The picture below!

This is how Jack came in today when I got home. He is caked in mud. I wonder what happened to him. Gross! I let him in to eat and then booted him back outside. Molly is going to have to help me give him a bath after school. Boy, that should be fun. I wonder if our arms will survive. He doesn't seem hurt or anything, so that's good. Dumb cat!

What the heck!

Weekend pics

Pics from this weekend.

I'll have to post the pics below on a new post. I can't figure out how to put the slideshow into this post.

Our weekend.....

Friday morning I went to Parker's school to watch his class do a sing a long. Their class was chosen to sing in front of the gym this month. They sang a song called, "TIck tock". It was sooooo cute! Parker did everything the other kids did and just smiled from ear to ear. He was loving it. He did the pledge like a big boy, but used the wrong hand. He sat down when the other kids did and was just so well behaved. I just kept gushing about how cute he looked to dh. I didn't get any good pictures. All the ones I took came out dark and out of focus. I'm so mad about that. I am so proud of my little guy for behaving so well and not being scared or overwhelmed. He even did good when they sang, "Happy Birthday" to some kids. (That's a song he used to freak out about).

Today we mostly just hung out at home. We did look at a few yard sales for Spider-man costumes. I didn't find one. I did find a cheap cat scratching post that the cats love. I am so happy. Hopefully they will leave the couch alone now. I forgot that this afternoon we had an Easter egg hunt. We got out some Easter decorations and some plastic eggs. I put some candy and change in the eggs. The kids had a great time finding them. This year Parker really gets it and enjoys it. I also changed Parker's side of the room around and moved his bed. I hated having his bed by the wall because books would fall down beside the bed and it was hard to make the bed. It looks really cute. He's having a hard time falling asleep though. I think it's because of the change and that Molly has a friend staying the night tonight. She was so excited about it. We don't have friends stay the night that much. I like to get rid of kids, not bring them in the house, lol. (Just kidding)

Tomorrow if it doesn't rain we are going to work in the yard. I also want to do some organizing in the living room. It keeps getting so cluttered. I might go to evening service at church. It would be really nice if my SISTER wanted to come with me. (pretty please?)
That's about it. Everyone have a nice day!

In trouble and on the hunt.....

Parker needs a Spiderman costume!

His bahavioural respite supervisor made him an awesome token board. Unfortunately, when he's sat on the potty 3 times, he is supposed to get to dress up like a superhero. He was thrilled when he saw the new board and icons! He sat on the potty 3 times right away. I hoped his spiderman shirt and red spiderman glasses would be enough to make him happy. I was wrong. He wants a Spiderman costume now! He feels he's earned it. He also needs a Batman and a Superman costume. Dang respite lady!!!! He kind of has a Batman one, but he really really wants a Spiderman one. I'm posting on Craigslist and Freecycyle. I'd go buy him a cheep one but there isn't any for sale right now. I looked on ebay but most of them are out of my price range. I'm even looking for a mask or gloves, anything to make him happy. Maybe I'll look for some yardsales this weekend. The poor guy, he was so exicted to dress up. He is even asking to use the potty all the time now. I hope someone comes to my rescue! Lol, I even tried to get him to put on a red dress of Mollys, lol.

All or nothing

I am sort of an "All or nothing" kind of person. I start something gung ho and then quit as soon as I mess up. It's something I'm working on my therapist with. I want to see something I start and finish it. She wanted me to take a couple small things and start them. Small things that lead to a bigger goal. Also small things so I can see what I have accomplished, even if it's just a little part of a bigger goal.

My small goals are:

Drink diet soda instead of regular.
Replace one snack with something healthy. (Big goal is weight loss)

Weed the garden for 30 minutes a week. (Big goal is having a garden this summer)

Make my bed first thing in the morning. (Flylady-housekeeping goal)

I know these are do-able and they will make me feel better about myself.

Yay! I'm excited!

Here is a picture of our 2 skateboarding cats. They are so athletic!

Bobby is going back to work next week!

I'm really sad because I'm going to miss the time we've spent together, but happy for the money. It's hard when you don't know when your money is going to come in the mail. I think he's a little sad about it, but feels the same way about the money thing as I do.

He's bowling tonight. He loooooooves bowling. His team is doing so well, they will probably win the league this year. I'm really proud of him.

Parker seems a little funny today. He hasn't ate much and seems not himself. I so hope he isn't getting sick again. Hopefully he's just tired.

I'm really tired tonight too. I have to get in bed earlier. Why do all the good shows come one later at night? I'm recording "The Real world" and "High School Reunion". I have a thing for reality tv.

I'm rambling because I really don't have much to post about, lol. I hope everyone has a great day tomorrow.

I am amazed by him!

Parker just keeps amazing me! Today when I picked him up from school, they were in the library. I saw him ask another child what book they picked and he even showed a boy his book and said, "Look kid, I got this book". I can't believe the way he is picking up what the other kids do and is trying to make a connection. He also ate his tuna sandwich today. I almost fainted when I heard that. He hasn't eaten a tuna sandwich in like a year. I made him one today because I've been running out of ideas on what to send him because he is so picky. I can't believe he ate it! Yay!
Then when we got home and his ABA supervisor came over to help me help him with his homework. I wasn't really sure how to the do the whole hand over hand thing and how to position his fingers. Parker almost did everything himself! Most of it was counting and he knew how to count things! He even recognized the numbers he had to chose from! He also drew lines from one thing to another without me even holding his hand! I am so so so proud of that boy! I have such high hopes for him!

It wasn't pretty...

This morning I got caught smothering (smooching and hugging) Parker and treating him like a baby.


I know, I know, he's 6, not 3. To me he is still my baby. I know that treating him like a baby does him no good. I just can't stop myself. When I dropped him off today I was early so I hung out with him a little. I hugged him a bunch and called him my baby in front of one of the teachers. She said, "Say, I'm not a baby, I'm a big boy". I knew it, I'd been caught. I have to admit it, I Baby My Son. Is there a support group somewhere for that? I think I need one.

I even carry him sometimes. I think I have a problem, lol. It was embarrassing being caught by the teacher. I know I can snuggle him, but he's not a baby. I think he seems younger though, because of the autism. It's hard to do the right thing. I think I treated Molly older than she was because she was so smart and now I'm babying Parker. When will I get it right, lol?

Anyways, I had to admit it. It's hard when you get caught and have to face up to the fact that you baby your child. It gives me something to think about today.

On a different note, Molly got all A's and B's on her report card yesterday. I'm so proud of her. She even made the top honor roll. She gets to do a bunch of cool stuff because of it. She's really proud of herself too, and that's what's great about it. Thanks for listening to my brag! I better go baby the cats now, lol.

Manic Monday...

First off (And most importantly) I just want to THANK GOD that Bobby's grandma is ok. She didn't have cancer after all, it was just a cyst. We are so relieved! I bet she is too!

Secondly, Parker is on a food strike again. He's only eating goldfish crackers, pepperoni, fruit loops, and a few bites of other snack foods. He won't eat his usual things so I'm going to have to try and mix it up a little. His ABA therapist wants me to email him the foods Parker normally or used to eat, and he will print out pictures of them and laminate them. Then we will put them on a chart so he can pick what he wants to eat, but will have lots of visual choices to help him. He can tell you what he wants, but I think it helps him to be able to see what it is and choose it. Today I had to buy a big box of goldfish because the boy eats them like they are going out of style.

Thirdly, I want to talk about technology making us lazy. How lazy do they think we are? They think we are so lazy that we want caller ID on our TVs, so we don't have to leave the couch to see who is calling. Our cable service just added this for free. I like it, but could definitely live without it. The only reason I like it is that my called ID is messed up and I can only read every other word. But come on, how many people really need that service?

Anyways, those are my thoughts on a crazy Monday. I hope everyone has a good week. Molly is in bed watching the season finale of "The secret life of the American teenager." I better go see how it ends.

Sunny day!

It is so nice to see sunshine again! Yay! Parker was pretty good about going to school today. He didn't even get upset last night when I told him he had school today. That is a good step in the right direction. Today I have a bunch of paperwork to do, that I've been putting off. Fun fun. I have 2 meetings today also. One with Parker's respite workers supervisor and one with his Aba time. I'm trying to guilt Bobby into yard work but I don't know if it's working. He may go do his other job. It's really nice having him home, but not nice on the paycheck. It's been a little tougher than we expected. Here's hoping the unemployment comes soon. Everyone have a nice spring day!

Great blog!

You have to check this out, it is so funny! You might cringe at the baby shower cakes! I know I did!

http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/

For some reason I can't add a link. I can only post the address.

My weekend so far....

My weekend so far has been ok. Yesterday I took the kids to the "Logging Conference". It was really cool and had lots of vehicles for Parker ot look at. He got to meet a Fire fighter and try on his gear. Parker was in heaven with that! I've hardly seen him that excited. He got to sit in the truck also. The place was pretty noisy so we couldn't stay long. Parker didn't like all the saws, motors and the train that had a loud horn. We saw a wildlife show and that was fun. Parker was scared of the snake the guy had and we almost had to leave. Poor guy, he was really crying. Afterwards we got some food and he got to shake hand with another fireman and get some truck brochures, so that made him happy again.

Today I met the group I belong to, at the bounce-a-rama place. (It's a bounce house place) The group I belong to is a group at my church for mothers of kids with special needs. It was fun being there and talking with the parents. The bad part was that there were 2 birthday parties going on so it was crazy busy. The other bad part was that Parker's nose would not stop running and my tissue in my pocket kept getting smaller and smaller, lol.

Tonight we went to visit Bobby's grandma. She was in the hospital yesterday and they found a spot on her brain. They are going to look at it more on Monday. Please keep her in your prayers. She is one of Bobby's favorite people in the world and she pretty much raised him. Afterwards we went to see the "Mall Cop" movie. It was really funny.

I'm not sure what tomorrow will bring other than housework. I may see if I can rent Twilight but I have a feeling they will be all taken. Maybe I can reserve one.

That's about it. Enjoy the pics.(I also added one of Molly and her friend holding a pig)

What makes me happy?

I thought I'd post an upbeat post today. I'm posting about what makes me happy. Feel free to comment if any of these things make you happy, lol.

Watching tivo'd Malcolm in the Middle everyday. I live for that show! It is my comic relief! Parker even recognizes the beginning and will run to see it.

Having a clean house.

Dh cooking dinner.

Reading Harry Potter books and seeing the movies.

Organizing stuff.

Bathroom humor.

Snuggling with my kids and husband.

Seeing my kids happy.

Playing Scrabble with Bobby.

Hanging out with my Mom when she is in a good mood.

Ross! I love Ross, it's my favorite store!

Peeling sunburns, ok, that's just gross. (Did I really just say that out loud.)Lol!

Sliding the cats down the hall.

Eating fried ice cream or any ice cream for that matter.

Reading funny and smart blogs. Reading autism blogs.

Decorating my house.

Changing my furniture around! Love it!

I love re-watching my favorite movies: Juno, Harry Potter, Blades of Glory, Somethings Gotta Give, and Napoleon Dynamite.

Watching my kids play together, seeing how much they love each other.

Report card day for Molly. She always does awesome.

Hanging out with Bobby, just him and I.

That we are going to plant a garden this summer.

Reading gossip magazines.

Hanging out with my sister.

Getting my hair done my niece.

Laughing with my brother.

Embarrassing Molly and teasing Parker.

Holding Molly's hamster, Snuffy.

Petting dogs.

Collecting cow stuff.

That better be all I add right now. I think I could go on and on. I just needed a little reminder of the things that make me happy. I hope everyone has a great weekend.

Today I'm taking the kids to a logging conference. There are lots of trucks and shows and displays. Parker is in pure heaven in places like that. Bring on the trucks!

Go fly a kite.....

That's what Parker and I did after school. I got 2 for the price of one at the dollar store. We took them to the park to see if Parker liked flying kites. The first one I didn't tie right so it mostly went round and round. Parker actually had the most fun with that one. We ended up leaving and going to another park because of the lawnmowers. We took out the other kite and this time I put it together right. It flew really high but sadly I was the only one interested. Then that park got out it's lawnmowers. Poor guy, couldn't catch a break. He didn't like them, but could tolerate them. Before he would have ran crying, this time he just plugged his ears and even smiled at it a little. He's really making progress but he still doesn't like them.

Yesterday I wrote down some questions to ask Parker's teacher, to see how he was doing. She said he is doing pretty well. She did say that she is pretty sure he will need a one on one aid and that he may need to repeat a grade eventually. She said he is definitely a young kindergartner and has a lot of motor skills issues. She said she is still watching him, since it's only been 3 weeks, but she thinks he would really benefit from that class next year also. (The special day class) She said she thinks he would get lost in a regular kindergarten, also without an aid. He's kind of a go with the flow kind of kid but doesn't do much on his own. I am really happy about this because I think he does need a lot of help. I'm glad they are not rushing him onto anything he is not ready for next year. (Or so it seems right now) What a relief that she is on the same page I am on.

Peace...

Yesterday, a cool thing happened.

I was in the car with Bobby, on a busy street, going to the store. I noticed a red SUV on the right of us. I noticed it because I love the color red. When the SUV got in front of us a little, I noticed an autism ribbon magnet on the back of her car.

I told Bobby that the lady probably had a child with autism. He wanted to know how I knew. I told him about her magnet. I said, "I wonder if she saw ours". I wondered out loud if I'd seen her before and where her child went to school. Just as I was thinking that, she got behind us a little. When she got up next to us, as she was driving by, she looked right at me and gave me the peace sign.

It's like we were 2 strangers with something in common that is deep in our hearts. I thought that was really cool of her. It's so profound how having a child with autism can bond you to another parent because you share and relate to what they are going through. That's how I feel about all of you. Thank you all for your blogs and for reading and commenting on mine. We definately all need each other.

It's so hard....

I feel so connected to my kids and when they are upset, I'm upset. I feel it too strongly. I wish I could just be like Bobby and say, "Oh, they'll be fine." I'd kill to have that attitude.

Parker cries whenever he knows he has school the next day. It's even harder tonight because he's still kind of sick, has had a great weekend, and missed a lot of school last week. When I told him he was going to school tomorrow he immediately coughed and said he was sick. Please tell me he will get used to it and I won't have to go through this everyday. I know I have to be tough, but it's so hard. He is my angel and I just love him so much. I want him to always be happy.

I guess I'm living in Lala land if I think that's going to happen.

On a good note, I got some new shirts today. I loooooove them! Also my sister gave me some stuff she didn't want anymore and made Parker a really sweet scrapbook like the one she made Molly. She is so thoughtful that way. He really likes it!

My Mom is sick right now, so Molly and I brought her some soup, a magazine, 7-up, a movie, some peeps, some chocolate eggs and some vienna sasauges. All her favorites! I hope she is all cozy in bed relaxing finally.

Anyways, we finally got a dvd player. We haven't had one since the power surge. We rented a couple movies and we were all so happy to watch them. It's like heaven sitting on the couch with the 3 people I so much!

Everyone have a great day tomorrow.

Nice couple of days

These last couple of days have been really nice. The only bummer is that Parker isn't completely better and now were are catching it.

They were really happy to see him back at school on Friday. When he was going home, some of the big boys wanted a hug from Parker. There was like 5 of them and it was so sweet. The teacher said that the kids are all like that with Parker because he is the littlest and youngest.

Yesterday we went to the bouncy house at the mall. Later we were in Ross and a guy came up to us. He said he caught Parker being good and gave him a card for a free half hour at bounce a polosa. He owns the place and said he likes to catch kids being good. That was so sweet and he was being good. I asked his respite worker if she would take him there tonight because he had his free coupon. She also got him dinner at the mall. He had a good time. I asked her to take him because he seemed a little down when we left. I left her money for dinner and a drink.

Anyways, all is well here. We just need everyone to get well. Oh, also, Molly got "Citizen of the month" at school and an A + in music! I am so proud of her. Also, yesterday, she said, "Parker isn't just my brother, he's my best friend". That was soooo sweet!

Why?

I vowed that I would get in bed early tonight. Why is it that it's almost 10 o'clock and Molly isn't asleep yet? Why is it that she suddenly remembered some homework she hadn't finished? What is the reason that Parker pooped in his pull-up while he was sleeping and I just had to change it? Why is his face red and chapped? I have a feeling he might be getting sicker. Please no, I just got back from taking him to the Dr. and convincing him he was going back to school tomorrow. When I know he's back to sleep again completely, I'm going to put some vasaline on his face. He wouldn't hardly let me do it while he was awake. Here's hoping it looks better in the morning and he feels fine.

Took Parker to the Dr. again...

She said he should be fine to go back to school tomorrow. She thinks a long steamy bath should open up his nose more because it's pretty yucky. He was very good with the Dr. as he has been the last couple times. He did end up embarrassing me though.

He was taking off his shoes in socks just for the fun of it. When I tried to put his other sock on he pushed me away, playfully. He pushed so hard though, and in such a small room, that I almost fell over the chair behind me. I just kind of laughed, thinking it was an accident that he pushed so hard and stood back up. He then pushed me again. I told him not to push, but he was laughing and I could tell he was being funny. Finally I just sat down because he went to push me again. I just wanted to hear what the dr. said so I ignored him. He kept chanting, "Stand up, stand up". The Dr. looked at me and said, "You shouldn't let him push you over, you know." I said, "I know, I think he was playing". I felt really stupid. I think she thought I just let him push me around all the time. I just didn't want to make a big deal over it because:
A)We wrestle a lot.
B)He was playing.
C)If I talk too sternly to him he will cry and I just wanted to listen to the Dr. and get out of there.

I guess now that he is 74 pounds, we really need to cut the rough play down some. Pretty soon he really will knock me over.

Parker, free cheese and other ramblings

I can't tell if he's still sick or not. He's not eating great, but he seems fine other than a slight runny nose. He ate a huge amount of goldfish crackers today but refuses anything else.
He had a new fear today. Molly's small "Olive Oyl" doll is terrifying to him. He kept shutting the bedroom door and I finally asked him why. It was because of the scary doll Molly hadn't put away. I had to finally make her put it away but not before she teased him a little and had to do chores. (How dare we make her pick up her own stuff) This weekend I cut Bobby's hair and Parker watched me the whole time. He was paranoid that I'd use the clippers or that he would be next. I kept assuring him that neither of them would happen, but he didn't believe me. It wasn't until I was done and he'd said, "Your done? Your done?" 2o times and I'd put the scissors away that he finally believed me. Poor guy.

Bobby got laid off today. If any of you didn't know, yes, my husbands name is Bobby and mine is Bobbi. It makes for fun phone calls. No, we don't have any brothers or children named Bobby. We do have an aunt and grandma with that name though. Also both our fathers were named Robert. I guess we were meant to be.

Bobby being laid off for a couple weeks made me think back to my childhood and free cheese. (We will be fine, it's only a couple weeks, not long enough for free cheese, lol) I loved free cheese. It was the best, and it was free. If you were poor, and a child of the 80's, you remember it. It was almost like Velveeta cheese. Ah, the memories of my childhood. I also remember adults smoking with the windows rolled up and my aunt taking her teeth out for me for entertainment. Memories......

I'm in kind of a mood today. Just lazy and tired and grumpy.

Whenever I'm upset I like to change furniture around. I got rid of two chairs in my living room today and brought in a couple end tables. I like it much better.

That's about it.

Monday ramblings...

Parker seems better today. I checked on him around 2am last night and his fever was completely gone. It's hard taking an under the armpit temp while keeping the kid asleep. I had to hold his arm down with one hand and pat his back with the other.

I'm keeping him home tomorrow too. He just doesn't seem 100% better yet. He isn't eating too well just yet either.

Last night I found some awesome new blogs to read. Some of them are so funny! I'm so glad I found them.

Later in the afternoon today I went to a movie with my friend Jesse. I wouldn't have went but Parker was feeling better and dh is great with him. I don't worry when I leave him with Bobby.

Bobby is on the ant rampage again. He saw some more and sprayed like crazy. I hate it when he does that. I swear, he is obsessed with the things. He should have been an extirminator. Speaking of jobs, tomorrow will probably be his last day at work for a couple weeks. I guess it won't be as long as they thought. It will be so nice having him home more. I know people will hate me for saying this, but he is just the best husband. He is folding laundry as we speak. I love him!

That's about it. I don't really have anything funny to share. Wish I did. I'll just leave you with this picture:

He's sick again...

This time it's the flu. He has a high fever and says his body hurts. I may take him to the Dr. tomorrow to make sure it isn't his ears or anything. Poor little guy. He even refused Coke. I worry when he gets sick because it's hard to get him to drink. He also won't take medicine orally so that makes it doubly hard. He throws up if it even touches his mouth. He's been sick the last 3 Mondays. The school is going to think I'm making it up.

I'm trying a new form of disapline with Molly

I'll let you know how it works out. My therapist (No, I'm only half crazy) recommended a book and a way of teaching kids by making them more responsible for their own actions. Some of the things I may have to say will be hard to do with a straight face. I just don't want these pre-teen/teenage years to get way worse. I'm just trying this, if it doesn't work I'm going to find a different way. My sweet angel of a daughter has been a little more mouthy and a little fiesty-er lately, and we need to work on it.

One of the main aspects of this new thing I'm trying is to stay calm while they are freaking out or throwing a fit. This may sound easy, but it's not. It's something I need to work on anyways.

Anyways, here's hoping it's successful!

Autism, layoffs and good news!

It seems like autism has been in my life everywhere lately. I've met more parents of kids with autism, been to autism support groups and have thought it about it a lot lately. The autism support group is such a good thing for me. It helps me feel like I'm not alone, we share ideas, and it makes me feel like I'm a part of something that can make a difference in our lives. If anyone out there has just gotten a diagnosis of autism for their child, support groups are such a great thing. I also go to a parents of children with special needs support group through my church. That is great also. All the kids have different needs but we all struggle with similar issues. I leave there feeling happy and refreshed. I feel so blessed to have those supports.

As far as Bobby getting laid off, it is going to happen. It will either happen Friday or Monday, depending on what day they run out of logs. I'm not worried. I'm actually happy to have him home with me. He will be working his side job but not as much. I love spending time with him while the kids are at school.

The good news is that Parker is doing so well in his class. I peeked in the window and could see him sitting at his table like a big boy, smiling away. He even tried some spinach/strawberry/sunflower seed salad at school and said he liked it. I was really proud of him. They said they are amazed at how well he fits in, how the other kids like him and how well he talks and behaves. They said the other kids like him and want to take care of him like he is the baby of the class, which he is. That is so great. It made me really happy and relieved to hear that.

She is my child...

I just love to put my foot in my mouth, in fact, I have a talent for it. Molly does too and I think she gets it from me.

This week my Great Aunt Pauline is visiting from Louisiana. She is very religious but still has a good sense of humor. Molly and I visited with her tonight and we all talked a mile a minute. For some reason we got on the subject of "Malcolm in the middle". We've become obsessed with the show and have been recording all the re-runs everyday. We were telling about our favorite episodes when Molly starts to tell about the bug infestation episode.

This is how she starts it: "They have this bug infestation and have to stay in a trailer. It gets really hot and the Dad comes out in his underwear or banana boat". "Isn't that what they call it Mom?" "Banana something, right?" I hurry and say, oh, you mean like a bathing suit. Here Molly is trying to say banana hammock in front of my Great Aunt Pauline. My Mom started laughing because I think she knew what Molly meant.

After we got in the car, I told Molly that she shouldn't say things about banana's in front of Aunt Pauline. Turns out that she didn't get what banana hammock meant and just got it. She thought it was really gross, but being 10, she thought it was very funny.

She's my kid all right.

What is more important?

A clean house or an organized blog? Lol!

I better get back to my house.

Now that I took all the time to organize the blogs I read into categories, I don't think I like it! Grrrr! Now I have to go through each category to see who posted last. Sometimes I just don't think, lol.

Easter candy and stuff....

Can I just say that I love Easter candy! I love love love it! I love the colors and the different varieties. I especially love the Cadbury eggs and the mini eggs. Easter is a bad time for dieting, that's for sure. Every store I got into right now has Easter candy. It's hard to stay away from.

This morning when I dropped Parker off he seemed fine. A tiny bit anxious but nothing like before. I think he probably likes the calmness of the class. Those preschoolers were wild.

I kept him home from school yesterday because he puked, a bunch of times. Turns out it was just phlegm and he has a sensitive gag reflex. Fun fun. He was so good at the Dr.. I was so proud of him. He seemed like such a big boy.

I think Bobby wanted to kill me last night. It was raining and thundering last night and I heard some animal noises. I was also listening to make sure Parker didn't have another episode. I didn't know this before, but the baby monitor picks up tiny sounds from outside, as well as in the house. I would hear something and think it was in the house, make Bobby get up, and it turns out it was outside. Ooops.

Oh well, hopefully he's not too tired today. I got woken up this morning by thunder.

My weekend...

I've had a pretty nice weekend. Friday Molly had a new friend come over to play and eat dinner with us. She was really nice and Molly spent the night with her. I knew her Mom looked familiar and it turns out the girls played soccer together before.

Saturday I went to visit a friend I don't know that well. She's always been more like an acquaintance. I know her Mom from my sister Ronda. She is recently divorced and she has 3 kids. I don't know how she does it. It has to be so hard. She just had the baby and I really wanted to see the baby and get to know her better. I'd like to help out and watch the baby sometime for her so she could get out a little. I love babies! The other reason I came over is because she thinks her son might have autism. She wanted me to tell her what I thought. We talked a lot about symptoms of autism. I really couldn't tell if he had it or not. He had a lot of red flags, but some things seemed really typical to me. I guess you can't tell a lot from only being there one hour. She did just set up an appointment for an evaluation so that's good. If I can help her in any way, if her son does have autism, I'd love to.

She told me that Parker sounds like an older version of her son. They both did have the same kind of speech pattern.

Parker was really afraid when we first got there. He wanted to leave as soon as he saw the little boy. He's afraid of little-er kids than him. It took me a while to convince him to stay. The first thing out of his mouth was that he wanted to kill the little boy. He doesn't know what kill means, except that it means they go away forever. I think the only reason he knows it is because we said all the dinosaurs were killed and gone. (He's afraid of dinosaurs and we are trying to explain that they are extinct, but I don't think he is getting it). That was a warm introduction. Lol!

Later he got more comfortable but mostly played alone with the boys toys. He did have a short argument about weather a show was over or not with him. That was cute. Later he noticed the baby on the floor on a blanket. He said to the boy, "Kid, that baby looks like a person". I thought that was so hilarious. It's like he just got that babies turn into people, lol. He kept calling the boy "Kid". It was kind of rude but a good generalization. I actually was proud of him. I told him that the baby was the boys sister. He looked at me like I was crazy, that a baby couldn't be someones sister. Funny boy.

Later that night we had the respite worker come and Bobby and I went out for a nice dinner. Molly was at my Moms and got to visit with my Great Aunt Pauline who is visiting from out of town. (I forget where but it's far away) It's actually the first time we've met her. Aunt Pauline took my Mom and Molly out to dinner and they hung out at the mall. I think everyone had a nice time.

Today we just hung around the house. Bobby kept wanting to clean and I kept telling him to relax. I swear next Saturday I'm going to do all the dishes, laundry and sweeping so he will sit still. Tonight I took a nice bath with candles and listened to the rain. It was really relaxing and peaceful. I'll have to do it more often.

That's about it. Everyone have a nice Monday.