A note to employers

Dear Employers,

With some areas of the country at an unemployment rate of around 10%, we all agree it's difficult to find a job.  ANY job.  Be it part-time or full-time, with or without benefits.  It's hard.  Please keep in mind that the numbers don't reflect the reality of unemployment.  Here's my reality and wish: hire someone, save a marriage.

More specifically, hire my husband and save his marriage.

Sincerely,
me

More than a spare tire.

One thing I learned early in mommy hood was to keep extra clothing in the car. I had an LOP box. My lack of planning box as my husband called it. It started out as just spare clothing in case of diaper accident. Slowly I added to it. At it's height of use, I had replacements of everything. Sadly the boys are older 3 & 7, so I've gotten away from using it.

Last night it struck me that rather than using a box, I could actually use my old diaper bag. It's just sitting in the closet and since a while back I inked their initials onto it, really can't give it away.

So, here's a useful list of items that can grow with your child.  I'm making this list toddler/preschooler friendly since that's what Henry is.

• change of clothing....rotate seasonally or when his/her size changes
• pair of pajamas....ever been out later than planned only to take an overtired child to bed in their clothes? well, no more!
• toothbrush with or without tooth paste.............goes along with the above
• clean sippy cup
• baby wipes..........because you just never know when you'll need them
• children's meds.......rotate these every couple months as they do expire, but it's nice to have them on hand for bad bumps or insect bites.  don't forget the syringe to administer it and a baggie to put it in after

It's 540 and it's awake

I'm not sure WHY he's awake or even when he fell asleep last night, but Sam is already up for the day. Eric said they went for a super long walk. And normally, I'd wonder, but given the fact Sam was completely out when I got home at 8, yeah, pretty sure it happened.

The challenge with him going to sleep so early is that he's up early. Neither of the boys understand the concept of sleeping past a given number of hours.  Honestly I'm surprised Henry's not awake yet, he was out by 630 last night.

Toy sorting, whatever works

Three days off and I felt I had accomplished. I took the following pictures as I was trying to sort through toys. Mainly I just wound up with another mess because of course I had to go back to work today.

I love my job, really truly love my job. I rarely go home and complain about the people I work with or the actual job I do. But there are many days when I wish I could be part-time again. So that I could realistically stay up as late as I wanted and just get stuff done. But alas my body loves sleep and my kids love getting up at the butt crack of dawn. So, I don't stay up late anymore.

So here are my "in process" pictures of trying to sort toys. First by type, then we'll decide what gets kept, sold, donated or thrown away.

I'm posting on my mobile device (iPod Touch), so I'm unsure of which pic is posting first. Basically a photo of two large boxes of misc toys and toy parts. Also a photo of my smaller toy containers, and some cardboard boxes, with the process already started.

It's Saturday night at 10, I'm in bed and not much more progress has happened. Judge me if you will, but right now I'm considering myself extremely lucky to have a 7yo snuggled up next to me and THAT is a little more important.

Benefits of being an ASD mom

Same lunch every day. The carrots are a new addition. Previously, Sam would gag and choke with the first bite. And those that know, gagging is VERY bad news. It not only means a pissed off child, but it can lead to a huge mess.....at the table.....during dinner.

So here's today's lunch. No Bento necessary, just a Funtainer from Thermos (Perdue Whole Grain Chicken Nuggets), a couple of Take-n-Yoss bowls (watermelon and carrots), and Capri Sun. I've used the TnT since he was an infant, just buying new. Guess what?? It's cheaper than Ziploc and easier for him to open.

A return of sorts

I've committed myself to blogging as a means of building time for me back into my schedule.  Also, it could mean that if I share stuff here, I'll have more time, energy, and definitely a clearer mind to be a better mommy and wife.

So, I'll be back later to determine something to post here.  I know I need an IEP update for Sam, and those interested probably want to hear what Henry is doing new these days....you know, aside from being my new favorite PITA. 

Here's a BRIEF update:

• Sam: currently in first grade, doing VERY well in reading, struggling with math, is one of the most literal thinking 7yo I know. He is building a very awesome friendship with another boy in our complex. 
• Henry: knows his letters and sound, but really no interest in writing yet.  Well, at least not on paper, his current favorite location to write/draw is any wall in our apartment. At nearly 4yo, he is NOT potty-trained and showing little interest in it.
• Eric: seriously getting down to business on getting back to work.