Looking forward to Thanksgiving (and maybe more)

Yesterday I realized it was just one week until Thanksgiving.

Two years ago, we weren't able to join the family due to Stella having an illness ... and I think we've probably missed a few other holiday celebrations for the same reason... either Stella or A.J. But it always seems that the first bad bug hits right about Thanksgiving-time. The stomach flu is going around here. A local college was shut down due to norovirus a couple of weeks ago. Keeping fingers crossed.

This year I'm prepared to enjoy the holiday whether or not we're able to visit Joe and Kathy ... which I hope we can, but just in case we can't, I've got a Butterball "turkey roast" in the freezer, potatoes, stuffing mix, the fixin's for a pie, cranberries ... enough. I can throw something together ... I will not be deprived this year! I love me some Thanksgiving food.

We just returned from a birthday party. One of Stella's classmates had her party at the YMCA, and I took both kids. It's wonderful to go to birthday parties of other autistic children. There are no horrified looks when your child pokes her fingers into 3 or 4 different cupcakes, tries to bite the balloons, hoards all the puzzles, etc. There's no judgment. In fact, if I scolded Stella, they got onto me!!! They'd say, "She's OKAY! Relax!"

A.J. was just as bad. He ran around playing while holding a chocolate cupcake with red frosting. His face looked like Heath Ledger as the Joker in Batman. No one seemed to care and the kids had a fabulous time. Wish I remembered to bring my camera in with me, but I left it in the car!

I'm putting a little tree up this year where the kids can't reach it, which will be a big deal since I didn't get one up last Christmas. Maybe each year, the holidays will get a little easier. I hope!!

He has "all these kids"

Soon after A.J. was born, we were both of course overwhelmed with the increase in work and vigilance ... John started saying "look at all these kids!"

So here he is with allllll his kids, just two mornings ago.



And we want to wish him a happy birthday.

They both love him and he's the first person they want to cuddle with in the morning. They think he's the coolest guy ever. A.J. even has to adjust the stereo, play the drums and wear a tie .. just like his dad. And Stella gravitates toward John's photography books – the ones he treasures most – much to his dismay because she's very rough with them.

Tonight our plan is to go out and get a night away from the kids. We're hoping to dine at this restaurant: Saffron, which is an Indian restaurant in Kzoo. Someone in my church told me it was great.

Happy birthday, John. I'm proud of you for doing so well and being such a loving dad.