Tuesday, December 28, 2010

The Year End Truth of It

As the end of the year looms closer, I feel like I should do something to wrap it up in style.

This blog has been up since September and what it has accomplished already, kind of makes my head spin. I've said that this blog was not my idea. It was something that made my blood pressure go up, just thinking about it. In order for it to work, I had to be more open that I really like to be. But, God has blessed me with it. I feel like I've gotten more from sharing my heart and from collecting the brilliance and hearts of others...Thank YOU for being a part of this!

I hope that you all continue to be involved and that we can, together, reach out to those who need and want the cameraderie that this forum could allow us to have. I know that I treasure the gift of fellowship, of community, of the sense of a secret society...of knowing that I am not alone.

In conclusion, I'd like to share a quote from a movie, that I think sums up a lot in just a few words:

"You are what I never knew I always wanted." ~ Fools Rush In

I am sure that virtually every single one of you who has children with special needs, whatever they are, can relate to this. The battles are difficult, but the rewards are sweeter than we ever dreamed.




Thursday, December 23, 2010

The BIG FAT WINNER of the Twelve Days of Christmas!!!



The Winner of the Twelfth Day of Christmas is Kimberly Sarff. Wear that amazing charm, proudly!!! Celebrate what it symbolizes!!


For those who have been curious about the winners and how they were selected, here is the how and the final list.


I used http://www.random.org/ to pick each of the winners for each of the Twelve Days of Christmas. So I couldn't be accused of picking buddies or anything. I posted the winning numbers over on the Facebook pages of both Just a Little Bit Downsy and Band of Angels.


The list of Winners:
1. Kim Wonnacott-Reynolds
2. April Nisly
3. Lynn Wyche Dotson
4. Heather Parton Berger
5. "Dreaming" Cyndi
6. "Dreamer 13"Karli
7. Erica Allen
8. Melissa of http://www.gardenofmyheart.wordpress.com/
9. Deborah of http://www.sunflowermom.blogspot.com/
10. Carrie Timmermon
11.Gina Carrera
12.Kimberly Sarff

Congratulations, again, to all the winners!!! I think I was as excited handing them out as you were getting them!!


I messaged them or emailed them to alert them of their winnings and passed their information on to Cynthia and/or Liz of Band of Angels and they will be sending them their goodies....


So there you have it. THANK YOU for playing along and making this SOOOO successful!!! 321 entries...Woah, Baby!!


I hope that you will continue to be involved with Just a Little Bit Downsy and Band of Angels...we both try to offer support, try to answer questions, and make our "club" as close as possible. We are resources, use us and give us information to share.


I hope to have 1 or 2 guest posters on each month to share other perspectives...and to let others know "You Are Not Alone!" I am always looking for books, news tidbits, and people who could use a little help or a bloggy hug...or even questions that I can answer, for "us" or "them"...Please don't hesitate to contact me for any reason. underwater9800@gmail.com


Merry Christmas!!!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas Band of Angels Gave to Me a Halo with a Twist

Whether you believe your beloveds with that bonus chromosome are angels or they just bring you close enough to hear the angels' laughter, today's mind blowing giveaway is more than appropriate!

Today, on the Twelfth and "final" Day of Christmas, Band of Angels is giving away a Halo with a Twist Charm!!! Isn't it absolutely gorgeous?!?! Don't you absolutely want it??? ENTER TO WIN IT!!!

For a Bonus Entry for the 12th Day Biggie!! If you "Fan"ed/"Liked"/followed Band of Angels or Just a Little Bit Downsy because of the giveaways and liked them so much you plan to stay with one or both, please send me an email at underwater9800@gmail.com with the subject line "Liking and Staying".

If you did some or all of the below entries, RE-STATE them today!!!!!!!

And the other ways to enter:
1) JUST COMMENT!! :) (Here or on Band of Angels or Just a Little Bit Downsy's Facebook pages!)
2) Fan (or Like) Band of Angels on Facebook and comment here* that you did/have
3) Follow Band of Angels' Blog and comment here that you did/have
4) Fan (or Like) Just a Little Bit Downsy on Facebook and comment here* that you did/have
5) Follow the Just a Little Bit Downsy blog and comment here* that you did/have
6) Paste Band of Angels' Blog Button (bottom of the sidebar) on your blog and comment here* that you did, with your URL
7) Paste a link to this giveaway on your blog or Facebook or somewhere else on the internet and paste that link here* in a comment
8) Paste the Just a Little Bit Downsy Blog Button (top of my sidebar) on your blog and comment here* that you did, with your URL


*It has come to my attention, that Blogger will not allow all identities...so if your particular ID will not allow you to comment on this blog, you may either comment on the Just a Little Bit Downsy's Facebook page (the badge on the sidebar will link you right there!) on the alert for the day's giveaway or you may email me your entries (underwater9800@gmail.com). Make sure that if you email them, that you put which day of Christmas you are entering as the subject line and who you are and your entries IN the email!

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas Band of Angels Gave to Me a Set of Christmas Favorite Cards

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas Band of Angels gave to me a beautiful set of Christmas Favorites Cards. Actually this is a set you can customize! Because we're cool like that!! HA!

There are two images and you can choose all of one or 6 of each...or whatever combo you'd like for 12 cards.

The card options:


Snowflake Cookies



Holiday Fun

Aren't they ADORABLE!!! It'd make you thankful that you are running behind on your Christmas card sending, wouldn't it, now?? :)

Keep in mind tomorrow is the Twelfth Day of Christmas so MAKE SURE YOU ARE ENTERED!!!

Bonus Entry Today for the 12th Day Biggie!! If you "Fan"ed/"Liked"/followed Band of Angels or Just a Little Bit Downsy because of the giveaways and liked them so much you plan to stay with one or both, please send me an email at underwater9800@gmail.com with the subject line "Liking and Staying".

And the ways to enter:

1) JUST COMMENT!! :) (Here or on Band of Angels or Just a Little Bit Downsy's Facebook pages!)

2) Fan (or Like) Band of Angels on Facebook and comment here* that you did/have

3) Follow Band of Angels' Blog and comment here that you did/have

4) Fan (or Like) Just a Little Bit Downsy on Facebook and comment here* that you did/have

5) Follow the Just a Little Bit Downsy blog and comment here* that you did/have

6) Paste Band of Angels' Blog Button (bottom of the sidebar) on your blog and comment here* that you did, with your URL

7) Paste a link to this giveaway on your blog or Facebook or somewhere else on the internet and paste that link here* in a comment

8) Paste the Just a Little Bit Downsy Blog Button (top of my sidebar) on your blog and comment here* that you did, with your URL

Tell your friends!And yes, if you did all the entries on a previous entry, you can state them again for this giveaway, too.

And don't forget to enter for the Biggie on The Twelfth Day of Christmas!!! Here!! (Every entry on any of the other Days of Christmas gets you an extra entry!!)


*It has come to my attention, that Blogger will not allow all identities...so if your particular ID will not allow you to comment on this blog, you may either comment on the Just a Little Bit Downsy's Facebook page (the badge on the sidebar will link you right there!) on the alert for the day's giveaway or you may email me your entries (underwater9800@gmail.com). Make sure that if you email them, that you put which day of Christmas you are entering as the subject line and who you are and your entries IN the email!

Monday, December 20, 2010

More Musical Mulling

I have been mulling this one over for almost a month...trying to figure out how to say it and make you realize that I am really not being negative!!!

When I was little, music was my absolute life. I listened to music completely non-stop. If I had my way, my record player was never silent. I sang my daily requests to my mother, "Can I have grilled chee---ese for luuuuunch?"I had big dreams of trying to make a profession of it when I was an ancient 15 year old. And again, my tape player was never silent. In college I realized that I only had a medium-ish voice and that I would be much more successful in teaching or one of the therapy fields...And my CD player was never silent.

I listened to folk, classical, blues, rock, alternative, punk, jazz, yodeling nights on NPR, and even had a brief flirtation with rap...I discovered Country music about 2 years before I had Elise...and when I got pregnant with her, story songs were a very common thing for the country music stars to do...I boo-hoo-ed over these story songs...so constantly that I cut myself off...

When I had Elise, I fairly abruptly stopped singing my way to work...mind you, I listened to it...and it was like therapy running over my head...but I found my life and our now uncertain future (like we had any certainty before-hand?) very heavy...and it had weighed me down so much that I didn't have the energy to sing...

When we met Elise's open-heart surgery head on, my speakers in my Camry blew...randomly, with no warning and for absolutely no reason. I was astonished...and somewhat relieved. It was not fixed...we didn't have the money and the Camry had far bigger problems than the speakers...and we weren't sure it would even be worth it to fix them...

The peace in my car allowed me to chat with my baby girl to and from work. After her surgery she was not allowed to return to the daycare that she and my son had been attending, and a friend who lived (miraculously) 5 minutes from my school was able to watch her for me...

Then we had to watch the cancer coming...and then deal with the treatment...and on the times I drove my husband's car, I would turn on the radio and RANKLE under the songs...the insipid words and the unreasonable values they celebrated...the pointlessness that chirped from those speakers as we were fighting for our baby's LIFE...and I turned it off voluntarily...and listened to the wind whistling by my open windows...and was at peace.

After she had come home healed and whole, and I finally got a new vehicle, I listened to an excess of children's music...and occasionally listened to country...which was the only music I could suffer for years...the songs may still twang a bit for some folks, but as a whole, it celebrates common life...love, family, struggles...the little stuff that is really the Big Stuff...

Elise LOVES music and it was one of my posts for her "31 for 21" in October.

It is interesting how this all happened...I mean, I still love music. It still moves me. As a matter of fact, I am doing a Christmas Carol each day leading up to Christmas over on my personal blog, Sticky Elephants...but I hear more... Elise has sharpened my awareness on many levels...I wrote about smell last month...It appears that I may have to hit the others of the 5 senses... I'm teasing...but seriously, how I hear music has changed for me.

I have a hard time listening to songs that value the "wrong" things. I get absurdly moved when I find a song that celebrates life or the little things that I actually see...the things that got lost before I had to look for things to celebrate...health, mini miracles, answered prayers, "normal, boring" life. I got treated to Elise singing "Ave Maria" last night with Josh Groban, and about wrecked the car from crying over the purity and joy of the song...

I have heard a quote that said being a mother was "like taking your heart out of your chest and watching it walk around"...for me...my music runs around along with my heart...Elise houses the music of my life...I think it makes me appreciate and enjoy it more. One more way I feel that I get to experience the "More" with that bonus chromosome...sometimes I wonder if that extra 21st affects me and our family more than it actually impacts her...and I am Thankful for the "More" in our lives....Really.

On the Tenth Day of Christmas Band of Angels Gave to Me a "1 in 800" T-Shirt!!

On the Tenth Day of Christmas Band of Angels gave to me a "1 in 800" Down Syndrome Awareness T-Shirt!!

Oh, I love this one!! For the same reason I liked the Autism Awareness shirt, the "1 in 150"...The graphics are amazing and edgy...and they bring to the attention the fact that Down Syndrome is not something that we are ashamed of and that we ARE NOT ALONE...

Win this, or (go buy it !) and start some conversations!!! And look super sharp while you're doing it!!

Bonus Entry Today for the 12th Day Biggie!! If you "Fan"ed/"Liked"/followed Band of Angels or Just a Little Bit Downsy because of the giveaways and liked them so much you plan to stay with one or both, please send me an email at underwater9800@gmail.com with the subject line "Liking and Staying".

And the ways to enter:

1) JUST COMMENT!! :) (Here or on Band of Angels or Just a Little Bit Downsy's Facebook pages!)

2) Fan (or Like) Band of Angels on Facebook and comment here* that you did/have

3) Follow Band of Angels' Blog and comment here that you did/have

4) Fan (or Like) Just a Little Bit Downsy on Facebook and comment here* that you did/have

5) Follow the Just a Little Bit Downsy blog and comment here* that you did/have

6) Paste Band of Angels' Blog Button (bottom of the sidebar) on your blog and comment here* that you did, with your URL

7) Paste a link to this giveaway on your blog or Facebook or somewhere else on the internet and paste that link here* in a comment

8) Paste the Just a Little Bit Downsy Blog Button (top of my sidebar) on your blog and comment here* that you did, with your URL

Tell your friends!

And yes, if you did all the entries on a previous entry, you can state them again for this giveaway, too.

And don't forget to enter for the Biggie on The Twelfth Day of Christmas!!! Here!! (Every entry on any of the other Days of Christmas gets you an extra entry!!)


*It has come to my attention, that Blogger will not allow all identities...so if your particular ID will not allow you to comment on this blog, you may either comment on the Just a Little Bit Downsy's Facebook page (the badge on the sidebar will link you right there!) on the alert for the day's giveaway or you may email me your entries (underwater9800@gmail.com). Make sure that if you email them, that you put which day of Christmas you are entering as the subject line and who you are and your entries IN the email!

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Ninth Day of Christmas Band of Angels Gave to Me a "My Baby Can! Calendar"

On the ninth Day of Christmas Band of Angels gave to me a My Baby Can! Calendar!!

Oh, I SO wish they had had this one when Elise was a baby!!! This is a celebration of the usual milestones and more than that, too! So, UNlike my regular baby book calendar, whose milestone page BLANK for almost 2 years...you have stickers of celebration and information to fill out regularly!! Plus, it's super cute!!!

If you have a new baby, this is a MUST (second only to the Common Threads book, in my humble opinion). If you know of a new baby, this would be an amazing gift! Really, get the word out and get the celebrating started!!!!!

And the ways to enter:
1) JUST COMMENT!! :) (Here or on Band of Angels or Just a Little Bit Downsy's Facebook pages!)
2) Fan (or Like) Band of Angels on Facebook and comment here* that you did/have
3) Follow Band of Angels' Blog and comment here that you did/have
4) Fan (or Like) Just a Little Bit Downsy on Facebook and comment here* that you did/have
5) Follow the Just a Little Bit Downsy blog and comment here* that you did/have
6) Paste Band of Angels' Blog Button (bottom of the sidebar) on your blog and comment here* that you did, with your URL
7) Paste a link to this giveaway on your blog or Facebook or somewhere else on the internet and paste that link here* in a comment
8) Paste the Just a Little Bit Downsy Blog Button (top of my sidebar) on your blog and comment here* that you did, with your URL

Tell your friends! And yes, if you did all the entries on a previous entry, you can state them again for this giveaway, too.
And don't forget to enter for the Biggie on The Twelfth Day of Christmas!!! Here!! (Every entry on any of the other Days of Christmas gets you an extra entry!!)

*It has come to my attention, that Blogger will not allow all identities...so if your particular ID will not allow you to comment on this blog, you may either comment on the Just a Little Bit Downsy's Facebook page (the badge on the sidebar will link you right there!) on the alert for the day's giveaway or you may email me your entries (underwater9800@gmail.com). Make sure that if you email them, that you put which day of Christmas you are entering as the subject line and who you are and your entries IN the email!

Friday, December 17, 2010

Lost winner!

Dreaming...you won the 5th Day of Christmas card set...and I can't seem to contact you...please email me at underwater9800@gmail.com!!!!

On the Eighth Day of Christmas Band of Angels Gave to Me a Common Threads Hardcover Book!

On the Eighth Day of Christmas Band of Angels gave to me a Hardcover Common Threads book, SIGNED by the incomparable authors!!! Again, and over and over, the hope and joy that this book contains is just amazing!! I adore it...and it is a beautitful celebration of life that is fitting for any coffee table whether you have a beloved someone with the bonus 21st chromosome of not!!

Oh, and because I'd like to get the to the 12th day of Christmas up before everyone starts running insane, I am going to be doing a giveaway on Saturaday and Sunday AND because of the CRAZiness of this weekend, I am going to draw for all 3 days on Monday morning!! SO GET THOSE ENTRIES IN!!!!

And the ways to enter:
1) JUST COMMENT!! :) (Here or on Band of Angels or Just a Little Bit Downsy's Facebook pages!)
2) Fan (or Like) Band of Angels on Facebook and comment here* that you did/have
3) Follow Band of Angels' Blog and comment here that you did/have
4) Fan (or Like) Just a Little Bit Downsy on Facebook and comment here* that you did/have
5) Follow the Just a Little Bit Downsy blog and comment here* that you did/have
6) Paste Band of Angels' Blog Button (bottom of the sidebar) on your blog and comment here* that you did, with your URL
7) Paste a link to this giveaway on your blog or Facebook or somewhere else on the internet and paste that link here* in a comment
8) Paste the Just a Little Bit Downsy Blog Button (top of my sidebar) on your blog and comment here* that you did, with your URL

Tell your friends! And yes, if you did all the entries on a previous entry, you can state them again for this giveaway, too.

And don't forget to enter for the Biggie on The Twelfth Day of Christmas!!! Here!! (Every entry on any of the other Days of Christmas gets you an extra entry!!)

*It has come to my attention, that Blogger will not allow all identities...so if your particular ID will not allow you to comment on this blog, you may either comment on the Just a Little Bit Downsy's Facebook page (the badge on the sidebar will link you right there!) on the alert for the day's giveaway or you may email me your entries (underwater9800@gmail.com). Make sure that if you email them, that you put which day of Christmas you are entering as the subject line and who you are and your entries IN the email!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

On the Seventh Day of Christmas Band of Angels Gave to Me a Life Links Bracelet!!

On the Seventh Day of Christmas Band of Angels gave to me a LifeLinks Bracelet with Halo in pink or black!!! This is SO cool!!! I am dying for one, myself...and at $14.99, it is totally affordable!! And something even snobby tweens and teens would wear!

Enter today for a chance to win this stylin' bracelet and to get an extra entry for the fabulous Biggie giveaway on the "Twelfth Day!"

And the ways to enter:
1) JUST COMMENT!! :)
2) Fan (or Like) Band of Angels on Facebook and comment here* that you did/have
3) Follow Band of Angels' Blog and comment here that you did/have
4) Fan (or Like) Just a Little Bit Downsy on Facebook and comment here* that you did/have
5) Follow the Just a Little Bit Downsy blog and comment here* that you did/have
6) Paste Band of Angels' Blog Button (bottom of the sidebar) on your blog and comment here* that you did, with your URL
7) Paste a link to this giveaway on your blog or Facebook or somewhere else on the internet and paste that link here* in a comment
8) Paste the Just a Little Bit Downsy Blog Button (top of my sidebar) on your blog and comment here* that you did, with your URL

Tell your friends! And yes, if you did all the entries on a previous entry, you can state them again for this giveaway, too.

And don't forget to enter for the Biggie on The Twelfth Day of Christmas!!! Here!! (Every entry on any of the other Days of Christmas gets you an extra entry!!)

*It has come to my attention, that Blogger will not allow all identities...so if your particular ID will not allow you to comment on this blog, you may either comment on the Just a Little Bit Downsy's Facebook page (the badge on the sidebar will link you right there!) on the alert for the day's giveaway or you may email me your entries (underwater9800@gmail.com). Make sure that if you email them, that you put which day of Christmas you are entering as the subject line and who you are and your entries IN the email!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

On the Sixth Day of Christmas Band of Angels Gave to Me OPTIONS!

The Sixth Day of Christmas giveaway is a another card set! You can choose if you want the Boys with Toys or the Girls being Girls...Until I decided to add an option for the 5th day of Christmas, I didn't know how I was going to be able to offer these two beautiful sets without leaving somebody out! BUT, now I know....CHOICES!!

One of the ideas in the Birthday Cards description was invitations, and wouldn't both of these sets be adorable invitations?? Or "Welcome to the Club" cards?? So many great ideas!! Or as I suggested yesterday, mat these babies and decorate your sweetie's room...Such great options!! Enter!!

And the ways to enter:
1) JUST COMMENT!! :)
2) Fan Band of Angels on Facebook and comment here* that you did/have
3) Follow Band of Angels' Blog and comment here that you did/have
4) Fan Just a Little Bit Downsy on Facebook and comment here* that you did/have
5) Follow the Just a Little Bit Downsy blog and comment here* that you did/have
6) Paste Band of Angels' Blog Button (bottom of the sidebar) on your blog and comment here* that you did, with your URL
7) Paste a link to this giveaway on your blog or Facebook or somewhere else on the internet and paste that link here* in a comment
8) Paste the Just a Little Bit Downsy Blog Button (top of my sidebar) on your blog and comment here* that you did, with your URL

Tell your friends! And yes, if you did all the entries on a previous entry, you can state them again for this giveaway, too.

And don't forget to enter for the Biggie on The Twelfth Day of Christmas!!! Here!!

*It has come to my attention, that Blogger will not allow all identities...so if your particular ID will not allow you to comment on this blog, you may either comment on the Just a Little Bit Downsy's Facebook page (the badge on the sidebar will link you right there!) on the alert for the day's giveaway or you may email me your entries (underwater9800@gmail.com). Make sure that if you email them, that you put which day of Christmas you are entering as the subject line and who you are and your entries IN the email!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

On the Fifth Day of Christmas Band of Angels Gave to Me a Set of Black and White Friendship cards

I love all the card sets!! They are all beautiful and such great cards to send notes to friends...These are the kind of cards that I save and keep for special occasions and then can't send them and keep them just to look at...yes, I'm that girl! Hopefully YOU will use them more wisely! The Fifth Day of Christmas giveaway is a Set of Black and White Friendship cards!

Since I'm not getting any bites today, I'm changing it up a bit! You can choose if you want the Friendship Cards or the Birthday Cards and I'm going to extend this particular giveaway until midnight, tonight...

When Elise gets her own room, I plan to frame a card set and old calendar pages for her room decorations...but right now, there are a lot of other things smiling down at her and her sister...and Amelia does not like change and cannot be budged, right now...

And the ways to enter:
1) JUST COMMENT!! :)
2) Fan Band of Angels on Facebook and comment here* that you did/have
3) Follow Band of Angels' Blog and comment here that you did/have
4) Fan Just a Little Bit Downsy on Facebook and comment here* that you did/have
5) Follow the Just a Little Bit Downsy blog and comment here* that you did/have
6) Paste Band of Angels' Blog Button (bottom of the sidebar) on your blog and comment here* that you did, with your URL
7) Paste a link to this giveaway on your blog or Facebook or somewhere else on the internet and paste that link here* in a comment
8) Paste the Just a Little Bit Downsy Blog Button (top of my sidebar) on your blog and comment here* that you did, with your URL

Tell your friends!And yes, if you did all the entries on a previous entry, you can state them again for this giveaway, too. And don't forget to enter for the Biggie on The Twelfth Day of Christmas!!! Here!!*It has come to my attention, that Blogger will not allow all identities...so if your particular ID will not allow you to comment on this blog, you may either comment on the Just a Little Bit Downsy's Facebook page (the badge on the sidebar will link you right there!) on the alert for the day's giveaway or you may email me your entries (underwater9800@gmail.com). Make sure that if you email them, that you put which day of Christmas you are entering as the subject line and who you are and your entries IN the email!

Monday, December 13, 2010

On the Fourth Day of Christmas Band of Angels Gave to Me a 2011 I Am Beautiful Calendar!!

Today's giveaway is the 2011 I Am Beautiful Calendar. EEEEE!!!! This was the first reason I fell in love with Band of Angels!! It is practical and beautiful!!! This year's also has some support and bonuses, too. I truly love it... You NEED this one, really! :) ENTER!!!!!

And the ways to enter:
1) JUST COMMENT!! :)
2) Fan Band of Angels on Facebook and comment here* that you did/have
3) Follow Band of Angels' Blog and comment here that you did/have
4) Fan Just a Little Bit Downsy on Facebook and comment here* that you did/have
5) Follow the Just a Little Bit Downsy blog and comment here* that you did/have
6) Paste Band of Angels' Blog Button (bottom of the sidebar) on your blog and comment here* that you did, with your URL
7) Paste a link to this giveaway on your blog or Facebook or somewhere else on the internet and paste that link here* in a comment
8) Paste the Just a Little Bit Downsy Blog Button (top of my sidebar) on your blog and comment here* that you did, with your URL Tell your friends!And yes, if you did all the entries on a previous entry, you can state them again for this giveaway, too.

And don't forget to enter for the Biggie on The Twelfth Day of Christmas!!! Here!!

*It has come to my attention, that Blogger will not allow all identities...so if your particular ID will not allow you to comment on this blog, or you are not a "bloggy person" you may either comment on the Just a Little Bit Downsy's Facebook page (the badge on the sidebar will link you right there!) on the alert for the day's giveaway or you may email me your entries (underwater9800@gmail.com). Make sure that if you email them, that you put which day of Christmas you are entering as the subject line and who you are and your entries IN the email!

Friday, December 10, 2010

On the Third Day of Christmas Band of Angels Gave to me a really cool"1 in 150" T-Shirt

It's going to be a little trickier today. A LOT more responsibility gets placed on you readers!!! I know A LOT of places to post up information for parents of kids with Down Syndrome. I will be hunting to post up information for parents with kids with Autism....so you are going to have to REALLY tell your friends!!

For the Third Day of Christmas, Band of Angels is giving away an Autism Awareness T-shirt. One of the "1 in 150" shirts. I have to say I love the graphics and they are a really cool shirt! I think this will really get people to ask and help people know that it is a common struggle. I hope you'll enter and make sure your friends know about it!!!

To make sure that you have enough time, the "Third Day" giveaway will run through Sunday night. So get the word out there!!!

I will up the ante a little today and if you tell your friends and they email me (underwater9800 at gmail.com) and tell me that you did, I will give you an extra entry.

And the ways to enter:
1) JUST COMMENT!! :)
2) Fan Band of Angels on Facebook and comment here* that you did/have
3) Follow Band of Angels' Blog and comment here that you did/have
4) Fan Just a Little Bit Downsy on Facebook and comment here* that you did/have
5) Follow the Just a Little Bit Downsy blog and comment here* that you did/have
6) Paste Band of Angels' Blog Button (bottom of the sidebar) on your blog and comment here* that you did, with your URL
7) Paste a link to this giveaway on your blog or Facebook or somewhere else on the internet and paste that link here* in a comment
8) Paste the Just a Little Bit Downsy Blog Button (top of my sidebar) on your blog and comment here* that you did, with your URL Tell your friends!

And yes, if you did all the entries on a previous entry, you can state them again for this giveaway, too. And don't forget to enter for the Biggie on The Twelfth Day of Christmas!!! Here!!

*It has come to my attention, that Blogger will not allow all identities...so if your particular ID will not allow you to comment on this blog, you may either comment on the Just a Little Bit Downsy's Facebook page (the badge on the sidebar will link you right there!) on the alert for the day's giveaway or you may email me your entries (underwater9800@gmail.com). Make sure that if you email them, that you put which day of Christmas you are entering as the subject line and who you are and your entries IN the email!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Secrets of the Band of Angels Website

I've said how much I love this company, their products and their values...well, it just keeps getting better...I have been treasure-hunting their website feeling like a regular Indiana Jones!! And I thought that if I have allowed all these treasures to pass me by, perhaps others have missed these secrets, too.

Well, NO MORE! Here are some of the coolest spots (in my very humble opinion) that Band of Angels has to offer!

They have a brothers and sisters section. I was MOST excited about this particular gem. I have only one child with Down Syndrome. And I have three other children. I am their mother too...and I love them and hope and pray that I mother them properly and meet their needs. I also pray that the "extra" that Elise brings to our family is a blessing and grows them, instead of causing them to feel like less because I neglect them in meeting their sister's significant needs. I obsess over this sometimes...and have craved the perspective of siblings... (As a matter of fact, I freaked out a fraternity brother of my husband, hunting him down and begging him to be a guest blogger...he did say yes, and he'll go up in January. Which is when I hope to have 2-4 guest bloggers on Fridays each month...as usual, if you are interested, give me a shout!) BUT I am SO excited that Harper Kidder decided to make his mark on the community, reminding us that the siblings of kids with special needs have special needs of their own, with all the extra that they have to deal with...and what a blessing to see the joy that they "catch" from their brothers or sisters, with Down Syndrome, in this case...

They have a blog! Totally didn't know this either! This blog posts what activities the company is involved in supporting, the opportunities they are offering or making, their new products, sales, and product spotlights. It's really cool. I am constantly impressed how open this company is with their opportunities, their giving, and their mission. I have not found one single thing that makes me raise my moral eyebrows...and nowadays that is harder and harder to come by!

They have a Bike Camp for kids with special needs, it originated for kids with Downs, but I found several sites where they linked up with other organizations focused on Autism, and other groups. It's a simple need that they acted on. Many of us take for granted the childhood "right" to riding a bike. Many, if not most, kids with profound physical and mental involvement truly struggle to ride a bike, if they are even offered the attempt. The Band of Angels Bike Camp, set out to make this "rite of childhood" available to kids and even adults with Down Syndrome...opening it to other special needs as well. They boast an amazing success rate for confidence and independence!

Finally, I'll brag on their opportunities...they don't just act on their own...they encourage YOU to make a difference! They have specific outreach programs for you to act on. They list them all out and tell you what you can do to encourage and support each one!! You can donate toward specific missions and know that you are truly making a difference...and you are encouraging the JOY in someone else's life!

SO, if you go find any jewels that I should have put up...comment here or on the link and I'll totally give you an extra entry for each goody you share, on the Twelfth Day Biggie , the Halo with a Twist charm!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

On the Second Day of Christmas Band of Angels Gave to Me, A Paperback "Common Threads" Book

I will contact the winner of the First Day of Christmas in the morning and post it then.

On the second day of Christmas Band of Angels gave to me, a paperback copy of their amazing Common Threads book.

Okay. This is my heart I'm putting out here for the next giveaway. It I don't get a million entries. I will cry. I will. Totally!

This is the book that changed my perspective on my sweet baby girl and I know that it will change your perspective! Everyone who reads it will have their eyes opened to the beauty around them! It is more than a beautiful book of photos. It is more than a stellar coffee table book. It is a pathway to understanding the same-ness of us all.

And the ways to enter:
1) JUST COMMENT!! :)
2) Fan Band of Angels on Facebook and comment here* that you did/have
3) Follow Band of Angels' Blog and comment here that you did/have
4) Fan Just a Little Bit Downsy on Facebook and comment here* that you did/have
5) Follow the Just a Little Bit Downsy blog and comment here* that you did/have
6) Paste Band of Angels' Blog Button (bottom of the sidebar) on your blog and comment here* that you did, with your URL
7) Paste a link to this giveaway on your blog or Facebook or somewhere else on the internet and paste that link here* in a comment
8) Paste the Just a Little Bit Downsy Blog Button (top of my sidebar) on your blog and comment here* that you did, with your URL

Tell your friends! And yes, if you did all the entries on a previous entry, you can state them again for this giveaway, too.

And don't forget to enter for the Biggie on The Twelfth Day of Christmas!!! Here!!

*It has come to my attention, that Blogger will not allow all identities...so if your particular ID will not allow you to comment on this blog, you may either comment on the Just a Little Bit Downsy's Facebook page (the badge on the sidebar will link you right there!) on the alert for the day's giveaway or you may email me your entries (underwater9800@gmail.com). Make sure that if you email them, that you put which day of Christmas you are entering as the subject line and who you are and your entries IN the email!

My Article...in real life...

I got published! It's not really a huge deal for anyone but me. I was asked by a school my husband is on the board of to do one of the articles for their bi-monthly column. I was excited to say yes, and this is what came out. I got the electronic version today...and decided to post it here tonight for those who won't get the little local flier mag in their mailbox. It was just cool to see it...I tried to be practical and write something useful...so I hope it blesses someone! :)

AroundAbout Cumming Magazine:

Autism Talk
By Tiffany

Do you want to be the object of good cheer this holiday season? If you have a friend that has a child with special needs, I can let you in on a few secrets (from personal experience!) on how to bless them and give them the gift of peace this year.

Remind your friends that you like them independent of their parenting position. Oftentimes, we get so overrun with the care of our child that we forget to take care of ourselves and that we have a separate identity. Schedule coffee or a low pressure shopping day with your friend or bring outside to them. Bring a movie, fun drink,bright wrapping paper with “real” bows, and old Christmas cards or card stock to make gift labels…the togetherness of doing something fun and cheery can bring a sense of rapport outside of the nitty-gritty of everyday.

There are many holiday parties, shopping, and cooking days left in the year. As a parent of a child with special needs, I know firsthand how difficult it is to get these things done and, even more, how very difficult it is to hire a babysitter. The complexity of finding a babysitter that we trust and is available, is above and beyond simply finding an available teen. We need someone who is equal to and aware of the safety issues our situation necessitates. Most of us would feel comfortable with a “regular” adult, but because we know that you are busy during this season, we will, in all likelihood, refrain from asking you. But we would be thrilled to accept your offer.

Many churches have programs and support already set up, with a special class for those with special needs or simply an available shadow to assist your child in a regular class. If your church does not, now might be the time to set up an “As Needed” program. Having about 10 to 12 people, who would be willing to commit a Sunday of their time once a quarter or 2 or 3 times a year, would be an excellent start. Put a sign-upopportunity in your bulletin, and certainly include the youth. High school and college aged young people will be equal to the task in most situations, as long as you have them in a “shadow” position, they have an idea of what is expected, and who to contact in an emergency. If you have an “On Call” Sunday schedule, and the rotation does not “expect” the same people every week, the response is typically very positive. The ability to worship without the constant pressure of being permanently “on” for my own child is such a respite and a gift that cannot be equaled by anything you could wrap up with a bow.

The ideas shared are not just for this busy holiday season. Simply take out the holiday and add the everyday friendship-you will certainly be helping your friend in more ways than you ever expected.

For more practical ideas, read Same Lake, Different Boat: Coming Alongside People Touched By Disability by Stephanie O. Hubach.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

The "Biggie" or The 12th Day of Christmas!

Okay, I've been just a tiny bit vague, but I promised a BIGGIE giveaway. On the Twelfth Day of Christmas Band of Angels will give to me, a "Sterling Silver Halo with a Twist": Signature Band of Angels jewelry that celebrates the uniqueness in every child"!...yes, I really said that. I know, my mouth totally fell open, too!!!

It will be the final giveaway...and I will post the official 12th day date as soon as possible!

And, of course, the ways to enter:

1) JUST COMMENT! :)

2) Fan Band of Angels on Facebook and comment here* that you did/have

3) Follow Band of Angels' Blog and comment here* that you did/have

4) Fan Just a Little Bit Downsy on Facebook and comment here* that you did/have

5) Follow the Just a Little Bit Downsy blog and comment here* that you did/have

6) Paste Band of Angels' Blog Button (bottom of the sidebar) on your blog and comment here* that you did, with your URL

7) Paste a link to this giveaway on your blog or Facebook or somewhere else on the internet and paste that link here* in a comment

8) Paste the Just a Little Bit Downsy Blog Button (top of my sidebar) on your blog and comment here* that you did, with your URL

9) You get a extra entry for every entry on every other day of the 12 Days of Christmas giveaways...SO ENTER THEM ALL!!!

10) If you place an order with Band of Angels and post your order number, you will get five extra entries...(I admit, I am still waiting on the official okay on this one! But go for it for now...you may have to send it to me privately, we'll see...)

11) AND come over here* and post Once(Yes, you will be checked!!) EVERY DAY for a freebie entry...really, just post that you really, Really want it!!!! And you are entered! :)

*It has come to my attention, that Blogger will not allow all identities...so if your particular ID will not allow you to comment on this blog, you may either comment on the Just a Little Bit Downsy's Facebook page (the badge on the side-bar will link you right there!) on the alert for the day's giveaway or you may email (underwater9800@gmail.com) me your entries. Make sure that if you email them, that you put which day of Christmas you are entering as the subject line and you put who you are and what your entries are IN the email!

Monday, December 6, 2010

The First Day of Christmas Band of Angels Gave to Me

On the First Day of Christmas Band of Angels Gave to Me:

a Hi, I'm Ben book

I decided to start the giveaway with this book...If you want something that makes starting the conversation with your kids about a special needs (and especially Down Syndrome) easy, this is certainly the book!

It is beautiful to look at and powerful because it's focus is that this boy is just the same interests, activities, and hopes as the readers...he just has Down Syndrome...

This is an excellent way to start talking to your kids about how to talk to others with special needs...and how to be their friends! Or if you have a child with Down Syndrome, this is something that might be nice to have on hand when family or friends start asking questions.

If you don't win this, I really recommend adding this to your personal library, or even buying it and donating to your local libray to touch even more lives! It is a kids' book with a surprising impact on your perspective!!


And the ways to enter:

1) JUST COMMENT!! :)

2) Fan Band of Angels on Facebook and comment here* that you did/have

3) Follow Band of Angels' Blog and comment here that you did/have

4) Fan Just a Little Bit Downsy on Facebook and comment here* that you did/have

5) Follow the Just a Little Bit Downsy blog and comment here* that you did/have

6) Paste Band of Angels' Blog Button (bottom of the sidebar) on your blog and comment here* that you did, with your URL

7) Paste a link to this giveaway on your blog or Facebook or somewhere else on the internet and paste that link here* in a comment

8) Paste the Just a Little Bit Downsy Blog Button (top of my sidebar) on your blog and comment here* that you did, with your URL

Good Luck!! Get the word out! I let you know what the Biggie will be tonight...you will get to enter the original 7 ways and then again each day for it...PLUS, add an entry if you order from this incredible company! :)

*It has come to my attention, that Blogger will not allow all identities...so if your particular ID will not allow you to comment on this blog, you may either comment on the Just a Little Bit Downsy's Facebook page (the badge on the sidebar will link you right there!) on the alert for the day's giveaway or you may email me your entries (underwater9800@gmail.com). Make sure that if you email them, that you put which day of Christmas you are entering as the subject line and who you are and your entries IN the email!

Saturday, December 4, 2010

My Love Affair with Band of Angels

There is always a something that you can put your finger on, that started a change of perspective. For me, Band of Angels was one of those.

When Elise was born, as I've said. We were surprised. We went through some of the adjustments super quick. We knew that there would be some changes to our life with the addition of the Bonus Chromosome on 21. I doubt either of us realized how much. But we made a very deliberate choice early on, that she was still our daughter, still our baby, and still should be celebrated, regardless of everyone else's reaction. So we did.

But the information available to us was still fairly limited, and still VERY negative.

The generation of the 70's and 80's brought these kids out of the institutions, to be sure. The information wasn't all negative, there were huge strides in science, and they fought us out into the light and the general population. But there was a distinct lack of celebration...they had spent all their time fighting that it was all facts and little happiness. I believe the end of the 80's and 90's brought the normalcy and some joy. I hope that the 90's and 2000's will bring more hope and joy.

I was a 7th grade Social Studies/inclusion teacher when we had Elise. And the school I worked at was mind-blowingly supportive and positive. I can still never thank them enough. The administration allowed me to do some of my professional development hours in research about Down Syndrome. I wrote up a lot of information about their health, mental expectations, and some educational opportunities...and I soaked in everything I could find...

In the HOURS (weeks...months..) I spent immersed in the internet, I stumbled on to the Band of Angels website. I bought an old calendar for my heart...and then a current one...and then the Common Threads book and bawled my eyes out. It was so beautiful and so celebratory. And it felt like it was the first thing that said that my life was not only going to be okay, but it would be beautiful and joyful...and that I had every reason to be proud of my gorgeous pocket-sized baby....which was the first time that I could truly say that someone other than me didn't think I was delusional, in denial, or emotionally cracked for seeing how pretty my tilt-y eyed baby really was.

The calendars and the Common Threads books featured exquisite pictures done of gorgeous tilt-y eyed children all in black and white and hand tinted...and the Common Threads book took it one step further and included triumphs and POSITIVE statistics on children and people with Down Syndrome. What percentages of people with Downs lived independently, played instruments, held jobs, who won national art contests...and so much more! I wept with the beauty and my soul was bathed in the healing properties of hope.

I will never be able to tell you what this company did for me...Never. I adore them for their products, I adore them for their new parent packages, and I love them for the joy they have steeped their products in.

When I started this blog, my hope was to put a little more of that joy and celebration of day to day out there for others. I put some of the struggles out there, too, but not to depress...rather to allow others to see that all my celebration of my sweet girl is rooted in normal parent struggles and to understand that the successes are that much more a true triumph! The harder the battle the more amazing the victory!

A month or so into it, I decided that I was going to do a giveaway for Thanksgiving or Christmas. I would do a calendar, I thought. Just in time for the New Year. Perfect. Then I decided to ask Band of Angels if they'd like to be involved and see if they'd "up the ante" maybe sweeten it with a Common Threads book or a set of cards or something. I heard back from Cynthia Kidder herself, saying how she enjoyed the blog and they totally wanted to be involved. My heart sky-rocketed. I figured that my email would go to someone who handled "crazy lady" requests...but I heard from the actual lady who unknowingly put emotional band aids on my heart 8 years ago and handed me hope, and on a silver platter to boot.

We've gone back and forth a bit...and I now have the Band of Angels badge on my sidebar...I am wearing it so proudly, I am surprised that you can't see the big grin on my face every time I so much as LOOK in the direction of my computer!! AND they have decided to do a 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway! Like TWELVE items!!!! My little mind is swimming just writing that!!

Wow.

Okay. SO!! Here is the deal. The first thing I am going to do here is up your anticipation a little bit....just so I don't feel alone....because I am high-as-a-kite excited!! Each day of TWELVE days there will be a giveaway. I *think* I am going to keep it on week days so all of your Christmas parties, holiday travels, and Christmas shopping doesn't keep you from getting a chance at these goodies...And you will have a chance at a Biggie Win at the end...I will tell you more of the details on Monday along with the FIRST giveaway!

But today (and until I post the first giveaway) you get a chance for an extra entry to a giveaway. It's simple. All you have to do is go to http://www.bandofangels.com/ and comment here or on the Facebook page of this blog and tell what you HOPE is in the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway Stash!!! If you are right, then I will put you in an extra entry for that particular giveaway!! Cool, huh??? So, go dream shop, and come back here or on Facebook and tell me what you hope is on that List!!!

Go, Go, GO!!! :)

Thursday, December 2, 2010

The 12 Days of Christmas is COMING!!!

I am ironing out some logistics, but there will be a mack daddy giveaway coming soon! I have been working with Cynthia Kidder from my beloved Band of Angels. This will be totally AMAZING!!!! I can hardly stand it!!!!

To kick it off I will tell you of my love affair with this amazing company...check in soon, we'll have more details!! :)

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

December Surprises!! EVERYONE WELCOME!!

For December the project involves EVERYONE!!! You can participate once or daily.

What are your biggest Christmas Surprises? No presents! Answer as a comment here or on the blog's Facebook Wall!

I'll go first.

I'm surprised how much I tear up over Christmas Carols and traditions I said I hated when I was a kid! :)