2. Hy-Vee has the most gorgeous $5 bouquets of fresh flowers. The one in a vase on our kitchen table looks brand new, but it's been there at least two weeks. Do yourself a favor and buy one or two.
3. Isaac is in summer school. Henry and Noah are both busy with Sturgis Youth Theatre. So far this summer they have not all been gone at the same time, but that's how life works.
4. The thought of Isaac and many others with disabilities potentially losing Medicaid scares me to death. I will die sometime -- maybe before he does -- and who is going to take care of him? I realize he has fewer needs than many others, but that's not much of a consolation.
5. Having a few close friends you can count on is one of the best feelings in the world.
6. Today I was in contact with a financial company that handles (this is not the right word) our respite funds. I was in contact with our independent support broker and our DHS case manager. It is not easy to find people who want to provide respite for families who have a child with a disability. Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of great people out there, but sometimes they are just not available. That said, I am still in touch with many people who have provided respite to our family over the years. I love many of them like family.
7. I have spent the last 30 days not consuming grains, dairy, sugar, legumes (that would be peanuts, lentils, beans, etc), soy, or alcohol. I feel much better than I did 30 days ago. And yes, I did cheat a few times.
8. I love vegetables and cast iron pans.
9. My brother and I had a great time during my parents' household auction earlier this month. It's strange to say, I guess. Maybe we should have been sad, but it was fun to see all of their belongings be sold to people who were thrilled to buy them. My aunt, my cousin and her husband, my husband, and my brother were there. For me, that's the biggest family reunion I'll have in a while. We had a lot of laughs, and my brother took home a bowling pin.
10. I drove the boys to my mom and dad's house today for the last time, most likely. Isaac was in summer school, so he didn't go along. Isaac shows very little interest in being at their property, but I understand. They're no longer there. Noah said the yard doesn't look as nice as it would if my parents were taking care of it. Henry said he saw dust on the oven, and he knew my mom would never have allowed that to happen if she had been living there. I took pictures of the boys and signed some papers with the realtor and admired my mom's flowers. She knew how to love on flowers so they would grow. She's gone, but they're still beautiful.
11. I really enjoy eating spaghetti squash, especially in a casserole that kind of tastes like pizza. And yes, it really does. Even my husband liked it.
12. I have been so busy with my mom's estate that I feel like I have neglected some friendships but certainly not all.
13. I am looking forward to having time to write again.
14. If you are interested in clean eating for 30 days, I'd suggest reading Whole30 by Melissa & Dallas Hartwig.
15. When I go to an amusement park, I feel queasy if I ride in a circle. Up and down is fine. Round and round and I'm down for the count.
16. Our family always tries to prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
17. Cars 3 was a good movie. I seldom see movies in a theatre, but I liked this one and thought it has a good message.
18. Why can't people take care of each other?
19. I ran a marathon in 1995, and I've never run one since.
20. I met a man today who had seen Isaac shooting hoops regularly at the Rec Center. He told me Isaac was smart and a good shot. I left that interaction feeling like I was on top of the world. I never mentioned that Isaac has autism as it just didn't seem to be a necessary part of the conversation.
21. Noah loved attending Dorian Summer Music Camp again this month for a week. He's trying to recruit some others to join him next year. I'm so proud of him.
22. Theatre and music have both helped Henry come out of his shell. I'm grateful.
23. I'd much prefer meeting someone 1:1 than being involved with a big group. That's just how I'm wired.
24. My husband tells the worst jokes and puns, but he makes the kids laugh like crazy. I don't have that kind of influence.
25. No matter how long I'm in the sun, I almost never tan, and that's fine with me. I try to avoid the sun as much as I can. Why do I even own a swimming suit? As my brother said once, he's seen a better tan on a glass of milk.