SO Early!

S is intent on being up before 6am every day. I usually don't mind too much - I'm kind of a morning person also - but today I had a headache and that little screechy voice and freezing cold feet just didn't set well. Not to mention that S hits the ground running and pretty much expects everyone else to do the same.

As I tumbled out of bed and stumbled to the kitchen she was already asking if she could have pancakes for breakfast. To my HUGE surprise J volunteered to make them!!! As I watched from my office chair J micro'd the pancakes and sausage, cut them up for S - AND got the juice out and poured it and returned it to the fridge - all without a spill!!! I felt as if my test results had come back and J had seen them first. :-) I couldn't believe it.

Of course the minute breakfast was consumed J started asking when he could "go knock on doors" - in other words - when could he go out and play with the neighbors. When I told him that he could go at 8:00 AND that he HAD to brush his teeth really well before he went out. He not only put toothpaste on S's brush but tried to get her to brush her teeth herself. That little "disappointed" tone "Oh, S - I thought you were going to do it yourself." Made my heart just melt.

On the way to school J told me it was the best day of his life. (he's had MANY of these days) :-)But this one is because the after school daycare is taking all the kids skating today. He has the money for snack for both of them and he was all smiles as he headed to class today.

Last day of no boss man for me. The office is so quiet and there are virtually no phone calls. He returns tomorrow and with that more work than ever. :-) I'm having lunch with the hubby today just as a celebration. :-)

"You did a great job."

This is what S told me this morning. :-) When she went to bed last night I had 2 loads of laundry spread out over my bed. This morning she got up, crawled in bed with me and said "you put the clothes away? You did a great job." She is SO cute.



We had the "girl talk" at school yesterday. S and I talked about it and got some pads and put them in her room. She seemed to understand. She was attentive during the "talk" until about 1/2 through - then she lost interest and did her usual "shut down" , "what you doing" thing.

*I* thought the talk was wonderful. A very nice mix of morals without judgement and a LOT of acceptance. Plus a kind of "celebration" of being a girl. I really liked that. I really wish that would have been done for us. But could have should have.

So S and I will have an ongoing convo about this and I'll have to invite her in when it's "my time". Lord, give me strength. It's all so crazy. Within one school year this child has gone from Pull Ups to talking periods. If her head's not spinning - mine sure is!

"Ladies! There are Children Watching!!"

This is what I said VERY loudly at swimming lessons the other day. Damn. Swimming always brings me into the all too prominent community of BUSY-NESS. You know, those mothers who have over-scheduled, and over medicated themselves and/or their children and have a WAY off view of life. Imnsho. 2 times a week S and I go to watch (almost like a zoo field trip) these wacko people- 99.9% women. And they say the handicapped are fun to watch - I BEG to differ.

So here's the story. We're all sitting on the sides - kids are in the water for lessons. It's the 30 minute mark and some kids are done (S gets an hour) so there are little ones in the shallow end playing. One little boy is kicking AT (not connecting mind you) another boy. The mother(let's call her cell phone) gets up, shouts at the other mother (at LEAST 3 yards away) "do you see what your son is doing". The other mother - lets call her redneck (so we don't get confused)- gets up, screams at the kid, gets him out and then goes to her "corner". Cell Phone tells her son that the next time the kid does that "kick him hard". LOVELY! (and we wonder why kids are bringing guns to school) anyway - Redneck then gets up and stands at least 10 feet away from Cell Phone and starts yelling at her that Cell Phones' son hit her son in swim lessons. They're going back and forth screaming. The kids in the pool are ALL staring - wide eyed - glazed over at these two. I look over and very *loudly* say "Ladies, There are children watching!". As you might expect that doesn't go over too well. "Take it outside already".

I mean DAMN - if that is your BIG deal of the day - well you best get on your knees and thank the Lord almighty that you have a pretty GOOD life!!!! So I get the scowl all night. Well, bite me! You know, live in MY shoes - you'll find out REAL quick what's important. And I'm not talking about *Me* as in personal - anyone who has a special needs child - We DON'T get upset about that petty stuff - and neither should you. Not like that. Wooooooo, I'd LOVE to write a book. And you know who I'd ask to do a lot of it?? Donna P. Ok, she is the funniest Mom I know.

I met up with Donna and Jordon and family at the baseball game. God, it was good to talk to her in person - we email all the time. Anyway - she says what I'm thinking - a LOT!!! I'll never forget when I first met her and we were in line at Early Childhood to sign in for one of the parent meetings. She turned to the lady between her and I and said "oh, you're just sensory issues." I about peed my pants. Her and I have the same feelings about a LOT of the children out there who aren't really handicapped by nature but by their parents. Anyway - since then - her and I kind of gravitated towards each other. Jordan has MUCH more physical problems than S does - he has seizures - a LOT and I've always admired the way Donna deals with it. Kind of like I dealt with dirty diapers for 10 years - only the difference is dirty diapers would never take my child away - seizures could for Jordan. But you should see this child - don't get me wrong - I have seriously NEVER seen an ugly child and esp a special needs child - they have a light that just shines within them - but Jordan is seriously over the top gorgeous! S and him have been best buddies since they were 3 when they departed k-garten he went to one school and S to another. They live on the west side. :-)

S brought home her power point cd Tuesday. It's SO good. She picked Monkeys - because it's "her favorite animal". Mrs L says she did all the work herself. Picking sounds, facts, pictures. She really did a great job. Who knew she'd do so well at this. Now I'm even more on the point of getting S her own laptop for school next year. I'm very excited about her improvement in school because of this.

Met with L & V yesterday. Got to see L's house - omg - it's beautiful!!! She has the best taste in colors and such. We had a really fun meeting. They always make me laugh and make me feel more positive. I love her.

Ordered shirts for S and I about J. I think he'll be pleased. Hopefully they'll get here by his next game. He's been getting up so early so he can go out and play. He's out at 7:30 each morning playing. He's getting kind of grouchy - so I see him crashing and burning soon.

People are Amazed!

Talking to the bossman this morning I commented about how S cannot spit. He was amazed. Talking on the phone to my sister the other night she said the same thing. I guess I never thought about it. Sometimes you get in a routine and you don't even think about what all you're doing. There's a lot of stuff like that with S. When we FINALLY got the potty thing down and I was telling my Mom, she said she didn't think it was that important to me because I never really complained about it or mentioned it much. Are you kidding me??? There's SO many things that S can't do (yet). It's really physically exhausting - like having a 90 pound 2 year old. But yet she understands things at a much more highly functioning area.

This morning she reminded her Dad about bringing home hats and crayons (stuff the Village gives away at functions) - because they were out of them when we went to the Arbor Day celebration on SATURDAY! Do you remember things like that from 2 days ago? *I* don't! She's amazing!

The weekend was fantastic! Sunday the kids were outside from 7:30 am till 7:30 pm!!! As I was putting J to bed he said "but I didn't even get to watch tv today". Nothing is EVER enough for that boy!!! Wonder where he gets *that*?????

First coach pitch game tonight. Ought to be interesting. B thinks J could be a good catcher. (Lord, help us) Have you *seen* Bull Duram - somehow I see J as more the "meat" character!
:-) There's whispering in the ranks that S wants to play tee ball. *How* do I address *this* request? ugghh.

I've told S that we're going to talk about growing up to be a woman on Wed. night. We get the school "girls' talk" on Friday so I thought I'd just introduce a little and see where she's at. Can I just tell you how much I'm DREADING that time in her life. I'm hoping they may develop a pill that allows you to have NO periods (and her and I can BOTH be on it) ;-) I'm trying very hard to stay positive about this subject and the changes it will bring to our "happy" home. :-) - Did I say changes ? Maybe "challenges" would be more like it. :-)

Say It Play It........

Oh, what a very very cute performance!!! The kids outdid themselves last night. They were SO good. S introduced the show "Welcome. Enjoy the show." :-) It was So cute. She did a fantastic job!!!

It was a very crazy night of running and we all know how I feel about *that*. :-) I got home from work with just enough time to change and pee and then pick up S & J and go to S's swimming lessons - then after that get her dressed (hurriedly) and drop off J at baseball practice, come home - comb our hair - get a drink and then off to the school. It was nice that it did really *fit* the time - nothing overlapped - but I still don't like that feeling of hurry.

So afterward we asked S where she wanted to eat - Mickey Ds!!! ;-) We got home about 8:55 and it dawned on me that I needed to enter Market Day orders that I had from school and cut off is 9:00!!! Well, guess what..............

I MADE IT!!!! I couldn't believe it but when I was done and checked order status they were all there!!! YAY! Now *that's* cutting it WAY to close for me!

So this morning seemed very lax compared to last night. They were both dressed by 7:45 and out and playing with the neighbors. I'm really liking our new neighbors - their kids get up at the crack of dawn too. :-)

We all walked to school today and then I went into work. My Mom called this morning and reported that Dorothy had passed away. It's sad but yet a blessing - she was getting worse and worse as time went on. I know my Mom will really miss her. S too. S and Dorothy were buddies at quilting. "Be careful, pins stick." :-)

I got tagged

My blog got tagged (thank you Julie) - here's the results:

1. Name: Kelly
2. Occupation: Bookkeeper/Secretary/ worst Mom in the world (according to J)
3. Best part of job: My hours - since I pretty much make my own when reports aren't due
4. Worst part of job: Filing
5. Dream job: SAHM with unlimited income. :-)
6. College: Some - not enough for my degree but enough for a license. ;-)
7. Area of Study: Cosmetology and Early Childhood - don't *they* go together?????
8. Best Part of College: Parties
9. Worst Part: Parties
10. Best Friend in High School: Todd and Theresa
11. Do you still keep in touch: Todd yes - Theresa no
12. Teacher that made biggest impression on you: Mrs Kornowski and Mrs Rueschel (yes, Todd I know you HATE her) :-)
13. Best thing parents did for you: Taught me to be responsible
14. Best thing a friend ever did for you: Married me
15. Best thing you ever did for a friend: Married him right back
16. Personal Hero: Eleanor Roosevelt
17. A death that really got to you: Sally Stein
18. Bar soap or body wash: Bar - the best comes from MN
19. Mouse or Gel in the hair: Depends on the day
20. Ever been to a county fair: Yes
21. Ever been to the circus: No
22. Ever been to a concert: I can count them on one hand
23. Favorite state to visit: Don't have one
24. Dream vacation: A couple of days with NO kids and nothing to do.
25. Favorite fruit: watermelon
26. Favorite vegetable: red peppers
27. Best invention ever: DVR
28. Favorite thing to do on the weekend: Read the paper in bed and then nap.
29. Ever had surgery: They cut me open twice and took out two humans!
30. Favorite thing to blog about: The kids

Real Problems

The health concerns in the Oct list have really been weighing on my mind. It really puts things into perspective. All the petty petty things we concern ourselves with instead of just appreciating life - warts and all. I read a passage out of a book last night that was something along the lines of "chores became fun and a chance to become closer rather than something to endure to get to relax". I like that and decided to adopt that in our house.

I'm off today - a well deserved break - if I do say so myself. I have actually started quarterlys and all sales tax is done so I'm sitting pretty. :-)

J has decided that he wants to be a "walker" today and come home right after school but S wants to go to daycare. You never know about those two. :-)

Why?

It just seems so unreal sometimes. E has breast cancer. Why? She's so vibrant, so upbeat and *real*. Same with L who seems to have one tragedy after another in her life. It really tests my faith sometimes.

Greece is such a long way away and still I feel very close to her. I hurt for her. I can't imagine how it must feel. Prayers said, healing thoughts sent.

On a MUCH lighter note - today's the day. All the nasty people are coming out of the woodwork. All the people who are NEVER at fault. Ugghh. Anyway - day off tomorrow and a hair appt. Seems very appropriate. I'm in very much need of a really good laugh and the best part - I get to see my buds Sig, Phil, Johnathon and Edgar tonight. I stand in awe of what they do and shake my head in disbelief saying continuously "F That!!!" :-)

Some things I've been thinking about....

First - a big CONGRATS to the Swiseman! He's even on UTUBE!!! Seeing him just brought back all those memories of Rich W and his impressions and Trevor and John Mark and Lori W and the gang singing in the stands. Are we really *that* old??? Dang. He also reminded me of my father - it must be the era or the area. They talk a lot alike. Of course my Dad has a huge admiration for Swise. "He's forgotten more about baseball than I'll ever know". This coming from *my* Dad says a lot. Anyway - it's well deserved and I think the record just may go into the 1000s! ;-)

So I was thinking about how different people act. This has always amazed me that some people act one way with certain people and act a totally different way when not with those people. Which makes me wonder - just who IS the person? And then I wonder - do we ALL do this? Do *I* act one way and then a whole different way with others? And I'm not talking how you automatically start saying "sir" when stopped by a cop or please and thank you when you're with your Grandma - I'm talking about really different personalities. How one time you're really laid back and good natured and then the next minute (without help from pharmaceuticals or alcohol) you're ready to fight anyone and everyone, and it all *seems* to be linked to certain people either being or not being present. And even though I totally believe that either way YOU are the one in charge of your conduct (like "someone *made* you do something") I just wonder how and why others affect us. That probably did not make a whole lot of sense but if you've seen it happen you know what I'm talking about.

On a totally different note: my kids: My kids are shocking the CRAP out of me lately!!! Report card time - S did very well in grades (big whoop) but did MOST excellent in the numbers (ie: attends to work, participates in class, organizes herself well,) !!! She brought up a lot of her stuff. And J - well he just knocked it way out of the park!!! He got all Ms and Es (meets and exceeds) AND he also brought up ALL his numbers AND his sloppiness (yes, he still needs to be neat and work on that - but at least he's not "below" - as he was last quarter). His comprehension test came back too - 83 percentile in the NATION - meaning he's over 83 percent of all first graders in the nation! THAT's unbelievable! Even his "reasoning" test was good - THIS scares me. I mean - we all knew he'd read early (he sat in on homework for the last 4 years of his life) and I knew his comprehension was good - but reasoning - that can't be taught (well, not easily - that's for sure). So I'm QUITE proud of ALL the Daves!

S is learning to do power point in tech club. She LOVES going early and doing all this. She's really getting more and more independent! She even ASKED if she could try getting dressed by herself after swimming last night. Of course *that's* not the *best* time to try - we're all crowded in there like sardines and we're all hurrying around. So I told her she could try this weekend when we have plenty of time!!! :-) I'm just amazed at what's going on with her lately!!!

He Did it!!! He Did it!!!! GO BIG BLUE!

A DUERRISMS COMMENTARY: SWISEGOOD AS IT GETS
When I first started covering high school baseball in the Tri States fourteen years ago, Southeastern Coach Dave Swisegood was one year shy of the mandatory retirement age.
In the time that has passed since, we've watched Lonnie Lemon morph from QND Baseball coach into the Superintendent of Quincy Schools. I've seen Robin Lewis eclipse his legendary father Ed in making Beardstown Baseball a state powerhouse. We've watched highly successful and respected Swise contemporaries like Lon Fulte and Rick Parker come and go. And we've seen kids who were tween back in 1995 like Travis Cooley, Scott Gaines, and Darren Perdun, become the next generation of promising young baseball coaches. Put simply, change has come. Significant change.
Yet here is Swise, still standing on third base, still imploring his kids to "Spin the Wheel"
For fifty two years of his life, Dave Swisegood has put on "the monkey suit" as he calls it (even wearing the batting gloves up until a few years ago) and worked tirelessly to promote the betterment of young people through the sport of baseball. And note my very deliberate use of the phrase "worked tirelessly" because.....
Now 77 years old, Dave Swisegood has more energy and enthusiasm for what he does than any human being I know, in any profession I can think of. Feel free to consider the source on that one. I am exactly half Dave's age and have never been accused of lacking for job enthusiasm. Put a baseball cap on Swise and he puts me and my contemporaries to shame.
As trite and cliché as it might sound, Baseball is Dave Swisegood's fountain of youth. Or more accurately, teaching baseball.
Spend any considerable time around the man and you get the sense that he will never willingly retire from coaching; that he never has given it a single thought despite his "advancing age." There are many in the CSE Baseball Community who believe the day Swise walks away from the game; walks away from the teaching of the sport that he so loves, that his health will start to deteriorate. The "love of the game" so deeply rooted into his spirit that he simply can't live without it. Spend any time talking to the man about baseball and kids and that notion is hard to dispute. It's also nearly impossible not to instantly share his love for what he does the minute he starts talking about the game, the kids. And that to me has been the greatest part of this whole circus....
Over the last week, the humble and hardworking Dave Swisegood became the IHSA's resident "Rock Star." With win number 893, the new state high school career record, Swise has gotten the kind of media coverage in all circles far too absent his career. And as result, a whole new group of people are being introduced to this wonderful gentleman-coach and all he stands for. The more voices that join the chorus, the more I hear casual sports fans talking about "that legendary coach at Southeastern." I had two different women today approach me about Swise and use the word "charming" in describing him from Tyler Fulghum's story on Monday. (Who thought we would live to see that dawn of Swise-Groupies, but I digress....)
The important thing here is that we have lived to see something rare and special happen in Tri State sports this week. All of the values that Dave Swisegood has stood for have paid off in success both tangible and intensely personal to the man who crafted this amazing record. And he has graciously allowed so many of us, both close to him and on the periphery share in this wonderful story. It's an unbelievable number of wins, 893. More importantly, that number represents countless lessons taught to his players, that still echo today in their ears when times get tough and real life throws them a curveball. That impact is far more important to Dave Swisegood than any IHSA mark. And it is celebrated, knowingly or subconsciously, every day of those people's lives. Legacies get no better than that....
One might say this Wins Record could be the perfect swan song to a phenomenal career. Those people don't know Dave Swisegood very well.
Me? I am still trying to figure out what number victory Swise will be chasing 15 years from today.
Keep Spinning the Wheel, my friend.
For all of us.

I'm amazed!

We had yearly IEP meeting yesterday! There were SO many things that I was amazed at. #1 would be that S is at late 1st early 2nd grade reading level!!!!!! That blows me away! That's only 2 grade levels away !!! There were a lot of really good "S stories". She is a real character. Took Mrs V to the office "you'll see when we get there". Seems like since we have mastered the bathroom she has really grown in independence! She participates in class a LOT and she's doing a Science project with Bella and Valeria. I'm so proud of her I could just BUST!

That brings me to "the boy" (said in a growling voice). Lord, if that child doesn't break me - nothing will. He is just SO hard! He had a TOTAL meltdown yesterday when we told him he was going to breakfast at school because we had a meeting. Crying - hyperventilating - the whole thing. All because two boys picked on him at breakfast. (or so we thought). We told him that we would talk to Ms O and she would be aware of the problem and be able to help him. He got there - he sat with Austin (I thought) and all was fine. Well, when him and I discussed the whole thing later at night it all comes out that he WANTED to sit by these two boys - and that they told him he couldn't because there was a seating arrangement and the boy who I thought was Austin was actually Angelo - one of the kids he wanted to sit with in the first place. Talk about "Oscar Award". I don't think any girl could out drama this child! So, I've really got my work cut out for me when it comes to getting this child to adulthood.

Tax season is winding down and I'm trying to figure out a good schedule that allows me to be with my children but still not so much that I want to kill them! :-) Plus, we have baseball and swimming to work around and school things. S is really into the extra curriculars. She wants to play basketball, baseball, and be in the talent show. :-) She is a total over achiever! :-)

One More, Swise!!!!! Go Big Blue!

Central-Southeastern baseball coach Dave Swisegood meets with his players after winning Friday night’s game against Canton. Swisegood now has 892 career wins, moving him into a tie for the most all-time wins in Illinois High School Association history. (H-W Photo/Jennifer Coombes)

Click here to view the Whig Gallery
By MATT SCHUCKMAN
Herald-Whig Sports Writer
AUGUSTA -- Most of the Central-Southeastern baseball players had a theory for what Suns coach Dave Swisegood might do with the game ball used to record the final out in Friday's 10-1 victory over Canton.
"He'll probably use it to hit infield tomorrow," catcher Garrett Janssen joked.
Don't bet on it.
Although he tucked it in his coat pocket for the time being, Swisegood had plans for the ball that commemorated his 892nd career victory, which tied him with Oak Park-River Forest coach Jack Kaiser for the most in Illinois High School Association history.
"I'm going to put it right on the mantle," said the 77-year-old Swisegood, who will attempt to break the record Monday when the Suns (6-4) travel to Lewistown. "And I'm going to look at it."
He expects it to elicit a flood of memories.
"The real memories I'll have are of the players who have given me that," said Swisegood, who has a career record of 892-480. "I mean that. I've been blessed with good players."
Like the ones who made the record-tying victory look so simple.
Sophomore left-hander Sean Grosnic did not allow an extra-base hit, struck out six, walked two and picked off one in his most high-profile and pressure-packed start of the season.
"I really wanted to pitch the record-tying or record-breaking game," Grosnic said. "But I'm so speechless about it. I'm just glad I won."
His composure was critical, especially when a throwing error by shortstop Regan Bruenger and back-to-back singles -- all with two outs -- led to Canton (5-1) taking a 1-0 lead in the top of the third.
"Last year, a couple bad things may have gotten to him a little bit," Janssen said. "I think that shows his maturity. He's grown up a little bit. He's pretty good. When he's on, he's tough."
Getting some help from his defense made Grosnic tougher.
Following the error in the third, Central-Southeastern buckled down to end two innings on force plays at second base and closed the game with a double play on a grounder up the middle that left Swisegood smiling.
"Swise is a competitor," Janssen said. "Anything it takes to win, he's all for it."
That's especially true of taking an extra base.
Down 1-0 in the third, Brent Kassing got C-SE's rally started with a one-out walk. Markus Vonholt doubled to right-center field -- the only extra-base hit in the game -- took third on a wild pitch and scored on a throwing error by Canton catcher Lucas Barton.
In the fifth, the Suns plated three more as two runs scored on wild pitches and Kassing stole home on the back end of a double steal.
"What I really appreciated the most was they got the first run and we came right back," Swisegood said. "Any coach loves that. We didn't fold up the tent."
No Swisegood-coached team ever will, which is why the all-time victory record is nearly his alone.
"I'd be lying if I said it didn't mean anything," Swisegood said. "I still think the thing I am the happiest about is my team having success. Those guys deserve this. I haven't had a hit all year. They are getting it done."
There's extra incentive for that.
There's history being made.
"It's unbelievable," Janssen said. "That doesn't even happen just once in a lifetime. As many years as he's been around is what's remarkable. He's just a legend."
That's why a legendary celebration awaits.
Other than an ovation from the small crowd gathered at the Southeastern High School field and an on-field cheer from his team, the postgame activities were fairly similar to Swisegood's first 891 victories.
"The next one is the one we're waiting for," Janssen said.
That's when Swisegood will stand alone.
-- mschuckman@whig.com/221-3366

Nearing the end..

Tax season is drawing to a close. Thank GOD! I'm really looking forward to a. one day off a week and b. MUCH less hours! Maybe I'll even get my house back. :-)

I'm thinking I'll pick up the kids at 3 and have the afternoons with them. I think that could be kind of fun. Plus we need a jump on homework with tee ball season here. This *could* be a really good thing. :-)

Ok - we've had some major growing up in the house recently. You've read my post about S walking to school with a neighbor on Tue and Thurs - well, J is now in need of a "cup" for baseball. I find this both very amusing and very disturbing. J has a fascination with this area already and when his Dad explained the "cup" and that it needs to be "adjusted" sometimes I thought "My God, he'll never catch a ball - his hands will be down there ALL the time!" So this will be on our shopping list this weekend. Lovely ........

I'm hearing it will be in the 60s this weekend!!! OHHHHHH BOYYYYY - I see my truck getting cleaned out (again). :-)

S has been asked to announce the Say It, Play It show at school. We practice every night. She is SO funny. Her Dad asked her to say it again last night and she told him "I will on Tuesday." In other words "step off, Dad" :-) Her humor is killing me lately.

Rex is "on my list" today. Stupid cat had to be SO loud this morning - woke the girl up. :-/ I was NOT happy. S believes that if she's up - EVERYONE should be up and she will talk non-stop till you are. After you arise she then nags at you constantly to do one thing after another. It's like being pecked to death with beak less bird.

Speaking of wildlife, we had a "sick" ground squirrel around the house the other night. I'm not *real* sure that Rexie wasn't the cause of it. As B went out Rex came running in - and it was then that B found the ground squirrel. Anyway, he had to "fix it" with a shovel. J wanted to watch. Why does this SO disturb me. We talked excessively about that it was the only humane thing to do because there was obviously something wrong with it and that you should NEVER approach a wild animal like that - but to go get Dad. (Mom wants NOTHING to do with rodents - even dead ones).

How DARE she!!!!

Jenny McCarthy is the most obnoxious skank I've ever seen! Last night on Larry King she said "I watched my child die in front of me". That is WRONG on SOOOOOOO many levels.!!!!

First - my child is NOT dead! God DOES have a plan for her and she IS on a mission. (thanks to you who made that shirt, btw) Autism is NOT a death sentence! People ALL over have and ARE living with it. Look at all the WONDERFUL people in history who have had it and managed QUITE nicely!

Second - what about the people who really HAVE lost their child??? I bet ANY of them would give their eye teeth to have their children back and instead the kid have autism. My friend SN can't hold her J anymore - she can't laugh at his happiness --- *I* can!!!! How DARE her say THAT!!!!! Yes, I mourn a child I will never have - but it is not NEAR the same as actually putting one in the ground!!!! She is WAY over the line!!! How is it that after just 2 years of living with Autism - that SHE gets to speak for us????? Lets hear from some of those "Refrigerator Moms" - lets hear from those who went before us - who REALLY did the WORK!!! THEY didn't *let* their children die! They did what they could - they pushed the boundaries.

Marge D is a PERFECT example of this. In the day that her child came about we all called it "retarded" - but whatever the "label" HER child learned to cook, clean, hold a job. MARGE did this!!! She put limits on her child - made her do above and beyond - she TAUGHT her. She didn't hire a bunch of therapists and lawyers and try to change her daughter!

Or my friend Jeannie who found a BEAUTIFUL group home for her son. Who CELEBRATES that he crushes cans daily. Who is SO proud and so loving to him. Who goes to visit weekly and is more and more inspired every time.

I guess that's where I am now - Autism is SO much a part of S that I fear if it was gone - I would loose a lot of "her". The way she tells you things that are SO funny. The truly WONDERFUL way she looks at life! The way she always smiles! And God love it, her humor.

I do hope your son never hears what you've said Jenny McCarthy! He did not die! Accept him, love him and stop trying to change him! And STOP talking for the Autistic world - go back and sit on your toilet and show your boobs - you're better at that!!!

Mr G Long - If you're out there...

You, sir, are a HUGE Prick!!!!! Why the hell would anyone RIP into someone who it calling for tax information. I am ONLY the messenger - and then --- when you called back and found out that YOU had the wrong fax number - did you appologize???? NOOOOOOO - see this is exactly why rich people are HATED! Hated, Mr Long - I hope your money keeps you warm at night because YOU are HATED! If you treat me, a total stranger this way how must you treat your own family????? I STILL cannot believe that someone would do what you did for ONE piece of paper!!! You made a HUGE deal out of nothing!

I now see why it really is easier for a camel to get through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter heaven. YOU, Mr Long are the PERFECT example!

I do hope you're happy "Big Man"!!!!!!!

She's growing up!

S walked with a couple of neighbors to school today. There's a tech club that starts at 7:30 a.m. and she got to go by herself. I just got word from the teacher that does the club that things went very well. I'm so proud I could just bust! S was so excited - grinning from ear to ear when the girls picked her up.

I watched Mozart and the Whale yesterday. What a good movie! So many characters reminded me of S.

I've got to get a menu together and plan a couple of cooking dates with S. I really think she's ready. I'm starting to see her future and it's looking bright. :-)