Home

Back from Orlando and still trying to catch up! It was a great experience being at the NDSC convention, I hope to go again. Even though Helen is ten, I had never gone to a convention before, even when it was in my backyard (Chicago). What a wonderful feeling of community, every child was beautiful. We all understood the grunts, the sitting on the floor and not moving, the not wanting to co-operate, the running away...we've all been there, done that! For once I didn't have to worry about Helen, it was a great feeling. She did a great job helping us at the table. It was nice meeting everyone, the input we received was a huge help. I loved seeing our special kids and the talents they hold within themselves. I hope one day Helen will be able to share her talent...photography. She still needs practice, but not much! She is very good at centering her subject, and loves to give orders. She took a picture of me when I wasn't smiling, she put the camera down and told me, "Mom, smile, like this" she took her hands and pushed her lips up into a smile, "Like that" she said. One of these days.

Please keep your input coming, any ideas you may have will also be a help.

Until next time-

Take Care,

Sue

Orlando 2010

Guess what...I have exciting news...WE HAVE LAUNCHED THE CLOTHING LINE!!! We are at the National Down Syndrome Conference in Florida and we are selling clothes. It was a long time coming, thanks for being so patient with us. We have made it through very difficult personal struggles and we're ready to sell, sell, sell!! We have started the clothing line with jeans, pink chinos, khaki chinos, and t-shirts in pink, yellow, mocha, and blue. We also have bodysuits, and a prototype for a back zipped Jammie. Our website was also supposed launch today, but due to some "glitches", we were unable to do so. We are hoping to be up and running within the next ten days...so please keep checking!! If you are in Orlando, stop by, say hi, and check out the merchandise...we'd love to meet you!!!

Until next time-
Take Care,
Sue

Summer 2010

Helen went to get into the pool today, when we took the cover off we were greeted with green water...UGH!! I am now trying to "fix" the problem. In the meantime, Helen is wearing her swimsuit around the house. I keep telling her she won't be able to swim today because of all the chemicals I have put in to get rid of the icky water...she won't listen. I am keeping my eye on her because I'm afraid she will sneak outside and jump into the pool as the water gets clear. I don't know how this happened, I check the water everyday and add the things it needs in order to keep the water clear. I'm hoping all I have done works, I don't know how long I can keep her out of the pool, she's a little fish!

I hope everyone enjoyed their Fourth of July, we did. I had family over for a cook-out and then the kids and I went to watch fireworks. We go to the same place every year, right on the lakefront. There is nothing like watching fireworks explode over one of the great lakes. One year Peter and I were in Colorado for the Fourth of July, and I must say, watching fireworks light up against the mountains comes close! Helen loved watching all the colors, she would tell us the colors just in case we didn't see them.

It's been hot and humid around here lately, the kids have been spending time indoors. They are just like me, I don't do well in this kind of weather, it makes me feel a little sick. They go and play on the swings for about ten minutes, and then they're done. When in the pool, they last about a half hour, well, except Helen, she's in for a long time...my little fish!!

Until next time-
Take Care,
Sue

Car Trouble...Again

I can't believe how quickly this summer is going, it's already July! I knew there would come a day when I was going to be all over the place with the kids. I just never thought it would happen so quickly! I've been dropping off at friend's houses, sporting events, Bible camp, scout meetings and camping trips...I don't know if I'm coming or going!! To top it all off, my car broke down last week, and I was without it for a week. Helen and I were on our way to the grocery store, to do big shopping, we were down to the bare essentials. My friend had put on two used tires for me, my old ones were about to fall apart. When I put the car in gear he said it didn't sound too good. He was going to give my car a tune-up on the week-end so he said he would take a look at it then. When Helen came home from school we left for the store. While driving down the road, my car started to make loud clunking sounds. I called my friend and asked him if he thought we would make it to the store. He thought we would be fine so we kept going. I went to accelerate at a stop light when the car made a very loud "thump" and then it sounded like the wheels were spinning. I pulled over at the next side street, called my friend, and then realized I had no reverse. He came and drove my car to his house, then gave Helen and I a ride home. This exact same thing happened to me right after Peter died, it was the transmission...KA-CHING!!! I called the garage when I got home to check on the warranty, it was only for a year. I decided to have them tow the car to their garage and take a look. He offered to do the work and charge me a certain amount regardless of the repair that needed to be done. I went ahead and had them fix my car. I also had them do a few other things for me that needed to be done. It took a week for the repair. Thank goodness I was able to borrow my sister-in-law's car while they were out of town. Granted, I couldn't take all the kids with me at one time, but at least I had a vehicle to run to the store, or whatever else popped up. Remember, Helen and I were on our way to the store when the car broke down!!! Thanks again Anne Marie!!:o)

Until next time-
Take Care,
Sue