This guy is kicking butt.  He made it through the hardest part, I think, and the end is in sight.  Read his journey here.

I know it’s the end of April already, and I apologize.  But things like this slip my mind because Emma isn’t diagnosed with autism.  But, as I’ve explained before, she definitely has characteristics on the spectrum.  So autism does and will always hold a special place in my heart.  Emma has been on a waiting list on and off for music therapy for years.  And, in fact, I have a name of a new lady that I need to call.  After watching this video, calling her will be on the top of my priority list.  Emma responds really well to music.  She’s always loved it.  Perhaps it’s in the blood…she loves to watch me play the piano (for about 38 seconds before she takes over the keyboard).  But many kids on the spectrum respond really well to music therapy.  Check out this video that I found on Dear cjane….I love this.

Read here to hear about his first day in the “maze”.  He’s holding tight!

My brother comes home today.  He’s spent the last 4 months in Mexico through a drink study abroad program.  I hear he has had a lot of fun.  He decided to finally join Facebook to keep in touch with friends.  Yes, friends.  He added me as a friend after 2 months and 139 friends later.  No hard feelings, though!

Anyway, my kids are SUPER excited to see their Uncle Geoff.  They’ve missed him.  Especially Mason.  Well, they’ll have their share of my brother come next week when he stays at the house and helps my mom out with the kiddos while Brett and I are in Florida for a wedding.  If those 5 days don’t serve as birth control, I don’t know what will.  I can’t wait to hear about everything that happens while we’re gone.  Should be an adventure!

Geoffrey is 7 years younger than me.  By that point in time, I wasn’t looking for a sibling.  I had everything I needed.  I should find the picture of the first time I saw him.  My grandpa carried me into the hospital.  My face says “I can’t believe you have to live with us you’re a BOY”.  Not happy.  I got over that for a few years, mostly while he was still non-verbal.  Once he became verbal (and mobile, most likely), I went back to not liking him so much.  Really, we probably became “friends” once I moved out and went to college.  And even better “friends” when I got married.  And since then it’s kept getting better!  So I have no qualms about my little brother watching my kids.  He will have a blast.  And they will wear him out!

Me and Geoff playing Wii on Christmas morning while Emma looks on.

Please read here about George’s 3rd day in the Australian Outback.  I can’t stress enough how amazing his efforts are.  As of now, he’s racing with a probable broken wrist and broken iPod…down 4 toenails and has countless blisters.  He LOVES and READS all of his comments…please take a minute to cheer him on!

A fellow Arizona blogger, Arizona Mamma, devotes her Tuesdays to tasty recipes she shares with everyone. And Arizona Mamma sure knows how to dish ‘em up! The recipes I have tried are super yummy. And all of them look delish!!  I have decided to take part in her recipe swap this week as I think I have a pretty yummy recipe that should appeal to all family members.  Awhile back I asked for any recipes that were quick and healthy for those days I didn’t feel like cooking.  I got some great comments that you can read here.  Anyway, what I should’ve shared then was my go-to recipe that everyone likes: meatloaf.  I am assuming that when most people think of meatloaf, they have some gnarly picture in their head of yuckiness.  They really should look into changing the name, whoever “they” is.  Maybe I should look into changing the name.  Maybe you have ideas?

Okay, enough.  On with the recipe! (it should be noted that I got this recipe from my former neighbor, Melodie.  She made dinner for us after Emma was born.  -Oh, and I frequently use ground turkey in lieu of ground beef.

1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (I use Italian style)
1/4 cup milk
garlic clove, pressed (I use 2)
1 egg
dash of salt and pepper
small handful of shredded cheddar cheese (something I throw in all the time!)
ketchup or bbq sauce

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients together except the ketchup/bbq sauce. Make sure ingredients are well blended. I use a pastry cutter that works great. Form a loaf and place into a greased casserole dish. Bake covered for 30 minutes. Remove cover, and add ketchup/bbq sauce onto top of meatloaf. Return to oven, uncovered, for 15 minutes. It is done when center is not pink.

Of course this recipe is really good with mashed potatoes. But I hardly fix potatoes. We typically eat this with steamed broccoli. And when I say we, I mean me and the kids. Hubby only eats about 5 kinds of veggies!

I hope you enjoy this recipe! If you want to play along, link up with Arizona Mamma and tell us about your tasty treats!

I will post George‘s updates as I receive them.  He has finished day 2 of his race…and what a journey it’s been already!  Please read his story here to catch up!!  Remember, this is all in the name of MAGIC!!!!

Okay, not really blues per se, but I have to admit, I’m a little bit nervous about what the summer will hold.  We’re not doing any summer camps so we can save money.  Those things are expensive!  I’m waiting to hear if Emma will be accepted into the summer program through DDD (Department of Developmental Disabilities which provides her with OT, PT, Speech, etc., due to her diagnoses).  Apparently she might not get accepted into their summer program because she doesn’t qualify for ESY (extended school year) through the district.  It’s like a catch-22.  She’s doing well enough not to qualify for those things, but she still really needs a program so that she will maintain what she’s learned over the year.  A lot of learning can get lost in 10 weeks!  Not saying we can’t work on stuff together, but you’ve read my Homework post, right? With Emma, she needs routine and consistency.  Something that summer doesn’t bring for us.  So, here are my thoughts for the summer, so that mommy can maintain what little sanity she has left.

• Vacation Bible Schools  in the area
• Swim lessons
• Road trips to California and Flagstaff
• Harkins’ summer movie program (something like 10 kids movies (older ones) for aroune $7 per kid)
• The gym (they’re allowed to stay in the kids area 3 hours per day)
• Jenna…my fabuloso babysitter who I would adopt if I could
• Playdates with friends (friends with pools, especially!!)
• Pottery painting?

I’m hoping those things will help.  Do you have any suggestions on how to beat the summer blues (and the 110+ temps??)

What are your plans for the summer?

Do you watch the show?  I LOVE it.  One of the best shows on TV right now.  I can relate to it on a few different levels.  First, Max, a little boy on the show, just got diagnosed with Aspergers.  And while Emma doesn’t have Aspergers, she has some autistic characteristics.  Secondly, you know the beginning when they’re all sitting around a big table outside at the grandparent’s house?  That’s like our family at my in-laws.  We have a blast. And I just love seeing all the dynamic relationships between family members.  I’m telling ya, if you haven’t watched it, take a peek and tell me what you think!

I’d like you to meet George.

He is running an AMAZING race for Luci and the MAGIC Foundation.  This is Luci.

Their story is completely amazing.  And George’s journey is nothing short of inspirational.  On April 25th, he will set out on a 150+ race throughout the Kimberly region of the Australian Outback.  George’s goal is to race an ultra-marathon on every single continent in order to spread the word and information about growth disorders.  What’s even more amazing is that Luci isn’t even George’s daughter!!  Luci is the daughter of a co-worker of George.  I really encourage you to read George’s story here and click on ‘George’.

You can read all about Luci and her situation here and click on ‘Luci’.  Her story sounds a lot like Emma’s except Luci was diagnosed shortly after birth.

Keep up with George’s blog during the race here and click on ‘Australia blog’.

I LOVE these stories!!  We don’t get to hear enough of them…don’t you agree?