Project - Giggle

Giggles

I have always noticed that there is one thing that makes our children giggle on Christmas Morning, I am not talking about them opening their presents. It is when they are waiting for Mike & I  to open the presents they made or carefully picked out for us. They stand there with such excitement trying so hard not to not tell us what it is. I love the look on their faces when we finally get the wrapping paper off and open the box. Their happiness is what Christmas is about :) Back when I was a single Mom, it meant so much to Karissa that she was able to have a gift for me. We were lucky that friends always helped with this:)

I know times are hard, so a couple of years ago I created some gifts that were under $5.00 so Southern Maine children could giggle Christmas Morning. I also stated that even if a child did not have any money they would leave with a small present for their parents. Only a few came in last year so I am starting to spread the word earlier this year. Also I am opening it up for customers to help. When you stop in to do your Christmas Shopping you can purchase a small item and put it in the 'Giggle' basket pictured. I am hoping that I will have to add more 'Giggle' baskets very soon.

Please let your friends know about Project 'Giggles'!!!

A New Journey

Today I attended my first MDDC meeting I had a great day and met a lot of great people. A little overwhelmed with information at the moment but I have time to process it and do a lot of research before the retreat in February.



Aside from this being a New Journey for me, it is completely off routine for the boys. Kyle even prepped his teacher yesterday that I would not be home and that Daddy was handling everything. Karl's big worry was that doing this 'new' thing would mean that I would not have time to make as he put it "your beautiful bracelets for everyone to buy, people need them."  Donald wanted to come with me  but told me to remember everything so I could tell him all about it when I got home.

Handling things with Daddy in charge.

Kyle was whiny today as I knew he would be because he has separation anxiety. He clung to me when I got home and we had to climb into bed and cuddle right away. He said he likes it better when I am home when he gets home. When I asked him if it was OK for me to go to more meetings, he looked at me with big eyes and said "WHY????"  I said "Because I want to help boys & girls like you and your brothers"  He said "With Autism??" I said "Yes and other disabilities"  He looked up at me again with big eyes and said, "Mommy I am proud of you."  I then asked if I can go to more meeting and he says "Of course, they need you."   I am so proud of him

When they picked me up, I gave each of them a hug. Karl had previous only mentioned about his worries of me having time to make bracelets but when I gave him a hug, he held on so tight. Then when we were cuddling he wouldn't let me go. I did not ask about it as I sensed he did not want talk, he just wanted to cuddle. I have a feeling he will be keeping me close to him for a bit and I don't mind as he has been getting VERY independent lately. So it feels good to know he still needs me :)

Donald said he really missed me which surprised me as he has been having normal tween attitude lately. Then he patiently waited until the boys went to bed and wanted to hear all about my day. I explained to him that I felt a little overwhelmed and would like to process the information tomorrow while I sew and we could talk about it tomorrow night when I have had time to rest and process. He said OK. He did tell me that the kids in CRT missed me this morning and that they are looking forward to hearing about the meeting.

Before going to bed, Donald return to my room and said, "Thank you Mom for all you are doing." 

I think this New Journey will be good for all of us and it seems that my boys truly understand the importance of my advocating for them, which all by itself is very impressive :)

I have to end with a big Kudos to Mike, the house is still standing, the boys were happy and they were fed. Maybe in all of this he will learn all I do in one day :)