Why I Involve My Kids in Practicing Mindfulness

Posted on February 10, 2017 by Camilla

**THROWBACK POST**

February 3 2016:

I know how sometimes you long to have a “typical” sibling and “typical” sibling relationship …

https://themighty.com/2014/07/letter-to-the-siblings-of-a-brother-or-sister-with-a-disability/

After a huge Lillian meltdown this morning which caused him to be a wee bit late for school.

I am trying to help him notice when it’s not a good idea to push Lillian. He does try so hard, but just wants to not have to try sometimes. Lillian is making huge progress, yet, we still have those moments. Thomas’ teacher shares often with me how she enjoys his presence in the classroom as he’s so empathetic and compassionate.

I have recently pulled back from intervening when they decide to be unkind with one another. I’ve explained that I have taught them methods to use and I model those methods. It is up to them whether they use them or not.

This morning it escalated, I remained calm and not involved. It escalated and escalated and escalated. There was screaming and door slamming. I remained calm and not involved. I got scratched and pinched, I remained calm. I kept emphasizing that I’d be happy to help her get calm and to let me know when she was ready.

And. Finally, Lillian asked for help in calming down. I walked her through a meditative breathing exercise and we moved on …. I don’t always remain calm. I did this morning and it makes such a huge, huge, huge difference when I do. Mindfulness is an amazing way to live …

Yes, this. I am blessed and grateful that we are a team. I am having the time of my life on this journey with them. The joy, suffering, happiness, peace, love, and all … xoxo

Can You Get Your Bathwater Ready

Posted on January 31, 2017 by Camilla

January 19 2017:

It’s one of those “Lillian miracle” posts again ….

Last night Lillian ran her own bathwater, turning the faucet on and off by herself (BIG deal!), readied the bathroom, pulling the heater out and plugging it in, and had a bath without calling me in to help with anything (BIG deal!!).

She did send a text in the beginning saying she couldn’t get the water to turn on …. yet, she figured it out before I even responded! At FIFTEEN years old! Hallelujah!! I was only needed for ONE task … getting her hair up. One day I will post that she is able to take care of that hair of hers!

When you take your shower or bath today, perhaps you may want to release all other thoughts and focus on the miracle happening in that moment. xoxo

I Need to Take It Easy

Posted on January 16, 2017 by Camilla

**THROWBACK POST**

January 11 2012:

“Listen, I need to take it easy this week.” -Lillian

{Discussing that she and I need to get to working on her math!} So hard not to crack up! I’m trying to have a serious conversation here girl!

(Picture from a July 2015 Lillian and Camilla Date Day)

Why We Attend The Chromosome 18 Conference Every Summer

Posted on January 15, 2017 by Camilla

January 8 2017:

Top 10 Countdown Continues! The Number SIX 2016 CamillaDowns.com blog post with the most views: “2016 Chromosome 18 Conference – San Antonio” ……. xoxoxoxoxo …….

2016 Chromosome 18 Conference – San Antonio

from the article … “The anticipation of and the attendance at the conference encourage Lillian to set goals and accomplishing them. At last year’s conference she got in the elevator, went downstairs, and waited in the lobby for friends .. all without my assistance or presence.

She used the hand dryer and automatic toilet also. About a week ago she walked across the foot bridge alone, without holding onto my arm. Two days ago she climbed two stairs with holding onto my arm and plans to reach the top of the stairwell before we leave for the conference. All of these are huge accomplishments for her … “

Lillian and Camilla December 2016 Date Day

Posted on December 29, 2016 by Camilla

December 29 2016:

Lillian and Camilla December 2016 Date Day – Still coming out of that crazy sickness so a very simple Date Day of dessert and a movie at The Vintage Lodge. Yummy dessert and fairies. Yes!!!

Almond Flour Cookies and Trusting Yourself and Washoe Lake

Posted on December 27, 2016 by Camilla

**THROWBACK POST**

June 14 2013:

I finally put the almond flour cookie recipe on my website y’all! Gluten free, dairy free and vegan and YUMMY!! Here ya go … Also, if you wanna make sure to not miss any of my blog posts you can sign up to get them as I post. I write about once or twice a week on living a natural, simple and inspired life (with a smattering of special needs parenting issues).

Recipe: Almond Flour Cookies

________________________________________________________

When we are urged by our inner voice to share, do or say something, sometimes we don’t know the reason. Simply trusting that the reason will become clear once we let go and embrace it is all that’s needed to understand the reason. I received this comment on my website last night. I share it with y’all for anyone who questions their inner voice and chooses to ignore it. ♥

“Dear Camilla

I have only by accident come across your book and upon reading the first few pages was surprisingly ( even to myself) reduced to tears. Someone else has a daughter with 18p- … Someone else knows what that means… And the rarity involved. Someone else knows the endless parade of doctors and decisions and someone else does it as a single parent. I did not know I felt so alone in this until reading u describe my own child, Emalee, (13yrs) in your words about Lillian. I have lost a daughter to trisomy 18 and a husband to divorce. I look forward to reading your book knowing I am not navigating this alone.”

__________________________________________________________

Headed to turn in Thomas‘ summer horse riding paperwork … Making a fun little stop to get inspired and refreshed!!

A few more pictures from our quickie stop at ‪WashoeLake‬ today. So beautiful and ‪inspiring‬! ‪

Completion and New Beginnings

Posted on December 24, 2016 by Camilla

December 14 2016

Here’s to completion and new beginnings!!

Today we graduated from psychotherapy sessions with Alexa at Midtown Mindfulness.

After a trip back home to Germany beginning tomorrow, Alexa will begin her new journey helping young girls affected by sex trafficking. A beautiful heart centered new beginning for her.

We are extremely grateful for the year and a half we’ve experienced sessions with Alexa. She has seen Lillian come a long way from that first visit in 2014.

Alexa always shared wonderful comments about my style of parenting and ability to stay calm and relaxed. Of course I’m not always able to sustain this, yet how would I know the joy and peace of remaining calm if I don’t experience the opposite.

Mindfulness is indeed miraculous and has been life changing for all 3 of us. Another wonderful path in our journey together!!! Cheers!!!!!

Sibshop and Smores and Halfway Point

Posted on October 27, 2016 by Camilla

August 21 2016:

Thomas got to enjoy a Sibshop yesterday!! Something different this time … Hiking! Thomas has hiked this area for about two years now and they enjoyed that he was so familiar with it! Thanks Down Syndrome Network of Northern Nevada (DSNNN) and JUSTin HOPE Foundation for hosting!

August 22 2016:

It was a s’mores kinda night. YUM!!

_________________________________________

August 23 2016:

Today I reached the halfway point before getting this to the publisher! Should go much faster now. By this Friday or next Friday at the latest, Biggest Little Photographer is leaving my “hands”!! I’m so happy that we back-tracked and decided to group the photos into themes. Looks awesome!

There won’t be a ton of content in the book. It will mostly be the photos Thomas took, with a tad bit of imagination thrown in, a couple of bloopers that happened during the process and some quotes.

Here’s a sneak peak (unedited): “Hey friends! I’m Mr. Minifigure Photographer, also known as The Biggest Little Photographer. One day in March 2014, 8 year old Thomas Darnell, was inspired by an article his mom shared with him. He bought me a minifigure size camera and I travelled with him everywhere he went for 365 days straight …..”

Our continued gratitude for those who continue to pre-purchase, share, comment, like, and watch the book trailer. xoxo

Wise Tortoise by Lillian

Posted on October 23, 2016 by Camilla

8.12.16:

Another great story from Lillian … Carry on wise tortoise … xoxo

“Hey, everyone! Welcome back to this week’s bonus edition of Emotions With Animals. The bonus is in honor of water. This week’s edition includes tortoises and freshwater turtles. Let’s begin!

Wise tortoises live longer than average humans. So it makes them seem wise.

Wise people have many experiences. They also meditate.

How To Be Wise:

Know that you are wise from the heart …. ” Go here to read further … https://lilliandarnell.com/2016/08/12/emotions-with-animals-wise-tortoise-shy-turtles/