Futile to Fight Falderal

The girls have finally moved back home. It was a quick, easy move although the getting organized will probably start tomorrow. Correction: better start tomorrow.

What is futile is to fight wanting a quiet house for any length of time. As a, matter of fact, we had to pick up Bells from school yesterday with a cough and low fever. She can not return until we have a doctor's note. Even a slight fever gives the schools such fear now. It is a shame but I suppose it is necessary.

What is also futile is to depend on others to figure out the right answers for a child like Isabella. After waiting nine months for an appointment, I accompanied The Girl and Bells to see a developmental pediatrician. Although we know she has autism, we had to get a formal diagnosis. The nurse practitioner took a detailed history and then the doctor came in. She was read the history and didn't add much of anything. When asked about testing for deficiencies or about diet she said she doesn't do any of that because it isn't "scientifically proven." See you in six months.

Hmmm...

Not one suggestion; not one how do you do. All we got was a diagnosis. Now I understand why the moms in Bells' school told us to use another doctor; live and learn. However, the nurse practitioner and doctor both agreed that Bells has a very good chance of leading a "normal" life some day in the future.

We have expected progress not further problems. However, our girl has started to hit herself on occasion. It has brought The Girl to tears. It seems to be like a reflex rather than a behavior she thinks about. Something for us to research.

On a lighter note, we celebrated Isabella's 4th birthday last weekend. Can you believe she is four years old? She loved being sung to at the several celebrations she had. Balloons? She brings them everywhere with her! The Girl has asked me to not get any more. Himself and I got her a set of instruments - percussion instruments - drum, maracas, castinets, bells! Typical grandparent present but not when the grandchild lives with you. That kind of noise doesn't bother me. High pitched noises do like whistles.

Are there any noises that bother you? High-pitched whistles, nails on a chalkboard and utensils scraping a plate.

Have there been any battles you have had to fight for your children? Many times. Getting my children classified with learning disabilities took my figuring it out before the system did. I will go into detail if you wish.

Do you like chai? Eww. I figured out that it has cloves in it and I have a story about cloves I might share some time that explains why I hate it.

Plans for Thanksgiving? I know my Canadian friends have already celebrated and my international friends might not celebrate. We are actually staying home this year. So many years going to the in-laws and we are tired of seeing Himself's mom exhaust herself. We will go there for dessert.

Is this going to be a good holiday season? If it KILLS me I will enjoy myself! Those of you who have been with me for a while know I don't like this time of year. I am going to try to be a model of Christmas cheer!

Be well, my friends. I pray that all is well. g

Thank You Veterans

Thank you to all who served in war and in peace time.

Thanks to Himself; Viet Nam,

Brothers-in-law; Viet Nam years (non-combat)

Dad; Korea

Granddad; WWII

Richard W.; WWII

All my friends on spaces and their families who serve(d) alongside them.

Thank you for serving so that I could raise my family in freedom and peace.

Obedience No Matter What

I'm weary of finding f words to title the falderal so I am taking a breather from thinking too hard!

It is so hard, sometimes, to obey God's word. It says to honor our authorities because He put them there. Reading some other blogs, I see a lot of anger towards our current administration over the horrible events at Fort Hood this past week. Some say we are less safe than we were before 9/11.

To say that the average American knows what is really going on in our country is to live in a dream world. We don't know and, truth be told, don't want or need to know all that happens to keep us safe. We do, though, need to know that our brave men and women who serve our country can have a reasonable expectation of safety on a military post!

If a military person speaks out against the military do they still belong there? Is there any room for insurrection within the ranks? Amongst civilians, yes. Amongst the military? No. There needs to be obedience unless an order goes against the good.

As much as I want to rail against the administration and all I disagree with, it is my duty to pray for them, for the military and for my country. I must trust that God has a plan for my life and part of it is to live here in the United States.

I am not convinced that my beloved country will ever be God fearing again. As a matter of fact, I see it going progressively downhill. I hope and pray that I am wrong. Whatever happens, though, will not be a surpise to God.

Let us stand firm no matter what is tossed our way.

Given the opportunity, would you rather live in a country other than the one you live in now? No. I have thought about it but can't think of one my family and I would be better off in.

Are you frustrated with your government? Very much so. No matter how often I contact my representative and senators I get the same thanks but no thanks response.

Do you think you would consider running for office? I don't see it in my future but I don't pretend to know the future.

Do you have a favorite song right now? I am very fond of Revelation Song by Phillips, Craig and Dean. It is so touching and true.

How is your life lately? Really good. I am so blessed and I choose to count my blessing rather than wallow in pity over what could be.

Himself and I celebrated 22 years of marriage this past week. We enjoyed a meal of sushi at one of our favorite restaurants and are glad for what God has blessed us with.

Our Isabella is coming into overt consciousness of this world a bit more lately. She is responding to our questions with appropriate and correct answers. It is soooo exciting!

Bless you this week and always, g

Fairly Fun Falderal

As you may or may not recall, Isabella calls me Booboo. As of today, I am her class Booboo! My friend, M, didn't think it was fair that Bells' class, which her son is in, didn't have a class parent so she volunteered. Well, where M goes g goes! I was so happy to be a part of their halloween party. (I guess the parent association didn't think kids with autism needed to have class parents. They never met M!)The Dread Pirate Bella

Personally, I don't like halloween. It's darkness disturbs my soul. People are always telling me to lighten up and get into the spirit of it. Problem is the "spirit" of it is not the spirit of God. If it is not the Spirit of God the only thing left is an ugly spirit; the spirit of darkness.

If anyone rings our bell I will hand out the bags of pretzels we bought and will be properly appreciative of the creativity involved in dressing the children up. I will not, however, get into the "spirit" of this day we call halloween.

Do you 'celebrate' halloween? See above.

Do you hand out treats? Last year and this year we decided to hand out bags of pretzels to be a little less sugary. Some years I was a grinch and didn't have anything but I realized I wasn't being a light to people.

Did you get the "Dread Pirate" reference I made? Have you ever seen Princess Bride? You would have to have to get the reference!

What is your favorite holiday? Any day I decide to have family over just because. I am not a big fan of "calendar" holidays. They stress us all out too much.

Anyone want to plan to not be around for the holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas) with me? We can make plans!

Here's hoping all is well with you. Let me know about customs where you are. g

Finally...

...a chance to breathe.

My trip to see my brother and his bride was great. Not only did I get to spend time with them and their wonder pup, Memphis Belle,

I also got to spend time with my cousin, his bride

and their daughter and her family.

As an extra treat, I got to spend time with Dana Texas Mammie who is a delight!

I also learned how to shoot a rifle - a special kind of rifle:

Locked and loaded!

All too soon the trip was over but I got to come home to a special little girl who owns my heart and my loving family. Life is good.

Of course I needed to sleep a lot to get over all the excitement. The great Atlantic northeast is perfect for a nap with its grey skies and rain. I think I just might take advantage of it.

blessings to all, g

Freaky Friday Falderal

Freaky Friday Falderal

Friday evening and, as I sit here typing this, the Yankee/Twins playoff game is on and I am scratching my head over the news of this day.

Firstly, I see that Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize. Huh? The candidates were chosen two weeks after he was sworn in. Why did he win this? Have his followers finally convinced enough people that he is the messiah? I am confused.

Then I read in the paper that my state is starting a registry for autistic people. It seems we already have registries for craniofacial problems, cardiac problems and others. It looks to me that we are being prepared for a healthcare holocaust! It is supposed to be anoymously reported by healthcare professionals. Anonymous. Right. I sense that this is a wolf in sheep's clothing. Beware when the government comes saying it is doing something to help you. Big Brother is watching.

Heard a specialist in infection and disease control say he wouldn't take or allow the swine flu vaccine to be given to his children. He said it has too many additives in it like a disinfectant that has been linked to causing autism in children with mitochondrial defects. Hellooooo! Let's use our sense, people.

My darling Isabella has a stomach something. Poor thing was crying in pain and asked me to put a band aid on her tummy. Is that too cute? Poor thing just wanted to go to sleep and woke up in pain and started throwing up. My poor baby.

Have you ever read George Orwell's 1984? Did/does it effect the way you think about government? Actually, I have never read it but know enough about the premise that it has affected my life for a long time. I don't even want EZ Pass in my car but Himself insists on it. Privacy is an illusion.

Did you or are you going to get a flu shot this year? How about the swine flu vaccine? I'm not prone to getting the flu but opted to get the shot because I need to be healthy to care for Bells. Swine flu? Not on your life! It's too new. See above.

What is your idea of an ideal Saturday off? Starting Friday night, staying up as late as I like. Saturday morning sleeping in as long as I like. Then, having a quiet house all to myself for the entire afternoon followed by a nice evening with our bcf's (best couple friends - the couple we hang out with the most).

Read any good books lately? Just finished Kathy*Reichs' latest, "206 Bones." That's how many we have in the human body. It was pretty good. I figured some of it out early on, though. Also, been reading Ecclesiastes in the Bible.

Have any trips coming up? Well, since you ask...I am going to visit my baby brother in Texas next week. I haven't seen him in two and a half years and am going to suck up my fear of flying to see him and his wonderful wife. Hopefully, Dana "Texas Mammie" and I are going to meet up for lunch.

Heard or seen any craziness in the news? Let's hear about it?

blessings, g

Fear I'm Failing Falderal

October 04
Fear I'm Failing Falderal

I hate not keeping up with the falderal. By the time Friday rolls around, I am beat. I'm trying!

Around here, life is rarely boring. We may not be the most active family but our lives are full. My calendar used to have a lot of empty spaces but they are filling up quickly these days.

We need to be careful, though, of busyness. We were reminded in this morning's sermon that busyness can keep us from the truly important things in life like spending time with God and reading his word.

Busyness takes form in many ways. Those with young families find themselves running the children to this, that and the other thing after having a full day working at home or on site. Watching a lot of tv, my vice, keeps me "busy" when there is much else I can be doing. Fantasy football keeps my son glued to the tv and his laptop all Sunday. Web browsing, texting, shopping; all ways to keep busy.

What's keeping you busy today? My busyness today in particular was taking a nap! I am here on my netbook and football is on.

Do you allow too much busyness in your life? Allow? When it comes to tv and the computer, yes. Taking care of Isabella as much as I do is a blessing but not something I "choose" to do. It would be nice to have some options.

Do you "get" fantasy football? I just explained what I think it is to my son and he said I was right. Yea me!

What would you like to be busier doing? Reading scripture and spending time with God; fruitful time with God. This has taken such a back seat to tv and the computer and it is time to get right again.

What can you give up or cut back on to reach the goal in the last question? I have a habit of turning on the tv shortly after I wake up to see what is going on in the world. That can wait.

How are you? I hope and pray that all is well with and yours. Drop me a comment and let me know, okay? g