Some Thoughts......

Last night as I drifted off to sleep I was listening to my buddy Joel. He was talking about how we sometimes try to keep people in our lives that God is trying to take out of our lives. This really happened to hit home with me - it makes so much sense put that way. You know, how you keep trying to have a relationship with someone who just keeps driving you crazy? And it's kind of ironic that one of Bill's friends was here talking about something kind of the same. Seems we all *fight* to keep certain people in our lives when it's pretty obvious they really don't care to be. :-)

As I think back - I think I have had this problem most of my life. I guess it's kind of along the lines of never wanting the party to end. Only it's not a party anymore. Hmmmmm.

So, back to reality - boy, are we all glad to be back to our regular routine. Sal especially. She's all smiles everyday when I pick her up. She just loves school. Got a note from Jack's teacher that said he really works hard. What? Who??? Can you believe that???

Jack has been playing wrestling a lot since Santa dropped off the WWE ring and 4 wrestlers. What's funny is when he pins them he says "right in the *peanuts*". It's kind of like he's thinking penis but it's not coming out like that. It's funny. You know Jack.

Sal has really been making the progress. She now is putting on her pants and underwear by herself. She still has some trouble with shirts. But tonight she came up with asking if Pauly was going to Social Club "I like him better". I'm not sure better than what or who. :-) She also asked if Katie was going to the sleep over. This conversation was brought on by her - of course it took us awhile to get "Pauly" since she doesn't say "p'. :-) And then there was the tense moments when we weren't understanding "Megan" and we were told to put our teeth together. :-) She is a stitch.

Nights are SHORT

Either dogs or children wake us up by 6:30 everyday - there was absolutely NO sleeping in at all this "vacation". I can't wait till tomorrow - I will run in and kiss EVERY teacher. I've missed them SO much!!!! :-)

Well, I made it through 2 whole weeks at home with my children and no one went to the hospital or jail! I think that's an accomplishment! :-)

Sally's been asking since the 26th for the tree to come down. "It's over". she keeps saying. I like her way of thinking. I'm not real fond of the tree to begin with. But I hate the thought of dragging out the boxes and putting everything away. I need a break - thank God I go to work tomorrow. :-)

Basketball yesterday. The Brick did her usual "screening". :-) She DID run up and down appropriately without being told. She's progressing. The team we "versus'" (as Jack says) was unbelievable!!!! I swear these kids (special needs) are going to take over the world - come back and beat the crap out of the people who ridicule, disrespect and baby them. There were 3 coaches on the other team who were insistent on yelling at their kids - one coach/young adult even got in the ear of a kid. Looked like they were brothers. As a parent I would NEVER let a sibling do that to another sibling let alone a coach. These kids work SO hard just at things we take for granted (ie: walking, talking, making sense of the world) that basketball or any other sport is SO NOT important!!!! Even the kids themselves seem to "get that". They're excited by just making a basket - they have no defensive plans or triangle offense. Finally one of the parents said something to the coach and in front of the crowd. I wanted to stand and cheer!!!!! I swear there's a special kind of hell for those people.

Our coaches are SO good!!!! They yell - like "go that way" or "go _____" There's no demeaning or expectations. Why do adults insist on putting THEIR expectations on these kids??? Why can't they be allowed to be them???

Sally had a ball - as usual and we went to Culvers to rehash the game. :-) Mostly to review names of players. :-) There's 2 Tommies a Johnie and a Paulie so I get a little confused. :-) Sally sets me straight though. :-)

We're planning on taking back the house today and of course I have to write the Market Day letter and get that out tomorrow. Back to "normal" life. :-)

Happy New Year

A new year! I always like the new year - it always feels fresh - like the first day of school. So full of hope - like anything is possible. My resolution this year is to make Sal do more things for herself. I've found out that I have been doing things for her out of habit, not pushing her to be more independent.

We went out to eat this morning and then to Menards for new blinds. :-) Bill put them up as soon as we got home - they look very nice. I'll put up the valance tomorrow - I'm thinking of getting a new rod - I'll have to see.

Got all my secret Santa gifts - now I just need to box them and mail them. I have a BUNCH of stuff - had a good time with the after Christmas sales. :-)

Doing menus for next week- it all starts big and bold. Jack's got basketball on Monday - Sal bowling on Thurs and then swimming on Sat along with basketball for Sal. The break has been nice. Jack's been having a great time playing with his friends. Sally is more of a home body and we've been reading and doing math work.

She's back into bugging me about Yoga. Guess we'll start that again. Jack likes to try it but I'm not sure how he'll like doing it when there's school. He can be a real grump in the morning. :-)

Well, here's hoping we all have less apologies to make and more to be thankful for in 2009!!!!!

Day One

First day at home with "them". We made those bead crafts that you iron. Thank you SO much to Dick and Laurena - my eyesight and nerves are shot now - trying to get all those little TINY things in their place. :-) They each made two and I even made one. Jack took his to Tommy's. :-)

Tomorrow we're painting birdhouses. :-) I figure to try and stay one step ahead of them. :-)

Sal had a rough time after we were done with lunch. She didn't want to go out and play and she just didn't know *what* to do with herself. She misses camp as much as I do. :-)

They BOTH set the table tonight AND cleared!!!! Sometimes the cooperation is scarier than the arguing. :-)

So we head into tomorrow - more chores to do tomorrow than we had today. We'll see how it goes.

Christmas is over...

...and that is that - no more pennies in the old man's hat. :-)

What a really fun and enjoyable Christmas. Christmas Eve - we went to dinner as a little family and then got hot choc and cookies and went to look at lights. We came home, opened one gift, checked to see where Santa was via Norad and went to bed. We got up Christmas morning - tore through all our gifts(Santa has a VERY lenient "nice" list - Mabel AND Jack got gifts) and waited for Aunt Jill - and waited and waited and waited. Amtrak had decided that their engine couldn't run so Aunt Jill was now on the bus!!!! :-/ And Smart Alec that she is - when asked "am I still picking you up at the train station?"

"Well, I don't think they'll drop me by your house." :-) Gotta love her. She FINALLY made it up here and we ate, and ate, and played games and watched TV and talked our heads off . :-) Friday we went shopping - Joann's of course - our favorite store. :-) And then had Chinese "Far, raw, raw, raw, raw, raw, raw, raw, raw. :-)

Saturday was SO rainy - Bill got called out to "control floods". We took Aunt Jill to the train station and found out that she was again getting a bus. :-/ Since I had the kids in tow she told us to go ahead (chicken) and she would call if the bus didn't come. She also promised to call when she got home. The phone rang at 3a.m.!!!! The bus didn't get to Naperville till 8:30 and then - even with only 4 people on board and all of them getting off at McComb or Quincy - they STILL made ALL the stops in between!!!!!! I felt SO bad for her!!!!!

Sunday we went to Dick and Laurena's. Bob got a new puppy! Oh, he is the CUTEST! He's this little bitty thing with these HUGE feet. It's like he's wearing floppy slippers. It's TOO funny. We had a really nice time. The kids of course, carried on as they do. Jack taught Jackie how to play "garbage" - which I think is a lot like playing "cups" on Friends. :-) Sally read to Laurena. Bob took Jack out and threw the football back and forth. Jack LOVED that! ;-) Sally's still a little confused about just where Dave lives. He talks about going to his house - but he brought clothes to his Mom's house. ;-) And she INSISTS that Jackie lives there - because they call it "Jackie's Room". :-)

Today we got a visit from Harry and Sherry. We always laugh so much that my cheeks hurt when they leave. They think Mabel is so cute. :-) (she put on her best "I'm so innocent" look) Those two are so cute and just the best example of a good marriage. I miss them so. Sherry has got to write a book. She has a friend who by all means shouldn't be able to walk erect. :-) Sherry has the BEST stories! We had a GOOD time. :-)

Bill goes back to work tomorrow and I'm stuck with the children!!!
I think we're going to try and make a gingerbread house tomorrow and tackle the laundry. I haven't done a load since Christmas eve!!!! Thank God, Santa brought new socks. :-)

So ends another Christmas. I HAVE to remember that next year I MUST plan! I HAVE to do things EARLY - because I'm not always assured the use of Bill. :-) I was wrapping presents at midnight one night. I don't LIKE that!!!!! But, with him out plowing - it was the only time I was sure I'd get total alone time. So next year - I need to do things earlier! :-)

I think we're going to try more candy making next year. We've mastered our fake turtles and it's time to move up. :-)

Both kids did pretty well with all the presents and "greediness" and ADD - flit from one to another. I don't know HOW to teach gratitude but they need it. They are THRILLED with EVERYTHING - really they have never NOT liked a present - but they're always working for something else. When we're shopping "can't we get?....." and this is one day after they had received a ton of gifts. I guess it's a kid thing - but I still want to address contentment. Granted Bill should be the first student. :-)

I have to say I'm looking forward to not getting out of my jammies tomorrow. :-)

Old Maid Wars

The sun is barely up and Jack is screaming at Sal about not picking the end card all the time. so the *bliss* of last night's magical Christmas decorating is shot to heck. :-)

"Sal, If you believe you can... then you can"

This is what Jack said as he was teaching Sally to hang ornaments on the tree. Yes, we FINALLY got the thing up. He came RUNNING home from J&J's and screaming!!!! He could see the lights from the street and raced up the stairs to see the tree. Bill left to get dinner and as Jack and I hung ornaments he said "I love Christmas." I wanted to say "yeah, well - keep it to yourself - not all of us feel that way." :-)

He just melted my heart as he taught Sal how to hang things. So patient but yet insistent that she do it herself. After we got it all up they set to playing cards (we found Christmas Old Maid) at the table. It was SO cute.

Ya know, I saw Jack tonight as the brother he will always be. I joke a lot about him being a monster - and he is - he works my last nerve pretty good. BUT - he also works my heart pretty good too. I could learn a lot from him -how to push Sal without loosing his cool or doing it for her. He really has a gift.

The Things You Find Out

Tis the Season of family drama:

We're number one on the crapper list of the family. Found out from a family member today that certain members have had their fill of us. Isn't THAT a Merry Christmas? Bill asked me "isn't it strange how strangers care more about us than the family?" Yeah - well, you can't pick your family - that's for sure.


Got a call from a friend in he M town who just found out her husband is having an affair. After 18 years of marriage. I feel just sick for her. She has practically allienated her family because he didn't care for them. She now has no one. She's such a nice lady. It's unbelievable how MUCH her life has had to change. From the little she's told us it's probably for the best. He wanted her to believe that everything was her fault. Event he affair.

But what I think is the saddest is that her family doesn't seem to even care what's going on with her. Granted, she and him may have hurt feelings over the years - I don't know - but how do you knowingly turn your back on people? I just don't get it.

It's a COOOOOOLLLLDDD one here. Mable hasn't even had to have her chain on because she goes out and comes RIGHT back in. She lays on the couch and shivers. Her tail all rolled around her face. She CAN be cute.

Sally has had a REALLY tough day! Her behavior has been horrible. More like a 3 year old than an 11. She's openly dis-obeying. She refuses to occupy herself is Bill and I try to talk. I think we're going to need to try more meditation when we're off schedule. Maybe no winter camp was a bad idea. But I couldn't see paying for camp when I was getting paid days off. Did I say how much I love my job? ;-)

Sometimes I just don't understand

We had basketball today. We traveled to Oak Lawn. I dropped Sal off at the bus and then Daddy, Jack and I met her at the game. We got a little lost and thought we were late until we saw the bus pull in after we did. :-)

I've been told that God gave me Sal for a reason - that I was patient and flexible - to some extent I have bought that. But watching the game today - I don't understand why God gave some of the players to the parents they have. There was yelling and chastising!!!!! I guess at the last game I didn't sit close enough to anyone that I saw or heard any of this - but this time - oh my. It was like a couple of parents we had at Little League. Uh people - I got news for you - your child will NEVER be the numero uno!!!!! Special Needs is just THAT - there's a REASON your child qualifies for the program. And the really cool thing is that just DRIBBLING is a huge deal. I don't see your butt out there being a coach or a player. Damn - I just wanted to get up and very nicely slap a certain couple of parents right across the face.

Sally was hysterical. Standing EXACTLY on the square which she was told and just standing there. We all wore our "I Love Jaguars" shirts. She was pleased.

I told my sister the other day - I just don't see eye to eye with many Special Needs parents. I expect WAY more than they do in the form of behavior (ie: doing what Sal CAN to behave and follow rules) but for a GAME I do NOT expect her to do THAT well. For her to run up and down the court appropriately, that's enough for now. We'll work on other things - but it's NOT the end all be all. I can't stand parents that "coach" from the sidelines when it comes to "regular" children let alone when it comes to special needs. And I have a sneaky suspicion that the time is coming where I will confront these parents because I have a feeling that at some point they will yell at Sal and then - ------ Well, watch the Momma lion come out. To use a phrase I've stolen from a good friend "I will have to go Nam on them". :-)

Sally Sums It Up

There's no school today. When Sally woke up and I told her - she so matter of factly turned to me and said "that sucks". I was really taken aback. After choking down my laugh I told her it was better to say "that stinks". At any rate it's a far cry from the meltdowns we had last year when there was no school. I think she's VERY much more at ease about things this year. I credit her team for this. Mrs Legner says her class is not all about schedule and that has done Sally some real good this year. She's learned to roll with the flow.

*I* would love to have a meltdown. I do NOT want to be at home today. I get them from the 23-the 1st!!!! Isn't that punishment enough??? Between the children and the animals I'll be ready for heavy booze by noon.

Collections

Boy does *this* article hit home. I never thought of ALL the Little People she has as a "collection". Does make sense though.



Special-needs kids need special toys
At holiday time, parents may find it hard to buy gifts for autistic
children
By Lisa Black | Tribune reporter
December 15, 2008

Laurie Jerue struggled for years with bittersweet emotions as she
bought her daughter Big Bird toys while the girl's peers moved on to
teenage interests.

Her daughter, Sarah, 20, of Naperville is autistic. To this day, all
she has ever wanted for Christmas and birthdays were Sesame Street
characters and videos.

"There is a part of you that grieves with every holiday," Jerue said.

It is a dilemma that many parents of children with special needs face
at gift-giving times, with autism posing some of the most difficult
challenges.

Parents struggle with whether to oblige the child who desires nothing
more than church directories, word puzzles, spinning toys or even
cleaning supplies—all real examples from youngsters' wish lists.

Friends might see the child's exotic interests as humorous or cute.
But the youngster's family recognizes that the obsession represents
their child's special need for a coping tool or bridge to the outside
world that is otherwise confusing and overwhelming.

"Autism is one of the hardest, if not the hardest, to figure out and
help," said Ellen Metrick, a manager for the Chicago-based National
Lekotek Center, a non-profit organization that provides and modifies
toys for children with disabilities.

"For children who have sensory processing difficulties, some kids
crave more sensory input and other kids need less," she said. "They
have a very difficult time with pretend play. It's too abstract."

Jerue for years tried to shift her daughter's interest to educational
toys, but finally concluded in a "light-bulb moment" that Sarah is
merely a collector.

"Once I let go of some of those social expectations . . . and bought
what I just thought would make her happy, it's all been good," she
said.

Christopher Kennedy of Libertyville said gift-giving can be
frustrating, but there's never any question about what will make his
8-year-old daughter, Shea, happy.

"Children with autism tend to have singular interests," said
Kennedy. "We have just about every video ever made by the Wiggles and
Barney."

The BEST Christmas Party - EVER

The Knights of Columbus at St Doms do a FANTASTIC job for JBSRA. They not only donate big money to the organization so that fees for programs are less for parents - they put on a Christmas party for all the Special Needs kids that is FANTASTIC! We've gone or 5 years I think. It gets bigger every year. They feed us lunch - have caroling - and then the Fat Man shows up on a fire engine! (my personal favorite) What's also nice is that we ALL come together - little, big, adult, baby. So we ALL network - PLUS - there's hope. You see adults who have gotten married, work at jobs, live happy, independent lives. You also see kids "worse" off than yours and guess what - they're happy and having a great time just like everyone else. You get to talk to other parents who have "been there". Kids have melt downs and run screaming - but there is no "judgemental looks" there are smiles and the gaze of "yes, I remember those days". There is a community of tolerance to the max.

That Christmas party is really what Christmas is. Unbridled joy. Excitement and overly powerful hugs at seeing a friend. Adults sitting on Santa's lap. The sweet sound of voices who can't carry a tune singing their hearts out. Presents big and small and not a "no fair" to be heard.

Jack did exceptionally well. This party is for Special Needs kids and even though siblings are invited they do not get a present. Jack did VERY well with this. He was nice, and sat with Sal as she waited for her turn. He even took really good pictures with Dad's camera. He was rewarded with an afternoon at Juan and Jonathon's. (neighbors)

Sally goes to the North Pole today, on the Polar Express. It's a social club event and from what I hear it's at capacity! So everyone was asking everyone else at the Christmas Party if they'd be there. So as we left there was a LOT of "see you tomorrow" 's. :-)

Since Jack misses out on this again - he gets to help put up the tree (something usually reserved for Mom and Dad only). He likes being part of secrets and the whole Christmas magic. Even though he still believes this year I can see it probably won't be too long and I think he'll really enjoy being part of the other side.

Wish the sun wold come out.

He DID sign it - I think

From what I've read - Blogo DID sign the Autism Insurance Bill BEFORE going to jail. Can you believe this?? Talk about hubris!!! (do you like that, Sharon) :-) This guy should be taken out on the highway and made to do hard labor and then have to go and apologize to every single voter in IL.

So now I wonder exactly how MUCH it cost the ASI to get the bill through for mandatory insurance coverage. Living in IL makes one VERY cynical about politics. I hear from the Oct list that it isn't like that EVERYWHERE - but you learn what you live.

Makes for some very interesting talk at work. Even Mike was surprised at the level of corruption and pretty much nothing phases him. He wasn't REAL far off when he was joking about Obama calling him about a cabinet position - for a little money he could have been senator!!!!

Now on to REAL news affecting me: The dreaded Advent Calendar. I forget about this thing over the year. It has the ability to raise children from a sound sleep at some un-Godly hours!!! This thing has been a pia in my life since Jack was born and immediately recognized the thrill of getting "prezzies". Now, I also have Mabel to contend with, who loves to try and take a package out of the pocket and try to unwrap it. Bill misses out on all this "fun". Lucky b**t*** . :-)

We've also started putting change in a bank at every meal (one coin per family member) and with the coin saying what we're most thankful for. It's getting a little repetitive so tonight we're going to make it more detailed with what you're most thankful for *today*.

Big weekend coming up - we're going to try and get that flippin' tree up on Sunday. Sal is going to the North Pole on the Polar Express with the Social Club. So we thought we may be able to handle ONE kid and decorations. Then again, it is Jack so maybe we'll have to do it on Monday when they're at school. :-)

What a GAME!!!!!

Sally had her first basketball game yesterday against Lincoln Way. Oh My! It is UNBELIEVABLE! You end up routing for BOTH teams because they ALL try SO hard.

I had tears in my eyes the whole time. Sally played forward and stood (and I mean STOOD - with hands on hips) next to the basket until someone TOLD her to go to the other side of the court. She didn't touch the ball once. In fact, at one point she ducked so as to avoid the ball that was thrown TO her! :-) It was the BEST game I've EVER seen!!! There was SO much joy there, unbridled happiness and excitement just to be part of it all. You absolutely can NOT be in a bad mood around these kids!

Sally had a great time. She played a couple of quarters - she's the only girl on our team and was the only girl on either team yesterday. She wore her uniform with SUCH pride and then asked if we could go to Culvers after the game (just like we did after all of Jack's games). She knows what's what - that's for sure.

We're trying as a family to decide exactly what we're going to do on Christmas Eve. I've been vetoed on doing gifts on that night and instead doing it on Christmas morning. Aunt Jill comes up on the Day of and I think the kids will go to camp the day after. Christmas is hard - you can't plan too much because you're never sure if Dad will be around or not - depending on snow. So we try to plan yet be flexible.

Bah humbug.

Christmas, Shristmas

Lord, the inmates are running the asylum! Mabel has been "out" twice this week. Yesterday morning she slipped her chain because of the cold it had froze open. She was rewarded with biscuits that a lady used to coax her into her van - because it was so cold for her outside. (poor puppy) (my eyes rolling)......

So I had to run over to Humphrey Middle School and bring her back. Like mornings aren't crazy enough around here. When I had originally announced she was gone - I swear I saw smiles on Sadie and Rexy's face.

Mabel is a menace. She helps herself to anything on the table - we've now had to move Rexy to the counter top so Mabel doesn't eat her food. She also thinks that Sal's basket of stuffed animals was put there just for her - she practically skips when she's wrestled one away from Sal.

A tree seems almost impossible with this monster in the house. Let alone presents under the tree. Ugghh.

Sal has a new phrase...... She was trying to tell me about what she had made for the Book/Art Fair ...... Garland? Rings? Painting? Each guess was met with more and more exasperation.... "put your teeth together, Mom" as if I would just do that I would understand what she was saying. ;-) Finally, after MUCH frustration she said "you, killing me about this".

Where in the world did you hear that? I asked. She went on her way to her room to where her people would understand what she was saying. Her dumb old Mom was left in the kitchen to chuckle and marvel at even though Sally hadn't come up with that saying she did use it appropriately. That night I found out she had made a GARGOYLE! Of course, I said out loud - that's what she was saying. The art teacher thinks I'm a little off the beam - she's right of course. :-)

The last couple of days have been hard. Harder than the usual. I don't know - I've come to the part of the grief ocean where it's too cold and I have to go back to the beach. They say grief is like an ocean and you wade in and then back to the beach - further each time. I've been doing VERY well for SO long and lately - I just feel so very down. Probably the bathroom issues with Sal lately and the combination of the holidays.

Sally seems to be doing well in school. It now is more apparent how limited she is, physically. Oh well,.... always something. I guess it's the old saying "ya gotta keep on keepin' on."

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. :-)

Bang Bang Bang Bang Bang Bang Bang

This is the sound of me (and Sal's teacher and aide) beating our heads against the wall!!! Team meeting today with SE Admin (tech support). Sally has her computer. Sally has the software they've ordered for her computer - and has had for about 6 weeks. The install would take about 2 minutes and anyone at that table today has the know how to do it --- BUT they can't. We need the code from the tech. division and they're so backed up making sure we all have the correct number of license and whatever - that it was said at the meeting there are some kids waiting for software installation from LAST year!!! I was NOT even close to smiling when I heard this!!! DANG! The hoops both my teacher and aide (and team leader) have jumped through is unbelievable!!!! What was really interesting is that Sal's teacher did most of the growling at admin - she stole my thunder!!!! :-)

I understand this is the process - it's just hard to sit and wait when it's your kid. It's all SOOOOO crazy sometimes!!!!

I love my teacher and aide!!!! If you've ever felt the public school system was full of people who just don't give a damn - well, you better visit 5th Grade at JES! :-)

On a lighter note - Sal is reading at a 2nd grade level. She's still pulling the "don't read what you don't know" thing. Gotta watch that girl. :-)

He's MY Boy

Jack got up this morning and wanted to watch "Smack Down" (wrestling) . As Sal and I were getting snack and ourselves ready I could hear him yelling in the living room. As I came into the room I could see he was close to tears. He was upset because his guy was getting beat!!!! Memories of myself sitting on the floor of my sister's house bawling because Bulldog Bob Brown was getting beat came flooding into my mind. I can already see I'm raising a champion to the underdog. I LOVE that! :-)

We fed "my starving children" this weekend. It was really a LOT of fun! We ended up making enough meals to feed 36 kids for a year! What a cool way to spend an afternoon. Jack really had a fun time. At one point he even said "I wish Sally was here." :-)

Sally was at Social Club and they were trick-or-treating. :-) She had a GREAT time. Came home with a painted pumpkin and a huge smile on her face.

We saw Sal's presentation on Germany on Monday. She was just like a deer in the headlights. Dianna helped her out and read most of the project. I rec'd a note today that asked if I could make something German (food) for Sal to bring in on Friday. Ughgh. :-)

We had Young Young's birthday celebration last night. That was a good time. The kids love going to the golf course.

Jack is STILL on a white card streak. I'm getting a little worried about what's going to happen the day he doesn't. I'm really proud of his behavior lately.

CRAZY Birthday WEEKS

Ok - another birthday party last night! It's CRAZY - But FUN!!! :-) They sang to me at the Square ON my Birthday - they sang on the day after and then again last night! It's never ending! I got the FUNNIEST card from Karen - too cute. And the one from my sister sang - which was/is SO cool!!! It's been a really fun October - but all too soon it's coming to an end and it's getting cold. :-/ I'm home today - some issues that are just TOO much to handle right now.

I went to my Parent Resource meeting on Monday. Very interesting - not good - not bad - interesting. I'm SO very different from a lot of Special Needs parents. I'm not sure if that's good or bad.

Sally's project on Germany was due today - I hope *we* get a good grade. :-) I have to admit it was interesting to find out a lot of things. You know me and geography - not good - so this helped me a lot. :-)

Sal had a really hard time last night. It was too loud for her and she tolerated it for as long as she could and then she started to show the 'signs'. We got out of there VERY shortly after that. She's trying.

Mabel - oh Mabel. She's doing somewhat better. She'll get into her cage in the morning for a dog treat. If only she'd use her power for good instead of evil. :-) She's tall enough now to get her nose on the counter top - so everything must be pushed back. We also now have a basket that we put things in at the end of the evening that cannot stay out because of the mad chewer. ;-)

Sadie's hanging in there - really plays well with Mabel - even when Mabel gets too rough. Jack is still in live with Mabe and her in love with him. They wrestle constantly and Mabel howls when he goes outside and leaves her in. :-)

Sally is more into telling Mabel what she should and shouldn't do. Last night Mabel got up ON Sal's desk and was knocking over and chewing Little People - my God - the dog has a DEATH wish! Even the beloved Rexie gets *told* when she's up on the desk and she's able to walk around without disturbing People. I noticed Sally now won't even let Mabel in the room when she's in there and closes the door as soon as she leaves. ;-) It's too funny.

Happy Birthday To ME!!!

Had such a nice birthday! 7a.m. I woke up to Bill and Sal at my bed with balloons and really cool balloons: 2 jack-o-lanterns, a tinerbell and the best - CHICAGO BEARS ! ;-)



I got up and Bill had made coffee and there was Lemon Poppyseed muffins and coffee cake! ;-) We sat around and read the paper - I did my football picks - and emailed them.........

Sometimes My House is TOO Funny!

Today I gave Sade a chewy and one to Mabel too. Mabel promptly bolted to my bedroom so I followed her. She went to Bill's side and in the corner by his night stand she dug. Ok - we do have carpet but she just raked it - there was nothing coming up. She dug, dug, dug and then gingerly placed her chewy in the middle of the "dug" place. She then used her nose and made movements like she was raking the dirt from the "hole" back into the hole!!!!!! It was hysterical! She did this over and over till all the "dirt" was packed into the "hole". She is WAY too GOOFY!!!! Then she proceeded to go back out to the living room, sit about 6 inches from Sadie and howl (so Sadie would give her Sadie's chewy). Little does Mabel know that Sadie is pretty hard of hearing so that howling didn't bother her a bit. Lord, I live in the Loony Bin!

Another really WILD thing happened: Sally and I were sitting on the couch and I said to her that we needed to start her Immigration Project and that our relatives came from Germany. We would need to call Grandma about how to say Hello and Good-bye. (questions on her project worksheet). After saying this I THOUGHT - THOUGHT - inside my head - NOT speaking - about a book that my mother had given me BEFORE Sal was born about a Bear (Teddy) who speaks German and in the book he tells you German words and English words. Thought this - get it - didn't speak - thought.

Sally turned to me and said "we gonna get the Bear book and use it on my project?" OMG!!!! This is WAY too wild! After we looked in her books and mine in the dining room - I discovered the book in MY room - she hadn't even seen it for at LEAST 3 years if ever. Stuff like that makes me really believe in the Yuen method and what I'm reading in the "Autism and the God Link" book.

I filled out my football picks today. I'm number 2 thanks to last week!!!! (I was number 1) The Public Works guys are none too happy and ask Bill what my secret is to how I pick. I will never tell. :-) One thing I do is ALWAYS pick Chicago and NEVER pick Green Bay and then assign them numbers to how sure I feel that prediction is. :-)

Since it's my birthday tomorrow - I think I should get ALL the games this week!!!! :-) Or at least the ones on Sunday. :-) Seems only fair.

Jenny McCarthy interviewed:

Jenny McCarthy:

On Dennis Leary's statements about autism: "It's so hard to even get up enough juice in me or energy in me to even try to fight someone that is obviously stupid. This community has been through so much and to compare and use the word 'dumb-a** lazy' with autism, it's just not fair. Mind you, I have not read his chapter. He says he has been misunderstood. My fight isn't with Denis Leary, my fight is with the government - a bigger fish to fry."


Kelly:

On Jenny McCarthy :"It's so hard to even get up enough juice in me or energy in me to even try and fight someone that is obviously stupid."




I HATE this woman - she is SO making autism a joke. And making a deal with God????? Who is she kidding? At least Dennis Leary has never pretended to be anyone he isn't. I do believe it's him that even sings the "I'm an asshole" song. Jenny, on the other hand, does and says whatever it takes to sell a book, whether it be Playboy or a "novel".

It's sad that her little boy has to be part of that sale.

BEYOND SAD!!!!!

Royalties, in Camp Point is closing!!!!! 59 years! Can you believe that? Royalties was the store you went to for your Easter Dress, or good clothes, and sports stuff. I got my Letterman's' Jacket there - got my cheer leading shoes there, got my PE uniform there not to mention that's where my Dad got ALL the presents for my Mom. I read about it in the New Era and almost threw up. I find it just SO sad when things like that change. It's kind of how I felt when Dr Wilk moved away. Sad, sad, sad..........

Da Bear's In The House

Staley is here!!!!! My guys were SO excited this morning!!! Staley and #97 - Marcus - someone. I didn't recognize his name. (sorry Marcus) Jack especially, was excited to go to school this morning. I think he misses his friends over the weekends. Even though he did have a sleep over with Tommy on Sat night.



Giants lost last night and now I'm no longer #1 in the football pool!!!!!! That SUCKS!!! Stupid Eli Manning. Between that, the Bears, and Arizona pulling it out of their behinds - ugghhh.

Yesterday was Thanksgiving in Canada. Sally wrote in about it. I'd really like it if we could have our Thanksgiving now. The weather would be nicer - we could all play outside for sure at Aunt Jills and you wouldn't have 2 big meals with in a month of each other. I'm all about changing holidays - like maybe not even having Christmas??? :-) Or at least do it in the summer.

It's all up in the stores now. I realized the other day - I even hate the color combo of Christmas.
Barf. I'm just SO not looking forward to it. Why can't we have fall for more months and just a little tiny winter???? :-)

Have you?

Have you ever known secrets about people who think they are SOOOO cool and SOOO better than you? You look at them with that little "if you only knew that I know SO much about you". And you almost feel sorry for them. Their lives are such lies and they try SO hard to make people around them believe the lie. It must be exhausting.

I would NEVER in a million years tell them the secrets I know - because honestly, it would probably crush their little world - but I have to laugh inside when I see them trying to look like "the sheet". :-)

But it is sad. We probably all do that to an extent. We all put on aires, but some people are more into it than others. I've always been pretty honest about who I am - probably a little too honest - or so I've been told. :-) But to me it's just WAY TOO much work to pretend to be anyone else. Which, as it turns out - is probably a good thing.

You can't hide or pretend Special Needs away. Autism - though a child may *look* normal - it rears it's head in social ways that you just cannot hide. So that has NEVER bothered me. I've never felt embarrassed of my Sally. I hope she says the same of me. :-)

Sally is able more and more to hold a conversation. Bill came in tonight and started complaining about the house smelling like dog. Sally said "I smell pizza, with my nose". :-)
"What do you smell with your nose, Mom?" She's a stitch, that one.

For All You Doubters and Mockers -

WE DID IT!!!!! 5p.m. to 7 a.m.!!! One trip to Mc Donalds - one break for pizza, 2 sweet teas and 26 pages later - we were truckstering through the dawn home. :-) We had a BLAST!!! I laughed so hard there was a couple of times I thought I just might pee my pants (thanks to the tea).

Kiki was there and Annette and family. And then there's Jackie -what can you say about Jackie. She makes me tired! WAY too perky and not the nice kind of perky.

I returned home to find everyone present and accounted for - even the 4 legged members. I hit the kitchen table, had a cup of coffee, showed my wares, heard the tales of what happened when I was gone, joined Sally in my bed to watch cartoons and was out in about 10 minutes.

I awoke to quiet. Strangely quiet. I figured they weren't home from baseball yet. But as I went to my bedroom door, I observed Jack's baseball uniform strewn exactly where he had taken it off - in the hallway. So they weren't at the game. And where was Mabel? Sadie was asleep on the couch and as I discovered - Mabel was outside on her chain. What a WONDERFUL day - waking up with NO ONE around to BUG you!!!! Again, a cup of coffee and off to watch Dirty Sexy Money, which I had DVR'd. Too good to be true - I was about 1/3 into it and in through the door came a screaming "Hi MOM!!!!" Yes, they were home. Oh, my how I missed them.
;-)

Oh Good Lord!!!! Say Goodbye to ANY Funding for Autistic Adults!

Major Court Rules That Parents of Children with Autism May Sue Vaccine Makers
Wednesday October 8, 2008
According to an article in Law.com, one major court has ruled that parents of an autistic child may sue vaccine makers based on the theory that thimerosal (a mercury preservative) in vaccines caused their child's autism. Earlier, similar cases in New York and Pennsylvania were denied by courts in those states.
This is a potentially explosive decision.
Until now, vaccine-makers were protected from civil suits under the federal National Childhood Vaccine Injury Compensation Act of 1986. That act, which exempted vaccine-makers from liability in the case of "unavoidable" vaccine injury, also created the no-fault Vaccine Court. Thousands of families with autistic children are now in the process of claiming vaccine damage through that court.
In this case, however, the court found that the alleged vaccine injury was NOT unavoidable, because "In their suit, the Ferraris [the family filing suit] claim that the drug's design, specifically the use of thimerosal as a preservative, was flawed and that its alleged side effects could have been avoided had another preservative been used."
Here's how the article describes the decision:
The Supreme Court of Georgia on Monday upheld a state appeals court ruling that could open the door to product liability claims against vaccine manufacturers by the parents of autistic children.
Justice George H. Carley wrote for a unanimous court that a Fulton County suit against manufacturers filed by the parents of an autistic child may to go to trial. The justices rejected what Carley described as a "far-reaching interpretation" of a federal vaccine statute that defendant vaccine manufacturers argued gave them sweeping immunity from liability.
Carley suggested that the U.S. Supreme Court may be asked to consider the question. Of course, the question of whether the Ferrari's MAY file suit is bound to be separate from the question of whether they will win. At this point in history, a link between thimerosal and autism has grown increasingly tenuous. While it is clear that thimerosal itself is a toxic substance, there is very little evidence to suggest that it is the direct cause of huge rise in autism diagnoses.

We've had to Bail one of them Out!

No, not a child - a dog - and no, not the dog you would *think*. Sunday morning it became apparent that Sadie was no where to be found. We put in a call to the "authorities" and sure enough - she had spent the night in doggie jail. :-) Poor little Tader bug. They picked her up on Falconridge - she probably just got turned around. It's hell to get old.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday consisted of running after Mabel. Seriously. She has now gotten to where it's a big game to see if she can get past you as you try to put her on the chain to go outside. Not to mention Sally and her ability to leave a door open. :-)

Rexie has been out as usual - only to her amazement Mr Chad acquired another greyhound and between the two of them they had run her down and with her in their mouths, presented their trophy to Mr Chad. :-)

So everyone is instructed that under NO circumstances are they to open a door. No one is to go in or out! :-) What a crazy household we live in. Sometimes I look back and wonder just what moment it was that I lost what little mind I had left. :-)

Jack did well at his game on Saturday and what a nice day for it. *He* doesn't think he's good - but he is - I keep telling him that he's playing with 13 and 14 year olds and he's holding his
own! That's pretty good for a 7 year old.

Market Day on Monday which is always exciting and then on to see the Sox loose at the golf course. Unhappy - I am not! :-)

Sally has been asked to join the JBSRA basketball league. *This* should be VERY interesting!
:-) She's into it only because I happened to mention that she would get a uniform. You know Sal - she's all into the dress. ;-)

Sal was also excited to see that on Monday I had put out all of her fall and winter clothes - but was upset that her summer tee-shirts were gone. Wait till next week when I take her sandals while she's at school. :-) She gets into a rut and that's it - there's no changing her sometimes.

She is all about her homework lately - I really cramp her style when I try to check it. She's SO independent in that aspect - but still can't put on socks or a shirt. Go figure.

Sigh

We're ALL home - we're ALL accounted for. Little Mabel (*darling* that she is) decided to scale the fence this afternoon and follow some Jr High kids home from school. :-/ Since it's Thursday and we have both bowling AND ball practice it didn't leave a lot of time to go "hunting" for my little book eater. (You know the saying - buy them books and buy them books and all they do is eat the covers - well, with Mabel it is true - 4 books so far) :-/ Soooooo - after dropping Sal off, and getting Jack to practice I went searching - on foot. I figured for sure that Mabel would be around the pond or the park. No such luck.

Bill picked Sal up and came over to the ball field and then Sal and I went looking in the car. No luck. In the mean time Bill called Animal Control and the Police. When Sal and I got home we had a message from PD that a lady had Mabel and we could pick her up. She was over on White Oak.

Guess who's asleep already? It's tiring to be such a naughty little girl. Rexie and Sadie didn't look *that* happy when Mabe came bouncing through the door. "Oh Great, she's home". :-)

No school tomorrow so Jack asked if he could "sleep over" <---- his exact words in Sal's room. She sleeps on the floor and he takes her bed! Just a glimpse of things to come - I'm sure. :-)

Sally is on the School District's website. Check her out:

http://www.vvsd.org/default.php

It just may be the only picture I get of her in the parade. (Sucky, sucky parade)

Brrrrrr.......

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. :-)

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.

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. :-)

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. :-)

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. :-)

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. :-)

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.

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.

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. :-)

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. :-)

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. ;-)

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. :-/

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?

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 .