Keep Calm...

Meet Isaac.

 

 

Isaac is a freshman. He plays the drums in band, he loves playing the Wii, bowling is one of his favorite things to do, and he absolutely loves McDonald's and meatloaf. A few of his talents are picking on his siblings, being loud and rowdy, terrorizing pets with incessant "lovies", and getting frustrated with his computer games...he is just a normal, fun loving, and at times annoying, teenage brother.

 

Yes. I did just say normal.

 

Isaac was born with an extra 21st chromosome and the diagnosis of trisomy 21, or more commonly known as Down Syndrome. I suppose some of you would have thought to put this paragraph first. You are the reason I am writing this. Isaac is not just another Down Syndrome boy. He is a person just like you, yet he is often defined by what he looks like and the mental retardation that comes with down syndrome.

 

There is a difference between being defined by something or being judged for it. I am judged for the way I look, as is most everyone. Isaac is defined by the way he looks. I am judged for the way I speak in front of others. He is defined by the way he speaks. Down syndrome is a major part of who Isaac is, but it is not a definition of his character.

 

When people only look as far as his face all they see is down syndrome. They see different, unusual, mentally challenged. To those unfamiliar with it, it is a big sign saying "not normal."  However, if those same people took the time to look past his disability they would see much more. Friendly, curious, caring. They would see a boy who prays for his unborn niece and the health and safety of those around him. Innocent, fun-loving. They would see a little boy grown into a big ol' teenager who holds the door open for others and helps the elderly out of their vehicles at church. The simple label of "down syndrome" could not have even begun to tell you all that.

 

 

On the other side, many people have said to my mom, "Oh, I just love them. They are always so happy!" And all those with children that happen to have downs say HA HA HA. Yes, it is true that friendliness, smiles and hugs seem to be contained in that extra chromosome, but it is also true that they are still humans. They have more than one emotion. They can be confused, loving, angry, lost, hurt, happy...because they are normal. Do not treat them as though their problems and worries are inconsequential.

 

Chris Burke, an actor and singer with down syndrome, said "Having down syndrome is like being born normal. I am just like you and you are just like me. We are all born in different ways, that is the way I can describe it. I have a normal life." And he is right. We are all born into preexisting situations and some of us just have bigger difficulties to overcome. As my uncle has pointed out before, when you are in a room with Isaac it sometimes feels as though you are the one with the disability. He has an innumerable gang of "naginary" friends surrounding him, and although we may have no idea what he is talking about, he does. He has an entire existence that we could never hope to understand and an imagination to rival the greatest writers.

 

He is not hindered in what really matters. Love, family, fun...he excels in these things. Restaurant owners, cheerleaders, homecoming queens and kings, band members, actors, singers...they CAN do it. We just have to give them a chance to shine instead of sticking them into the box of our preconceived judgments. They were born with designer genes that were made to shine and teach us a bit about unconditional love, kindness, and determination. Those genes were not meant to define what they can or cannot do, who they can or cannot become...

 

 

They are individuals with hopes and dreams. So the next time you see someone rockin' an extra chromosome, take a step forward. Introduce yourself and look past everything "different" about them.

 

Keep calm...it's just an extra chromosome.



Merry and Bright

I thought I would keep my post about Christmas simple. From the first decorations to the lovely day just spent with family; this is Christmas Lehman style.

 

 

 

Christmas Decorations

Stockings and Baskets

 

 Presents

 Presents in the Evening with Oma and Opa

Dinner

 After Dinner Activity

 Happy Birthday Benjy and Brittany!

 Whether we speak of the manger or of the cross, may we be reminded daily of the Father's love.

Merry Christmas!

Thanksgiving

In 1 Chronicles chapter 16, King David comes before the ark of the Lord and gives thanks. I thought this was a very appropriate chapter for the day we set aside to give thanks.

 

"Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people."

 

"Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works."

 

"Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord."

 

"Sing unto the Lord, all the earth, shew forth from day to day his salvation."

"Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering and come before him: worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness."

 

"Let the sea roar, and the fullness thereof: let the fields rejoice, and all that is therein."

 

"O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever."
 

 

Today I hope we can all take a break from our material lives and stop to thank God for what we truly cherish in this world. I would rather have my family, friends, and my little niece that's on the way than more clothes, a big flat screen TV, a month in Europe...you name it. Most of all I would rather have my Lord and Savior than anything. Health, safety, comfort...I would rather have Jesus.

 

Take a step back from the table piled with food, and the black Friday shopping cart that is full to the brim. What really matters to you? When you have the answer, then take some time to sincerely thank the Lord for the blessings of this life.

 

Thankfulness is so much more than a Facebook status declaring thankfulness for the trivial things in life. It cannot fit in a blog post, a short story, or a novel. Thankfulness, the real kind, is a way of life. It is not contained to one day, one month.

 

True thankfulness is shown in 1 Chronicles 16, when King David and all his people made sacrifices, music, and poetry declaring their love for the Lord. It is praising Him on the beautiful days and in the blackest of nights.

 

Take a deep breath and a moment to think. And then praise Him!

Girl's Night Out

 

With Benjy and Brittany's wedding only a week away, the girls decided to take a night away from the craziness at home. We decided to head to a little Bed and Breakfast in Monticello, about a half hour away from home. Brittany had no idea what we were planning. All she knew was that she had plans. Lucky for us, she fell asleep on the couch while everyone was arriving. We all gathered around the couch to wake her up. She was surprised to see us all around her, as her sister lives a few hours away.

 

So, armed with spa stuff, junk food, and laughter we loaded into the van.

 

 

This picture was without Brittany's bags, I think. Also, Ashley and Kaddie didn't have their things in this vehicle either. What can we say? We're girls ;)

 

Sparkling grape juice, yogurt covered pretzels, pumpkin roll, cuties, soda, candy...whew! Junk food abounds!

 

I picked up some different face masks and grabbed some of my Bath and Body lotions for our little spa time. We also borrowed a hand waxing machine for the night. As we snacked and talked we painted our nails, waxed our hands and, of course, had fun with the face masks!

 

 

I think we all liked the clay mask! If you ever want to creep someone out, just buy a tube of face mask! Don't you just love Brittany's mustache?

 

We had two adjoining rooms, which was nice since the rooms were a bit smaller than I had anticipated.

 

 

 

I may have broken the faucet. Oops. At least it provided some amusement! Everyone avoided that sink after I got sprayed.

 

After talking for a long time we watched a movie. I actually forget what it was called. It was about a football player and his daughter. After the movie, we were all pretty much comatose, so we headed to our respective rooms and crashed.

 

 

Jo and I shared this very large and comfortable air mattress. Next time I go camping I think I will take one of these! It was almost as comfortable as my bed at home.

 

We just spent one night at the B&B. It was a nice reprieve from the crazy wedding preparations that are taking place around here! On the way home everyone crashed. And by everyone, I mean all those in the backseat. Kim and I stayed awake, which is a good thing seeing as I was driving!

 

 

 

I love this group of girls! Even though this is the first time I have really spent time with Ashley and Kaddie, we had a blast! I am really looking forward to spending more fun times with these girls.

 

With only 4 days until the wedding, life is getting crazy around here! Hopefully I will get another post up here before the end of the week.

 

Thanksgiving Blessings!

 



Simple Pleasures

As the weather steadily darkens, cools, and changes our surroundings from green to a brilliant array of oranges, yellows and reds, I am feeling thankful. Fall means the beginning of all things warm and cozy: soup, fuzzy socks, oversized sweatshirts, and (best of all!!) campfires.

 

 

The other evening, with the sun shining brightly, my family gathered in our little forest area for a campfire. As the fire cheerily burned, we laughed and talked the evening away.

 

 

I don't have many blog posts that include my big bro!! Benjy is usually the absent one, but that has changed quite drastically in the past few weeks. Benjy and his fiancé Brittany are living with us right now! It has certainly added some excitement to our lives! Buddy, their adorable puppy, is along for the ride as well.

 

 

 
 

 

Do not be deceived by this little booger! He may appear fuzzy, adorable and cuddly, but he is really a crazed maniac dog whose mission in life is to make things difficult. Ok, and he is adorable. Needless to say, we all adore him.

 

Mick the faithful. Unlike Buddy, he is a well behaved gentleman. He likes to stand guard at the entrance to our forest area. Just in case there are any bad guys you know...

 

My little cousin Edie, who isn't so little anymore, got to spend the evening with us as well. Mary was especially happy that Edie came! She added a bit more sunshine to our gathering.

 

 

It was such a beautiful night. Even better, this evening didn't cost a lot of money, we didn't have to leave our house, and it didn't take a ton of effort. No, this was one of life's simple pleasures. It was one of those evenings where I couldn't imagine myself to be anywhere else.

 

This is my home, my family.

This was a day that the Lord made, and we rejoiced in the simple pleasure of it.

 

 

 

 

 



Love Beyond Measure

 

 

On the surface, one could look at this picture and see a traditional family; two parents, five children. The photograph is quite obviously an informal one, as there aren't any signs of matching clothing. All this is superficial. To fully experience this photograph, one must take a moment and go far beyond the superficial. That is where the real story unfolds.

 

This is my family. My father stands in the back, a very unassuming figure. Of average build and weight, nothing appears to be remarkable about him. It only takes one look in his face to see the kindness there. A smile spreads across his face, gently tilting down on the the left side. It lends him an air of mischievousness, and rightly so. Salt and pepper hair and reading glasses in his front pocket, he portrays his forty-eight years accurately. His right arms rests liesurely and lovingly on my mother, his wife of twenty-five years.

She is a woman of average height, wearing her customary denim skirt and modest top. The color of the top is a bright and cheery pink, very flattering with her graying black hair. Her sandals are the sensible ones that give support. She smiles easily at the camera, a customary expression for her, judging by the smile lines around her eyes. The glasses on her face are a current style, a definite upgrade from the old pair she wore. Overall, she looks like a mother, not drawing attention to herself, but giving all her time, energy and love into the family surrounding her.

My oldest brother Benjamin (Benjy), age 21, stands at the far left of the photo. He appears very confident and comfortable with himself. A dress shirt neatly tucked into a pair of dark jeans makes up his business casual look that he depends on every day. The usual blue colts cap is missing from his head, his matted hair being the telltale sign. Wire framed glasses somewhat hide his tired eyes, the only visible indication of his extreme work schedule. His beard grows coarsely and covers much of the lower half of his face. One arm hangs to his side loosely, and the other is wrapped around his girlfriend.

Brittany is easy going and fun to be around. Her wide smile and open face proves that point. Taller than all of the girls in my family, she is obviously the one that is not related. Light brown hair with a hint of red mingled in is in direct contrast to our family's deep brown hair. Yet, even though she could appear to the casual observer as the outsider, she blends well with our family. The family envelopes her, making her feel right at home. One hand rests on her hip, showing her spirit and determined attitude. After all, she was the one who helped convince Benjy that they were long overdue for a visit home.

Next in line of age would obviously be the girl in the deep pink ruffled shirt: me. I am seventeen and I do not appear any older than that. My looks are a strong mix of traits from my Mom and Dad. My body shape resembles that of my mom, as does my smile. From Dad I got the sparkle in my eye, giving the impression that I have a good sense of humor. The long, modest denim skirt adorning me is worn and faded. A cotton shirt shows that I care about looking nice, but also that I do not spend much money on clothing. I am playing with my hands, a habit I fall to when feeling self concious or impatient. My right arm rests on a teenage boy.

Perhaps someone with no previous experience with Down Syndrome would not take special notice of Isaac right away, but after another look anyone can see that he is not "normal." His eyes are the telltale almond shape of a person with Down Syndrome. The smile displayed on his face is tight and unnatural; he never has liked posing for pictures. Sport shorts, a construction yellow t-shirt and some knock-off brand of crocs complete the fifteen year old look. Three pens are perfectly placed in the shirt pocket, evenly spaced to the ever calculating eye of their owner. An outdated gray changepurse is clutched tightly in Isaac's hands, carrying the money he likes to use for his lunch. His arms and legs are kept carefully from anyone.

To his lower left the youngest leans awkwardly on the steps. Mary wears an orange shirt with black bermuda shorts. A bright and cheery smile serves as an accessory to her neon shirt. She inherited a very similar smile and overall look as I. Her dark brown hair is drawn back into a ponytail and, for extra measure, secured with a thick black headband. The freckles fanning out on her face could deceive the observer into thinking she were younger than her fourteen years. It is a face very deserving of the child with the baby of the family status.

We are joyful, connected, accepting, forgiving, and unconditionally loved...we are a true family. Though a picture may express a thousand words, no picture could capture the depth of the love my family has for one another. It goes beyond words that could be uttered in this world; perhaps in Heaven we will find the words to speak that can allow others to fully grasp the meaning of family.

 

 

 

Party Time!

It is birthday season around my house! 4 of the 6 people in my family living at home have their birthdays in September and October: Mom, Grandma, Isaac and I. I just have to say, I LOVE BIRTHDAYS!!! Ask anyone in my family :)

 

Mom's birthday is September 30th, so this is a little late. For her birthday Mary, Isaac and I made dinner. For her birthday dinner she requested tacos with all the fixings, homemade taco shells (she made them...), and chips with salsa. I must say, they were really delicious!

 

 

The cooks!

 

 

Yum! For dessert Isaac and I made an extreme chocolate mocha cake. I found the recipe on Pinterest (where else?) and it was seriously the best. cake. ever. Also the messiest...

 

 

As gifts Mom got several fall decorations, a journal, measuring cups, soap from bath and body, money and cards. Her favorite season is Autumn, so we used that as a guide for what to buy her. If you are looking for cute fall decorations, look at Hobby Lobby! Their stuff is super cute and reasonably priced.

 

 

The next birthday is mine! My birthday was today :) I had a really fun day at the Feast of the Hunter's Moon (if you have never been, look it up!) and then with a party just a few hours ago with the fam. It feels so strange to be 18. As a friend texted me earlier, "welcome to being an adult for the rest of your life!" Somehow that thought really just made me wish that I had somehow savored childhood more!

 

I didn't get any pictures of dinner, but I chose meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, fruit salad, and chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. Once again...YUM! Mom made all of it and she did an amazing job of it too!

 

The collage above is all my gifts, as I am sure you figured out! Grandma gave me the two shirts in the top right corner that I have been eyeing for weeks at Target! The blue shirt has little birds all over it and a really cute belt. Mary gave me the silly gifts, as well as the $25 towards a laptop case. The silly glasses actually have a windup thing on the nose that moves the eyebrows and moustache automatically. Of course I look incredibly dignified when wearing them... Mom and Dad gave me a full KJV travel Bible and a pretty watch to wear on dressier occasions. I have been wanting a full travel Bible that had the old testament as well as the new testament, and this one is ADORABLE. They even got my name engraved on the cover! Isaac (in other words, Mom) got me two JJ Heller CDs. Since I drive to school 3 days a week I will really appreciate some new music to listen to!

 

Birthdays are really wonderful. They are such a great time to evaluate your life. Some things I want to do in this next year include reading the entire Bible in chronological order, keeping up with a journal, and growing in my walk with the Lord. Also, I really appreciated the love and support from others on this day. It is so neat to feel that love and to be able to give it back.

 

Blessings!