Difference

You Make A Difference:
Your child's progress might not be that easy to see on a day-to-day basis, but when you reflect from time to time on how far he or she has come, give yourself some credit: Would that progress have happened if you hadn't been planning, praying, pushing for it?
Everything you do for your child-every appointment, every therapy, every intervention, but also every smile, every hug, every conversation - makes a difference.
But you're also making a difference in the world. Every time you give information about your child's disability to an educator, you make a difference for the next child. Every time you give advice in a support group or online forum, you make a difference for that parent and family. You are a force for good.
Terri Mauro
************************************************************************************
I couldn't agree more. This fight isn't just for S - it's for all the underdogs of the world. People who have no voice. I've always championed that cause. From the time I was so very little and cried as the "good guy" got beat up in wrestling. (smile)

My oldest was just nominated for PRESIDENT of her class!!!!! Can you believe it??? Her peers really DO accept her. We had her monthly meeting this morning and I was told by Ms Carla that the kids not only accept her they also have no problem calling her out when she does something she shouldn't be doing. THAT is true acceptance - in my book. She's not pitied, she's not looked at as "special". She's just her. Just brings tears to my eyes all over again.

She's doing well. She's reading well, and today she told me that she's not only a "reader" (as Mrs P always praises) but she's a writer too. :-) My team is just SO fantastic. I just pray that the rest of the way is just as good.

As a conclusion of my Valentines: I've really enjoyed the little essays by Ms Mauro and I'm grateful to N for the nice gift. They've made me think - they've made me feel very fortunate and they've made me feel strong to carry on the fight.
Happy Valentine's Every Body!!!

Caring

You Care
It would be so much easier if you didn't. If you didn't care how your child was doing in school, you wouldn't have a battle over homework or spend hours reviewing and reteaching. If you didn't care how your child behaved, you wouldn't have to keep finding new and improved disciplinary strategies.
If you didn't care about your child's relationships, you wouldn't have to worry about social skills and awkward playdates. If you didn't care about your child's future, you wouldn't have to go on about self-care skills and self-control and self-regulation.
You may sometimes adjust your efforts as you realize that things you care too much about aren't really so significant, but you never stop caring about the most important things: your child's happiness and well-being.
Terri Mauro
*************************************************************************************
How could you NOT care? I also find myself taking on other cases. Caring about other people's kids. I find myself thinking "ok, it might not help S at this point - but it will help others down the road."
S IS trailblazing her way through the school system. As her OT said the other day "S is the poster child for inclusion". I'm proud of that. I hope that because of her and us that it will be easier for others to go through the spec ed system.
Just today I got a letter from Easter Seals and I thought about putting S in one of their camps - but then I thought - WHY? If we want her to function in society - what better way to learn about it than in childhood? She's in a typical class in everything else - she has been in "reg" summer camp and has done excellent - why mess that up - why put her "away". Not saying that those who do chose these camps or classes are putting their children "away". But for S this "inclusion" has really worked. She has friends ALL over. We are often told by someone that they know S from school, or camp, or swimming.
Can't wait for spring to spring already. Doesn't look like we'll be going south for Easter. Just can't get the time off. Plus I rec'd a summons for jury duty yesterday. :-/ I'm hoping that I can get it to where I do it after tax season. We'll see how flexible they are. Pfffft.
Oh, how I *love* the State of IL.

#26

You are a Realist:
Say that like it's a good thing. You don't waste a lot of time agonizing over whether your toddler will get into the right college or your grade-schooler is getting enough science to succeed in med school or your high-schooler is making the right business contacts.
You're more in touch with reality than that - you know that what really counts is whether your child is happy, and functioning, and moving forward. Whatever plans and dreams you may have once had for your child, you've been forced to replace them with ones more appropriate to his or her own personal abilities and interests, strengths and limitations.
That's something every parent should do, but so many never attempt, often with heartbreaking results. You've gotten the heartbreak part over early.
Terri Mauro
************************************************************************************
Sing it again, sweet Sistah! Realist - I've taken to calling it "meat and potatos person". :-) Reality sure comes SMASHING down on you sometimes. It would be so nice to live in some la la land. Pretending that everything is ok - everything will be ok. Well, not without a lot of hard, icky work, it won't. Special Needs Will, guardian, funeral plans, you name it - you HAVE to think about it. Hysterectomy, Birth Control, all things that have to be considered, thought about, and early - not when it's too late. We always say that we're HOPING we have to mortgage the house to put her in college. That's the one thing we haven't financially prepared for. We doubt we will need it - but you just never know. You walk that fine line between being prepared but also knowing the cold hard truth.

#25

You Are Talented:
Maybe you can sing or dance or paint or write; maybe not. But you are talented in ways most people never imagine.
With no particular training, you can calm an uncontrollable child, teach an unteachable one, create disciplinary strategies on the fly and improvise therapeutic activities.
Like a master playwright, you weave scenarios for games of pretend; like an award-winning actor, you teach emotions with facial expressions, motor skills with sweeping gestures, a love for literature with dramatic book readings. you may not be an artist, but you can instantly recognize the subject matter in even the most abstract crayon scribblings or stick-figure action. Your talent may go largely unheralded, but it's hardly unappreciated.
Terri Mauro
**********************************************************************************
I must keep this and send it to my "team" around teacher appreciation week. This describes them to a tee. I am proud to be a part (leader) of that team. :-)
I've decided we really need to come up with some kind of picture schedule for weekends. It's just too much to ask S to "go and play". Maybe I'll link it to the clock too. Making half hours more readable. I'll have to work on that. Best thing - I'm really caught up at work so this could easily be done by this Saturday.

Something to Say

You Have Something to Say:
There are many who would prefer you to sit down and shut up (including, sometimes, your child), but it is both your right and your responsibility to speak up. Your perspective is valuable, and without it mistakes may be made, misunderstandings may abound, misinterpretations may stand.
Speaking out doesn't necessarily make you popular, and getting people to listen and to take you at your word can be a challenge, but you know that the consequences of polite silence - for your child, your family for other children and families who have no voice - are far more dangerous than getting a reputation for being a big mouth and a troublemaker. Sit down and shut up? Sure - after you've given everybody an earful.
Terri Mauro
***********************************************************************************

Superpowers

You Have Superpowers:
So maybe you're not Spiderman (though wouldn't those webs come in handy sometimes?) You still have senses and abilities far more developed than those of the average parent.
Your senses tingle when something is wrong with your child, long before anybody else notices a difference. With your x-ray vision, you see through inaccurate diagnoses and inadequate treatments; with your superior strength, you blast through red tape to get your child what he or she needs; with your lightning speed, you swoop in to keep your child out of trouble.
Like many a superhero, you can't always explain to mere mortals how you know what you know. But as Peter Parker himself learned, with great power comes great responsibility.
Terri Mauro
***********************************************************************************

Tough

You Are Tough:
Those wimps on "Survivor" have nothing on you. "Outwit - Outplay - Outlast" could be your motto, whether you're dealing with manipulative children, uncooperative educators, unresponsive insurance companies, unsympathetic family members, therapists who refuse to listen and doctors, who don't seem to care. You stay focused, you develop your strategies, you form alliances, and you do what needs to be done.
Because you are understanding and caring and loving, people may mistake you for a pushover. You may even prefer cooperation and compromise to force and subterfuge. But that doesn't mean you don't have the latter two weapons at your disposal. Your other motto? "Whatever works."
Terri Mauro
********************************************************************************
Oh, sing it sing it, sistah!!!! I've always said that this whole Spec Ed thing is like a poker game. But honestly, this reference to Survivor seems more appropriate. You do form alliances, you do bluff your way sometimes and you always have the heart string card to play. My "team" has more than once handed me the kleenex box. In fact there are some members who have boo hood right along with me. The outwitting comes in play with insurance and the State of IL with us. To appease a lunatic you have to become one. :-)
Our prayers at dinner have gotten a little off track lately so we came up with going around the table and telling 2 things that you were thankful for. S was thankful for Jesus. Melted my heart. :-) She is also under the impression that for the ISAT test on Friday they will be testing her EYES! ;-) Makes total sense. :-)
After swimming on Tuesday I got to see a mother's tantrum first hand. There was a lady in the locker room that had just lost it - I mean, screaming at her kids, throwing clothes, just in general making a total ass out of herself. From what I could piece together (while trying to keep S out of the "echoing") it was about the children not hurrying and also about one of them not getting out of the pool in time. I had to say a little "thank you, Lord" when thinking about how I have no choice but to NEVER be in a hurry. If we have to hurry to do something - it just can't be done. It gets cut. I've always tried very hard not to loose it in public. You can just see the embarrassment in the kids' faces. I felt sorry for them. Then in came another little girl and she was whistling through the whole thing - getting dressed and then returning to the pool area. I had to admire that. So optimistic at such a young age. We all could learn to whistle away while others throw their fits. :-)

Trying

You Try Hard:
"Try hard and do your best." That's what you tell your children, and you're happy with whatever they're able to accomplish. You understand that perfection, or even an average level of achievement, is legitimately beyond their grasp, and you offer endless inspiration and encouragement.
But how often do you give yourself the same credit? Parenting is hard work. Parenting a child with special needs is harder. You can't always know the right answer. You can't always make the right judgement. Mistakes are built into the job.
Like your child, you will not always have the information or the ability or skills necessary to perform perfectly. It's unfair to expect that you will. You try had, and you do your best. That's enough. That's everything.
Terri Mauro
*************************************************************************************
My best - yes, I give my best - but my best always changes. For "as we know better, we do better." So "best" is a constantly moving goal.

Patience

You Are Patient:
When patience is called for, anyway. You understand that life is not a race, and that even slow progress is progress. You try to give your child the time and space necessary to grow and develop and improve, even though you can hardly wait to get past current hard times or to see future success.
Speaking more slowly, expecting less, repeating lessons not quite learned, waiting for catch-up, working at whatever level is most appropriate - you've learned how to show the patience your child may so desperately needs, even when you're screaming inside for him or her to *hurry up already*!
But woe to the school official or insurance company or medical professional who tries your patience too severely - you know how to let that screaming out, too.
Terri Mauro
*********************************************************************************

I agree with this to a point. I try to be very patient with everyone. Granted, I have been blessed with a FANTASTIC school team and I've never had to get even stern with them. :-) Insurance, on the other hand - uggh. But even so - I try to be patient.
I remember actually questioning myself because our mornings weren't rushed like other Moms talk about. I wondered what I wasn't doing that I wasn't rushed. I must be doing something wrong. Pfffttttt! That's ONE thing we do RIGHT - big time. There is no rush. We all have breakfast, we read books, sometimes they even play outside. They get their teeth brushed, hair combed (ok, not J) :-) and get dressed all in time to actually wait for the bus. AND we don't even get up at the crack of dawn. :-) We also do a word of the day and talk about calendar and what's going to happen that day. I also get some time to meditate and talk to my Lord. Yes, mornings we do get right. Now evenings - well, that's a different subject. But no, life is not a race, and we will get evenings too - some day. :-)

Respect

You Deserve Respect:
Goodness know, you may not get it. There may be days when you feel Rodney Dangerfield had nothing on you. You may even decide that getting respect is not a battle you choose to fight, or something that's necessary for getting things done.
But just because respect is not forthcoming doesn't mean it isn't due. You are deserving of respect for your parenting skills, your knowledge about your children and their needs, your tireless efforts on their behalf, your faith and love in the face of tremendous challenges.
If there are people in your life - whether professionals or family members - who don't pay you the proper respect, know that the shortcoming is theirs, not yours. Meanwhile, make sure you're paying yourself plenty.
Terri Mauro
***********************************************************************************
Yada yada yada..... too much energy wasted on "respect". What do I care who respects me. The people I love do and I respect myself - that's all that's needed. I've also learned that you need to be careful *who* respects you. It's kind of like "pretty is as pretty does". I don't want to be respected by some people. Mostly because their priorities and what they hold respectful is all out of whack - in my opinion. Some people respect those who are leaders of the community - but what do those people really stand for. How do *their* families view them??? I lived that crap for way too many years. Some people respect those who make a lot of money - paaaaalease!!! We've already talked about how this country pays those who do little way too much. Those who REALLY matter in our lives - our kindergarten teacher, the person who cleans the sewers, the farmers who make it possible for us to eat - THEY aren't paid near enough but people who ENTERTAIN us - well, they are way over-payed. So I don't put much stock in other people's respect.

That saying that you have to know who you are and whose you are - that's true. S has really schooled me in what is *really* important.

Sunday

You Are Understanding:
Maybe you never realized how important it is to have a truly understanding friend until you had a child with special needs, and found so many friends to be unable to reach out and give you the support you needed.
Whether they couldn't deal with your changed circumstances, sympathize with your problems, keep from hurtful judging, or allow you child to associate with theirs,some of the people who were once important in your life may have fallen away because at the deepest level, they were unable to understand.
It's made you value those who are always there for you, unconditionally, without agenda. And it's helped you to be much more understanding parent, family member and friend yourself.
Terri Mauro
************************************************************************************
Oh, sing it loud and proud, Sistah!!!!!!! YES, many people have fallen by the wayside and mostly it was their choice. And what's sad - they don't know what they're missing. She is a true joy. I learn stuff from her every day of my life. Yes, it's a struggle and life is harder than I ever imagined, but it's also better than I ever imagined. The people who HAVE stuck or been added: Topping the list -- L. I don't know what I would do without her. She is the friend they speak about above. She treats S just like she would anyone else. She loves me unconditionally. We have had our growing pains but we have made it through a lot! I know that if I call her she will put me back on the right track. I value her so much. She has always been in my cheering section and always pumped me up when I needed it. I so wish she could see herself through my eyes. She is a VERY special person.
My sister has also been a guiding force in my life. She also sees no difference in S. She has imparted wisdom of years and relationships. She has also made me laugh along the way and provided a very much needed refuge to escape and dial down. I value her more than she knows or will admit. :-)
My cyber friends have both entertained, informed me and let me vent. We've been in space for over 10 years now. I value them because they incorporate so MANY walks of life. When we started we had "only October in common" and now we have SO much more.
What I find most interesting about the relationships that have been lost along the way, they were never positive ones. It's taken (still is) me a LONG time to realize that no matter what I did - it wasn't going to work out and in reality I didn't want the prize. How many years have I been in that same mess, just different faces. And what's worse - realizing all the energy that was lost on stuff that really didn't matter and wasn't going to make a difference. Energy I could have used to do other things. But you live, you learn, hopefully. :-)

17th

You are Full of Surprises:
That's certainly true when you're dealing with your child. You know that surprises can be a great way to motivate, amuse, distract and discipline, and you try to always have a big bag of tricks on hand.
But you have the element of surprise going for you in other areas, too. Doctors may be surprised to find that you have strong opinions about your child's treatment, and observations to back them up. School personnel may be surprised that you have well-thought-out suggestions for how your child should be taught and handled, and have done your homework when it comes to your rights and the school's responsibilities.
But the one who may be most surprised by your abilities is.... you! Who knew you could do this?!
Terri Mauro
*************************************************************************************

I've NEVER had to suggest something to my school staff (after the push for all-day kindergarten). In fact, it's quite the opposite. On the other hand, I HAVE had several battles with organizations who are in the business to HELP Special Needs!!! It's been my experience that "regular" classes are MUCH more tolerant and accepting than those that are designed to provide for Special Needs only. Go figure.

I DO carry around more stuff in my bag'o'tricks than I did when she was a baby. I have fidgets, chewy, paper, crayons, diapers, juice, munchies, pictures, you name it. My back is strong "like bull". :-)

S and I went to get our haircut on Saturday. The pampering was totally lost on her but I do think she really enjoyed the "girl's day". She has elected to grow her hair LONG! I'm still not sure how much she's going to tolerate - but I'm game. Harriet and I both told her that when it gets long in the summer she will need to pull it back off of her neck. So here we go. "The girling up of S" (as O calls it).

She also made a deal with her dad that when she wears big girl underwear and poops on the toilet she will get a Little People Tree House. She SAID she'd start on Saturday. It's Sunday afternoon and I've seen no underwear. :-) But I just keep asking every so often. No pressure. Just a little carrot out there in the air. :-)

Informed

You Are Informed:
It takes you by surprise sometimes how little other parents pay attention to the information and issues that you are so concerned with. You hear about kids falling further and further behind in school because their parents don't advocate for them; you look at a roomful of children and find yourself diagnosing problems that nobody else seems to even recognize.
Others may think you're obsessed, but your children benefit from your efforts to know all you can about everything from their educational rights to the latest advances in medicine to trendy theories on learning and behavior management.
Being informed helps you make knowledgeable decisions - and hold your own in conversations with smarty-pants professionals.
Terri Mauro
********************************************************************************

I agree but yet I don't. Sometimes I think we over think this. I've had many therapists and others give me "theories" about how to deal with a b or c. And you know what. It comes down to common sense. Treat S like the child she is. S doesn't respond well to negative discipline. Where as J does. S is much better with choices than J. EVERYTHING is different. I mean, there is no one hard fast rule for any of the things we go through. And honestly knowing all the new theories out there or the new meds doesn't mean beans to me. When they can CURE it - then I'll listen. Till then she's just S who has autism and we deal with each little thing in it's own unique way.
But I have to admit I still read everything that comes across my desk. And I still listen to everyone who has a theory and then I make up my own mind. Like anything - you take the meat and leave the bones.

Loving

You Are Loving:
You understand, though, that love means more than hearts and flowers and candy and pretty words. Love may be enough to move mountains, but it helps if you push too.

Loving your child with special needs means working, fighting, struggling, advocating, teaching, training, modifying, guessing, trying, trying again, analyzing, modifying, accommodating, managing, seeking, pursuing, researching, realizing all the many many things you need to do to help your child and making sure they're done.

There may be hugs and kisses and thank yous and ruffly cards and candy hearts along the way, or there may be frustration and isolation and heartache. But your love is stronger than all of that. And somehow, some way, your child will love you for it.
Terri Mauro
*********************************************************************************
Being that yesterday was the V-day I found this particular note timely. We are getting more "love yous" and kisses from S. Her daddy being in a plow for two nights in a row is making her run to his room in the morning screaming "I need give you a kiss". It DOES put the lion to rest, that's for sure. :-)

She was all excited the other day because I had gotten her valentine candy corn (one of her very favorites) I got all kinds of "thank you Mommys".

Rex is being "loved" almost to death. But every time he's put down he doesn't run - so I figure - he deserves it. She carries him around all over and she decides what it is he wants to do ie: eat, be brushed, play, etc. Brushing is funny to watch. She goes against the grain of his hair. Most animals I know don't care for this - he almost seems to be in a trance. I do believe this guy found us - just for S.

Valentine

You Are Growing

If there were growth charts for parents of children with special needs, the first percentile would represent shock, denial, doubt in our ability to handle such an overwhelming challenge. Maybe, at one time, you were off the bottom of that particular chart. But with time, you passed that first percentile, then the fifth, growing a little steadier, then the tenth, growing a little stronger. Somewhere around the 50th percentile, you found acceptance of your child's disabilities; around the 60th, the ability to enjoy your child's unique gifts.

As you grow in knowledge of and advocacy for your child's special needs, you are growing in other ways, too - in patience, in tolerance, in spirituality. There may be plateaus and fall backs, but your personal growth is nonetheless dazzling.
Terri Mauro
********************************************************************************

Well, growing is an understatement. I look back and think who I was in my 20s or my even my early 30s and I'm NOT the same person. I could have NEVER handled the stuff I handle now if I was the same as I was in my 20s. When I look back it's almost like I was an entirely different person. Granted, we all grow, but I feel like I've changed dramatically. Even from 10 years ago. It's amazing the gifts that have been brought into my life because of S. My life has slowed WAY down - had to. She DEMANDS schedule, DEMANDS similarity. Not to mention all the wonderful people I've met along the way. Ms Jan - the first of a long line of GREAT teachers, Ms. A who showed me that S WILL grow up and that there IS a place for her. Ms S and Ms G who will forever be the GREATEST aides that have EVER been. All the therapists, Chris- who has been in this with us for over 7 years now. There's just SO many people who have given so much for her to succeed.

#4

You Are Strong:

How often has it happened - an acquaintance hears your story or sees your child and says "I'm not as strong as you. I could never deal with all the things you deal with." And you shake your head modestly, and brush it off, and maybe even feel a little condescended to.

But you know what? They're right. You are strong. You're facing things that the average parent doesn't even want to imagine, and you're handling them.

Whether you were strong to begin with or had strength thrust upon you by necessity, you're one strong parent, one strong person. Your family needs that strength, your children thrive on it. You may wish you never had to be so strong. But appreciate that strength now. It makes you special. Capable. A force to be reckoned with.
Terri Mauro
***********************************************************************************

We're all strong. I met with S's SEC today - to sign things for her ISAT test. S is doing FANTASTIC. It's amazing what all they (staff) have to do and document. SO much paper.

I was told at the Pasta/Bingo night that some kids weren't being very nice to S and saying that she couldn't do the computer. J stood up for her and told them that yes she could and that she needed a turn. ;-) So he gets strength thrust upon him.

We've ALL had to adapt to become strong and thick skinned. The stuff people say is unbelievable. I know they don't know what to say a lot of the time - but I'd rather they just be quiet then to have some of the dumb comments made. And the way she's treated by some people. Drives ME crazy. She doesn't even take notice. I think that's HER strength.

Ever Wonder Why?

Ya know - you make a decision and then you think - well, maybe I should..... Esp when it comes to family. And it never fails you go back, you get your heart all into something and make the decision to do something "nice" and BOOM. It all back fires on you anyway. And you end up thinking - why the hell did I change stuff?? It was going to actually make my life harder but I thought ____ would appreciate it and - well, no, they don't appreciate it - in fact they didn't really want you to do it in the first place. So all that heartache and re-adjustments were for nothing - just making your life more hectic.

Will I NEVER learn????

#3

You Know What You're Doing:
Don't you? If not, you know how to make it look like you do. A little confidence goes a long way, and you can always fake it 'till you make it. The more you do, the more you realize that even the so-called "experts" are mostly just guessing and making it look good. Why shouldn't your guess be as good as theirs?

When it comes to parenting children with special needs, there are no hard-and-fast correct answers and smart moves, and trial and error is a perfetly acceptable method for finding solutions that work. The only thing worse than making a mistake is not making an effort.

So even though you're doing the wrong thing, you're doing the right thing. Se? You did know what you were doing after all.
Terri Mauro
********************************************************************************

Once again - timely. I'm constanly beating myself up for not doing or seeing something earlier. And our group was just talking about every time you learn the rules they change the game. It can be SO frustrating. And what's crazy is that it seems to get harder as we go. You'd think you would have conquered some things that it would go easier. Quite the opposite. If only I knew then what I know now. It's just so frustrating and so easy to be bitter. I can see how the people I met at the first meeting at school - the people who had teenagers- got to be the way they were. I remember B and I left thinking what's wrong with them - why are they so nasty? Years of struggle. I can see how it takes a toll. I'm so glad to have friends that keep me up.

#2

You are Blessed

It may feel more like a curse sometimes, but having a child with special needs brings with it abundant opportunities for grace. It slows you down and allows you to enjoy the little things - a calm quiet day, a hard-won skill, a spontaneous hug, a pleasant converstaion.

Where other parents are driven to find their children's success in high gfrades and high scores on the playing field, you are granted the privilege of focusing on the things that really matter, teaching your children how to love and care and communicate on the most basic level.

You know what's important, and because you're not caught up in trivialities you are able to appreciate that so much more deeply. Miracles happen every day, if you only know wehre to look for them.
Terri Mauro
**********************************************************************************

Again, a very timely valentine. It's such a roller coaster of good and bad days. But mostly I see progress and the sweetest girl. Last night we went to Pasta/Bingo night and S sat with all her friends. They truly see her as S - not S with autism. And YES I have learned to look for the miracles - to really see day to day life. I've also seen J step up to be a GREAT advocate. I was told of a situation at daycare where other children were saying that S couldn't do the computer and J stepped right in and defended his sister. We are ALL growing. :-)

Valentines

I received some valentines from a friend of mine and I thought I'd share them here. I have to tell you they really gave me a lift.

************************************************************************************
You Have a Mission
Many people spend their whole lives wondering what their purpose is, whether they have a greater calling, something bigger than themselves.
You don't have to wonder: You know the answer every time you look at your child. Helping your precious one reach her fullest potential - pursuing treatments, fighting for diagnoses, battling on behalf of your child's rights - can become a personal crusade, and a particularly fulfilling one.
But even the little things, like helping your daughter through a hard day or a tricky homework problem, or finding a way to calm or comfort her, are often enough to make you feel like you were put on earth for a reason. You need never ponder what your life is good for. You are a Mom with a mission.
Terri Mauro
**********************************************************************************

I picked this one first because I has recently been down about this very thing. Where was my life going? What was I here for? You tend to forget when you're in the trenches. The whole picture gets lost sometimes.

One of the people helping S at swimming last night came over afterwards and said "I can't tell you what a pleasure it is to work with S. She is one of the nicest and sweetest girls I've ever met." Can I tell you how Dad and I had to watch it as our heads expanded. ;-) THAT was so nice and really a God kiss. It's hard in this life - you get so obsessed with what she can't do and always trying to help her that you overlook some of the biggest blessings about her.

I'm in the middle of creating some social stories. I'd like to have her input with them also. There's so many things I'd like to do and I feel like there's so little time. How do people with more children do it????????

Full time is a Full day

I'm helping out tonight because the weather is so bad that the tax girls can't make it in. Lots of snow all day. We had no school yesterday because it was so cold they couldn't get the buses started. S cried. :-) So I'm working full time now - the house is really suffering. Why is it that even though we're only home at night it still gets as dirty - cluttered as if we were all home all day. What's that???

Bears lost - it was SO sad. It started out SO good but as Devan was running that TD in - I thought to myself - this is not good. This is too fast. Defense didn't show up (not the Monsters we know) and Rex - well, his evil brother came out. :-/

We're all getting tired of winter already. What started out so mild is really making a come back.

Took our 100 day posters to school today. I actually dropped it off - wasn't sure the dog food would make it through a bus ride or walking to school.

J is loving being at daycare in the morning and so far it's working out well. I like the beginning of Feb. I'm done as far as quarterlies and W2s and I get to wait for all the bank statements to come in - which are usually just a little later due to all the other paperwork they've had to get out and tax people fill the office and give you something to talk about.

Super Sunday and it's.....

COLD!!!! Not as cold as yesterday because the wind has died down,but it's still bone chilling. Better keep the brass monkeys in tonight. We're all anxiously awaiting the start of the game tonight. Being so cold is sucking because the kids can't go out and play. Which means they're bored. Which means they get into trouble easier. One thing we need to do today is the 100 day project.

We survived the night with both animals. Rex (who hated Sadie) decided Sade wasn't too bad when Rex realized that the bed was softer than the floor and Sadie sleeps on the bed. Rex was quickly knocked off by B. I'm not sure where Rex slept -but when Sadie wanted out at 7 this morning Rex was on the computer table. Maybe emailing the dog pound?? :-) Sadie is so funny with that "whatever" attitude. "I don't care what you do - I rule - and I don't *need* to prove it."

So we've started with pregame - only 6 hours to go. It ought to be an interesting game. SO many are favoring the Colts. :-/

GO BEARS!

Congratulations, it's a ......

Cat. A grey, goofy cat, that we think is a boy. His name.... Rex. As in T-Rex and Rex Grossman. Rexy Roo. He hides and sleeps and poops mostly. He's not REAL sociable. He's not a big fan of Sadie - but Sade seems to look at him with disdain and a kind of "whatever" attitude. Her big concern is that his food might be better than hers.

So are we nuts or what. The thing is - there was an ad on freecycle for a foster home and I couldn't say no. S is loving having a cat. Telling everyone and telling B thank you for getting him. She was too funny this morning when she was greeted by Rex in J's room.

Aunt L is home. I talked to her yesterday. I really missed her. Things are going well with K and there are still no seizures.

I picked up books and a tape of yoga. I'm going to attempt to teach the girl. Not sure when we'll put it into the schedule, but the therapists seem to think it would really benefit her to learn ways to calm herself.

It's so cold here that after our trip to the PO, library, store and lunch we decided that we are staying in for the rest of the weekend. They cancelled choir so we're home bound for all of tomorrow. We have all the fixings for Superbowl and we're all set. Barring a power outage.