Mac is such a mish-mash of letting people walk all over him and then being a bully. He was letting the boy down the street ride his brand new bike every time they played. Today I told him that I did not want to see anyone on his bike but him. They boys were just having a little fuss and I discover that mac had made "rules" for bike riding. The rule? You had riding order and had to stay in that order OR switch bikes, but mac can't switch, so just the other two. ANd guess who was #1 in the front for the bike riding. So he chose when to turn, how fast to go, blah blah blah. I firmly stated that the only rules of bike riding were to watch for cars and be safe.

Matt, much peace to you and yours.

msbelle, 'rule making' always fascinates me with kids. Testing influence and boundaries and simply how the world works. Such an amazing process to watch.

Update: I'm pleased to announce that the mom of the boy with adhd has taken him off my schedule. She says she has found a specialist (who takes insurance as I do not) and I could not be more thrilled/relieved.

She will certainly be challenged and I hope it gives her what she needs.

This comes at the same time one of my other kids 'graduated' with flying colors. Just 3 months after starting our work on some pretty severe social, scholastic and self-worth issues, she is totally okay! It was the greatest joy to watch her progress and to see her share the things she learned with her peers.

Perfect outcomes on both.

My condolences to you and your family, Matt.

Congrats, lisah! And thanks sarameg for the pics.

That's great, bonny. I wish I'd had someone like you as my therapist when things were critical with me. I'm glad these kids get that help.

Did chores today until wrists said stop. Iced wrists. I have a headache which is nothing compared to the epic headaches some Buffistas get. But it does tire and annoy me so I may need to take a nap in the hopes it goes away.

My mom is scheduled to come back some time today from her extended trip in SD cleaning, clearing and closing escrow on my late grandma's house.

So sorry for your loss, Matt. Peace to you and yours.

Peace ~ma, Matt.

A little dog ~ma would not be unwelcome. Sass swallowed a piece of her favorite toy and it is lodged in her stomach. She's at the emergency vet, where they are inducing vomiting. If that doesn't get it out, she'll need surgery tomorrow.

Oof. Another long day. Neighbor K made me get up at 10 and go to the Merry Market (craft fair at the Creative Alliance.) It was neat, but didn't get anything, though there is one vendor I might order something from. Came home and had a brief, cat induced nap ( [link] I mean how could I resist?) before heading out for the Hampden Xmas parade. It FLURRIED. So wrong. And I forgot my camera. Boo! Met up with Bob & Lisa and crew and had a nice time. There was much to be remarked on. Left before it was over to get my swim in and then home to a load of laundry and vacuum and mop. Oh & dinner in there somewhere.

Broke out the winter coat. Have a love hate relationship with it. On one hand, it is super warm and cuts the wind like nothing else. On the other, it is HUGE and bulky and I feel like I'm wearing a gorilla suit in it.

eta: Oh, NO FUN, Sparky. Uhg.

Poor Sass! Good luck to you all.

I will not wear my winter coat until it's well into the 20s. Especially now, with the walking -- I'm plenty warm in the morning, and only semi-freezing at night. My legs get cold, but that's my own fault for not wearing boots. Or pants.

Psst, Jesse is pantsless.

I am generally pantsless at work.

IN THE AMERICAN SENSE.