Wah!!!!! Well, it looks like Fall is really coming. VERY chilly at practice last night. Sal and I only braved it for a while and then we sat in the truck. ;-) Jack did very well. Several good plays from 2nd and short. He's really coming along. Of course *he* doesn't think so. He's all about dwelling on his outs. Ugghh.
Sally is doing VERY well telling time! She's got the hours and half hours and is working on quarters and 3 quarters. The calendar Nazi was at it this morning turning all the calendars right away when she got up. She has also informed me that her birthday is on a Monday next year and she would like to go to the Golf Course. :-)
We also have her flash drive up and running. It's SOOOO easy now, to take documents to and from school. She did her spelling words on it last night. She's very savvy at the computer - the little stinker. :-)
So what are we going to do about the economy? I'm as on the fence about this as I am about the election. But it is quite a mess - huh? And as always it's the little people that will pay either way. Greed is a very powerful thing.
NOT looking forward to October this year - God knows as soon as it hits it's like BOOM - it's Christmas. Lord, I HATE Christmas. I'm seriously thinking of becoming Jewish. Robin and Melissa tell me that the go to the movies on Christmas. :-)
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Sucky SUCKY Parade!!!
Ok people - you know me - you know that I RARELY complain about anything put on by volunteers - in fact, I'm usually in awe of all that is accomplished by these people, BUT - I'm here to tell you that the Pathways Parade in Bolingbrook today - SUCKED!!! It stunk the join up - in fact, I did not see ANY of it - except the Bbk High band that happened to march by me. After that - I packed up my little chair and child and headed for an ice-cream that I had promised one sweet little girl scout that I would buy and then went home!!!! And again - you all know how I truly LOVE parades - the bands and drums and flags and floats - it really does get me right in the heart - most people complain about a 2 hour parade - *I* say dang, why couldn't it be 3 or 4 hours. So for me to walk away is a HUGE thing. But it just stunk THAT much!!!
Here's the scoop: Sally is a patrol and was to walk with the Chief of Police. We dropped her off - problem 1: The parade person standing with the patrols who were there had NO idea where they were to go and who was going to be "in charge" of them. So Bill volunteered to stay and Jack and I took the truck - parked at Town Center and then called Bill. He tells us that the parade person had told him that the parade would come down Canterbury and when they got to the Town Center/ Post Office turn that the people would turn in there and floats and bands (things too big and too able to "bunch up") were going straight down to Briarcliff. Sounds good - Jack and I set up right at that drive by the sign and waited. Now remember that walkers (Sally) have to be at the line up early - so Jack and I were sitting at 1:15 - parade to kick off at 2:00 - but now sweat. Not a problem to wait when you get to see your daughter walk down the street with her "typical" peers with her Patrol belt on. So we passed the time talking and watching all the dogs (you wouldn't believe the people that bring dogs to the parade).
Soon we heard the sirens. "They're coming, they're coming !" Jack starts yelling. So we turn and hey, I can see the patrols. I can see little people with neon belts on coming down the street,I've got my camera all lined up - going to get LOTS of pictures --- but wait! They're turning! And NOT at MY turn!!! WHAT!!!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME????? All of a sudden there is a HUGE rush of people from down the street - because EVERYONE thought they were turning at the PO!!!! I was/ am SOOOOOO TICKED!!! That was it - I was ready to call my Senator and complain! So after the patrols turned Rodger and wife didn't. Neither did the band - they both went straight. After that I have no idea what happened - we left.
From watching people, cops and parade people - NO ONE knew what the hell was going on today. I have calmed down a little though - I remembered that the parade does appear on BCT - so we will watch it there - I will tape it and run it back and forward. :-)
Plus, as we went to the back of Town Center we encountered the Park District gang with the train and all the counselors that know Jack and Sal and they all said hello and messed with the kids - so my faith in "public-ness" hasn't been totally shaken. :-) Maybe THEY should run the parade - I bet it would go off better. But the way I feel - I think my Mom's quilting group (of which she at age 73 is the "spring chicken") would do a better job.
Sucky, Sucky Sucky Parade.
Here's the scoop: Sally is a patrol and was to walk with the Chief of Police. We dropped her off - problem 1: The parade person standing with the patrols who were there had NO idea where they were to go and who was going to be "in charge" of them. So Bill volunteered to stay and Jack and I took the truck - parked at Town Center and then called Bill. He tells us that the parade person had told him that the parade would come down Canterbury and when they got to the Town Center/ Post Office turn that the people would turn in there and floats and bands (things too big and too able to "bunch up") were going straight down to Briarcliff. Sounds good - Jack and I set up right at that drive by the sign and waited. Now remember that walkers (Sally) have to be at the line up early - so Jack and I were sitting at 1:15 - parade to kick off at 2:00 - but now sweat. Not a problem to wait when you get to see your daughter walk down the street with her "typical" peers with her Patrol belt on. So we passed the time talking and watching all the dogs (you wouldn't believe the people that bring dogs to the parade).
Soon we heard the sirens. "They're coming, they're coming !" Jack starts yelling. So we turn and hey, I can see the patrols. I can see little people with neon belts on coming down the street,I've got my camera all lined up - going to get LOTS of pictures --- but wait! They're turning! And NOT at MY turn!!! WHAT!!!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME????? All of a sudden there is a HUGE rush of people from down the street - because EVERYONE thought they were turning at the PO!!!! I was/ am SOOOOOO TICKED!!! That was it - I was ready to call my Senator and complain! So after the patrols turned Rodger and wife didn't. Neither did the band - they both went straight. After that I have no idea what happened - we left.
From watching people, cops and parade people - NO ONE knew what the hell was going on today. I have calmed down a little though - I remembered that the parade does appear on BCT - so we will watch it there - I will tape it and run it back and forward. :-)
Plus, as we went to the back of Town Center we encountered the Park District gang with the train and all the counselors that know Jack and Sal and they all said hello and messed with the kids - so my faith in "public-ness" hasn't been totally shaken. :-) Maybe THEY should run the parade - I bet it would go off better. But the way I feel - I think my Mom's quilting group (of which she at age 73 is the "spring chicken") would do a better job.
Sucky, Sucky Sucky Parade.
Friday, September 26, 2008
He's a Ball Player!
We took Sal to bowl and then headed to Target to buy a bat bag and bat. When we got there we found only a pink and a blue bag - when I suggested the pink one I got "Mooooooommmmm". We picked out a black bat and then as we were going down the isle we saw cleats and we decided to go all the way. And wouldn't ya know - he didn't want the pink cleats either! He's no fun. :-)
So I dropped him off at practice and ran to get Sal. BUT - it took over 20 minutes to even get close to 53 (and I was just going across - not on). I called Daddy to the rescue to pick up the girl - I spun around and went back to Jack's practice. The boy who never misses Sal asked me as soon as I closed my door "where's Sally?" hmmmm - does he care? :-)
The boy did very well in practice - he was so proud of all his equipment - so proud in fact, he threw his helmet down after an out at third. He then received the honor or running a lap. Ughhh - that boy, he's something. When he came home he had the practice ball. Coach had given it to him because despite being a pain in the butt and showing poor sportsmanship he is doing very well in practice. Even though he swears he's the "suckiest". :-) So, did he learn anything or not - remains to be seen.
Because of his "attitude" I googled stuff about Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron and hometown hero Rick Reuschel. He was very interested about Rick - since he's been to quilting with Geneva. :-) I wanted to show him that NO one has a perfect game let alone a career of baseball. He's just not seeing the *team* part of sport.
Sally had a great time bowling - but boy did I hear about not picking her up. You can't tell Sal one thing and then do another. She would NOT be a good politician. :-)
Speaking of - we're watching in silence the debate tonight. That was the rule - you can only sit in the living room and watch IF you are silent. :-) For a Polly Ana like me, it sure SOUNDS good - but even *I* know that they are merely actors - and not even good ones at that - but they can sure shovel the horse puckey. (like that Oct97?)
4 legged check in: Mabel is doing better - she's big enough that she can't get through the fence anymore. :-) Now, if we can fatten her up so she can't scale the thing we could be able to let her out without a chain. She LOVES to run. We have a dog in back named Scooter(we added pie to the end of his name) :-) They run back and forth on either side of the fence - they're both young and nuts. :-) Sadie and Rexie both sit in the shade of the tree and watch - you can almost see the thoughts: "stupid pups - don't no nothin' " Sadie's tail is healing a little. It's still red but not as "angry" looking. She sure keeps up with the young one though. I hope I'm that spunky when I'm that old. :-)
So I dropped him off at practice and ran to get Sal. BUT - it took over 20 minutes to even get close to 53 (and I was just going across - not on). I called Daddy to the rescue to pick up the girl - I spun around and went back to Jack's practice. The boy who never misses Sal asked me as soon as I closed my door "where's Sally?" hmmmm - does he care? :-)
The boy did very well in practice - he was so proud of all his equipment - so proud in fact, he threw his helmet down after an out at third. He then received the honor or running a lap. Ughhh - that boy, he's something. When he came home he had the practice ball. Coach had given it to him because despite being a pain in the butt and showing poor sportsmanship he is doing very well in practice. Even though he swears he's the "suckiest". :-) So, did he learn anything or not - remains to be seen.
Because of his "attitude" I googled stuff about Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron and hometown hero Rick Reuschel. He was very interested about Rick - since he's been to quilting with Geneva. :-) I wanted to show him that NO one has a perfect game let alone a career of baseball. He's just not seeing the *team* part of sport.
Sally had a great time bowling - but boy did I hear about not picking her up. You can't tell Sal one thing and then do another. She would NOT be a good politician. :-)
Speaking of - we're watching in silence the debate tonight. That was the rule - you can only sit in the living room and watch IF you are silent. :-) For a Polly Ana like me, it sure SOUNDS good - but even *I* know that they are merely actors - and not even good ones at that - but they can sure shovel the horse puckey. (like that Oct97?)
4 legged check in: Mabel is doing better - she's big enough that she can't get through the fence anymore. :-) Now, if we can fatten her up so she can't scale the thing we could be able to let her out without a chain. She LOVES to run. We have a dog in back named Scooter(we added pie to the end of his name) :-) They run back and forth on either side of the fence - they're both young and nuts. :-) Sadie and Rexie both sit in the shade of the tree and watch - you can almost see the thoughts: "stupid pups - don't no nothin' " Sadie's tail is healing a little. It's still red but not as "angry" looking. She sure keeps up with the young one though. I hope I'm that spunky when I'm that old. :-)
Thursday, September 25, 2008
More and More
I *think* the birthday is *finally* over. :-) Aunt L sent their gift on Friday night (cropping) so Sal got birthday on Saturday. :-) Lynn, from the Square (hi Lynn) :-) gave Sal well wishes and a gum ball. Sal doesn't get gum often at all so it was a real treat. She felt very grown up. :-)
Jack had a game on Saturday. Karen Bill and Jack went garage "sailing" and I went to the game. It was BEAUTIFUL outside and I thoroughly enjoyed sitting under the tree and watching. Of course I got to hear all the latest news from school from all the moms there. They are really a neat bunch of women. I'm very in awe of Karen - after hearing all the stuff that her son has wrong physically. (allergies to the EXTREME) He's a wonderful kid - always goes out of his way to say hi to Sally.
Aunt Karen left Saturday afternoon. I think everyone was a little sad. It's weird without her here. I wish she could have stayed longer. I think her being here has really helped Sally with her family tree. Something she was watching the other day was talking about brothers and sisters. When I asked her about Daddy's sister she knew right away that Karen was his sister.
Sally (and 3 other students) got 100s on their science test and so rec'd a lunch on Mrs L!!!!! :-) They chose Quiznoes. Sally was SO excited to be a part of that. She's doing SOOO well, this year. It's just a total turn around!
We're on a mission now to get Jack a "bat bag". He's got a helmet and glove and now batting gloves. :-) Coach thought it would give him more confidence too. He gets SO upset when he makes an out. The thing is - he's hitting well! He just runs - well, like a cow with a crutch. :-) No, he's got his head up - always and looking where the ball is and that smile - if he'd shut his mouth he'd cut down on wind resistance by half! :-)
Bowling today, for Sal. She's looking forward to it. She has a new shirt that reads :That's the way I roll" with bowling pins on it. :-)
Mabel and Sade are going at it again. Sade's tail has a little red stump at the end where Mabel has chewed the hair off. Despite that - Sadie still plays with her and puts up with her "crap".
:-) Mabel's doing better - well, as good as Mabel can be. :-) She has at least gained enough weight to where she can't fit through the slats of the fence or under Mr Chads'. :-) Now, if we can get her to stop climbing!!! :-)
Yesterday we rode to school in my car - we were running a little behind schedule and as I got them out of the car and kissed them goodbye, Sally turned to me and said "you go to work after you get your lunch from home?" :-) Thank God, she said something - yes, I had forgotten my lunch at home. Now, to get her to tell me *before* we leave. :-)
Jack had a game on Saturday. Karen Bill and Jack went garage "sailing" and I went to the game. It was BEAUTIFUL outside and I thoroughly enjoyed sitting under the tree and watching. Of course I got to hear all the latest news from school from all the moms there. They are really a neat bunch of women. I'm very in awe of Karen - after hearing all the stuff that her son has wrong physically. (allergies to the EXTREME) He's a wonderful kid - always goes out of his way to say hi to Sally.
Aunt Karen left Saturday afternoon. I think everyone was a little sad. It's weird without her here. I wish she could have stayed longer. I think her being here has really helped Sally with her family tree. Something she was watching the other day was talking about brothers and sisters. When I asked her about Daddy's sister she knew right away that Karen was his sister.
Sally (and 3 other students) got 100s on their science test and so rec'd a lunch on Mrs L!!!!! :-) They chose Quiznoes. Sally was SO excited to be a part of that. She's doing SOOO well, this year. It's just a total turn around!
We're on a mission now to get Jack a "bat bag". He's got a helmet and glove and now batting gloves. :-) Coach thought it would give him more confidence too. He gets SO upset when he makes an out. The thing is - he's hitting well! He just runs - well, like a cow with a crutch. :-) No, he's got his head up - always and looking where the ball is and that smile - if he'd shut his mouth he'd cut down on wind resistance by half! :-)
Bowling today, for Sal. She's looking forward to it. She has a new shirt that reads :That's the way I roll" with bowling pins on it. :-)
Mabel and Sade are going at it again. Sade's tail has a little red stump at the end where Mabel has chewed the hair off. Despite that - Sadie still plays with her and puts up with her "crap".
:-) Mabel's doing better - well, as good as Mabel can be. :-) She has at least gained enough weight to where she can't fit through the slats of the fence or under Mr Chads'. :-) Now, if we can get her to stop climbing!!! :-)
Yesterday we rode to school in my car - we were running a little behind schedule and as I got them out of the car and kissed them goodbye, Sally turned to me and said "you go to work after you get your lunch from home?" :-) Thank God, she said something - yes, I had forgotten my lunch at home. Now, to get her to tell me *before* we leave. :-)
Friday, September 19, 2008
First of Many
Yesterday was my first team meeting of the year. It went VERY well. Not REAL impressed with STherapist - but we'll give her the benefit of the doubt. Lots of celebrations. This year is already much better than last year. She's reading about 2-3 grade!!! And she's actually starting to "get" math. We're working on money right now.
Baseball was interesting last night. Little guy took a ball right to the face. Lost a lot of blood - but when Mom came to pick him up - he walked to the car and seemed to be ok - prob. got a heck of a black eye this morning. Coach is a little squeamish about the blood. ;-) Cute.
Had an airplane crash land onto Weber yesterday. The funniest thing is that when I called Bill to ask what was going on (MR and I heard it on the radio) he didn't know anything and was sure it wasn't that big a deal because the fire station by the cemetery (where he was working) hadn't left. When I asked why he thought they would go - it became apparent that when I said airplane he thought 747. :-) He denies it - but we all know Bill.
Lon and I are scrap booking tonight. I'm REALLY looking forward to it. I'm going to start on last year's photos. I picked up the top loading scrap books this weekend and I'm looking forward to using them. :-)
Need to do the Power Laundry again this weekend. I've fallen behind due to my own wasting time. BUT I *do* have a new budget and we're almost out of debt - so maybe it's a good trade off. :-)
Baseball was interesting last night. Little guy took a ball right to the face. Lost a lot of blood - but when Mom came to pick him up - he walked to the car and seemed to be ok - prob. got a heck of a black eye this morning. Coach is a little squeamish about the blood. ;-) Cute.
Had an airplane crash land onto Weber yesterday. The funniest thing is that when I called Bill to ask what was going on (MR and I heard it on the radio) he didn't know anything and was sure it wasn't that big a deal because the fire station by the cemetery (where he was working) hadn't left. When I asked why he thought they would go - it became apparent that when I said airplane he thought 747. :-) He denies it - but we all know Bill.
Lon and I are scrap booking tonight. I'm REALLY looking forward to it. I'm going to start on last year's photos. I picked up the top loading scrap books this weekend and I'm looking forward to using them. :-)
Need to do the Power Laundry again this weekend. I've fallen behind due to my own wasting time. BUT I *do* have a new budget and we're almost out of debt - so maybe it's a good trade off. :-)
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
On Fire This Morning
Whew, Sal was a pip this morning! Very combative. Of course my *Sweet* little ball of grouch, Jack was NO help - screaming at her when she didn't play "Spill The Beans" correctly. ugghh. This is why I LOVE my job. Quiet, sensible problems that can be fixed, Mike NEVER calls me Mom, and he NEVER nags me about breakfast and dressing and homework and ............ :-)
We've had some issues lately with Sally being ignored or left out and even Jack is noticing and getting a little perturbed. I've actually been called upon to "walk the walk". I've given him the talk about treating people kindly even when they don't treat you kindly and I've recently been keenly aware that I'm an EXAMPLE and he has to "live it" to learn it. So, I began by talking honestly to him about the people he was complaining about. I've never been so ultimately aware of being "watched" in certain situations as I am now. And pray for me that I pass the test.
Karen and Bill have been working their little patooties off in the ebay store. I can see how the dynamic was when he was a kid. They get along SO well and really work well together. MUCH better than him and I. :-) Even though we can pull off a good Market Day with just the two of us. :-)
Seminar tonight. I'm really not looking forward to it. I'm sure there's no progress. But that's the whole idea - "keep on keeping on". I wonder who ever came up with that.
Jack's getting frustrated at baseball. He made a couple of outs yesterday and you would have thought he had lost the game for them single-handedly. I've GOT to do some research about how to guide him into positive thinking. I will NOT raise a Dennis D! My baseball guru will be in soon and I'll hit him up on ways to "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" <- his favorite saying lately. :-)
Sally's doing well - I need to order her math books for her. I'm SO impressed that she's beginning to do homework ALL by herself and DEMANDS to do it by herself. Seems I cramp her style. :-)
We've had some issues lately with Sally being ignored or left out and even Jack is noticing and getting a little perturbed. I've actually been called upon to "walk the walk". I've given him the talk about treating people kindly even when they don't treat you kindly and I've recently been keenly aware that I'm an EXAMPLE and he has to "live it" to learn it. So, I began by talking honestly to him about the people he was complaining about. I've never been so ultimately aware of being "watched" in certain situations as I am now. And pray for me that I pass the test.
Karen and Bill have been working their little patooties off in the ebay store. I can see how the dynamic was when he was a kid. They get along SO well and really work well together. MUCH better than him and I. :-) Even though we can pull off a good Market Day with just the two of us. :-)
Seminar tonight. I'm really not looking forward to it. I'm sure there's no progress. But that's the whole idea - "keep on keeping on". I wonder who ever came up with that.
Jack's getting frustrated at baseball. He made a couple of outs yesterday and you would have thought he had lost the game for them single-handedly. I've GOT to do some research about how to guide him into positive thinking. I will NOT raise a Dennis D! My baseball guru will be in soon and I'll hit him up on ways to "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" <- his favorite saying lately. :-)
Sally's doing well - I need to order her math books for her. I'm SO impressed that she's beginning to do homework ALL by herself and DEMANDS to do it by herself. Seems I cramp her style. :-)
Sunday, September 14, 2008
10 is over, 10 is over
We woke up to Sally singing "10 is over, 10 is over, I'm 11 - Happy Birthday to me". 11 years ago today - my life changed in a way I would not come to realize - and maybe I still don't realize exactly how profound that Sunday was in 1997.
So this weekend totally sucked for Sally - but in true Sally fashion she rose to the occasion. We had planned to have the jumpy castle on Saturday. But of course it has been a Monsoon here - so no jumpy castle. :-( She was supposed to be in "her Parade" today - but of course - RAIN. :-( Poor kid. But Aunt Karen and Aunt Jill were in town and we all went out to (say it with me) Family Square - I REALLY wish we would have had a camera when the ladies brought out the cake for her - she was SO awestruck - looking around for who they were singing to - and then when she realized it was for her and her eyes just lit UP !!! It was SO cute.
Aunt Jill brought up goodies (popcorn balls for me - mmmmmm) (loooovvveee Aunt Jill) - We made it home in time for Cops, which made her VERY happy. She loved having the Aunts up and watching Cops with them.
Tonight we went to Papa's Pizza and she announced to everyone that it was her birthday and that they all needed to say happy birthday to her. She is so funny and VERY forthwith.
What a weekend - just watching it rain and rain. :-/ No playing outside with friends, no baseball - just an ick weekend.
One good thing is that Sal will be able to march in the parade after all - they rescheduled it.
Had a nice laugh today - Jack came into the living room from our bedroom and announced "I know I'm not supposed to say this - but under your bed is a sh** hole." (As many of you know - Mabel has claimed under our bed as her cave and takes everything that she shouldn't have - or anything that she should have - as in chewies under there - for example - I found a wrench under there the other day - along with Kleenex, Jack's sock, a paperback book, and a sucker stick) So after we picked up our jaws from the floor - Bill and I explained that we didn't want to hear that. So as we're talking (Bill and I) Jack is playing wii and we hear - "this sucks". Bill says to him - "hey, is your 18 wheeler parked outside?" Lord, this boy. So again we tell him - not a good choice of words.
He did pretty well for him, this weekend. It's always hard for him to watch others get stuff. He's SO "get, get, get". But there were only a couple of times that he did the little tantrum thing where he needed to be "reminded" that he needs to be grateful and gracious.
So this weekend totally sucked for Sally - but in true Sally fashion she rose to the occasion. We had planned to have the jumpy castle on Saturday. But of course it has been a Monsoon here - so no jumpy castle. :-( She was supposed to be in "her Parade" today - but of course - RAIN. :-( Poor kid. But Aunt Karen and Aunt Jill were in town and we all went out to (say it with me) Family Square - I REALLY wish we would have had a camera when the ladies brought out the cake for her - she was SO awestruck - looking around for who they were singing to - and then when she realized it was for her and her eyes just lit UP !!! It was SO cute.
Aunt Jill brought up goodies (popcorn balls for me - mmmmmm) (loooovvveee Aunt Jill) - We made it home in time for Cops, which made her VERY happy. She loved having the Aunts up and watching Cops with them.
Tonight we went to Papa's Pizza and she announced to everyone that it was her birthday and that they all needed to say happy birthday to her. She is so funny and VERY forthwith.
What a weekend - just watching it rain and rain. :-/ No playing outside with friends, no baseball - just an ick weekend.
One good thing is that Sal will be able to march in the parade after all - they rescheduled it.
Had a nice laugh today - Jack came into the living room from our bedroom and announced "I know I'm not supposed to say this - but under your bed is a sh** hole." (As many of you know - Mabel has claimed under our bed as her cave and takes everything that she shouldn't have - or anything that she should have - as in chewies under there - for example - I found a wrench under there the other day - along with Kleenex, Jack's sock, a paperback book, and a sucker stick) So after we picked up our jaws from the floor - Bill and I explained that we didn't want to hear that. So as we're talking (Bill and I) Jack is playing wii and we hear - "this sucks". Bill says to him - "hey, is your 18 wheeler parked outside?" Lord, this boy. So again we tell him - not a good choice of words.
He did pretty well for him, this weekend. It's always hard for him to watch others get stuff. He's SO "get, get, get". But there were only a couple of times that he did the little tantrum thing where he needed to be "reminded" that he needs to be grateful and gracious.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Let The Festivities Begin
Birthday "stuff" starts today. I'm bringing Goldfish and Juice Boxes to school for Sal, company should start arriving around 5 and then tomorrow (if the weather holds) it's Jack's game, Culvers and then Bouncy Castle. She's told everyone she knows to come to her house for Jumpy Castle. ;-) And Sunday is "Sally's Parade" known to most of you as the Pathways Parade - she has decided that since it's on her birthday it's HER parade.
Sally will be walking with the Patrols this year and she's all about me taking her picture in the parade. ;-) They're calling for rain all weekend so everyone send up a little prayer that it holds off till the night time.
The cards have already been pouring in. She's got a lot of fans. ;-)
Jack has decided that since he's had "white cards" (good behavior at school) for 3 weeks that he should be taken out for ice-cream. Always thinking - that boy.
Sally will be walking with the Patrols this year and she's all about me taking her picture in the parade. ;-) They're calling for rain all weekend so everyone send up a little prayer that it holds off till the night time.
The cards have already been pouring in. She's got a lot of fans. ;-)
Jack has decided that since he's had "white cards" (good behavior at school) for 3 weeks that he should be taken out for ice-cream. Always thinking - that boy.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
One Big Happy Family - AGAIN
So all the animals are back in their places this afternoon. I picked up Rexie from the groomer - they didn't have to shave near as much as I thought they would. They said she did very well with the bath and nail trim and shave. She loves to be brushed.
Then we swung by and got Mabel from the Dr. She's got a zipper belly and is content to lay on the couch and watch PBS. (she's only 6 months old - she's not allowed anything else) ;-)
And of course Sadie has held down the fort while everyone else was at the "spa". :-) They all gathered at the back door when we got home and genuinely seemed happy to see each other. Sadie checked out Mabels stitches and I swear gave her a sympathy lick. I know, you think I'm loosing my mind (gone LONG ago -fyi) but I swear they all "talk" to each other. And on top of that I'm almost positive my little autie "talks" to them too. It's the whole thinking in pictures thing.
So we wait for LL practice where I told Sally she could go through Jack's book order and we'd decide together what we should order. :-)
Then we swung by and got Mabel from the Dr. She's got a zipper belly and is content to lay on the couch and watch PBS. (she's only 6 months old - she's not allowed anything else) ;-)
And of course Sadie has held down the fort while everyone else was at the "spa". :-) They all gathered at the back door when we got home and genuinely seemed happy to see each other. Sadie checked out Mabels stitches and I swear gave her a sympathy lick. I know, you think I'm loosing my mind (gone LONG ago -fyi) but I swear they all "talk" to each other. And on top of that I'm almost positive my little autie "talks" to them too. It's the whole thinking in pictures thing.
So we wait for LL practice where I told Sally she could go through Jack's book order and we'd decide together what we should order. :-)
BK Days
Before Kelly days for Bill - I found out SO much last night. :-) And most of it was good. :-)
We had our usual Monday dinner with the friends and we're learning more and more. :-) The kids have such a good time. We actually sat outside last night - all wrapped in blankets and jackets.
Mabel made it through her surgery - much to Bill's displeasure. :-) For someone who was SO gungho to get her - he changes with the wind. She also got a chip put in her neck for when she runs off. Again, Bill was upset with this. "Kel, we don't want her back if she runs off - how can I explain this to you better." :-) He's SO "tough guy" but when it comes right down to it - he loves her.
Rexie goes for a "hair cut" today. She is all matted on her sides. THIS should be interesting. Rexie is not a real "lover" anyway. Doesn't really like to be held - LOVES outside. If I didn't know better I'd swear she was Ferrell. So Sadie gets the house all to herself today. Lucky dog.
:-)
Back to Bill - I did find out about a huge crush he had on J. I was SO wrong about him and B - it was J all the time. T straightened me out last night. :-) Too funny.
Tonight is PTO - we're doing ice-cream social today. I need to tell Mr Vice Pres to be sure and give Market Day a plug. That's right, we're doing Market Day again this year - so all of you in the vicinity - feel free to email me for a form or just go to the website. For you, we'll even deliver. :-) By the way - we're also looking for a freezer. :-)
We had our usual Monday dinner with the friends and we're learning more and more. :-) The kids have such a good time. We actually sat outside last night - all wrapped in blankets and jackets.
Mabel made it through her surgery - much to Bill's displeasure. :-) For someone who was SO gungho to get her - he changes with the wind. She also got a chip put in her neck for when she runs off. Again, Bill was upset with this. "Kel, we don't want her back if she runs off - how can I explain this to you better." :-) He's SO "tough guy" but when it comes right down to it - he loves her.
Rexie goes for a "hair cut" today. She is all matted on her sides. THIS should be interesting. Rexie is not a real "lover" anyway. Doesn't really like to be held - LOVES outside. If I didn't know better I'd swear she was Ferrell. So Sadie gets the house all to herself today. Lucky dog.
:-)
Back to Bill - I did find out about a huge crush he had on J. I was SO wrong about him and B - it was J all the time. T straightened me out last night. :-) Too funny.
Tonight is PTO - we're doing ice-cream social today. I need to tell Mr Vice Pres to be sure and give Market Day a plug. That's right, we're doing Market Day again this year - so all of you in the vicinity - feel free to email me for a form or just go to the website. For you, we'll even deliver. :-) By the way - we're also looking for a freezer. :-)
Sunday, September 07, 2008
What a GREAT Day!
Boy, we had just a fantastic day, yesterday. It started with Fall Ball - every Saturday. That is so much fun. The game is actually interesting to watch (SO much better than t-ball) and the stands are full of people from the kids' school. So it ends up being a PTO/PBIS meeting. :-)
It was GORGEOUS out there too. Perfect day for a ball game. Coffee, pop tarts and the "boys of summer" - you should start every morning like that. :-)
Jack has begun to talk smack on the field. When they came in for a drink break I told him that anyone who cannot catch a ball cannot talk smack. "They started it". Lord, give me the strength. I tried to explain that it wasn't about not being nice - it was about not being able to back it up. That he needs to practice until he can back up his smack. He's still hitting well. But we do need to work on his fielding.
The rest of the day was filled with laundry and cleaning but I was able to get out in between things. It was just one of those really beautiful Indian summer days.
The kids wanted to have a "sleep over" in Jack's room last night. Sal took the bed and Jack slept on the floor - right in front of the door - "in case I get scared - I can be the first one out" <--Jack
We let them stay up and play till about 10:30 and they were STILL up at 6:30 this morning. We let them know that there WILL be a "quiet time" today.
Jack has taught Sally how to slide down the stairs on her belly. He can't teach her to brush her teeth or put on her clothes but sliding down the stairs - this he has patience to teach. :-) It was a sight. :-)
Mabel goes to the Dr tomorrow to be spay. She'll stay overnight and Sally is quite concerned. Wanted to know if the Dr would feed Mabel. Oh yeah, THAT's important. ;-)
It was GORGEOUS out there too. Perfect day for a ball game. Coffee, pop tarts and the "boys of summer" - you should start every morning like that. :-)
Jack has begun to talk smack on the field. When they came in for a drink break I told him that anyone who cannot catch a ball cannot talk smack. "They started it". Lord, give me the strength. I tried to explain that it wasn't about not being nice - it was about not being able to back it up. That he needs to practice until he can back up his smack. He's still hitting well. But we do need to work on his fielding.
The rest of the day was filled with laundry and cleaning but I was able to get out in between things. It was just one of those really beautiful Indian summer days.
The kids wanted to have a "sleep over" in Jack's room last night. Sal took the bed and Jack slept on the floor - right in front of the door - "in case I get scared - I can be the first one out" <--Jack
We let them stay up and play till about 10:30 and they were STILL up at 6:30 this morning. We let them know that there WILL be a "quiet time" today.
Jack has taught Sally how to slide down the stairs on her belly. He can't teach her to brush her teeth or put on her clothes but sliding down the stairs - this he has patience to teach. :-) It was a sight. :-)
Mabel goes to the Dr tomorrow to be spay. She'll stay overnight and Sally is quite concerned. Wanted to know if the Dr would feed Mabel. Oh yeah, THAT's important. ;-)
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Another Report
In 1998, a controversial study by Andrew Wakefield started parents worrying about a connection between the MMR vaccine and autism. A new study replicates Wakefield's work - and finds no connection at all. Still, autism groups insist that there's a link to be found.
Will autism groups EVER be satisfied? Now, since so many parents have declined the MMR - polio is on the rise. No, autism is not a tragedy but polio IS. :-/
Will autism groups EVER be satisfied? Now, since so many parents have declined the MMR - polio is on the rise. No, autism is not a tragedy but polio IS. :-/
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Tired...
So tired lately. I'm not really sure why. God knows I'm getting enough sleep. I think it's just the recent stress of school and then the computer fiasco and the whole schedule of homework and practices and such.
Had a GREAT curriculum night for Sal. Loving her aide. And of course we've always loved Mrs L. So I'm thinking this year will be a good one. We've had no shouting out or bad days like last year - at all.
We need to find a "memory stick" or whatever the heck they call it so she can cart work from home to school until she gets the computer. I'm looking forward to "learning" computer with her.
Jack is really getting into baseball and was quite upset last night when they canceled it. We do need to create a place to keep cup and all the other necessities. We were on our hands and knees looking for it last night.
The animals are still going nutso over here. Mabel has messed with Sade's tail so much that there are now bloody sores on it. Poor Sade. This of course, doesn't stop Sadie from chasing Mabel around the house every now and then. I'm looking forward to when Mabel grows and can't get under or over the fence anymore - I think she'll get more energy out if she had more freedom to run more.
Sally was so funny last night with Jack in her classroom. She told him before we went in that he had to be "silent". Every time he even took a breath she put her finger to her mouth and gave him "the look". She is SO the big fat boss. I have got to remember to register her for bowling club again. She is all over my butt about that lately.
She had an eye appt yesterday. They dilated her eyes and she still wasn't back to normal till this morning. I don't know how she managed to read and everything at school yesterday - but she did.
The debates are hot and heavy on my Oct97 list and my Autism list about Obama vs Palin. I've heard that she cut Alaska spec needs funding by 62% while she was in office. Ironically she now has a special needs child. *I* personally wonder about her decision at this particular time in her life. Seems like her family life is a little out of control and I'd wonder that if she was a man and parading his child and the child's boyfriend around. Not that doesn't make her a most wonderfully slimy politician because aren't they all about show and not about "real". But who am I to judge. :-) I just know that in those early years it was pretty crazy with therapies and meeting and all and God knows Sal doesn't have the problems her little one will have. But that's what they make nanny's for. Which again - I have no problem with but just don't sell yourself as Mom of the Year - because there's no way you are. And shame on you for trying - why would you try and make other women live up to something not obtainable?
Had a GREAT curriculum night for Sal. Loving her aide. And of course we've always loved Mrs L. So I'm thinking this year will be a good one. We've had no shouting out or bad days like last year - at all.
We need to find a "memory stick" or whatever the heck they call it so she can cart work from home to school until she gets the computer. I'm looking forward to "learning" computer with her.
Jack is really getting into baseball and was quite upset last night when they canceled it. We do need to create a place to keep cup and all the other necessities. We were on our hands and knees looking for it last night.
The animals are still going nutso over here. Mabel has messed with Sade's tail so much that there are now bloody sores on it. Poor Sade. This of course, doesn't stop Sadie from chasing Mabel around the house every now and then. I'm looking forward to when Mabel grows and can't get under or over the fence anymore - I think she'll get more energy out if she had more freedom to run more.
Sally was so funny last night with Jack in her classroom. She told him before we went in that he had to be "silent". Every time he even took a breath she put her finger to her mouth and gave him "the look". She is SO the big fat boss. I have got to remember to register her for bowling club again. She is all over my butt about that lately.
She had an eye appt yesterday. They dilated her eyes and she still wasn't back to normal till this morning. I don't know how she managed to read and everything at school yesterday - but she did.
The debates are hot and heavy on my Oct97 list and my Autism list about Obama vs Palin. I've heard that she cut Alaska spec needs funding by 62% while she was in office. Ironically she now has a special needs child. *I* personally wonder about her decision at this particular time in her life. Seems like her family life is a little out of control and I'd wonder that if she was a man and parading his child and the child's boyfriend around. Not that doesn't make her a most wonderfully slimy politician because aren't they all about show and not about "real". But who am I to judge. :-) I just know that in those early years it was pretty crazy with therapies and meeting and all and God knows Sal doesn't have the problems her little one will have. But that's what they make nanny's for. Which again - I have no problem with but just don't sell yourself as Mom of the Year - because there's no way you are. And shame on you for trying - why would you try and make other women live up to something not obtainable?
Monday, September 01, 2008
The Whole Ugly Story
We've had complications with Sally and school lately. As many of you know, we asked for a laptop computer with certain software last school year. It all started when Sal joined Tech Club. She came home with the paperwork and wanted to join. I contacted the teacher - who is very patient and tolerant with Sally and asked if it would be ok for Sal to join. She said yes.
I figured this club for Sal would be more social - another chance to practice how to act in a group, walk by herself to school (at least part of the way), and eat breakfast at school on Thursdays (the club was from 7:30-8:30). So imagine our surprise when she came home with a power point presentation on cd that she had done by herself. At the monthly "team" meeting that month I told the team that it was time to get her a computer so she could keep up with her class more. She obviously understood what was going on a lot more than we thought.
So the team said they agreed and set to work to document the "need" for "assisted technology". This all has to be documented (like 12 times) and then presented to the administration who then either approves it or not and then on to the school board.
Well, it just so happened that in that week we also ran into our "favorite" board member and told him that there was a computer request going to hit his desk sometime and if he didn't approve it we would toilet paper his house - since we know where he lives. :-) He told us that he really didn't have anything to do with this process but that if we DIDN'T get it - he could HELP. Well, armed with that little knowledge in our pocket we felt assured.
As school ended we were under the impression that all paperwork necessary was to be completed and we would at least know an answer (if not HAVE the computer) at the beginning of school.
I have never been a pest to my teams over the years. In fact, I'm quite grateful and pleasantly surprised at the sheer energy and ideas these people have had over the years.
Imagine my surprise when I found out on curriculum night for Jack that the paperwork to even *start* everything wasn't filled out!!!!
That night I went home totally ticked. I sent emails to all of last year's team AND this year's team and the admin for the school.
At 9am my phone started ringing. :-) It turns out that the paperwork was done it was just wasn't really "filed". So this was all done on Friday morning and by Friday evening we had an approval . I was overjoyed - Bill was now ticked. His feeling was that if all of this could happen in one day - why wasn't it done???
Could of should of would of - it's over. We have a YES on the computer AND software!!! It may take a little while to actually get it and that's ok - we were prepared for a wait - we just weren't prepared for the process not to be started.
So, our team knows that we'll give them the space they need to accomplish the stuff they have to do and we will happily and eagerly help them help Sally - BUT we're not afraid to "raise the roof" a little too - if needed.
I truly believe that ALL the people I work with and have worked with are TRUE advocates for children - it's just that their jobs are probably some of the hardest in the world. They are over worked, under funded, and have to play by rules that are totally absurd - namely the State of IL.
Plus, it seems that the administration of the district penalizes teachers that really help parents know what's going on out there. It's all a crazy cat and mouse, poker game. And it shouldn't be.
I don't know what the answer is - but I hope I'll be able to see a day where this kind of crazy "dance" between parents and school - this weird "them against us" kind of attitude will be gone and we can ALL do what's the BEST for EVERY kid .
I figured this club for Sal would be more social - another chance to practice how to act in a group, walk by herself to school (at least part of the way), and eat breakfast at school on Thursdays (the club was from 7:30-8:30). So imagine our surprise when she came home with a power point presentation on cd that she had done by herself. At the monthly "team" meeting that month I told the team that it was time to get her a computer so she could keep up with her class more. She obviously understood what was going on a lot more than we thought.
So the team said they agreed and set to work to document the "need" for "assisted technology". This all has to be documented (like 12 times) and then presented to the administration who then either approves it or not and then on to the school board.
Well, it just so happened that in that week we also ran into our "favorite" board member and told him that there was a computer request going to hit his desk sometime and if he didn't approve it we would toilet paper his house - since we know where he lives. :-) He told us that he really didn't have anything to do with this process but that if we DIDN'T get it - he could HELP. Well, armed with that little knowledge in our pocket we felt assured.
As school ended we were under the impression that all paperwork necessary was to be completed and we would at least know an answer (if not HAVE the computer) at the beginning of school.
I have never been a pest to my teams over the years. In fact, I'm quite grateful and pleasantly surprised at the sheer energy and ideas these people have had over the years.
Imagine my surprise when I found out on curriculum night for Jack that the paperwork to even *start* everything wasn't filled out!!!!
That night I went home totally ticked. I sent emails to all of last year's team AND this year's team and the admin for the school.
At 9am my phone started ringing. :-) It turns out that the paperwork was done it was just wasn't really "filed". So this was all done on Friday morning and by Friday evening we had an approval . I was overjoyed - Bill was now ticked. His feeling was that if all of this could happen in one day - why wasn't it done???
Could of should of would of - it's over. We have a YES on the computer AND software!!! It may take a little while to actually get it and that's ok - we were prepared for a wait - we just weren't prepared for the process not to be started.
So, our team knows that we'll give them the space they need to accomplish the stuff they have to do and we will happily and eagerly help them help Sally - BUT we're not afraid to "raise the roof" a little too - if needed.
I truly believe that ALL the people I work with and have worked with are TRUE advocates for children - it's just that their jobs are probably some of the hardest in the world. They are over worked, under funded, and have to play by rules that are totally absurd - namely the State of IL.
Plus, it seems that the administration of the district penalizes teachers that really help parents know what's going on out there. It's all a crazy cat and mouse, poker game. And it shouldn't be.
I don't know what the answer is - but I hope I'll be able to see a day where this kind of crazy "dance" between parents and school - this weird "them against us" kind of attitude will be gone and we can ALL do what's the BEST for EVERY kid .
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