A Bump in the Road

Today was a very busy Monday. I had started the laundry, dropped Eric off at his day program and just finished my errand. Then I got the call that Eric was eyrpy and wanted to go home. Just as I was making my left turn into his day program my car got bumped by an inattentive driver. Aside from a headache that lasted a few hours, I am fine. The van however is my worst nightmare.

John drove the car across town to check out the ramp which at this point seems ok, but then again it has not be on a lift yet. So then John headed to the body shop. The original plan was for them to make a list of parts that they needed to order and call us when all the parts arrived. So much for plan A. The rear was so mangled that they will need to tear down the back of the van down to find out what parts we need and the van will be in the shop about a week.

So we are without transportation for Eric for a week. The "maybe good" news is that Eric is home sick today and tomorrow. Which means we should not need the van. The bad news is that I have never signed Eric up for transportation services so we don't know how we are getting Eric to program when he is feeling better. It is a little too far to walk and the big hill on 1st avenue would be awful going both up and down.  Not to mention the lack of sidewalks for most of the way.

Since I always like to end on a good note, and this is a hard one today. As of the time of this post there are less then 8 hours left for December 7. Tomorrow will be a whole lot better.

Still Awake

I am having trouble unwinding tonight. Just as I was dosing off, Eric had an asthma episode. Between giving him his meds and watching him until his color get better took 30 minutes. That was 30 minutes ago. I know its going to be a long day and a very long week. I am debating trying to do some cleaning, start some laundry or knitting to unwind. I want to be asleep before tomorrow. There is nothing like a sick kid in the middle of the night to get this mommy going and unable to slow down.

Eric Paid it Forward Today

Today Eric had a chance to pay it forward.  After his day program we drove to to the mall where the Salvation Army and a number of community sponsors were collecting toys for kids. So we loaded Eric up with craft projects and toys.  He was very happy to help.although I must say that the new design of the kettles made it a little hard for Eric to put money in the kettle.  

Ta-Da

The craft room is just waiting for a carpet cleaning on Tuesday before I finish putting things on the floor. No not junk, but organized boxes, spinning wheels, a loom and an Ott Lamp. So what do you think, is it better than before?

An Amazing Haircut

Today I took Eric in for a long over do haircut. Yes depending on where the hair was cut, 2 to 3 inches came off. He looks all nice and handsome.  I have to admit that this was a pretty ordinary haircut. What happened while I was putting Eric's wheelchair back together was extraordinary.

A gentleman went up to the cashier and paid for Eric's haircut and tip. He asked for Eric's name and wished us a Merry Christmas.  We as a family are extreamly greatful for this random act of kindness. As a family we would like to ask you to help us pay this forward.  This can be done at your convince. 

Eric's main charity that he likes to help is the Ronald McDonald Hospility House, which is a lot like the Children's Inn at NIH which we were a frequent visitor when Eric was in elementary school. Eric currently collects tabs for the  Tucson Ronald McDonald house. If you are in Tucson you can give the tabs to me or drop them off at the Tucson JCC for Eric to drop off. You can even drop them off yourself. If you are not in Tucson you can drop your tabs off at your local Ronald McDonald House.  The tabs are sold for scrap metal and go to pay for the utilities with excess funds helping out families. If that is not possible you can drop a few coins in the collection box at your local McDonalds. 

If you are in the Besthda,Maryland area you can drop off can food items, new toys, toiletries or a check to the Children's Inn at NIH. The Children's Inn is a godsend to the families that have to travel across country for treatment. 

Another charity that Eric likes to help is our Community Food Bank.  If you can give a can of food to the food bank or your Temple or church pantry, that would be another great way to pay it forward.  We would like to thank you in advance for all your help. Working together we can make the world an awesome place.  

More Progress

Today I figured out that I can have too many large bags to store small craft project bags. I emptied a whole bunch of bags and found at least 5 projects per bag.  John put he smaller projects on the shelf. I should have the craft room finished this week.  I also found more yarn for cotton hats while I was cleaning today, enough for at least 8 more hats.  I figure that if I complete at least 1 project per week, I should be finished in just a few years with the bulk of my projects and a few more tubs of yarn.  Did I mention that I also found 1 bag with at least 4 hats in progress.  Below is a picture of the 5 bags that I emptied this weekend.  

Candles and Cleaning

Today I helped on a 5th grade history project. I got to help Lisa's son Matthew learn to make hand dipped candles. We almost got 50% of the project finished today. I think a good time was had by all. Although I did forget to take a picture of the finished project.  Hint, hint Lisa. 

The unpacking the kitchen is still going on. Another box was emptied today, and I will finish putting it away tomorrow.  I also went through my weaving supplies with a realistic look at the warp and some weft.  Lisa left with some. Some more is going to Jody and I kept just about 50% of it.  Although more might leave with Jody. I have already re pourpsed one of the boxes for my shrinking box of candle making supplies.  

A nice chunk of of Teri's floor was cleared and more things are finding their way to a new home in the house or out the door.  I am working on knitting UFO's too. I am hoping to make a lot of progress on all my knitting and sewing  UFO's. The Zennig of the house is going very good, but the pace has slowed down a lot.  I still believe in the 5 minute method.