World Down Syndrome Day 2018 - Rock Your Socks

I wrote this on Instagram... and thought I'd add this here too...

3/21- World Down Syndrome Day... now a date that we “celebrate”. Mismatched socks and all. 😉 (I made a dollar store stop as we now only have boring black or white socks in the house). And while I have moments- like a lot this past week- where I am still in a grieving process... I know with all of my ❤️ that God allowed this for a reason. And Jason is so precious and loved. 

 And we pray, he will be used for Gods glory. 

Life is precious- no matter how cute, how able, or how much it costs. My heart aches for the many babies aborted because they have DS, or those in other countries where they are left alone in orphanages to be tied in a crib with very little care. God cares and asks us all to remember the fatherless, the neglected ones- and to show them that He is love. That each one has value- regardless of their abilities or physical attraction. Not because they are “perfect” or even “imperfect”, but because God calls us to love. We live in a broken world- because of sin- and some of us are more visibly broken than others... but I’m pretty sure their soul is a lot more whole than the “unbroken” typical person. And I thank God that though I don’t always want this journey- I’m so very thankful for our Jason

Had to get a shot of his chubby hands and mismatched socks. 

(for those of you, that was like me... the whole mismatched socks thing is just celebrating diversity and how each person adds color to life. No matter their physical abilities). 

We value them. 

All the kiddos. 

They all love him so much. The older two are still figuring out - along with me - how having Down syndrome looks... the other kids don't get anything else yet. :) Just that he's cute and lovable. 

Jason had just woken up from a nap, and Lee-Lee was going down for a nap, so I had to get the shot then, even if Jason didn't have a ton of spare smiles. Emily helped corral the kiddos, and get the socks in the right spots. :) 

Had to add my socks too :) 

So many feet to teach, to lead, to let go of... "Oh God, show us how. Keep them following You."

We celebrate more - because of YOU Jason. :) 

Jason's Baby Dedication

Finally - we had our Jason Mark dedicated back to the Lord.

Though we've given him back to God a few times already. :) In hospital rooms, and waiting for surgery.

This is the longest we've ever waited to officially have them dedicated - he's almost eight months - usually we aim for three months. :) But that's just how it happened this time.

A dear lady in our church gave him a special gift and card - so he's holding it on his own like the big boy he is.

Elita peeking. :) 

I handed my camera off to Shantel to take pictures for me during the dedication - and am so thankful for what she captured for us. I rarely have anyone that can take pictures for me, so this was a treat. :) 

Singing the songs selected by Rob for that Sunday - all meaningful - like "He Giveth More Grace" - and "Take This Child"...

Shane and Greg led the baby dedication - I included the words they spoke - as we dedicated both ourselves to raising Jason, and the family at Bethel agreeing to be a part of his spiritual and physical well being. Pretty amazing to be a part of a church like this. 

This dedication time was special. It was the most emotional one for me... though I think it hit others in a meaningful way too - just everything that's happened with Jason. Thankfulness that he's with us, and honestly, me scared about the future too. 

This last week I've been hurting over this whole Down syndrome thing, trying to reconcile it all in my mind.  Allowed by God - but it's really caused by sin - by the fall. We are broken because of sin. We shouldn't have conditions like this, or Cerebral Palsy, or Autism, or any kind of special needs, or sickness. But we do. 

But God redeems. 

And He takes what looks different, and broken, and makes it beautiful. Makes both us as a family, and Jason usable through it all... 

Thank God for redemption. 

Looking at my boy when we were praying. :) 

I can't help it - he's so precious. 

(and he was hungry and I didn't want him to cry til we were done!!)

My Detectives

 I LOVE this picture. Such cuteness and crazyness... :) 

My nerds. 

We are doing an Easter book this year - given to us by Heather Heikoop last year - called "Messiah Mystery" - how God gave us clues about Jesus' coming from the Old Testament on... so that the Jews wouldn't miss Him when He came to earth - to sacrifice Himself for us.

Anyways - this Easter kit - came with these glasses - and magnifying glasses - which they are supposed to wear as they listen to the Biblical clues. :) And because it was rather cute... we posed for a few shots.

 Apparently you can't get this Easter kit anymore - but it was from "Family Life Today" - Dennis and Barbara Rainey. They have some neat family resources...   check them out.

Rub Dub Dub

Jason is loving his baths now - he can sit up and just splash away. And Leanne enjoys being beside him. Pouring water on him, and having that "fellowship" time. :) 

Ready for his morning nap. :)

Remembering

Already been 8 years since we lost our sweet Yachal... and Shelly still remembers. She came over with these - and when I saw her at the door, I lost it - and just sobbed. She caught me off guard (which is super rare for most to do - too suspecting of a creature) ;) and knowing that she values life, and that no matter how small, life is precious.

Eight years with Jesus. 

Dancing with Daddy

The other night, everyone was twirling around to some fun music, and the little girls put on some of their pretty dresses - even Lee-Lee had to be right in there... and Daddy did some dancing with each of them. 

Such a great dad. Beyond thankful...

Amy's Big Day - FOUR!

This girl was super excited that it was her big day. :)

Opening presents in the morning - our new-ish tradition. :) Growing up, my family always waited til the evening...so the day was filled with anticipation. Probably so dad could enjoy us opening them, and to involve the guests/family that came... James side always did it in the morning - and for us, for now, morning is a pretty great time, cause then you have the whole special day to play with your new gifts.

Thanking Leanne for a "gift".

Her own suitcase from Oma Heikoop.

A bike - that a dear friend didn't need anymore....

Her birthday haul - though a few presents came in later... like some books from Grandma, more gum, art stuff, a perfect dress, and a recorder... (thanks Dee.... )

So big next to that puppy.

Then it was decorating the cake that Emily had made the day before - and Amy was right there to see it become something special.

And ready to help out with taste testing...

...And the rest of the viewing gallery...

Her birthday cake. :) Colorful - like Amy

It was right before Bible Study - so Shantel was here for supper - joining in the festivities. 

Pretty happy little girl. :) 

The next day we had the cousins over for a girls tea party and to have some playtime together. 

Pretty little ladies.

So thankful for my precious Four year old - she has the most gorgeous smile, and neat to see her sensitive side coming out - as she looks after Leanne and Jason. She feels pretty capable and confidant in about everything. :) May God get a hold of you while you're young, sweet girl.