October is a month of raising awareness

Not only is October a month for raising awareness for Down syndrome, but for many others as well. A recent Examiner article of mine explores all the various issues awareness is being raised for during the month of October.

When I got the list I noticed there were some topics I had recently covered. This particular article is my "hub article" so to speak, which provides brief information (in some cases) about that particular subject, links to articles already completed on the topic, or the promise for articles to come. I'm blown away at all the pertinent issues being addressed this autumn month.

To take a peek at all that's happening this month, you'll, of course, be directed over to my Examiner page for all that informative goodness. Be sure to keep checking back throughout the month, or hey, subscribe to my Examiner articles so you can be sure you won't miss a thing.

Learn more about what's happening this month: October is a month of bringing awareness

October is National Down syndrome Awareness Month

Did you know that October is National Down syndrome Awareness Month? (I'm thinking the title should have provided a clue, but...) Perhaps you remember the Kibbes? A Spokane family whose youngest child has Down syndrome. I did a series of articles on their family back in July.

Mary has a blog of her own, which she started writing in 2008 in order to participate in the "31 for 21" challenge. So with the first day of October nearly over as I write this, she has posted 1 of 31 for 21 today.
I love this and look forward to reading her posts each day. For my part, I told her I'd comment every day on her posts. What can you do to
raise awareness? Take to your Twitter accounts, Facebook, blog, whatever and spread the word. Even today there are many misconceptions about individuals with Down syndrome. In the course of the research I did for their story I found this quote:



“The most important fact to know about individuals with Down syndrome is that they are more like others than they are different.”
--National Association for Down syndrome

I dare you to learn more about Riley and even for a moment question the wisdom of that quote. To me, it says it all.

Haven't had a chance to Meet the Kibbes? Simply mosey down the page just a bit for the links to their articles. Also, check out Mary's blog. Perhaps she'll leave us a comment sharing some of her favorite blogs who are also participating in the 31 for 21 challenge.

Part 1: Meet the Kibbes
Part 2: Learning about Down syndrome
Part 3: Resources for children with Down syndrome
Part 4: Just a boy and his big brother Rex
Part 5: Looking forward
Mary's Blog: Hurricane Riley & his Big Brother Rex

Moments that take your breath away

Parenting. Like any relationship the parent-child relationship has its highs and lows. There are days when I feel like a complete and utter failure. Then there are days where we’re clicking and it’s perfection. And of course there are the in-between-kind-of-days. Regardless what kind of day it is, she is my everything and my heart feels ready to burst with love more often than not.

You might know that Abby is three-years-old. It’s such a short time for someone to be in your life yet so profoundly impact you, isn't it? When in truth, from the first moment I felt her move in my belly, I was hers.

My pregnancy was not easy, but still I loved having her with me all the time. I spent a lot of time talking to her when she was in my belly. The day I found out she had stopped growing and she would be coming earlier than expected, it was truly my first mommy moment. I remember driving home following that appointment alternating between talking to her and God. Reassurance for her and me and begging God to take care of this life I could no longer imagine being without.

But I digress…This week I’ve been very aware of the best part of my day, which is what spurred this post. My absolute favorite part of the day, one of the best parts of being a mama, is the end of the day last kiss before I go to bed. Often when I sneak into her room and lay the softest of kisses on her beautiful cheek, a smile will briefly flit across her lips.

Earlier this week we shared a similar moment and I swear- it felt as though my heart would burst into a million pieces. As I neared her bed, the floor creaked a little and it drew her every so slightly out of her sleep. Reaching her bedside, she automatically reached out her hand for me to hold. She murmured a few things as she hovered between that deep sleep and slight wakefulness, but wouldn’t release my hand. Her face was completely relaxed and more “baby looking” than I’d seen it look in a long time. I whispered equally unintelligible things to her as I knelt by her bedside, holding her hand, stroking her face for I don’t know how long, watching her sleep before I finally left her side. It’s moments like that, where everything is right in our world and it’s just us, that take my breath away and make all my shortcomings a little more bearable.

What are your favorite parenting moments?

Am I a writer?

Today I was doing some research on one of the magazines I'm hoping to submit some articles to and via a comment to a post I happened upon a link to a blog authored by another individual pursuing this dream of writing. (Did you catch all that)?

The particular post I landed in asked the title question, "Am I a writer?" Essentially the post encourages those who are sitting in this boat, pondering that question to stop questioning, doubting, and lacking the general chutzpah and just own it. Yes, I am a writer. It's not about being published or making the big bucks - though those things are lovely, it's about this need to write. Period.

This came at a great time (gotta love a great God-incidence, don't you?), as I've been struggling with thinking I sound like a complete idiot when I tell people about committing myself to writing. I. Am. A. Writer. Phew. The book I'm reading about writing and publishing children's books said the same thing. You have to give yourself permission to not only take this seriously, but to take it seriously while expressing to those around you that this is it; you are a writer, this is a job, not a whim or a passing fancy. It's a passion we're hoping to go places with.

Again, this affirmation of taking ownership of this dream come to life couldn't have come at a more opportune time. Last night I applied for a National title with Examiner. Who knows if I'll get it (it can take up to two weeks to hear back), but if I don't get this one, I'm going to keep trying. I've got to keep pushing myself and how better than to reach for more exposure?

Talk about a baby stepper, huh? Think good thoughts for me as I wait to hear on the National title. I'll let you know, good, bad, or fabulous. So there it is: You better believe I'm a writer! Moving on.

"The Giving Tree" How much is too much?

For some time now I've been mentally pulling together an article on Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree. For certain it is one of my favorite books, but the more I read it, not only as an adult, but as an adult reading it to children, I struggle with the premise of the book.

Recently I began wondering if perhaps I was missing something because surely something that starts off as a pure and beautiful friendship can't morph into this relationship where one friend turns up simply to use the other while this sweet, giving tree is apparently completely oblivious. I thought, "I must be missing something here," but I'm thinking...Not so much.

In all this thinking came the idea to read the book to my wide-ranging-in-ages nieces and nephews and get their immediate feedback on the book. I know the way I view this book has certainly changed as I've aged. Bottom line, when you're a kid, you just don't look that deep into these things. (Thank goodness for that in this instance). From here I'll take you to the actual Examiner article where you'll find out just what the kids had to say about The Giving Tree. We've got a nice variety of ages too; 10, 8 (almost 9), 7, and 4.

At the end of this I think the greatest gift this book has to offer is an opportunity to start a conversation with our children about what it means to be a good friend.

The video I'm attaching is one that I am addicted to. I love the song choices this person added to the slide show, are perfection.

Ginny's story...Continued

Yesterday, I introduced you to the inspiration that is Ginny Hein. It is with great sorrow that I tell you she passed away tonight. I am thankful she is no longer in pain, but my heart is broken for her family and honestly, I can't quite wrap my mind and heart around the idea of a world without Ginny.

Ginny often commented that she was given this challenge so that she could be an example to others through her faith. She certainly did that and since getting Ginny's story posted, I have been on a quest to get her story to the greatest audience possible. I have been an e-mailing fool and am really hoping to get at least one response. My ideal would be to get a response from the group who penned and perform Ginny's "theme song," Sidewalk Prophets. (You can give the song a listen below).

If you're so inclined, please say a prayer for Ginny and her family - especially her sweet girl. And please, help me share Ginny's story, pass it on.

Ginny's Story

I think my heart is breaking bit by bit today. I have been working on developing a website for the Relay for Life team I belong to. It’s not up and running yet, but when it is I’ll post a link and I hope you’ll check it out.

Putting this site together is far more emotionally challenging than I had anticipated when I volunteered to do this for the team. With each story we post and each memory I recall, my heart breaks just a little more. The same question keeps running through my head: "Why isn't there a cure yet?"

In addition to the this site I’ve been slowly pulling together the story of a friend who is in the midst of a four-year battle with cancer. It’s finished and turned into a great demonstration of Ginny’s faith and strength.

Let me tell you why I felt Ginny’s story needed to be shared and I hope you’ll go check it out in its entirety.

Ginny’s story is one that needed to be told if only to be a source of hope and inspiration to not only other families who are going through something similar, but to all of us as we continue to put the daily pieces of our lives together one day at a time. Regardless of what’s happening in Ginny’s life and with her illness, she has maintained her ‘true north’ and that is her faith. It’s easy to believe in something when the going is good, but it’s a true testament to her strength and faith that when the going got rough she held on.Read more

If you like what you read, I ask that you pass on her story to at least one person. I've felt this overwhelming need to share Ginny's story and I'd appreciate your help getting it out there. You can also "Digg" it.

Dream big baby

In talking with my sister tonight she was telling me my ten-year-old nephew has been compiling a group of short stories into a book with a main character being the thread tying the whole thing together. The irony is not lost on me that my sweet, oldest nephew is diving headlong into my very same dream and running with it as a young pup. But I love it!

My sister questions her ability to be offer an unbiased opinion on his writing, but she thinks they're really good and wants me to give them a read as well. (As if I'm any more objective where he's concerned). I figure a good read is a good read, but it's true that parental love can be slightly blinding at times. We'll see. At any rate, we're going to start researching publishers and such to see where we can go with this.

The thing I love the most here is that this is not all he's working on writing-wise. It sounds like a little focus would be good, but any opportunity one has to write, regardless what it is, run with it! I cannot wait to read his work.

I love that this wonderfully special boy has always believed anything is possible. This kid is amazing. He's got this big, brilliant brain and an equally spectacular heart to accompany it. He has a laundry list of what he wants to be when he grows up (an Ornithologist, to name just one) and truly believes he can do them all. It is my hope, my prayer, my dream that he holds onto this enthusiasm and belief in himself.

I'll keep you posted on how he's doing following his own dream. There's something to be said for embracing your dreams sooner rather than later.

Thanks for stopping by...

It was meant to be

The article I posted to my Examiner page today took a lot of work - mostly of the emotional variety. I've been working/wanting to pull this piece together for several weeks and I kept putting off the actual writing of it simply because I just couldn't handle it emotionally.

The Angel of Grief
Photo by: tkksummers via Flickr

It's only been posted for about two hours now and the responses I've gotten have been amazing. It's as if I was meant to write this article now. What's it about you might be wondering? Helping loved ones cope with miscarriages. This topic is tough. No one wants to talk about it and it's constantly swept aside as something not to be dealt with by those of us on the outside looking in. It's not out of malice or lack of caring, rather it's not knowing what to do or say. For some tips on how to conquer those worries, please check out my article.

As I mentioned above, it feels as though this was meant to be and here's why. Just in the span of me getting my source's thoughts as she wanted them shared and pulleing everything together to post it, she gets a phone call from her sister-in-law asking the very questions this article answers. Immediately after posting I received an e-mail stating how this was just what she needed. It's reaching people in just the way I hoped it would.

Thanks for stopping in. Let me know what you think.

The second piece to this article was posted today: http://www.examiner.com/early-childhood-parenting-in-billings/finding-support-following-the-loss-of-your-baby

Will you accept the challenge?

My latest Examiner article asks the question: Can you put aside your computer/devices for a day? If not for the whole day, at least when around your children? The article takes a brief look at information compiled in a New York Times article regarding the impact of parents' chronic usage of devices around their children.

So often our society places the spotlight on our youth and their lack of communication skills due to excessive use of all things technological, however, this article takes a much needed look at the other side of the coin. How, as parents, are we supposed to foster an environment of open communication if we can't be bothered to be torn away from our devices? Often times we are just as guilty as our children.

So I hope you'll check out my latest article and let me know if you were up to the challenge.

The awesomeness that is Abigail bean

"I  a cowboy girl!"

Recently it seems I’ve been remiss in noticing the awesomeness that is Miss Abigail bean. I always think she’s a cutie patootie and she provides frequent laughs in our family, but we’ve been spending the bulk of our time lately fighting.

I read a fellow Examiner’s article the other day reminding parents the power of positivity. Specifically, speaking and responding to our children in a positive manner. Abby has taken to responding to things that don’t quite meet her fancy with yelling and seriously outspoken frustration. We talk a lot about using her words and it being okay to be frustrated, but handling it differently. Yes, I know she’s only three, but I want to start filling her ‘toolbox’ now.

My realization(s)
I realize the way I respond when I’m frustrated is barely any better than how she reacts. It’s almost as if we’re feeding off each other. Hello! [knock, knock, knock] Adult…are you in there? My responses to her were coming off sharper than I intended - she’s my light, she deserves better. Not to mention a better example.

So how can I expect her to use the tools I’m trying so hard to provide her if I don’t use them myself? I’ve made a conscious effort to watch how I say things to her - it’s amazing what tone can do to otherwise innocuous words.

Bedtime? No way!

Bedtime has been an ongoing struggle for Abby and me. Throughout the summer we’ve grown lax with the actual bedtime. She’s taking issue to staying in bed and has become truly creative in finding reasons to be out of bed. By the end of the day I’m usually ready for us to have a break from each other - especially given our interactions of late. It’s amazing how much more smoothly things go when I choose to respond to her antics in a more positive manner. Take last night, for instance; at the point when tears would’ve been flowing and loud words would be exchanged, we were instead walking hand-in-hand back upstairs where she was happily tucked snuggly into bed dreaming away. Who wouldn’t melt, when at the bottom of the stairs, she instigated the hand holding with, “Let’s hold hands!” You bet sweet girl!

Rediscovering Abby’s Awesomeness

• How completely fabulously adorable she looks when standing on her tippy toes.
• Her inquisitive mind. Reading books is incredibly extended as she wants to know details of every picture. --“Why that dinosaur have jammas?” “Why that dog in her bed?” “Why he crying…” (Me: he has owies). “Why? I don’ like owies. I got owie, I ‘cwied’ because it hurt.”

• Her need to have things just so. If she’s going to dance, she needs to turn on the music, she needs to be wearing certain types of clothes or dress up, mom should not participate until invited to do so and for pete’s sake, don’t sing!
• How she knows her colors, but delights in making mom think she doesn’t.
• Her incredibly cautious nature. I love that she’s a safety girl and even wants to wear knee and elbow pads when roller skating on the carpet.
• When she gets out of bed just one more time because she needs hugs. I want her in bed, but how do you say no to that?
• When she asks for just one more story by holding her index and thumb finger a bit apart and says, “Just a wittle bit, a wittle one?”
• Her giggle when you get in a tickle fest or she thinks she’s getting away with something.
• How she waffles back and forth in declaring her independence: “I a big girl!” to “Abby not big yet.”
• Her “Phoebe” run - so dubbed by my sister. Remember that Friend’s episode when Rachel is embarrassed to run with Phoebe because she’s so…Free when she runs? That’s Abby’s run.
• When I ask her what her name is she says: “Abby.” Abby what? “Ab-i-gail.” Abigail what? “Abigail bean.” Yep, but what’s your whole name? “Ab-i-gail ‘Cistine’ Stewart.”
• As always, I love her because she’s Abby and my very best girl.

My very own 'agent'

Christine and Abby

If I could do so, I would absolutely hire my sister as my agent. She doesn't have a conversation with people without promoting my Examiner page. Dare I say, she might do more promoting than I do. I cover the technical (Facebook, Twitter) stuff and she takes care of the word-of-mouth sharing.

My sister is five years older than me and sometime while I was in high school she became my best friend. She was my matron-of-honor, she is my daughter's God-mother, and my constant. My family at large is one (growing) ball of support. They've all been incredible as I've started this venture into becoming a "real writer."

So this is just a short post to thank my sister, one of the most amazing ladies I have the privilege of not only calling sister, but friend (and I guess, honorary agent). Following is an excerpt from a piece I did about Christine.



Highlights:

• Recently, Christine divulged that when I was little, it wasn’t necessarily always me wanting to sneak into her bed because I was scared…Apparently, on stormy or otherwise scary nights, Christine would sometimes come into my room, poke me and say, “Rebecca, Rebecca, are you scared? Do you need to sleep with me?”
• When I was in 4th grade, our only living grandfather died, I remember us sitting on the edge of the bathtub, I was sobbing, and she was holding me as tight as she could-how did she get to be so strong? Aside from my parents, I would say Bean is my greatest supporter. My senior year when basketball season wasn't going well, she was my rock and she bolstered me more than once (as did my entire family).
• A month before my due date when the doctor realized things weren't right with my body or with Abby, I wound up at Christine's house because Bryan was at work, and she helped keep me sane that afternoon. She wholeheartedly agreed with me every time I said, "It'll be fine, anything else isn't an option." She, along with my mom, came to my appointment later in the week and spent the better part of the day and night by my (our) side when they sent me to the hospital and I was scared beyond all reason. Christine is a person who I, to this day, strive to follow in her footsteps. I've written about her phenomenal children, well, they didn’t get to be that way with a wish and a prayer, though certainly prayer is part of it, as I swear, this woman has a direct line to God’s ear. No, they’re off to such beautiful beginnings because they have a couple of exceptionally, wonderful parents.

Vacation Bible School and all that entails...

It's been a few days since my last posting. My life has taken on a sort whirlwind quality in the past week with the kickoff of this year's Vacation Bible School (VBS). I am the Christian Education Director of my church and this is my first year totally running the show. Let me tell you - it is a MASSIVE undertaking.

My sister suggested I do a series of articles on VBS and I sort of brushed it off at the time, I didn't know if it would be appropriate, but I realized her suggestion was one to take and run with. The series begins at planning and set-up then takes us day-by-day through the week. Tomorrow puts us at day two. Not gonna lie, day two went a lot less smoothly than day one.

At last year's VBS I was learning the ropes and one thing I observed was how we always seemed to run over on time. Not sure why, but there just didn't seem to be enough time in the evening. These last two days we've run well ahead of schedule. I shudder to think of what tomorrow is going to look like when our craft activity goes back to being fairly simple to complete. Part of our excessive earliness seems to be related to the cushion I gave the groups in getting from station-to-station, but I'm not willing to give up the time in the schedule. I don't know, I'd rather be ahead of schedule than behind, but what the heck?! Fortunately, our Discovery time leader is outstanding and always has several experiments to share with the kids. And I guess it is nice to not have to sprint through snack time...

So come along and experience the Galactic Blast VBS ride with us.

1. Behind the scenes: Vacation Bible School - getting ready
2. Behind the scenes: Vacation Bible School - day 1
3. Behind the scenes: Vacation Bible School - day 2
4. Behind the scenes: Vacation Bible School - day 3
5. Behind the scenes: Vacation Bible School - final day

Creating memorable birthday parties

My beautiful niece turned seven yesterday and had her party today. A few weeks ago she told her mom she'd like a 'Carnival birthday party.' My amazingly creative sister-in-law pulled it off and then some. It was an awesomely fun party.

Just clownin' around

I'd been procrastinating something terrible this week in getting a new article written (and I was crazy busy too, but still when I had opportunity to write, I didn't). I just wasn't happy with any of the topics flowing through my melon (brain for those of you who don't understand 'Becca-speak.') Then I went to her party and found myself some inspiration.

Abby is a winter baby as are all of my sister's children and we often lament the lack of options we have when it comes to party planning. Having the opportunity to be outside is an option I find myself quite wistful to have as we're jamming thirty people into our home, 16 plus, of whom are kids running about. It would be wonderful to be able to have people outside, you can do a little more theme-wise also (find out more tomorrow about the party I wished I could've thrown for Abby last year).

Meanwhile, Sarah's Carnival themed party was a big hit. Click here to head on over to my Examiner page and find out how to pull off such a magnificent party for the little ones in your life.

What inspires better writing?

Not a lot has been happening on the writing front lately. I posted a couple of new articles to my Examiner page and plan to round out the preschool articles in the next couple of days, but it is those articles that brought me to a glaring realization.

Writing how to, informational-type pieces is all fine and dandy and while I think I provide some relatively useful information; I don't think it's my 'hook,' so to speak. The Kibbe series, the piece I did on Relay for Life; those were pieces I felt I did good solid, draw-you-in, kind of writing.

Human interest stories are where my heart lies, I think. I realize I can't post profile after profile, but I want to find a way to draw people in on a more personal level...

So I guess you could say I had an 'ah ha' moment that has been simmering right under my consciousness waiting to be realized. I'm kind of intrigued as to what I can do with this semi-epiphany - should be interesting.