Kyle crawled in bed with me at 6:45 this morning. When he realized Dad had left his electric blanket on, he stayed on that side of the bed and fell back to sleep. When he awoke again he asked if he could go play computer and I told him he could. He has some sort of train simulator computer game and he loves it.

Erika came and crawled in with me about 7:30. We snuggled for a few minutes and she was so excited about the tooth fairy coming last night. She wanted breakfast so I got up and made something for both kids. I checked email and went back to bed. Kyle stayed on the computer and Erika watched TV with all of her stuffed animals.

I got up about 9 and started cleaning the downstairs level. I changed the kids’ beds and vacuumed and cleaned the bathroom. I figured I might as well do a good cleaning of DH’s office. I moved all of the office furniture
and did a thorough cleaning.

I took my shower and made an early lunch for the kids. They got playing with building blocks, lincoln logs and the Jenga pieces - and they built a city for their matchbox cars. They played quite awhile with that and then I made them get dressed and clean up. It was the middle of the afternoon by now.

We went to the florist first. I started this tradition when the kids started school. They get to buy their teacher a flower in a vase and take it to her. We were on our way up to school. Kyle picked a red rose with baby’s breath and Erika picked a yellow rose with baby’s breath. They were so excited. We went to school - I carried all of their school supplies and they carried their flowers. We went to Kyle’s teacher first. We spent about 35 minutes with her. I took a weighted blanket for him to help calm him if he is having a stressful day. I took a change of clothes and left it in his locker, just in case. And I put all of his school supplies and his glasses in his desk. He just wanted to play with the legos and dust the room.

We went down to Erika’s classroom and she gave her teacher the flower. She was excited to find her desk, put her school supplies away and see who is sitting by her. We went in the hall and found her locker and she visited with the teacher a few minutes and checked out the room. We were only in there for 15 minutes.

I got gas and stopped at the dollar store so they could spend Erika’s tooth fairy money. They each had $3 because she split her money with him. (She didn’t spend her money for the last 2 teeth.) She bought a doll & pony set for $3 and he bought a $5 dump truck. Okay, Mom chipped in. We came home and they played with their new toys.

DH had gone grocery shopping for me today as he was going to be right near the store with time to kill between appointments. When he got home we all went out to help unload the truck. There’s a few things he couldn’t find in the store, but overall I was pleased with how well he did. We got everything put away and had supper.

When I got the kitchen cleaned up I sewed 3 pair of pants for Erika. Only a bazillion to go. DH and I are watching the Brewers and waiting to go down for a hot tub.

Kyle came upstairs this morning just as DH was getting out of bed. Dad got him some breakfast and then got ready for work and left.

I stayed in bed until 9:00, although the kids took turns coming in the bedroom and asking for various things. At one point Erika asked if she could bring me breakfast in bed. She set up the “breakfast tray” and brought me a brown sugar cinnamon poptart and a bottle of water. She was so proud of herself, so I made a big deal about it. She can be so sweet.

I took my shower and got ready as I didn’t know what time Grandma and Grandpa J would get here. I checked email and was alarmed to find one from Kyle’s case manager about his school hours. The therapy compay was hoping to go to school with Kyle for the first 2 weeks - all day the first week and half days after that. According to the case manager we can’t do that - those hours are only acceptable the first year a child goes to school - or Kindergarten. So - I called Deb, Kyle’s senior therapist - because I thought we should try to have a plan B before we got to the meeting at school today at 1:00.

Deb made some calls and called me back. He can have a therapist at school for 25% of his therapy hours. So, basically that means 1 day a week. So - we thought maybe they could go to school alternating days for the first few weeks - just to see how he is in gym class, and art and music, particularly.

G & G came about 11:00. We visited for a while and then I made lunch. I left and went up to school. Deb was already there and we waited for the others to arrive. There were about 15 people in all and we had a good meeting. Deb and I started out talking about Kyle’s therapy this summer and how he’s doing. Then each person spoke about how Kyle did last year and some of this strengths and weaknesses. I was pleased that the physical therapist at school discharged him completely. And occupational therapy and speech therapy are on a consultative basis. Meaning - they don’t plan to see him on a regular basis, but if his teacher or I see any problems that we can ask for them to step in. And they want to pop in and observe him periodically just to see for themselves. I was happy about that, too. I spoke to the Guidance Counselor about some of the subjects she talks to the kids about not being appropriate for Kyle since he takes things so literally. She gave me her list of programs and they all seemed fine for this year - but she is aware of my concerns and will keep that in mind if anything comes up that I may want to know about. Kyle is going to be in a Social Skills class twice a week this year. I think that will be so good for him as most of his challenges are social. The class has 5-6 kids in it I’m told so I think he will do really well in it. I’m hoping.
Overall I think his IEP (individualized educational plan) went really well today. It lasted about and hour and a half.

Afterward I went and spoke with Erika’s teacher and we made an appointment to bring her to school tomorrow to bring in her school supplies and organize her desk, see her locker, visit with the teacher, etc.

Then I stopped by Kyle’s teacher and we spoke a few minutes about the IEP and the first week of school. She would like the therapists to refrain from coming the first week of school so Kyle has a chance to settle in. I’m SO worried about him that first day of school but I’m sure he will do fine. She encouraged me to bring him by tomorrow when I bring Erika in so he could bring his supplies in, and she promised to call me at the first recess the first day of school and let me know how he is doing.

I got home and visited with G & G again. Erika came up from playing and showed us that she finally lost her front tooth. She is now missing her two front teeth on top with 2 more on top loose.

G & G decided to take us out for supper. We went to a local drive in and had chicken strips and cheese curds. We came home and I got started sewing Erika’s pants for school. She is long legged, but in order to get pants to fit her I have to go with 8 slim, and them hem them. I have 25 pairs of pants here that have to be hemmed. She tried on all of them for me, and then climbed up on the kitchen table and let me pin them.

When we got done she and Kyle got ready for bed and had one show before Dad took them down.

I got two pairs hemmed tonight and will work on them over the next few days. I have to check on Kyle’s pants over the next few days, too. At least I know they have enough clothes to start the school year and I’ll have to work on them over the next few weeks.

DH and I took a hot tub and then the tooth fairy came. Ours leaves blue fairy dust every time she comes. (Blue glitter) I keep that and her teeth where she will never find them (I hope).

I have to remember to tell Grandpa J - my Mother mentioned today that she would like some Akoya pearls for their wedding anniversary which is coming up next month.

I woke up this morning when Kyle crawled in between Dad and I.  I must have dozed off again and when I woke up I could hear Erika talking.  I looked around the room and didn’t see her so I thought I must have been dreaming.  I closed my eyes again and heard Erika’s voice again.  She was in bed with us too, on the other side of Dad.  I got up and got the kids breakfast, put on a show and checked email.  I went back to bed.  I have no idea when DH got out of bed but I woke up at 10:30.  I got up and took my shower and had breakfast.  The kids were playing a new computer game - and actually playing nice together and sharing.  DH was watching TV.  I got on the computer a bit and watched some TV. 

I made lunch and got ready for work early.  DH and I watched another show and I kissed the kids good-bye.  I ran to the library to drop off books and to Subway for a sandwich for supper. 

When I got to work it was hectic.  The hotel was full last night so the laundry is stacked to the ceiling.  Plus the inspector is coming later this week so there is extra pressure to get everything done.  All of the housekeeping staff and the managers were still there when I got there at 3 - very unusual.  They all left about 4:30 and I was left with this mound of laundry.

DH brought the kids in to swim, which was nice.  They went for ice cream afterward and brought me a shake back.  I worked on laundry steady - and had my Subway sandwich at 6:30.  It wasn’t too long after that I began to have stomach cramps and was feeling sick.  I vomited first - and then came the diarrhea.  Here I am at work - supposed to be manning the front desk, answering the phone, etc., and I’m sitting on the toilet - sick.  I kept trying to do laundry and run back and forth to the bathroom hoping it would pass.  Finally, I called the gal that comes in at 11:00 and asked if she would come in early and she said yes.  She couldn’t get there fast enough for me - but in reality it only took her about 15 minutes.  I punched out early and came home.  After a spell in the bathroom I took a shower. 

I realized I had brought my work keys home with me.  Crap.  DH had to run the keys back to my work or the gal working couldn’t even get in the desk. 

I still feel sick.  I am going to bed.

Kyle came and crawled in bed with us this morning as usual.  I have no idea what time it was.  He tried to rest, but tossed and turned.  Finally, he asked for breakfast and DH got up with him so I could sleep in.  I have no idea what time that was.

I woke up at 9:45.  I rolled over and tried to go back to sleep but I couldn’t so I got up and took a shower.  DH was asleep on the couch, Kyle was playing a Noggin game on the computer and Erika was downstairs playing with the fake food….restaurant or kitchen or something.  I ate breakfast and changed the channel from ESPN to something on Tivo.  You might know DH woke up when the channel changed.  (How do they do that?)  I watched a show that picks a year from the past and chronicles things that happened that year in politics, news, music, movies, etc.  I watched 1989 - it was good.  That was a new show I recorded on Tivo - I’ll have to see if I can find a Season Pass for the series as I liked it.

Our renters rang the doorbell and DH answered the door.  They gave us notice of their intent to move as of October 1.  We have mixed feelings on the whole thing.  These renters were in the guest house when we bought the property so we left them there.  The rent money was handy, of course.  But there have been drawbacks - they have 2 huge dogs and I have never liked that.  My neighbor was threatened by one of the dogs on his morning walk and called me right away so I keep a close eye on the kids.  I won’t miss those dogs.  The renters are in their 50’s but have terrible credit - everything with them is on a cash basis.  They have new checking accounts and cell phone contracts all the time.  Sometimes the rent has been late, but they  have always paid.  Whenever we have dropped by the house - even unexpectedly - it is immaculate.  She kept a very clean house - despite having the dogs.  The outside of the house always seemed to be junked up, though, and they didn’t keep up the yard very well.  They were always hauling something home from the dump that they were going to fix, etc.  So - while we will miss the steady income, it will give us a chance to clean the carpets, do any painting in the house to spruce it up, etc….especially with the place for sale.  We need to decide then if we are going to try to re-rent it for the Winter.  Probably.  Especially since we will take our house off the market if it doesn’t sell this Fall - and relist it in the Spring.  It would probably be best to have someone in there.

We watched a Law & Order and I made lunch.  I got ready for work and kissed the kids good-bye.  Erika wanted to come to work to swim, but Kyle didn’t - and Dad had a headache. 

It was a busy night at work.  We were booked solid - several community things going on this weekend, plus a big wedding.  Lots of people around.  It made my night go by fairly quickly.  Tomorrow I will be swamped with everyone checking out - plus our hotel is being inspected this week by the State.  I know there will be lots to do.

Kyle crawled in with us this morning at 6:00. He asked who was coming today and I told him Donna was coming for a little while. He was not happy. I told him he could go play computer or watch a cartoon until Donna got here. He left the room but came back in a minute when he couldn’t find a show. I got up and found the right channel for him and he was happy. I went back to bed for an hour. I got up at 7 and got ready for the day. The kids were both watching TV so I got them dressed and ready for the day and got them breakfast. Donna showed up at 7:30 - I wasn’t expecting her until 8:00 so it’s a good thing I was up and ready.

Kyle and Erika each picked out a book from the library for her to read so that got them in a cooperative mood. When she was finished reading Kyle went downstairs and they started working on goals.

I got started cleaning the house. The Roomba vacummed the living and dining rooms yesterday so today I had it do the hall and bedrooms. I took care of the dishes, took out the garbage, took care of the cat food/water/box. I mopped my kitchen and bathroom floors and did sinks and toilets. Erika dusted and did the patio doors with Windex - she was a big help today. I also managed to get a few loads of laundry done. It feels good to get that all done as I won’t be around much this weekend.

My mailbox is up by the road and we have a really long driveway. The mailman is such a nice guy he always delivers my packages to my door. I know he doesn’t have to. He could just put that post card in the box and I would have to run to the post office the next day for the package, but he doesn’t. Today he made me chuckle. As he was handing me the mail in the garage he motioned to my Green Bay Packers personalized plates and asked what my opinion was on the Brett Favre issue. We talked for a half hour about that - and we agreed to disagree - as we see totally opposite sides of the issue. I think he would have chit-chatted longer had I been willing to stand out there - but I was in the middle of my cleaning. He said he had been waiting for me to have a package so he could talk to me about the Packers.

On a somber note, he told me there was another accident at a dangerous intersection just west of my house. There is a major highway and a side road and people always pull out of the side road onto the highway - misjudging how fast people on the highway are going. We have had several fatalities out there. He said today’s accident was a semi who pulled out in front of another semi. One - or both - of them are going to need a good truck accident lawyer“>. The mailman said it was pretty nasty, but he didn’t think either had been killed.

Deb arrived at 11:30 and went down to work with Donna and Kyle. We finalized the September schedule and finalized points for Kyle’s IEP (individualized educational program) on Monday. They left and I made the kids a quick lunch.

The babysitter came and I went to my friend’s Ronda’s funeral. The one that committed suicide on Sunday. I learned when I got there that Ronda’s family blames her ex-boyfriend for everything so he was not allowed at the funeral. I thought that was very selfish of them. As I see it, the one person the most affected by this tragedy is her 12 year old son - and he could have used his Dad there today.

I heard Ronda left a note. I don’t know what it said. Maybe it implicated the ex-boyfriend….I don’t know. I do know no matter what it said, it is not his fault that she made this choice. SHE made this choice. Being angry at him and making the child choose between his Dad and his extended family on her side is a bad idea.

DH got home shortly after I did. We played with the kids and had supper. Kyle wanted to know if he could watch a TV show from our bed - and would Dad snuggle with him. Dad went and watched a show with him. Then he wanted to know if I would snuggle with him and watch a show. I had them brush their teeth and then I did. When the show was over I put them down.

DH and I are watching Packers pre-season football against Denver. Aaron Rodgers looked pretty good on the first drive. Too bad so many starters are still out tonight. It’s hard to see how the first team will gel without the whole first team.

I hope to take a hot tub at half time so I am signing off.

I mentioned that DH’s oldest daughter called late last night.  She had a bit of good news and we are so excited for her.

She has worked for the same company - a small business - for 8 years now and has worked her way up to being her boss’ right hand.  Her boss, Dave, has offered her the chance to be part owner of a new branch office of the franchise.  We are so excited for her!  So - there are small business opportunities out there if you are hard working and dedicated.

Amanda was here at 9 today. Kyle had a real meltdown as he was watching TV and didn’t want anything to do with therapy today. Amanda got him talking about the train ride and all the animals yesterday. She got him interested in going downstairs and drawing a picture of all the animals they saw. That got him down to therapy. Deb (Senior therapist) came about 10:30. We worked on September’s schedule and she observed Amanda working with Kyle.

School called to remind me of Kyle’s IEP next Monday. (Individualized Educational Program). After speaking with the special education director’s secretary, she put me through to Kyle’s teacher. I spoke with her about coming for a visit - and with both of us attending the funeral for Ronda tomorrow - we decided today would be best.

Amanda finished up with Kyle and I fed the kids a quick lunch. We all went to school. Deb came in for a few minutes just to introduce herself and meet the teacher. Amanda and I got a bit more in depth with the teacher about some specifics on Kyle. The kids played legos for about 45 minutes and it was time for us to go. Kyle did get to see where his desk is and where his locker is so that was good. And - two of his best friends from last year are in with him again this year - thanks to his Kindergarten teacher last year pushing for that.

We went to the beauty shop and Angie cut his hair. He did great. In the seat - 15 minutes - and he was done. We went and got a cone and then stopped for a few groceries.

When we got home the kids played and I did some vacuuming - well, my Roomba did. (Love that thing!) DH got done with work and we decided to go for a ride. We went to our favorite watering hole for a few bloody mary’s and then to te place we went last week. The kids were begging to go back where we were last week because they had a bean bag toss game in the bar.

It was busy there but we got a drink and the kids played 3 games of bowling on a machine - they had a great time. We had chicken strips and cheese curds and came home.

The kids got ready for bed and watched a show. I took a quick shower and sat down to watch a show with them. They both snuggled up to me and talked about how much they had with the bowling game. DH took them down to bed and read the story.

He left to go play Texas Hold Em with a group of guys and I checked my computer. My phone rang like crazy tonight. Sara called - DH’s daughter. Then my nephew, John, called. The DH’s daughter, Kristen, called. After that conversation I called Sara back. DH came home a few minutes later and I relayed all of these conversations to him. He called Sara and I went to bed….it’s 11:30.

Last night I made the mistake of telling Kyle we would do something special today.  He came out of bed 3 times because he was so excited about our special day.  I kept sending him back to bed but I don’t think he slept well.

This morning he got up and crawled in with me.  He wanted me to tell him what our special thing was today and I told him it was a surprise.  I got him breakfast and he played computer games until Erika got up.  I took my shower and got ready for the day.

About 9 I told the kids to get dressed, brush teeth, wash up, go potty, etc.  Amanda knocked on the door and Kyle asked if he had therapy today.  I said no, but Amanda was going to go with us on our special trip.

We are all trying so hard to get Kyle his 80 hours of therapy by the end of this week.  We figured out hours yesterday and he wasn’t going to make it so we had to add another day of therapy on Wednesday - normally his day off.  I asked if we could make it a fun day for him so he wouldn’t realize it was a therapy day.  There are still lots of goals we can work on during an outing.

We drove for awhile and the kids were trying to guess where we were going.  As we got closer Kyle recognized where we were and asked if we were going to see the black train.  A few minutes later we pulled in and they were both really excited.

We bought our tickets and checked out all of the train cars before the kids settled on one.  The conductor came and took our tickets and we were off.  The train whistle blew and the trip took about 20 minutes.  We arrived at a logging camp with a barn and petting zoo.  The first thing the kids wanted to do was find the kittens so we did that.  There were several litters of kittens there and we all too turns holding all of them.  Next we moved on to feeding the goats.  There was a bridge with goats on it and a bucket and pulley system to send the food up to them.  Both kids dumped the rest of their food in the bucket and took turns pulling the rope to send it up.  They were excited when the goats ate it. 

We saw llamas, a miniature horse, cows, calfs, bunnies, pigs, turtles, chickens, turkeys, and goats.  They had fun with the animals.  We played on the playground awhile and took a tram for a nature ride which the kids found pretty boring.  When we got back we had ice cream and we had time to do one more thing.  They wanted to see the kittens again so we did that.  We heard the train whistle so we lined up for it’s arrival.  When it stopped the kids picked a caboose to ride in.  Kyle crawled way up high where the men used to sleep and Erika sat in a kitchen area.  Another little boy crawled up by Kyle so they had some conversation.  The other little boy said he was afraid of heights and Kyle said he used to be when he was little, too.  He’s 6 now.  That made me laugh.

As we got closer to home we stopped at the eye doctor and picked up the kids new eye glasses.  They had to have them fitted, but both seemed excited to get them. 

When we got home they played and watched “Cars”.  Dad came home shortly so they had to show off their glasses.  Dad played lincoln logs with them and built buildings.  I made supper and we ate.

My friend, Sally, called with the funeral arrangements for Ronda.  We discussed the whole situation again.  So sad.  She appeared to be such a happy, bubbly person.  I never thought she had a care in the world.  I still can’t believe she committed suicide and left a 12 year old son behind. 

I took the kids down and read them a story and tucked them in.  We talked about what a fun day we had.  I asked them what they thought the best part was….they both answered - the kittens.  I chuckled to myself.  I spent $75 today and the best part was petting the kittens.  We could have done that for free at the humane society…:-)  Oh, well…..it was a day they will remember.

I ran to my hairdresser’s this morning.  After the kids did their art project yesterday they were covered from head to toe in colorful markers.  I gave them each a bath and realized I was out of conditioner for Erika’s hair.  I ran over to the hairdressers’ shop to pick up some special stuff for Erika’s thick hair.  She made a recommendation and I bought the stuff - $15 - but it’s a pretty big bottle.  I’m anxious to try it.

Angie (the hairdresser) was so excited about her new shipment of promotional pens. She was handing them out left and right and I came away with 4 different colors.

Kyle crawled in bed with us this morning at 6:30.  He snuggled for a minute and then went to play computer.  I got up and showered and got him breakfast.   I checked email and had one from Donna.  She was supposed to be here at 7:30 for therapy with Kyle.  Her email said she would be here at 9.  I wasn’t happy.  I am trying so hard to have all his therapy hours for the month of August in by Friday so he can have next week off. 

Deb (Sr. therapist) showed up at 9:30 and asked where Donna was.  I explained.  Deb got Kyle and started doing some goals.  Donna arrived at 10:00.  We determined we would not make hours this week unless we add therapy tomorrow.  I asked if we could do something fun so it doesn’t seem like therapy to him.  We decided on an outing to take a train ride with a farm, petting zoo, lunch and a logging museum.  We’re looking to see how Kyle does in a crowd.  The noise from the train whisle may be an issue.  Does he greet people with a “hi” or something appropriate?  Does he stick with us in a crowd of people?  Will he eat lunch some place unfamiliar?

DH, Erika and I went out to lunch today.  Kyle stayed home with his therapist.  He didn’t mind as he’s not big on going out to eat anyway.  It gave Erika some one on one time with us, too.  We stopped for a few groceries after lunch - and Erika picked out a black felt type poster that you color with markers - one for her and one for Kyle.  When we got home Kyle was just getting done so they both started their art project right away.  After while they tired of it and watched a Bob the Builder movie and played cars and trains.  Later they finished their posters and I taped them to the patio doors. 

DH worked from home today but was working late so I fed the kids spaghetti.  They played and watched one more show and had ice cream before bed.  DH took them down and read the story tonight.