Sometimes they do

Sticks and stones may break you bones, but words will never hurt you.

But.  Sometimes they do.

As a parent, one of the hardest things to do is see or hear someone hurt/make rude comments about your child.  The pain stings so much harder and longer on you, then on the child.  I think with a child with disabilities, the pain is worse.  When it happens and your child doesn't understand that it is happening, it makes it worse.  But that could be because it hasn't yet happened to my 'typical' child.

Looks, stares, comments, whispers and just plain in your face rude....happens.  Sadly, it has happened with our daughter more times than I care to admit.  Even from friends and family.  Maybe I am the only one to notice.  So maybe I over-think things.  But, sometimes words hurt.

This weekend, we experienced our first Step Up for Downs walk in Minnesota.  It was...ok.  The amount of people there was incredible.  Around 8,000.  But it was too much for us to handle.  So, we didn't stay long.  We were about to leave with a so-so opinion of the walk.  But, really, who could be the walk we put together in Watertown?  Then, it happened.  A man with a rude and hurtful comment.  I am sure it was not meant to be hurtful.  Or rude.  Or did he even give a second thought to what he said and how it made anyone else feel.  Nor did he probably have any intention of saying or meaning anything hurtful.  But he did.

I was starting to come to terms with the fact that I will hear and see people being mean to my child.  But you have an expectation to meet other families in your situation and not have any of those thoughts or comments when around them.  They are the only people who know exactly what your situation is like.  Because they are in it too.  Before, I used to say and think things too.  Before, Kamalee, I admit to using the R-word, to feeling sorry for their parents, for wondering why their child was behaving a certain why.  So, I understand how people feel around us, when they don't know anything besides 'normal'.  But once, you have been around us and understand and know us...you no longer have a pass.  That goes the same for other parents of kids with disabilities.  You should know better. 

I am told I need to let things go.  :)  And I should.  But his comment resonated on me.  And I needed to vent.  I pray that he learns our struggles, through his own child and will become a more caring person.  Not for my sake.  But for his child's.   End Rant.  Insert Photos.  (p.s. I brought my camera, forgot a cf card.....so I have just a few photos on my phone)

Have a wonderful day!

Does this count as annoying?

One of my favorite lines, from Kamalee's movie: Despicable Me.  The little girls asks, "does this count as annoying?" and follows with the clickety of her tongue and tapping her cheeks.  This is our new car ride game.  Kamalee makes the noise and action, turns to me and says 'your turn'.  With the little vocab we get from her, I actually find this one cute.

I am sure our upstairs neighbors would also agree that this is....

 cute.

She loves to bang play the piano.

Well, at least maybe they can agree that it is cute when Jayse follows her and applauds her noise music.

Hello, I will be your doctor today...

 Hello, my name is appreciation.

 Matthew West's popular hit "Hello, my name is" comes to mind here. If you haven't heard this, google it.  Now.  I love this song.

Hello, my name is appreciation.  In our undesirable situation, I am appreciative.  Not only to my sister and her family for keeping us sheltered, with the cool months ahead.  Even if everyone, including Pastor Jeremiah, keep reminding them how fun this is going to be.  And I think I may hint a touch of sarcasm from them.  What wouldn't be fun about 4 adults and 5 kids in one home? :) 

But also appreciative for the small things.  Like cousins.  They are girls.  They are 5.  They fight.  Alot.  But the moments in between where they coincide and play together are wonderful.  While Donna has been out today, I have heard "Hello, I will be your doctor today..." countless times.  Ashlyn and Kamalee have pretended an incredible amount of scenarios to visit the doctor.  Kamalee has never sat for a doctor and said 'ah'.  But she does so for Ashlyn.  And incredibly well I might add.  Ashlyn may be taking her on her next appointment.

I think I owe it all to Doc McStuffins. 

Kamalee has finally left the Elmo Era and found a new addiction.  She celebrated turning 5 with her.

Normalcy

Normalcy.

This is a complicated word, lately.  My family has gone from three to four.  From IEP struggles to no school at all.  From 5 bedroom home to camper living in Minnesota.  Finally to rest at boarding at my sisters.  Indefinitely. 

Normalcy.

I am not sure what this means anymore.  In attempts to find my way back, here goes the blog shot, one more time.  Yes, this has come strong and failed hard in the past.  But, that's when I saw the 5 people (who actually read my posts), at least once a week.  Now, I may not get to chat by phone even once a week.  I will give it my all, to keep you five updated on our dailies here as Minnesotans.  Minnesotans.  Yep, I guess that's who we are now. 

A tid of what our camper living was like:

 a tiny tub = lots of fun