Big snow of 2009!

I normally don't post video, but this one was just too cute.

Michael had so much fun playing in the snow today... sledding, walking, throwing snow. I love when he gets to do 'typical kid stuff'!!!!

Taking my life off 'hold'

I took this last week as a vacation week so I could get stuff done around the house, and prepare for the holidays. After I finally got the last presents wrapped and ready to go, I started to attack the piles of stuff in my bedroom. Wow! Talk about a huge amount of 'stuff'!

As I was going through some of the piles shoved further to the back, I realized there were boxes there that were five years old! As I was going through and trying to decide what to keep and what to toss/freecycle, I realized how much we had put on hold ever since Michael got his diagnosis. Our world has revolved around him for the past five years, almost to the exclusion of all else. Not that this is a bad thing - he has made such tremendous progress. But, kinda sad in another way when I look back on the things that used to matter to me.

I was talking with Steve and we realized that our life has changed so much since October. That was when we realized that Michael finally had the perfect placement (for him), and that he was incredibly happy where he is, and hopefully we have a break from fighting the 'system' to get him that placement.

October is also when we started seeing results from a new antioxidant we have been trying. Michael is happy. He's learning. We aren't having the daily battles we once did. A bad day now used to be an incredibly good one - just a year ago. I have so much to be thankful for!

So, now that we aren't in constant battle mode, there is actually time for us. We've taken a vacation. We've spent time together. Now, it's time for me to focus on my own health, and trying to get the house back. I'm not sure if there is any hope for the carpets (supplements really stain when they come back up!) but who knows, maybe the rest of the house can be guest-ready.

On that same topic, we finally broke out a new set of dishes. I had bought them soon after we moved into the house, intending to invite people over for dinner. It's a beautiful set, with all the serving pieces. But, after life started spiraling out of control, I lost hope of having guests and the set got banished to the garage. Yesterday, we brought them in, washed them all, and loaded the cabinet. Anyone want to come over for dinner? It will still be allergy friendly and life is still chaotic, but I have hope.

Does any of this mean that we are less focused on Michael and his recovery? Not at all. It just means that he is finally doing well enough that we can have other interests and maybe a few tiny moments of 'normal'. It's a Christmas wish so it has to come true, right?

What a shock, ethics violations at the CDC regarding vaccine safety!

I was really surprised to see coverage of this inspector general report in a mainstream newspaper. If the advisors have financial interests in the outcome of their recommendations, how much can we trust their opinion? If the CDC shows such disreagard for the law, how can we trust them with our children?

Daiya has made my day!!!!

Tonight we gave Michael a grilled cheese sandwhich. He hasn't been able to have one since we went gluten/casein/soy free. He normally doesn't care much about food, but tonight he actually asked if he could have another sandwhich. I don't know if my heart broke more that it took so long to find a 'cheese' he could eat, or that he was so happy.

I never thought it would be so hard to find a cheese like product that didn't have soy/dairy/wheat, etc and actually melted and tasted good. But, finally, we have one and the house is happy. Now, please don't let the grocery store ever run out!!!

Here is a link to their website - you can see if there are any ingredients I overlooked, or if they have it near you. I am one happy mommy!!!

Holiday Fun!

I was looking through all the holiday specials and came across yet another wii game. It's called "We Wish You a Merry Christmas", and it's just fun. We decided to get it for Michael, only to discover he didn't want anything to do with it. I guess it's that whole 'new' thing. So, what's a parent to do? Trick him, of course!

Steve and I started to play it, hoping to pique his interest, and it actually worked! There are a lot of things to do - listening to carols, decorating a tree, opening an advent calendar, and a a few cute mini games. (Yes, I'm totally addicted to one of them). What's really cool is that you can play the game no matter what level you are at. I'm hoping this one lasts til next year!

So, is it good to trick him into liking a video game? I'm not sure on that one, but it's great to see him smile, and have him be able to win some of the games with Steve and I really trying. He's getting fast, his hand-eye coordination is great, and I'm just thrilled. I never expected a game to be a real present to me.

What an awesome holiday weekend!

I managed to badly sprain my back just in time for Thanksgiving. So, I haven't been able to move much, and have been a tiny bit grumpy. I was worried how Michael would handle things, and have been very, very impressed.

Saturday the three of us went to cranio. Steve had an appt first, so Michael and I had an hour to kill in the waiting room. I was really worried he would act out and I wouldn't be able to keep him in the waiting room until his appointment. (In the past, my not feeling well was a great cue to take advantage) Not this time! Michael sat nicely on the couch and played with his Leapster and Twist n Shout math game. He even interacted with people as they came and went. Very, very impressed!

Sunday I asked Michael if he wanted to learn a new game with me. He actually let me teach him how to play dominoes, and picked it up incredibly quickly. But, what I love the most is how much of a good sport he is. He didn't try to manipulate the rules so he could win, and was genuinely happy for me when I won. I was so proud of him!

Overall he had a great holdiay. I know he missed school, and was anxious to go back this morning, but it was nice to just spend some time with him. I wish I had been feeling better to enjoy it more, but I definitely got the impression that he was looking out for me since he knew I wasn't feeling well. I know he still has a long road ahead of him, but each step seems to be getting more comfortable, and more confident!

I try not to beg for money very often, but these two brothers really make my heart ache. If ten people would just loan $20 each, their loan would be funded before thanksgiving. This is a VERY short term loan - you would have your money back in 6 months. Just think of the impact you would have on their lives and the tiny impact it would have on your own wallet. If you have anything to be grateful for this year, please consider making a loan for these sweet boys!