gail's Great Atlantic Northeast

 

 

The girls have finally moved back home.  It was a quick, easy move although the getting organized will probably start tomorrow.  Correction:  better start tomorrow.

 

What is futile is to fight wanting a quiet house for any length of time. As a, matter of fact, we had to pick up Bells from school yesterday with a cough and low fever.  She can not return until we have a doctor's note.  Even a slight fever gives the schools such fear now.  It is a shame but I suppose it is necessary.

 

What is also futile is to depend on others to figure out the right answers for a child like Isabella.  After waiting nine months for an appointment, I accompanied The Girl and Bells to see a developmental pediatrician.  Although we know she has autism, we had to get a formal diagnosis.  The nurse practitioner took a detailed history and then the doctor came in.  She was read the history and didn't add much of anything.  When asked about testing for deficiencies or about diet she said she doesn't do any of that because it isn't "scientifically proven."   See you in six months.

Hmmm...

 

Not one suggestion; not one how do you do.  All we got was a diagnosis.  Now I understand why the moms in Bells' school told us to use another doctor; live and learn.  However, the nurse practitioner and doctor both agreed that Bells has a very good chance of leading a "normal" life some day in the future.

 

We have expected progress not further problems.  However, our girl has started to hit herself on occasion.  It has brought The Girl to tears.  It seems to be like a reflex rather than a behavior she thinks about.  Something for us to research.

 

On a lighter note, we celebrated Isabella's 4th birthday last weekend.  Can you believe she is four years old?  She loved being sung to at the several celebrations she had.  Balloons?  She brings them everywhere with her!  The Girl has asked me to not get any more.  Himself and I got her a set of instruments - percussion instruments - drum, maracas, castinets, bells!  Typical grandparent present but not when the grandchild lives with you.  That kind of noise doesn't bother me.  High pitched noises do like whistles.

 

Are there any noises that bother you?  High-pitched whistles, nails on a chalkboard and utensils scraping a plate.

 

Have there been any battles you have had to fight for your children?   Many times.  Getting my children classified with learning disabilities took my figuring it out before the system did.  I will go into detail if you wish.

 

Do you like chai?  Eww.  I figured out that it has cloves in it and I have a story about cloves I might share some time that explains why I hate it.

 

Plans for Thanksgiving?  I know my Canadian friends have already celebrated and my international friends might not celebrate.  We are actually staying home this year.  So many years going to the in-laws and we are tired of seeing Himself's mom exhaust herself.  We will go there for dessert.

 

Is this going to be a good holiday season?  If it KILLS me I will enjoy myself!  Those of you who have been with me for a while know I don't like this time of  year.  I am going to try to be a model of Christmas cheer!

 

Be well, my friends.  I pray that all is well.  g

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm weary of finding f words to title the falderal so I am taking a breather from thinking too hard!

 

It is so hard, sometimes, to obey God's word.  It says to honor our authorities because He put them there.  Reading some other blogs, I see a lot of anger towards our current administration over the horrible events at Fort Hood this past week.  Some say we are less safe than we were before 9/11.

 

To say that the average American knows what is really going on in our country is to live in a dream world.  We don't know and, truth be told, don't want or need to know all that happens to keep us safe.  We do, though, need to know that our brave men and women who serve our country can have a reasonable expectation of safety on a military post! 

 

If a military person speaks out against the military do they still belong there?  Is there any room for insurrection within the ranks?  Amongst civilians, yes.  Amongst the military?  No.  There needs to be obedience unless an order goes against the good.

 

As much as I want to rail against the administration and all I disagree with, it is my duty to pray for them, for the military and for my country.  I must trust that God has a plan for my life and part of it is to live here in the United States. 

 

I am not convinced that my beloved country will ever be God fearing again.  As a matter of fact, I see it going progressively downhill.  I hope and pray that I am wrong.  Whatever happens, though, will not be a surpise to God.

 

Let us stand firm no matter what is tossed our way.

 

Given the opportunity, would you rather live in a country other than the one you live in now?  No.  I have thought about it but can't think of one my family and I would be better off in.

 

Are you frustrated with your government?  Very much so.  No matter how often I contact my representative and senators  I get the same thanks but no thanks response.

 

Do you think you would consider running for office?  I don't see it in my future but I don't pretend to know the future.

 

Do you have a favorite song right now?  I am very fond of Revelation Song by      Phillips, Craig and Dean.  It is so touching and true.

 

As you may or may not recall, Isabella calls me Booboo.  As of today, I am her class Booboo!  My friend, M, didn't think it was fair that Bells' class, which her son is in, didn't have a class parent so she volunteered.  Well, where M goes g goes!  I was so happy to be a part of their halloween party.  (I guess the parent association didn't think kids with autism needed to have class parents.  They never met M!)The Dread Pirate Bella

 

Personally, I don't like halloween.  It's darkness disturbs my soul.  People are always telling me to lighten up and get into the spirit of it.  Problem is the "spirit" of it is not the spirit of God.  If it is not the Spirit of God the only thing left is an ugly spirit; the spirit of darkness. 

 

If anyone rings our bell I will hand out the bags of pretzels we bought and will be properly appreciative of the creativity involved in dressing the children up.  I will not, however, get into the "spirit" of this day we call halloween.

 

Do you 'celebrate' halloween?  See above.

 

Do you hand out treats?  Last year and this year we decided to hand out bags of pretzels to be a little less sugary.  Some years I was a grinch and didn't have anything but I realized I wasn't being a light to people.

 

Did you get the "Dread Pirate" reference I made?  Have you ever seen Princess Bride? You would have to have to get the reference!

 

What is your favorite holiday?  Any day I decide to have family over just because.  I am not a big fan of "calendar" holidays.  They stress us all out too much.

 

Anyone want to plan to not be around for the holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas) with me?  We can make plans!

 

Here's hoping all is well with you.  Let me know about customs where you are.  g