Holy smokes!

Today was a good, albeit crazy day!

I opened the living room curtains first thing this morning to watch for AJ's bus. Immediately, I saw Bob through Ramp It Up starting to set up a workplace. Scott and I had no idea that today was the day they were starting the deck! The concrete was poured for the foundation back in May, so we've been chomping at the bit to see what they'd planned!

It kind of felt like it wasn't real until we saw everything happening, because so many other plans had been made and fell through. This has been in the works for a little over two years! Every other plan they'd come up with, something always... ALWAYS popped up to make it not feasible. When we bought this house in 2019, we admittedly thought it was going to be way easier to make accessible. Whoops! 

Anyhoo, the only things left until we can get Liam's chair safely in and out of the house are some more balusters to be put up, and the lift install! It's already delivered locally and assembled, so we just have to wait to have it actually installed! I am over the moon excited about this. Not only did the deck turn out absolutely gorgeous, but all I can think about is being able to get the boys in the van at the same time again! I've got my heart set on taking them to see the Christmas lights this year. And yes, I realize how far in advance this is crossing my mind, but there's no shame in my game.

On top of that wonderful situation, the boys had great days! Even though he had a rough night, the meds seem to have started working, and Liam was in a much better mood. So much so, that he not only attended his first Speech/Special Instruction cotreat, but he ROCKED it! He gave appropriate answers on his dynavox independently for the first time, and it made my heart unbelievably happy.

Then I got a note from Andrew's teacher. He had a great day! No head banging, no attacking anyone else... just a GOOD day!! It was such a huge bonus that they also sent home a painting he did. I'm not surprised that looking at it and his reaction to me complimenting it had me crying tears of pride and joy.

I don't even care if I'm being cheesy when I say this; I hope, with everything in me, that they're proud of themselves. These two have been through the wringer, and almost always, they show up with smiles. Even when they have every right not to smile, they smile. Liam's speech pathologist said she'd really wanted my outlook on life the other day. The only thing I could think, is I strive to have their outlook on life. They don't even realize how frequently they both adapt to seemingly typical situations. They just take it for what it is, and make the best of it. They find a way. 

I'm choked up and teary eyed (shocker) as I type this, because I don't know what I ever did to deserve these boys. I don't know what I ever did, but MAN am I ever thankful for them. I'm so grateful, and if I can grow into being half the person they both are, I will be one happy chick.

That's all for tonight. I'm going to go be sappy elsewhere, bahahahaha.

I'm going to include some pictures of our incredible deck! I still can't believe it!