Friday, November 12, 2010

Buddy Walk 2010

Photography by Dylan Hollingsworth  http://www.dylanhollingsworthphotography.com/


Buddy Walk 2010

Buddy Walk 2010

 



Saturday, November 6, 2010

Emma Bear




I was a cowboy fan at birth too. 

Dad Stuff

I was talkng with someone today about life lessons, and the things my dad said growing up. At the time I thought they were BS , but now after a few years have passed I agree with every single one. I just hope that I can pass those lessons onto my children. just a few thoughts I wanted to share.
  • you  are who you run with
  • nothing but trouble happens after mindnight
  • save your money always

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Email from a teacher of Brittany's that touched us

I wanted to share a little story with you. Before the premiere of our
fabulous Shepton Smiles.  These girls have worked so hard all year and
while all of these Smile Cheerleaders are not effected by the same
issues, it was one child born in May of this year, that began the
brainstorming that led to the creation of Shepton Smiles.  Her name is
Emma Grace.  She was born to the father and step mother of our former
mascot, Brittany.  Dawn (Emma's mom) experienced a normal pregnancy and
had every test come back as completely fine only to discover in the
delivery room that she had given birth to a child with down syndrom.
This was to say the least, a complete shock to the entire family system.
 But this whole family has embraced this miracle that they were given
and Emma is perfectly precious (I have seen pics, I just want to squeeze
her up).  I sat back and watched with amazement how this 15 year old big
sister embraced this new little girl whole heartedly and I hoped at that
moment more yong adults could demonstarte that amazing showing of
unconditional love.  Along with the exposure the Mandy and I were given
through Oprah of all places, and People magazine we designed, kind of by
the seat of our pants, the Shepton Smiles.  This whole long story was
necessary to tell to get to my next point.  On Sunday November 7 the
Down Symdrome Guild of Dallas will be hosting their annual Buddy Walk.
The Buddy Walk® is an incredible day of celebration with family and
friends to raise awareness, raise funds, and raise the hope of a better
world for all people with Down syndrome.  I am not requiring anyone to
participate, Lord knows we all have tons on our plates, but I would love
to see as many of the girls out there supporting the cause.  I will be
there.  I have copied the link below if you and your family would like
to participate and/or just to donate if you can.   The team name to
register under is Emma's Empire.  Come and join us!   Feel free to ask
any questions of voice a concern as well.  Happy Tuesday!

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Facts - Down syndrome

  • The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) insures all children with Down syndrome free access to appropriate public education. This act enables all those w/disabilities to have the same public education as typical children. Teachers: Don't underestimate the abilities of your students no matter what..

 

  • When you refer to a person with a disability, you always state the person first and then state their disability! NEVER say, "That Down syndrome person," or, "That blind person." We are all humans, first and foremost, whether we have a disability or not. Emma is a person just like you and just like me.  

 

  • There are over 400,000 people with Down Syndrome in the United States today. With statistics like these we need to come together as a nation to become more familiar with what Down Syndrome really is.