In the news.

Mallory's school celebrated "Read Across America". The local newspaper ran an article and Mallory's picture was on the front page.

Circus

We made our annual trip to the circus in Topeka. Each year, more and more family and friends attend. We look forward to it.

This year, I was smart and brought Hanna. It made the trip a lot easier. She's definately a wonderful addition to the family

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Afterwards, we met everyone at the Texas Roadhouse. Mallory snubbed the rest of us and sat with her grandparents and baby cousin.

Progress.

With the move, holiday break, and then the start back to school; I was really curious to how Mallory would do.

She has done terrific!

She has transitioned well to the house. She loves her bedroom!
Potty training is somewhat successful during the day. Some days are better than others.
School has been good. Mallory is participating in several activities at school with her peers.

Currently, Mallory is taking no prescription medications. The jury is still out on whether we will try any new meds in the near future.

We have had a lot of changes are far as Mallory's services. It is always a challenge orchestrating what she needs.

All in all, a good start to 2010!~

Siblings.

I have been blessed with three children. Each has their own unique personality. There are days that I wonder if I have taught Matt and Hannah the proper ways to be a sibling to Mallory. There are days that I know are difficult for them. Mallory's behaviors can be challenging. There are days that just don't go well.

When I have this seed of doubt, my children so softly remind me that Mallory is God's creation. Created in his likeness. Unique in his very vision. Just like every one of us. As a parent my duty is to guide my children in their walk with the Lord. Yet, there are days I find them leading me. As a family, we grow daily in our walk.

This picture reminds me that even on the craziest of days. The days when Mallory takes the unbeaten path. Her siblings still see her as Mallory, their sister and they look past her differences or sometimes away from them.

Back to the Drawing Board.

I was unable to get Mallory to her doctor appointment today. When I called to reschedule, I was told that the doctor was leaving at the end of the year. So, I guess we are back to the drawing board.........

Almost Unbelievable.

Well, this is a first for me. With the craziness of owning two houses, I got way behind on groceries. I had a two page list of items to get. So, Friday evening I headed to town with Mallory and Hannah to get my shopping done. From the minute we walked in to the first store, I could tell that Mallory was NOT in the mood to shop. But I was a mother on a mission, and trips to the store by myself just don't happen that often. So, we managed our way through the first stop with no major outbursts. When we arrived at the next store, Mallory became highly agitated. We were midway throught the store, when she chose to have a metdown complete with shoe throwing and spitting. As I was trying to calm her, a store associate advised me that I would need to leave the store until Mallory calmed down. Needless to say, I was mortified. We ended up packing up and going home with my two page list in hand.