Monday...off to a good start...

Here are some photos from my date with Zachary on Sunday. I honestly had the best time with him. We played at a miniature golf course...went to Toys R Us for him to buy his game...on his own...ate lunch at his favorite spot - Panera! He had a good lunch, sat still and ate it all...then we headed to Sam's to get some items I needed...all in all he was so good and we had so much fun. He thanked me without prompting during lunch and he just seemed to really have fun. He got that it was a big deal to have a day alone and that was awesome.

In the car on the road...

Starting out on hole one...

He did really well this trip and tried the whole time...

Form isn't the best...it was nice to see him trying.

We both were so excited about my hole in one...YEAH mommy!

Can't avoid the game room..,skeet ball!

It was a fun day and I am so glad I am able to do things like this with him...he is amazing and I am a lucky mom. I just adore this child!

Weekend...

Here are a few photos from the past few days and a recap.
Wednesday I came back from speech with Zach and went down the street to a coffee for my squadron...only the second one in 3 years I have attended...I disliked the old Commander a lot, so the first two years I had no desire to go to the ones hosted by his wife that I didn't like too much either...the past year I have had a hard time making the coffees...they have either been when Brandon is gone (tdy), nights we have something else going on or often in town. So this was a few homes down, I was able to go. It was fun and the wives there were mostly all new to the squadron...figures. I am leaving the new ones are great and fun people. But I met them, have the chance to keep up in the next few months before I move and maybe end up with some new "friends" down the road. Never know...
Thursday I was in town and got some things done...nothing too exciting...Brandon flew and was home late. Friday I had a play date for the kids in the afternoon and that was nice...we hit the park since the weather was so sunny and no wind. Miracle here to have no wind! I saw my friend Kristie and her three little ones...it was nice.
Friday night Brandon and I headed out for an early anniversary dinner and had big Erin babysit. The kids adore her, so it was a treat for all. We went to Fresca II (the place I took you mom and dad when you were here). Nice dinner and good food...all in all a nice night out for us. I got up today, walked Sally and went shopping with the Erin's...tomorrow is my date day with Zachary....we are going to town to play miniature golf. I am so excited...picture for sure to follow...
Here are a few from the past few days...not many!
Also...thank you for all the comments on my last blog. I got a lot to my personal email and appreciated everyone's thoughts and the chance to share mine with all of you. I have to agree with my mom though...I might actually be luckier than most, I have gone to Holland and Italy and they are both fantastic.
Zachary showing off his light bright picture...fireworks!
Erin working in the playdough kitchen...

Both the kids doing playdough...Brandon had fun with them while i was at the coffee...

Food for thought...

My friend Christina was sweet enough to send this to me tonight. I thought it was a good post. National Autism Awareness Month is next month, so I am sure you will be hearing more on this topic in the weeks to come...
She sent me this statement by a mom with a child of a disability explaining what it feels like...I get this a lot from people trying to understand what it is like to raise Zachary...how is he different, what are the struggles...what do I mean when I say it is a rough day...when I try to compare that I love both my children the same, but it is a very different parenting experience with each one. One isn't better than the other...Hopefully this will shed some light on it, because this really is how if feels...

WELCOME TO HOLLAND by Emily Perl Kingsley.

I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......

When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting. 

After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland.""Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."

But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.

It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.

But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned." 

And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland.

Reading, reading reading...

Just finished reading Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult...I really love her books and so far I haven't disliked one of them...I am might not agree with some of the ideas in them or the way a character ends up at the end, but I like her writing style and enjoy her plots and stories.  This one was about an Amish girl accused of murdering her newborn...I enjoyed it a lot, learned a bit more about the Amish and thought it was a good story.  I got a nice chance to read today with all of us being a little sick and the weather being crazy windy and cold...so TV was on and I took the chance to sit cuddled with the kids and read...very nice.  I am going to read a Nicholas Sparks one next...should be quick and I always like his books...then I will pilfer through my pile to see what is next after that.  

Brandon's commander's wife surprised me last week by dropping a book off on my door step. It is called, "Born Fundamentalist, Born again Catholic."  We had a long talk about religion, church on the base, etc. a few weeks back and she thought I might enjoy this from one Catholic to another...I often find it hard with people when they invite you to go to a religious activity and you say no...they then think you don't believe in God or that you are anti their thoughts...in reality I think I am just sort of uncomfortable with some of it...too much talk of God makes me get a bit freaked out.  In reality I believe in God, I pray and I used to go to church all the time...I loved my church at college in fact.  Before we got married we had planned a Catholic service and as some of you know things turned out a little different we had a non denominational minister marry us at the last minute...I had a rough time with the church for a while after that and then we just didn't find a church we liked...had kids...it is hard to take them to Catholic service...so we got in a rut and haven't be participating in a while...we are hoping that will get better when we move.  But Catholics don't tend to join bible studies...a lot of women here do that stuff...their kids go to Vacation Bible school, AWANAS (spelling)....we didn't think that would be best for Zach....but it has taken on an attitude here that we are bad people, not good Christians, etc.  So sad, but true...So I am excited to read this book and see how it relates to those thoughts I have had about fitting into this world that is more open about God in a way that I am not sure I get....

I have more to say on other topics, but will add those to another post....Off for now!

Quote

I saw this quote on a blog I read and love it...I have read it before, but I was struck by it differently. This is how I am feeling now...like I have let life pass me by so much trying to get somewhere...now I crave the idea of living in the moment, enjoying my life and the people in it each day and cherishing it now. Just wanted to share...this was a top thing for me in the New Year's Resolution and I am working daily to remind myself of this...today is here now, live it, love it and enjoy...this is harder for me than I had thought, but I am trying!
So this is my new life motto...I will do my best to see this and live this...
Souza : For a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were in fact my life. This perspective has helped me to see there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one.

Bubbles...

Here are some more photos...yes that is Erin on a bike...Lord help us we bought her one since she was showing interest....Wait...let me rephrase...Brandon took her to the BX while I was out with Zachary and got her this super cute pink and purple bike and a Dora helmet...so cute! She isn't quite there, but we wanted to try...Zach was thrilled she was on a bike. The rest were taken mostly last weekend and the week before when we had some nice weather...just fun playing outside with the kids and playing with Bubbles...

I love this photo...love her expression and how she is looking at her brother...priceless!

He is just beautiful...I know that is usually a girl word, but it fits him. He is!

Another great one of him looking at her....I love that they have become such good friends lately.

Zach got the idea of posing...Erin, not so much!

Stinker...

Bubbles!

That face...oh Erin....

She knew right what to do...

Happy girl...

Catch them!

Look at them all!

He loves Bubbles!

Always fun to get the kids out and playing in the yard...I love bubbles too! We had fun!

I am interested in any feedback from the masses...okay my two readers. I want a new camera for us...Brandon and I think this will be our purchase for our anniversary to ourselves...I have been looking into it for a while and I am still torn...

Canon Rebel...Nikon D90? Brandon is all about the Nikon...I am worried it is too much camera for me...thoughts would be so appreciated on this one...

That's all from here...

Pasadena photos...

So here are the photos from our trip last Sunday to Pasadena...might head to Santa Barbara tomorrow if the kids are up to it....Zach has a cold and Erin is possibly going down the same road...so we'll play it by ear...Just wanted to post some...
This museum is great for older kids, not as great for Erin's age...Zach loves the outdoor bike course.
Erin tried to do it too...

We told her no...oh the dramatics...

He is so cute out there...

My happy smiley girl...

Wow...he is getting big...

Out of order, but Erin coming down the slide...she is full of spunk this one!

This was the before...

I love this face...

The ladies...

So that is it...I have some more outdoor pictures of us from the last week or so too...bubbles! I will get those up tonight if I get a second...

Went to town today to pick up my glasses...yeah I can see. Did some shopping at Costco and let the kids play at the park right next door...it is actually a great park and I hope I can take them there more in the next few months. Erin who watches my Erin will be heading to CO for about 3 weeks at the end of April. Her husband is going to a school in NC with the Army to train for a new job...she isn't going with him, but just quit her other job and has time to go home and see family...so when she is gone I will have to be a bit more creative on my Tuesdays and Thursdays with Erin in tow. I can't complain...she is a fun little girl and having her around is always fun for me.

Not much else...I made a yummy crock pot dinner last night compliments of my Texas friend Kelley...had some prizes from Costco tonight. Hoping to walk with Sally again in the AM...we did our 4 miles today and it was great. I love that darn dog.

Off to read and bed...try to get the rest of the photos up!

Keeping up...

Okay it has been a while since I have posted.  Sorry to anyone keeping up...

I have some photos from the last week or so I need to post, but they aren't on this computer, so I will post tomorrow if I get a free minute.  

We went to Pasadena last Sunday to the children's museum...will post those photos and info on the trip in the next blog...

All in all a good week here for us.  The stupid behaviorist cancelled for her appointment Monday...second cancelled appointment from her and I am just overall annoyed and done with her.  She has yet to meet my child...comes and hands me photo copied hand outs of literally crap I can get on the internet...insulting on some level.  I am trying to tough it out since we need to prove we need the service to retain it for Texas....just found out about a program here that we are eligible for that would give him more services...sadly we just got news about it...the letter came after the holidays and we called to see if he can get anything through them....Fingers crossed...a friend here has a son, also diagnosed with autism and her son is getting 2 hours in home every day of the week...big difference from the drip I have coming here. She is scheduled for tomorrow AM...we will see how it goes.  

I am reading Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult right now...just got two of her books in the mail from Barnes and Nobles...I am anxious to get through this one and on to the others...I love her writing and enjoy her books a lot.  

Walked in town both days this week and glad I made myself do it...I didn't want to, but did anyway.  I plan to do my long walks with Sally this weekend too...We have thought about driving to Santa Barbara to take the kids to the zoo...I honestly have no clue how far that is or if it is worth it, but hey we have 3 months left here to do stuff...lets go and do.  

I still want to head back to Disney with the kids....There are great military deals right now with them, so we plan to go in the next month I think...need to pick dates, book hotel and do it.  I know it will be worth it and fun for the kids at this age.  I still really would love for my husband to take me to Knottsberry farm.  I love Snoopy and that is the home of Snoopy....seriously 4 years here and we have yet to go...not okay!!  We will for sure hit San Diego I am sure at the end of May or first weekend in June before the move...it will be a must.  I have loved having that beautiful city as our escape and wonderful place to enjoy time together.  One thing I will surely miss.  

I am working on my Christmas scrapbook now...another small book like the one I did this summer...10 pages done and about 8 to go...looks really good and again I am enjoying the little book to do for a vacation and specific time frame.  

Researching and looking into homes in San Antonio...not sure about what we will end up doing...Base housing would be great, but the waiting list is long and we can't put our names on it until two months before the move...so next month.  Most people we spoke to said that it took them several months to get a house...I don't want to live in the TLFs (temporary living facility) with two kids for months...doesn't sound fun.  Lots to buy and rent, but not sure what we will do...

Well I am off to bed and read some of my book before I close my eyes.  So ready to get my glasses next week....I went to the eye doctor last week and got two new pairs ordered...My left eye is basically useless...it basically doesn't work because my right is stronger and does all the work for it...so when I don't wear glasses my right eye is getting all the strain, causing me headaches lately and overall just not feeling great.  So the last few days I have been wearing an old pair of glasses...prescription not right, but better than what I have without for sure....what a difference. I am surprised I functioned so long without glasses...I seriously am able to read, watch tv and write on here so much better...I loathe the idea of wearing contacts because putting anything in my eye freaks me out to no end...so I will just have to get used to wearing glasses a lot more...Seeing is worth it!!!

I am off...promising photos soon...thoughts go out to April...hope Clayton finally makes it home this weekend...6 weeks of an unexpected TDY is enough already!!!  And to my friend Emily...she has had a rough week and I want her to know I love her dearly...please keep them in your thoughts too...positive thoughts, positive energy...

The purse...

I realized I had posted about the purse, but not shown a photo...so here it is for those of you interested!

Another week...

Well we had another good week here...not too many exciting moments, but good in all.  I tried again in vain to take some items to thrift store and think it might be my last trip.  They are still NOT accepting children's toys and just starting taking clothes....I am annoyed to put it mildly.  I have a lot of big items I need to get rid of and don't want to just take to good will since some are pretty new and in very good shape...but I am not willing to move them either.  I am pretty sure we are done with kids and I am accepting this by purging some items....I still can't bear to throw away some clothes of theirs and some items that were special...but I am trying.  So we have things in the garage that need to go...mega saucer, play table, etc.  I have been doing well going through clothes and listing on ebay....but toys are harder with the shipping.  So...I am hoping to post some things on the community board on base and see if anyone calls....also found a place in Palmdale that will buy them from me, but takes a huge chunk of the money in commission.  So I am torn.  I would be willing to do a garage sale with some friends that are moving this summer too....but you never know with those if things will sell or not.  I just want to have my garage cleaned out!!!!  Trivial really, I know, but still bugs me.

Zach had a good week...another success with Miss Gerri....the nap I think is the key. He was super tired last night and we had a bit of an issue, but nothing bad.  He overall has really shown some improvement in his behavior....able to talk about things and knows when he is upset and why.  Just started being able to answer why questions...not always well or with answers that make sense, but he is trying.  He sat with me the last two days and did cutting crafts with me...something he usually refuses to do and hates, but he was excited and worked on them with me for a while.  He has been playing with Erin a lot more...asking her to play, being excited when she shows interest in playing with him...sharing, talking and engaging with her.  All so great to see.  I love that they are becoming friends now...and they want to be friends.  It is fun. The behaviorist came today again....will be back Monday to meet with Zachary and see him interact with Erin...should be interesting.  

Brandon was gone most of this week on a TDY...home today and the weekend and leaves Monday AM for Denver....will be gone most of next week to do training there for his next job....looks like we will move mid June.

I plan to do my weekend walking again with Sally....we did 4 miles on Saturday and Sunday last weekend and it felt great.  She is a good buddy!!!  I am going to go on a date with Zach bowling on Saturday and then Sunday we are taking the kids to the children's museum in Pasadena...it is a great place and usually a lot of fun for them...so that is our weekend!

I went to the dentist on Tuesday...one cavity, not too bad.  

Eye doctor on Thursday...got my eye glass prescription changed and should get my new glasses in 2 weeks...will have to start wearing them more...when I read, work on the computer, drive at night, etc.  So I will need to work on that.  I am going to buy some prescription sunglasses too, but waiting to do that next month.  I am excited...hopefully it will help...apparently my left eye is the bad one I basically don't use it at all, I am just using my right, which isn't good...so it explains some headaches and things I have had lately.  Glad I went in!!!!  

I am actually feeling pretty good...no soda, eating well and working on getting a chance to walk. It feels good...

That is about it from here...Happy weekend!!!