Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! This has been the best Christmas I have ever had in my life. After having concerns about my grandmothers' health, they are healthy and happy. We had a great time eating and laughing with my parents, siblings and nieces and Michael loved his presents this morning. I am ill with my husband, though. We had decided not to get each other a gift this year. This sounds like something one would say but it is true; we just want some time with each other and Michael. There is nothing we want so we decided to just get nothing. This morning, there was some chocolate and a gift certificate for a manicure and pedicure in my stocking with a Christmas tree drawing by Michael. Now, I love the gifts but I had nothing for him. He said, "But the presents are from Michael." Uh huh. :) I really do love them, though.

This has been a great year and I hope 2012 is just as great.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

A Happy Fourth

I have loved this weekend. We didn't do anything exciting but it was still enjoyable. The entire weekend, we were watching the Casey Anthony trial. I have been hooked on the trial. I keep trying to figure out how a parent could wait 31 days to report a child missing. Just crazy. I am really curious about what the jury will do. Time will tell.

On the 4th of July, I went downtown to the Yankee Doodle Parade. My sweet nieces and cousin had an entry and won first place in the group category. After, my grandmother, aunt, dad, sisters, nieces and cousins went to Dairy Queen to cool off. It was so nice to visit for a while. At night, we went to the Lowes parking lot and watched the fireworks. It is so nice of Dr. Pepper to put on the fireworks display for our town. They do so good many things for our schools and community. After the fireworks, we headed to Dairy Queen for ice cream. About the time we hit the drive-through, the skies opened up. It is amazing how a storm and hard rain can materialize over one country from nothing. That is summer around here, though. All in all, it was a great weekend.

This week, I need to finish putting the rooms back together and get ready for painting the last room. I will be so happy when everything is finished.

I am having a hard time believing that we are out of school. This year just flew. I am trying to come up with some activities so Michael and I don't drive each other crazy. He loves to swim but I just cannot face the city pool this year. My nerves are always on edge there. I envy parents who can go and relax but I can't. I have had parents be so ugly to him; other kids have been nice. When we go, I spend hours staying a few feet from him and acting as an interpreter. If a lifeguard says something, he sometimes doesn't acknowledge them and they thing he's being rude. Anyway, I would dearly love to have our own pool but is isn't happening with our sloped yard. I am trying my best to figure out a place for us to swim. I might even rent a hotel room so he can play and I can relax a few minutes. We'll see.

We haven't had too much excitement. Our big event this week was getting new cell phones. I had debated about getting Internet access because I didn't think I'd use it and I'm cheap. We don't use our cell phones that much but we decided since we'd have these phones through at least the two year contract that we might as well go for it and get a newer one. We got the Thunderbolt and are pleased with it so far. It's taken all weekend to figure the thing out. We couldn't send a text to each other and finally figured out that you had to put in the area code. A slight pain but nothing major. It will be nice to have Internet access when we're away from our computer.

I have my fingers crossed that we have a sitter for Michael. I spoke to her briefly yesterday and she wanted to meet him. Two of the girls who have been watching him are going to college and the best sitter ever, my niece, just graduated from TTU with a nursing degree. She will start her new job in a few days. Oh, will I miss her!

This weekend has been laid back as usual. I did walk two days in a row and need to walk every day. My husband cooked some delicious hamburgers on the grill and my sister and niece came over. We took some to my mother who had a health scare this week. She had a stint put in last week and was doing fine. On Thursday, she started having arm and chest pain so she went to the ER. She was taken to St. Thomas for the second arteriogram in a week and they found that the stint was working perfectly and it was the medicine they had taken her off that was causing the problem. It is amazing that an absence of medicine could cause such pain. We are grateful that she is better.

Finally, on this Memorial Day, I am thinking of my former students who have or are currently serving in the military and also the ones who are enlisting. Thank you for your service and your bravery. You are not forgotten. May God's blessings and protection be with you.

Everyone have a great week.

Happy Mother's Day

I could write some sad things, some happy things and some thankful things but I think I will just say Happy Mother's Day. Hope you had a great day.

Happy Valentine's Day!

My husband and I don't "do" Valentine's day. My hatred of Valentine's day started in high school. (You would have to attend the high school in the 80's to appreciate how ridiculous Valentine's day became. Flower shops had to set up tables in the gym. Insane!) Anyway, I have been with my Valentine since I was 15 and I just had my 46th birthday so I slowly realized that every day things mean so much more than flowers and candy one day a year. So, to my Valentine, I thank you for

-putting up with mood swings and PMS

-holding me and staying strong when the doctor said "autism"

-loving my family

-being a loving father to Michael

-working long hours to provide for us

-still saying I'm pretty (and acting like you mean it!)

-doing little things to make my life easier

-encouragement when I want to expand my education and career

-loving me no matter what

Candy and flowers? Yes, they're nice but a partner for life? That means SO much more.

Love you, Valentine.

Happy New Year!

No resolutions, no promises to keep to myself. I had a great 2010 and I hope that 2011 is even better. This year will bring changes for us. Michael will be graduating from 5th grade and will go to a new school in August and who knows what the year will bring for the rest of us. (I am so glad that I don't know the future, at least most of the time!) I know that this year will bring good and bad events but we will meet them together as a family and that is a comforting thought.

I wish all of you a happy and healthy new year!

Christmas Eve Happiness

Michael stayed at the Christmas Eve service 45 minutes. You know, I'll take that! His talking was at a minimum and we only left because he got antsy and wanted to sit on the floor. On the way home, he asked, "Are you happiness?" (Usually he asks if I am happy.) I said yes are you happiness? He said, "Yes, it's Christmasness." Everything is just fine. We are going to bake cookies in a little while and wait for Santa. Also, I had better finish wrapping! I have never waited this late. Isn't it fun playing Santa? Also, won't it be nice if it is snowing in the morning?!

I look forward to staying in my pajamas in the morning, watching Michael open his presents and having a big breakfast with my guys.

Have a very Merry Christmas everyone!

Almost Christmas!

I am loving my time away from school. Michael and I are being lazy, staying in our pajamas and eating way too much but we're enjoying it! My husband told me that he didn't have much for me for Christmas but that we'd hit Murfreesboro for some after-Christmas shopping. I told him the truth; I really just want to spend time with my two guys. We will have the entire week after Christmas to spend together and I am looking forward to it. (Full disclosure: He asked what I wanted for Christmas and believe it or not, I really couldn't think of much-within reason! I did ask for a new camera since mine has about had it. What I would really love is a trip to the beach but that's not happening!) I don't need anything. I do hope that Michael likes what he is getting. He is counting down the days!

My fingers are crossed and God and I have talked about how much I really need to attend the Christmas Eve service at church. I am taking Michael and am hoping that he gets through the service without disturbing anyone or begging to leave. If he does, the world will not end but it would be a nice Christmas gift for me if I could sing along with some Christmas songs and focus with others about Christ's birth. Not much to ask for, I think. I will let you know how it goes-good or bad.

I hope all of you are getting to spend time with your family and are warm and happy.

One more day until Santa comes!

A Smokie Mountain Thanksgiving

Day One

Oh me! Last Tuesday, we headed out to Pigeon Forge for a mini-vacation. I had doubts about it because my husband and I have not been to the Smokies in fifteen years because it is just not our idea of a good time but my sister asked if we would like to go and we decided why not? Michael has never been and this would be a good time to take him. We left Tuesday afternoon and arrived at the cabin. It was clean and nice but a little small but that was no big deal. The minute we get in the door, Michael says, "Where is Michael's house?" I look around; his eyes are red and tears are starting. I tell him his house is where it has always been and that we are going to stay awhile. He is upset and I can't get out of him why he is so upset. (This is my first "I hate autism" moment of the trip.) We unpack the SUV and rest a minute. We are starving because we skipped lunch so we decide to grab something to eat. When "normal" families go on vacation, they plan great meals out. Us? No way! We drive through Burger King because Michael is OK with that. I am about in tears by this point because I am again slapped in the face by reality. We get back to the cabin and I am ready to eat. Yep, my food is not there! Now, I can sit here in the comfort of my house and laugh about it now but I was so upset! I thought, "I have four more days of this? Can I take it?" We ended the night on a good note by climbing in the hot tub. So relaxing and Michael loved it. We all finally relaxed and got some sleep.

Day Two

On Wednesday morning, I had the first cry I have had in a long time about Michael's autism. I thought I had gotten over the frustration and disappointment but I guess I was wrong. I told my husband that I just wanted to eat out one time while we were there and have a glass of tea in peace. I got the pity party over with and we went to get groceries and see how much Pigeon Forge had changed since out last visit. It turned out to be a very good day. We went to the Disney Story and let Michael get a few things then went to Kroger to get some groceries. Whew! It was crowded since it was the day before Thanksgiving. I will brag on Michael. He was very patient and good in both stores. We grabbed some Sonic and went back to the cabin. (Yes, I checked to see if my food was there before we left!) That afternoon, Michael learned to play pool from his dad and they played the old arcade games like Dig Dug and PacMan. It was so neat to see them interacting and hanging out. I still wanted my "tea and peace" so my husband asked what "would make me happy." I looked at all of the restaurant listings and we talked about several we might like. I asked Michael. "Hey, you ready to go out to eat?" His reply, "No! Happy smiles with no chicken!" (They are those potatoes shaped like smiley faces.) I said well, why not have that later? "No, happy smiles with no chicken, PLEASE!" The tears start. Crap. I get the happy smiles. Now, those of you who think I am just giving in do not have an autistic child! He calmed down and ate and I tried not to have a melt-down myself. My husband suggested that we try The Outback. Michael likes it and we know he can handle that. We wait awhile and then head to The Outback in Sevierville. Success! We have a great supper, go to The Dollar Store AND I finally get to see the Christmas lights. (By the way, they are pretty but who can tell with all of those big, flashing lights for the shows?) Anyway, we get back to the cabin and my sister and niece arrive. Yea! We are all finally here.

Day Three

Thursday, Thanksgiving day. What a beautiful day that was. Just gorgeous. We had breakfast and rested. Since my husband and Michael were happy staying in the cabin, the girls went to Gatlinburg to walk around and see if there were any stores open. We got so lucky. The streets were not crowded and we got a free parking place close to the street. We walked around and I found some toys for the kids and my sister got some candy and jam at The Chocolate Monkey. We just enjoyed the beautiful November day. It was really nice. We headed back into Pigeon Forge to go to Old Navy but dumb me had read the wrong time of their opening. They were opening at 7 pm not noon so we headed to the stores with the red roof. (I can't remember the name.) My sister got my niece some cute clothes so cheap! They had some great sales and again, it was not crowded. We headed back to the cabin for Thanksgiving lunch which my wonderful husband had cooked for us. It was so delicious! It was not traditional: He cooked chicken, fish and hamburgers on the grill. Oh, my! Just the smell was killing me! We hung out some more and I said, "Oh, I want to see the lights in Gatlinburg before we go back to Old Navy." Wrong idea! It seems that everybody was hiding when we went earlier that day! It was SO crowded! Bumper to bumper traffic and we wanted to be at Old Navy when it opened. We did manage to get to Old Navy at a little after 7 and wait in line to get in for I guess less than 15 minutes. I put my niece in a stroller and we power shopped! My sister went one way and I went the other. I got some great deals and so did she. The shocker was thirty minutes later when we saw the line to check out.

Look at the picture below. I took the picture where we were in line in the back of the store. You are seeing the front of the store and the man in green is in line as it winds its way toward the front again. I will give them credit. We had to wait maybe 10-15 minutes in line. After that, we headed back to the cabin.

Day Four

Friday, Black Friday. We had enough excitement at Old Navy so we hung out at the cabin that morning. Around 10, I went to a store with my sister and again got lucky. I got a parking place right in front of the store. (It is a little mall area off the main road.) We next went to the Hanes, Bali store and I got some stuff and we thought we'd see how crowded Tanger Outlet was. We started driving and the traffic got heavy the closer we got. It was finally at a stand still. It took me a mile of creeping along to realize that this WAS the line for the outlet! Oh, no! We were I guess five miles from the outlet. We got out of there and went back to the cabin. You can see below how we spent our time waiting for more shopping. (The weather was rainy and cold and the hot tub was so warm! We had a blast!) After supper, my wonderful husband agreed to stay with Michael and my niece while my sister and I went to Tanger Outlet at 8 pm. We thought that surely the crowds would be smaller. We were so right! I parked right in front of the Disney Store and we got some Christmas presents for the kids. We next parked right in front of Old Navy and my sister got a jogging outfit that they were out of the night before AND got it for 50% off! We then parked right in front of Coldwater Creek and just did some looking. So, the moral of the story is this: Unless you really want something in particular on Black Friday, don't go that morning. Go that night when they have had a chance to restock AND you still get the great prices. We decided to celebrate by stopping by Baskin Robbins on the way to the cabin. Overall, Black Friday was a great day for all of us.

Day Five

Saturday, time to go home. We had to be out by 10 am (9 am our time) so we packed up and headed out. Some reflections: I am blessed with a wonderful sister and niece. It was nice to spend some time with them. (Disclosure: I did learn that my sister is a saint because my niece can talk and at times it was just "Shhhh! Be quiet a minute!) :) I also was reminded that as far as Michael has come, we still have a long way to go and that "normal" is just a word. I learned that we should stick to the place that is perfect for us when we want to go somewhere: St. George Island, Florida. Last, I have always known I was married to a good man but I was reminded anew of how wonderful he truly is on this trip. What did I do to deserve him?!

Well, that is my Thanksgiving. It was a memorable one. Thanks for reading all of my ramblings.

Oh, what a Thanksgiving week in the Smokies!

I do not have time to tell the entire tale but we spent Thanksgiving week in Pigeon Forge with my niece and sister. Check back soon for the details. I will just say that we will NEVER go there again during a holiday! Oh, my!

Thankful

Of course this is the week where many of us thank God for many things. I will do like many of you and list a few of the things I am grateful and thankful for in my life.

1. A husband who stands by me no matter what. He has stood beside me through the best and worst days of my life since I was fifteen years old and I cannot think of anyone I would rather walk through this crazy life with me.

2. Michael - I asked God for a son and He blessed me with an all-boy boy!

3. I am thankful for God blessing me and allowing me to LIVE. What a gift God has given us through his Son.

4. I am thankful to my church family especially our praise band which allows me to try and sing with them! They are such good friends and have been a great source of comfort for me.

5. I am grateful for friends but especially my friends Bobby, Ed and Brad. We don't see them much but I know they would be here if I ever needed them and I hope they know we will always be there for them.

6. I am grateful for family. Our family is not the mushy, lovey kind but that is OK. We are what we are! I am SO proud of my wonderful nieces. What sweet, smart and beautiful girls they are!

I am especially proud of my sisters who have overcome some major adversities and have triumphed over them.

7. I am thankful that Michael can talk and is becoming more independent. I hope and pray that he continues to improve so that he can have a job and live by himself some day.

8. I am thankful for the weather no matter what it is! I love our state because we get it all!

9. I am thankful for a job that allows us to be comfortable in a home with too much to eat. It breaks my heart to think of people who are homeless or hungry or in a horrible situation.

10. I am grateful that I live in this country as imperfect as is it. We live in the greatest country and have great people IF we could all learn to work together.

Well, there is more but I am sure you get my point. I truly hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, eat some good food and get some great deals on Black Friday!

Happy Thankgiving!

Happy Halloween!

We've had a great week! Thursday night was Parent/Teacher Conference from 3-9 pm. I met many sweet parents but was so tired by 9:00!

Friday, I took off from school and my husband and I went with Michael's class to Cumberland Caverns. We had such a good time. I didn't know how Michael would react to being in a cave but he said he loved it. After we got back from the cave, we rested up and went to Murfreesboro so we could make our semi-annual Sam's Club trip for toilet paper and paper towels!

Saturday started with haircuts for the guys, watching the Rally to Restore Sanity coverage then later on trick-or-treating. Michael and my niece Lucy went around the neighborhood together. Michael got into it more this year. He kept wanted to go to more houses. After three streets, he was ready to get home and see what he had gotten. Right now, I am watching the front door for little spooks. I don't like it when Halloween is on Sunday. I have not seen as many trick-or-treaters. I am wondering if they will come tomorrow. I guess I will just have to wait and see.

Tomorrow is church, getting groceries and more clothes washing and then Monday will be here again.

Hope all of you are enjoying this beautiful Halloween weekend!

P.S. Our bathroom is done and looks great!