So today, I thought I'd write a short update of our comings and goings. :)
* We've been watching our West Virginia University Mountaineer football team every weekend. Although their record thus far is 7-2, they're a pretty stinky team. Of course, I say that with lots of love in my heart. ;) But boy, do I ever miss Pat White.
* Parker has been getting his methyl b-12 injections for over a month now and...W.O.W! What a difference! Everybody has been noticing the changes which have since resulted. He's talking more and the words are spoken with more clarity. He's more affectionate. In fact, he comes downstairs every evening just to snuggle on my lap. He also calls his grandparents every night to chat. His speech therapist told me this past week that suddenly, everything seems to be clicking for Parker. He's even started going to the gym each morning to sit with his 1st grade class! He's never done that before because it's a very loud environment with the entire student body chatting and laughing. The school principal pulled me aside last week and told me she'd had a short conversation with Parker too. She said, "I passed him in the hallway and said to him, 'Hi Parker. How are you?' " He replied back, "I'm good. How are you?" She told me this with the biggest grin on her face. The staff of that school just adores Parker. Of course, how could they not? The kid is a gem.
* Unfortunately, despite having insurance and Medicaid for Parker (which he qualifies for because of his autism diagnosis), we cannot get these injections covered. It's a huge frustration for me. Although they're not super expensive ($56, including shipping, for 10 injections...Parker receives a shot every third day), it's just another thing added to our monthly budget, which is already straining at the seams.
* My herbs are inside the house...all 19 of them. It doesn't matter that we're now unable to use our dining room table or that we can barely walk through our living room for fear of tripping over a green, leafy being. I must take care of my herb babies...love them! I just really wish I had a greenhouse.
* Autumn's 5th birthday is in just 8 days. She's asked for a puppy theme for her decorations and an ice cream cake. Due to budget constraints, we're just having a small family get-together. I honestly can't fathom that my baby is almost five years old. But she's growing into such a sunny, happy, beautiful little girl. It's a joy to see.
* I'm currently reading the sixth installment of the House of Night series, Tempted, by P.C. & Kristin Cast. The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown is waiting in the wings.
* Doug is doing amazingly well in his college classes...he currently has all A's! And he seems to have a real interest in geology. Yes, friends, my husband enjoys studying rocks. A pagan-in-training, perhaps? :)
* Doug's best friend, Lenny and his wife, Stephanie were blessed with their first child in October. Welcome to the word, Brennan!
* I avoided a root canal, thankfully. Unfortunately, even after the permanent filling was added, the tooth is still sensitive to cold and even to chewing some textures. I really hope it passes...it's quite inconvenient and annoying. And just an FYI, I'm no longer getting the silver, mercury-filled amalgams. Mercury in our bodies is bad, bad, BAD.
* It's supposed to be in the 70's here today...sunny and beautiful. So it's time to get off this computer and get this day started.
* And finally, I am officially CAUGHT UP on all your blogs! Yay! How long did it take? Only three weeks? Bah! That's nothing. :) Nevertheless, I'm glad I'm reading current entries and not ones which are 4 or 5 days old for a change. :)
Have a beautiful Sunday (or Monday depending on where you are in the world)!























































