After staring at paint cards for 10 days I finally decided on a color for my 10 drawer dresser.

Apple Green. And once I was sure of the color I put everything else aside and loaded up the boys for a trip to Lowe's. And for fun I allowed Tank to walk while I pushed Bean in the shopping cart. What a great decision that was. Moments after stepping into the paint section Tank opened a jar of antique glaze, which is greasy and black, and started finger painting. I took the jar and put it in the cart to purchase while groveling to the paint lady, who was not amused, for something to help me clean up my disaster of a child. A bit later while talking to Paint Lady about my paint needs, Bean hurled the bottle of antique glaze out of the cart onto the concrete floor. It shattered. And black, greasy goop went everywhere. Within 10 seconds five Lowe's employees descended like a hazmat team with a bag of powder and a large bottle of liquid and they went to work cleaning as they asked me to keep my children away. Sure thing.

Oh, and in the midst of that a stranger approached me to discuss her concerns for Bean's skin. "His legs looks bad." "Don't you use sunscreen on him?" "Is it painful?" My telling her that Bean has sensitive skin and was prone to heat rash did not seem to satisfy her. "Isn't there something you can do about it?" "Poor thing." "And sunscreen really won't help?"

And people wonder why I'm such a homebody.

Once home I set to work sanding, priming and painting.

Once dry I distressed it a bit and then accepted my dresser's thanks for the face lift.

It's December now and I've come back to visit this old post to link up to Funky Junk Interiors, a new fav blogspot of mine, to share my diy dresser. Still loving the green!

Lately, I have been a magnet for bizarre, somewhat inappropriate, and most unwelcome comments from total strangers. This week alone I received two such comments.

First, early in the week while out with my three boys, minding my own business, trying to keep them from antagonizing each other and screaming too loudly in public, I noticed a woman watching us. All you moms that have kids with Down syndrome know what I'm talking about. I smiled at her, not yet sure if she was a friend or foe of Ds.

Turns out she wasn't looking at Bean. She was looking at me. And wondering about my age. "Are these your boys?" she asked. I told her yes, to which she replied, "They are so young. You must have started late, huh?"

Uhhh, yes, I guess I did. Thank you very much, perfect stranger, for pointing that out.



And then, this afternoon, walking through the parking lot of the grocery store, again, minding my own business, a man two steps behind me said, "whatchyou so stressed about?"

Looking around, wondering who he was talking to, I raised my eyebrows. Pardon?

He went on, "I said, whatchyou so stressed about. You sure got lotsa gray hair. How'd you get that? What's got you so stressed out?"

Seriously? Seriously? Did this man really just say that to me? I wanted to stop dead in my tracks and tell him what has given me each and every gray hair so I could enjoy his stunned silence and hopefully teach him to keep his thoughts to himself. But instead I chuckled and gave him some inane answer about it either being my boys or genetics.

What is it that makes people say such things to perfect strangers? If you know, please, fill me in.


On the flip side, I have received a very nice compliment recently. I received it right here in the blogosphere. From Cheryl of Ruby's Life.

She bestowed upon me an award. The "lovey award."

What is the lovey award? Here is the description I lifted from her site.

"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find friends and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. (although it seems a little self-aggrandizing that I am even posting this, no?) Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships will be propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. "

I'm touched, Cheryl! Thanks so much.

I'm supposed to pass this along to others but. . . I am not going to do that. Chain letters always ended with me too.

I will, however, share with you some of the blogs I enjoy reading regularly. Check them out when you have time.

Confessions of a Pioneer Woman - I have been reading Ree's blog for at least two years now. When I found her she received around 3-400 comments a day. Now she receives thousands upon thousands. Check her out and you will see why.

C Jane and NieNie are sisters. They are mormon and speak about their faith often. That is not what I find fascinating. I enjoy C Jane's tongue in cheek writing style and her sister Nie, well, you need to read through her archives to learn her story. It is heartbreaking and hope filled all at the same time.

ivy mae - I know this gal from our years in Florida. She and her husband now live in Charleston, SC. I love reading about all her projects from the kitchen to the garden to sewing and knitting. She writes with wit and throws in great stories about her high school literature students. Oh and her husband, Mr. Mae, is the photographer. Great team.

The Meanest Mom - Great and hysterical take on parenting and mothering.

not that you asked - this is the only blogger on my list that has a child with Down syndrome. (though there are tons out there that I read and enjoy) I like reading Beth because she is thoughtful, honest, and humble. She almost always makes me think. Maybe I like her because some of the things she wrestles with regarding the world of disabiltiy and down syndrome I relate to, and it makes me feel not so alone.

After getting James packed up for his kayaking trip to Lake Jocassee. . . (poor guy)

the boys, Nonnie, and I headed to the SC State Fair. Along with college football the State Fair marks the unofficial start of Fall around here.

Times have changed as evidenced by the metal detectors that all fairgoers must now walk through.
Timothy didn't last long in the stroller. He demanded to be released moments after entering the gates. Timothy is our wild card so it wasn't a huge surprise that he wanted to ride everything, which meant that Nonnie or I had to get on with him since he didn't meet any of the height requirements!
I don't know why I look so distressed here. Maybe it was the disconcerting creaking noise coming from the upper chains on our swing along with the slight drop we felt every time we circled around. That or I am just trying to cement that number 11 between my eyes - because, you know, those deep creases are soooo attractive.

Luke proved to be an appropriate chaperone on some rides. Timothy really got a kick out of that! Wil was interested in only one ride. Some car type thingy's that moved slowly around a circular track. I think it reminded him of the race car cart at the grocery store.
Bumper cars are always a hit. Note the intensity on Luke's face. Timothy really wanted in there. Banging into things, after all, is right up his alley.

While Wil wasn't crazy about going on many rides he thoroughly enjoyed watching them. And cheering on all the other kid's. After a spin on the Ferris Wheel, and a meltdown from Timothy, we called it a day.

After Timothy's Birthday celebration last Saturday James and I, taking advantage of Grandma being in town, jumped in the car and headed for the mountains. Asheville and it's surrounding communities has long been a favorite spot of ours. We love the mountains, the weather, the myriad of things to do outdoors, the antique shopping, the variety of people drawn to the area, the food, and the beer selection to name a few. So every time we have a day or two to spare we tend to go to the Asheville, Black Mountain, Montreat area and just bum around.

We decided to go up Saturday night after T's birthday dinner so that we had a full day Sunday to fit in some of our favorite things. We arrived a little late but since we didn't have to wake up with the roosters - I mean the kids - we hit the town. He has a slight look of concern in his eyes doesn't he? Not sure what that is about. Maybe my head was starting to transform into a pumpkin. Because, truth be told, I am incapable of staying out past 10pm. I tried. Really I did. But before James could finish his first beer I was phasing out. Even knowing I could sleep in as late as I wanted couldn't keep me awake. Poor guy, I am a lame date.

After a good nights sleep, waking up when our bodies were naturally ready rather than being jolted awake by our children, we mozy'ed (is that a word?) downtown. We walked and walked, popping in and out of shops, discovering new places, and wondering who really pays $75 for an "organic" onesie for a 3 month old. Certainly not the hippies over at Mellow Mushroom. Next we drove over the Black Mountain to our favorite pizza joint and had some lunch.

Mmmmmm. That is some good stuff there!

Next stop, my favorite antique shop. I have found some great stuff here. This trip was no exception - found lots of great stuff, just couldn't bring any of it home.

Another favorite stop is the local used bookstore. Because Montreat College is a mile down the road they tend to have a pretty decent theology section. I browse with James for a bit and then I usually end up here, enjoying the action on Cherry St. My stamina in bookstores is no match for my husbands. I think I actually fell asleep out here. Next stop was Montreat. We wandered around the campus. Nosed around the Assembly Inn.And found a trail to walk.Uh, James. Let's not forget I am not dressed for hiking. I am wearing five year old Mary Janes with no support to speak of. And jeans. James enters an alternate universe when he makes his way into the woods. He reports that he literally aches, in a good way. I think it is a longing for heaven. Every time we visit we scheme of ways to move our family up. Maybe one day.

Last stop was The Grove Park Inn. This has become something of a tradition for us. We drive up around sunset, buy an over priced beer or coffee from the bar and sit on their terrace, enjoying the view while watching the sun slip behind the mountain ranges ahead. This picture simply does not do justice to the view at all. My camera, combined with the lighting, just couldn't pick up the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. We have never stayed over night at the Grove Park Inn. It is just a tad out of our price range. The people who stay here? These are the folks who buy the $75 organic onesies we saw in the boutique window.

And this is what we love about Asheville. There is literally something for everyone and we have found a way to enjoy pieces of it all. Maybe one day we will be able to enjoy more than pieces at a time. But for now? We are thankful for the day trips! And for Grandma's and Nonnie's who make them possible.

That would be me - I escaped. Now that James is unemployed (Oh, I haven't mentioned that have I? Yep, it's true. More on that later.) I am having all sorts of time to just "get out." No agenda or plans or errands. Although tonight I do have plans to hang out with some girls for dinner, but I left two hours early and have parked myself at Starbucks where I am surfing the net, people watching and thinking about a new blog entry. Probably won't get to the latter because there are too many other interesting things to read and watch. Just wanted to pop in and say "hi." Hi.

We are good, despite being unemployed - which is so stinkin' crazy! James and I have both worked since we were teenagers and never imagined we would be in this position. At such a time as this. . . with the economy tanking, gas prices through the roof, and the housing market in terrible shape. But here we are. Unemployed. With nothing on the horizon. And you know what? We are grateful for it. We are excited to see where the Lord will lead us. Never a dull moment around here!!

Ahhh, nothing like the lake on a hot summer day. And nothing like having relatives that have a lake house and boat, on a hot summer day. We are always happy to take my aunt and uncle up on their gracious offer to enjoy the fruits of their labor. That's what family is for, right?

See those shoes on his feet? I love them. They are hand-me-downs from a friend of Luke's. Luke wore them, and now Wil and Timothy are wearing them. Well, were wearing them. Timothy threw one of them overboard! A valiant effort was made to retrieve the shoe but to no avail. Turning a pontoon boat around is not fast or easy. But we had our sites on it. I was sure we would get the shoe back. James was poised to go in after it. Then, a motor boat went roaring by and the shoe disappeared from our sites. Sigh.

The kids really enjoyed the ride over and we got to see a beautiful sun set to boot. Anyway, onto the birds. The pictures don't do justice to the experience. They were literally covering the sky, coming in from every direction, and circling the island. It was actually pretty eerie. Think The Birds.

It is widely understood, I believe, that mom's to young kids develop "mommy brain." The most responsible among us becomes forgetful and irresponsible. I once was a very dependable person. I arrived early - not just on time - to events and meetings, kept appointments, returned calls in a timely manner, remembered birthday's and other important dates. Not anymore. I'm not sure when the shift took place. Was it due to new motherhood and overwhelming fatigue with boy 1? Was it the shockingly early arrival and subsequent health issues of boy 2? Was it the surprise of boy 3 and his feisty spirit? I dunno, it is cumulative I guess. I write all the important things down in my time key. But then I forget to look at it.

It is not just the ordinary forgetfulness that has crept into my life. I seem to have this profound amnesia when it comes to the realities of going into public with all three boys. Like going out to eat or shopping at Target. I don't know how else to explain why I keep taking them, all three, into public. I did it again earlier in the week. We went to the grocery store. Simple enough, right? They will be fine, I thought to myself. We will run in and out, I will get them a cookie to keep them quiet while I race around the store, they will be content in the race car cart. Please let there be a race car cart available. And there was. You know the one? With the big green double seat attached to the front of the cart. Steering wheels for the kids to turn. Impossible for mom to navigate. It took us five minutes just to get in the store though. Luke is fine. I am carrying Wil and trying to hold Timothy's hand. Timothy does not want his hand held and keeps yanking it away, threatening to dash into the parking lot. He thought it was a game, despite the sternness in my voice. Finally I had to get him on my other hip. So with 60 lbs in my arms I make my way inside and get them settled in the race car cart while calling out for Luke to wait on me.

And then the fun began. After the cookie pit stop I started making my way through the store. We didn't even get through the produce section, where Luke insisted on putting every piece of produce within reach on the scales, before Timothy started antagonizing Wil. Wil, who really can't handle that kind of thing. First T takes off Wil's glasses. Wil screams and screams. I calm him down in front of the strawberries, clean his glasses, get them back on and give Timothy another stern "no." He grins. As Luke is taking off down the next aisle I notice Wil putting his finger in Timothy's mouth. Before I could stop what was coming Timothy bites down hard on Wil's finger. Wil screams again. I mean really screams. One of his mad screams with hands up and out and head down. This one, I realized, was going to require a cuddle. So I get Wil out while trying to beckon Luke, nuzzle him, sing to him, tell him it is going to be okay. I have only three items in the cart. When I try to put Wil back in his seat he screams. So I try to push the 'hard to push' race car cart with one hand while holding Wil. This doesn't work. I put Wil in the main part of the cart to keep him away from Timothy. Wil, who clears any surface he sits on, begins throwing items from the cart overboard. Sigh. I try to put the items with Timothy but he won't have it either.

At this point I seriously consider going home without my groceries, wondering what I was thinking in the first place, but I just can't bring myself to do it. I decided to take my pain. With my new resolve, Wil in the deep end of the cart, Timothy driving, groceries on the bottom and Luke promising to stay with me and keep his hands to himself I press forward. Then a man on the same aisle that had witnessed a good portion of our show turned to me and asked, "Is he Down's?" Resisting the temptation to correct him outright I simply reply, "He has Down syndrome, yes." He gives me the standard comment about how I have my hands full (I can't imagine where he got that idea!) and moves on.

Timothy is irritable as we move through the store because he wants to get out. He is letting everyone know how frustrated he is and nothing I give him keeps him quiet. I have made my way to frozen foods by now and decide to just let Timothy walk. Again, what was I thinking?! He takes off. I reign him in. He screams in anger. I ask Luke to please hold T's hand and stay with him, we are almost done. But Luke runs into a friend from school and disappears into the "book and random items" section. I couldn't see him but I could hear him. What did I hear? Luke laughing hysterically as he jumped on a whoopie cushion. Over and over and over again. And then there was Timothy pulling book after book off the shelves. And then The Man reappears. He begins talking to me about Wil. I try to interact while attempting to regain control over Luke and Timothy and quietly vowing to never, ever bring them all to the grocery store again.

We make it to check out where the folks in line ahead of me part like the red sea and insist that I go to the front of the line. Hmmm, maybe there is some advantage to having them with me? Nope, not worth it.

But somehow I know that I will forget just how taxing a simple trip to the grocery store can be for all of us and I will attempt it again. It is easy to forget when 30 minutes later everyone is happy and laughing and dancing to Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band. And those moments, thankfully, are unforgettable!

This time last year our family attended our first Dreamnight at the zoo. It is a really nice night designed to create a fun, safe environment for kids with special needs and their family. Everything is free, including dinner, and there is something going on around every corner. From a steal drum band to hoola hoop lessons to a dance floor. And of course there are the animals. Last year was nice but we left early because Luke started feeling bad which turned into round 15 of stomach virus for our family. This year everyone was well and, apart from the 100 degree heat, it was great fun for all the boys.
Like last year there was much fanfare at the entrance including bubbles and a tunnel of welcoming, smiling, and cheering volunteers that made the night possible.

You can't see it here but we were standing in front of big fans blowing mist. The young man and girl to the right are two sweet teenagers, also with Down syndrome, that were having a blast together. We ran into them at least three times during the evening and they were always laughing and cutting up.

Watching the bubbles. woooooooo.

Timothy enjoyed the merry-go-round although he was a bit skeptical.

And the big hit of the night? Dancing. Wil is not loosing his balance here. He is dancing. And he is dancing with confidence. Here he is slapping the ground and returning to stand as everyone follows the lead of the DJ. He had a great time. And his balance is really improving!!

Mmmmm, fresh strawberries. There is something really satisfying about picking your own food. It almost makes me want to grow my own. Almost. For now I will stick with picking and buying from local growers.

Tuesday night is "company night" around here. I think we'll have strawberry shortcake for dessert!