Saturday, March 27, 2010

Back in the Saddle

I am going to do my best to get back into the swing of blogging. Other on line activities have taken me away from my first love and I long to type more than one sentence at a time!

Recently, we had the yearly IEP (Individual Education Plan) meeting at Isabella's school. It took a while for my daughter and me to understand that the system is taking away services while telling us how well Bells is doing. "Your child is doing well so we are going to reduce her time in school and take away her summer program." Huh? If it is working why change it? Bottom line, let's save money.

Budget cutting measures are made by people who aren't in the trenches. If they met these wonderful children would they be as quick to pull the rug out from under them? If they were to look into the eyes of the parents who are exhausted from the daily care of special needs children and from working full-time to put food on their tables could they justify the measures they are taking?

More and more I see the need for groups like Autism Speaks and P.O.A.C. which are on the front lines of defending the rights children on the autism spectrum. When I reached out, I was given information to help my daughter fight this I.E.P. and insist on getting Bells the services that are helping her to flourish.

On May 23rd, team Isabella will be walking for Autism Speaks. We hope to raise $1000 to help raise awareness of autism, education and research for a cure. If you wish to join us let me know! If you want to donate, great. What I ask for most is your support and encouragement for myself and any other families with members on the spectrum. Learn about autism. Reach out; give them a break if you are so inclined.

Awareness and education; our greatest weapons and our greatest defenses.

blessings from the trenches, gail

Friday, March 12, 2010

Ugh

I had just about completed typing out an entry I had been working on in my head when it disappeared. I had even saved it to draft halfway through but it is gone!

When I get up the strength to rewrite it (my fibromyalgia has me sleeping a lot), I will share with you what is on my mind. In the meantime, thanks to The Simple Woman's Day Book for the following questions:


FOR TODAY

Outside my window...rain to bring out the crocuses, daffodils and tulips just waiting to erupt into spring song


I am thinking...that I hope I get a restful night's sleep so I can be a good overnight guest to our friends


I am thankful for...people from the autism family who reached out to me today when I expressed a problem with the school system Isabella is in.

From the kitchen...dishes washed, dishwasher emptied, floor needing washing

I am wearing...pajamas and fuzzy purple slipper socks


I am creating...a ruckus for the school system if they continue to try to take away services from my precious girl


I am going...to stay with friends at the shore just to get some couple time together

I am reading...my Bible - been too tired to start a new book


I am hoping...to get throught this bought of fms so I can get to work


I am hearing...a rumbling in this country that is going to destroy it and/or bring revival


Around the house...so much to do


One of my favorite things...a nice cup of decaf coffee when the mood strikesA few plans for the rest of the week: get moving!


Here is picture for thought I am sharing...Isn't this pretty?!
Have a wonderful weekend, all. You bless me. g