2008

Last year ended eventfully and this year has begun in the same fashion. Around the Holidays we witnessed a leak from our ceiling in two rooms. Apparently we had a snow drift form in the attic from the roof vents. Got to love that Kansas wind when it creates a tornado effect out of snow in your attic. I was quite shocked but we have since gotten it repaired.

Then we traded in two cars for a full size van. We so desperately needed this for room. Second reason, we needed to cut down on insurance and car payment cost. The one thing we did not count on was a full size van not fitting in a 3 car garage. Sounds odd, but not when you find the van to tall to get in. So, we have one vehicle a three car garage ,but no garage for our van. Setting aside that fact. Having the van has been a gift and is so nice for everyone to travel in, well worth it.

This year I had to pull my daughter out of speech therapy. My sons four therapies a week doubled in cost , so we had to make a tough choice. Fortunately, they are sure it is just a speech delay with her. So we are working hard on repetition to increase her speech skills.

My Autistic son has made leaps and bounds. He is four and knows all the ABCs and sounds, can write his first and last name and I am starting him on some reading. His communication is still very limited but I have actually seen him start to pull himself out of some of his stimming behaviors at times and even pick up on a facial expression on occasion. My older boys are just angels with him, even my 2 year old daughter is eager to help.

At times I worry about the older boys. They are so understanding. This year I am trying very hard to make sure they have some special things for them. We are planning a trip to Florida and the boys are just so excited about that. Also, things like family bowling and setting up an art studio in the basement. Come spring baseball will start and my second son is talking about soccer this year as well.

I have also been in touch with a friend from high school. It has been so nice chatting with her. I think the last time we saw each other was maybe our freshman year of collage. She was always and still is so much fun to talk to and be around.

This year I am doing couple of more things, distress, organize and create a small business. The link to Graphic Treasures is by my links. I also have created a poetry blog listed under Reva's favorites. So this year I am hoping to increase our income a bit ( help with special diets and copays that sky rocketed), and plan things out a bit better and keep organized.

I am also looking for a homeschool group for the kids to socialize with regularly. My son with Aspergers would really benefit from more interaction with his peers. He reminds me so much of myself. He is so good with little kids and adults and older kids. Kids his actual age seem to be the most difficult for him. I think I find that as an adult I feel myself. As a child I often felt like a little adult a bit trapped by my young face. I see that so much in my son. I was always so determined and never saw a gray area, my son the same. I often tell him what gets you through things is knowing yourself and being true to yourself because one day it will fall into line. I know it will for him, he has such a true heart.

My second son is about at a year for his allergy shots so we are hoping to see some positive effect from them this spring. Diets are going well and hopefully everyone will stay healthy the rest of the winter.

AS I read my children a story last night, they each pleaded for one more chapter. As I left the room I just thanked god for each day we are given the gift of another chapter and another opportunity to end each with a hug, a kiss,a good night and an I love you.