So I Did It!

So lately I've been dealing with a lot of behavioral issues with CJ so I was forced to go out and purchase a Dodge Grand Caravan Minivan. Most of these situations arose when his younger sister Taylor began to cry. I figured it must be a combination of sensitivity to noise as well as his confusion on how to process his emotions and not internalize his sister's emotions.

One evening, Taylor began to cry in the car. Let me remind you that I had a tiny Acura Integra prior to this minivan purchase. CJ got so upset that he reached over and grabbed his sister's head and hair as well as scratched her face. I had to swerve over to the curb, jump out of the car, and pull him away from her. So at that very moment I said "This is it!" I knew it was time to make a purchase.

So here we are, I am officially a "soccer mom." LOL. In all honestly, I love the new vehicle. I have a 3rd row which allows me to separate the kids. Each one of them has their own row and you can tell they love it. So while mommy has traded in her sporty hip look for a family mobile...it comes with the ease of knowing we can travel safely and in peace. So as I turn my head and look at the acres of space behind me, I can also see the faces of my little darlings enjoying the ride because they know they don't have to be bothered by that "other sibling." ;-)

Come Join Us Nov 15th at Buddy Walk

It's that time again for the 15th Annual Buddy Walk.  Come join fellow families as we promote awareness and inclusion of Down Syndrome.  From what I hear, there is tons to do.  I'm trying to make it out and so should you.  It'll be a great event!  Visit DSALA's website:  Buddy Walk Website for more information.

All Aboard!! DSALA Sponsored Event

ATTENTION ALL MOMS - and sisters, aunts, grandmothers, caregivers - any woman who "mothers" a person with Down syndrome, or other developmental disability! Do you feel like you'd like to give yourself a "time out?" Is your child's (could be an adult child) social life filling your calendar? If this describes you, it's time to get away.

The Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles is sponsoring a "Moms Need Moms" Cruise. This will be a 3-night cruise aboard the Carnival Paradise to Ensenada, Mexico. We leave on January 29 and return on February 1, 2010. This will be a chance to network with other women who "get it," as well as a chance to relax and get a break from the responsibilities of every day life. We will get together the first evening for introductions and they you are on your own to do what you want. There are plenty of activities available to keep you busy, or you can spend your time at the spa or just sitting on the deck doing nothing at all.

All fees are based on double occupancy. If you don't know someone else sailing with us to request as a room mate, we will be happy to set you up with one.

DSALA mom Dana Young has agreed to be the organizer for our cruise. If you have questions, would like to know about the fees (starting under $300 thanks to DSALA) or would like to sign up for the cruise, you can contact her at dana@dsala.org.

A $100 deposit is due by July 22, 2009 to confirm your reservation.

Download credit form for deposit here

Men, this would be the perfect holiday gift for the woman in your life. No shopping required!

Run. Get Your Refund!

So over the past couple of days, I've heard about the refund Disney is offering for their Baby Einstein products. The claim is that the products do not in fact result in smarter babies. Parents are outraged because they believed they had found a wonderful dual purpose product that would keep their child busy and make them smarter all at the same time. Hey I have a couple of Baby Einstein products so I'll be sure to get my refund. Truthfully, I'm shocked that Disney is making this gesture in light of the economy. Let's see what financial impact this will have on the company if any. Looks like their marketing ploy backfired on them and now they have to foot the bill.

For more info go to: Baby Einstein Homepage