Best of Intentions....Updates...and Peace....

Wow! And here I am, again, no regular postings. I had the best of intentions when I started this blog.  But, better late than never, right?

Let's just say, it's been a whirlwind for us the past 6-8 months.  My sweet Kelsey turned 15 and has her learner's permit (AAAAAHHHHHH!).  I thought I'd be nervous about her driving, but that is SO not the case. It is more about releasing her to be driving amongst all the careless idiots that join us daily on our streets.  Wow! Talk about having to let go of some control issues......  Also, on the Kelsey front, she is a sophomore in h/s and has had her first true relationship.  It's precious to me...even though I thought her first relationship would be scary to me.  They have been dating for 10 months and are planning to go to his Jr. prom in 3 short weeks. He is very sweet. They have a sweet relationship, one that I see as a good balance for a h/s love....not demanding, not jealous, not clingy, if they see one another great, but if not, no biggie, and above all, he likes being at our house.... I LOVE IT!

My Matt....what can I say?  He has grown in so many ways. First of all, he is 9 now and in 3rd grade.  He is so incredibly smart, has made principal's list so far this school year on his report cards and is SO proud of that fact. Speech is progressing, though some days I wonder if we'll ever master the vocalic /r/ --- it is his stumbling block. Unfortunately for him, the tone that the /r/ makes falls in one of the ranges where he is hearing impaired....so he has to work REALLY hard to hear and then hear himself. But he doesn't give up!  :)  As far as his behavioral and emotional issues go, he is doing so well. I'm not sure if it is techniques from behavior modification, using what we've learned, maturity on his part or a combination of it all, but I can say he has been so much more enjoyable. Certainly all boy, very much so, but the major episodes have calmed.  As we've educated ourselves and applied what we've learned in the home, we have watched him blossom. Accountability is SO important for ALL children, but especially one with Asperger's.   Say what you mean and stick to it.  That has become my motto.  There is little, if none, flexibility with him...an inch is giving him 25 miles.  It just doesn't work. So....I guess we are all learning together. I dare not say we have this all figured out...we don't....but I feel like we have a much better grip on what we are doing and finally able to enjoy Matt, the little boy, SO much more!

And finally, Luke. This child cracks me up. He keeps ALL of us in stitches.  He turned 2 in June and has the sweetest disposition!  He is a "go with the flow" kind of kid. Growing, changing, jumping, climbing, exploring, helping, loving, snuggling, and always busy....that pretty much sums him up. He can count to 10, identify most colors, talk your leg off,  and looks forward to learning new things. LOVE his little mind!

So, I guess all of the above can be used to explain what has kept me from blogging.  Well, that and the fact that the past 6-8 months my sweet hubby has been busting his butt trying to keep ahead at work. Many, many 12+ hr days, many weekends, which leaves me working the same, alone, here. No complaints. God has supplied ALL our needs, just when we need them. You will NOT hear me complaining about my husband's work, b/c I know so many who have lost jobs or hours.

What do I do?  Well, the same thing most days.  I am the chauffeur transportation director, cook head chef, boo boo kisser nurse, the woman who has all the appointments/dates scheduling coordinator, laundry maid professional laundry cleaner, housekeeper domestic engineer....and so much more...trust me, I am never at a lack for something to do.  But you will NOT hear me complaining. Many search for their purpose and for now, I've no doubt this is mine. God has given me my dreams, ones I never knew I had, and then supplied me with ALL I need and more to answer my calling. He has provided me with an inner peace I have never known....it's INCREDIBLE!

And as I sign off....I leave you with two of my favorite prayers/affirmations that help this mama along, even on those TOUGH days:

I open my heart to You, dear God, and let Your peace fill my being. In Your presence, I am peaceful, poised, confident and strong.

I relax in Your loving care, dear God, and release all my cares to You, knowing that You are upholding me and sustaining me in all that I do.