March 5 2022
Movie night for me and Lillian. Her choice: “A Whisker Away”
Lillian says, “It was good, liked the cat character (as a human, and as a cat), liked the story, liked the music, liked the love story, and 100% recommend.”
I say, “It was an interesting take on being yourself, and sharing yourself with others.”
March 5 2022
Exciting news to share!
I have been offered and accepted a very part-time position with the Family Navigation Network (FNN); which is a project of the Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities (NCED). NCED is a part of the University of Nevada, Reno.
I’ll be working about 10 hours a week, with the opportunity to work 20 hours a week. I just don’t see the 20 hours happening any time soon, though. I finally hit 10 hours last week. Ha! I’ve been with them for about a month now, just have not had the time to make a proper announcement.
Family Navigators help connect families with resources that they may not have known about; while at the same time collecting resources and information that we can share with families. So far I’ve spent much of my time onboarding, attending webinars (to learn about more resources, and the like), and have stepped into researching what type of information and resources Nevada families need.
When I come across resources I feel would be of benefit to my Chromosome 18 family, I make sure to share them in the 18p- facebook group as part of my volunteer coordinator role.
Here’s a description from the NCED website:
News: Camilla Joins The Family Navigation Network – A Project of NCED
March 4 2022
Lillian and Camilla February 2022 Date Day
First, using a gift card, looking at all the sparkly things along the way.
Then fries and dessert. Ending with a stop at the library.
**THROWBACK POST**
August 11 2012:
Handful of sunset adventures with Team Member T & L.
Gosh life is amazing and beautiful y’all.
**THROWBACK POST**
August 11 2012:
Team TLC Movie Night Adventures … Time for popcorn and candy!!
**THROWBACK POST**
August 11 2013:
Sunset after the lightening and thunderstorm we had a few days ago ….. So beautiful!
Sunset walk tonight! Bliss …. Love quiet walks with these two little people!
**THROWBACK POST**
August 11 2014:
Date day with Lillian! First stop … Swimming … And spreading love!! I made the big one. The other two made themselves! xoxo
Next stop …. Lunch! Salmon and garlic fries. Then a quick walk around! Cool!
Second stops were a couple of thrift stores to window shop. However, we did get a few items. So fun!! Then, home for some homemade dessert. Chocolate chip almond cookies! YUM!! Dinner will be a wee bit late since we just ate our lunch dessert! HA! Here’s the recipe for the cookies .. https://camilladowns.com/2013/06/13/almond-flour-cookies/
**THROWBACK POST**
August 10 2014:
Just put a big chunk of my heart onto a plane headed to Seattle. Some opportunities for learning are so challenging (learning opportunity for me as Thomas is going to visit his Dad and his Dad’s family).
I choose to be grateful for this chance to learn that Thomas is a sovereign individual and he will be just fine amongst those who don’t share my philosophies, our style of living and who don’t think very highly of me.
I’ll be back to retrieve that chunk of my heart on Thursday. I’ve wrapped that entire plane with so much love and blessings, I know everyone on the plane will have a great flight! xoxo
His skill at not being easily influenced is being heavily tested as is my ability to let it be ….
As unpleasant as it is, I’d prefer him be exposed to some adverse circumstances now while he is still young and respects what I share and teach. This is a good lesson for him in opposing views, teasing, criticism and confusion. He’s getting a full meal deal! He told me last night he’s ready to come home. Hopefully, he and I will process all this in a healthy way and allow us to expand and grow! Hugs to all y’all!
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Hung out all day with the girl in yellow … Read, ate dinner, played UNO and went for a walk. Got to Skype with Thomas and read our bedtime book via Skype too! Great day!
August 11 2014:
Spring 2014 …. Walk without Thomas … Miss that young man … and this life lesson can hurry up and be over. Is it Thursday yet? Connecting with some not so fun emotions. This calls for some heavy duty spreading of love tomorrow!
February 26 2022
Movie night for me and Thomas. His choice: “Robocop” (1987 version)
Thomas says, “It was good.”
It’s been about 30 years since I saw this and Thomas had never seen the movie. It was great to watch it with him.
**THROWBACK POST**
August 11 2015:
I was moved to share this just now …
C is for Courage
“Having courage does not mean that we are unafraid. Having courage and showing courage means that we face our fears. We are able to say, “I have fallen, but I will get up!” – Maya Angelou … My addition to this: I have fallen, and it is okay. I choose not to be unkind to myself because I have fallen. I will use this to learn. ” The journey to acceptance takes courage; courage to face one’s fears; courage to make decisions that others frown upon or downright disagree with; and courage to do things differently. …. I have learned that courage is the golden, secret path to clarity …. ” excerpt from “D iz for Different – One Woman’s Journey to Acceptance” …
May you feel the joy of the sun or peace of a tree today and know that all is well …..
If you’d like your own autographed copy of “D iz for Different” go here ….
(This is one of Lillian’s drawings from 2012).
