The creative thinking of 3 year olds....

On our way back from a doctor's appointment over in North Park today, my son noticed one of those speed monitors and noted my speed. For the record, I was doing 27 in a 25 mph zone. Connor was quick to tell me I was going too fast, so I told him "mommy better slow down, or a police man will pull me over." Connor, with his 3-year-old wisdom, said to me "well, mommy, you could always just give the police man a time out!" Um, yeah. I have a feeling Connor doesn't get that you don't give the police man a time out, he gives YOU one. :)

My Sister's Keeper.....

No, I haven't seen the movie. Not sure I'm going to after hearing reviews from some of my friends, who insist it's so loosely based on the actual book that it's not even close to being the same.

But I want to plug the book, by Jodie Picoult. Beth loaned it to me and I must say, it was the most heartwrenching story I've read in a long time. And I totally was not expecting the ending, either. It's the first time in a long time I've read a story that I didn't know how it ended long before I reached the actual ending.

If you haven't read the book, you may want to give it a once over. It will make you laugh and cry all at the same time, and feel deeply saddened by the struggle this entire family faces. I give it two thumbs up.

The Sneeze.......

THE SNEEZE

They walked in tandem, each of the ninety-two students filing into the already crowded auditorium. With their rich maroon gowns flowing .. and the traditional caps, they looked almost .. as grown up as they felt.


Dads swallowed hard behind broad smiles, and Moms freely brushed away tears.This class would NOT pray during the commencements----not by choice, but because of a recent court ruling prohibiting it.


The principal and several students were careful to stay within the guidelines allowed by the ruling. They gave inspirational and challenging speeches, but no one mentioned divine guidance and no one asked for blessings on the graduates or their families.The speeches were nice, but they were routine.....until the final speech received a standing ovation.A solitary student walked proudly to the microphone. He stood still and silent for just a moment, and then, it happened. All 92 students, every single one of them, suddenly SNEEZED!!!!


The student on stage.. simply looked at the audience and said,'GOD BLESS YOU, each and every one of you!' And he walked off stage...The audience exploded into applause. This graduating class had found a unique way to invoke God's blessing on their future with or without the court's approval.


***This is a true story. It happened at the University of Maryland.

Two icons in the same day......

What a bummer of a day! First, I opened the front page of my favorite online paper to see that Farrah Fawcett had died after her two-year battle with cancer. I loved Farrah. She was cool as a Charlie's Angel. She totally kicked ass and inspired me to not be such a wimpy girl. And she was even cooler in some of her movies, including The Burning Bed. I'll never forget that movie as long as I live.

Then just an hour ago, Isaak informed me that Michael Jackson had died today. As a kid, I think I listened to every album he had. That was, by the way, before the age of CDs and MP3 players, when you had to slide the vinyl on the old record player and set the needle down to hear a tune. While I wasn't thrilled with some of the life choices Mr. Jackson made later in life, no one can deny he was a truly talented musician. The world will be a sad place without him.

Rest in peace to these two icons.

Now THAT'S love!

OK, so I came across a story today that had this picture with it. If you're wondering if you're seeing things, you're not. This is indeed Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, sleeping with the Stanley Cup. Apparently, Crosby's teammates captured this lovely photo of Sid with the cup just days after the team won it. Now, I'm sure it's exciting to win the Stanley Cup, but to sleep with it? I haven't laughed this hard in months. I'm wondering if Sidney is going to cross check a few of his teammates for not only taking the photo, but leaking it to the press.

My little bookworm......

Connor has loved looking at books since he was old enough to sit up. We used to read to him countless hours. When he was old enough, we started going to the library. He loves that.


I've known for awhile that he had an awesome memory. If we read him a book once, he generally had it memorized. He'd get bored with them real fast once he "knew" them.


Lately, though, I've realized he's no longer memorizing but reading. We've gotten books from the library that he's never read, and we haven't yet read to him, and he's starting to sound them out all on his own. It's been a long time since I was taught to read in school, but I'd have to say that he's probably reading at a second grade level already. Add this to his basic math skills of adding and subtracting simple problems, and my poor kid is going to be bored out of his mind when he finally starts school!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there. Today, we went to Beechwood Farms in Fox Chapel to take a little hike. We got to see some really cool bullfrogs, like the one on the left. They were hanging out, hoping for a fly to wander by for lunch. We came across a really cool treehouse, too. We didn't realize how high up we were until we looked out over it. What a breathtaking view. Connor was a little scared when he realized how high up we were, but a hug from daddy helped.

Fun with family.....

Connor has been at my parents' house since Thursday on a little vacation. As you can see from the photos, he's having a blast. He got to ride pappy's tractor, and play in the pool with cousin Melina. He was a little disappointed he didn't get to actually swim, but with all the rain we've had lately, the pool was too cold for him to actually get in. Nevertheless, he had a blast. He comes back later today from his fun vacation. Maybe I can have a fun vacation at grandma's house next? :)

Is anyone else falling for this?

So, I was watching the news this morning, and they were talking about the
latest person to appear on a show called "I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant." Here's a link to the show if you want to look at it:

http://health.discovery.com/tv/i-didnt-know-i-was-pregnant/about.html


The basic premise is, women who didn't know they were pregnant until they literally went into labor. As I was listening to it, I couldn't help but say "yeah, right." Help me out here, ladies. Do you think you could have not known when you were pregnant? I could see if you had irregular periods to start with, the absence of one might not send off alarms. But hey, how about the growing belly, the sore boobs and the swollen feet? Oh, and don't forget the nausea. While some women are lucky and don't have it, most do in some form. And those are just a few of the signs and symptoms. I really doubt these women didn't have any of them.

To borrow a phrase from my husband, I find it hard to believe.

Showing kindness to others

We've been studying the character of Christ as revealed by the fruit of the spirit in church for the last few weeks. It's been a good series. Among the "fruits" we've explored has been love, peace, joy and my recent favorite, kindness.

An author of a website on the very topic defined kindness as: having a good or benevolent nature or disposition; desiring to do good to others; the sincere desire for the happiness of others (the thinking).

The author makes an important point, and that is that kindness is not only accomplished through deeds, but through thoughts as well. Outwardly, you can do all the kind things you want, but if you're not thinking kind thoughts, you're not truly being kind. I think that's important, because it's easy to act kind, but if you're not thinking kind thoughts, you're not truly being kind. And it's also important to remember that anyone can perform acts of kindness. But if they aren't doing it for the right reason, then they are missing the whole point of kindness.

During our nearly 9 months of unemployment, we've had a lot of friends and family exhibit the type of kindness that has really warmed my heart. Not only have their actions shown it, but so have their thoughts. We've also had a few people on the other end of that spectrum, which has not made our situation any easier to bear. For those who have exhibited the true Christlike type of kindness, I extend a grateful thank you. All that you have done has been greatly appreciated.

In that spirit, I want to encourage each and every one of you to practice random acts of kindness today and every day.

Jump around.......

One of the things I did with the autism mini grant money I got for Connor was to sign him up for classes at a place called My Gym. It's down on Harts Run Road near Shaler. Great little place. Today was our first day. He is signed up for fitness classes for his age group, and also, they have free play time once a week for an hour, so we stayed for that, too. He had a blast. You can see in the photo (that's him in the orange shorts) that he was having no trouble following along. Leah and Ryan, the instructors, were great with the kids. Connor is looking forward to going back next week. He made some new friends and had a ton of fun. And he jumped himself right into a nap, which shocked my socks off! He hasn't taken regular naps for me for nearly 2 years now. When he does, it's because he's physically tired (like today), or because he's sick. But he jumped himself right to sleep, so I can live with that! :)

Way to go Pens!

So, I didn't watch the first period. No score. My husband told me I was being dumb, that you only get a game 7 like this once in a lifetime, and he told me I needed to watch. So I did. But just to be safe, I sang a special "Go Pens" song first that my son and husband had made up earlier that day.

I told my husband that I wanted to see the Pens win because of Hossa. It was what he deserved. I don't like to gloat, but the man made a bad decision. Although, if he had signed with the Pens, many of the talented players they had on their team this year would not have been signed because the team would have exceeded its salary cap with Hossa. Hossa's loss was clearly out gain.

Anyway, I highly doubt my song had anything to do with the remarkable outcome of this game. This team is talented, period. I look forward to seeing them do more next year. They are going to be the team to beat, that's for sure. Congratulations Pens!

What the Pens need to do to win....

Listen up, Pens. I have just discovered all the motivation you need to kick some Red Wing butt tomorrow night. Get yourselves a copy of The Farm Team, read it, then reflect.

We found this gem of a book at the library today. It is hysterical. Written by a Canadian author, it's about a mish-mash team of farm animals (living somewhere just south of Winnipeg, Canada) who are determined to bring home the Stolsky Cup. Sound familiar yet? They face a team of mean animals with claws and teeth, who---to put it nicely---cheat, cheat and cheat some more----in an effort to win the Stolsky Cup. The farm animals stick to their morals and end up winning. This story had us laughing from start to finish.

So Pens, in between all your last-minute practices on the ice, find a copy and read it. If this book doesn't inspire you to bring Stanley home, nothing will. :)

Haircut succcess!

Connor has never liked to get his hair cut. With his sensory issues, he's always been very freaked out by it. I had been having my cousin cut his hair, but she lives an hour from here, and it was getting hard to get there.

Then I found Heather. She's another mom who belongs to an online autism support group here in Pittsburgh. When I asked for recommendations for local haircutters, she responded, and said she does it in the home. The mother of a child with autism herself, she knows the challenges of getting haircuts. A licensed beautician, she started this in-home service because she was hearing so many moms say they were having bad experiences in salons.

She came this morning to cut Connor's hair, and I must say, this is the best experience (and hair cut)he's ever had. Being in his own home, and with someone who took a lot of time to talk him through it and make it fun for him, was the key to haircut success for him. And Heather did an excellent job. God bless her for doing this for kids with autism! Thanks Heather!

Cool hockey league.....

We've been working on teaching Connor how to ice skate. He's also started taking an interest in hockey, not only because he's seen daddy play it, but also because he's been watching the Pens play.

Yesterday, I learned about a hockey associated called American Special Hockey. It was established for kids with various disabilities who may not otherwise be able to play on a regular hockey league.

We inquired about it, and the guy who formed the association called me himself, which I thought was wonderful since I'm sure he's a busy man. This program is in all 50 states. They just started a program at Neville Island ice arena, so I'm signing Connor up. It's totally free for the first year, and equipment and funding is subsidized, in part, by the Pittsburgh Penguins (which just makes me love those guys more).

If you want to learn more about them, visit their website at www.americanspecialhockey.org

Things mothers teach us....

I got this from a friend this week, and it was too funny not to share:

25 REASONS I OWE MY MOTHER

1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.'If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.'

2. My mother taught me RELIGION. 'You better pray that will come out of the carpet.'

3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.'If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!'

4. My mother taught me LOGIC.'Because I said so, that's why.'

5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.'If you fall out of that swing and break your neck,you're not going to the store with me.'

6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.'Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident.'

7. My mother taught me IRONY'Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about.'

8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.'Shut your mouth and eat your supper.'

9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.'Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!'

10. My mother taught me about STAMINA.'You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone.'

11. My mother taught me about WEATHER.'This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it.'

12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.'If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!'

13 My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.'I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.'

14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.'Stop acting like your father!'

15. My mother taught me about ENVY.'There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do.'

16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.'Just wait until we get home.'

17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING.'You are going to get it when you get home!'

18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.'If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to stick that way.'

19. My mother taught me ESP.'Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?'

20. My mother taught me HUMOR.'When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me.'

21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.'If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up.'

22. My mother taught me GENETICS.'You're just like your father.'

23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.'Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?'

24. My mother taught me WISDOM.'When you get to be my age, you'll understand.'

25 My mother taught me about JUSTICE' One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!'

OK, so it didn't work.....

Those of you who follow my Facebook page know that I have come to believe that me watching the Pens=a Pens loss every time. So when the playoffs started, I watched the first two games. We all know what happened in those. So I missed the third game and BAM! They win. I think to myself....maybe there is something to this. So I don't watch game 4. And BAM! They win. Now I'm paranoid. So game 5 rolls around and I decide I'd better not jinx them, so I don't watch. And darn if they didn't lose anyway. And badly. I went back and watched the game the next day and I must say, I was stunned at just how bad it was. As a friend told me, Jagr and LeMieux could have been playing and it wouldn't have helped, that's how bad it was. I think he had a point. :)
So, my conundrum is whether I should watch game 6. Still thinking about that one.

Oh really?

http://finance.yahoo.com/career-work/article/107149/the-hardest-jobs-to-fill-in-america?mod=career-leadership

This was the most ridiculous story I've ever read. As an unemployed journalist, I was embarassed for the reporter who wrote this story. She did not do a very good job researching it. The very report she cites as evidence for her claims goes on to say quite the contrary. Maybe she should have read past the first paragraph. And to think that I can't find a job in my field right now. In addition, as someone who has an engineer in the family who is out of work, I find this entire story doubly insulting.

Members only....

I love it when our zoo has a members' only event. Last night, they had an evening event that was supposed to unveil their new sand shark tank. As you can see from the top photo, they were hard to see. A zoo worker said they had cleaned the tank, which always makes it cloudy like that. Probably wasn't the brightest thing they've ever done considering they were trying to showcase the sharks.

We had a little peacock roaming around, too. He was cute. He seemed totally unphased by all the people crowding around. And he loved the little boy who kept feeding him crackers. :) And nicest of all were the giraffes. The zoo didn't have any for awhile because one of their original two died, and the other one got so depressed, it died, too. They recently got two new ones. They were a sight for sore eyes.

Supposedly, they have a new exhibit that includes meerkats. We didn't see it last night, but then again, we only had an hour and a half, and that wasn't enough time. I suspect it's part of the Kid's Kingdom area, as that's the only place we didn't make it to last night. If anyone sees them, let me know where they are so we can scope them out next time!

Out of the mouths of babes....

So, I've been trying to help Connor work on his social interactions with other kids. He tends to get so excited when he sees other kids that his behavior gets a little obnoxious. He can chase when kids don't want to be chased, and he really has a hard time keeping his hands to himself. Most kids don't like that sort of thing, so I've been working hard to get him to stop doing those things.

Yesterday we went to Pine Park. He was doing really well, keeping his hands to himself and taking turns nicely. But I found myself reminding him to take his turn, no pushing, etc. After about 20 minutes of this, he turned to me, put both hands on his little hips and proclaimed loudly "Mommy, you are a very bossy girl." Two other moms standing nearby almost peed themselves they were laughing so hard. So just call me Miss Bossy. :)