Highlights of 2008

January

We went to High School Musical on Ice with friends

February

I celebrated my 27th birthday

March

Jaylin participated in a Soccer Jamboree @ Lemoyne College with Paige, Alyssa, and Alena and Jaylin started playing Special Olympic Basketball

April

Jaylin was in the chorus for his schools play, we celebrated Jaylin's 13th birthday with a bowling party, Jaylin got a piano from his Grandma and taught himself how to play "You Are My Sunshine", and Jaylin started Special Olympic Track & Field

May

Aunt Annette's wedding, Friends Bowling banquet, Jaylin went to CNS Junior Prom with Alyssa, Jaylin was the Challenger flag carrier @ the Little League Diamond Dinner, we took a family vacation to Florida (or as Jaylin says "airplane Florida") where we spent a day @ Universal Studios and Jaylin went in a race car that went from 0-100 mph in 2 seconds are the highlights of the vacation, and Jaylin's classroom participated in Special Olympic track & field event held at CNS that most school disticts special ed program in CNY attend

June

Jaylin participated in a track & field event in Rome, Challengers baseball started, we had to say goodbye to Jaylin's wonderful team of teachers who we had 2 great years with, and we went to 2 graduation parties

July

Jaylin spent a day @ Thunder Island, my cousin Heather's wedding, Jaylin's outdoor soccer started, and Jaylin started bocce

August

We went to two summer picnics, Jaylin started going to Hope's Social Club with his friend Kathleen, we spent a night in the ER because Jaylin had an abscess in his ear (Jaylin was very patient and brave that night), Jaylin played baseball @ Alliance Stadium, we had a Challenger Family Fun Day to celebrate another great season, we went to the Fair, and Jaylin went to Zoo Camp where he had a blast learning and petting animals, especially the elephant (his favorite),

September

Jaylin started junior high school where he was thrilled to find out that Miss W was with him for another year, Jaylin started Friends Bowling League, Jaylin participated in a Soccer Tournament in Rochester, and we participated in the Buddy Walk to raise money for Downs Syndrome

October

Jaylin started Hope Ambassadors (music/dance group), our friend John became Jaylin's new service coordinator, Jaylin participated in a swimming group @ Lemoyne College, many Halloween parties, and trick or treating with Paige, Alyssa, and Donald

November

I took a full time job as a 1:1 aide at Enable, Jaylin started indoor soccer, and Thanksgiving at Aunt Cathy and Grandpa's house

December

Jaylin made the honor roll for the 1st marking period and there was a breakfast held to celebrate, Polar Express train ride in Utica, many Christmas parties, and Christmas with the family

High Score

Jaylin started his 4th year of bowling in the Friends Bowling League at Bowl Mor Lane in September. We love to go to bowling every Sunday. Jaylin loves to eat his chicken and fries, hang out with friends, and bowl. I love to go to see all our friends and get some adult conversation. I especially love getting my hugs for Michael and getting teased by Darius. We always look forward to Sunday mornings. Before today Jaylin's highest score was 114 which he got at Flamingo in May 2007 when we celebrated his birthday with my best friend Will and his godmother/my best friend Annie. Annie couldn't make his other party because she had to work and Will was visiting from DC so we took the opportunity to celebrate his birthday with them. This morning Jaylin scored a 124 his first game which is now his new high score. He also scored a 105 his second game. When the players get over 100 they announce their names so everyone can cheer for them. Jaylin has never had over 100 in both of his games so I am extremely proud of him.

Our Christmas

On Christmas Eve we always do Christmas with my mom's side of the family. We have dinner then sit down and exchange presents. Jaylin was very excited because he got a gift card to Walmart and I got a gift card to Applebee's (one of his favorite restaurants). Of course he knows I'm going to take him with me lol. Jaylin also got some dvds, a cool chair which he can hook his ipod or laptop onto, and a lava lamp. My brother had to work last night so as soon as he got home from work this morning we exchanged presents. Jaylin got a portable dvd player, a tv/dvd player for the car, a guitar, a drum, clothes, new sneakers, dvds, and computer games. I'm sure I'm forgetting things. After we opened presents, Jaylin played with his new stuff while I bummed around for a bit. Around 130, we headed over to my Grandma's house to visit with my dad's side of the family. We stayed for a little over an hour and headed back home. My stepdad made lasagna, pork roast, and mashed potatoes for dinner. It was delicious. After eating, we bummed around for a bit then headed over to my Grandfather's house for a couple hours. We hope that everyone had a great Christmas!!

Bowling Christmas Party

I woke up this morning debating if we should go to Jaylin's bowling league. We got ready and headed to bowling. I figure if we stay home every time it snows then we wouldn't do anything all winter long and would go crazy. We got to the bowling alley and there were a lot more people then I expected. I was glad to see that Jaylin's other team mates were there as well. Ann (Michael's mom) gave Jaylin a chocolate bowling ball and bowling pin. Tina (Darius' mom) gave Jaylin this delicious little chocolate cake that she made and this cute little robot snowman ornament. As we are all sitting and talking Johnny comes in playing his bagpipe and all dressed up in his gear. I am always amazed when I listen to him play because he taught himself to play, he has never had lessons. As everyone was bowling, Santa came to visit and we had a pizza party. I am so glad that we decide to venture on into the snow. It was definately worth it.

Polar Express

We had a busy day today. Jaylin went with Anne this afternoon from 1-4. They went bowling, to the library, and to Walmart. Jaylin spent some of his half of a gift card we received last week. While Jaylin was with Anne I took advantage of getting some stuff done without having to drag Jaylin along. At 430 we got ready to head to Utica. At the Union Train Station they do this Polar Express ride. We went last year and had a great time so we were looking forward to doing it again this year. Last year we went with our friends, Lori and Donald, so I didn't drive. This year they went a different day then us. So I had to get directions. The directions we had from mapquest were not the greatest. We ended up getting lost. I knew we were in the right area because last year after the train ride we stopped at the McDonald's around the corner to grab dinner and I saw the same McDonald's. Well, of course Jaylin was hungry so we stopped at Wendy's (next to the McDonald's) to grab dinner to eat at the train station and asked the cashier for directions. The cashier gave us the wrong directions so we ended up stopping at a gas station and asked a lady in line who gave us the right directions. So we finally made it there. Now that I have drove there myself I will be fine for next time. So we get to the station and get our tickets and eat our food. Jaylin was so excited about getting on the train that he is jumping around and smiling like crazy. We didn't have to wait too long before we headed towards the train. Jaylin and I sat with our friends, Nick and Mark. It takes about half an hour to get to the spot where "The North Pole" is. So Jaylin and I got to enjoy hanging out with Mark and Nick. Mark loves to tell me that I have a green car and then we make jokes so that one of us can sign "NOT" lol. When you get to The North Pole the elves and Santa act out the where the kid gets the first present. Afterwards Santa gets on the train, visits with each kid, takes a picture, and then gives them their own jingle bell. Jaylin was excited to see Santa again and told him he wants to open presents for Christmas. Thats how he answers the question "what do you want for Christmas?" After the train ride we went inside and had hot chocolate and cookies. Then we headed home. We enjoyed ourselves and are looking forward to doing it again next year.

Almost Done

I am almost done Christmas shopping. Since Jaylin and I both had snow days today I took advantage of the extra time and did the bulk of the shopping that I had left. The plan was to grab a few things and ended up leaving with a lot of things lol. I told Jaylin before we headed to the Great Northern Mall that we had to grab a few things, that if he behaved we would stop and have lunch at Friendly's on the way out. I wanted to get as much done before the storm came. My plan was to go to Hollister to get my cousin RJ a shirt, look around at Famous Footwear since they still had buy 1 get 1 half price and I had a $10 off coupon, and go to KB Toys. We did all of that plus some. I'm so glad Jaylin is not into Hollister. I would go crazy if I had to go in that store all the time. You barely can see, the music is so loud, and the smells are overwhelming. My cousin RJ is lucky that I love him lol. After running around for like 2 hours Jaylin was glad when we were finally able to sit and have lunch at Friendly's. I was thinking we made good time and would get home before the storm started but we didn't. The highways were horrible, not plowed at all and no plows in sight. I'm nervous when I drive in the snow, but not scared. What scares me is the other people driving. On one hand you have someone going 5 miles per hour on one side of you and someone going 50 miles an hour on the other side. I was glad when Jaylin and I made it home safely. We enjoyed bumming around the house for the rest of the day.

Our Weekend

I was lucky this weekend and got a 3 day weekend since Syracuse City Schools were closed and my work follows their days off/closings. So Friday while Jaylin was at school making latkes and dipping his chicken patties in chocolate pudding (don't ask lol) I was at home taking a long bubble bath and enjoying some time to myself. I really should have been out doing some Christmas shopping since I'm not done yet but I really just needed time to relax. Before I went to get Jaylin I was all excited about getting gas for 1.59 on RT 31 until I realized once I drove there that I left my wallet at home, gotta love it. After getting Jaylin from school we came home for like 1/2 hour so he could have some "veggin" time. Then we ran to get Kathleen at the Y and went to Hope's Social Club. They watched a movie and had a little meal. As we were finishing up there Aimee texted me and asked me if we would like to join her, Alex, and my brother at Friendly's for dinner. So we met up with them and had dinner. Saturday Jaylin was supose to go with Ann (res hab provider) but she cancelled because she wasn't feeling well so I had to drag him to Sam's Club with me to make our Christmas cards. He wasn't too thrilled about it but handled the waiting and the crowd of people very well. Afterwards we went to Dollar Tree to grab a few things and then had dinner at Tully's. Today we started out with bowling where Jaylin got to hand out Christmas cards to his friends. We also received a gift card from Familycapped to Walmart that we will use after Christmas. Spongebob (for those who don't know, Jaylin has a Spongbob bowling ball) helped him earn a 109 & 87. We came home for a little bit after bowling then headed to our friends, Ann and Mike's house. They were hosting a Christmas party. Jaylin had a blast running around in her unfinished basement, playing games, and meeting new people. Within the last couple of weeks Jaylin has really loved to just run which when it gets warm out again we will be using to both of our advantages. After we left the party we ran to Walmart to grab some stuff for the week and to Dunkin Donuts. As I'm sitting here typing this I am thinking as I do at the end of every weekend, man this weekend went by fast. Mondays always come so fast and Fridays don't come fast enough lol.

Christmas Parties

We had a very busy weekend. Friday morning I went to Jaylin's school for the honor roll breakfast. That night Jaylin hung out with Uncle Rick while I worked. I can't really call it work since I escorted someone that I work with to a Christmas Party). Saturday Jaylin went with Ann, his new Res Hab provider, to the library and Dollar Tree. That night we went to the Special Olympic Holiday Dance. We had a lot of fun dancing, hanging out with friends, and eating. This morning we went bowling. Spongebob helped Jaylin earn a 73 & 103. Normally when the participants get over 100 they announce it but we were the last team there so there was no one to announce it to so they are going to announce it next week. This afternoon we went to the Familycapped Holiday Party. Jaylin got his face painted, picture with Santa, we hung out with friends, and ate good food. We had a lot of fun.

Tagged

Carrie tagged me last week and I am just finally getting to it. Sorry it took me so long Carrie.

8 Favorite TV Shows

1) Jon + Kate Plus 8

2) Days of Our Lives

3) One Tree Hill

4) A Baby Story (I don't get to watch it too often anymore)

5) Army Wives

6) Keisha Cole

7) The Hills

8) I watch some other reality tv crap lol

8 Things I Did Yesterday

1) Worked

2) Picked Jaylin and Donald up at the YMCA

3) Came home so Jaylin could see his new bedroom set

4) Took Jaylin and Donald to Soccer Practice

5) Stopped at KFC for dinner

6) Got Online

7) Spent some time with Jaylin before he went to bed

8) Watched my shows

8 Things I'm Looking Forward To

1) Jaylin's Honor Roll Breakfast on Friday

2) Christmas Parties we are attending this weekend

3) Christmas

4) Getting my income tax

5) Finally getting our own place

6) Going back to school to get my bachelors

7) Watching Jaylin grow up, mature, and become more independent

8) Bowling and Soccer

8 Favorite Restaurants

1) Tully's

2) Applebee's

3) Friendly's

4) Salsarita's

5) Outback Steak

6) Sbarro's

7) Arby's

8) Pizza Hut

8 Things on my Wish List

1) Finishing my bachelors degree

2) Getting a better paying job

3) Working through Jaylin's behavior issues

4) Getting a better car

5) Owning a house

6) Having more children

7) Losing weight

8) Building my self esteem

Bedroom Set

My Mom brought Jaylin a new bedroom set for Christmas this weekend. She didn't have anywhere to store it so my stepdad set it all up today while he wasn't home. My Mom had us stop home before we went to soccer practice tonight. He was very excited about his new set. The set consists of a new bed (my stepdad gave him a mattress and boxspring), computer desk, dresser, and end table. My stepdad also built him this cube thing for his tv and dvd player. He loves that his tv is up high now like in Grandma's room. His old bed, computer desk, dresser, and piano took up most of his room so he really didn't have too much space. With the new stuff and his piano is still in his room he has a lot more space. I will post pictures as soon as we remount his magnetic letter wall in its new spot.

Bank

Jaylin formed this friendship with one of the bank tellers at my bank. Her name is Abby and she is so bubbly and sweet. Sometime at the beginning of the year we started seeing her every time we went. She started talking to Jaylin and giving him candy (so of course he adored her lol). She worked at Tully's for a little bit and was excited to tell us when she started working there because she knew it was Jaylin's favorite restaurant from previous conversations she had with him. She was actually working one time when we went and Jaylin was excited that she was there. We stopped seeing her for a couple weeks and I thought she no longer worked at the bank anymore. Well, she only was doing weekends and for some reason we were only going in during the week. When we went in and she was there Jaylin was excited to see her. Well, today I went in to deposit my check and Jaylin stayed over at Dollar Tree with his new Res Hab provider. When I didn't see her I told the tellers I was glad Jaylin didn't come in because he would have been disappointed that Abby wasn't there. The teller told me she just recently moved to another town in a different area and she was working at the branch there. Another teller came over and told me that Abby kept telling her that she could not bring herself to tell us she was moving away because she knew she would start crying because she would miss us especially Jaylin. I was very touched by this. I appreciated that and will remember things like things when other people can be so judgemental.

Thankful

With tomorrow being Thanksgiving I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the things I am thankful for. First and most important, Jaylin. He is such an amazing person and I am proud to be able his mother. His laugh and smile can make any bad day better. We have been through so much together and I am amazed at the man he is growing up to be. He always keeps me focused and reminds me to "be nice" in my grumpy moments. Will, my best friend. He helps me keep my sanity. He is the person I open up to the most and no matter what I need to talk about he is always willing to listen and give his advice. We have had some interesting conversations over the years. He always tells me things exactly how he feels, there is no sugar coating with him and I love and respect that. I have gotten through a lot of things with his love and support. Even though he lives in DC he is the most supportive person in my life. Annie, my best friend. I always enjoy our talks, shopping trips, and dinner outings. We don't get to see each other as much as we both would like but when we do get together things always fall back into place. She is always there for Jaylin and I. Jaylin is lucky to have such an amazing godmother. Miss W (Bonnie), Jaylin's amazing teacher assistant. In the last 3 years she has turned into Jaylin's second mother. That being said she gets all his grumpiness, stubborness, love, hugs, kisses, bad moments, and accomplishments. She has been our biggest support system and I am always grateful for that. She loves Jaylin and wants the best for him. I couldn't ask for better. Dr Jones, Jaylin's pediatrician, and her staff. Dr Jones made it so Jaylin was comfortable going to the doctors. She always takes my opinion into the decisions she makes when it comes to him. The staff at Syracuse Pediatrics has always made it a warm, comfortable environment for both of us. Special Olympics, Friends Bowling, and Challengers Baseball. I have seen such a growth in Jaylin since he has been involved in these organizations. We have had great memories and have made great friends through this. I enjoy every moment of the times we spend there. Familycapped, Nick, and John. Familycapped is such a great organization that I am glad we are apart of. We have had a great time at the events they throw and appreciate them helping Jaylin get some sensory stuff to help him. Nick is the director of Familycapped. He has a passion to help the families and to do anything to make the community better for our kids with disabilities. John is Jaylin's service coordinator. He is also my co-coach for Challengers baseball and Jaylin adores him. He has been a great help to us in the last couple months. Y Kids Inc. A program that I use to work for and that still takes care of Jaylin. We love the staff that is always there to help Jaylin, take him swimming, make him workout on the treadmill, and play basketball with him. I am glad that the transition of me not working there anymore has gone so smoothly. We have formed great relationships with the other participants and staff over the years. Aimee and Alex. I am glad that we have become so close. We have had many dinners out together, times at the park, and had a great time at the Buddy Walk this year. Aimee and I vent a lot to each other about the frustrations of life as a single mother. Lisa, Paige, Chris, Kathleen, Barb, Alyssa, Mary, and Donald. I am glad that Jaylin has Paige, Kathleen, Alyssa, and Donald to hang out with and we have done a lot of great things together over the years. Chris, Barb, and Mary have been great friends of mine. Lisa and I are a lot alike. I adore her love for her family, sarcasm, and crazy ways. She has taught me that my constant involvement in Jaylin's life is okay and to always fight for what is best for him. I try my best to tell these people as much as possible how thankful we are to have them in our lifes.

Honor Roll

Jaylin came home Thursday with his report card and he made honor roll. I am proud of him. His work is modified to his ability but he is still doing well so I am happy. It's been a bit of an adjustment transitioning from middle to junior high school but I think he's finally getting the hang of things up there. He misses his old team of teachers (so do I) but he is starting to get comfortable with the new team.

New Job

On Thursday I officially started my new job. Since September I have been subbing as a one to one at a preschool through Enable. I was offered the position at the end of October but turned it down at first because I was also offered a position in a program that is being created. I told the director at Enable that I would still work there until they found someone. This program that is being created is going to be great when it is up and running as of right now they don't know when it will start so I needed to make sure that my family had a steady income coming in. Last week I asked the director if she was still looking for someone for the position and she said yes. I told her if she was still interested in me that I would accept the position. She gave me a hug and told me absolutely. I didnt officially start until Thursday because it was the middle of a pay period and it was best to start off a new pay rate on a new pay period. Like most preschools there are two classes. I have one child in the morning and two children in the afternoon that are "my kids". I love the children in both of my classes. They are a great group of kids. My co-workers are great. We all get along and work well together. These ladies have so much love the kids that they help its amazing to me and I am glad to be apart of it. The pay is not what I was hoping for but it is a consistent 40 hours and more than I am making now plus I will finally be able to get insurance in February when my 90 days are up.

Spa Day

On Fridays Jaylin participates in this social group called Hope Club. This week they had a little spa day. Jaylin got a massage, foot soak, and facial. He has never had any of these done before but loved them. I was a little nervous about how he would do with someone massaging him but he loved it and wanted more when he was done. I think I am going to have to go out and buy a foot bath tub and one of those hand held massagers.

Bowling Halloween Party

Jaylin's bowling league had a Halloween Party on Sunday. Spongebob helped Jaylin score 84 & 78. Darius, his friend and team mate, also was a hot dog for Halloween. Jaylin had fun bowling, hanging out with friends, and eating good food.

Halloween

Jaylin had a great Halloween. He went trick or treating with Paige, Donald, and Alyssa. They had a ball and got lots of candy. What a beautiful night it was.

Mini Mr Moore

Last week I was told that Jaylin had approval to dress up as something at school on Halloween. The only thing I thought of that could of been approved was Obama because they've been talking about it a lot with the election coming up. I received a picture this morning of Jaylin dressed up as Mr Moore. I had just arrived to work and sat in my car laughing hysterically. Mr Moore is a teacher assistant in the classroom next door to Jaylin's class. He is a wonderful, loving man who I actually requested to work with Jaylin this year because I saw how great he was and felt that he was exactly what Jaylin needed (this of course was before we got the great news that Miss W would be with him for a 3rd year). Mr Moore got a trip out of Jaylin dressed up as him. Of course I told Miss W she had to take a picture of the two of them together because its going to make a great scrapbook page.

Little Things in Life

Friday night we went shopping at Great Northern Mall. Jaylin needed some winter clothes, but I knew we were going to have to make a stop at KB Toys, something we always have to do when we go there. I figure if he behaves in the stores that I drag him into then I should let him go to KB Toys. Jaylin was excited to find a Bananas in Pyjamas DVD. The smile of excitement on his face when he handed it to me was priceless. It was like he hit the jackpot. I haven't seen Bananas in Pyjamas stuff around in years. Yes, pyjamas is spelled right. That's how they spell it. I always debated this when Jaylin wrote about them but I should of known he was right =). He also bought a Big Comfy Couch (another childhood favorite) and Thomas DVDs. I was glad that he had enough money in his "allowance" fund to buy all 3 DVDs. It was a good way for me to slip in the importance of saving money. If he didn't have enough he wouldn't have been able to buy them all. He was so excited to come home and watch the Bananas in Pyjamas video. He sat for awhile watching them with his little giggly laugh. Every once in awhile he would get up from his spot, run over to me and give me a kiss, then run back. It amazes me how something that little made him so happy. Just watching his happiness made my day ten times better =).

Swimming

We started our Sunday with bowling. Spongebob helped Jaylin earn an 87 and 98. After bowling, we ran to Price Chopper to get a cake for our swimming party that afternoon. Jaylin insisted that we get this pumpkin cake that was really cute. I should of taken a picture of it, but I didnt. Later on, we went to Lemoyne for swim where Jaylin swam with the Lemoyne swimmers and enjoyed hanging out with his friend, Mike, who is such a sweetheart. Mike always makes sure that Jaylin is not left out and sitting in the corner by himself. I love him for that. Its so cute to watch. After the hour was over, everyone got dressed and we had a pizza party. There was pizza and lots of other goodies. I am grateful to the Lemoyne swimmers who took time out of their busy schedules to hang out with the kids. I remember how crazy college life was.

Special Olympic Halloween Dance

This afternoon Jaylin went swimming and shopping at the Dollar Tree with Katlyn. While he was gone I went shopping at Fashion Bug. They were having a buy one get one for 0.99 sale so I bought myself two new outfits. Afterwards, I ran and bought stuff to make a cake for the dance tonight. When Jaylin got home and settled we made it. We used a diet soda cake recipe. I tried this cake at a get together about two months ago and the person who made it said it was a diet soda cake. You use the cake mix and a can of diet soda. I thought it would be something interesting to do with Jaylin. After we made the cake and got ready for the dance, we ran to Kathleen's house to pick her up and made our way to the dance. Jaylin's hot dog costume was a hit. We had a great time seeing our friends dressed up in their costume, dancing, and socializing.

Haunted House

Jaylin and I were glad to be able to sleep in and relax for another day. We got up and got ready for the day then grabbed a quick lunch at Subway. After lunch we met up with our friends: Lisa, Paige, Barb, Alyssa, and Donald at Hafner's. First we walked around Hafners, fed the goats (well Jaylin kept calling them sheep, he tried to feed them but got nervous so he threw the food into them instead of having the goats eat it off his hands, I was just impressed that he at least attempted it without freaking out, something he wouldnt have done a year ago), and we went into the haunted house. We started walking in and Donald "senior boy" got freaked out and insisted on getting out of there. We had a line of people behind us that we had to let go by us then Lisa and Donald walked out. Paige and I proceeded through with Jaylin, Barb, and Alyssa right behind us. As we are walking we hear Donald laughing his head off and yelling for Paige Marie. A lady gave him a flashlight and he felt a lot more comfortable going through and was excited to find us and his Frankenstein friend. We were just glad that he did it. We had a great afternoon with some good friends.

Our Sunday

We started out with bowling. Spongebob helped Jaylin score a 99 & 81. After bowling we went to the costume store. We have been talking about Halloween for like a month now and we have a couple Halloween parties coming up so I knew we had to get his costume. So as you can see by the picture he decided he wanted to be a hot dog this year. Now that he is more verbal I enjoy going to stores and picking things out with him. The last couple of years he has picked out his own costumes without my help and has been some great things. Jaylin's service coordinator told us about this swim group that him and his wife started at Lemoyne College. So Jaylin went and swam at Lemoyne College with some of his friends and some of the members of Lemoyne's swim team for an hour. We had a great day and are glad that we have another day off tomorrow. We love three day weekends!

Bocce

Jaylin has been playing Special Olympic Bocce for a couple months now. He really has started to get into it and seems to enjoy it. Tonight was the last practice. At the end of practice they had a little pizza party. The coaches gave each player a team picture and a keychain. It was such a nice gesture. He will definately be doing it again next year. Special Olympics has been such a great experience for Jaylin.

Buddy Walk

Today we participated in the Buddy Walk which raises money for Downs Syndrome. I have wanted to do this for the last couple of years but never looked into it and we miss it. So this year I made sure to register us. Aimee and Alex came along with us. As we were pulling up Johnny, Jaylin's friend, was playing the bagpipes. He is an amazing player. As you are walking in there is a huge balloon arch that looks like a rainbow. We had to go to the registration table to pick up our shirts. Afterwards, we walked around for a little bit and were excited to see Mr. Johnson (one of Jaylin's old principals) was there. Jaylin played a couple of games. He won a Buddy Walk water bottle that he plans on bringing to school tomorrow. At 1030 the walk started, I was amazed at how many people were there and how organized it was. When we finished the walk, we ate lunch and brought some sounvenirs (Jaylin got a little bag and I got a magnet for my car). We took some great pictures that I will post soon. We had a great time, can't wait to do it again next year.

Zoo Camp

Jaylin went to zoo camp the last week in August which was sponsored by Familycapped. They did tours of the zoo, animal demos, and crafts. He really enjoyed himself. His favorite part was petting the elephants (his favorite animal). I was impressed with how willing he was to touch the animals and how involved he was with every activity. He use to have a huge fear of touching animals. A lot of his friends from Special Olympics, bowling, and baseball were there so he enjoyed hanging out with them, especially his friend Johnny who he talks about all the time now. The staff there was great and he can't wait to do it next year.

Baseball Banquet

On August 24th Jaylin finished off his baseball season with a Challenger Family Day at Cicero Sports Center. There were lots of fun activities to do. Jaylin got Elmo painted on his face, had a balloon elephant made, played games, and dunked the director of the league in the dunk tank (I was impressed that he was able to do it without help). Normally the families are crowded into the Moose Lounge on Milton Ave and are limited to only having two people per child come. This day was great because we had lots of room and no limit on how many people could come.

Soccer

Jaylin has been doing Special Olympic Soccer Skills for the last couple of months. The team had a tournament in Rochester today. He had to do three different skills: dribble the soccer ball from one point to the next, kick 5 balls into a goal (he made 4 outta 5), and do this little square course were you have to run kick the ball in between cones, go to the next and do the same. Jaylin tried his best and did a great job. After lunch he was starting to melt but he got control of himself (earning his last sticker to go out to eat at Applebees helped a lot). At the end of the day he came home with a 4th place ribbon. Not bad for only playing soccer for a couple months. I was extremely proud of his performance on and off the field. The event was nice. They took a picture of each child, printed it out, and framed it which I thought was wonderful. Jaylin was very proud to show it off to his grandma and my stepdad when they got home tonight. It was a long day but we enjoyed ourselves especially spending time with our Special Olympic family. After we came home and relaxed for a bit we went to dinner at Applebee's with Aimee and Alex.

1st day of school

Today was Jaylin's 1st day of junior high school. I can't believe he is in 8th grade. He was very content with going today because he knew Miss W would be there which made me content too. I received a good report on his day so lets cross our fingers that this transition will go smoothly. What I find interesting is that Jaylin is in the grade and school that I was when I was pregnant for him so its like he is kinda going back there for the second time. Its given me a chance to look back and reflect on how far we have both come in the last 13 years. I am so proud of where Jaylin is at. We were told that he wasn't going to do some many things and he has accomplished so much in the last couple of years. We are going to keep doing what we are doing and grow stronger and stronger.

Fair

Today was the last day of the Fair and my mom's cheer team was performing. So we went. We went the 2nd day with our friends Chris and Kathleen for a couple hours just to basically walked around, have lunch, and Jaylin and Kathleen rode 3 rides. Jaylin went with Katlyn (his Res Hab provider) this past Thursday. They did the unlimited ride stamp and had lunch. He was looking forward to it all week. Well, funds on my end are limited so I knew we weren't going to get to do much today. We had 8 tickets (thanks to Chris) from the first time we went and I bought Jaylin 12 more tickets. Which got him 5 rides (well 4 rides cuz he rode the swings twice). So we did that first. His favorite ride is the swings (so you can understand why he chose to ride them twice). I love watching him on the swings. He is so carefree and happy. I think he just enjoys the feeling he gets to be in the air like that much different from swinging on swings in a park. He also the ride that brings you up in the air then drops down (don't know the name of it). We went to this little amusement park called Fun Spot when we were in Florida and he rode the same ride there and fell in love. Again the excitement on his face is priceless. Next was the Himalayas, swings again, and ended with the pirate ship. I am so thankful that I have a son that respects and understands when we are done we are done. I told him right before he went on the pirate ship that was the last ride. He got off and was fine with it no temper tantrums, no whining, no nothing. I was very proud of him and grateful that he understands that Mommy is not rich. Next we stopped at Scotty's and had our picture taken. We have been having a picture of the two of us taken there every year since Jaylin was 3 or 4. They are cheap, friendly, and do a great job. We always get a keychain for me and a picture for Jaylin which ends up on his desk at school. Its funny because I have 3 keychain pictures on my key ring (a pic of us from 2002, 2006, and now this year). They normally stay on my keychain until it breaks and then I put them in a photo album. Its funny to me that the one from 2002 is still on their six years later and the ones after it have not lasted. At this point Jaylin was "so hungry" one of his favorite sayings so we sat and had lunch. After lunch we got to visit with people from my mom's gym that we havent seen in awhile then watch the team perform, and made our way home. It was a great, relaxing day.

Kali's Birthday Party

Today was Kali's 10th birthday party (today is her actual birthday too). Kali is my best friend Annie neice. Its funny because we go to Kali's party every year and there are certain people that we only see at this yearly event. So of course I always hear how big Jaylin has gotten. Which he has. I mean he really needs to stop growing especially his feet. Annie and I have been friends for 8 years now and I think the first birthday party we attend was when Kali was 3 or 4. So of course it makes me feel old that she is now turning 10. I always enjoy spending time with Annie's family. They have the bond that I wish my family had but I'm lucky because we are apart of their family.