The Kids I haven't mentioned....that I love.

My family would not be complete if I did not mention the other children I have.  I was not lucky enough to have them by birth, but was lucky later in life to have them by marriage.  Korbin Markos and Kailey Markos are my step children.  That is only the description of how they fit logistically.  By all counts I consider them mine.  Korbin is an amazing boy.  Talented in anything athletic and mechanical that he comes in contact with. Korbin is a quiet boy.  A little shy, some would say.  He may not say much but his presence in a room speaks louder than any voice he could have.  He is admired by many and a hero to many more.  He just got his driving permit and I believe he will be the safest driver on the road. I am so very proud of him for his continued effort to progress in his sports and education.  Cam adores him and when Korbin is in the room, he is all Cam wants to kiss and love on.  Cam loves to sit next to him while he plays the Xbox and even will creep up and turn off the Xbox while Korbin is engaged, just to get his attention.  I can't wait for the day that Cam is following Korbin around, talking his ear off.....and insisting that they play. 

Kailey is our sensitive and compassionate girl.  She loves animals and anything that will love her in return.  She and Baylee are the best of friends...most days!  lol...Kailey is artistic and very creative.  She has a knack for creating the most amazing things out of very limited resourses.  Kailey cheerishes her family and thrives on family time.  She is often heard saying..."I'm bored"....this is only because she has an active and creative mind.  She is not a fan of the academic world.  She tolerates it but would rather be socializing, putting on plays, creating art and being active.  Don't get me wrong...she is a brilliant and bright girl but school bores her.  She is  a go getter and loves to be busy.  She  and Cam have a special relationship.  She is the one that wrestles and plays and entertains him.  She is often times found reading to him, chasing him, tickling him or just plain loving on him.

I am amiss that I have failed to include them until now.  They are such a huge part of my life and the life of Cam.  I love them dearly and just as much as if I had given birth to them myself. 

Happy Holidays

Tis the season to be jolly......I would tell you that the season should not be limited to the season of Christmas but the season of life itself.  I suggest that as we go through this Holiday Season 2011 that we take on the attitude of my toddler Cam.  His season of Jolly is every day of his life.  Year round, seven days a week 24 hours a day and then some.  What would it be like to have no gile, no judgement, unconditional love and a free ticket to happiness all the days of your life?  I often hear people say to me that they are sorry I have a disabled son.  Truth is the "normal" are the disabled. Funny how that works out.  I often watch Cam and find it astounding how he makes friends everywhere he goes.  He casually smiles and lights up the eyes of all he comes in contact with.  People are drawn to him with his infectious smile and puckered lips to kiss anything and everything in sight.  He is a lover of all, friend to many and source of joy to those who love him.  I suppose he is as Christlike as they come.  He is the image and countenance of Christ and it is awesome to have that likeness in my life not only this holiday season but every waking moment.  Cam is my hero.  He lives his life in a constant moment of truth. 

My family wishes you and yours the best possible "Jolly Season" this year and the year of 2012.

My Favorite Kids!

I have the best kids in the world.  Well.... my world anyway.  There is my oldest daughter, Amber, who is so determined and focused on her life and making it a success.  Then my number 1 son, Weston, who has a genuine, authentic energy that penetrates the heart like no other.  Baylee...my youngest daughter who is my grounding force and light at the end of a miserable tunnel the last five years.  Finally Mr. Cam, who brings a world of peace, love and joy with a touch of angelic proportions.  I can't help but feel that being with Cam is like being in the presence of God Himself.  If you could imagine for a minute what it would be like to be around people who are determine, focused, authentic, genuine, grounding and a true example of God then you would agree with me that it is heaven on earth for me to be with my children.  There is no other place I would rather be.  Something that is even more overwhelming is the fact that I have been entrusted to be the mother of such incredible children.  I thank God every day for these blessing I call my children.  They are not only good to me but to each other.  I often wonder how I have been so lucky to have them.  Then I realize how much I am loved by something higher.  Something more powerful to give me such blessings to carry me through this journey of life. Let the blessings flow.

A Creed For Babies With Down Syndrome:

My face may be different
But my feelings the same
I laugh and I cry
And I take pride in my gains
I was sent here among you
To teach you to love
As god in heavens
Looks down from above
To him I’m no different’
His love knows no bounds
It’s those here among you
In cities and towns
That judge me by standards
That man has imparted
But this family I’ve chosen
Will help me get started
For I’m one of the children
So special and few
That came here to learn
The same lessons as you
That love is acceptance
It must come from the heart
We all have the same purpose
Though not the same start
The Lord gave me life
To live and embrace
And I’ll do as you do
But at my own pace

Update

Down Syndrome with bless 1 in 800 births this year.

And what a blessing it has been. Cam is now 17 months old and so full of love and joy. He is learning to walk and is so proud of himself every step he takes. I have had the blessing of sharing Cam with the world and seeing how people light up when he enters the room. I spent the day at Paul Mitchell Beauty School with Amber this week. I had all I could do to keep track of Cam and who had a hold of him next. He brought out such love and joy and inner child of all that he came in touch with.

While we where there Amber transformed Weston for her school project. She did an amazing job and I am so proud of the woman she has become. Thank you Paul Mitchell in Provo for educating Amber and for loving Cam.