baggage claim curb.  I missed my guys so much! 

I am so thankful for my marriage.  It is not perfect by any means, but we have weathered more storms than most, so I am so thankful that, while not easy, we have arrived back on dry land each time. 

I could not imagine a better father for Ethan.  I have said it before how no one can make Ethan laugh like Scott.  Ethan's favorite thing to do lately is play Hide-n-Seek with Scott.  He doesn't have as much fun when I play it with him, LOL. 

Anywho- love my husband.  Happy Anniversary, love.  ♥

Happy Anniversary, Chris & Theresa!!!

Happy 11th Anniversary, you two!  In your honor, I present your song.  Now, go dance.  :)

Mr. Blue Eyes

Ethan's eye color changed after chemo, so I LOVE to look back on these shots of him with his pretty blue eyes.  I also love the little drop of drool on his chin because I know that he was teething and it took him forever to get teeth, so that drool was welcomed at that time.  I am perfectly ok now if it wants to go away, LOL.

Tired boy!

Ethan konked out one night after dinner (see sweet potatoes on his face) while drinking his bottle.  This happened only a few times.  I thought it was the sweetest picture.  And, look at those lashes!!!

Sweet boy.

Greeting me first thing in the morning.  He had "Ellie", his stuffed elephant with him.  Ellie was the only stuffed animal that Ethan was ever really attached to.  We still have her even though her tail is so flat from Ethan chewing on it.  Scott has tried to throw it out, but I can't let him yet. 

Leaving Tomorrow

Tomorrow, I leave VERY early to head to Orlando, Florida for the Juice Plus+ Conference.  I am very excited to learn and share!  I am NOT excited about having to get up at 3am in order to make my 5:20am flight.  I am also excited to *hopefully, prayerfully* be seeing my good friend Mark, who went to Africa with me.  
I have set the next couple of days to post some of my favorite pictures of Ethan from when he was smaller. 

And, for those that are totally interested in the "cleanout"- um, yeah...Miralax does not work for everyone.  I will have to try again when I get back home. 

Still waiting...

For the "massive movement" to happen.  We've dealt with some, but not nearly enough.  C'mon Bubs, Momma has stuff to do before leaving for Florida on Wednesday! 

Poor Bubs...TMI for some.

I don't usually find myself wanting to discuss these topics on a public forum, BUT it very well be an issue that another family is facing and that is why I am going to put it out there.

For the past 2-3 months, Bubs has been having some poop issues.  I'm talking blow out, have to change the sheets and clean the carpet blow outs.  They were only happening in the morning, for the most part, so we were puzzled.  Pediatrician sent a stool sample to the lab and it was negative for any bacteria/viruses.  Hmmm...

I got Ethan back in with his GI doc this past Thursday.  He had an x-ray taken of his tummy and we discovered what is happening...


Did you read that caption? 

Yeah, that's a whole lotta poo.  A whole LOTTA poo.  Oh.My.Word.  That's a lot of poo.  *sigh*

So, this could be a low motility issue, or a slow motility issue, or a tethered cord issue, or all of the above.  All I know is that Bub's will now, likely, have to be followed regularly to make sure he is emptying enough.

Bowel cleanout here we come!  Ugh.  32 ounces of gatorade with 7 capful's of Miralax over 24 hours and wait for the poo to start coming.  I can imagine this being a headache with a child that IS potty trained, let alone a child that is NOT potty trained! 

This is not my idea of a fun time, but it has to be done and with me leaving for Florida on Wednesday, it needed to be done on Sunday. 

We gave him his concoction and waited...and, waited...and, waited...and, waited some more.  Nothing.  This is about to get ugly...

Happy 10th Birthday, Madison Jean!!!

Ten years ago, on 10-10-2000, Madison Jean Potts made her debut.  I will never forget the phone call in the wee hours of the morning from Chris (her dad) to let me know that she was here. 

C:  "She's here!"

K:  "YAY!  What are the stats?  Oh, wait- let me get up so I can write this down."

C:  "She's 4 pounds, 10 ounces."

K:  "Whoa, wait- WHAT?"

C:  "Yeah, she's a little thing."

It was quite the surprise that Madison was so little because she was full term and well, Theresa looked full term (Love you, T*Potts!).  It wouldn't be until months later that we actually had an answer to her low birth weight.

Later, I was anxious to find this picture in my inbox.  My very first picture of Madison.  Auntie loves. ♥

I thought from day one that she was a mini-Chris, and I couldn't wait to meet her in person!  I made the trip up to visit Theresa many times during her pregancy and talked with Madison all the time, so I knew that she was waiting to meet her Auntie Boo, too.  :)

I was about six weeks pregnant when Madison was born.  I remember holding all-barely 5 pounds of her and thinking about how Scott and I would be having our very own swaddled burrito.  It was love at first sight.  She did give us minor heart attacks after her two week checkup when the pediatrician discovered her heart murmur.

I was so sad when the news came that Madison and family would be moving from California to North Carolina.  Right after moving to North Carolina, doctors discovered that Madison's heart defect was worse than they thought.  She would need open heart surgery.  Madison was 10 months old when she had her surgery and that it was discovered that she has Williams Syndrome. 

Madison may have Williams Syndrome, which causes some developmental delays, but it doesn't define her just as Ethan is not defined by Down syndrome.  She has happy days, sad days, frustrating days, comedic days, lazy days, and goofy days.  Just.Like.Everyone.Else.

Yesterday, Madison had the birthday bash of a lifetime.  It made this Auntie's heart smile as she yelled to me, "Auntie Boo, this is my bestest birthday EVER!". 

"I'm so glad, Madison.  It's your day, honey."

I love you, Madison!  So does Scotty, Ethan Boy, and Sheppers, too! 

Happy 10th birthday today, on 10-10-10!!!



Buddy Walk!

Our annual Buddy Walk was today, and I missed it.  :(  It was the first time since moving here that we have missed it.  We were right down the road from it, but I had an obligation to help with Madison's birthday party, so unfortunately, no Buddy Walk for us this year.  But, I am told that it was a great success!  WOOT! 

Thank you to everyone that supports the Buddy Walk, whether here locally with us, or local to you.  It is the most amazing day surrounded by our other "family". 

Great job, Lisa Kennedy!  You rocked it, once again!!!  

Missing Africa

Two years ago, I boarded a plane to start my journey across the world.  Almost 24 hours later, I landed safely in Nairobi, Kenya.  I was in three countries on three different continents in a matter of a day.  I never in my wildest of imagination would have ever found myself in Africa.  It was a total God thing- truly.  And, I am forever grateful for that calling.  Because, I got to meet some of the most wonderful people, make some new lifetime friends, see the most amazing view of the Alps, cross the equator, see monkey's and giraffe's and antelope and flamingo's, and many other wild creatures in their natural environment, see for my own eyes the poverty and destitution of a third-world country, ride on a piki-piki, and most of all- love on some amazing kids. 





















Some day, I know I will return to the beautiful Kenyan country and love on these kids again.

Sweetness.

Seeing a friend from last year!  {So sweet}


All done swinging!

Continues to amaze

Last night, we went to dinner with Mary and her friend, Andy.  Ethan had such a full day at the fair and he didn't nap like he was supposed to, but he was still a really good boy at the restaurant.  At the end of the meal, Ethan kept making a gesture toward his mouth and it was different than anything else he has ever done.  At first, I thought it was his way of showing us his nose (we are really working hard on body parts), but then Mary suggested that he may be signing for ice cream.  After a few questions, sure enough, that boy wanted some dessert!  He continues to amaze me.  He is so smart and he never gets the credit for what he knows.  That is so frustrating for me as him Momma. 
Anywho, Ethan will likely be signing "ice cream" all the time now, but since he was just under 45 pounds at his doctor appointment the other day, I am guessing we will have to switch him to sherbert.  LOL.

Grab This Button

Dixie Classic Fair 2010

Every year, the Wednesday during the week of the fair is "Special Education Day".  This has been a field trip that I have taken with Ethan and his classmates since we moved here.  Even though we have been doing this field trip for a few years, today was different.  Today, Ethan was honestly engaged in the activities. 
First up was watching the Pets Overboard show.  We had a good place for viewing and he watched the entire show!  Usually, he will be fiddling with things in his lap or looking around instead of the actual show, so this was a BIG deal for me. 

We saw Ethan's classmates from previous years and previous teachers, too.  One student, in particular, came running up to me and Ethan in an exhibit hall.  She was so excited to see us, and Ethan was excited to see her!  You can really tell in the picture I got of him giving her a hug (I will add later).  I love those bonds that have been made with Ethan!

We had lunch and then the rest of the class had to get back to the bus, but I just kept Ethan with me.  I met up with The Bucknall's (DP's parents and DP herself) and we went on the search for the Krispy Kreme Burger.  Yes, I just said burger.  Two KK Original glazed donuts with a burger and full fixin's in between.  Now, Karen gave a review of "KK burger is DA BOMB!" so I was curious.  I was not curious enough to buy my own, but I would agree to taste it if someone else bought it.  Richard bought it, full with cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and onion.  I took the first bite (very messy, btw) and have to say that I was not as impressed as my dear Karen.  Blech is more my reaction and Jamie's too, but Richard thought it was pretty good.  To each his own, I guess.  Where else can you get away with eating such heart stopping foods than the fair?

Anywho, I put Ethan on the swings and another little ride and he did GREAT!  I took him down the Super Slide while racing Jamie and DP.  I had a blast with it, LOL. 

Overall, it was a great day with my boy! 

"The" Meeting

Today was "the" meeting- the meeting that I have been gearing up for over the past couple of weeks; the meeting that positively made my blood pressure rise; the meeting that had me in tears for days;  the meeting that had me on the phone for hours to different advocacy people;  the meeting that had my Mama Bear claws on high alert; the meeting that I, jokingly, told friends to have bail money ready for.
Well, the good news is that bail money is not necessary.  I went out and bought a digital voice recorder to record the meeting.  The GREAT news is that I have it recorded that Ethan is making PROGRESS and is IMPROVING! 

The recommendation by school administration was to move Ethan into a different classroom at the same school.  I was led to believe, previously, that this specific classroom would not be an option for Ethan, so I am willing to pursue the idea and observe the classroom along with our case manager on Monday.  We will see how we feel about moving him at that point. 

Thank you to all who prayed that you wouldn't get the bail money call and kept me in your thoughts during this meeting. I could feel it, as I didn't even cry!  Update on Monday...

Adoption Tax Credit

Today, our good friend Bethany, along with her husband Kyle, and daughter Addison (Nika) joined a panel at the White House to discuss the Adoption Tax Credit.  Bethany did a great job speaking about adoption, but also was a great advocate voice for Down syndrome!  Nika playing and interacting with her Daddy was so sweet!  Take look!  :)



Love is stronger than a diagnosis

Today, I finished installing a custom Uppercase Living expression over some kitchen cabinets.  It is a project that I have been working on with the customer for a couple of months now, and today I finished it. 

Always remember wherever you are, whatever you do, to the world you are one, but to me you are the world.

After the install was complete, I had the chance to have a lovely heart to heart talk with my customer.  Long story short, she asked me about Ethan's birth and how we found out he has Down syndrome.  It's a day that I will never forget, and I remember pretty much all of it like it was yesterday, but it's a day that I can look back on and know that my love for my son never waivered after being given the diagnosis that rocked our world.  Love is stronger than any diagnosis.

Speaking for myself only, I can say that it was never a question of whether or not we would or could  take care of or love a child with Down syndrome.  Down syndrome or not, he was my son and I loved him more than anything in this world.  I remember his NICU isolette had "BB Faulkner" for his name.  When I asked what that was, the nurse said, "Baby Boy Faulkner".  She continued to say that they had to do that since he didn't have a name.  I immediately said, "Oh yes he does!  His name is Ethan, please fix it".  The nurse happily changed his isolette name badge from "BB Faulkner" to "Ethan Faulkner".  He was ours, he had a name that we gave him before he had Ds, and it would be his name after we found out he had Ds. 

EMHE - Lutz Family

The team rebuilds a house for a man and a woman who returned home after the death of their parents to care for six siblings with Down syndrome.

I hope you can join me in watching the episode tonight!

New Friends

Today, we had the great pleasure of being invited to a luncheon with some other families that have children with special needs.  We were the only ones with a child with Down syndrome, but it was the most connected that I think I have ever felt within a group of people! 

I have always wanted to get Scott connected with other Dads out there who have a child with special needs, but also share his interests.  Since Scott's main interest is soccer, it has not been an easy task!  I am optimistic that some of the men from this group of people today will be what Scott needs...yes, many love soccer!  ☺

We had the best time, and it was so nice to be surrounded by others that "get it".