When I’m not typing, I am wanting to work on my Etsy!!  It’s up, but I haven’t “broadcasted” it yet, just because I’m still tweaking stuff and adding new products.  I suppose if youwanted to take a peek you could.  The name of my shop wouldn’t be hard to guess!

This weekend we escaped the heat and went north to my parent’s cabin.  We took advantage of our park pass and went to the Grand Canyon again (3rd time this year, yay!).  We are spoiled because my brother works there as a tour guide (seriously, he’s the best.  If you’re thinking of going to the park, go see him for an amazing tour of the Canyon).  We had a nice little picnic on the lawn of El Tovar.  We got ice cream at Bright Angel Lodge, and just had a relaxing day, mostly!  Here are a few pictures from our time there.

Only YOU can prevent forest fires!

Mason, Emma, and Uncle Geoff.

We're working on sitting lady like with dresses. :-/

Okay, folks.  Off typing again.  I’ll be updating with some fun stuff shortly!  Happy Monday!

What did you do this weekend?  Seems like so many places had crazy weather.  How did you escape?

Here are a few instagram photos I’ve taken so far. Enjoy!

Do you go to musicals? Which one is your favorite?

I spoke with the teacher, Emma had a great day, and despite being a bit quiet she even met some new friends!  I was so happy and so relieved.  And this morning I received this email from the director:

Jessica,

Emma had a fabulous day and fit in perfectly. We could really design a scripted education program for her and with our small instructional environment she would really do well here. We would love to have her be a part of our school family. I hope this happens.

I will be as supported as possible with this process.  Please keep me posted on all the district details that occur.

Thanks for allowing her to spend the day.

Regards,

Director

Of course this email made me extremely happy! Just knowing we have the support of the school we want her to attend is really so special.  It means we found the perfect environment for her.

To switch gears a little (okay, a lot), I wanted to write about something that’s been on my mind a bit.  But I’m not sure how to vocalize it, so just bear with me.  I think it takes very special people to “be a presence” in the lives of children with special needs.  Certainly I feel that God put Brett and I in this position of raising Emma because he knew we could do it.  He knew that Emma would be raised in a supportive and loving family.  And not just our immediate family, but our extended family.  We have wonderful families that absolutely cherish and adore Emma (and Mason, too, of course!).

It takes special doctors to treat Emma.  Fortunately we are in the wonderful care of Phoenix Children’s Hospital.  Most of Emma’s doctors are there.  We even go to L.A. to see her wonderful neuro-opthalmologist.  I will  fire any doctors who are not performing to my expectations in their care for Emma.

It takes special friends to “hang in there” with us when we’re going through one of our many trials and tribulations.  There are simply people in our lives that can’t handle the challenges that we face.  It’s weird to say it, especially because they’re our challenges.  It’s shocking to me, though, how many friends I’ve lost touch with because (seemingly) they can’t handle our rough patches.  I should say “good riddance” and ” they don’t deserve us, anyway”.  But again, as it keeps happening, I get stronger.  Yes, it keeps happening.  I’m 33, folks!  Enough with the highschool BS!

And then educators and people in the field of education.  I’ve always said it takes angels to be a good special education teacher.  I could never do it.  Yes, I was a teacher; yes I have a daughter with special needs.  But I could never be a special education teacher.  I truly believe the people around her cared about her.  And I do believe they wanted what was best for her.  I honestly do.  But I think that their egos got in the way of admitting that they weren’t able to do enough.  And that the environment she was in wasn’t the best one.

And then here’s my other (and last, I think) issue.  Mixing friends and business.  Sketchy. Now, to be clear, I worked with 2 teachers.  One was my college roommate.  We had so much fun together.  I think it worked out really well.  We just really get along and get each other.  I hope she’d agree with me on that. But it’s interesting how dynamics change with co-workers turned friends.  I’m a friendly type of gal.  I’d rather work with people I am friendly with than people who are duds.  However, now that things have changed and I’ve left on a “bad note”, it’s interesting to me that I’m really not hearing from them anymore.  Perhaps they feel like they’re in an awkward position.  If that’s the case, I have one question: “how do you think I feel?” It’s just weird to me.  And it’s too bad, too.  Because I had fun at the school.  I really did.  That’s why the evaluation came as a shock.  And now I don’t hear from my friends so much. <cue song: Things That Make You Go Hmmmm>

I want to know from the parents of kids with special needs.  Or anyone who interacts with families with special needs.  Is it just me? Or are friendships tricky for you too? Be honest!!

The thought of a family photo session with anyone else would create huge anxiety with me.  But not when the photo shoot is with him.  Even when Emma’s been in a “mood” (and he’s seen her in some pretty nasty “moods” before), he can still capture her spirit and her beauty.  That, in and of itself, is huge talent.  Because at that precise moment I’m not even seeing  by beautiful daughter!

He featured a few of his photos on his blog.  You can see that post here.  But here are a few of the photos that he took of us.  If you’re looking for an amazing photographer in the Phoenix area (or elsewhere…he travels!), please do me a huge favor and check out Keith Pitts.  I can promise you, you won’t be disappointed.

p.s. these pictures were taken at Papago Park.

We’ll probably see less of this:

More of this:

And definitely this:

I’m excited to spend time with out-of-town family and to show Emma the Grand Canyon!

On Tuesday, I have a super-secret trip planned for my boy’s birthday (which is on Wednesday).  I can’t wait to tell him!  And you!  And share the pictures.  We’re going to have a blast!

On Wednesday, we will spend Mason’s birthday at the del Mar County Fair!  Woot woot!  Mason is super excited for the “carnibal”.

Thurday: Beach day.

Friday: the Midway and a harbor cruise (perhaps on the duck?) and dinner out with some SD friends

Saturday: Padres game with the family…and a special ride on the Coaster to get there!

Sunday: Happy 4th of July!!  What will we do?

Monday through Wednesday we’ll be in Big Bear.  I’ve never been there…and I’m SO excited!

What are your plans for your summer vacation?