Beth does not like change. Any changes we make to her routine need to be done gradually. She is also a night owl. It is not unusual for her to still be awake at 1:00 or 2:00 in the morning. Lately however, she has been turning off her alarm and going back to sleep. Go figure. :)
On one such morning recently, after I prodded and pushed her to get up, get dressed and get ready for her bus, she stormed out of the house, yelled, "Stupid family!" and slammed the front door. *Sigh.* When she got home that afternoon, in a good mood I might add (she seldom stays mad for long) I talked to her about her attitude that morning. I told her that starting next week, she was going to have to go to bed earlier. Not wanting to give her a 'bedtime' (afterall, she IS almost 25) I told her there would be a 'lights out'. No TV, no music and no singing after a certain time. She was very accepting and agreed to the new rule. That was last week.
The new rule starts tonight. I reminded her again today and she nodded her head like, "Yea, yea, I know." I'll let you know how it goes!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Our Family
Diana and Beth in the van on our way back from Hurricane Ridge earlier this month. Sisters having fun! You should have heard the laughter! :)
Diana, Elizabeth, Sharaya and Ryan. This was taken at Ryan and Sharaya's apartment in the fall of 08.
Diana, Cindy and Beth at Seaside, Oregon. We went on a mini road trip in May 2009 and drove out to Seaside for the afternoon. We stopped to take this picture before we headed to the water! The ocean was beautiful!
Diana, Cindy, Ryan, Sharaya, Beth and Chuck at Ryan and Sharaya's wedding in July of 2008. 
Elizabeth Meigan Anderson. This was one of many pictures put in a frame and given to me for Christmas. This is one of my all time favorite photos of Beth!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
If People with Down Syndrome Ran the World
I got this off the internet some time ago. I'm sorry, I don't know who the author is, but I can tell you it's all true! :)
People with Down Syndrome have a reputation for having two speeds, slow and slower. Therefore, if people with Down Syndrome ran the world:
Last minute changes would be strongly discouraged (if not considered rude and offensive.)
There would be more tolerance for repeating the same phrase or question.
Stopping to smell the roses would not be just a cliche'.
Art and music appreciation would be BIG.
Acting and theatrical arts would be encouraged for all.
The President's commission on physical fitness would probably recommend dancing.
Music of the 60's, 70's and 80's would be BIG.
Musicals would be very, very, very big, such as Grease and Sound of Music.
John Travolta would be the biggest star. (For Beth, it's Donny Osmond.) :]
There would be fewer movies, but they would be played over and over.
Movie theatres would allow people to talk out loud to tell what happens next.
Work time would be work time and vacation would be vacation.
They are visual learners so all instruction would include pictures.
People would not hurt the feelings of others.
People would be expected to keep their promises.
As I get ready to post this, I can hear Beth in her bedroom singing at the top of her lungs, "We'll always be together! Always, be together!" Can you see Danny and Sandy 'flying' above the group in their car...??
People with Down Syndrome have a reputation for having two speeds, slow and slower. Therefore, if people with Down Syndrome ran the world:
Last minute changes would be strongly discouraged (if not considered rude and offensive.)
There would be more tolerance for repeating the same phrase or question.
Stopping to smell the roses would not be just a cliche'.
Art and music appreciation would be BIG.
Acting and theatrical arts would be encouraged for all.
The President's commission on physical fitness would probably recommend dancing.
Music of the 60's, 70's and 80's would be BIG.
Musicals would be very, very, very big, such as Grease and Sound of Music.
John Travolta would be the biggest star. (For Beth, it's Donny Osmond.) :]
There would be fewer movies, but they would be played over and over.
Movie theatres would allow people to talk out loud to tell what happens next.
Work time would be work time and vacation would be vacation.
They are visual learners so all instruction would include pictures.
People would not hurt the feelings of others.
People would be expected to keep their promises.
As I get ready to post this, I can hear Beth in her bedroom singing at the top of her lungs, "We'll always be together! Always, be together!" Can you see Danny and Sandy 'flying' above the group in their car...??
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Starting in the Middle
I have read many blogs that were started when a vacation began or when a child was born. Our blog however, starts in the middle. Our daughter is an adult.
I have decided to start this blog for a couple reasons. First, because our daughter Beth has Down Syndrome and she will be 25 on October 10, 2009. We have walked this road and we know what you are going through. When Beth was born, we were overwhelmed with our circumstances and downright scared about the future. We often felt alone. And over the years I have heard stories of other parents who have felt the same way. If you are just beginning this journey, a journey that includes life with a handicapped child, I want you to know you are not alone. Our daughter is grown now and I can tell you, it's going to be okay.
The other reason for this blog is for the rest of you out there. Those of you looking in at this foreign world of special needs with curious questions and nervous smiles. We see you watching us as we walk passed your table at the restaurant. We notice your backward glances when we pass you in the mall. I hope this blog opens the door between our two worlds; allows you the opportunity to ask questions and quench your curiousity. I hope you get a glimpse of our world, a world more 'normal' than you may think. We're really not as scary as we look. :)
I have decided to start this blog for a couple reasons. First, because our daughter Beth has Down Syndrome and she will be 25 on October 10, 2009. We have walked this road and we know what you are going through. When Beth was born, we were overwhelmed with our circumstances and downright scared about the future. We often felt alone. And over the years I have heard stories of other parents who have felt the same way. If you are just beginning this journey, a journey that includes life with a handicapped child, I want you to know you are not alone. Our daughter is grown now and I can tell you, it's going to be okay.
The other reason for this blog is for the rest of you out there. Those of you looking in at this foreign world of special needs with curious questions and nervous smiles. We see you watching us as we walk passed your table at the restaurant. We notice your backward glances when we pass you in the mall. I hope this blog opens the door between our two worlds; allows you the opportunity to ask questions and quench your curiousity. I hope you get a glimpse of our world, a world more 'normal' than you may think. We're really not as scary as we look. :)
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