The Flege Farm

Jungle Book

2012-01-22T19:59:00.001-06:00

As it gets one week closer to Maysons 6th birthday, I still seem to have a hard time believing it.   This morning as I watched her sleep in bed, she still looked like a baby to me. She rubbed her little eyes, rolled over and went back to sleep.
Today, she came up to me and said, "Mom, come on", while he she hands me the wii remote. I asked her if she wanted a movie. She replied, "yes, jungle book". And yes, jungle book was said plain as day! I have waited and waited soooo long for her to reach a time where I could understand her wants and needs.   We are getting there, little by little. She cant always tell me whats wrong but she can usually tell me what she wants or needs.
Here she is today trying to pick out a movie.   I just love the way she says"jungle book" :)

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

Her 6th birthday is approaching.....

2012-01-16T17:10:00.001-06:00

I just realized that Mayson's 6th birthday is just around the corner..... Hard to believe that she is going to be six.... silly girl still is the size of a 3 year old. Looking back, its amazing everything she has accomplished in her little life so far. Doing sooo many things that any typical kid would do regardless of her down syndrome. I am so proud of what she has done from being able to drink from a bottle, to a straw, sitting up on her own at 7 months, standing at 11 months, eating independently, walking, starting to talk, learning her letters, numbers, colors, letters, reading words, following directions when told. All those little things soooo many parents take for granted!!! Here is a glimps of her first year of life... Gosh I LOVE HER!!!!

ready for christmas....

2011-12-24T11:24:00.001-06:00

For as long as I can remember my grama and grampa J would give us ornaments each year for Christmas. Usually they were hand crafted ones. They loved to craft and spent most of their time after their retirement making hand made crafts, woodworking and sewing. You have to remember there are 8 children with their spouses and 23 grandchildren. That doesnt include the greats and the great greats!!!!! I have saved all the ornaments made by grandparents have made us over the years. Here is a sampling of them from over the years..

Hubs and I finally got our Christmas shopping finished yesterday. We are not fans of malls and crazy shoppers but none the less, we had our shopping date (with lunch out) and got it done! Mom and dad are here so mom helped me wrap the gifts and we got them under the tree!!!!!! It looks so much more like Christmas now!

We also got in to some candy making last night too!!!

Here is hoping you all have a wonderful holiday whether it be with family or friends.. and a happy and healthy 2012.

dr maymay

2011-11-05T15:28:00.001-05:00

Dr Maymay is now talking new patients:)

Mayson loved Halloween this year. She would walk up to the door, say trick or treat and thank you!! When the kids came to our door, Dr Maymay would drop a piece of candy in each of their bags saying "there you go" ,,,, not sure what she liked more, getting the candy or giving it!!!!!!

Adoption......

2011-10-26T12:36:00.001-05:00

Adoption plays a large roll in my life. If it wasnt for adoption, my hubby would of never been born in Iowa and we would of never hooked up, as he is adopted. I have had many friends adopt, whether it be local or out of the country.
Adoption is not easy, especially when it comes to all these sweet kids that have down syndrome or other issues, that are not wanted because of a disability. It takes special people to open up their hearts and homes to these kids....... and raise the money to go over and fight for their right to give these precious children a new life.
My friend Erin Harlan, her husband Zac and their daughter Addie are doing just that!!! Right now they are trying to raise money by having a AWESOME Fundraiser so they can bring "Sister" home!! Check out their adoption website THE JOURNEY TO BRING SISTER HOME and all their great prizes This could be your way of helping bring one more child home to their forever family!

LIFE

2011-10-16T17:56:00.000-05:00

Being on facebook, has really opened my world to the Down Syndrome community. It is so wonderful to make friends, see how their children and families are doing, and even meeting them in person. They have become a wealth of knowledge and information and my second family.   We all learn and grow with each other on our journey with Down Syndrome.
One thing that has come up ALOT lately, is new blood testing detecting Down Syndrome in the baby.   I have mixed feelings on this. My doctor sat me down at 12 weeks along and give me a list of all kinds of tests I could have done while pregnant with Mayson. After he gave me the list, his first question to me was "Will any of these test change anything about your pregnancy?" I said, no, of course, and so he said "then why have them!"
Why this new test maybe a great alternative to an amnio ( if its as accurate as they say it is) due to the chance of miscarriage. I also wonder how many more will use these results to have abortions. The rate is already sky high...um like 90% sky high.   That right there makes me want to barf..... because as I sit here and write this, my daughter sits next to me and plays with her baby dolls, talking to them, swaddling them, pretending to feed them..just like any 5 year old would. Just because she has one extra chromosome, should of never been an issue of keeping her or not.. That is not my decision or anyones, only Gods. Her life is just as precious and sacred as anyone's! I couldnt imagine what my life would be without her.

SERIOUSLY!!!!

school pictures

2011-10-05T21:49:00.001-05:00

Its hard to believe that I already have the kids school pictures back from this school year. Not to mention this is Jaydens last year for school pictures. Next year it will be senior pictures...eeek!!!

Jayden, 11th grade

Rylee Jo 8th grade

Mayson - preschool

project

2011-09-24T20:43:00.000-05:00

one of my newer projects:) this is for rylee's room at our new house!!!

occupational therapy rant.....

2011-09-15T19:33:00.000-05:00

Back when we had Mayson's IEP in April, there were several things the team and I disagreed with. I was PRO preschool again, and they were PRO kindergarten.One of my main reasons I was for preschool was Mayson's fine motor skills. This sweet girl still cannot draw a line on command, let alone even want to hold a pencil, crayon, marker, glue stick or scissors. We are still trying to get her to use a spoon and fork correctly. I requested that our local AEA re-evaluate her for OT services since they had denied her one on one the last year school. They agreed to do the evaluation which took a few weeks to do. We all met back for her IEP again at the end of May, and their conclusion was that after working several times with her one on one, they did not see any improvement so, they would not give her one on one therapy at school.... ARE YOU FRICKEN KIDDING ME?????? Basically, they are telling me they are giving up on her.... its not worth their time. I am stunned. We do private OT and I LOVE our private OT but we only get to see her every other week now that Mayson is in school 4 full days. Our state is supposed to provide our children with services at their schools once they turn 3. My girl is only 5 and is already slipping through the system. They are denying her her rights. It doesnt seem fair. She has so much potential and they are already giving up on her. MAKES ME SICK!!! THIS MAY GET UGLY BUT I WILL KEEP FIGHTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!
end of rant...

Mayson and her music therapist Amber who we also love!

blog redo!!

2011-09-12T10:56:00.001-05:00

Thanks to my awesome friend CJ for doing my blog redo for me:) I love it!!!!!!! Now, if I could find more time to blog!!!!

We are moving!!

2011-08-30T16:20:00.000-05:00

It is official.. we are moving!! We found a house on the other side of our little town that fits our family perfectly!!
So, we put a bid in and we got it!!! Its exciting but sad at the same time. The house we live in now, was our dream home. We have lived here 10 years, helped design and build it with our own hands. Not to mention many people in our family helped us build it. Its a big house... 4400 sq feet with a half acre of land. Now at the time, we built, we never dreamed that we would have a sweet baby girl join our family with an extra chromsome, nor did we ever imagine in a million years that hubby would need open heart surgery. So the decision was made, that we need something that fits our family needs as of now. Mayson still is unsteady with stairs, and we are not confortable with her room upstairs while ours is down on the main level. Hubby just cant do our driveway in the winter and the mowing is getting way to much for him.
I will miss our house we have called home, but excited to make new memories in our new home. Alot of the kids friends live in the neighborhood we are moving too. The yard is FLAT, the drive way is FLAT. There is 4 bedrooms, the basement is FINISHED, Maysons room will be on the same level as ours. Rylele and Jayden will each have their OWN bathrooms!
Yup, it fits our familly great!!
So, keep us in your prayers, that we will all make this transition easily

2011-08-29T19:19:00.000-05:00

It's official.. all three kids are now in school! Jayden and Rylee started on the 18th. So they are already getting back into routine. Jayden is a Junior this year. Ryleenis in 8th grade and has already started volleyball. I am NOT a fan of the 6:30 am practices.. ugh!

Miss Mayson started today. She was so ready to go back to preschool. Last week we went to her open house and dropped off all her school supplies. She did NOT want to leave to go home!! So, this morning she got up with ease and was so excited!!

But I still think its going to take some adjustment to the early mornings:) Overall, she has a fantastic day at school. She is in a all inclusive preschool program. She is there from 9am - 3pm Monday thru Thursday. She does not have one on one para and seems to follow directions and do what is expected of her! yeah!!!

Heres to a great school year!!!!

2011-08-16T16:17:00.000-05:00

I have one full day left and my kids are off to school. Its so hard to believe that summer is coming to and end. The kids say they are ready for school to start. They miss their friends, activities, the routine. I , on the other hand, am not ready for them to go back! Normally at this time of the year I can't wait for them to start school. For some reason, this summer flew by. I feel like I just didnt get to do the things I wanted to do with them:)

Jayden is 17 now and will be a JUNIOR--holy shit!!! How can that be????????

Rylee is going to be an 8th grader and will be 14 in October. WOW!!!!!! She will be driving next--eeekkk!

Mayson is 5 now but going to do one more year of pre-school. We have decided that is the best for her. Sure she knows her letters, numbers, shapes, colors, word wall words, etc....BUT, she is so tiny, speech delayed, fine motor is not there. You know, all the great perks of good ol Down syndrome! Giving her one more year of getting those perfected will also give her a better chance of succeeding in kindergarten the following year. She will go Mon-Thurs from 9 am -3 pm. I will miss her:(

This summer will end with many changes ahead in our future......Here is to my last day of summer with my kids!!!

its summer time

2011-08-09T23:52:00.000-05:00

Its summer time so I suck at blogging right now....no joke!!! Kids start school in a 9 days.. hopefully, I will get into blogging again!

Happ 17th Birthday Jayman!

2011-07-18T14:48:00.000-05:00

Wow, its hard to believe my first born.. my baby boy, is 17 today!! Not only is he 17 today but he is also wrestling out in Fargo, ND with Team Iowa for nationals. What a great way to celebrate a birthday. We hate not being there to watch him, but he knows we are all there in spirit!
We are all so proud of you buddy!! Hope your birthday is the best ever!!
LOVE YOU!

win a kindle!

2011-06-22T23:11:00.001-05:00

Blast from the past.....The first time we met.

A little over 4 years ago, I met this great mom for the first time. Her name is Gillian Marchenko and she has now become a wonderful friend and part of my second family. Gillian was blessed with her daughter Polly who has down syndrome and continued her journey further by adopting her 4th daughter, Evangeline, from the Ukraine. She is now writing about her down syndrome journey and is giving away a Kindle on her blog!!
So, go take a look and sign up to win a Kindle!!
Good luck!!!!

Specs4us, does it again... this time for Jayden!

2011-06-15T16:22:00.000-05:00

As most of you know, Jayden is our wrestler. He has been doing it since he was 4 years old. He was introducted by his daddy, who also wrestled in high school and college. Jayden found a love for it or more of a passion. He would beg to go to every tournament we could possibly get him in over the years. He is really committed now and has been working hard ever since the folkstyle season ended in February. Since then he as been working on Greco/Freestyle. A few weeks ago, he went to state and qualified to go to Fargo, ND and wrestle for TEAM IOWA! What a honor this is for him. And also, a once in a lifetime opportunity. He is committed to going but also has alot of money to raise in order to go. Right now he is selling raffle tickets at $5 each which gives you the chance to win 15 cash prizes in the amounts of each wrestling weight class..... $98, $112, $119, $125, $130, $135, $130, $145, $152, $160, $171, $189, $215, and $275.

You can pay for these through my paypal account at amymichele@southslope.net. Make sure you add your name, address and phone number in a message so it can be added to the ticket stub that will be sent to Fargo! Good Luck!
BUT WAIT.... There is MORE

Now, you also, know that our second famly, our DS family, is very special. When Maria, from SPECS4US (eye wear just for people with DS) heard Jayden needed to raise money, she offered a gift certificate to the highest bidder for the amount of $134.99!! Wow!!! Thats a free pair of frames people!! So, starting now, I am opening up this certificate for bids!! I will keep bidding open until Sunday Night at 9pm. Happy bidding and thanks for supporting my son in something that means so much to him!

Your name can be HERE!!!!!

first week of summer break-the beach!

2011-06-13T20:32:00.002-05:00

Our first week of summer break went by so fast. It was nice to have a fresh start of a week after the loss of my aunt the week before. It was hot as heck last week. In the 90's and the dew points were so high there were a few days it felt like 100. In Iowa, that isnt the norm for the first week of June! We did enjoy the time at the beach though. My family loves the beach. Its only 7 miles from our home and its so pretty there.

There is a great little marina where you can rent paddle boats, canoes, fishing boats and pontoons. Oh and snacks....you can"t forget the snacks!

The water is so clear. It is nice to be able to go to a beach and see your feet in the water and be able to build castles in the sand!

oh and the sailboats are so beautiful and fun to watch sail by!

Sometimes a friendly butterfly will visit.

Mayson and Rylee love the beach probably more than any of us. The Boys usually take off and walk to the spillway and fish. I sit in my chair and soak up the rays and read. The girls, they LOVE the water. Rylee is so good with Mayson......whether they are goofing around, sitting and enjoying each others company or splash'n around. Even though there is 8 years between them, they would be lost without each other.

Our day at the beach was great! We plan to spend many more days there this summer. Wanna join us???

She has gone to her Garden...

2011-06-04T16:38:00.012-05:00

This week was a tough one. My familly lost a beautiful soul.... Margery Lou.
She was my aunt, my moms sister, a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, grandmother
great -grandmother, great-aunt, friend and christian. She had battled MS for a quite some time
and was in a wheel chair. I never heard her complain about it either. It seemed that no
matter what was thrown at her, she took in stride.
She had a very deep faith in God, and it showed! The MS did not take her life, it was
unexpected pneumonina..... something none of us would of thought would happen.
But she took it with stride, knowing it was her time to go and was at peace with it.

Margery Lou 2 months old

She was an amazing seamstress, could whip out a piece of clothing
without a pattern. She enjoyed embroidery, making special little
gifts for new neices and nehphews with that talent. She also loved
to knit, decrotate her beautiful victorian home, look out at her
garden and LOVED to shop!

My grama with all her girls. Karen, Grama, Marge Shari, JoAnn, Diane and Judy

Many of you blog readers and my DS family, know of my cousin Shelly,
who also has DS. Marge was his mom. Never in a million years
would I have thought that I would be a mom, just like my aunt Marge,
of a child with DS. But because of being raised around Shelly, and
seeing how much he was just like all of us, it was ok. I loved being able
to call, email, or sit down and ask her about when Shellly hit certain
milestones, what he had for therapies, how she handled things. It was
reassuring to know she was there.

Margery's senior picture

Now she is gone, and I will miss having her here for all the special
things she did for all of us. Whether it was sending something special
for Mayson in the mail ( she always called Mayson "her girl") making
her awesome chocolate cake, or sharing hot tamales while sitting and
chatting in her family room. I will be forever grateful that she was apart of
my life.

Marge, may your Garden now be as beautiful as it was here on earth...Rest in peace.

IN THE GARDEN

I come to the garden alone

While the dew is still on the roses

And the voice I hear falling on my ear

The Son of God discloses.

Chorus

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own;

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.

He speaks, and the sound of His voice,

Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,

And the melody that He gave to me

Within my heart is ringing.

Chorus

I’d stay in the garden with Him

Though the night around me be falling,

But He bids me go; through the voice of woe

His voice to me is calling.

Chorus

2011-05-27T20:17:00.000-05:00

Spring is here! Grabbed the camera and snapped a few shots of flowers in my yard today! I love spring!

Siberian iris

pink geranium

violet

chives

iris

my favorite flower with her nose pressed up against the door :)

2011-05-25T17:20:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago I got an email update from 1saleADay about some super cheap ear buds you could purchase for $1 each plus shipping. Well I grabbed that deal due to a certain teenage boy that goes through them like water in our house!. A few days ago, 1saleAday announced a contest for a chance to win a free NOOK! The rules were you had to take a picture of something you had purchased through them and post it on their facebook page and be creative. I only had 3 hours left to think of something and post it.... and this is what I came up with

I know, its kinda cheesey, but I have to try right???? A free NOOK would be awesome, at least until I can raise the funds to buy Mayson and I pad. There are apps and books you can download on the NOOK. Maysons fine motor skills just plain suck and working the Ipod is too hard for her.
So, I am asking all my blooger and facebook friends to please do me a HUGE favor and go vote for my picture......it will only take a few minutes if you are on facebook! Just click here. Oh and you can vote once a day through May 27th~~ Thank you!!!!

Sweet Ollie Faith

2011-05-22T15:06:00.001-05:00

This precious baby girl is going to be having her open heart surgury June 9th. She is such an adorable baby. Her name is Ollie Faith and she has something in common with Mayson.... and extra chromosome!! We didnt have any heart factors with Mayson....yes and we thank God for that everyday.

Here is Ollie... isnt she just the cutest?????

Her mama has made a prayer button to add to our blogs in honor of Ollie in preperation for her upcoming heart surgery.

You can check out her mamas blog and grab the prayer button for your blog as well!! spread the botton in honor of sweet Ollie!

photo shoot

2011-05-13T21:46:00.000-05:00

Mayson got to take part of a fun photo shoot for the HADSA Down Syndrome calendar. It was fun watching the other little ones get their pictures taken. We met up at Tiffanie Lloyds studio. The atmosophere was so relaxed and fun! Tiffanie followed the kids cues and shot away! Here are a couple shots she took of May! I highly recommend her!!!!!!

I just love how she captured my girl!! Dont you???

The Farm

2011-05-04T13:52:00.000-05:00

We headed off to Kirkwood farms for a little preschool field trip with Maysons class. It was a cold, windy and cloudy day but all the kids loved it.... not to mention seeing all the animals. Oh, and the animals... one particular one was super stinky.....THE PIGS! wooooo weeeee did they stink!!! All in all, it was a really fun time!!!

standing in line after getting off the bus... yes my girl is much smaller than her friends in class :)

looking at the cows and Mr. Bull

Mayson loved the sheep. She fed them right out of her hand too!

Climbing the hay mounds!

Petting the horses. One even gave May a kiss!

The horse arena.....very nice and fun to run around in!

Getting ready to take a hay ride!

Mom and Mayson

Mayson loved the mama pig and her babies... me, not so much. The stink was horrible!!

Mr Bull who happens to weight 1700 lbs!! ouch!!!

VIP Day at Preschool

2011-04-28T14:06:00.000-05:00

Today was VIP day at Mayson's preschool. We chose Denise to come and be Mayson's VIP. Denise is our respite worker. But she is not just any respite worker. She is like another grama to Mayson and the older two kids and like another mom to hubby and I. She is so loving, kind, giving and wise. We are so happy to have her apart of our life and family! So, it meant alot that she was able to come and spend this special time with Mayson!

The first thing they got to do together was head off to the gym for some play time!

Go get it Denise!


Kick it may!!!!

Then we headed to the cafeteria for some donuts and juice! Mayson got to show off her artwork she did on the table clothes the class made!


Denise giving me kisses while I try to eat my donut! She says she cant get enough of me!

Then it was book and coloring time. Of course, Mayson would much rather do books than anything fine motor!! So books it was!!!!


We got a little bit of coloring in!

Overall, It was a great VIP day. Thanks Denise for being Mayson's Very Important Person. WE love you!

Easter egg hunt

2011-04-27T13:31:00.001-05:00

I am finally getting around to posting pictures of our little Easter egg hunt for Mayson and cousin Aida! Mayson loved picking them up and putting them in her bucket.

Wow, I found and egg!!!!

and another....

and another one!!

ooh help! I cant reach it!

Aida on the other hand, would find them, point to them, and yell at "bompa" to pick them up for her! haha!!

See that egg Bompa? Get it!!

thanks!!

The Violet are here....

taking over the yard!

Overall, the girls loved it!

My Easter Blessings

2011-04-24T18:43:00.000-05:00

My three Easter Blessings! Hope you all had a wonderful Easter!

easter egg dying was not fun this year.....

2011-04-24T18:24:00.000-05:00

This year I bought this easter egg dye at target.... When we opened it up it only had 3 color tablets.. thats it!! are you kidding me????? So, we had to mix colors to get something other than blue, red and yellow. Not to mention, our eggs would not let crayons stick to them this year. What the heck? The crayon would wipe right off! We were so sad, as we love to dye eggs and decorate them.

Oh well, we at least got to make our almighty POOP egg!!!!! The word POOP wouldn't stay on it, nor did it turn brown since we only had three colors to work with but it is ugly!!!

Grateful for friendship

2011-04-19T22:33:00.000-05:00

Mayson went over to her best friend, Bella's to play. They are nine days apart in age and have been best friends since they were a year old. Not to mention we only leave a few blocks from each other! I love seeing the two of them interact!

They really do love each other!


Bella working on her awesome fine motor skills!

Mayson was totally into Bella's brothers toys!

We took a golf set over for Bella as a present and the girls tried to play it. It was so funny watching them try and hit the ball. They had no idea what golf was... haha

Go Bella!

Help from big sis!

Get it May!!!!!

My favorite time was just trying to get a nice picture of the two girls together LOOKING AT THE CAMERA SMILING! I mean come on, that can't be too much to ask.......

They loved on each other for a bit so I did get some cute ones.

But I still never got what I wanted.....

This one, well, I have no idea what they were doing here...

Here they were singing "If you're happy and you know it"

We tried a little "head and shoulders knees and toes"

And I let them try to model for me....

and yah, that didnt work either! haha!!! But they still had fun time while capturing these special moments. These two girls rock our world! We are so very blessed to be able to be so close with Bella's family and that God choose us to be the parents of these two special girls. For that, I am forever grateful!

OH and this is the only picture that even came close to what my goal was for a photo!!!
At least they are both looking at the camera, right????

chuck E cheese.....

2011-04-18T17:21:00.000-05:00

Three years ago, I was asked to be a Pilot Parent through the Arc, for a family that had just found out they were having a baby with Down Syndrome. Guiding them through what they should expect after their sweet baby girl was born. She came early, and had a heart defect, and spent some time in the NICU. But once she was home, she did amazingly well.
This weekend was her THIRD birthday! We were invited to her birthday, along with celebrating her big brothers birthday, who turned 6! We celebrated at Chuch E Cheese. It was Mayson's first time ever being there. ( I like to stay away from that place!) And to tell you the truth, I had no idea how she would react to such a chaotic place. She LOVED it though!

Especially the Pizza-3 pieces of it!

The birthday girl loved it too! Isn't her new pixie hair cut cute?

Gotta love going for a ride with Chuck E!

Playing a little wack a ball with big sis!

Mayson LOVED the show!

And amazingly enough, she LOVED Chuck E!

She ran right up to him and gave him a big hug!

There was a little birthday dancing.....


and singing too!!

Here is the birthday boy!

The birthday girl with her new dolly from Mayson. She wears glasses so we had to get her a dolly with Glasses!!


The birthday girl enjoying her cake!! And let me tell you, she thoroughly enjoyed that cake!!!!

Down syndrome has brought so many wonderful people into our life. We are grateful for our second family and being able to enjoy special moments like this!

I Did It!!!!!!!

2011-04-03T10:02:00.000-05:00

I did it!! I am officially a CONSUMER CHOICES OPTION Broker!!!! After several people asking me to do this, I bit the bullet and went for it! I am so excited to help people and families dealing with disabilites!!

Some of you don't know what this is, so here is a little explanation.

The Consumer Choices Option offers Iowans the choice of taking the responsibility for
planning and controlling Home- and Community-Based Services to make it possible for
them to stay in their homes and communities. It provides an option for those who need
care or assistance due to aging, illness or disability.
The Consumer Choices Option recognizes that Iowans with disabilities and older
Iowans can plan and decide how they spend their days and how they live their lives,
with caring assistance available when needed. It is offered through Iowa’s Home- and
Community-Based (HCBS) Waiver programs, allowing individuals and their families
to make decisions about the services they need and to manage those services. It:
● Offers flexibility so individuals can get assistance for the support needed in
the lifestyles they choose
● Gives individuals the say-so to determine their own needs, create support plans,
make choices, select and employ staff, and monitor the quality of support services
● Offers support to organize resources in ways that are life enhancing and
meaningful to the individual
● Gives Iowans with disabilities and older Iowans authority over a targeted
amount of dollars
● Promotes responsibility for the wise use of public dollars and recognition of
the contribution that individuals with disabilities and older adults make in
their communities.

So, I will be helping people with their budgets, services, paperwork, etc. We use this service for Mayson and its wonderful. It gives us so many options and we feel like we are in control of the decisions needed for HER!
Wish me luck!!!!

Do you know what this Monday is?

2011-03-17T21:23:00.000-05:00

Do you know what this Monday is?? It's WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY!
What is it and why on Monday? Well, World Down Syndrome Day takes place on March 21st every year because the date 21/3 represents the 3 copies of chromosome 21, which is unique to people with Down syndrome!
Many Down syndrome groups and organizations, get together on this day and celebrate, support and advocate!
My sweet girl would love for you to think for just a moment about people with Down syndrome and how you can help adovcate so she too, can lead a life filled with many possibilities!

ps...... If you have a child or relative with Ds and would like me to make you a siggy like the one of Mayson, for your blog or facebook, just email me!!
amymichele@southslope.net

KGAN CBS 2 :: Top Stories - Is the "R" Word the New "N" Word?

2011-03-04T16:35:00.000-06:00

I wanted to share with you what our high school did March 2nd.....
I love our school district!

KGAN CBS 2 :: Top Stories - Is the "R" Word the New "N" Word?

My Hands Hurt!!!

2011-03-02T11:13:00.000-06:00

This week I have been working on some things for Mayson. It has involved using these:

And doing lots of this:

And this too:

Which means ALOT of cutting these:

But it results in THESE!

Mayson LOVES learning and anything like these she grasps onto so fast. I am still working on more which is why my hand is killing me!!! but its all worth it, right? !!!!!

My Montage 2/28/11 at OneTrueMedia.com

2011-02-28T17:36:00.001-06:00

The other day, Mayson came up to me and kept repeating this long, drawn out crazy word, over and over again. I couldn't quite figure it out but I knew she wanted something. Finally, she was tired of me not understanding her, and just did the easy thing and went and got the cover to the movie she wanted and when I saw what movie it was I went "DUH"!!!!!! She was trying to say "despicable me". I felt so bad but at least I know what it is now!!!!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Playing with Buzz and Woody!

2011-02-23T22:25:00.001-06:00

Mayson got this game from my sister for her birthday. Its awesome for fine motor and following directions, not to mention speech! She loves it....take a peek :)

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

State wreslting Pep assembly

2011-02-16T14:30:00.000-06:00

A send off to the state qualifiers and the team... Go prairie hawks!!!!!

We are headed to State!!!

2011-02-15T23:18:00.000-06:00

So, I thought Jayden's room needed a little pumping up before we left. We decorated his room and surprised him when he got home from practice tonight :) We are just a tad bit excited!

A few of his wrestling trophies!

Mayson and cousin Aida helped out too!!

A few of his medals from throughout the years.....

Good Luck buddy!!! No matter what you do, just go out and enjoy your self!!! We love you!

A Dream

2011-02-13T18:52:00.002-06:00

When I started dating my hubby, I never dreamed how wrestling would play such a large roll in our life. Hubby wrestled all high school, where I also was "mat maid" for fours years. After high school, hubby wrestled in college. He then decided to ref many high school meets and tournaments. When Jayden was born, it was obvious, he too would be introduced to the sport! At age 4 he wrestled in his first take down tournament. He did awesome. Little did we know that he would end up loving the sport!!


Here is Jayden back in the day (on the left) with his good buddy Austin

Our lives have been filled with weekends of tournaments ever since that very first tournament he wrestled at. Many nights of practice starting at the early age of 5. Driving miles and miles, and packing bags, and cooler, and toys for tournaments..... But it was all to help a little boy fulfill his dream, his dream of going to THE IOWA STATE WRESTLING TOURNAMENT, when he "grew up"!

On Saturday, It was the district meet..the qualifying tournament for state. Last year his dream was shattered as a freshman, by breaking his collar bone during the match that would determine if he was going to state. It was devastating seeing him walk up to the podium with his shoulder wrapped up taking third place.
This year, as my son was waiting to walk up on the podium, he turned to me and said "Mama, this has always been my dream, and I did it! " Right there and then I wanted to just bawl my eyes out .. I was sooo proud of him.......but I held my composure and kissed him on the cheek and whispered to him "yes you did buddy, I love you." After that, he walked up to the podium to receive his 2nd place medal with a huge smile on his face.

Yup, its all been worth it.....

valentines party at school

2011-02-10T13:11:00.000-06:00

Today was Mayson's Valentines day party at preschool since they don't have school Monday. Mayson was excited when she heard the word PARTY!!!

All dressed up and ready to go... of course with a baby on tow!

Cousin Aida came along too!

Yummy Treats!!!!

Maysons spot

Yummy...a sucker!!!

All the kids had fun eating sweet treats, singing and dancing. Even Miss Aida seemed to fit right in! Feel sorry for Ms Katie, who has to deal with the kids and their sugar high all day!!!! hehe!

in 10 days....

2011-02-05T18:08:00.000-06:00

In 10 days my baby girl will turn 5!!!! 5 years old! It cant be!!! Where did the time go? Seriously????

Just in the last few months, she has really started looking older to me. She is still tiny ( almost 28 lbs and 34 inches) but still amazing me everyday! She is such a little Rock Princess :)

Strike a pose.....

Gotta love the skinny jeans

Sporting her new shoes :)

Rock on lil sista!!!

little mommy

2011-02-04T13:51:00.000-06:00

Having a child with down syndrome has not been a challenge for us. We take each day as it comes and really try hard to treat Mayson like any other child. She reminds me sooooo much of Rylee when she was this age in so many ways. Especially when it comes to playing with her baby dolls. Mayson would be such a good mommy even though deep down I know she will never get to fill that roll. Sure, all things are possible, and I would love for her to have that chance, but realistically, I doubt it will ever happen. I can sit back and watch her roll play though and enjoy her sweet baby playing time.

I LOVE finding her baby dolls all over the house and they are always placed with a purpose!


This baby is having lots of drinks!!!

Apparently, this one got her driver's licenses!!


This one is ready for a stroller ride! Better dress up warm baby its cold outside!!


Here is baby ready for her diaper change!


These babies are getting some Yo Gabba Gabbe time! haha!


Baby going potty!!!


Puppy and Buzz get to rest on the kitchen counter.


Naked baby ready for lunch!!

Of course, this baby gets the luxury of sharing fishy crackers....


and a Kiss!!!!!

Don't you just love the innocence of a child?

Lovin me a snow storm!

2011-02-02T12:40:00.001-06:00

I love me a good ol snow storm. It is something about the excitement of it coming and knowing you may get stuck in the house and NO SCHOOL!!!!! This year in Iowa we haven't had a big storm yet... well until last night. We got a whopper!!!

last night you could hardly see across the street to the neighbors. We were in a blizzard warning all night!! They called of school last night, which is almost unheard of from our school district! It was nice
knowing we got to sleep in for a change.

When we got up this morning we woke up to this.

We pretty much can not get out of our driveway! Sweet uh???

As long as I have Down Syndrome!

2011-01-19T14:48:00.000-06:00

When Mayson started preschool last year, I was a little skeptical about how she would react to other kids. She is a very social child, but these kids were all new to her, not to mention it was and inclusion program and she was the only child in the class with down syndrome. It didn't take long for to be swept under a certain girls wing, though. Miss Molly took a liking to Mayson right away. She would always help her with her nap mat, help her with books, hold her hand going to the library, play with her outside for recess... you get the picture. I was truly in aww with Molly and all the kids in Maysons class. They saw Mayson for who she was, not her disability.
As the year went on, Molly's mom Wendy and I started going out for breakfast on occasion. Her older son Jake, and my Rylee are in the same grade as well, so we always had a lot to talk about! But one day Wendy stuck me with a story that blew my mind away.... one that made me cry and still does. This is how it goes..............

Molly and her sister Emily and the neighbor girls were playing house. Each were picking "who" they were going to be. Emily was the mom, another girl the dad, someone else the big sister and Molly was designated to be the baby. Molly wasn't to thrilled with this but she agreed. But she only agreed under one condition......Molly said, "Fine! I will be the baby but only if I have down syndrome."

Yup, folks, you heard that right... she wanted to have down syndrome!! Can you imagine how that made me feel?? I mean come on, no one "wants" down syndrome. I was floored. My heart burst with happiness. Miss Molly GOT IT! She understood that Mayson wasn't down syndrome...... she was just Mayson. The sweet, wonderful, smart, gorgeous girl we all know!
Thanks Molly for being who you are. I wish there were more out there like you!

Help us pay it forward!*

2011-01-08T22:59:00.000-06:00

Kelle Hampton has a beautiful blog... a blog about her beautiful family. We have a connection which happens to be that extra chromosome both of our youngest daughters were born with. Kelle is doing an amazing thing in honor of her sweet girl, Nella's, first birthday. She wants to rasie $30, 000 for the NDSS!! The NDSS does amazing things for our kids! Go check out her blog and if you can reach into your heart and donate just $5, its amazing what that $5 can do!! You may even catch a glimpse of my little beauty too!! Check it out!!!!!!!!

2011-01-06T13:51:00.000-06:00

Our library now has a great link to "tumblebooks" This is a site you can log onto and it will read books to your child! It highlights the word as it reads the book as well! They games, puzzles, non fiction, read alongs, etc. Mayson loves it!! Just wanted to share a great find!

Go to http://www.ely.lib.ia.

Click on Tumblebooks

log in using elypl

password: libra

Our Christmas Card to YOU. Have a blessed Holiday!!!!

2010-12-23T14:04:00.000-06:00

It's that time of year again, and 2010 has proven to be another busy year for the Fleges.

Jayden is 16 and a sophomore at Prairie High School. Wrestling, fishing and facebook take up most of his time! He placed 3rd at wrestling districts last year due to breaking his collar bone. After 4 months of rehab and working out he is now ready for this years wrestling season. He will be be Prairie's varsity 112 pounder once again this year!

Rylee just turned 13 in October with a huge birthday bash consisting of 30 kids dancing and partying in our garage! She is in 7th grade at Prairie Point Middle school and kept us busy this spring and fall with soccer and is now starting club volleyball. She is our scholar and likes music, hanging with her friends and has become the neighborhood babysitter. Not to mention, she is her baby sisters idol!!!

Mayson is 4 and is in preschool at Prairie Ridge Elementary. She goes 3 full days and seems to really love school. On the days she is not in school, she goes to music therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy. She now knows her ABC's, numbers, colors, shapes, and is recognizing words! She loves playing with her doll house, watching Elmo and reading books. She amazes us everyday!

Stacy is still at ESG and is a controller "on call". He jumps from office to office and works a lot from home. He has recovered nicely from his open heart surgery last year and his heart is doing great! Stacy and Jayden did a lot of fishing together this summer and hopefully get some deer hunting time in before the season ends.

Amy took on watching her 18 month old niece, Aida a few days a week....she helps keep Amy busy when Mayson is in school. She is also working on getting a down syndrome awareness center here to Cedar Rapids. It's proven to be lots of work but hopefully it will be up and running by the summer of 2011. She is still the cook, wife, maid, taxi driver and butt wiper but wouldn't change it for the world.

We hope this finds you well and you all have a blessed holiday and a wonderful new year!

Stacy, Amy, Jayden, Rylee Jo and Mayson

boring...

2010-12-17T21:42:00.000-06:00

I really am horrible at blogging lately. But honestly, don't have much to write about.
I finally got the Christmas cards all addressed and ready to be sent out. Bad thing is, I forgot to buy the stamps that are needed to send the cards.. *sigh*
Let me also mention, I still have very few Christmas presents bought or wrapped.. *sigh*
Things have been so crazy busy I truly have NOT been able to get into much of a Christmas spirit. I did make it to one advent service at our Church this week which felt great! Helped put things in perspective while the stress is piling on! I am so ready for my kids to be out on Christmas break so we can have some slow down time. We all need it!

Flege carries on family tradition as Prairie rolls

2010-12-02T23:05:00.001-06:00


GREAT WAY TO START OUT THE YEAR...

Flege carries on family tradition as Prairie rolls

Christmas cards are done!!!!!!

2010-11-29T22:29:00.001-06:00

Remember when I posted about the great Christmas Cards that Shutterfly has to offer? Well, I just got mine done and ordered them! I am sooo excited to get them! They were so easy to do! The hardest part was picking which one to use! They have so many to choose from. I ended up letting Rylee pick and I think they turned out great!
Happy Holidays!!!!!!

Merry Mod Christmas 5x7 folded card

Get custom photo Christmas cards online at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

Sharing our Christmas spirit

2010-11-29T16:42:00.000-06:00

It is hard to believe that thanksgiving is over and that we are now preparing for Christmas. The outside lights, the tree and the decorations are all up at our house. I thought it might be neat in blogger world, that we all share our decorations online. So many different religions and traditions! Here is some of ours.

The stockings are hung on the fireplace each year.....

Some randome decor in the hallway

our small tree in the piano room

I love to put up a school ornament the kids made when they were little. Here is Rylee's ornament she made in preschool...

Mayson's ornament she made last year in preschool....

Jayden's ornament he made in 4th grade....

Ornament I had has a baby.....

Homemade ornament my mom made!

The pickle we hide every year in the tree. It's a German tradition. Whoever finds the pickle first gets to be the first to open their present!

My grama jensen gives a new ornament each year. We have so many I have started my own gram jensen ornament tree!!

Jaydens snowman plate he painted in kindergarten....I love this plate!

My dads nativity he got in 5th grade. He handed it down to me....I remember playing with it at Christmas time every year.

Well, thats a little bit from our house hold! Now, pass this along and share yours too!!!
Happy decorating :)

Wrestling is in the air!

2010-11-18T12:10:00.000-06:00

The wrestling season has offically begun at the Flege Farm. Jayden pre-qualified at 112 lbs so that is done!
Our weekends are officially booked starting Dec 4th! We are excited for this season to begin! If you want to follow Prairie Wrestling, click here for their website. Go Jayden, and Go Prairie Hawks!!!

The beginning of reading!

2010-11-10T17:37:00.001-06:00

I purchased videos from Preschool Prep and after one week of viewing it, Mayson has learned to read several words!! I am so excited for her! Here is a little preview!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Ankles.....

2010-11-03T21:43:00.000-05:00

It started way back in college.... you know, those good old partying days? Well I had a little too much to drink, slipped down two steps and totally mangled my RIGHT ankle. It got as big as a baseball!! Went to Doctor, had xrays and it was just a bad sprain. I did some rehab and its alwasy been weak.
Well, when Jayden was 2 years old, I was going out side and the kitchen floor was wet and I slipped holding him going down ONE step. You guessed it... I totally screwed up my LEFT ankle. This one got as big as a softball. Went to Doctor had xray and it was a bad sprain. So bad, I also twisted the bone that attaches up to my knee. They said I would of been better off breaking it!...GREAT! Did some rehab, and its always been weak.
To make a long story short, I have injured both ankles AGAIN and now they are the ugliest things, the weakest things and they ached horribly. So bad, I would toss and turn all night......
But notice I said "ached"......thats right...........they no longer ache!! And its all because of JUICE PLUS!
I have been on Juice plus for about 1 1/2 months now, and the aches have gone away! I am soo amazed, I had to share it with you all!! If you want to learn more about this Whole Food Nutrition and some of their research, click here!

I love Shutterfly!

2010-11-02T17:10:00.001-05:00

When I walked into Walmart today, there stood in front of me a giant CHRISTMAS TREE!! EEEEEEKKKKKK!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME???? Yup, hard to believe but Christmas is less than TWO months away and I haven't even begun to shop! This year, though, I am going to do one thing early, and thats get my Christmas cards out early!
I LOVE Shutterfly and have chosen them to do my Christmas cards this year. They have so many fun and exciting new looks for cards! I have browsed their site several times, but they have so many I like I can't decide!
Their actual Cards are awesome! I just LOVE this one! I could just my Maymay on the front cover of this one! This one is so fun!

Then there is the FLAT Photo Cards.....I love those too! Here is my favorite...Not the traditional Christmas colors, which I like about it!! Very casual and simple!

By the time I decide, I am sure I will have a totally new favorite!

I have used Shutterfly to make picture books too and they come out unbelievable! What a great way to scrap book by NOT scrap booking!! Super easy and reasonably priced. But the best thing is you have memories all printed in one book. We love them!.

Are you a blogger?

too long...

2010-11-01T13:03:00.000-05:00

It has been too long since I blogged last. The busy season is hitting our house hold and there is little time for blogging... sigh....

Jayden has started wrestling. Not with the school team yet, but on his own at tournaments and practices. He worked hard with re-hab after last years collar bone break. He lifted all summer and is ready! I love wrestling and love to watch him and all his team mates. Can't wait for season to officially start!

Rylee had a good soccer season playing for the middle school. It's a short season but overall, her team did great!!! Now, she has decided to try out for club volleyball, so we are in the middle of workouts for that. She should know but next week if she made it or not! It's hard to believe that my lil girl that would only wear dresses and play with her babies, is now a sport nut!

Little Miss Mayson LOVED Halloween this year! She got the whole "trick or treat" thing and had a blast dressing up, going to the pumpkin patch, and trick or treating. She walked up to the houses, said "trick or treat" and got her own candy and said "thank you"!! WOO HOOO!!!!! We were so proud of her!!
Here is a few pictures of my lil black kitty :)

I hope you all had a great October! Fall is in the air for sure!!

cock a doodle doo!!!

2010-10-20T10:57:00.002-05:00

It is our tradition to go to Krouls pumpkin patch each year. We always take the kids pictures by their growth chart and compare throughout the year. They animals, corn maze, hay maze, chicken, hay rides.. and its free!! Jayden refused to go this year.. he is "too old" for that.... ugh. My boy is growing up:( So I didnt get his picture with the growth chart yet, but I keep telling him we are going to make a special trip just to get that picture darn it!!!!!

I think they chickens were Maysons favorite part this year!! She loves listening to them!!!

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Pumpkin Patch Day!!

2010-10-14T18:55:00.000-05:00

We headed out to the pumpkin patch this morning with Mayson's preschool class. It was a beautiful day to go. The pumpkin patch we went to has TONS of activities for the kids to do. We played in the tireland, took a hay rack ride to see the pumpkin patch, fed the animals, jumped on the "jumpy thing", went down the BIG black slide, played in the corn,..... I think you get the gist of our day! After lunch, we played some more, picked out a pumpkin and then headed home. What a great day at the patch!!!

Fall is in the air...

2010-10-07T15:21:00.000-05:00

You can sure tell fall is in the air.......around our yard anyway.....

The Mums are blooming.

The trees are turning color.

Some are losing their leaves.

The field next to our house is ready to be harvested.

And the days are getting shorter.......

Happy fall y'all!!!

Two Amazing Years...

2010-10-06T12:39:00.001-05:00

In honor of Down Syndrome awareness month, I am pulling Maysons first 2 years of life video out of the archives..... i love this girl so much!!!!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Apple Orchard day!

2010-10-04T14:21:00.000-05:00

When Jayden was in kindergarten hubby went with him to the apple orchard field trip (no pictures). He did the same thing when Rylee was in preschool (no pictures). Today was apple orchard day for Mayson and her class. Hubby went along. I grabbed the camera and took a few shots while she was getting ready to leave with her cute hat Grama Jo made her and then......

yippy!!!! i am going to the apple orchard!

CHEESE!!!!!!

um, are you done yet mom?

come dad, i am ready!!!!

I handed hubby the camera and reminded him to get some shots of her while they were there!! What did he do? He forgot the camera in the car and they rode the school bus to the orchard ... so you got it... no pictures :( UGH!!!!!!!!

Cuppies

2010-10-03T16:06:00.000-05:00

Cuppies....aka, cups, a glass, mug, whatever you call them... I have a crap load in my cupboard. Seriously, they just dont fit in the cupboard anymore. I will admit, I am obsessed with them. But as a mom with a child with Down Syndrome, you go out and buy every cup out there so your child can drink independently or build up those lip muscles by drinking from a straw. Then there are different sizes of straws that you want your child to master drinking from cuz, you know, thats a milestone in itself!
Well, we cleaned out the cupboard today.

I dont think Mayson has one particular one she cares for. She will drink out of any of them at any time. Just as long as she gets a "gink" (drink). So, crap, that means I have to be the one to get rid of some. I am not good at this! Do I get rid of beloved ELMO? I mean, come on, thats the love of her life!!!

or DORA? But she LOVES her too!!!

I could part with "RELLA" but she is great in the car and I one I could care less if we lost when we
go somewhere..... she was one we bought with juice already in it at a convenience store.

I guess I could through them out all out and start from scratch but hubby would kill me.... haha..
Whats your favorite Cuppie for your kiddo?????

We went walking!

2010-10-02T23:20:00.000-05:00

Since Mayson was born, we have walked at a buddy walk each year. I have planned them, help set them up, raised thousands of dollars, blah blah blah. This year I was not on the board and wow... how nice it was!! We didnt get to go to our local buddy walk because we will be out of town for a wedding. But we went to the next best thing! We headed to the Designer Genes buddy walk north of here with my awesome friend Brigitte and had a great time! The weather was perfect. Mayson loved all the games, she walked the whole walk this year, and was pretty proud of her little medal she earned!!

Aida

2010-10-01T14:50:00.000-05:00

So Miss Aida, my neice, is 15 months old now. She is usually over at my house 3 days a week and I knew it was time for a little photo session. The dress she is wearing was actually given to me from my dear friend Julie. I took Maysons 18 month pictures in it. Remember these? so so sweet!

Here is Aida at 15 months old!! The dress barely fit her!

2010-09-28T22:19:00.000-05:00

Every year it was always a big deal for school picture day when I was growing up. Picking out the outfit, making sure the hair was just right, and the smile had to be perfect. Then you get the picture back and you HATE them... I swear I never had a good school picture!
Well, here are my kids pictures from this year and I think they turned out pretty dang good-just sayin!!!

Jayden 10th grade

Rylee Jo 7th grade

Mayson preschool

lets go swimming!

2010-09-24T22:53:00.001-05:00

This is Maysons favorite song right now. She is really getting a lot of the words and motions down!! Listen closely!
I am so proud of her :)

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

EKS Day

2010-09-22T15:05:00.001-05:00

On Saturday, September 25th “Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day” (EKS Day) will take placle to promote a global call for people to commit acts of inclusion, acceptance and unity for individuals with intellectual disabilities (EKS ACTS). I was tagged by Jen to help spread the word and pledge "to do" something on this day!!!

“I pledge to advocate advocate advocate! on EKS Day, and I tag my 5 friends Lyndi, Brigitte, Bethany, Tammy, and Kristen and challenge you to re-post this on your blog and tell us what you pledge to do on EKS Day.”

here are some great ideas Jen posted that you could do!!

emailing, texting, and using your social media outlets to spread the word about the day.
Change your profile picture to a photo of Eunice (many images in that link to chose from), and
use one of her iconic quotes as your status update (see below for a few examples). Click HERE to hear audio files of Eunice speaking.
On twitter post: RT: I pledge to honor @SpecialOlympics by performing an Act of Unity on http://act.ly/2e7 RT to sign.
Be sure to post your Act of Unity HERE.

giveaway!!!

2010-09-09T09:44:00.001-05:00

I have a great little giveaway to do this week!! The weekend of Septemeber 18th and 19th in Des Moines, Iowa, there is going to be BEBE PALUZZA--The Des Moines Maternity, Baby, & Toddler Expo!! And I have 4 tickets to giveway!!!

All you need to do for a chance to win tickets is go here and check out their website and see all the cool vendors that will be there! Reply back to me and tell me what you would like best about the Expo. On Sunday, I will pick two winners of 2 tickets each and send them out to you!!!

GOOD LUCK!!!

Juice Plus

2010-09-07T17:15:00.001-05:00

Yup I did it!! I am officially a Juice Plus distributor!! I am pretty excited about this new venture!

The next best thing to fruits & vegetables

Good nutrition takes time and planning. Clinically proven Juice Plus+^® helps you bridge the gap between the 7 to 13 servings of fruits and vegetables recommended by The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the nutrition you actually get with your busy schedule.

this little blurp right here got me really interested and that pretty much sold me on it!! My younger 2 are very picky eaters. Not to mention, me as well. OH and all the research. There is tons of research to show the benefits of Juice Plus.

Juice Plus+^® is whole food based nutrition, including juice powder concentrates from 17 different fruits, vegetables and grains. Each ingredient is specially selected to provide a broad range of nutritional benefits.
Juice Plus+ is a complement to a healthy diet. Juice Plus+ is the simple, convenient, and inexpensive way to add more nutrition from fruits and vegetables to your diet, every day. Juice Plus+ is supported by clinical research conducted by researchers at leading hospitals and universities around the world and published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Juice Plus+ is recommended by thousands of doctors and health professionals around the world.

Juice Plus+^® contains a wide variety of nutritionally dense fruits and vegetables reduced to juice powder concentrate using a proprietary process. Fruits and vegetables contain many phytonutrients, from such familiar vitamins as vitamin C and beta-carotene, to less widely known antioxidant compounds, including polyphenols and flavonoids. It also includes the carotenoids, beta-cryptoxanthin, and lycopene. Below are a few examples of the broad range of phytonutrients found in fruits and vegetables, but remember that there are many more than those listed here:

Apple: Pectin along with a variety of polyphenols and other antioxidants
Acerola Cherry: Vitamin C and anthocyanadins
Cranberry: Flavonoid and phenolic antioxidants
Orange: Vitamin C, folate, and several carotenoids including beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin
Papaya: Vitamin C, potassium, and several carotenoids including beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin
Peach: Vitamin C and several carotenoids
Pineapple: Vitamin C and bromelain
Tomato: Vitamin C, polyphenols, and several carotenoids including lycopene
Oat Bran: Dietary fiber, vitamin E, several B vitamins, and minerals
Beet: Folate, iron and calcium
Broccoli: Folate, vitamin C, and several carotenoids including beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and glucosinolates
Cabbage: Vitamin C, folate, and glucosinolates
Carrot: Several carotenoids including beta-carotene, along with vitamin E
Kale: Vitamin C, folate, magnesium, and several carotenoids including beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin
Parsley: Vitamin C, folate, several carotenoids and flavonols
Spinach: Folate, vitamin C, vitamin E, several carotenoids, iron, and calcium
Brown Rice Bran: Dietary fiber, several B vitamins, and minerals

I am just beginning to learn about all the great benefits of Juice Plus and I am excited to start my family on it. I could go on and on about all that Juice Plus does but instead please check out my website and check all the benefits out for yourself!!

preschool

2010-08-31T16:27:00.000-05:00

Mayson started preschool Monday!! She is going full days from 9 am - 3pm Mon-Tue-Wed. Today was day 2 of school and so far so good!! She seems to really enjoy going full days. She doesn't normally take naps but at school today she did!! HAHA I knew these early mornings would catch up with her!

Her class room is the inclusion program at our school. There are a couple other kids with IEPs in her class but other than that, the rest are typical peers. She does not have a one on one or aid. So far so good... I am excited for her school year and think she will do great!!

2010-08-24T08:01:00.000-05:00

Life has been crazy busy here. School is now in full swing for the older two. Jayden is a Sophomore and Rylee is in 7th grade! School pictures are being taken, sports are starting. Which means I will be in my car twice as much as I am already. Mayson starts school on Monday. We have decided to put her in 3 days a week-full days. The other two days are for her private therapies. Her private therapies are so important. I have tried to get the school to allow her private therapists to come into the school but they wont allow it... :( What they offer at school is just not enough. Who knows, maybe Mayson will never go to school full time there. I am already thinking Kindergarten in the back of my mind. I know I have a whole year to get there, but it just seems sooooo close! And then again, maybe we wont do kindergarten and do one more year of preschool? We will see how this year goes. I love her teacher and the integrated program. Mayson loves it too. Time will tell!

I have been busy going to the University of Iowa Hospital keeping up on cousin Shelly. He has pneumonia and at one point was intubated. He is doing better and hopefully going home soon!! Its hard when he is down here and his parents are up north 2 hours away. I am so glad I am down here to watch over him and keep him company. He is so awesome :)

Sunday, miss Mayson decided to pull a mirror on to her self. It happened so fast! The mirror hit the corner of her face and she had her glasses on so the glasses banged up her eye pretty good!! The mirror didnt break nor did her glasses, but Mayson sure was shook up. So was I!!!!!!! I felt horrible about it. It never did bleed or swell much....thank goodness, but she will be sporting a pretty color of blue and purple "eye shadow" for a few days. poor baby :(

The weather man is predicting 40's and 50s and night!! woo hooo!! can you say fall is right around the corner?

Shoes

2010-08-11T21:34:00.001-05:00

I don't buy my kids shoes at Walmart but was in there getting school supplies that Target did not have. We looked around the store and I came acrossed these little beauties!

Here are the reasons I got them:

1. I really dont care for Velcro but we are trying to get Mayson more independent with just taking her shoes off and on. These will help!

2. Mayson has TINY feet. These shoes are a infant size 5. Yes a 5!! It's so hard to find shoes that fit her that dont look so babyish, cuz you know she is almost 4 1/2 now!!! Such a big girl!

3. They are totally flat inside with really no arch and they are wide so they are PERFECT for her orthodic inserts she has to have for her ankle stability! They fit in there perfect!

4. They were only $9.00!!!!

I just wanted to share this great deal for all you mamas out there looking for cute shoes for your kiddos that need orthodic or inserts. :)

A little photo shoot

2010-08-01T16:26:00.000-05:00

We had to do a little photo session today after church..... she just looked too cute NOT too..

To be able to see through the eyes of a child........

Bible School

2010-07-27T22:27:00.001-05:00

Mayson went to bible school this year for the first time ever. She was in the preschool class and was the only one with a disability. She loved it and really did great! She also learned the motions and words to her bible school song. I was really surprised how quickly she caught on to it!! Here she is performing it for you fresh out of bed in her jammies! enjoy :)

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Domination!

2010-07-26T11:16:00.000-05:00

The boy went to Luther Wrestling camp last week in Decorah. This is his third year of going with the team and he always comes back with some great stories and some awesome wrestling strategies! This year there were 37 teams there.. several states including Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota. During the week, they have a dual tournament among all the teams and PRAIRIE WON IT!!!! Woooo hoooo!! The hubs and I got to go and watch what a great feeling to be there to see our boys dominate!! Way to go!

Jayden dominated

Jamie ready for the take down

Austin and the fall

award ceremony

the team

the champs!!!! well deserved!

Treated equal my ass.....

2010-07-22T21:01:00.000-05:00

When Mayson and I were down in Tennesee, IEP's came up. You get a bunch of parents together who have children with Down Syndrome and its bound to happen!! I have had both good and bad IEP experiences. The good IEP went as smoothly as it could be!! The bad was sooo horrifying... I mean come on.. you are talking about my child's education--what molds them for life so dont play games with me.....
So, when Renee discussed her upcoming IEP for her sweet Kennedy with me, I gave her all the advice I could, we even met a teacher from her school when we were all out to eat, that discussed how she wanted Kennedy in her classroom and couldn't wait for next year... That all changed in a matter of a few months... Poor Renee has been through something NO ONE should have to go through when it comes to the education of their child. This school's administration sickens me......
Go ahead and read it for yourself.....,I guarantee you wont like it.

Sixteen...

2010-07-19T12:41:00.001-05:00

Sunday my baby boy turned 16.... seriously, I dont know where the time has gone. I remember being so excited to be pregnant and my pregnancy went really well! We had NO idea what we were having as they didn't do routine ultra sounds then. Towards the end, I developed a pregnancy rash over my entire body and there was nothing they could do to get rid of it but have the baby, so they knew it was time. At 39 weeks and 6 days, we reported to the hospital at 6:30 am. I was already dilated to 4 and 90% effaced so I was already part way there!! They finally broke my water at 9:00 am at 3:41 pm, Jayden Michael came into this world.... He was a "keeper" according to his proud daddy! A big one too, at 8 lbs 9 oz and 21 1/2 inches long. He had tons of black hair and had dark eyes... just like we had pictured him those many nights we sat and talked about how he would look! He was perfect!

Growing up , he had a love for lizards, reptiles, Toy story, dinosaurs, wrestling, fishing and hunting. The kid got his first fishing pole at age 2 and his own bow at 3. He wrestled in his first tournament at age 4. I look back at all the pictures at this age and miss him being so small. I wish they could stay small just a little bit longer.... from his sweet face and smell to his cute little lisp he had.

Now he is 16 and in a few years will be moving on to college! I remember thinking about things like this when I was younger but now we are really living it. Just have to keep taking in all the moments and keep treasuring them!

Happy 16th birthday buddy.. I love you!!!

Old Mcdonalds Farm

2010-07-09T18:19:00.000-05:00

We have a great little park here with Old Mcdonalds farm. Since the two older kids are away on a trip with Gramps and Grams, Mayson and I headed out on our own little adventure...She loves the animals!

slip n slide

2010-07-02T17:44:00.000-05:00

We live on a 1/2 acre of hill... and I mean HILL, so a slip n slide is sooooo great at our house!!! We got it out today and Rylee, Mayson and friends Morgan and Maguire had a great time! Mayson's facial expressions are so funny when she slides down... she looks like she is scared to death but really she was screaming weeeeee and having so much fun! We love summer :)

Happy Birthday Honey!

2010-07-01T20:04:00.000-05:00

It is Hubby's 42nd birthday today!! He spent it working all day but he did come home for 1 hour to enjoy a pot roast supper and cake and ice cream. He even had time to open his presents and then he was off to his church council meeting!
He has had one hell of a year this year with his job and open heart surgery. I pray this year is much better for him. He sooooo deserves it! He is so generous, kind, loving... and all he wants to do is provide for us. I love him soo!
Here's to you buddy!! I hope you have a wonderful birthday!!

counting with elmo

2010-06-26T22:44:00.003-05:00

Mayson still is in love with Elmo. She will come up to me and say...."oovie" (movie) "belbo" (elmo) "uh?" The "uh?" part is her asking me can I watch it mommy?? It's so cute, and of course, when she uses her words I have to give in! She will lay on her glorious nap mat and watch her little dvd player. She knows the Elmo movies by heart..... and can copy the words right in sync with the movie. I have been meaning to get it on video but seem to always be too late. Not to mention she is now at the age when she sees me with the camera, she will stop performing...ugh....
I did get a quick video of her counting with Elmo and some very expressive pictures:) Listen carefully, she even laughs like Elmo...stinker!
(make sure you stop Maysons music to hear)

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Music Therapy

2010-06-21T22:32:00.001-05:00

When we started music therapy I had no idea how wonderful it was going to be!! Many wonder what it is..... Its kind of like speech but using music. Amber, the therapists is amazing. She follows Maysons ques and goes along with what Mayson is doing. Its amazing the things Mayson does while in music therapy..... so far I have seen
*great listen skills and following directions

*putting 2-3 words together at once

*singing... ( in tune i might add!!)

*following the beat and rhythms

Today Amber worked with letter sounds... She had Mayson pick out a foam letter of her choice and they would work on the sound it makes with songs... Mayson already know her letters but not the phonics part. She picked right up on with the music! I didnt get that on video but I did get the drum part. Its Maysons favorite :)

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Castle ruins

2010-06-14T23:42:00.000-05:00

We were trying to find something "free" to do while down in the ozarks. We found this awesome castle ruins that is now apart of the Ha Ha Tonka State Park. It consisted of the castle, water tower, stables and 9 green houses. Once upon a time this place was beautiful mansion. It burned down in 1942 and this is all that is left......now a neat part of history!

Our Ozark Vacation

2010-06-12T23:19:00.002-05:00

so peaceful.....

Our Cabin

We just got back from our little vacation to the Ozarks. We stayed at a little resort called Lakeview resort

It's a great family place and a place I recommend. A place to relax and enjoy the beautiful view and drink some margaritas and pina coladas!

The first day we spent mostly at the outside pool. The kids got to swim and swim and swim and swim (Mayson, Vinnie and Khayden could of floated all day!) while us moms got to talk and relax and just enjoy each other. It is so amazing how you hardly know someone but when you have one little extra chromosome in common, you feel like you have known them forever! Hannah and Rylee and Chandler had a great time making under water videos. Can't wait to see them! Hubby and Jayden were out fishing most of the time. They caught some nice ones but only kept what they wanted to eat that night! We also spent some time in the game room where they had some toys for the little ones to play with, pool tables, video games and this lovely old horse you can ride for 50 cents. The kind that was out in front of the grocery stores when I was a kid! hahah! Rylee had some fun with Mayson and Elainah on it! We also had a pair of ducks that would get right up to us. Hubby and Jayden were feeding them so they knew which family to stick by! ha! At the end of our day, all our kiddos were exhausted.

Mr and Mrs Duck

My sweet girl

Having fun splashing around

Elainah LOVES Rylee

E, K and C

sweet vinnie

baby K

Hannah and Elainah on the teeter toter.

Rylee getting ready to blast off!

hang on E!!!

giddy up horsey!!!!

Rudy and Mayson sliding

My Prize

2010-05-25T20:19:00.000-05:00

When I pick Mayson up for preschool, it takes us forever to get out of the school........It's a good thing though. You see, my girl, she has this power to suck people in. They have to stop and talk to her or comment about her hair, or how little she is or how cute she is. There is something about her that makes people smile and make their day.
Did I ever think it would be like this? I had no clue. But I do now.... she is soooo contagious! She has this amazing spirit within her that makes my days bright and lights up my world. She is my prize and oh how I love her so!

language

2010-05-12T19:14:00.000-05:00

Mayson is really starting to blow our socks off with her language. It has never been one of her strong points so I have to brag just a little! She is starting to consistently use 2 to 3 word sentences. Some of these include:
* "I did it!"
* "Here ya go"
* "What ya doin?"
* "I want down"
* " What's that?"
* " I'm all done"
* "Thank you"

We have started her on Honeycombs Liquid Ginkgo . Some see amazing results with this. I dont know if the Ginkgo is helping or if its because she has choosen to have a speech explosion. But we will continue with her supplements and ginkgo.
We are also starting to see a little SASS in her usage of NO! Nice.. uh? but i will take it :)
She amazes us ......

6th Grade Track and Field Day!

2010-05-06T18:41:00.004-05:00

Today was Rylee's last track and field day at Prairie. This is when all the 6th graders from our whole district compete... hundreds!!! Anyway, Rylee placed in all three of her running events! 1st place in the 4 x100, 2nd place in the 60 meter, and 3rd place in the shuttle hurdle relay!... woo hooo, you go girl!!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

mixin it up!

2010-05-04T19:23:00.001-05:00

Mayson working on her letters and numbers!! I am so proud of my girl!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Why does he take the good ones??

2010-04-23T20:46:00.001-05:00

Today is a day that is so very sad to many of us in the Down Syndrome community. Our hearts are all breaking after the tragic news that our dear little friend, Carly, unexpectedly died today. Her mom had posted on facebook that she got sick quick and a few hours later, she posted that her sweet angel was now in heaven....our whole community is shocked and saddened by this tragic news. Its put us all in a whirl wind of emotions.
We have been blessed to have Mayson magically come into our lives and with that we have become apart of a wonderful family. Some you have meet, some you feel like you have known forever, even though you havent. It's something special we get to be apart of just because of one extra chromosome. There is bond that no one can ever take away. Being apart of this family can be tough as well. Many of these beautiful kids have to fight hard to live, and as a family we are there through the good and the bad right, along beside them. Carly wasnt sick, she had fought as a new born and had her heart fixed. And then later fought leukemia, and won. She had been leukemia free since 2004. Why she had to go now, is something thats hard to understand. Her life was cut to short. It just doesnt seem fair. :( Please, take a moment to say a prayer for the George family after their tragic loss. May you rest in peace sweet Carly.

soccer is here!

2010-04-15T13:31:00.002-05:00

Soccer season has officially begun!! Here is to my Miss Rylee and great season!!!

Picture Art

2010-04-12T17:30:00.004-05:00

I come from a very talented "artsy fartsy" family. My mom's sis and bros all have some type of talent in that category. My multi-talented Aunt Shari has started doing "objectionable" art! Here is a picture of our last name I had her create for us! I LOVE it!!!

She is now taking orders for her creations and I wanted to share it with you!!
Each letter is only $5 and is framed and ready to hang on your wall!!! What a great birthday, baby gift, fathers or mothers day gift, or wedding present!!

Here is her information and samples of the letters! You can call or email her to place your order!

The Herb Angel

2010-04-07T19:28:00.004-05:00

As many of you know, Jayden broke his collar bone back on February 13th during the district match that would of determined if you would of went to state tournament or not. Yeh, the whole situation sucked and its been a miserable 7 weeks for him and our whole family. I wish I could chew that Ref that didnt stop the "potentially dangerous move" a new asshole... I wish I could wipe that smart ass smerk off the kid that did it to him after they raised his hand and declaring him the winner by default... Yeh, I am bitter. My kid worked his ass off and as a freshman, he did great and he deserved to go to State. I just have to keep telling myself that God does things for a reason, if we like it or not.. ho hum....
We have had many xrays, consultations and the conclusion is his collar bone, is NOT healed yet so he CAN'T wrestle freestyle yet. The Ortho-ped we saw this week said Jayden's break was a "bad" break. It has a nice big bump and at first they thought the bone fused overlapping, but the last xray shows its healing well. (thank goodness)
We have now gone into Voodoo mode and went to a herbalist. We bought some bone healing tea. Not sure if it will work or not, but at this point, I am willing to give it a shot. Jayden has quit drinking his pop, drinking lots of milk and yogart and talking extra calcium. We got back in 3 weeks for another round of xrays and consult with the Ortho-ped. In the mean time, we go Thursday for physical therapy and exercises.. wish us luck!!!

Hershey's Better Basket Blog Hop!!!

2010-03-31T10:01:00.006-05:00

Hershey's Better Basket Blog Hop!
Renee, from My Special K's has passed onto me a virtual Easter basket. BUT unlike most blog awards and things, this one is for a GREAT cause!!!

Here is what this is all about!!! If you have a blog, you can help raise money for a GREAT cause!!! Hershey is donating up to $5,000 to the Children's Miracle Network with this promotion – $10 for every blog that participates in the Better Basket Blog Hop. The post that you are reading right now is another $10 that will be given to children’s hospitals all over North America. An additional $5,000 to this charity would be the world of difference to many sick children.

My favorite eater candy is the Reese's peanut butter eggs!! LOVE THEM!! They have now come out with this HUGE egg for baskets... can you say heaven!!! YUM!

SO this post right here is another $10! YAY! And now, I get to pass my virtual basket along to some of you... who hopefully will pass it along to others... who hopefully will pass it along to more people! Let's get Hershey to their $5,000 goal!

I now pass my basket onto:
1. Brigitte and Van Nice Family Journey
2. Lyndi at The Shupp Family
3. Michelle at The Zoromiski Chronicles
4. Rk at Just RK
5. Michelle at Gabe's Story
6. Wendy at An Iowa Mom
7. Chandos at Don't Lick the Ferrets
8. Gillian at Pocket Lint

Here are the rules below:
Hershey’s Better Basket Blog Hop Rules
Copy and paste these rules to your blog post.
Create a blog post giving a virtual Easter Basket to another blogger – you can give as many Virtual Baskets as you want.
Link back to person who gave you an Easter Basket.
Let each person you are giving a Virtual Easter Basket know you have given them a Basket.
Leave your link at BetterBasket.info/BlogHop comment section. You can also find the official rules of this #betterbasket blog hop, and more information about Better Basket with Hershey’s there.
Hershey’s is donating $10 per each blog participating to the Better Basket Blog Hop to Children’s Miracle Network (up to total of $5,000 by blog posts written by April 4th, 2010).
Please note that only one blog post by each blog URL will count towards the donation.

4 year old pictures

2010-03-30T21:50:00.005-05:00

When I was down in Tennessee, I had Mayson's 4 year old pictures taken by the great "Jamie Wright". Many of you don't know who she is but if you read Renee's blog, like I do, you would! I love to look at the pictures she takes of Renee's family and was so excited when I learned that I had a chance for her to take Mayson's pictures!! I jumped on the chance!
Jamie took us into this old church field where the grass was just starting to turn green. There was a neat fence, an old baptismal font, spring flowers, etc.... Very nostalgic! I was worried with the uneven ground, Mayson wouldn't co-operate. But Jamie did a great job and captured some beautiful pictures of my precious 4 year old! Here are a few of the many she took. Thank you Jamie!! You are awesome!!

Get your T shirts here!!!!!

2010-03-23T14:58:00.006-05:00

My friend Brigitte had these shirts made for our trip and all the kids with DS wore one to the Nashville Zoo. It was an awesome site, let me tell ya!! Since posting pictures on my facebook, we have had many inquiries about these shirts, so I have decided to place an order for you all that are interested. I got them at a great price... here is all the information!!!

T-shirts are available in orange only.
Sizes available are:

INFANT 6 mo 12 mo 18 mo 24mo (rabbit skin brand-these run small)

TODDLER 2T 3T 4T 5T (rabbit skin brand-these run small)

YOUTH Xsm Sm Med Lrg

ADULT Sm Med Lrg 1X 2X 3X

PRICES: $12 for Adult/ $10 infant and youth

Shipping is $4 for one shirt. Maybe more if you are buying more than one!!!

If you are interested, please email me quantity and size
amymichele@southslope.net

and the winner is......

2010-03-19T11:34:00.002-05:00

thanks everyone for playing!!!

My very first GIVEAWAY!!

2010-03-11T18:14:00.003-06:00

If you remember back HERE I talked about how I got the VOICE4U application for the iTouch. Well, now I am giving a VOICE4U application away!!
We are now using this during Mayson's speech at school and private speech. You can add your own pictures and voice too! We use it with her favorite books and not only does her speech start flowing but its awesome for her fine motor skills!
How do you win this? Just go to the VOICE4U website and watch the video. Come back here and leave me a comment about the one thing you love about this App! It's that easy! One week from today, I will post the winner!! Good luck!!!

**This is a sponsored giveaway!**

It's Fixed!

2010-03-08T15:34:00.002-06:00

It's fixed so you can now go back to the NDSC site and vote! You can go HERE to read all about Mayson and her friends and this great contest! Happy voting!!!

oh oh .. there was an error!!!!

2010-03-02T14:03:00.001-06:00

Thanks to all of you that voted for Mayson so far.. but unfortunately, it did not count :( Please read below. I will post a new link, when its available!!

IMPORTANT!

We have learned that the numbering on about 10 posters in the More Alike Poster Gallery changed during the process of adding more than 100 new posters received over the past weekend. That caused a technical problem which we are repairing.

Unfortunately, as a result, votes cast for some posters may have been tallied in error.

In fairness to all families and their friends who have voted for their favorite posters, we have no choice but to restart the voting process.

Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

We will notify you by email and on this website when a new survey link is created and the rest of the posters have been posted to the gallery.

Thank you,
The NDSC

Let the voting begin!!!

2010-03-01T10:48:00.004-06:00

Last summer, I sent this picture and saying in to the National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) and they made up this poster of Mayson for me!! Now, she is in their contest!! Three posters will be produced as part of the NDSC national awareness campaign for Down syndrome. You can go HERE
and look and vote for three of our favorites. Mayson is #4 and you can vote EVERYDAY!!!! She has a few other friends that are on there too if you want to vote for them! Remember you only get to pick your 3 favorites and you can vote everyday! Wouldnt be amazing so see her sweet lil face plaster all over Orlando this year??? I hope you vote for my Mayson!
Mayson is #4
Sophie is #56
Lila is #42
Logan is #48
Violette is #65
Kayla is #74
Larkin is # 113
Chelsea is #115
Samantha is #136