Photos...or as my friend calls it...wordless Wednesday!

I have a good friend that has a blog too and she does Wordless Wednesdays...so in honor of her smart idea, I am copying!

So much to say...so uninterested in typing tonight...

I have so much I want to say and post, but tonight, I want to sit in my bed and read, watch me recorded tv shows and go to sleep. It is almost 10 PM and Brandon is still at work...both kids in bed sleeping and me on the way. I watched my Dancing with the Stars recorded episodes and just think it boils down to a popularity contest and I hate that...oh well.

I had a long day....went to the clinic to see the dr, but after waiting 40 minutes I had to go and ask to reschedule. I have been sick for a week and was really there for my leg issues, so I will just go back when my PA is there and can discuss my new concerns and problems. He was out of town today, so maybe this is best. I had to rush to Zach's school to meet with him for lunch. I can't be late or he literally decomposes. His ABA therapist was meeting me there too and she ate with us and watching him with me during recess. It was nice to have that chance to watch him and get her take on a few things. She will be going to school two days a week to "shadow" him and work with him...hoping this will be a big help to him...

I sent a note in his backpack today for a friend in his class who we ran into at tball. He is a sweet boy that seems to be a good friend to Zach...hoping we can make some friend connections before summer that can help us get through what I know will be some long months for Zach out of the routine of school. He went to summer school in CA and here it isn't going to be an option for him, so it will be a long 3 months...Sending a note to school tomorrow for another boy's parents. Hoping some moms will call and we can do play dates or something...

Then ran to Walmart...blah...but I needed stuff that required a one stop shopping experience that is Walmart...so went...Then straight to get Miss Erin. After two weeks back at school she did well...she did tear up when I left her. She is such a sensitive soul in that sense...Zach just says bye and goes on his merry way....always has...Erin...not so much. She loves me a lot and I know it is hard for her to give up her time with me. Realistically she doesn't get as much as you all might think...but that is for a later post...

Then we raced home to get her fed (she never eats her lunch at school but always at home watching Wubzie on Tuesdays...it is her thing). She ate, I packed up food and items for Speech/OT up in New Braunfels and then got to the carpool line to get Zach...off to speech...back home...dinner and then early to bed for Zach who slept poorly last night. It was a night of nightmares for him and waking up all night crying. He in turn had a less than great day today and was just tired. Hoping tonight is better and he is able to sleep peacefully...

I have so much on my mind on the topic of Zach...so many things racing around I want to share and talk about, but tonight isn't that night. My mind can't make the sentences and connections I want, so I will try to post that later...

I am almost done with the Jodi Picoult book House Rules. I love her books and this one is about a boy with Aspergers (very similar to Zach). I am having mixed emotions on this one...partly because some of her theories and opinions on things and partly it is bringing up a lot of things for me that I feel and think...

I booked our summer vacation. We are heading to NC to the beach for a week in July and then will be hanging out with my parents the following week in Greensboro and visiting my sister, nephew and hopefully even some friends. (hint hint NC friends). I am excited to take my kids to the beach. NO...I am thrilled. I love this beach (Atlantic Beach, NC). When we were younger we went there often and to me it is the best beach. White sand, never too crowded, but full of life and fun. Simple...warm water...good food. And the most important the ocean. I can't think of place I am usually happier. I am so excited to have the kids experience a place that means so much to me and holds so many memories already. We are staying at a place we stayed at when I was little...right on the water...so very excited for this trip and this chance to enjoy a WHOLE WEEK at the beach with my children.

Okay...I am off to bed and promise to compose my thoughts on the other topic soon...

Just a funny...

A friend sent me this today and it gave me a chuckle...so I thought I would share it! Hope everyone is having a good Monday...I am still under the weather but hoping the end is in sight...

MEN ARE JUST HAPPIER PEOPLE

NICKNAMES

• If Laura, Kate and Sarah go out for lunch, they will call each other Laura, Kate and Sarah.
• If Mike , Dave and John go out, they will affectionately refer to each other as Fat Boy, Godzilla and Four-eyes.

EATING OUT

• When the bill arrives, Mike , Dave and John will each throw in $20, even though it's only for $32.50. None of them will have anything smaller and none will actually admit they want change back.
• When the girls get their bill, out come the pocket calculators.

MONEY

• A man will pay $2 for a $1 item he needs.
• A woman will pay $1 for a $2 item that she doesn't need but it's on sale.

BATHROOMS

• A man has six items in his bathroom: toothbrush and toothpaste, shaving cream, razor, a bar of soap, and a towel .
• The average number of items in the typical woman's bathroom is 337. A man would not be able to identify more than 20 of these items.

ARGUMENTS

• A woman has the last word in any argument.
• Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument.

FUTURE

• A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband.
• A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife.

SUCCESS

• A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend.
• A successful woman is one who can find such a man.

MARRIAGE

• A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn't.
• A man marries a woman expecting that she won't change, but she does.

DRESSING UP

• A woman will dress up to go shopping, water the plants, empty the trash, answer the phone, read a book, and get the mail.
• A man will dress up for weddings and funerals.

NATURAL

• Men wake up as good-looking as they went to bed.
• Women somehow deteriorate during the night.

OFFSPRING

• Ah, children. A woman knows all about her children. She knows about dentist appointments and romances, best friends, favorite foods, secret fears and hopes and dreams.
• A man is vaguely aware of some short people living in the house.

T-ball season has begun!

So today was the first day of t-ball here in Schertz, TX. It was a fun day and a warm beautiful day of weather. Sunny and in the 70's...perfect! Zach's first game was at 3. I think an earlier time will suit him well in the future, but he did really well for the first game. I was proud of him.

Of course there were some moments that he wasn't all there and he didn't do as well as I know he can, but he did try and for the most part really did well. Again we seem to have gotten on a team with parents that are all friends and know each other already...and they aren't the type of crowd I am sad to not know, if you get my drift. Most of the women have multiple large (Jesse James style) tattoos. They were also ignorant people that said things that made my blood boil...but I can't fight that fight while cheering on my son. I had to let some of it go. Needless to say I won't be making friends with this crowd and hopeful next year that Zach gets on teams with better people...I know that sounds snobby of me, but really it just isn't my crowd.

Here are some pictures from the day. He looked so cute out there. He played catcher!

Before the game at home...
At the ball field...Erin was napless...not the best choice for the future.
Zach as the catcher...he actually choice that position. :)
On first base...

Now, he's on second...
Coming into home plate...
There he is...#2 (Derek Jeter's number by the way)
In action...

At bat!

A good start for him and he did a great job...

Friday fun...

Erin and mommy...pre surgery....she was enjoying taking out all of the flash cards I used to use with Zach and spreading them all over the living room...what fun!

Here she is off to find more spaces to stash them...like a reverse egg hunt.
Oh you caught me? Hmmmm...well I will give you hugs and kisses and you will forget right?
Last night I went out for a much needed girls night. It was my monthly Bunko group night and at first I had thought I would skip considering the hacking cough, no voice and stitches...but then I thought, if I don't need a girls night now who does? I went! I am damn glad I did. My voice was gone and I didn't win a damn thing, but I had fun. I love the ladies in this group. They are so much fun and just a good group to kick back, chat and laugh with. I laughed a lot and that was so nice. I felt no drama, tension, just a lot of sincere talk, laughter and fun. Most of these women are mom's of kids at the preschool Erin will attend next year. It apparently has a very active parent group. I know a few of the ladies from random different things and it is fun mix...a few have kids at Zach's school and one is an AF wife whose husband works with mine...just a very different mix and I love that. My friend Carrie got to go too, she was the sub last night and she had a blast as well. I host next month and plan to do it at the same place, Garcia's. It is a mexican restaurant super close to the house and they have awesome margaritas. :) We all had a lot of fun. I feel so lucky to have finally met some great friends...ladies I really like a lot...enough that I would go out feeling under the weather because I know being around this group would cheer me up. That is what I have needed for a while. I am so thankful.

Brandon has Poker tonight, so at least we both get a fun night out this weekend even if it can't be together. :)

Zach's first t-ball game is today, so I will be sure to take photos and post those later. Both kids are still coughing and not 100%. Erin much worse than Zach and I am not sure if she and I will hit the t-ball game with her looking and feeling as she does. It might not be worth it. But, I want him to have fun!!!! I hate to miss things, but I have to think about everyone's needs.

I am off to try to shower...I half washed my hair yesterday and still am dying to really wash it...but I am trying to be a good patient.

Not a good week...

So Wednesday I headed in for a routine, outpatient, elective procedure. I have had a history of pilar cysts on my head that are not annoying, but honestly painful. I had decided two years ago to have 2 large ones removed and then over the course of this last year a new one has sprouted up and gotten large and honestly painful. It was painful to the touch. I went to Wilford Hall to have it removed...What an event.

Let me say it is a good hospital, but it is also a teaching hospital...so I had an audience and "new" doctor working on me...I had expected this to be simple, in and out, as it was with the other 3 I have had removed by 2 previous doctors. Not so much.

I was there for what felt like an eternity. I left with 16 stitches...13 on top and 3 under that will dissolve after 6 months...Really? They wanted me to wear head gauze and wrap home and that is when I was done. I would have never gotten my kids, especially Zach to return to a doctor if he saw me return in that. Plus, when did I agree to this? When did the procedure change. So now I am on day 3, can't wash my hair yet and I am still uncomfortable. Better, but I can't lie, this hurts.

Wednesday night was bad. I got a migraine around 2 that wouldn't go away...by 7 I was throwing up and by 10 I was on my way to the ER with Brandon. Luckily my friend Carrie stayed at my house with the kids (who were sleeping)...I was there until 3 AM with an IV...We honestly didn't know what to do since I had taken pain meds from the surgery and we also didn't know if this was from the surgery. Oh the fun...

Hoping to shower soon and wash my hair...stitches out next Friday...I am simply ready for this ordeal to be over. This hurt more than I had bargained for and has been way more than I had thought...

Here are some photos if you can see...It is on the top of my head...in the photo you will see a black line to the left...

Doesn't my hair look lovely. They put Vaseline in it before the surgery and then glue on the stitches...yes, it is so lovely. Oh and they want me to not wash it until Monday. Are you serious? I might vomit by then.

So...I am sick also with whatever crud Zach had. Erin now has it and Brandon is a mess. Sinus issues. He looks awful and feels worse. We have had a week. Brandon actually went to bed at 5 yesterday and slept until about 10 and then back to bed after that. I am hoping for health and wellness around here.

So many things cancelled this week for Zach with therapies and plans, but some weeks I can't be super mom and do it all. Erin didn't make it to school at all this week. Zach missed all his therapy appointments and I know his therapist was irritated that I rescheduled again today, but honestly that is how it goes. This week I was just not able to do much more than survive. It is Friday...thankfully. I am going to try to wash some of my hair...i can't wait until Monday people. Wish me luck and pray for this family to get well soon...crud be gone!

Sick Spoiling

Both kids have felt so miserable that we thought we would just take the opportunity to spoil them a bit...Zach has asked a few times to take a bath in the big tub and we decided it was a good night to let them both. Hey they are both sick, so no worries of sharing germs at this point. They both had a ton of fun and really relished in the chance to be in the big tub. I am bit worried they will never go back to the little one willingly, but we all deserve some spoiling now and then.

Can't you tell they loved it! Makes me want to let them do this every night..heck I haven't even had a chance to bathe in there, so shouldn't someone?
Here's to hoping the germs went down the drain and healthy days are ahead....

Disney On Ice...

With all the sickness here I didn't have a chance to write about Erin's big date with her dad. We had bought tickets for the whole family to go to Disney on Ice the last day of Spring Break. A big treat for Erin who we often don't get to do something special just about her. So this was her big day. Well poor Zach spent the night before at BAMC and was in no shape to go, so I stayed home with him and let Brandon take Erin on a big date. She was so excited, knew exactly where she was going and had a blast. Brandon of course was thrilled to get to do this with her, something special for just the two of them. That doesn't always happen and he deserved that time with her and I know she loved that time with her Daddy. It was so great to see her come home full of smiles, carrying her Snow White doll and then she told me what she saw. For the most part, I understood! She had a great time and so did Brandon...sad the whole family didn't get to go, but so glad Erin had her special day!

A few photos...
She also loved that they had popcorn to snack on during the performance...
Smiles!
Daddy and Erin!

Table...

Per Request a picture of the new table...I love, love, LOVE the pottery Barn outlet store...I need to take a U-Haul the next time we go!!! Metropolitan table in the current catologue...priced at $199. Awesome!

Not ready for back to reality...

Not ready to let go of Spring Break. We had a great start and a not so great end...Weather started to get cold, rainy and windy. That never helps with the super fun outdoor things I had hoped to do...Boo! I feel like it was uneventful week of things I wish we had done...

Brandon did get to clean out the garage...8 months after moving in and it is awesome...neat, organized, holds all of our crap and two cars. Wow!

I got to go to San Marcos minus kids...got to shop and look around and some fun things...even returned with the family the next day to get a table I spotted at Pottery Barn Outlet for a lot cheaper than it is in stores. LOVE IT! I love that store and will go back often to check on items...I am on a mission to replace our living room by the next move...this piece replaced our sofa table that they broke in the move and it was time to upgrade...I am now going to try to paint it black and stick it in the kitchen area...hoping it works well.

Brandon and I went out for our 10 year anniversary dinner and date. We did some shopping first...so nice to walk and talk without interruption...I laughed a lot that night and that to me is priceless and perfect for time spent together. Our dinner was a bit of a disappointment...we had eaten at this restaurant back in December at the Riverwalk and tried a new location...different menu and not as good of food...so now we know. Erin did well with the sitter, but Zach was acting off and by Thursday was even more off.

He met with his ABA therapist Thursday and was just not himself...

Friday rolled around and he had a fever. Had to cancel his Artworks camp class and he stayed in and was pathetic most of the day...we ran to get the table and came home...Saturday he was okay...had a fever, but it was 101...I went to the commissary, came home and started to unload the food...checked him and it was almost 105...Brandon ran him to BAMC ER...they did a chest xray, mucus culture, urine test...came back with pneumonia...good grief. So he is on antibiotics, in bed and coughing a ton...just not in good shape...fever down most of the day, but still there...Erin is now starting to cough...both going into the Dr. in the AM to check out their symptoms and see what they think...fabulous end to the week, right?

So Brandon heads back to work and the kids and I will be home bound another day with sick...Lets hope he is better soon and that Erin doesn't get it as badly...sick sucks!

Spring break starts off with Sea World!

So excited to start off spring break on a high note. We had a nice treat Sunday night...a friend of mine from when I lived in TN was in town with his wife and 3 children...we were able to have them over for dinner and some fun play time for the kids. It was great to meet his family in person (his wife and I have become friends over FB and blogs, but this was our first meeting). She is so nice and the kids are adorable. It was great to see them...here is a photo of all the kids below at dinner...

Today we ventured out to Sea World. We had gone to the one in San Diego a few times while living in CA and were excited to go here for the first time. It didn't disappoint. It was a bit colder than I had hoped, but so much fun...can't wait to go back again!!! We saw the Fares family there again for a bit, but unfortunately didn't see them a lot. We had a blast today...

Here is Zach at the first show we saw, Azul...with Beluga whales and dolphins....very cool...
All three of us watching...
Tricks...
Look at those dolphins jump!
My boys on the Atlantis roller coaster...
Shamu Show!
He loves the show! Third time seeing the believe show...it was great as always...We sat in the splash zone per his request...well we were soaked. I packed spare clothes for the kids, but Brandon and I looked like fools the rest of the day...SOAKED!
Erin loved it this time too....
Waiting in line for a roller coaster....we waited in line one hour...both kids were angels...
This was Erin's first roller coaster...we all went together in one "log"...super fun!
This the kind of photo you get when you ask a random person in line to take a family photo...oh well...
My little man...
Both kids after our day of fun...ready to find the car and head for dinner...Panera here we come! We don't have one near our house, but one on the way home...we all cleared our plates. I have to say I miss eating there at least once a week while in Palmdale...oh so good!
He had fun...
And she did too!

Bike adventures...

Okay we had tried the bike with training wheels and while we thought it was working, in reality he wasn't comfortable on that bike...so we took out his old green bike and took the training wheels off of that one and tried again...watch him go!!!! Erin is still not sure of the bike, but hopefully they will both be able to enjoy doing this together soon....

Quick visit...bittersweet ~

This week we were lucky enough to have a very quick visit with my parents. It was bittersweet. I don't say that to sound badly, but just honest. My mom and dad have been living in NC since May of 2008...they moved to NC, but the move wasn't all they had hoped for in some areas. They have spent a lot of time gong out to Arizona and spending time out there. We have been lucky enough living here to be a stopping point along the way. So we get to have visits, but they are shorter than I would like. :)

We chose to not tell the kids about the trip. I thought it would be fun to see how they reacted without knowing. Erin was thrilled. My parents were due in Wednesday afternoon/evening and in standard fashion, they arrive a few hours early. I was still swifting as they pulled in the driveway. I took Erin out through the garage and said, "Look in the car...who do you see?" She waited and looked and then took off and ran to my dad squealing PEE -PAW! Then ran quickly to the other side and ran to NOWIE! It was adorable and so sincere. She was thrilled to have their undivided attention and soaked it all up. Then we went to pick up Zachary from school in the carpool line. He had social group that night, so we were all packed in my car for the drive...His eyes were as big as saucers when he saw them. I haven't seen him smile like that in a LONG time. He was over the moon. He couldn't get over it and hugged my mom for the whole drive up. It was so great. He had a long night, social group and then t-ball, but it was good that he had those extra words of encouragement. They had much more time with Erin since Zach was in school and in reality it worked out well...they got to know her so much better and see her personality. I am so glad they had that time.

We really soaked up all the moments with them the short time they were here and low and behold no arguing, no drama, not one problem from anyone. So nice. The kids loved it and I was pretty excited too. I don't think anyone realizes how much I miss my parents...When they lived in Arizona and we were in CA I saw them a lot more. I drove the 8 hour drive with Zach and then Erin a lot those first 2-3 years...I miss being able to get in the car at 10 and know we would be there by dinner and could just stay for weeks. Now I live in a nice location, have a big enough house for company and wish for the chance for people to come and stay here. Hint Hint!

It was a great few days and ended too soon Saturday AM...we are all a bit sadder, but thankful for the time and hoping the time goes past quickly until we see them on their way back in June. I didn't take nearly any photos...I am so sad about that, but will learn and be better next time...Here are a few...

Erin allowed my dad to have her Boo Boo Bears and blanket...that's love.

Princess Erin...this is what happens when she is the only granddaughter...my mom had more fun with Erin's love for girly things.
Both kids all dolled up...
My mom and Erin...She was glued to my mom the whole time. She said, "Nowie look at me!" Once every five minutes.
Hurry back any time mom and dad...we love you and miss you!

Little bits...

Just wanted to share a few photos...

This is Erin before school yesterday. She loves school...LOVES IT! I have been so blessed to have two children who love school. They have had great teachers, great experiences and really have loved the time being with peers and learning. It is awesome as a mom to see that. She is up and ready bright and early every Tuesday and Thursday...ready to get out the door to her friends. Yesterday it was so nice here, 78 and sunny, so she had on a new spring outfit. I have to say, she looks super cute.

On Monday night Zach got back from swimming with me and Erin was already in her jammies (thanks Brandon). I got him showered and he chose to join her on the sofa to watch some TV before bed. Brandon and I went to fold laundry and came back to see this. So cute. He had gotten his blanket and pillow from his room (she already had all of her items) and they snuggled up to enjoy some time together. It is always touching for me to see how much they do love each other. I hope they always do....
This week Brandon headed off to Denver for a short TDY...his first flight had some issues, so he left later than expected.

Zach had a rough weekend and we implemented some new things around here. Wii Bucks. He can earn them to use to play the Wii or my computer (google earth). He seems to be taking to this really well and so far it is a good fit for us. His new ABA therapist came last Saturday and will be back this weekend too...she had some good ideas too and I am excited to see how they go over. I think she will be a great fit in the therapy side of his life and with our family. I don't need his therapist to be my best friend, to want to play with Zach and Erin and to compliment me endlessly. I want them to help Zachary...that is why they are here. And while I liked the last girl so much, she seemed to step back and let me do more and she would play. He needs that firm hand at times and not always coming from me.

He had speech last night in New Braunfels...threw up in the car on the way home....I don't do vomit. I really don't. I know most people don't like it, but I absolutely can't do vomit....I can see it, hear it, but if I smell it...Oh...it was not good...Poor child had a night planned at school with activities and we had to miss it....but he is feeling fine and that is all that matters. Between the Toyota recalls and all the damage my kids have done to my car...I might never get it sold and a new car...

My mom and dad are arriving tonight. They are driving back to Arizona from NC and stopping her for a few nights...the kids have no idea, so it will be a fantastic surprise. We have social group and t-ball tonight, so busy, but hopefully we will get to see them for a bit too and enjoy having them here tomorrow and Friday, they are back on the road Saturday AM. Zach has a sub at school tomorrow, so I plan to stop by and have lunch with him and bring my parents as a treat...should help make his day easier.

Sunday night a friend of mine that I knew when I lived in TN is coming through with his wife and 3 children...I have never met his wife or the kids, but have gotten to know her thru FB and their family blog...excited to see him and meet his family. We are hoping to go the next day to Sea World too and see them there as well.

Spring Break is looking busy and fun, so I am excited. I was a bit bummed we were staying here, but have filled up the calendar with fun things, so I think we will be happy to explore the area and stay in town. :)

That is it for now...I need to get to the mall to have my watch fixed, then the grocery store to pick up 3 things I forgot yesterday...and sadly I was shopping alone and still forgot.

Here and There

Just some random things in my mind to comment on...

1. GO DUKE! Yes, I went to Arizona and will always be a Wildcat at heart and love my school...but since I was in 7th grade I have LOVED Duke. If I were a lot smarter and could have gone there for college, I would have. I have loved their basketball program as long as I can recall and think Coach K is amazing...So excited to watch March Madness with Duke this year...sad for my Cats, but glad I get to route on Duke!

2. Zach has had some off days...he has been off meds for over a week and we are still seeing tons on emotional issues. His School Logs from his teacher also pointed to that issue. His new ABA therapist arrived today and I LOVE her. His old one we had for only about a month, her mom died and she quit...so we got a new person is great and I was impressed with her. Lets hope some of her ideas will help some things we are seeing...today was a struggle with him...like everything with him I am hopeful it is a phase and we will move past it soon. He is entitled to bad days, I just would love to see them pass soon and see my smiley boy back!

3.On the flip side Erin has been full steam ahead. Despite having some crud in her system she has had a great week. She is talking SO much and lots of sentences, questions, observations. It is really fun to watch all of this with her. She is a lot of fun.

4. The new BX at Randolph opened...holy crap! If we had one like this at Edwards it would have reduced my bitching by a good amount. Impressive.

5. I can't wait to get this cyst removed from my head. I would go tomorrow if I could. It hurts to lay my head on it at this point, it is just painful. The 24th can't come soon enough.

6. Taxes sent in...yeah!

7. Reading a ton as of late and loving it...so many good books await me too. I bought a few with my birthday my birthday present (gift card!!!!!) and can't wait to read them...new Jodi Picoult and new Kristen Hannah. Reading Anita Shreve Fortune Rocks right now...

8. Spring break is approaching. We aren't going anywhere this year, but have some fun things planned. A friend of mine is coming into town with his family and they will be having dinner with us and we are thinking of heading to Sea World the next day too. Zach is attending his first "camp"...art camp for 3 hours two days that week (17th and 19th). I hope it goes well so we can do more fun things like this during the summer. Plans to check out the other children's museum, in indoor play center I want to go to and a new park. Brandon also really wants to take Erin to Disney on Ice...it is coming that week. I am not sure if Zach will love it, he hates animated characters in human size...so we are going to offer it to him...if not I will take him to do something else. I am super jealous though of not getting to see Erin's face light up with Mickey and Minnie on Ice...fingers crossed he goes.

9. Carpets cleaned this week, sprinkler system installed...done with house work for a bit. :)

10. I am not sure I will watch the Oscars, but love to see what everyone wears...I am rooting for the Blind Side to win some awards. I LOVED that movie. It really was one that got me and I left the theatre and thought about for days. I liked Up too, but Blind Side was great.

That is it from me tonight...Hope everyone has a great weekend!!!

Mid week...

Just a few quick updates tonight...I am pooped!

I got up at 4:30 AM to go with my friend Carrie to Universal City United Methodist Preschool Registration for Erin next fall...yes you read that right. I sat outside in a lawn chair huddled with my new friend under a blanket and chatting with our coffees. It was actually fun to sit and talk and while I have been painfully tired all day, I think it will be worth it. I was impressed last year when we visited at this school and again today really pleased with what I saw. She will be in a W/F class from 9-11:45. She will also go to her current KDO program T/TH 9-2. I think it will give Erin more opportunities to be busy, social, learn and explore and she deserves that. The longer days at the KDO was something I wasn't ready to give up and I do like that program...it is fun, laid back and she gets to just go and be a kid. The other one is where I think she will learn so much, be challenged and really develop herself. I loved the school in Palmdale I had Zach at and hope Erin has as great of a time as he did.

So I returned from that and wanted to fall flat on my face, but Miss Erin was wide awake and all about play with me mommy...I got her to be quiet and look at books with me when I had a barking maniac dog on my hands....the sprinkler installation started today...oh the joy. The landlord agreed to let us oversee this...it will be nice mid summer when we don't have dead burnt grass, but today my yard looks like it was attacked by insane goffers.

I then got in the car at 1:30 to head to my Dr. Appointment at Wilford Hall at 2:30...luckily arrived on time with no traffic hang ups. All my bloodwork was normal...so that is good. No idea what the heck is wrong, not so good. So we will wait and see for a bit. My Pilar Cyst is being removed on the 24th, so I am hoping that will help some...that part of my head is just super uncomfortable right now and I am ready to have it gone. The hair issue is either it is falling out and thinning and will come back in 3 months or it is not coming back and I have to accept that and move on to other options. As crappie as that is, it isn't something I can change if it is in fact genetics working against me. I can only wait and see...continue the vitamins, healthy hair choices and just hope...Fingers crossed for my hair. :) I am very grateful that I am healthy and all things seem good in that arena.

My acne is another issue...starting on some antibiotics...I have a lovely side affect with every round of antibiotics and not looking forward to that, but hoping my face reacts well to them. If not they think they might need to change my pill...I have been on it since I was 21 minus the two pregnancies. The pharmacist was an older man that spoke quite loudly..."You might want to be careful...mixing antibiotics and your current birth control might not work...use extra protection." Thank you sir...thank you...I am beat red...thank you. So glad I had Erin and not Zach with me...the amount of questions or worse, repeating of that would have done me in.

Came home to a child that wanted to go outside and a dog that need to pee and the sprinkler trench making people in the back yard...leads to mad child, mad dog, miserable mom.

Brandon had taken Zach to his social group and then on to tball. It was his first night of practice. First I have to say what a riot it was to hear Brandon share with me his thoughts on the other moms at social group. One in particular complains, complains and complains. I pray Erin naps on the way up there so she can sleep in the car and I have an excuse to sit out there with her and read my book, leaving me no chance to listen to the non stop complaining. Okay lady all of our kids have Autism, that is why we are all here. Autism is like a fingerprint...no two children are the same. I enjoyed getting his take on the moms and the kids and also that he saw a glimpse of my life...

T-ball apparently went well...way better than soccer so far. Zach is very interested in it and excited. A bit too vocal (ironic, I know). Telling all the other kids the rules he knows from his dad and what is happening. Funny stuff. He did well and tried hard Brandon said...to me that is all we can ask for from him. I am thrilled that so far it was a hit. He came home in an awesome mood too. One week now off the meds...

Okay...my tired, crazy self is off to bed...

Smiles make everything better...

Well Erin has had a nasty colorful runny nose this weekend and again today. Poor things is a snotty mess. And I think her stomach was a bit upset today too. But despite feeling less than 100%, she is full of smiles. Most of all, she is full of smiles for me. She is a little ray of sunshine in my life. No matter what this one is full of love, spunk and sweetness. I feel very blessed to have this little bundle of joy in my life.

I love this photo...how she is smiling at me when I am giving her a kiss.

The two of us...best buddies...we are a bit too much alike, which I am sure when she becomes a teenager I will be reminded of more than I will like. For now it is fun to see the similarities in us and know her so well. She is a pretty easy child, but busy as can be. She is a chatterbox for sure...wonder who she gets that from? In reality, she never shuts up these days. A complete 180 from this phase in Zachary's life. At times I can't lie it is a bit much for me to listen to her yammer on and on all day...she follows me everywhere and has a ton of questions. Why mommy? What is that Mommy? Where is Sally/Zachary/Daddy?" I have to remind myself this is normal and wonderful, albeit a tad overwhelming all day long. It is also a sad reminder of all we missed with Zach at this age. She is so verbal and interested in all things around here where he wasn't. She has been answering yes/no questions for over a year. He didn't answer his first yes/no question (correctly - being that it was echolalic) until October 2007, he was 3. I know these things because with him I wrote it all down. With Erin it all just happened. She asks more questions at 2 than he did even a year ago at 4. It is crazy, wonderful and a little bittersweet. I am however very aware of what a huge blessing it is to be able to enjoy this with her and how special she is. Enjoy, not regret. Enjoy, not compare.
This is Erin and Sally...they are finally becoming better buddies. Erin likes to fill up her food bowl for her even though it is Zach's chore. She loves to bring her food and is always the first to look for her when we return home or squeal in delight when she is waiting for us at the door. I won't lie...I love that both of my children love this dog as much as I do and that she has been a big part of both of their childhoods. She is a great dog.
And finally one of all three of us...Both of my angels. I love these two beautiful children more than I can say. I enjoy getting to know each of them for who they are and see the many differences and the similarities. I love most of all how they love me and more than that, love each other. They genuinely both care deeply about each other. Ask about each other and talk to one another. One of the best things I have been hearing lately at home and in the car is conversations between them. No huge revelations about world peace, but honest asking and listening. It is awesome. They are wonderful friends....I am glad that I have these two little faces to give me so many smiles and help brighten my days...