FANTASTIC Holiday!!!!

We went south for the Thanksgiving weekend. We woke up early on Thursday, drove in NO traffic and arrived about 1/2 hour before dinner. As usual, my sister cooked up a storm. Turkey, dressing, potatoes and gravy, broc casserole, noodles, dirty pudding, and choc cake. I brought pies and Linda brought dev eggs and pilgrim hats. SUPER dinner - with TOO much eating! :-) We watched football and the Goodings played yuker. They are some characters. Thersa always remembers the kids with some kind of giftie - this year was a bank of tootsie rolls.

Mabel had THE best time. She decided she was a big dog and hung out with Tiny (St Bernard) and Chunk (Husky). They ran through the pasture and then over the fields. Mabel baying all the way. Then she met the cows next door. She wasn't quite sure what to do. She kind of hung back next to Tiny and would bark - slinking up a little and when the cows moved she'd run back to Tiny, who was oblivious to the whole excitement.

Mabel also met up with Bob. He's the other farm cat who DOES have claws and I do believe he gave Mabel a little "beat down". :-) Sadie and Mabel slept in the basement due to the incontinence problem with Sade and the fact that Mabel is a menace.

Friday we went to Quincy. Yes, we actually braved Black Friday - BUT - we went about 9 a.m. :-) Most of the "deals" were gone - but we put a dent in the Christmas shopping. Got some really nice stuff at really good prices at Joanns. Then we met the kids at Bonkers. Sally was kind of afraid to do anything. She sat at the table for a long time with us - finally Kennedy asked her to go up and he led and she followed. He went real slow and waited when she got behind. She was very timid - but she made it. After a couple of times she got braver and braver. I was really proud of Kennedy. He's so grown up sometimes.

So after about 3 hours at Bonkers we took the whole troop of "cousins" over to Cassono's Pizza. We ate our weight in salad and pizza. The kids were good, a little on the crazy side, but good.

After dinner, Mike took Lex and Mad Dog home and Kennedy and Lincoln went with their parents and Miss, Bill, our kids and me went to see the Avenue of Lights. It's a whole winding road through Waverly Park and they put all kinds of Christmas displays through it. It really is beautiful and every year is a little more and different each time. The kids were totally silent through the whole ride. Then back out to the farm.

Miss and I got our toes done on Saturday. She had never been and I had only been to the "hurry up and get done kind". This was a spa and we were there for over an hour and we were VERY pampered. Had a really nice time. Of course Missy knew someone that the tech's new (small world down there) and they had conversation.

We also hit Shop Ko and then headed back to her house to find that the kids and the hubs were at a Livestock auction. A big thank you to Mike's Dad for getting sick because if he hadn't and we hadn't had to call Mike to come home early I'm a little scared that Bill might have come home with a couple of sheep because : "They were only $17 a piece!!" After Bill said this I had visions of sheep grazing in our yard. The boy is capable of anything!

We played Rumikub and I lost as usual. I love that game but I ALWAYS get caught with a ton of points. We had breakfast with Mom and Dad. Breakfast casserole, homemade cin rolls, and apple pie cake. Good stuff ! Also got to see Dad's kitty : Radar. Dad is spoiling him rotten. :-)

We're home and Mabel has slept all day. All that running and sniffing tires a girl out. Sadie was visually happy to be home and Sally said she was glad to be home. I don't know - I am but not. I miss my family sometimes - even though they are by far very crazy. In fact, my father was explaining this morning that since it's started to snow now he will be putting my Mom's car away and driving Miss Crazy. :-)

Now, THERE'S a couple of characters!!!! The two of them alone together are sometimes scary. :-)

So Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!!!! We've really had a nice start to the holiday season!

Now, GO BEARS!!!!

Totally Silent

The Nutcracker went without problem. Sally was TOTALLY silent!!!! For the WHOLE thing!!!! She is so funny - when she's supposed to be quiet and it's getting hard - she'll put her finger to her mouth so you can praise her a little. Her face just beams. She ate her weight in popcorn, though. :-)

The performance was great! I just LOVE the ballet. I could watch for hours. The people behind us had no clue what the story was and the Mom was totally screwing it up for the kids. It was all I could do not to say "please, come sit up here so I can tell you the REAL story." :-) Plus the Mom was screwing the story up in her nice "outside" voice. :-) Lord, give me strength.

Jack could hardly sit still. Talk about ADD. As I tucked him in last night he told me I smelled like I had gone to church. I *think* he was talking about my perfume. But who knows - and I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of stalling. :-) That boy could stall the DMV. ;-)

We're counting down days till Aunt Jill's. We're to have lunch with the Wild Boys tomorrow and then pack our suitcases tomorrow night. The weather forecast is looking very good for Bill's plight.

When we get home I have to get serious with some plans. I start tax season on the 2nd of Feb. So that gives me January to do some major work on transition for Sal into middle school. I need to go see the school and sit in a couple of classes. I need to contact her regional arc person and see about respite. Try and figure out who I'll ask to accompany us to the IEP meeting as an advocate.

We have a 3 year eval in December and from that meeting I should be able to figure out what I need to ask for at Middle School. Sometimes I really envy those people who don't really have to worry about transition. But then again - what excitement would I have? :-)

Things thing things

It's been a while huh? We've had puter problems at the house. No internet service. ugghh.

I made 2 trips to school today. Sal had a rough day yesterday. Teacher was out with meetings and aide was out sick. She had an accident and then a little meltdown - but she came through and the thing is - sh*t happens. We ALL have days like that. I have meltdowns myself and it's not always because of outside stimulus. So I figure - hey, it's human experience and I probably should let her see me a little vulnerable sometimes. :-)

Had the most FABULOUS meeting last night. It was a Parent Resource meeting and they had a special needs lawyer come in to talk about being the Captain of your IEP team. It's funny - I remember being told by one of the first administration (from Pioneer) that I met that I "was a very important part of the team". And since things were NOT real good at Pioneer (admin wise - not teacher wise)I had a bit of an attitude with her and replied "I'm sorry - *I* am the CAPTAIN of this team - Team Sally." :-) I've mellowed since then. The lady last night took me back through that journey. Recalling that she too was at a point one time where you were looking for these people to *cure* the child. Not in reality but it's like subconsciously. You have a mind that if you get a certain aide, or a certain school program that your child will be healed - that it will make some HUGE difference. But alas this is not so and it takes a while to "see" that. I've found that everything happens for a reason. Cliche' I know - but true. Pioneer Admin SUCKED at the time - but if I hadn't put up with that I would have never met Ms Jan - the teacher that since all others would be judged to be like. :-) She was FANTASTIC! Prob the very best person for me and Sal to start our journey. Ms Jan comes with me along with the most fabulous aide Ms Ron. They are the team members that have made such an impact on me that I carry their teachings with me. Since then we've had some great people in our lives and they always fit what Sal was needing at the time.

And it seems so still. *I* was in need of the speaker last night. Since the time for transition is raising it's head (we go to middle school next year) this ladie's talk could not have been more timely. I feel more rejuvenated. More assured of how exactly to figure out what to ask for and how to institute more cooperation at home for school goals. I REALLY got a lot out of her talk and could really use it on CD. :-) Besides that - her sense of humor was RIGHT on target with mine and so often I feel very lonely in the special needs world because I find I'm alone in my humerus approach to it.

Another thing that happened last night - we sat next to ...... Ms Jan!!! Haven't seen her in years. Seems Valley View in it's ultimate wisdom split up the Bert and Ernie of Early Childhood and disposed of developmental kindergarten. :-/ Not sure that was very smart at all. But it was SO nice to see her. She's one of those key people that have made a huge difference.

Back to today - I had to take Sal's German food for Heritage day. We did Apple cake. Which - if you know Germans at all - it's not like how "we" do cake. It's very dense, full of oil and sugar and robust seasoning. Also took some "klenchka" in. (German sugar) I figure they'll get a kick out of that. :-)

Then of course, I forgot her extra clothes - so went home again and then back to school. Once again I get to work and sigh. At home Moms work TOO hard! Maybe I'd be thinner if I stayed home - it's run, run, run.

We go to the Nutcracker ballet this weekend. Gma was supposed to come up but her knee is too bad. I kind of talked her into staying home too - we have all stairs at our house and there's nothing worse than being somewhere else and feeling lousy. But the rest of us are going. Sal's looking forward to the popcorn. :-)

I picked up Sally's basketball uniform. Gonna try and get some pictures taken so we can email them with a schedule. Her eyes just lit up when she saw it.

Jack - Jack had some "issues" this week when I thought he had stolen a book. I had planned out exactly his punishment and was ready to dish it out - but it turns out that he had truthfully picked the book up and was going to return it the next day to the child. The only thing was - it had been sitting on a desk and the teacher had put it there so *she* could give it to the child the next day (the child had left it). So we had a talk about *how* to go about returning something you "find". :-) AND get this - it sunk in because last night at the meeting (Jack and Sal were in daycare) he found a bouncy ball and returned it to the teacher in charge!!!!! :-) We must celebrate these things - Jack is such a little monster that they're sometimes few and far between. :-)

Thanksgiving comes next week and the urchins are ready. Already planning on the sleeping arrangements at Aunt Jill's. Mabel is clueless to the wrath she will feel when she picks on Miss Kitty like she does our Rexy. Rexy is an indoor cat who has been de-clawed and Mabel has figured this out and is relentless about "playing" with her. Miss Kitty is a farm cat and has ALL her claws and is VERY "in charge". So I'm thinking Mabel is in for a "tune up". :-) Which, honestly, is long over due.
:-)

Little Mabe got off her chain last night and was out till 4:30 this morning! She was all about sleeping this morning - not her usual monster self. ;-) You just can't sore with the Eagles when you've been out with the Turkey's all night. :-)

I got to read for a while today and I chose my Yuen stuff. In it was a fantastic quote but I'm not sure who to credit it to. So, if it's yours - my apologies. "The secret to true peace is setting aside one's pride." Boy, ain't that the truth. I have to think that every conflict in the world could be solved by this statement. And in my personal life I think the same thing. Really makes one think.

Bill and Scott went "walking" last night. They got a TON of signatures. Scott is so funny. Typical navy man. :-) It's like they *teach* that bs they sell. :-)

Mabel played with a black and white striped "kitty" last night. :-/ That's right - nice skunk (or as Sal says "skRunk") smell permeates the house this morning. Doesn't seem to bother her at all. :-)

Sally's having some trouble at school. She shut down on them Monday. And none of us have a clue as to why. My best GUESS is that PE was both new teacher AND adaptive aide, because it was after this that Sal refused to do any work. It's too bad adaptive PE couldn't come at the end of the day. I have a feeling that may be a hurdle every time there's PE. At least on the other days Ms Jenny will be there and I think she has a much better handle on how far and how to push Sal,with what's important. I love her - we're still trying to bribe her to come with Sal into Middle school. :-) She's a lot like Mrs Goldman - only not as crazy. :-) Oh, how I wish Sally could stay at JES forever! ;-)

That's Not Healthy

Two very tired and cold guys came home last night and told their tales. They showed the pictures they took (146) and upon seeing the picture of Jack's head in Staley's mouth Sally said: "Staley eating Jack? That's not healthy eating." :-) It was SO funny and in that very serious voice of hers. Tooo cute.

So Staley showed up on the sidelines and took Jack out to the field and introduced him (well, the announcer did - Staley doesn't talk) :-) They gave him his $100 and his Staley shirt. Staley tried to give Jack some grass from the field but of course Jack didn't really "get it" - (Soldier Field being one of the FEW real grass stadiums) and he let it fall to the ground. :-) Staley also signed the shirt we had for Mrs K and Sally. Bill said it was really cool. The wandered the sidelines a while and then were escorted to their seats. They were behind the Goal post that read : Chicago.

Jack got a big bear claw and was happy as a lark. They ate hotdogs and nachos and hot chocolate. At one point in the game it was snowing. :-) Sal and I stayed at home. Sal watched Barney in my room and I sat on the floor and screamed at the tv. The Bears lost - :-( They must not have known about all the people watching and looking for Jack. :-) They would have made a better showing. Though the defense did very well - the offense couldn't BUY a good field position.

I won the football pool last week and have reclaimed my #1 spot. The guys at work are so po'd - because I don't pick like they do - I have my own formula. :-)

Jack goes to school today to tell his stories of the game and present Mrs K with her shirt. What a really GREAT experience. Something Daddy and Son will both remember for a long time to come. :-)

They're There!!!

Jack called a little while ago - him and Daddy are at the game. They've met Staley - had their stuff signed, walked the field, found their seats and are now waiting for the players to come running out. He was SO excited because he got a claw!

I fed them early this morning - packed their bag with shirt for Ms Kreiger, shirt for Sal, blanket, mittens, ear muffs and some candy. I'm not sure WHO was more excited! :-)

I'm really praying the Bears can beat the Titans - no one has this year. But wouldn't that be cool for Jack to say he had been there the day they did. :-)

Sal and I went shopping this morning - so we could get home for pre-game - because you might see them on the field - no such luck. :-)

She's now watching Barney in my room. :-) God does know who should win what - doesn't he?? :-)

Kick off time!!!

GO BEARS!

Things are REALLY Up, Up, Up

#1 - Sal has her computer AND software installed. Teachers are now learning it and she will start on Monday! YAY!!!

#2 - Jack won the Staley "First and Goal" prize of going to the Game, getting $100 from Staley on the field during half time, and all the press that goes with it. :-)

#3 Gma and Gpa sent money for the golf balls the kids collected AND for the good grades everyone got.

There has always been a standing joke in our house about why it is that teachers at school give the kids a candy for handing in their signed report card but it's MOM who signs it - I'm always giving Jack the business about how that should be *my* candy. Well, guess who did ALL the paperwork every week for 6 weeks for the First and Goal thing??? That's right - MOM. But who gets to go to the game???? DAD! I'm just busting their chops about it - I'd really rather be in my nice warm house - watching my tv with a hot coffee in my hand - it's supposed to snow on Sunday!!!! But nevertheless the guys are FULL of excitment - to the point that Jack told me this morning that he'd need to go to bed early on Saturday because him and Dad are leaving early. ;-)

Sally starts basketball tomorrow and then goes to Social Club. We worked it out so she can do both. Thank you Miss Sherrie. :-) So it's going to be a fun filled weekend. Mom *gets* to do laundry and put the house back together. :-)

The whole school is a buzz with Jack going to the game. I told him he needed to buy something for Ms Kreiger and for Sally at the game. (after I explained that NO - he couldn't use the money for Bacugon stuff.) :-)

Adaptive PE meeting. Ugghhh - I know there's a reason for so many meetings and signatures and goals and such - but dang it can be draining. Seems the whole team has their eyes on transition and I think we're all on the same page and that is to put Sal in General Ed with minimum pull outs. And thank the Lord I have Heidi and Jenny - between the 3 of us - we just might get this thing really right for the next 3 years - and then I just may call on them again for HS. :-) God, I LOVE this team! ;-)

We survived Halloween and this year we opted out of the Great Goblin. Everyone wanted to keep their candy and that's fine - I think we have a better handle on what's an appropriate amount per day (Thank YOU , Staley).

Jack went with Tommy - TorTing. I gave him my cell phone and he must have called 40 times during the night - just to see what was going on. :-) He also called Grandma (she's in my Fave 5). He is too funny. Him and Tommy had a sleep over and Sal got to be with Daddy for TorT. She did well.

So tomorrow is the BIG day! ;-) I'm planning on hitting the voting place around 10. I'm hoping it will be really nice and the kids can play on the playground until I'm done. I have the day off since there is no school. :-) We're also supposed to get our software loaded tomorrow on Sal's computer. Now THAT is REALLY worth looking forward to. :-)