12/1/07--This afternoon the boys and I (without Chad, because he is up in Kentucky closing on the sale of our house there and visiting family and friends) attended the annual Down's Syndrome Christmas Party. Although this is an annual event here in the mid-south, it is the first time that we have attended since we just moved here. Well, we arrived a little late (it started at 4pm) as we were at the mall shopping until 3pm. And, who would be crazy enough to be at the mall on a Saturday afternoon during Christmas season anyhow right huh????
Anyhow, we arrived only fashionably late....and then the fun began. We had a catered dinner from Corky's barbecue...YUM YUM...then they provided puppet entertainment for everyone, door prize giveaways and a DJ for dancing. Now I am a very unlucky person when it comes to winning things but Bryson on the other hand was the very FIRST winner of the door prizes and won a season pass to a water park for 2008, and Amy was the very last door prize and she won this HUGE Santa's sleigh and reindeer candle holder set. It was pretty. But I sure made up for being unlucky in the lottery by eating the barbecue and working it off on the dance floor. We ate and danced and I huffed and puffed until I thought I would have to be carried out on a gurney. But it was so much fun and the kids were so much fun to be with. Austin did the tango with Alex and Bryson even got out there and danced with me some. I danced with Kelsey, and Kameron (who is a student at Cyndi's school) and kids who I didn't even know but just loved to dance and just loved to be with people. The joy that they got out of dancing and being together was a true blessing and to be able to share in it with everyone was a blessing for me and at this time of year made it even more special. I think Christmas get very commercialized alot these days and to see the joy that we were able to experience from something so simple as the art of dancing (and let me tell you, sometimes you really had to look hard to see the art is some of the moves that we were doing) was truly an awe inspiring moment and again one that I feel blessed to have been part of. I think since being down here in Tennessee and being able to participate in the Down Syndrome events, and even being able to go to Cyndi's school and work with her students, it allows you the opportunity to give thanks and appreciate all that you have and hold dear to you. Like a St Jude commercial that I heard the other day said that has stuck with me and I really try to let it come to mind on days when I am really frustrated with things...."if you have healthy children, give thanks and give opportunities to those wouldn't otherwise have them. And if you have children who aren't as healthy give thanks too, because they are blessings as well and deserve the opportunities that are out there waiting for them. You just have to reach out and accept them."
Love to you all and til next time-
