Still no PHONE CALL...

Now this is ridiculous...if you do not want to help then do not sign up as a teacher that does field experiences.

I left a message with the school secretary to put in her mailbox this morning and still not phone call back.

Not sure what I am going to do. Going to email the professor and explain what is going on. Then call the placement office in the morning to say my time is running out. Please place me at Central Park. I know will get answers then.

I know if I was placed at CP, I would have at almost all my hours done already. UGH UGH UGH!!

Returning PHONE Calls...

Why is it so hard to return a phone call especially when it is very important. Well, at least to me it is.

I left a message for the teacher who I am suppose to do my field experience with yesterday morning and still have not heard from her. I explained in the message that I need to do 20 hrs in the next month. So I waited and waited and no return call. Did not get to call back today, by the time I got home it was 4 pm.

So will call the school tomorow and ask to leave a message in her mailbox instead of voice mail. And going to make sure she is the teacher of the gifted class. Do not want to find out when it is to late that she is not.

If I do not hear by tomorrow afternoon will email her.

It is so frustrating when my class ends March 4th or so and have a ton of work for the class. Just want to get these hours in because if not will not pass the class.

I was so ANGRY this weekend...

Aviva and I were driving to the park for a picnic and to play on Saturday. She goes look mommy that baby (maybe a one year old) is sitting on her daddy's lap in the front...I noticed it first but she saw it and said that to me.

She goes mommy that is against the law...I have told Aviva in the past that she is not allowed to sit in the front till 10 or so forgot the age for Florida. I go you are right Aviva it is and very very dangerous for that baby.

I just kept looking at them and can feel the anger and the danger that baby could be in. She finally turned and I said..if she could read lips....that is very dangerous how could you not have that baby in a carseat. (Spider said I was lucky she did not pull a gun on me, you just do know how people are these days).

She looked at me and then the light turned green. And the way she drove in her fancy SUV scared me. She took the turn so wide and was weaving. Then turned off the road and all I could think is that poor baby what were they thinking.

WHAT ARE PEOPLE THINKING? Aggravates me so much.

GRAINS of GRATITUDE....

Thank you to Christine...for introducing me to this way to show gratitude...

1. I am very thankful to have my JEEP back and working better then ever...and has more power the before.

2. I am very thankful to the great week Aviva had....was the first in her class to do accelerated reader, wrote a great book report in the form of an essay...and just for being a great daughter..

3. I am thankful Aviva has a great daddy...they went to Chuck E Cheese again today and Aviva said we are going so you can have Mommy time....awww she is so sweet.

4. I am very thankful finished my paper this afternoon as it is due by this evening before my chat at 7 pm.

5. I am thankful that my dad is doing well when it could have been so much worse then what happened...and I will be seeing him next month.

AVIVA & HER NEW BIKE......check her out....

Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos


Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

Lack of COMMUNICATION....

I have been waiting for 2 weeks to hear if I have been placed for a field experience. Had one but no gifted class so could not accept it. That was on the 18th.

So waited this week....called twice left 2 messages...not even one call back.

I call back yesterday...and actually got a live person....she goes you more then likely will be placed at this school just waiting to hear from them.

So tonight I go check the site and guess what I was assigned to that school yesterday and did not received an email like she said I would.

I have the teacher's name...thinking I will send her an email over the weekend to see if I can start this week.

I have 5 weeks left of class...need to 20 hours and interview teachers...lots more work to do.

What POWERFUL video that should be watched...

by all...so they understand a person with autism or a developmental disability.

SO here it is IN MY LANGUAGE, it is 9 minutes in length but sends a very important message.

A BRAG on Aviva about reading...

Aviva started the Acclerated Reader program today and was the first in her class to do it.

She read an easy book..The Very Hungry Catepillar...and we and she would answer questions I asked her.

Today she had to read the questions and answerthem. If there was a problem I could read the questionto her.

It was 5 questions and she knew the answers without seeing the choices. So she got 5/5. SO she earns points to earn prizes.

Her teacher in told Aviva how proud she was of her and she did a great job. So we will pick a new book to start this weekend.

DINNER tonight by Rachel Ray...

so is anyone coming?

Chicken with Sweet Corn and Potato Saute:

For 4 servings:4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

salt and black pepper zest and juice of 1 lemon

2 large potatoes cleaned with or w/o skin

4 TBS of EVOO

1 medium onion

1 tsp dry thyme

2 garlic cloves chopped

1 10-oz box of corn kernels

1 1/4 chicken stock2 TBS butter1/4 fresh parsley

Season the chicken w/salt, pepper, and lemon juice...let marinate.

Cut the potatoesinto quarters lengthwise. Arrange quarters cut sidedown on a cutting board. Thinly slice the potatoes across the width...inot bit size pieces.Heat nonstick large skillet pver medium high w/about 2 TBS if EVOO. Add potatoes in an even layer across the hot skillet. Season the sliced spuds with salt, pepper and thyme. Let them brown beofre stirring. Once brown, stir in onions and garlic and continue to cook, stirring occassionaly, for 7 to 9 minutes until tenderness. If potatoes geting to dark lower temp.

While that is cooking, preheat second skillet with remaining EVOO . Add chicken and cook 5 or so minutes on each side.While chicken is cooking, add the corn kernels to the potatoes and cook, stirring for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the chicken stock, turn the heat up to high, and bring the stock up to a bubble and contnue to cook for 3 minutes, or until liquids have reduced by half. Turn the heat off and add the buter, parsley and lemon zest, stirring till butter is completely melted.

Serve the chicken whole or sliced on top of the sweet corn and potato saute.

WHat Happened the Year You Were Born?...

Thanks Michelle...

In 1968 (the year you were born)

Lyndon B. Johnson is president of the US North Koreans seize USS Pueblo and 83 man crew in the Sea of Japan Communist troops attack Saigon and 30 province capitals in the "Tet Offensive" Martin Luther King is assassinated in Memphis, TN Senator Robert F. Kennedy is shot in California after celebrating presidential primary victories American troops destroy a town in South Vietnam in the "My Lai Massacre" Peggy Fleming wins Olympics figure skating gold medal The United States Congress repeals the requirement for a gold reserve to back US currency Student protesters at Columbia University in New York City take over administration buildings and shut down the university LL Cool J, Lisa Marie Presley, Jeri Ryan, Lucy Lawless, Celine Dion, Traci Lords, Tony Hawk, Kylie Minogue, and Sammy Sosa are born Detroit Tigers win the World Series Green Bay Packers win Superbowl II Montreal Canadians win the Stanley Cup 2001: A Space Odyssey and Planet of the Apes are the top grossing movies The rock musical Hair opens on Broadway The Beatles' White Album and Simon and Garfunkel's Bookends are released Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, debuts on NBC

What Happened the Year You Were Born?

AFTER 27 DAYS....................

Aviva's birthday card arrived...now how far do you think it was coming from?

If you guessed Australia..wrong...Japan...wrong again.....

But if you guessed Queens, NY you would be correct.

You ask a letter (regular mail) took 4 weeks to get to you from NYC...yup it is the truth. I am not sure what it says about our postal service.

SO this weekend after grandpa gets the card activated again (he had a freeze put it on it), the 3 of us will go to Toys R Us to get Aviva a new bicycle.

JUST ANGRY......

DID you ever just feel so angry that it hurts? Well that is how I am feeling for the past few days.

I am tired and angry of a certain person not listening or paying attention to anything I am saying.

I am so angry at people not calling back....related to my Jeep.

I am angry at people who you think know you and say things that are totally not you in anyway.

I am just angry and hate this feeling.

Add being lonely too does not help.

GRAINS of GRATITUDE......

Here is a look back at my week....finally we are a bit less stressful. Thank you Christine.


1. I am so proud of Aviva...she has now been sleeping in her room for over a week. The sticker chart definitely works. She still gets up between 2 an 4 am but I walk her back to bed and give her a big kiss and she goes right back to sleep.

2. We had such a fun day yesterday spending mommy's money :). We went shopping together part as a family and part as mommy and daughter time. We got new clothes and shoes and Aviva got a new 20 inch TV for a bargain price since hers was dying on us.

3. The three of us went to Temple last night for our friends son's Upsherin. It was the first time Spider has been to Temple and I really was happy he came with us. It was nice to go out as a family.

4. I am happy to say in 2 weeks back on Weight Watchers I am down 6 1/2 pounds. Way to go for me.

5. Aviva got her report card and I am thrilled in how well Aviva is doing in school. Now her teacher wants her to be the first to start the accelerated reader program.

MY day....

Finally after waiting 2 1/2 weeks my school money has come in...and can use it to live on.

We WILL be picking up my JEEP tomorrow and it better be done...he says it will be. I have a ton of errands to run before we are go to an UPSHERIN tomorrow evening for our friend's son. I need a new shirt to wear for it...Aviva needs a new backpack and lunchbox and we are getting her a new TV hers is not working. I know, not everyone believes in having one in their child's bedroom but works for us. She has a dvd and video games hooked up and helps her stay in her room overnight.

I am very proud of Aviva she has been sleeping in her room for a week now. We had rough two days but after that the sticker chart really works. She earned 5 stickers for this past week and she got to have McDonalds today!! It took a long time but she is there and I am enjoying having my bed back to myself. Spider does overnights 5 nights out of the week....so no snoring and it is a pleasure.

WHEW....found them...........

I have been missing my favorite capri's for a few days now. I have turned my drawers inside out, nothing there.

Looked through my closet and Spider's closet still not there.

I have no clue where they could have gone....searched by the washing machine and dryer but still not there.

So this evening when I was sitting on Aviva's bed doing her hair....I thought I spotted them....and as I look further they were on the floor in her room on the side of the bed near the wall.

Have no clue how they got there but glad to have found them.

Can not be without one of your favorite articles of clothing.

I DID IT......

and I am so excited....it was well worth the time it took.

So are you wondering what it is?

Hmmmm....well.....ok........I ordered tickets to a SPRING TRAINING baseball game...the NY METS vs BALTIMORE ORIOLES...it will be down here in Ft. Lauderdale. We have seats on the third base side on Saturday, March 17th. It will be me, Spider and Aviva. They have no clue!!!

I have not seen the Mets play since we went to a game in NY when Aviva was 8 months old.

Something to think about regarding a CHILD's report card.....

Aviva came home with this from her teacher today because report cards come this week. It is so true and I thought it needed to be shared. Every child is DIFFERENT and we need to embrace the differences and not compare them.

Thoughts on Report Cards:

Dear Mom and Dad,

In the next few days, you are going to receive a "snapshot" of me. This picture will be a time exposure of me that's been developing during the past nine weeks at school. Considering my many likes and dislikes, my mood changes from day to day , I think it's a pretty good likeness.

When you see my snapshot, remember this is a picture of someone who is growing and changing. Please don't get upset if it is not yet a "perfect picture." Remember, I'm in the process of development.

Please do not picture me as being better than all the other children. Remember that all children do not learn to talk or walk at the same time, nor do they math and reading at the same rate. I ask you NOT to compare with my borther, my sister, or the kid next door. You can set realistic goals for and help me reach them.

I want you to understand that my report card is a picture of my school progress. Wen you meet with my teacher, you will learn many things about my life at school, even some things that might surprise you.

My teacher knows me as I am at school. You know how I am at home. The "real" me is somewhere in between. When these two pictures become blended with acceptance, support and understanding, I hoe my "snapshot" will be a shining portrait.

Signed,
You Child

FRUSTRATION....

That is my word for the day....I am tired of speaking to people and getting 5 different answers from 5 different people and they all work for the same place....the financial aid office at my school.

It is driving me NUTS!!!

I was told my school money would be in and I would have today....well guess what NOPE I do not have it....why you ask? Well...one person said it would take 3-5 business days and then the supervisor today said at least 7 business days.

I calmly explained to "Amy" that maybe you all need to sit down together and get the information straight. Because right now this affects my life, which is not fair to me.

So let us see if the money is here by Friday....I am hoping it will be here Thursday!!!

TIME for a change...

so decided to update the look of my blog a bit...hope you like it and it is easy to read!!!

SUCCESS....

Last night was interesting....Aviva had a rough time falling asleep...she did not want to. First she wanted me....then there were monsters in the closet and then she wanted daddy.

I explained mommy is very proud you are in your bed...you are such a big girl. Which I think she was ignoring and saying to her self blah blah blah.

She wanted me to sit with her. I did for a few minutes and said I have to do somethings and will come back. So I left and can hear her crying. Went in and gave her a hug.....and said will be back in a few minutes.

Went back at about 9:30 pm and she was snoring away.

I got up in the middle of the night and checked on her still snoring away.

She stayed in bed till 7:30 am. I told her how proud I was and she earned a sticker.

So let's hope tonight goes smoothly!!

OY night #2 of Aviva and her room...

I am so TIRED!! She did go to sleep in her room with a little bit of a problem but nothing major. I checked on her and she would be snoring.

About 12:45 am she came out into my room and quitly I walked her back to her room and told her she needs to go back to sleep. She started to make the face she does when she starts to cry. I explained you need to stay in bed and everything will be fine. She started to snore....good I think....at least I hoped.

At 1:20 am happened again....this time I had daddy deal with it...he sat with her till she fell asleep. The snoring started again and we hoped.

Well...at 2:00 am she was now crying from her bed that she is scared of monsters...I went in to reassure her all was fine and there are no monsters. Told her I bought the monster spray at Publix and tookcare of everything. OK....turned on Disney Channel and she went to sleep.

3:15 I hear the crying again...guess who does not. But guess where Aviva is....climbing ito our bed....I took her out and again explained you need to sleep in your bed...we go back in her room. She does not want to. I said you are not coming in my bed. So you have 2 choices...either your bed or the couch. She decided on the couch and so she got her pillows and went to the couch...I covered her kissed her good night for the millionth time and went to my room.

I know at 4 am she was still awake...but Spider got up later and said she was sleeping.

I think she got up at 7:30 am because she said what show was on....then came to me a few times to wake me to ask questions or can she have a yogurt...which she can get on her own and does not need to ask.

Starting tonight we are make a chart to earn stickers for sleeping in her bed. She can earn Burger King, Chuck E Cheese or whatever.....and she agreed to it.

I am very tired but she did NOT sleep in my bed!!!

GRAINS of GRATITUDE....

We had a much better week then the past few.....

1. I am very thankful my Jeep will be fixed by Tuesday or Wednesday....I really miss it. What a difference going from a jeep back to a car.

2. I am thankful that I started class but not going to be easy...need to do 20 hrs of observation and not placed yet...but hoping to get Aviva's school if not at least close by.

3. I am thankful to Spider for finishing Aviva's room and she is SLEEPING in their for a 2nd night in a row. Friday night she did 8:20 pm to 6 am...came out at midnight but walked her back. Very proud of her.

4. I am thankful that Spider took Aviva to Chuck E Cheese again this evening so I can have some alone time....I enjoyed the quiet.

5. I am truly thankful that my father is doing much better...still in pain in his fingers, hands and arms but that is to be expected. He will need neck surgery but I will go up to NY to be with him. He is home now and even working from home too.

Thank you Christine for again making me take time to look back at my week.

My conversation in the car with Aviva..

we started talking about why she was off from school on Monday. She goes it is Martin Luther King's birthday. I said yes you are right.

Then asked who he was. She goes he went to places that said for white and was not allowed in because he was brown. And was not allowed to ride on the bus. I did not know she learned this yet.

I asked her was this right. She goes no, she went on to say it does not matter your color we should all be friends and play together. That is my girl.

Then she said he gave a big speech about being nice to each other. I said you are right.

After we talked about how we are all different and it should not matter our color. And she goes mommy I agree.

KEEP those fingers crossed...

that Aviva does well tonight. Told her now that she is 6 she has to stay in her bed. No more sleeping in mommy and daddy's bed.
So sat with her till 8 pm and said now I have to go do some work and I will come back and check on you. Went back at 8:15 and she was snoring away. I told her she needs to stay in bed all night. There is nothing to be scared of.

So this is it. I get my bed back!!! Now to cure Spider's snoring!!

To all my LURKERS (if any) come on out and say HI...

It seems to be National Delurker Week in the land of blogs.....and I would love for you to leave me a note that you were here.

Thanks Michelle...hope you do not mind I borrowed it!

I DID it....I REALLY did it......

I did something I said I would...I watched everything I ate this week and made very good choices...

I decided to join Weight Watchers online...

I am following the points plan and post to the message boards..

So this morning was weigh in day...and to top it off my monthly friend decided to come visit.

So my total lost for my first week...5 pounds...yes you head me right.

I am very happy!

FRUSTRATION....

I am ready to bang my head against the wall. I thought everything was fine with financial aid after the fiasco last week. Since I reregestered......well called today to check on the status of my aid.

You will never believe what I heard...I am sorry Ms. Cousley it was not processed. I was beyond pissed at this point. She transferred me to a supervisor. Who was very helpful and understood how I was feeling. She is not sure what happened and why I was told yesterday that it should be today and get the money at the end of the week. She gave me her direct link to follow up and believe me I will.

So another week passes and no school money....I will be contacting her Friday and see if it came in yet.

UGH...I really could use the money but it will come. Having PATIENCE is not always easy.

BACK to school...

finally. Never thought this day would come.

Last night Aviva would not go to sleep. Mommy I like football, our time is in blue, right? They are winning right? I said Aviva yes but that is enough time to sleep you have school tomorrow. But mommy our team is winning. Yes the Gators are winning but no more talking. Finally at about 9 pm heard some snoring....what a delightful sound.

I thought for sure she would be hard to get up since we have not seen the hour of 6:45 am in a very long time.

Got her up and she went and did her thing and got dressed without complaining or whining...,.,big surprise.

And then took care of other things and off she went to our neighbor so happy.

She came home having a great day. She was non-stop talking.

Aviva had small progress report...she knows all her letters and sounds and all her high frequency words. Which I knew since she is reading much better. I was very proud of her.

Tonight Aviva was asleep by 8:40 so making progress!!!

DO you hear that?

Listen carefully.....do you hear anything now????????????????????????????


Yes that is quiet!!!! No one is home but me, just me alone at last. It is the last day of vacation for Aviva and I am finally alone!!!

Spider took Aviva to Chuck E Cheese.....I do NOT go there....gives me a BIG headache. He promised he take her yesterday but things came up.

SO I am enjoying the quiet.....the dinner is cooking in the oven, laundry is folded and I already packed Aviva's snack and lunch for tomorrow!! Feels good to just have nothing to do.

Just gonna sit back and relax and hope it does not end to soon!

GRAINS of GRATITUDE.....

1. I am grateful that school starts back Tuesday, January 9th. Aviva has been out since December 20th. I loved having her home, sleeping in and just taking it easy was what we needed.

2. I am grateful that my dad is out of the hospital. He truly gave me a scare this week. He still needs surgery and I will go up in a month or so to NY when it is scheduled.

3. I am grateful to start class again. I enjoy learning so it is a good thing.

4. I am grateful because Spider finished Aviva's room and it looks great with the flooring. Now just have to finish arranging it and getting her to sleep in her OWN room.

5. I am grateful that we were able to celebrate Aviva's birthday and she had a good time. It was great to see how excited she was and how we spent the whole day together. She loves all her presents especially the Littlest Pet Shop.

Thanks to Christine for sharing this with me.

POOR POOR SPIDER....

I called him at work and he would not even talk to me. He was not happy, he was angry, not understanding how it can happen and why?

Are you wondering why?

Because I was very happy and he should have listened to me.

Still wondering.....


it is because THE DALLAS COWBOYS LOST IN THE WILD CARD PLAYOFFS TO THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS!!!!!!!!!

Now say a little prayer that my NEW YORK JETS WIN!!!!

It would be a great victory and no one thought they would win more then 5 or 6 games!!

What a mix up I did...

I cannot wait for this week to end. What a goof up I did when dropping my class because it was 2 credits and added one on classroom management.

Well...I go check if my class is up because it is online....and low and behold I realize I took the class already. But under different letters...I took it and it was EDU 503 and when I just added it on Wednesday it was CBD 503....but did not think they were the same class. Registration ends online today so glad I caught it.

So dropped the class and added this one:

Nature and Needs of the Gifted Student: This course includes basic knowledge of gifted children including characteristics, evaluation, and identification procedures. It also includes fundamentals of curriculum planning utilizing an analysis of the strengths, weakness, and potential of the gifted.

ABSOLUTELY ridiculous and insensative and an UPDATE too

I received this on one of my email groups and utterly disgusted with how the school handled this issue. If it was my child the school would be in some real HOT WATER.

(AP) DANVILLE, Pa. A 12-year-old special education student in Montour County was charged with disorderly conduct after authorities said she deliberately wet her pants at school.Her mother told the Press Enterprise it happened because her daughter was frightened by the principal.

The girl had been preparing a holiday lunch with her classmates and teachers at Danville Middle School on December 20th.Her mother said when her daughter refused to go to the kitchen to wash some pots and pans, teachers summoned principal Kevin Duckwork, who confronted the girl.She then wet her pants.

Her mother said the girl is terrified of Duckwork and has wet herself during previous confrontations with him. But Danville Police Chief Eric Gill said school officials are at their “wit’s end” with the girl, and they believe her actions were deliberate.

http://cbs3.com/topstories/local_story_004113538.html

UPDATE:

Charges dropped against girl for wetting her pantsBy MARTY REDDINGTONAssociated PressDANVILLE, Montour County (AP) — Authorities are dropping a disorderly conduct charge against a 12-year-old special education student who they said deliberately wet her pants at school. It was a mistake to bring police into a case of school discipline, Superintendent Steve Keifer said Thursday. “I think the situation was one where the parents and school officials were frustrated, and that's why it was done,” Keifer said. The girl's mother told the Press Enterprise of Bloomsburg that the girl urinated only because she was frightened by the principal. DisplayAds ('Middle'); The girl, whose name was withheld by the newspaper, had worked with her classmates and teachers preparing a holiday lunch at Danville Middle School on Dec. 20. They ate in the library and the girl was later told to wash some pots and pans, her mother said. After she refused to leave the library, teachers summoned principal Kevin Duckworth, who confronted the girl. She then wet her pants.

YOU would never know....

how good it was to hear my dad's voice this morning. I had to hold back to tears. I was so worried about him...he sounded better. I found out he probably will need two surgeries...one for a pacemaker and one on his neck...the one for his neck will be in about 6 weeks and I will go up to NY for it. They first thought he fractured one of the vertebra in his neck but was not thank G-d.

I just hung up with him tonight and he said what a world a difference from the morning. He is on a course of steroid shots and he had one today. He said he felt like a new person. Even answered the phone with his bad arm. He thinks he may come home Saturday but not sure.

Thank you for the prayers for my dad it means so much to me to know people are praying for him.

Here is a REAL HERO for you.

This man is something else...not many people would do what he did. I read about his act of heroism and saw it on CNN. I applaud this man for being brave enough to save this young man.

What a day...

I tell you not sure why I am not sleeping considering how it went.

First my dad is in the hospital not sure if he needs surgery and if not still going to need a bit of a long rehab. Just so worried. It really stinks living so far away from him. I love him and just want to know that he will be all right.

Went to chck my bank account and was in the red by a considerable amount. Which drove me crazy. Because this was not an error on my part. Realized the bank debited all my transactions on the 2nd and 3rd. SO eventually got that fixed. But still made my heart race.

Then went to check if my school money came in. I was told it would be directly deposited into my account tomorrow or Friday.

Well, I go check after being out at the park with Aviva and there should be a 0 but low in behold there is a figure of $2800. So again my heart begins to race and I am crying (added to everything else). I call the school and they figure out that my class is only 2 credits and needed a 3 credit one. So she says can still register and call back financial aid offce and they will get my school money. OK do this but now need to wait 3 to 5 business days for the review and a day or 2 for the direct deposit. Now have to wait to get my books but taking a class on classroom management for ESE..which seems like it will be really helpful but so wanted to take my class on Autism.

After all this I treated myself to an hour at Barnes and Noble alone thanks to Stephanie for the gift card.

Aviva's 6th Birthday in pictures...

Make an online slideshow at onetruemedia.com

PRAYERS needed...

for my dad...he had some kind of incident they believe is related to a low heartbeat. SO for those that pray please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. He is a terrific dad and a wonderful grandfather. I do not have a relationship with my mother and need him.

He had his wife call so they can wish Aviva a Happy Birthday today.

Thank you.

MY SWEET AVIVA is SIX YEARS OLD.beginning with a year in pictures....

yes you read that right. It is so hard to believe that MY SWEET AVIVA is 6 years old. She has come so far in her short 6 years of life.

She started out being born premature at almost 31 weeks. She came into this world kicking and screaming and that should have been my first warning of how strong this child is going to be!!!

She had a rough first three years of life...spending time in the NICU, going through early intervention (PT, ST, OT, Behavior and Cognitive therapy), having sleep apnea and going through 3 surgical procedures. But going through all that, I believe made her a very strong young lady.

Aviva is a compassionate child who goes out of her way to help others, no matter the issues. She does not see differences: like a child's race or disability. She sees everyone as equals. And that makes me so proud of her.

Aviva is an energetic child and she just goes and goes from the time she wakes up till she goes to bed. And this includes talking...she can talk your ear off.

Aviva loves school and I cannot believe how well she is doing in Kindergarten. She is reading (for a year now), writing..in sentences and doing expository essays. She is doing addition and subtraction. And loves playing with her friends in class. It truly helps that she has an amazing teacher who was teacher of the year last year.

Aviva has come so far in just a short year from turning 5 till turning 6. She did dance and performed in her first dance recital. Now she wants music lessons..maybe piano and singing.

Aviva loves Disney..still. And is always asking when we are going back. We went 4 times this year but that is not enough for her. She loves going on the scary rides. She has no fear.

What a year this has been with Aviva...so many new things were accomplished and now we are onto another year. And I am looking forward to sharing so many more good times with Aviva. What a joy she is in our lives. It is hard to believe the difference she makes everyday we are together.

The last night my baby goes to sleep as a 5 year old.....

My Poor Jeep......

It is still not working...Spider has done all he can and my Jeep is still overheating. So we are a one car family right now and that is not easy.

Aviva has been on vacation since Dec 20th. Last week we were home all week together since Spider had OT. And it was very difficult but Aviva was so good which helped out a great deal.

But we missed going to the park, to the store or where ever when we wanted. We missed that freedom.

So Spider had another friend come look at the Jeep yesterday afternoon and believes there is something wrong with the head or head gasket. Which of course is not cheap to fix...Spider believes it could range from $800 to $1100. OY VEY was all I can say.

Spider is going to call some dealers to find out the price and maybe find a good service station to fix it.

I NEED my JEEP!!