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. :-)