I don't want to forget....

I can't believe that tomorrow is the last day of July! I realize there are still a few more weeks before school starts, but this coming week is EK's last week of summer school. The summer has gone by so quickly! As we approach August, the unknown about this coming school causes me a little anxiety. I know that I need to trust that the Lord has a plan and that his plan is best, but it's hard for me to not know the details yet. I'll catch myself saying, "Well, when she's back with Ms. Sharla..." and then I remember that it's not a definite yet. Hopefully we will find out in the next week or two. School starts August 23rd so we have to know a couple days before then for "Meet the Teacher". I'm also planning that EK will go in the afternoon. I requested afternoons. Her ABA therapists and speech/occupational therapists need to make her new schedule so I told them we'd need morning slots since she'll be at preschool in the afternoons. S...

I know we're all busy and it's hard to find time to stop and listen. Last week, after a long day, I decided to get some ice cream for Keith and me. Food always puts me in a better mood. ;) On my way, I had the radio on and "Revive Our Hearts" (Nancy Leigh DeMoss is a teacher who calls women to freedom, fullness and fruitfulness in Christ) began it's program. I kept driving around town so I could listen to the entire program. I laughed, I cried, I gave a couple "amens" to what the speaker said. :) If you have a little extra time (perhaps after the kids are in bed or even foregoing a night of TV-watching), I highly recommend listening to Rachel Barkey's testimony. She gives a biblical perspective on her struggle with cancer. Even though most of you aren't in her specific situation, I truly believe her testimony will encourage your heart. You may even be able to share it with a friend. There are 2 different links because it aired 2 days. Part 1 Part...

Best $1 I have ever spent!! I've realized lately that most of our toys are for younger kids. EK still uses them because her fine motor skills are delayed. I have several ideas for birthday presents for AC. :) AC can do all of our puzzles in less than 30 seconds. When I saw this animal one at Target, I thought it'd be something we could grow into. I showed her how to do it several times the first day. Now she can do the whole thing by herself, all 24 pieces! She'll work on it for at least 30 minutes each time. When she completes it, she'll turn it over and start again. :) **I found it in the dollar section at the Irving Target. We're over that way for EK's ABA therapy. Here's AC putting in the last couple pieces. And the finished product!

It has been so HOT here in Texas lately! This time of year is when I start to question why I've lived here for 11 years now. ;) It's been 100+ degrees and we haven't left the house much, other than for taking EK to preschool and therapy. Sad, I know. Yesterday, my sister invited us to her neighborhood pool and when I say pool, I should say mini-water park. It's AWESOME! I was a little nervous about taking EK, not knowing how she'd handle it. I didn't want to pay to get us in and then have to leave 10 minutes later with 2 upset girls. (Obviously AC would've been terribly upset to leave right after getting there.) EJ had a blast though! YEAH! ( This mama needs to quit worrying so much!) AC had a great time as well, but I knew she would. My mom, sister-in-law and niece met us there too. AC had a great time playing with cousin M. AC went down the slide at least 10 times! By far her favorite thing! :) Me with my 2 girls...EK thought it was fun too! :) Cousin M is...

I feel like I haven't been posting much lately. I apologize! I'll try to do better!! Last week was a long week for me. Keith left early Tuesday morning to go to California (one of his favorite places). He went for a couple of reasons. I think most of you know he's been working on his DMin (doctorate of ministry) at Southwestern Seminary for the past couple years. He has to write a dissertation and special needs ministry has really been on his heart since EK was diagnosed with autism in February 2009. In March, he was out in CA for the Shepherd's Conference...his annual pastor's conference that he loves. That week, he met with the special needs ministry pastor to ask some questions about how they minister to these precious people. This past week, he met with some of them again and also was able to tour Joni Erickson Tada's ministry. He really enjoyed it! Then he and some of our church members drove up to the San Jose area to help a church get ready for VBS. The p...

Today at the grocery store AC says to me: "Mama, I'm tired of living here!" Do you think we're at Walmart too much? ;) On the way home from Walmart, I saw a cow eating grass and pointed him out to AC. (Yes, we do still have some livestock around us...not nearly as much as we used to!) He was reaching his head through the fence to eat grass on the other side. AC: "He better be careful or he's going to get moosed." Me: "Moosed? What is that?" AC: It's when you get stuck. Me: Did you make up that word? AC: Yes, I did. Me: You're something! I was laughing for a bit after that. Pretty cute! :)

I took EK to ABA therapy this afternoon. Keith offered, but I wanted to go so I could have 2 hours to myself. EK hasn't had school for the past 2 weeks. Needless to say, I've spent lots of time with the girls at home the past 2 weeks. Keith had meetings every night this week too. I was ready for some time alone! When I got to the center, EK went back reluctantly with her therapist. (That's a nice way of saying she was crying as she went back.) Prayer request #1 : EK still isn't in a routine there. It's partly because she has a different therapist each time we go. It's good for her to learn to work with different people, but I feel like she's not adjusting well. Another thing that's affected settling in at ABA is that her schedule outside of ABA has changed...she finished her regular school year, had a week off, started summer school, has had the past 2 weeks off...you get the idea. I know this is life, but EK really thrives when there's routine and s...