so far...

My Mom has been here since Sunday. We have had a very eventful week. On Sunday after church, I drove approximately half-way towards my parent's to meet my Dad and pick up my Mom. When I met her, I gave her this pillow top that I made. It was meant as a Christmas gift but wasn't finished on time. It is made from some of the girls' old jeans.



When we arrived home, she got to choose between these two pincushions that I made. The other will go to a dear lady from church.






On Monday, we made some more potato heads. We planted wheat that Mom brought with her in one and beans in the other (both are sprouting nicely). We also finished the apple head dolls that I had started with the girls last week.







On Tuesday, Mom stayed home with DramaQueen while I took Stinkerbell downtown to Children's Hospital. She had had a UTI and they wanted to run some follow-ups (this is standard procedure around here for any child under the age of four - that way they can catch any kidney malfunctions early on or prevent them altogether). I got lost twice on the way there. The exams are rather traumatic (DramaQueen had them when she was about Stinkerbell's age too). I came home and we turned around and took DQ to school. Stinkerbell is fine. (The preceding statement sounds simple but I must admit is a great relief).

On Wednesday morning, I went to the public school next door to DQ's school (she goes to a Christian school) to discuss DQ's need for speech therapy. DQ's teacher, the speech therapist, and myself are the only one's who know DQ and the speech therapist has only observed her in class twice. Somehow during the discussion, the psychologist on the panel decided she needed to be tested for autism.

Now you have to understand DQ does have some characteristics that are traits that are strong among autistic children. I am not in denial. She is also intelligent and friendly. The freaky thing is that I simply went there to discuss speech therapy and come out with a stranger who has never observed DQ suggesting DQ is autistic which was startling not only to me but also to her teacher and the speech therapist both whom have taught many autistic children. It is a bit strange. I have been doing a lot of thinking and will do a lot more as well as doing some praying.

I talked to the Christian School's on site teacher for special needs and she thought it was strange and quite possibly unnecessary. We decided to postpone any idea of tests until she has a chance to observe DQ in class.

Today has been quieter. There was nothing unusual until this evening. DQ went to a birthday party (She brought her gift in this basket I made) and Mom and I went to book club where we discussed When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin. It is a provoking book but easy to read. It is a bit predictable but Martin's skill as a writer makes it worth reading. Our discussion was fun.


Tomorrow afternoon, I help with DQ's class and Mom will stay with Stinkerbell. Tomorrow night Dad shows up and we have a weekend left.

Despite everything, Mom and I have managed a few small projects. :) (Ironically, my Mom didn't come to be a babysitter and helper we were hoping to do loads of crafting. Just the same I am very glad she has been here - this week would have been a lot to handle without her here).