Date Nights in all their Glory

We are getting a new respite worker. Merlene who has been with us eleven years on and off is moving to Utah. We have new tutors and insurance is picking up ABA for that and we will have more change. Even though IEP and behaviorism therapy demands are high and somewhat stressful, I feel there are benefits and growth that comes from managing these things for my special needs kiddos. I am learning what to stress about and what to leave to the Lord. I am learning to be kind and to not worry, things will work out.  Faith and hope and planning and order all are anxiety preventers and help to see things from a perspective of understanding and patience. I am learning that sometimes things just happen because that is where are children are developmentally or where we are in our age and development.  We have had a lot of date nights lately. We took Emmy and Joe to Café Rio. We kind of like Costa Vida a little better.

Café Rio reminded me of Utah and how we had such great memories there, but now we are so happy in California and it is delicious to us now too, maybe even better that the other.  After dinner we went to TJ Max and I found some beautiful turquoise earrings which Brian got for me. We had family time and learned of a friend going through hard times. As we do our routines we can help others, pray for them, learn from them, and better our lives and feel grateful. I don't feel concerned or like I need to do this or that or experience this or that to feel Happy. I feel happy now and am grateful for these children at home that grow up so quickly. 

Brian and I went out to dinner with some friends and they offered us some theater tickets as she would be working. It was a nice time going in to Sacramento. We walked around and found a yummy, fancy restaurant called Esquire's and Brian had the yummiest hamburger I've ever had. My salad was pretty great too with Squash, Chicken, Roasted walnuts, feta cheese and Spinach/kale. We really are suburb folks, but it seemed nice to do something different and visit in the city. The capitol was gorgeous all lit up  as we walked around. We had memories of various places we had been downtown for Brian's work and for Time out for Women and field trips that I've been to. The show was great, I loved all the costumes and music. I do think music is such a great part of our lives and it can be so meaningful. The special effects were really nice in the show too. I'm excited to go see Phantom of the opera with Brian there too.

So Joseph has been being a typical teenager, so tired and sassy and not wanting to do things. Brian and I took him out to dinner at Moe's. We had a coupon and were able to talk to him a bit and see where he is and what he is thinking about these days. Brian was such a great example. He is a loving father and a patient teacher and a gentle hand to guide. Joe has a lot of respect for him and I'm glad Bri is on my team, because raising a teenage boy is not a walk in the park all the time. On the date night we helped Joe come up with some goals and rewards and a time frame. Later after talking with my Mom about Joe, My Mom helped give some reinforcement for Joe too to earn after a month of going to seminary on time. He is acting a bit better and I am thinking it does take a village to raise a child. Now Joseph has a permit and has been out Driving with an instructor. He is growing up fast, I hope we have time too instill in him all that we hope for his future ahead.