Skagit County Buddy Walk 2008 - Huge Success

This is the photo and captioning from the front page of the Skagit Valley Herald - Sunday Edition for October 12, 2008. Click here to visit the Skagit Valley Herald.

The Second Annual Skagit County Buddy Walk was a huge success, drawing approximately 400 people from around the county. We walked to raise awareness that people living with Down syndrome are equal contributing members of society, (not sick, ill, diseased or worthless "r*t*rds" [I HATE that word!!!] as some are led to believe). They are integral family members and valuable contributors in schools, churches, communities, and workplaces throughout our communities. Their participation adds so much value to everyday life throughout our communities in so many different ways.

Jessica's contribution is one of encouragement. She is the biggest and best cheerleader for her friends and family members. She is always the first one to say, "Good job!" or "Yay!". She thoroughly enjoys watching others succeed, whether in sports, music, at recess, in school, whatever effort she observes. Thank you, Jessica, for reminding us that we can enjoy life as we encourage others to do the same - "life is about enjoying the success of others... not all about me and my success".

We couldn't have ordered better weather for the event as we walked and celebrated the day's festivities in the warmth of the Fall sunshine, hardly a cloud in sight with just a nip in the air - perfect light sweater (& rainbow scarf) weather. [Not too sure how Jessica keeps getting the feature picture...maybe it was our bright rainbow colored scarves that attracted the reporters' attention...? For the past two years, I have made scarves especially for members of "Team Jessica" to wear as we walk together. This year the fabric was bright rainbow colors as seen above. Of course, I couldn't be more proud, though, we would be very happy to share the "spotlight"!]

Beyond the obvious, getting to celebrate Jessica for who she is... Yesterday was so much fun for me as a parent of a child with Down syndrome for so many other reasons as well. First, it was a huge blessing and encouragement to have so many of our friends, family, church family and community contacts come out and walk with us. It is this kind of love and practical support that makes all the difference in the world when raising a child with special needs.

Second, it is always a joy to see individuals with Down syndrome enjoying life at all ages and stages - from the youngest to the oldest. There were several musicians (with ds) who assisted Jon Dalgren and his band "Out of the Ashes" as they kept us all entertained with lively, amazing music throughout the day. These young (and old) musicians are very talented and obviously thoroughly enjoyed their most important role of the day! The day would have been very boring and dull without them!!! Thank you, Jon & band for the gift of music!

Thirdly, I was so inspired by the positive attitudes of all the volunteers and walkers! The way that so many community members came out and volunteered of their time, energy, and financial resources to make the lives of our ds community so much brighter was truly motivating. I heard so many compliments about the organization of the event and how it reinforced the message: "steps for a brighter tomorrow". One walker commented that, "I didn't realize until today how many people there really are in our county that have Down syndrome". Yes, there really are and there are many, many more who weren't even present.

So to each one of you who supports and encourages our community members with Down syndrome, from the youngest to the oldest, not only for annual events like the Buddy Walk, but on every level every day - in our hospitals, schools, workplaces, recreation venues, homes, and elsewhere - THANK YOU for taking "steps for a brighter tomorrow"! Each one of you make a difference! Thank you!

Jeanna Joy

Jeanna Joy
September 1996

Twelve years ago today
My lifelong dream came true
I became a mother
As I gave birth to you

Our Heavenly Father blessed us
With a Gracious Gift of Joy
I always wanted a girl first
Though we thought you were a boy

You arrived a few weeks early
And gave our hearts a fright
As you had some trouble breathing
In the middle of the night

We gave you to the Lord
From the moment you arrived
He healed your little body
And ever since you’ve thrived

You have always been a beauty
With your gorgeous auburn curls
As freckles skip across your nose
How you love to dance & twirl

Right from the very beginning
You have studied everything
Your bright mind so curious
Your quietness endearing

You started humming early
Then talking, singing too
Music has come naturally
Just spilling out of you

The Lord has chosen you His child
He has given gifts to you
He has a special purpose
He’s designing just for you

You have a quiet inner strength
Mature beyond your years
The Father’s love is faithful
Bringing peace when there are tears

My prayer for you is this today
May you make His ways your own
As He becomes your closest friend
You’ll never be alone

As you turn twelve, Jeanna Joy
I just have this to say
May you be extra special blessed
On this your special day


Written just for you by Mom
(Joy Grace Caldwell)
September 2008

Seasons of Our Lives

Seasons come and seasons go.
The leaves they constant change.
So too our lives ebb and flow,
No matter what the age.

Right from the start as little babes
Our lives take root like trees.
As flowers bloom so too our hearts
So lovely for all to see.

From baby dolls to High School Prom
The years they come and go.
From princess dress to bling blue jeans
Then it’s a wedding dress to sew.

From ponytails to slanted bob
Once blond, then brown, now gray
Our hair like leaves never the same
Our long locks now gone away.

As goes our age, our clothes, our hair
So too our hearts do change.
There’s joy and pain, laughter and tears
Each day writes a brand new page.

Some pages they are stained with tears,
These seasons marked with pain.
But joy like flowers never bloomed
Without the storms and rain.

God knows just how much sunshine
Blue skies, yet storm clouds too,
Each phase, each stage, each season
Of our lives He long foreknew.

It brings me peace and comfort
To say, “His will not mine.”
Will you choose to trust Him
Through each season, in His time?

Joy Grace Caldwell
September 10, 2008

I Have a Special Child

I have a special child
Her name is Jessica Faith
She has an extra gene
And a sweet angelic face

Her birthday was ordained
By our Precious Lord above
She arrived a few weeks early
And our hearts were filled with love

The doctor had bad news he said
She’s not a normal child
She has an extra chromosome
Down syndrome. I cried, then smiled.

My first thoughts were “I'm honored”
He hand picked this child for me
But soon I stopped and questioned
Dear Lord, “how can this be?”



Her early years were fragile
As she struggled to survive
There were many days I wondered
If she would ever thrive

She has been to many doctors
Had too many tests to count
Yet always shares her special joy
Beauty from the inside out

I have felt the stares of strangers
As they feel sorry for her plight
Yet Jessica has courage
She perseveres with all her might

This special gift named Jessica
Is teaching me everyday
That patience, faith and kindness
Must always lead the way



She has a warmth and humor
Of greeting young and old
She has never met a stranger
Her greeting never cold

One day she overheard me
Explain the Trinity
Hands high, “Good job, God!” she cried
Such simple purity

Some days I’m overwhelmed
By the weight and complexities
I often pray and wonder
What His purposes could be

My faith tells me that there’s purpose
For each one He does ordain
God has a special plan for us
Though the way be marked with pain

God’s own Son endured more pain
Than we will ever know
Thank you Lord for sacrifice
The greatest love You show

My prayer today is simple
Lord make me more like You
May I embrace my pain with joy
And do it all for you

I pray today for Jessica
That she will come to know
How deep, how high, how wide, how long
The Father’s love to show

Joy Grace Caldwell
Friday, August 15, 2008

Mom, I want this and I need that

I absolutely love and adore all of my girls. Not unlike most other mothers, I too have my moments (especially summer moments...) when I start feeling just a little ... okay ALOT... overwhelmed. I was having some moments today when I picked up my pen during lunch and started to write.

My day thus far had looked like this:

2:00 - 2:30 am - Up with Hannah Mae again - crying & fussy, (teething...) brought her to bed with me... still crying, now screaming, "where's the binky? I just put it in her mouth..." she's thrown it (mad!!!) blurry eyed, we can't find it anywhere - taking the bed apart in the dark - turn the light on. Still can't find it. Light off. Go back to nursery - look for another one. Found one. Nope - doesn't want it - throws that one - still screaming! "Do you want a bottle of milk?" I ask repeatedly as I stumble in the dark, searching for the light switch at the top of the stairs... let's try... off downstairs to the kitchen. Get the bottle, heating it in the microwave... ahh... we're getting quiet.

Next few hours: She's in bed between us - alternates between feet in one of our backs, stomachs, fingers in my nose, mouth, eyes... "Mommy, are you still there?" she seems to say with her hands as she tosses and turns back and forth... crying fussy again... "where's that binky now?" fishing around in the dark, one of us finds it and plugs it in again. We only do this several times...

Finally - it's time to get up. "Do I have to?", my body says, as Hannah Mae crawls over me, slides feet first down the bed to the floor. I quickly grab my glasses before she gets them from the nightstand beside me. Then the other child peeks her head up over the side of our bed. Oh yeah, I forgot. Haley slept on the floor beside Daddy's side of the bed for the first time in many years. (Got news last night that her mom is in hospital following an auto accident with a brain hemorrhage... she needed extra comfort and security last night... we're praying hard for Becky!) Paul is stirring beside me (working the evening shift today so he's still in bed - "slept in"). I reach out quickly to snuggle for 30 seconds and grab my good morning kiss. He gets up and goes downstairs for coffee. Haley takes his place beside me as we cuddle for a couple minutes... "Oops, there goes Hannah Mae. Quick... let's hope Daddy closed the gate behind him at the top of the stairs..."

We're up!

Then there's the phone call from Becky in hospital in Mississippi - under observation - not sure of the prognosis or treatment...

I help Haley send her Mom an e-mail through the hospital website. Then we order flowers....

Meantime, Paul has helped Jessica get up and fixed breakfast for all of us.

Then he's off to work... now the fun has really just begun...

Then there's the phone calls, get dressed for the day, change baby, get Haley to dress her, help Jeanna with physio exercises, dress Jessie, chase Hannah Mae....... sigh...

Drive Jeanna & Haley to the soccer field while we listen to Veggie Tales AGAIN for the zillionth time... I'm starting to feel a bit irritable - not Bob & Larry's fault - just me... probably lack of sleep...

Now I'm finally home again with Jessica and Hannah Mae sitting at the table eating lunch. "big sighs...." except that Jessica is "Miss Non-Stop Chatter"!... "Please!", I beg her, "Please, just stop talking and eat your lunch." I grab my pen and paper and start to write and this is what comes pouring out....

“Mom, I want this and I need that.”

Edgy. Uptight. Irritable. Stressed.
What’s a mom to do?
“Mom, I want this and I need that.”

Dirty faces. Dirty feet.
Diapers. Tears and Non-stop chat.
“Mom, I want this and I need that.”

Phone is ringing. Someone knocking.
Does anyone hear the dog barking?
“Mom, I want this and I need that.”

Dishes. Laundry. Making beds
Dr. Mom - dispensing meds.
“Mom, I want this and I need that.”

Yes, Jeanna. No, Hannah Mae.
Maybe, Haley. Jessie, what did you say?
“Mom, I want this and I need that.”

Mom, I’m bored. Mom, I’m tired.
Mom, I’m hungry; I need a snack.
“Mom, I want this and I need that.”

Can I watch TV? Go outside?
Playing soccer – No, not inside!
“Mom, I want this and I need that.”

Drive me here. Drive me there.
Driving children everywhere.
“Mom, I want this and I need that.”

McDonalds, Costco, Safeway, too.
Dairy Queen and the Zoo.
“Mom, I want this and I need that.”

Edgy. Uptight. Irritable. Stressed.
What’s a mom to do?
“Help me Lord! I want peace and I need You!”

Thursday, August 14, 2008
Joy Grace Caldwell

Yes, HE really is my answer and He brought the peace too! As I wrote, I was reminded of the many years that I cried, prayed and struggled to have children when all my friends around me were starting families and I had none. I longed for diapers, dishes, dirty faces and dirty feet, fingerprints on the walls and toys on the stairs. He answered my prayers and then some. He blessed my womb. He blessed our home. He's filled it with laughter and love. It really is good and I really wouldn't have it any other way. I'm just so very, very glad that when I do have "my moments" that I have HIM to turn to. He helps me re-focus on Him and all His blessings! "Children are a blessing; a heritage from the Lord." Thank you Lord for all your blessings and all your goodness to us.

Midnight Musings

It’s midnight. Quiet.
And here do I sit
With pen in my hand
And lamp dimly lit

All loved ones tucked in
Asleep and dreaming
Dreams of tomorrow
And what it may bring

I hear the soft tick
Of the clock by me
The hum of the fridge
And electricity

Wait - Footsteps? A voice?
A whimper? A tear?
It’s Haley. My gift.
My daughter. My dear.

Awake from her dream
She had a bad scare
She needed a hug,
A kiss and a prayer


I gently caressed
Her face and her hair
Kissed her wet cheek
And offered a prayer

She crawled back in bed
Next to her big sis
Where she fell asleep
Back to dreams and bliss

My eyes are now tired
A yawn, then a sigh
Yes, it’s time to sleep
It really is time

I’ll join my dear Paul
In our big comfy bed
Where I will now sleep
And dream in my head.


Of many more days
Yet to come with these
Precious dear darlings
God’s given to me

To love and cherish
To teach and to guide
One day at a time
With Christ by my side.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Joy Grace Caldwell

Happy 3rd Anniversary to My Precious Husband Paul!

You are my Romeo
I am your Juliet
The passion burning strong
Since the first day we met

As I pause and reflect
On what you mean to me
I cannot help but think
Of how it came to be

Our gracious loving Lord
Knew just the one for me
He chose “Happy Daddy”
To lead our family

Three years ago today
I pledged my love to you
I took your hand in mine
And said, “I will I do”

For better or for worse
In good times and in bad
In sickness and in health
And even when we’re sad

Through all the months and years
Oh how the days have flown
Our love keeps growing stronger
As we look to Heaven’s throne

His love will never cease
To amaze me every day
As I marvel at His hands
That guides us on our way

Each morning I awake
With you right by my side
I thank our Precious Lord
For making me your bride

As I ponder our future
Together with our Lord
I cannot help but know
The plans He has in store

His plans to lead and guide us
His plans for health and love
His plans for peace and purpose
With blessings from above

So thankful for our daughters
I can’t help but exclaim
So beautiful so special
Each one with a precious name

Jeanna and Jessica
Haley and Molly too
Then along came Hannah Mae
Our miracle – it’s true

I am yours forever
Forever you are mine
Our love was meant to be
From the beginning of time

Let’s keep growing old together
Hand in hand and cheek to cheek
As we make His plans our own
We can reach the highest peak

Three years ago today
I pledged to you my life
My Darling Paul, I love you
I’m proud to be your wife

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Joy Grace Caldwell

Adoption Poem for Special Friends

We're off to an adoption party this afternoon for some very special friends. As I was thinking of what to give them, I was inspired to write. The following is what flowed from my heart...

The Young Family

Corey and Amy
Husband and wife
Longing for children
To share their life
They took their request
To the One who knows best
And in His time
He answered and blessed.

Their Heavenly Father
With love in His heart
Knew just the right two
And set them apart.
He carefully chose
From his treasured collection
Two little girls
Who would make the connection.

Hayli and Emery
Sisters so fair
Eyes so blue
With pretty blonde hair
Two precious jewels
Straight from His throne
Sent to Corey and Amy
To make their own.

Corey and Amy
Now father and mother
No longer have
To look any further
July eleven
Two thousand and eight
Was set as their
Special adoption date

Hayli and Emery
Have brought healing and love
Smiles and laughter
Straight from above
No longer just four
Corey, Amy, Hayli and Emery
The Youngs are now one
One blessed family!

Officially Established
July 11, 2008

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Joy Grace Caldwell

Madison School Memories

Here's a video I created of our 3 oldest girls' last 3 years at Madison School. It is best viewed "small" as it is compressed. Click on the bottom right corner to toggle the size. Enjoy.

His mercies are new every morning!

The words of my Friend that soothe my soul...

All my daughters will be taught by the Lord and great will be my children's peace.

In quietness and confidence shall be my strength.

Nothing is impossible with God.

You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The Father's heart is quick to heal and quick to forgive. His grace and mercy are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness, Oh Lord, my God, my Savior and my Redeemer!

Words of Encouragement

I haven't really used this blog like a journal to date; it's been more like a family newsletter; however, I'm going to break with my own "tradition" and use it like a journal of sorts, too. I pray that it blesses all who read it.

Current circumstances: Unfortunately, it appears that my ex has backslidden into some old habits. I have written him a letter stating that all future visits with our 2 young girls will be supervised. I'm bracing myself for his response, though praying it will be one of cooperation.

In my devotions on Sunday, here are some of the words the Lord spoke to me from Isaiah 54. Thank you Lord for your words, "Do not be afraid. You will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. "

"With everlasting kindness, I will have compassion on you. In the middle of "earthquakes", yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed. Thank you Lord for your covenant of peace and your unfailing love in the middle of these turbulent times.

This next verse practically leapt off the page - I'm having our girls memorize it together. v. 13 "ALL your sons (DAUGHTERS) will be taught by the Lord & great will be your children's peace!"

v. 14 & 15 - In righteousness you will be established - tyranny (abuse, control, harassment) will be far from you. You will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed. It will not come near you. If anyone does attack you, it will not be my doin' whoever attacks you will surrender to you."

v. 17 & 18 - "No weapon forged against you will prevail and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and this is their vidication from me."

Thank you Father, that you are in control and that Your protection is all around each one of us. You have my girls' best interest at heart. Thank you for your wisdom and going ahead of me into this "battle".

Today's Encouragements: May 27, 2008:

Joshua 24:15 "As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."

"A choice repeated becomes a habit; a habit develops your character; your character determines your destiny." (Author...?)

We're raising our daughters to be women of faith, who will choose righteousness, the narrow path, in order that they will find futures filled with promise of destiny and fulfillment in Christ.

Spring Update

I figure it's about time to update this blog since I haven't posted since Christmas already! Wow, how time flies when you're having fun.

Here's the latest pic of all 5 girls together on the Saturday before Easter just after an Easter egg hunt. It's quite the job getting all 5 girls looking at the camera and smiling... didn't quite succeed on this attempt, but a cute picture nonetheless...

Sisters "camping out" together in their bedroom just for fun one day. Haley's our little model - feeling the need to pose everytime the camera is on ;-)

Family Night - playing "Twister". Not fair - Daddy's so tall. He won every time he played.

The 3 of us in Roche Harbor (San Juan Islands) in January for my birthday weekend... too much fun!!

Baby girl - growing up! She's crawling and pulling up on everything these days!

Joy to the World! The Lord is Come!

We want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas! May the peace, love and joy of the Season be yours now and throughout 2008! We send you all special hugs and greetings from each of us.

Merry Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving

On Wednesday when the girls got home from school, I asked each family member to write a letter about what they're thankful for this year. We could address our letter to whomever we chose, needed to say at least 3 things we're thankful for and why.

Here are our letters that we read at our Thanksgiving Table last night:

Dear God, Thank

you for giving my family and I food because when we are hungry, I can ask for a snack. I'm also thankful for friends because they are really nice to me. And last but not least I'm thankful for my family because they love and care for me all of the time.

Thank you, Haley. (7)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Dear Mr. President Bush, You have helped the entire United States of America. I, an ordinary Washington girl, am very thankful. Here are the reasons. First of all you keep my country safe and free from all harm. I thank you for that because we don't have to worry about something happening to us. Second, you have supported everyone in the army that is in Iraq at the moment, including my family who are very special to me. And last but not least you make sure that all children are supported. Thank you for supporting our freedom in this country.

Thank you so much!! Happy Thanksgiving!!
Jeanna Caldwell. (11)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Dearest Mom & Dad,

I am so thankful for both of you and for the Lord bringing you here to all of us this year. You two are such a huge blessing to each of us, for who you are – your servants’ hearts, willing to serve, bless and minister to whomever, whenever, wherever. You are both awesome examples to all of us of what it means to be servants of the Lord.

Thank you for the best gift of all - raising me to love and serve Jesus, our Precious Lord and Savior. Without Him, how futile our lives would be. I am so thankful that each of us can have personal relationship with Him.

When reflecting about all that I am thankful for this year, I realized that I am thankful for many things… but more importantly I asked myself, “What if everything was taken away from me, would I still be thankful and for what?” I recognize that I am mostly appreciative for people – each one of my dear precious family members – immediate and extended – I feel so richly blessed! I am also extremely grateful for church family and friends. And even then, if any or all were taken away from me, if I was stripped bare of all my relationships, I would still be thankful for Jesus because HE is the ultimate relationship, THE ONE that can never be taken away. When it comes down to it, I guess really nothing else matters in light of eternity, except
Him.

Thank you both for your influence in helping me to keep my eyes on Jesus – the author and the finisher of our faith. Thank you both for the example you are of Jesus to me, to us.

Mom & Dad, please know how very proud I am of both of you as my parents and how grateful I am to be your daughter!

I love you! JG

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Dear Lord,

I am thankful for the following on this day:

For my family
For Mimi and Papa to be here for our kids
That you are taking care of our needs
For the friends we are making at our church
That you answer our prayers
For our health

However, it makes me sad on this day that:

There will be many who will be alone on this day
There will be many who will not have a big dinner today
There will be many who will not eat at all today
There will be many who will see this day as just another day

Thank you that there will be many praying to You for help or change
today.

Paul

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Dear Jesus, On this Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, 2007, I want to say how thankful I am that you are my Lord and Savior and that my mother raised me to trust in you. I am so thankful that you sent JoAnn to go to college in Plainview, Texas and that we met and she later became my wife. Jesus, without her I do not know where I would be today.

I am so thankful that you gave Mimi (JoAnn) and I three such wonderful children. Joy Grace, Joel Aaron and Jason Daniel. And now because of Joy Grace we have such a wonderful Son-in-Law Paul Matthew Caldwell and because he and Becky got married they brought into our lives our beautiful little princess, Haley Alexandra. And I also thank you for our little Molly "Dolly" (Paul's other daughter.) Jesus, I thank you that our dear Joy married X many years ago and because of that we have our oldest and beautiful, smart and intelligent granddaughter, Jeanna Joy and to top it off we have our little angel sent straight from your heart, Jessica Faith. Jesus you are so good to us. We could never have dreamed that our Joy and Paul would one day be married and the fruit of their love would come in the form of such a bundle of love, our precious Hannah Mae Grace. I've got the sweetest Daughter-in-law any man could have in Laura, Jason's wife, who brought us our very first grandson, Elliot Daniel . And of course, I am very grateful for Joel's daughter, our beautiful little Ameya Rose.

Jesus, thank you for making a place for Mimi and I to come and live close to this precious family. I do not remember all of the 64 Thanksgivings I have experienced, but I will always remember this Thansgiving, November 22, 2007 as the first Thanksgiving we had in our new home with our completed family.

In Jesus' Name,
Your little boy and son,
Jackie Wright or also known as just "Papa".

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Oh, yes! I am sooo thankful!

Thankful for:
A warm, cozy home full of God's love
and light
Papa's arms around me in the middle of
the night
Beautiful granddaughters to hug &
give sweet kisses
A daughter and a "son" whose love & care
just never misses!

I'm thankful for:
A church full of friends and devotion
A heart that still can feel love and emotion.
Our family and grands in other places, too.
And loved ones up in Heaven awaiting me & you.

x0x0x0, Mimi.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

When Jessica was asked what she is thankful for she just said, "Jesus".

So there you have it - from our heart to yours, Happy Thanksgiving. We're thankful for you and pray your hearts are full of thanksgiving, too!

Gold Medal for Jessica

Jessica joined Special Olympics just after her eighth birthday this past March. She did swimming in the Spring. Now she has just concluded bowling. She bowled in her first tournament this past Saturday in Oak Harbor on the Naval Station at Whidby Lanes. Surprising us all, she placed first - winning the "gold medal" for her lane. Too much fun!! Congratulations, Jessica! Way to Go!

Halloween Fun

Halloween 2007

• Mom - What NOT to Wear (No, I don't usually dress so tacky!!!)
• Jeanna - Crazy for Jesus
• Jessica - Queen for the Day
• Haley - Honey Bee
• Hannah Mae - Butterfly Princess
  

The Sunshine of my Days

"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are gray. You'll never know Dears how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away."

Youngest to oldest:
Hannah Mae, Molly, Haley, Jessica, Jeanna

Here's Hannah Mae hanging out with Papa - the two of them having too much fun!

Buddy Walk a Success!

The Buddy Walk was a huge success and Jessica, her teacher and home care worker even made the newspaper as you can see. We had over 400 walkers there raising awareness and acceptance for all people with Down syndrome. A great time was had by all! Thank you to all who came and walked with us!

Come Walk with Me!

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month!

“Come walk with me!!”

Because you are special to Jessica and our family, we would like to invite each of your family members to be our “buddies” and participate with us for Skagit County’s very first annual Buddy Walk in support of all people with Down syndrome. We would love it if you would join us on Saturday, October 13th at Bakerview Park from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. There will be live music and entertainment, concessions (or bring a picnic), family friendly activities, goody bags and raffle prizes. There is no need to raise pledges. Our first Buddy Walk is solely to raise awareness and promote acceptance for people of all ages with Down syndrome. If you can join us, please let me know and I will get a brochure/registration form to you. Registration is $5.00 each and includes a T-shirt (goody bag, etc.) for every participant.

I am assisting the planning committee with this event. We are in DESPERATE need of volunteers! We also need more raffle prizes, give-aways, goody bag prizes, etc. (Great opportunity to advertise your business!) All donations will be acknowledged and are tax deductible. Any help you may be able to give us to make this first Buddy Walk a success would be hugely appreciated!!!

We look forward to hearing from you! Joy Caldwell

Anniversary & Dedication

July was a busy month! Of course it started with a "bang" as we celebrated July 4th with family & friends two days in a row watching the best fireworks shows ever!!!

Then on the 15th we celebrated our 2 year "Family Anniversary" together. Here we are at the park playing and posing together...





It sure is work, trying to get all these girls smiling at the little blinking timer light on the camera at just the right moment... maybe another day...

A couple of weeks later Uncle Jason, Auntie Laura and the only "Wright" grandson - Elliot came to visit. We had way too much fun together while they were here - showing them all the "grand" NW Washington scenic (& shopping!!!) sites.

Look at those beautiful big BLUE eyes she inherited from Mimi (My mom) & Grandpa Charles (Paul's Dad)!To add blessing to blessing they were able to celebrate Hannah Mae's baby dedication with us as well. Very special!

Of course what could be more precious than Papa being able to dedicate his granddaughter... and she was a perfect little angel for him, too!

Uncle Jason finished it off with a beautiful prayer, as well.

Just a few more pictures of our little darling...



(*All baby photos are "Creations by Joy"... Can you tell we're having fun?!)