I simply told him to write his name!! he did it without any help!

The rainbow was his idea...he wanted to give it to his one true love, Miss Wachael!

We needed an Ingram fix and we got it!!

The only problem...they had to leave again!

And this is how it's done...that's my girl!!!!! 6 goals--first game!!

OK.

We need some positive thought sent our way.

There is a baby girl waiting on medical tests--if the tests come out in our favor, she is our's.

If they do not, she will go to someone else.

Start sending...

Pool's Open!! 63 degrees!

Well, the School Psychologist finished the Autism Assessment on Natan and guess what? She said he has Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Umm...

a) We already knew that.

b) He was diagnosed last year by an MD.

c) I live with him. I knew this long before any doctor ever mentioned it.

I remember mentioning that I thought something was "up" with Natan about six months after he had arrived home. I was told by MANY people that he was just adjusting. I'm his Mama. I knew that wasn't it. And a few people were awful to him because of his behavior. I always felt so terrible, knowing that there was a reason but not having anything to say in his defense.

So, this diagnosis last Spring was a relief. Finally, I had something to say to the idiots who have treated him unfairly. It's not an excuse, but it is a pretty good reason.

My biggest pet peeve? People announcing to us, "Oh, he's not Autistic--he's fine" or "Well, he'll grow out of it." FYI--denial is not supportive.

In fact, we've had to step away from people who just can't accept his diagnosis and repeatedly tell us the doctor is wrong. In fact, one person marched into my kitchen and stated, "I don't care what that doctor says--he's fine. He's not Autistic."

The thing is, we have always been OK with this. We can't change it. We think he's fine too, just the way he is. Unfortunately some people can't handle him or love him with his new diagnosis. Our kids are too important to us for that kind of attitude.

****

On a very exciting note, we are heading to see the Harlem Globetrotters tonight--I found a great discount online after some major searching! The kids are super excited! We have a dinner packed (saving money by not eating out!), and they are under orders to take a nap this afternoon--no grumps at the Arena!!

****

George says he is more than ready for the upcoming Talent Show" at the church. He will be performing his "Singing Robots" routine. He picked a sequined costume that used to be Jason's...nothing more to say!!!!

Our Jolly Holiday in Review

First Stop: Lunch at the Varsity! Some Naked Dogs, please!

Loving' the hotel room!

Loved our dinner at Mimi's Cafe!

Fernbank--LOVED it!

Received this email this morning. Cookie and popcorn sales are an integral part of Scouting. Mimi has certainly gained confidence from her first selling experience, and I can see where this will be an excellent teaching tool as the girls get older. At our next meeting, all my girls will be signing their names to a letter to send to our Representative--so glad I'm an American...I can actually do something now!

Here is a condensed version of the email:

Proposed Georgia legislation would require a sales tax on all nonprofit fundraisers in Georgia including GIRL SCOUT COOKIE and BOY SCOUT POPCORN SALES. This significant financial impact would take money away from Girl Scout programs, camp support, financial aid and proceeds from the sale that support troop activities and community service projects.

House Bill 385 is a part of the 2010 Special Council on Tax Reform eliminating various nonprofit sales and use tax exemptions and specifically calls out the cookie and popcorn fundraisers by Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.

The consequences of this legislation:

• Requiring our Scouts to collect sales tax is not fair and not feasible.
• A portion of the funds earned by our Scouts for their many leadership, camping and community service programs would be diverted to pay sales tax.
• Hundreds of children especially in rural or financially distressed areas will not be able to participate in Scouting due to a reduction of services resulting from these sales taxes.
• Camps are likely to be stressed due to reduced funding.
• The administrative burden placed on councils to remit payment of sales taxes to taxing authorities would divert limited financial resources away from program support.

"I don't need a nap!!!!"

"At this rate, we'll never get where we're going..."

We've had a great week at Chez Montague! School is progressing, much to anti-home schoolers chagrin! Natan is still doing well and we have an IEP meeting coming up to discuss his options for next year.

*****

We have two more sleeps until our Jolly Holiday! SO EXCITED!!! Jason is officially on Spring Break and we all couldn't be happier! I will be sure to post pictures upon return!

*****

We celebrated Dr. Seuss's birthday all week--read lots of great books--the kids can read some all by themselves. Made lots of crafty things, and had a birthday party tonight with Jason.

*****

Mimi started Soccer last night--I loved watching her out there on her own, making new friends, and having fun! And, she's a pretty good player! George is still enjoying baseball, and we are still trying to get Natan in the Sunshine League for kids with special needs.

Green Eggs and Ham with a side of cake--Vinny was asleep in the sun room--poor kid can't make it past 4:00 without a nap these days!

Me: "Oh, look--the Flinstones!"

George: "How do you know about the Flinstones?"

Me: "I used to watch it when I was a kid."

Mimi: "Ohhh...that's why it looks so old."

So, our friend Angie filled in for her son who was going to hang with George at baseball practice tonight. Jason had musical rehearsal and I had Tussahaw rehearsal. All at the same time. She claims to have had a blast being talked to incessantly by Mimi and reading to her! Angie is a teacher by day, so this was likely not the down time she had planned!

My favorite quote of the night from Angie:

Angie: George--Good job! You have a good arm!

Mimi: He's had it for a long time. Since he was born.

Our other friend, Lorna, had Natan and Vinny. We now owe to amazing women--will have to be sneaky if we can accomplish payback!

Thank you, ladies. We needed your help and are eternally grateful for it!

****

fyi...the Tussahaw Young Singers is starting to get there and sound good! What a nice group of young people! Now on to my next project...

****

Now if I could just find the 2 missing bathing suits all would be good. I think I am only working with 10% at best of brain power!

****

Finally--who needs more Girl Scout cookies? You know you want them! lemons! Mints! Trefoils! Dosidos! I got 'em!

Mimi and I had a little GNO tonight after Girl Scouts...QT and Walmart! On the way home she stated that she had too many boys to keep track of and was hoping for some girls in soccer this week! She then had to clarify that she did not include Daddy because "He is not a boy...he's just a Daddy."

*****

We are almost through Cookie season in GS--I will happy to see the end of it! If I eat another Samoa I will burst! More time on the treadmill!

*****

We are gearing up for our little Jolly Holiday this weekend--just an overnight thing, but we are super excited just the same!

*****

Back taking the Nexium for my vocal chords. I think it's helping, but I'm just not sure. I did some more research and it seems that a mere drop of acid on vocal folds can cause swelling. Mystery continues...

*****

Still no referral. Beyond frustrated at the wait. It just plain sucks.

sweet somethings...

Mimi, while watching me get ready: "I don't think you need makeup, Mama. You're pretty without it." I'll take that.

George, this morning, came to me and said: "I did some laundry. I didn't want you to have to do everything by yourself." I must be ding something right!

And...on the hoarse voice front. I have done more research--wait--doesn't my ENT get a boat load of money to do what I am doing for myself?? Well, I'm back on Nexium. Screw the holistic route. I thought it was working, but now I'm thinking not.

I *heart* Western medicine.

No we wait and see...

Still no referral and it's driving me crazy. Adoption is just like being pregnant and giving birth. You wait and wait, and then you have this intense, emotional experience. For me, there is little difference. Anyone without kids, or anyone who has not adopted, may not get that. Oh well.

On that note...just to refresh...I consider our adopted children my flesh and blood. They are as much a part of Jason and I as the other two. There are those--and shamefully, those who know better--who do not see Mimi and Natan the same as George and Vinny. How sad for them. They just do not know what they miss out on. Someone even said to me when we had just adopted Ellen, "I wasn't sure if I could love Ellen like I love George." Someone then defended that person's comment when I repeated it. To those two people, I say, "You aren't really capable of real love then. Obviously. Don't say those things to me. They are not good things to say. And don't defend those who say them. Love my four-almost-five equally or not at all.

There, Tom. Is that better?????!!!!! P.S. George found a GA tech picture frame and asked me if he could have it when he goes there. Amen to that!!!!

OK

I got nailed tonight for not posting--not naming names!!!!

So much happens in a day around here, and then when I get a minute to write it down...I can't remember ANYTHING!

***

Something funny happened after choir tonight--George was sitting on a chair waiting for me, and I NOTICED that he had not worn underwear today and was wearing shorts...OMG. Thank goodness he had been in the front row for rehearsal!

***

The Tussahaw Young Singers is off to a great start! Had good auditions and a good first rehearsal. Hardest part is choosing music! Trying to plan our first concert for early June...

***

School is still motoring along nicely. I love hearing them say, "I love ______!" A validation of sorts. They are really loving reading through a set of "How and Why" books that a very generous friend gave us. Learning about moon shadows, falling stars, clouds, etc. And they're eating it up!

***

We have "On Demand" again after years of having only basic cable. I have to admit...I am LOVING it! No more crappy shows while I run on the treadmill! My current favorite addiction: "The Big C" on Showtime. I can squeeze in two episodes for a really good run!

Mimi was looking at some money today and wanted to know why there was a picture of Beethoven on the money. I think she was disappointed when I told her it was actually Washington.

Pics!

Some photo updates--the rest have been uploaded to Picasa.

Daddy/Daughter Girl Scout Dance--1980s theme! Jason wore his Band/Tuba jacket...'nuff said!

Our Girl Scout Daisies at Thinking Day!

GA Tech Womens' Basketball--LOVED it!

Natan lost his first tooth! The Tooth Fairy took it and now he wants it back!

Our wonderful day trip to Savannah--loved hangin' with my kids! The concert the end of the day was worth the trip!

happenings...

Lots going on...

1. Natan lost a tooth the day after we got home from Disney! He was VERY proud!

2. Had 20 kids show up for Tussahaw auditions tonight--I am SUPER excited to get this choir going!

3. Jason laid a new floor in the basement playroom last weekend.

4. Savannah day trip was great--I managed four kids along River street! They had a blast and can't wait to go back for longer and do a Trolley Tour!

5. Gearing up for our annual Chinese new Year party!

6. Signing up for soccer (Mimi) and baseball (George) this weekend.

Just stuff

Mimi: "OK, boys! I hid the treasure very goodly so you'll never find it!" (During a inventive very game of Treasure Hunt).

George is already planning another trip to Disney and tells me constantly how much he misses it. Well, so do I. Can't we just move there???

Mimi and George are doing very well in school--and I am once again grateful for this extra time together. I am fortunate to be the one seeing them take those first steps in reading, spelling, math concepts. Not to mention seeing their joy in learning about dinosaurs, the body, life cycles, communities, countries...so much!

If I could do a better job with Spanish, I'd feel 100%! C'est la vie! Oh wait, that's French...

Heading to Savannah with Jason tomorrow for the day. Looking forward to introducing the kids to some Southern history. And Pralines...yum!!