In The Last Month . . .

* We adopted a puppy.  His name is Archer.

Baby boxers have funny shaped heads.  His is already starting to look more normal.  I've forgotten what having a puppy means.  It's like having another child, only this time we can keep him in a kennel when we need a break.

* The girls went to their first slumber party.  I love how my friend planned it out.  They were tired the next day, but not excessively so.  They watched "Soul Surfer" and really liked it.

* Read the book "1001 Ideas for Teaching and Raising Your Child with Autism".  One thing that stood out to me was about respect.  Even though Bubba doesn't talk much, he does understand us.  It's important for me to remember that and not always talk about him like he's not there.  (Harder than you might think.)

* Had a harvest party with some friends.  Highlight of the night, in my opinion, was the dance contest.  All the kids and several adults participated.  We had two judges.  There really was no contest.  The winner was a four-year-old boy that could get down!  He was hilarious to watch.

* Started thinking about the next semester in co-op.  I will be teaching a dance class for grades 2-5.  Really looking forward to it!

* Preparing for the hubby to go to Dallas next week.  So thankful that my parents are going to take the girls part of the time so it will just be Bubba and I.  We have one morning that his aide will be here and I am going to CLEAN.  (I feel the word must be in all caps to show how serious I am.)  I may even skip meals or eat as I go to make the most of the time.  I'm more excited to get some deep-cleaning done than I would be if I won a trip to Europe.  (Well, maybe.)

* Calico has gotten into reading, big-time.  She'll be seven in a couple weeks and has been devouring chapter books.  It's kind of like a dream come true for me, because I adore reading and know that it has helped me to learn so much.  She's reminding me of myself when I was a little girl.