Labor Day

Can you believe tomorrow is September 1?! WOW! It's not only Labor Day, but also my sister-in-law's 40th Birthday! Let's wish Alleson a wonderful day! We got her a gift card to Ann Taylor Loft. She's perfect for that store b/c she is tall and thin!

We have a nice day planned tomorrow. We're going to head up to Austin early in the morning and visit the Zilker Botanical Gardens. I hope to get some nice shots of Paul with my new camera! Then we're heading over for a hike on Mt. Bonnell and I am sure Danny wants to show Paul the UT campus. To top the trip off--we're having lunch/early dinner at Huts. Shoot, I better make sure they will be open!

I am off to clean out my car and go gas it up so we don't have to waste time doing that tomorrow morning.

Sweet dreams.....

What is Redeeming Love about?

Written by Francine Rivers. I first was told about this book two years ago by a MOPS pal. I read about 3/4 and put it away and just got it back out again this week.
Synopsis: a novel about a woman who struggles with spiritual warfare her entire life (like all of us) and a man who listens to God and allows God to guide him and he faithfully serves God all the while restoring Angel/Sarah. The novel is touching and heart wrenching too. There is rejection and betrayal, a person rescued, redeemed, reconciled and restored. A novel about how salvation is God's blessing - we don't have to earn it--it is what it is--always and forever!

Yvonne even made us book club party favors! I will post a picture of what she made for all of us. So sweet!!! A very pretty card all bright and cheery with scripture on it.
From Ephesians 3:17-21
"And that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever." AMEN

I am too tired right now to do this for you.....BUT please take some time and look up, read and reflect on His Word. All of these all incorporated in this book!
Psalm 139: 15-17
Proverbs 15:22
Titus 2:14
1 Peter 5:6-7
Romans 8:28

Our next book is titled: Discerning the Voice of God. I think it will go well with the book we just read and discussed.

I am off to talk with Danny for a few moments before I attempt sleep. Sweet dreams blog world.......

Redeeming Love

TGIF!

Today was a good day! Had lunch at Demo's with some co -workers--yummy! Am going to start working on a BIG account on Tuesday--received the word today! And I mean HUGE!

Paul is watching Dumbo and Danny is watching the news. I am ready to head out to my new book club group! Friends from my MOPS group! I can't wait to get there! We're all gathering at Yvonne's home. She has an amazing home! Older home, but they re did everything and it is--well, awesome and amazing. Comfy, cozy home....filled with love and the sound of young children.

Yeah for the 3 day weekend. We have no specific plans--which is NICE for a change. Time together as a family and time to get some chores done around the house.

Ya'll have a wonderful Friday night! Check out this jewelry...am so getting a necklace! The gal who makes it is from Austin, TX!!

Sick Again...

Ugh---I need to start taking allergy medicine on a regular basis again. Because once my allergies kick in--it almost always turns into a sinus infection. Alas, Sunday afternoon I started feeling sick and I got worse. So, I stayed home yesterday and went to the TX Med Clinic. At that time, I had no fever, so the brilliant doctor (NOT) decided not to give me antibiotics--BIG mistake. Around 4pm I started having chills and a 102 degree temperature! I called TX Med Clinic around 6 and they said--the dr is gone, but they hope he will call in. So, I took my Mucinex D and the prescription cough medicine (with codeine) and went to bed around 8:30. I was up every hour coughing and blowing my nose. I still felt weak and had a fever this morning and Danny begged me to stay home one more day. It stresses me out to miss work -- a lot to do! I took the cough medicine again this morning and slept from 8-11am. I do feel better this afternoon--no fever.

We have our Clay Shoot tomorrow at work from 3-9 at the National Shooting Complex. I hope it's not super hot! And then Friday night I am beginning to see some of my MOPS gal pals again. A group of them have a once a month Fri night book club and I was asked to join! I am excited about spending time with old friends and women who are thoughtful. This Fri night is at Yvonne's home. She and I became good friends last year when I started asking for help with Paul. She has a 4 year old son who has sensory issues and language delay. She is the Mommy who recommended Dr. McCray---our pediatrician. From the moment I took Paul to see her last September, I loved her! She is amazing and has incredible bed side manners and is oh so smart!

Can you believe this weekend is Labor Day? Where has 2008 gone?! My sister-in-law's 40th birthday is September 1. I forgot to ask my brother if they have anything special planned for her. Sept. 8 is my brother-in-law's birthday and my best pal Evin's and then Danny's 43rd birthday is September 13.

So, I am feeling a little light headed right now and need to go lie down.
2 Corinthians 5:6-7 says, "Therefore, being always of good courage...we walk by faith, not by sight."

Is it Asperger's Syndrome (AS) or Not? And does it really matter?

OMG---so much information from so many different specialists. Bottom line: we want to know how we help our son so he is successful in school and life and I will do anything and everything to be certain my little man never has self worth/esteem issues. NEVER!!!!

We just had the final report given and gone over by the NEISD (our school district) gals. All really nice and eager to help us and Paul. Basically, all the administered tests tell us he does not have autism--severe or medium. However, given a couple of his characteristics and tendencies--they do feel he is on the Autism Spectrum somewhere...... I have been reading a lot and talking with other Mommies of children with AS. From all I read---a child must exhibit a certain number of symptoms -- to be considered Asperger's. According to all those checklists--Paul does not have AS. But he does certainly have "stuff" and we're taking him to a pediatric neurologist Oct. 29.

Here are some things about Paul his doctor, the NEISD gals, Brighton teachers and us think might be going on with Paul and his brain.....who knows for sure!

His brain takes in everything, or shuts down and takes in nothing when it gets overwhelmed. It seems like he can’t filter out any thing at times.

A lot of things that people say don’t make sense to Paul--their sentences I mean. Paul's brain thinks people use words and phrases that don’t really go together, or they’re not clear. Maybe Paul sees everything in pictures in his head, and with little printed words going across this little screen. I get mixed up. Paul's brain is literal.

Some people feel that it is atypical that Paul can label and identify something like 40 animals, but he doesn't understand when you ask him..."how are you doing?" or "what did you do today at school?" However, when I ask him if he loves me...often times he does say YES or nods his head yes. So, it makes it difficult to figure out what he does understand and what he does not. Paul is SUPER affectionate too! Most of what I read about any level on the autism spectrum states AS children are often not that way--and many are clumsy and have not so good motor skills. Uh, Paul's fine motor skills kick ass and the boy can run...skip, jump, climb and all sorts of other playground things and is very coordinated. So---I don't get it??? So, he like to line up his animals and cars sometimes--I do believe typical toddlers sometimes do that too......!!!!

I often feel that Paul's been slower to develop socially due to his prior ear infections. Ear infections correlate with slower developing verbal skills and verbal abilities are highly correlated with social skills. What do any of you think?? Someone suggested this...

Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) http://www.firstsigns.org/downloads/m-chat.PDF.

Do other three year olds do these two things.....Paul does neither one.

1. Answer “what,” “where,” and “who” questions easily?
2. Talk about interests and feelings about the past and the future?

Danny and I feel that Paul's expressive language delays may interfere with academics and social communication. Again, who knows? I hope the neurologist can offer some help.

Paul certainly has difficulty with pragmatic language. These are the communication skills used in social settings. However, he has made progress and improved overall since going to Bright Beginnings at Brighton. We are ever so grateful for all the folks there who love, care for and teach Paul. Praise God for Ms. Janice, Ms. Gwen and Ms. Laura and all the other teachers and staff!

I am off to do some chores. We have a meeting here at our home tomorrow from 2-4. And then my friend's 40th bday party at Stonewerks in the evening! Woo Hoo!!!

Eleven Years in San Antonio

This past weekend marked 11 years I have lived in the Alamo City. Hard to believe sometimes it has been that long. I have lived in 3 homes --the townhouse, my apt on Austin Highway and this house! God knew what he was doing bringing me here. I have the greatest husband and incredible little boy--thank you God.

This weekend was a little lazy--but that's ok given the weekend before was toooooo busy! I spent Sunday afternoon watching The Secret. I have been wanting to watch it for several months now. It was really awesome and I highly suggest you all watch it (and take notes) too!

Paul is so funny. He is watching BAMBI again this weekend and tonight...and probably tomorrow and the next day too. He imitates so many of the scenes. Yesterday, he ran out of the family room and then regally walked back in with his head high--just as Bambi's Father was doing so in the movie. We cracked up --- oh how I wish I had it on video. Somehow, I think I will be able to capture it-I am sure he will do it again. How did he know to run out and then come back in...walking like a King...head up..serious look on his face. Can you visualize??!!

This is another busy week with work...appts, evening events, Paul's evaluation results from the school district, etc. And then Sat night is a 40th birthday celebration for a friend at Stone Werks - at The Quarry. I am so happy it's not StoneWerks at The Vineyard----do not really like that location one bit! Stone Werks at The Quarry brings back so many memories of 1998 -- working downtown and going there every Thurs and sometimes Fri night after work. Live music, dancing, drinking, having fun. I am really looking forward to this party!

My friend's Debra and John (who lost their baby boy to SIDS in June) are getting away tomorrow - Friday. Yeah for them! They are visiting a resort and spa in Phoenix and a few of us sorority sisters have something special planned for them....... And while in Phoenix will be having dinner with 2 Alpha Phi's....Patti and Karla! Everyone should have a friend like Debra! I am lucky--I have a few incredible best friends! Maybe I can will it so that Debra, John and Olivia move to SA--or we can move to Kansas City........wishing upon a star.......

Here's a thought.......if you're having a bad hair day -- maybe Jesus just rubbed your head?!

Celebrity Casino Night

Hola peeps!

So much to write about--but limited time of course. My wish for the rest of the year is that life slows down, but I seriously do not see that happening.

Last weekend was busy with the SA Builders Association Clay Shoot. It was HOTTER than Hades at the shooting complex. Thankfully the food, drinks and fellowship were great! Saturday brought chores and errands. In the evening I attend Tony and Eva Longoria Parker's Casino Night to benefit her non profit--Eva's Heroes. Around 1000 people packed into Pedrotti's. Lots of interesting attire and celebrities. The food was ok..nothing to really write home about. We had fun playing Blackjack. Our table was fun and the dealer was a hoot! One of the rooms hosted a Texas Hold Em poker tournament. I would guess 300 people took part in that. The grand prize was a seat the World Series of Poker. I left around 11 and haven't learned yet who won. It was down to about 3-4 tables with 6-8 people each. Eva was still in at her table..as was T Park.

Sunday brought more chores and we hosted our church group over for our monthly meeting and dinner. I was pooped at 9am Sunday night! I needed a day to re group--but alas, Monday was a work day! UGH! I don't think I fully woke up until after lunch on Monday. And I could tell I was getting sick. I don't get enough rest and my diet is well, not good!

I made an appt with a pediatric neurologist for Paul. We can't get in until Oct 29, but that's ok. It will be here before we blink....... We go Aug 21 to find out the final report from the school district about Paul. They evaluated/tested him on 3 separate occasions in late May and early June. I have been reading some books on Asperger's --high functioning Autism--and according to many lists.....a child needs to meet a certain number of criteria to remotely be considered having Asperger's. Paul has one characteristic. My gut tells me he doesn't have any form of autism, but does have some social and behavior issues that need to be worked out before he goes to school. And that may not happen either. He is definitely a sensory seeking boy and needs to go go go...and I think we need to wear him out more. But crap--it is so dang hot! It's difficult to be outside. With all the reading and asking of questions of so many professionals, we feel he does some a mild - medium case of SI - Sensory Integration dysfunction. Praise God he doesn't have cancer or a more severe illness or disability. Paul is so silly and fun to be around. He is a loving and sweet little boy and I could eat him up!!!

I have been playing around with my new SLR digital camera. I need to sit down and take some time to read through the book and really get acquainted with how to use all the features. It is truly amazing and I love it! Below is a pic of my new shoe--the one I posted about prior...love these shoes! They are so me! Don't you think??!!

I am getting my haircut later today and then home to get some rest. I have a 7:30 breakfast meeting and then 2 other meetings tomorrow and I don't want to feel icky. I told Danny I wish to lay low this weekend and get some extra rest and spend time as a family. We have not scheduled events---thank GOD!

Peace out sisters and brothers.

Papa Bought Mama a New Pair of Shoes!

My friend Tina just said either Thursday or Friday--well, no more new shoes since you just bought a car! I agreed--UNTIL, we saw this really COOL pair of shoes at Nordstrom last night. Danny actually saw them and loved them! He said,"try them on!" So, I painfully agreed. YOWZA----so cute and so me! Boutique9 slides....rosey/purple leather knotted....shimmery... Don't feel bad for Danny friends--he bought himself a new dresshirt and a new tie! I will post pics of my new shoes and his new tie soon! We had a date night to celebrate my birthday--which was July 21. Tina, Todd, Zachary and Makayla entertained Paul for about 4 hours while we dined at SPICE and shopped at La Cantera (or as my friend Gloria and I call it - Holy Ground!)

I went to The Haven and Laurels today with Laila to serve communion to the elderly. We actually hold a prayer service at The Laurels. I did the Gospel reading for today and a brief reflection. It went well. They are all so appreciative of us and the time we spend there. Danny, Paul and I went for pizza tonight and then home to play before bath and bed!

Danny is now at the driving range hitting balls. He is playing golf tomorrow afternoon and needed to practice!

Want some news? Danny's brother's wife - Veronica - is pregnant! I think due in March. I don't know if she has been to the doctor yet. They live in Houston - well, Friendswood really. It was a surprise....those are fun! My co worker Nicole finds out tomorrow if she is having a boy or a girl. The Chinese gender predictor calendar says BOY. I have used this thing for about 14 pregnancies and it has been right every time!!!! You must know the age of the Mother when she conceived the child and the month the child was conceived...and it helps to know general time frame of that month.....

So, with that..I leave you with this tonight.....

1 Corinthians 13:5 "Love doesn't fly off the handle...."
No Mom can be perfect all the time. We all lose our tempers. We all complain. We all get grouchy. But God knew that when He created us. He knew our flesh would win out once in a while. That's why He sent Jesus to save us from our sins, so we can repent for our grouchy attitudes and move forward in love. So get those grouchies off and let love control you today and everyday!