Carolina Beach!

So last week Mom and I took the kids to Carolina beach. We left on Monday at 5am, and had a pretty uneventful trip down. Did not get lost once. We checked in around 5:30pm and I immediately walked down to the beach. I was on my way back, walking along the dry sand beyond the reach of the surf, and I found a large shark tooth. It was ultimately the best find of my trip. I slept well every night. We had a king size bed that I shared with mom, and I think there was a memory foam mattress top, because I was not one bit sore when I woke up. Tuesday started out rainy and cold, but I still beach combed, umbrella in hand. The sun did come out in the afternoon, and we were very happy about that. Wednesday was a nice cool, but windy, day. At that point I had been following the weather report for Thursday religiously, and I was on the fence about staying another day, because we were planning on leaving Thursday morning. I went to bed, planning to leave early and had some luggage already loaded into the car. However, when I woke up on Thursday and spent some time with my coffee and the sunrise, I knew I had to stay another day and enjoy the beautiful weather. I had hated the idea of spending Mom's 60th birthday in a car, so it was an easy choice. We spent a beautiful day on the beach. Lauren played in the surf and sand and had a ball. This trip was a huge turnaround for her. Typically, she enjoys vacation, but really prefers to stay in the hotel room. She got out a lot this time. Even when she was in the room, she sat and watched the ocean while she would eat at the table. Josh loved feeding the birds, he smiled more than I have seen in a while. We ended our day by having a birthday dinner at Outback Steakhouse. Everyone slept well that night...we were worn out! We ended up with some beautiful shells, and 34 fossilized sharks teeth. More than we've ever found before.

The drive home was not so fun. I did manage to get a walk in on the beach before we left, so that added a little sanity to my otherwise blah day. We got lost at one point. My shoulders were sore and I was tired. My nerves were shot and I was just a big grump. The GPS in my car didnt take us back the same way, so I had to really pay attention, as I wanted to take the App into Athens and take 33 to 270. I didnt get to bed until very late that night. I do have to say that the kids were saints on the way home. They were much more well behaved than I was.

I told Seth we would need to go back and get another corner room. If you get the corner, you have a beach view window in the bedroom and in the living room in addition to the full front beach view. If you are looking for a nice, comfy place with gorgeous views in Carolina Beach, go to Atlantic Towers, find a unit on the 6, 7, or 8th floor (they go higher, but that would be too high for me), and make it a corner room. We stayed in 701, and I think I would get the same one again. I was very surprised to see too, how close we were to Kure Beach. The welcome sign was just outside our hotel!

Spring Break!

Whew! The school week is over and Spring Break has begun! Even though I was surrounded by sickness all week, I have seemed to escape it. Just a lingering headache is still irritating me.

Started the day off by taking Mom to get her car from the mechanic. Then we headed off to the vet to get Fawn a refill on her medicine. Then off to the Catique. When we stopped in last week, there was a beautiful oil painting of a beach that immediately caught my eye. The store was closing in 20 minutes, and I couldnt decide if I wanted it. See, I am trying to veer away from buying things that I really dont need. I form of discipline I guess, plus I'm trying to cut down on clutter. I walked out without it, but I thought about it all week, and I knew I really wanted it. So today, I walked out with it, and also with a big smile. Seth hung it up over our bed, and it looks beautiful. We also left with a large, purple plastic easter egg that Lauren just had to have. 25 cents is worth her happiness, lol!

We have started to watch a miniseries on HBO called True Detectives. Holy crap, it is great. I highly recommend it.

Lauren starts her gymnastics classes tomorrow. She seems to be pretty excited. I know I am! This is a new experience for her, and I think it will be a great one. I feel so lucky to live in a city where there are so many opportunities for children with special needs. I know our property taxes are a lot higher than we would be elsewhere, but it is completely worth it. Westerville City Schools are wonderful, and that is one area that we feel is very important, no matter the cost, within reason of course.

We will be leaving on Monday for Carolina Beach, and I have not put anything together yet. I'm a little bummed that a cold front has decided to push through while we are there, but it wont keep me from beach combing and enjoying the view. We have an indoor pool where we are staying, so at least the kids will get to swim. The rest of my weekend will consist of laundry and packing, but Seth is being a huge help in getting everything in order before I leave.

Busy week

This week has been a whirlwind of activity. My main thoughts now are circling back to Lauren's toe problem. I wish the nail would just fall off. It seems like antibiotics just cant touch it. It is so frustrating to have a medical concern with a child who cant give you details about the pain. Guess we'll keep soaking it and call the Dr.

Lauren also received her progress notes and her grade card. I know she is a smart little girl, and there are amazing things in that brain of hers, but it is still hard to see all of the "1"'s on her grade card. Also, seeing any IEP goal that it marked "minimal progress" is a bit heartbreaking. I know the academics are just going to get harder with each grade level, and that it will be hard for her to keep up, but I have faith that she will continue to make great strides. Now, my definition of great strides and yours may differ. I feel guilty, sad, and happy all at the same time. Happy, because she is a joy, and she is healthy as a horse. Guilty, because she has made so much progress when some children who started out on her level have not. Sad, because her whole life will always be centered around her autism, and there's nothing I can do about that. I have started this blog because there are a lot of things I want to discuss and talk about, but do not necessarily want Facebook comments. I just want some understanding. Understanding as to why your child's brilliance and achievements make me happy, but at the same time it is a harsh reminder of goals Lauren greatly struggles with, or may never accomplish. Why sometimes I just want to be alone to think. Why I dont want to hear that "she'll be fine". Please dont dismiss her disability. She will shine, and I will make sure she has every opportunity to, but dont downplay my worry for her future. It is very real. Please understand that I love when people ask about her, how she is doing, and what she is up to. It may be mundane details for you, but it makes me see how loved she really is. Feel free to use the word AUTISM with me. I am a proud autism mom, and I have NO shame for her diagnosis. I dont pretend or put on blinders when it comes to her and her unique personality. 

Ok. enough for tonight. Thaks to those of you who took the time to read my rant.