Lauren Potter from Glee

Lauren, who stars in Glee, and her mum, were on TV this week in the USA to talk about the anti-bullying campaign.

Lauren is a total hero.

Nine years old today

Stan opens his presents this morning ~ and looking rather disappointed ~ says: "Ipod". He wanted a replacement for the two he's lost. He took it well that he's not, in fact getting a new ipod. He is getting other stuff and will no doubt carry on losing his Mum's phone.............

Happy birthday Stan

Some very anglo saxon words

Swearing at an unknown French man in the street isn't perhaps the most sensible thing to do, but it's only one of three notable incidents at New Year.

Firstly, though, this column isn't just about Stan. As it says on the title it includes the extended family. We were in Macdonalds in Amiens - we take them to the best places. A few minutes before some anti-MacD activitsts had set fire to toilet seat, but they got off lightly. In our party there are six kids, three of whom are teenagers - and they started singing really loudly. The security guard came over and told us off! Actually it was quite a moment of pride.

Then there was the time a day or two later when Stan got the football, INSIDE the bistro and toe-punted it. As it made its way to table numero neuf, I started thinking of the new bill we would be presented with. It lobbed downwards toward plates and glasses all nicely made out on a table and it hit the side - and bounced back into Stan's arms.

Oh, yes and the swearing. A man mocked Stan in the street. So I marched after him, tapped him on the shoulder and employed some words that Asterix and Obelix may have blushed at. Two of the teenagers in our party saw this and secretly I think they were proud. (As much as they can be of an embarrasing uncle).

My wife doesn't know that I took it upon myself to pursue this man down the street and hurl abuse. Please don't tell her - or then you really would have to cover your ears.

Children's disability back on the agenda

Earlier this week, when she posted on Mumsnet, I bet Riven Vincent didn't expect to be all over the news today. But it's captured the imagination, not least because Riven met David Cameron in the election. In fact, it was another meeting that caught the headlines. Please think about Riven and so many other people who have children with disabilities. This is an important moment in looking at ourselves and considering what sort of society we are. But don't take my word for it - look at my friend's blog

Proud family - Xmas show

I’ve held back from writing this because I don’t want it to be too mushy. Oh, alright then; a proud family was in the audience to see Stan perform in the Xmas show last week. His fantastic cousin was in the front row, gesturing all of the actions. This was, however, the only help he needed. Stan was on stage, but vitally, without a learning support assistant ~ and he was fantastic. It was a real “If I’d have known on the day he was born” moment. And a great advert for mainstreaming education (for those that want it). It was a brilliant moment; there wasn’t a dry eye in our family. (alright, his bro was cool about it).

Family Guy

Family Guy has been made famous by Sarah Palin who complained because it has a character with Down’s in it. The actor is Andrea Fay Friedman. I saw a small part of an episode the other night and Andrea was back in it. What a brilliant way to cover learning disability. Great script.

Mom - will they have Down Syndrome in heaven?

http://aprilanecdotes.wordpress.com/2010/11/18/mom-will-i-have-down-syndrome-in-heaven/