Just an awesome weekend -Thanksgiving and RenFest

 Lately I find myself blogging less and less about Down syndrome. Believe me, it’s not that I have forgotten about Down syndrome or that I refuse to talk about it now. Every day that I look into my son’s face it looks right back at me – Down syndrome. But Ethan is now 28 months old (2years 4months for those lazy ones that don’t want to do the math) and it is just part of life. Everything is just harmonious and fallen beautifully into place.

I still have the same super strong deep feelings about Down syndrome and Ethan and others just like him. There are (many) nights where it’s just Daddy and me up talking about Ethan and what a blessing he is. I cant ever imagine a day without my little guy. I love the girls with all of my heart and soul, there is absolutely nothing I wouldn’t do for them girls…. But for Ethan, I’ll probably come back from the dead for him.

I am so thankful that God chose me as his mommy, He knew what he was doing way before I could even accept it.

-Speaking of thankfulness, we celebrated Thanksgiving at our house this year with my sister in laws (& their families) and my parent in laws. Sadly my family couldn’t make it since my mom somehow has to work EVERY single Thanksgiving. Booooo.

It was still a very nice dinner with (TOO  MUCH) awesome food. 

I guess it isn't Thanksgiving if you dont throw a football around.

 Andrea and her cousin Stephen.

The boys. 

Family fun continued on Friday –nope, no Black Friday shopping this year, as we spend the day at the Texas Renaissance Festival, where the eating continued. I have ate SO much since Thursday that I am SURE I can go on without eating for like 3 weeks!

TRF is full of all sorts of fun and people watching at its greatest. You know it is bad when your 7yr old starts pointing out what “is messed up”....ahaha!

But it was a blast!

The girls were able to get some sibling frustration out.....

rode on Neptune's swing....

 (that's my friend's daughter, Victoria...brave little one!)

 jumped on the trampoline...

 This was Gabby's first year doing this... this is a big thing for her because she is a big chicken!

 And Ethan and daddy were able to ride a big fake horse.....

 ..that's little Prince Charming there.... for those of you that dont know.

and we also got  in on the fun trying to climb this rope ladder... I swear it looks so easy -but it isnt!

for the record, I did much better than Daddy.
Dont believe what he tells you!

And another great thing, Santa Daddy just bought me an early Christmas gift! A Canon EF Lens - 50 mm - F/1.8 - Canon EF!
 I am always using my 75-300mm lens since it takes better pics than the generic 18-55 lens it comes with.So I am excited to be able to take better close ups without having to back up a mile!




In other news, The Houston Buddy Walk  is this Saturday! Dec 3, at the Diamond Lot at Minute Maid Park, one mile walk around the block of Minute Maid Park. Not too late to register or donate! Hope to see you guys there! Thank you all for the support!

DONATE and/or REGISTER HERE! 

Buddy Walk - Status and Updates

“Officially” we are 11th place in terms of fundraising. I do have money that I need to turn in and that should bump us up!

That would put us somewhere in 5-6th place. But that would only be short lived. Top teams last year all had $5000 and up! I am hoping that with the help of The Houston Texas Fire Fighters Federal Credit Union, we’ll manage to end up somewhere in the top 10 when everything is all said and done.*** Big kudos to my friend Lori, who helped arranged this fundraiser with the HTFFFCU. She is an amazing friend that reached out to us.***

And it is not about being a top fundraising team. It is raising money for a great cause. A great cause that affects me, Santiago, the girls, and ETHAN.

I hope you can find it in your hearts to help us in some way. Even if you yourself cannot make a donation, it is very easy to take pledges from your friends and family!

I will be taking money from the wristband sales (the money I initially put in) and using that money to go towards a prize for whoever raises the most money for our team. I am thinking a few fun things as prizes!

And as of now, top 3 are:

*1st- My great friend and co-worker, Anabel. She has collected and sold wristbands, for a total of $330! And she is not DONE!!
*2nd- my dear cousin Verenice– sold about $90 worth of wristbands
     And Daddy Bear actually did a great job as well, but he doesn’t count! - He sold about $80 worth!
*3rd– goes to Alex.. selling about $65 worth of wristbands!

We also had a garage sale last weekend, but were rained out after about 2.5hrs. We still did pretty well for those few hours. We (I say we, but there really is no WE) will also be having one Friday the 24th.

THANK YOU to everyone that donated items for the garage sale!

Soon, I will be selling Dominoes Pizza Fundraiser cards, they sell for $10. Our team will get $9 out of the $10! These little cards are awesome. It entitles you to a free pizza (equal/lesser value) after you purchase one, but it has to be carry out and you can use it 16 times! I think that is amazing! And I hope you think so as well and buy one (or 2)!

Also, October 16th, I will be manning the booth at Macy’s at Almeda Mall. October 16 is Macy’s “Shop for A Cause”. For $5 you buy a discount card, that allows you to save 10-25% off your purchase! All $5 goes to our team!

I hope all of you continue to help out and help us reach our goal and beyond!! We truly are grateful. And for those of you who haven’t yet registered to walk, I say WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR???!!!! It’s free and easy. *Donations are encouraged! …whatever the amount ;-) even if all you have is ONE Dollar to spare.

Link to our Buddy Walk page: http://www.houstonbuddywalk.org/DSAH/2010BuddyWalk/EthansJackrabbits