Domino

I feel like Scott and I finally knocked over the first 'Domino' which set the events which will eventually lead to our new home. After procrastinating, we finally chose the new flooring for our basement and bedroom. We also scheduled the plumber and somebody to repair the drywall to come out next week and we arranged to tour 5 homes that have piqued our interest online. And, although I may regret this decision because of the ensuing spam calls, we began the process of obtaining quotes to sell our current home 'as-is.' 

Nothing was put into a box, but I feel like we made a lot of progress. With each step I'm feeling more excitement about the coming move. Although I've loved my house, I'm really looking forward to a fresh start! Hopefully we will be able to make that dream a reality before Spring. (Scott still hopes for a move before Christmas, but I am more realistic and less optimistic about that possibility.)

Unfortunately we won't be able to get a lot of packing or house prep done over the weekend because we have (another) FlexyFriends event. This is our only time that we will be at the Valley Mall in Hagerstown this year, so if you are in the area please swing by and say hello. 

Ramen

 A few weeks ago during an extremely chaotic moment in the kitchen, Timmy asked me an odd question. "Momom, what is something that you never thought you'd experience in your lifetime?"  It was a fabulous question! If it hadn't been posed while my hand was up a chicken's bum and the cat wasn't trying to knock the potatoes off the counter, I would have provided a thoughtful answer. Instead, in an attempt to quiet the kitchen and make my food loving kiddo happy, I said microwavable ramen. 

Throughout the week he came to me to randomly discuss the attributes of microwavable ramen. 1. You don't have to dirty another dish. 2. You don't need to measure the water. 3. It is easier for kids to make by themselves. Yep, microwave ramen has it all. 

Discussing the wonders of microwave ramen did not tip me off to anything unusual. I did become concerned when I received an email, inviting parents to view the "Advances in Our Generation" classroom presentation. I felt a panic wash over me when I logged in to watch the show.

The first classmate presented on the artificial organs. Another talked about living on the International Space Station. A third talked about carrying a computer in your pocket. A fourth talked about the advances and potential of AI. Timmy finished out his group with a wonderful presentation on the world-shattering advance of microwavable ramen- complete with a self-made cellphone video of him demonstration its preparation.

Taxes

 Yesterday morning I woke up in a panic as I realized that our taxes were due.  The chaos of my brother's death made trying to navigate TurboTax unnecessarily frustrating in April, so I opted for the October extension. We've always known that the deadline was looming but, as it always seems to happen in our family, life intervenes and we became busy. Thankfully we still made the filing deadline (with 13 hours to spare) and a crisis was averted.

It probably doesn't need to be said, but I hate filing taxes.

While I was working through the forms, Timmy returned to school after his fall break. He had a great time but I think he was happy to be reunited with his friends. He chatted through much of his lunch break and was late logging out of school because he was "hanging with his homies." His interest and enthusiasm for school has been growing as the year progresses. He loves his new teacher and his classmates. I'm glad that we will be able to keep him in the program when we move because it will be something stable and familiar.

With the taxes filed, today we will return our attention to packing.  Wish us luck!

Weekend Wrap-Up

While Robby and Scott were in Richmond at "Nightmare Weekend" I took Timmy (and Friend of course) to visit with my Mom. I decided that this was the perfect opportunity to shower Timmy with the activities and attention that he loves by planning a special weekend for him. Filled with surprise adventures, nearly everything was curated to his interests.

On Friday morning my sister and I swept Timmy away on his first adventure of the weekend: a trip to the corn maze and pumpkin patch. While he didn't finish the corn maze because Timmy quickly decided to forgo to 'stamp hunting' element of the activity. Opting instead to ditch the match and just meander through the stalks, we eventually escaped when we found our way back to the entrance. After the wagon ride to the pumpkin patch and a turn at the pumpkin blaster, we piled back into the car and returned to my Mom's house.

In the evening my sister bundled up Timmy in warmer clothes and surprised him with a trip to Hershey Park. Going to the amusement park with my sister is among Timmy's favorite activities. He had a blast! While he was busy with Sheri, I was able to relax with my Mom and go out for a quiet dinner.

On Saturday my Mom and I took Timmy to a ginormous all-you-can-eat buffet. He was in awe of the gastro delicacies laid out before him when he walked into the food complex. He vowed to get his money's worth and he did not disappoint. Saturday night my sister and I took Timmy to an immersive Halloween play. This was his first live theater experience and he was enthralled (and spooked). 

Sunday morning I took Timmy to Dave and Busters where we played until he finally won another large pickle. We also visited the Halloween store and enjoyed some cheese fries before returning to my Mom's to pack up. What a great weekend!