Summer Heat

It has been awhile since I updated so here's what's been happening: Not much!

We got out of school and I am glad to say Michael and I had a great school year. Am I happy with his year at the Middle School? Yes and no. Yes because he loved the Middle School and his transition went so much more smoothly than I had thought it would. From some comments by his teachers, it sounds like he is doing well socially; the other students are nice to him and he is communicating with them. The bad part: I feel like he regressed quite a bit this year. Academically, he was doing well at his elementary school because he had a great assistant and his teachers were so good to communicate with me. The Middle School teachers did the best they could, I am sure, but I didn't know until his May IEP meeting that he had been struggling in some of his classes. Why in this world wasn't I told?! We could have been working with him at home yet we never had work sent home nor were we told how to help. Oh well. It is done and I can't change it. I hope for better communication next year and I pray that he recovers what he lost. (Sadly, his teachers seemed to think I was in denial about what he can do academically. No, Middle School teachers, trust me; my eyes are totally open to the horror that is autism and I do not wear "rose colored glasses." I know Michael's strengths and weaknesses but I know he can do better than he did this year. I have SEEN it and his elementary school teachers have seen it as well. Like I said, next year is a new year.


We are getting excited about our trip to St. George Island. It will be here soon and we are planning what to take since we are flying this time. We have been enxiously watching the weather to see how much damage Tropical Storm Debby did to the island. There has been no electricity on the island in days and I have read that the storm damage is minimal so we are hoping that by the time we get there, everything will be back to normal. I am working on my packing list and trying to be reasonable about what we are taking. I am excited and nervous about Michael flying for the first time but he amazes me with how much he can handle so we are hoping for the best. I think he will love it, actually, but we will see. It is my niece's first flight so I am excited for her too. I have been browsing online for a swimsuit and have about decided I need a full body one! Ugh! I have eaten all summer. Michael and I just sit and surf the web. We have got to find something to do. I am doing better about my swimming pool daydreams but still refuse to subject us to the city pool. Like I told someone a few days ago; adults are much more cruel than kids. It might just be a look but if that look is directed at your child, it is devastating. So, we will hang out at the house and count down the days to the pool at the beach house.

My husband and I had a nice conversation a few weeks ago. We were talking about our upcoming anniversary (#23) and how it will be nice that we are flying to the beach that day. Cool way to spend an anniversary! Anyway, he said, "I think for our 25th, we should go on your dream trip." My dream trip is a trip to England. I asked him if he was serious and he said yes. Wow! I have been pricing trips and a friend let me borrow some travel books of Europe. We are talking 2014 so I have a chance to really plan it. Our biggest concern is who would stay with Michael for 10-12 days? My sister is awesome about staying with him but she has a little girl and a full time job so I think we would need a team of people. I think it could work with a lot of planning but we will see. Thinking about my rural, country self in Europe makes me laugh. Talk about the Beverly Hillbilies! Oh me. Hopefully it will all work out.


I finished my last summer class Saturday so I am free until September. Yea! I have five more classes (two this fall and three next spring) and I should graduate with my Specialist in Education (Ed.D) degree in May 2013-the EXACT same day that my sister will graduate with her Associates degree. What are the odds?! I really want to be there for her graudation because she has worked so hard for it and come so far. It is a great excuse for a party for both of us, I think. :)


I will try to do better about updating for my one faithful reader! Until then, stay cool and God bless. :)

Living Life

One of my favorite movies is The Shawshank Redemption. In the movie, there is a great line: "I guess it comes down to a simple choice, really. Get busy living or get busy dying." I had an epiphany a few weeks ago related to this quote. I have worried for twelve years about protecting Michael. My husband and I have not lived; we have survived. I finally came to the conclusion that we could leave him for one night and the earth wouldn't end. We have left him one night about seven years ago and finally made it two last night. We went to a wonderful concert (Joe Bonamassa) and spent the night in a hotel nearby. My wonderful sister stayed with Michael and guess what? Everything was fine. Some marriages fall apart under strain and I won't say that we haven't had some strained times because of the stress of raising an autistic child but I am so grateful that we still love each other after all these years. We need time together. We'll all be happier. Do I want to "run away from home?" No, I love Michael with all my heart but it was nice to relax and have a meal in peace without interruptions. Everything went so well that we might even do it again and not wait so long next time. :) It is back to graduate school for me tomorrow. I had a break for a few weeks and I start summer school tomorrow. I am loving school and am glad that I will have more time to work on it now that Michael and I are wrapping up our other school time. We are getting excited about vacation. We decided to fly to Florida instead of drive. I love the thought of getting to Florida in an hour instead of ten hours but am a little anxious about Michael flying for the first time. I think the best strategy is to just talk him through the procedures and let the airline know. I hope we have a great time! This is Mother's Day weekend and the flowers above are from Michael. We picked him up at school today and he was carrying them. Love them! I have had a rule since I was pregnant with Michael: No Mother's Day gifts. My husband has cheated a few times but as I told him back then, God gave me a son. Now, really, what else could you get me?! Everyone have a great weekend and Happy Mother's Day!

Been Too Long

Wow, it has been so long since I posted anything. I cannot remember a time when I have been this busy. I am still going to graduate school several Saturdays a month, teaching and practicing in the bands at church and that takes up so much time. I have two graduate classes again this semester and the homework is kicking my tail. I love it and it is extremely interesting and gratifying but it is very time consuming as well.

At "regular" school, I guess we have given up on a true snow day. (We have had snow days with very little snow.) We could still get one, of course, but the odds don't seem to be in our favor. Michael is still loving school but we are both ready for Spring Break which will be in a few weeks.

We had a scare with one of my grandmothers a few weeks ago. She had a heart attack, congestive heart failure and a very bad infection in one leg but "minor" incidents like that have never gotten her down. :) She is in rehab to try and get stronger and we hope she will be able to go home soon. She is the strongest, most determined person I have ever known.

I am disgusted with myself about my weight. Stress has never been the ideal situation for me because I worry eat and all of the stress from college is not helping. I am proud to say I have all A's so far but it makes me more determined to keep A's. (I would be so proud of myself to graduate next year with all A's.) I have to survive summer, fall and spring classes first, though. I hope to get back to walking soon. It does so much to relieve stress. I love putting on my music and slipping away for a little while.

I am looking forward to vacation this summer. I said in an earlier post that we are going to St. George Island again but I am wondering if it would be worth it to stop half way then go on the next day. The trip takes 10 hours and by the time we get to the beach house, we are absolutely exhausted. I am thinking maybe we should drive six hours, get a good night's sleep and then go the rest of the way so we can arrive early and not be so tired. We'll see closer to time, I guess. Either way, it is all good!

That's all for updates. I have more homework and laundry to do. I will try to post again soon.

January Update

It is snowing outside and we are loving it. It feels so good to be warm inside the house. We are hoping for a snow day. We did a snow dance as we watched the snow falling. As I sit here, I am reflecting on how my January has gone so far, I am happy to say it is going really well. My students are reading The Hunger Games and they are hooked. It is so cool to watch their reactions to what is happening in the story. I keep hoping that many will stay with me through the end of the story and not try to find out the ending. Of course, I cannot blame them. It would be driving me crazy to wait.

Another thing that happened this month is the never ending saga of our vacations. Several years ago, we found out two weeks before vacation that the cabin we were renting was being foreclosed upon so we had to make last minute arrangements for another vacation spot. That is the first year we went to St. George Island and I am still happy that we didn't get to stay in that cabin in Gatlinburg because we found our island that year. Well, this year, I got an incredible deal on a beach house for this summer. On Black Friday, the rental company had 45% off of selected beach houses. I jumped on that deal! We booked the house then got a phone call a few days later that houses had been overbooked and would I trade houses. Sure, I said, because the new house looked better. Fast-forward to New Year's Eve. I am surfing the Internet and decide to look at the house we'll be renting. It is not there. I call the company. Oh, they say, there is a new owner but he has promised that he will list the house when some upgrades are made. Fine. Fast forward to this week. Yep, the owners are not listing it. We have to pick ANOTHER beach house. I hope this one works out! It looks pretty cool and has a better view of the ocean. Can I complain? Of course not. One complains about horrible tragedies not having to change beach houses. It just makes me excited for our trip.

School starts again for me in a few weeks. I am proud of myself. I made all A's on my first trip back to graduate school in years. I am excited about what I will learn this semester. I have classes all year and next spring and should graduate with an Ed.S (Specialist in Education degree) in May 2013 IF my bank account doesn't dry up. My goodness, these classes are outrageous.

Like I said, January is going well so far and I hope the year continues to go well. As for now, think SNOW!

Happy New Year!

It is hard to believe that another year is almost here. A Facebook friend asked everyone to describe 2011 in three words and it is like she read my mind. Here are my three words: Apprehension, Relief and Thankful. In January 2011, I was already dreading Michael starting the Middle School in the fall. I just didn't know how he would do with such a big transition. In January, I never even considered going back to school. My husband was concerned with layoffs at his job. How did these situations turn out? Better than I ever dreamed. My husband still has a job, Michael loves the Middle School and I did very well in my classes and love them. Was 2011 perfect? Of course not. We had worries about my Grandmother, who was in so much pain from a bad hip. The pain got so severe that she finally agreed to a hip replacement. I am so thankful that her pain has been relieved. The new evaluations in our state did not help during the fall semester. There was so much stress and anxiety for every teacher I know. I truly hope that politicians start to respect teachers again and quit making our lives-and our students' lives-so stressful. Overall, though, it really was a good year. I am thankful for so many things in my life. I hope 2012 is a great year for us and for you as well. Happy New Year!

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!

Thirty Days of Thanks

I never post the latest Facebook posts that go around weekly if not daily but I was curious about one that showed up at the beginning of November. We were supposed to post something we were thankful for each day. I thought it sounded interesting so I tried it. It turned out to be a blessing. I try to be thankful all of the time but when hectic times come, I tend to forget my blessings. Here are my Facebook posts for November and for my thankfulness:

Nov. 1 - I am thankful for the man I have been in love with since I was 15.
He is the best husband, father and a pretty great drummer as well. :)

Nov. 2 - I am thankful for my sweet Michael who teaches me daily to appreciate the little things in life.

Nov. 3 - I am thankful that I still have my grandmothers. They are great women who have weathered many storms. (They also show me where I get my stubborn streak.) :)

Nov. 4 - I am thankful for family. One side gave me a pride in family and one side gave me, uh, "uniqueness." :)

Nov. 5 - I am thankful that I have had the priviledge of teaching over 2,000 students in my career. I will always love "my kids."

Nov. 6 - I am thankful for freedom of religion. It is amazing that in 2011, people are still being persecuted in the world for believing "wrong."

Nov. 7 - I am thankful for my nieces. They make me proud every day.

Nov. 8 - I am thankful to former students who are serving or have served in the military and also my uncle who, when I asked how he survived Vietnam, said he just kept thinking I am protecting my nieces and nephews. Wow.

Nov. 9 - I am thankful for central heat/air. (Grew up without it, didn't have it when we first got married and missed it when it went out last July.) A warm house in the morning is nice. :)

Nov. 10 - Whether it is walking with Frodo through Middle Earth, Scout in Alabama or a sparkly vampire in Forks, I will always be thankful for the books that have allowed me to escape a little while from reality

Nov. 11 - I am thankful for our vacations to St. George Island, Florida. Uncrowded beaches, nothing to do but relax, swim and eat fresh seafood. Nice.

Nov. 13 - I am thankful for freedom of speech. This right causes arguments and worse but I am so proud to live in a country where we are free to express our opinion about our government without fear of jail or death.

Nov. 14 - Thankful to live in our beautiful. Fall leaves, snow on the trees, dogwoods in bloom and baking heat in summer, we can't say the weather is boring. :)

Nov. 15 - Thankful for what Michael has accomplished and for the hope of what's to come (I could write a book on this one.)

Nov. 16 - It quickens my pulse and soothes my soul. Music, how thankful I am to you.

Nov. 17 - Thankful for chocolate :)

Nov. 18 - I am thankful to work with some fabulous teachers and administrators in my school and in this county. They love students and work hard to help our kids.

Nov. 19 - While packing our Operation Christmas Child boxes, I was once again reminded to be thankful for the basics that I take for granted: toothbrush, shampoo, running water and a roof over my head. Blessed indeed.

Nov. 20 - I am thankful my church family especially my praise band buddies who put up with my mediocre singing. ;)

Nov. 21 - I am thankful that we only have two days of school this week. Long weekend, whoo hoo!

Nov. 22 - Monte and I had a conversation last night about the current research about the brain and autism. I was again reminded how thankful I am to the researchers and organizations like Autism Speaks who provide funding to help find a cause for autism. The regional director told me that these reseachers are passionate about what they do and always think of the parents and kids when they do their research, that it is personal to them. We're getting closer to knowing. I just feel it.

Nov. 23 - Thankful this morning for water. My husband heard a pipe gushing at 1 am and shut off the water. The plumbers are here now. (Thank goodness this wasn't a morning we had to go to work. I NEED my shower! Flushing is nice, too.) :)

Nov. 24 - I am thankful that my sister invited me to shop in Pigeon Forge tonight & Friday. (Who am I kidding?! Tanger Outlet at 10 tonight? We have lost our minds!) Happy Thanksgiving!

Nov. 25 - Thankful for a fun time in Pigeon Forge. Beautiful weather, great deals, fun "people watching" and an interesting experience overall. Best deal? Not at the mall but on the phone: 45% off our beach house rental this summer. Whoo hoo!

Nov. 26 - Thankful for a beautiful day hanging out with my guys.

Nov. 27 - Thankful for little or no "drama" in my life. Facebook has shown me just how boring my life is and I am actually grateful.

Nov. 28 - Thankful that Michael's room is finally clean. I'm serious! How can one 12 year old boy make such a mess?

Nov. 29 - I am thankful that I am mature enough (and have become wise enough) to realize that love is not measured by what my husband gives me. When I was young and stupid, I thought it mattered what I received for Christmas or other occasions. What REALLY matters is how I am treated every day and in that I am given gifts beyond measure.

Nov. 30 - Thirty days of thankfulness. I have to admit, this has made me think. For my last post on this, I have saved the most important one for last. I am forever thankful to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who I lived without for the first 30 years of my life. I have lived without Him and I have lived 17 years with Him. I found out about grace at age 30 and what a difference it has made. For all of the people and things I have listed this month, to God I give the thanks and the glory.

Again, I am glad...thankful...that I did this. When I wrote them down, it just reminded me again how lucky I am and how blessed. I will try to update what has been going on around here soon.