Monster Trap

Bless his pointed little head!

I found this Hershey Kiss glued to my bed frame this morning.  When I asked Logan what it was, he simply replied, "It's a monster trap mommy.  If the monsters come to get me in the middle of the night, they will see the candy and eat it and go away!"

More than once I find myself saying ..."If life were only that easy!"

Oh The Things Kids Say

I am so proud of my little man.  I attended his "Open House" last night (in lieu of conferences this trimester) and WoW - what progress he's made!  I am simply amazed at his abilities.  He's come so far.

And I MUST share a special moment...a moment that only a mother can appreciate (well, maybe not so much...I actually wanted to run and hide under the nearest rock!)

Logan's teacher told me that they had been studying snails in science and were learning all the different parts of the snail.  Logan, in all his snail knowledge, said, "Mrs. Stackley, I know how snails move" to which Mrs. Stackley responded, "Well Logan, how do snails move?"  and then..."they crawl on their peteys."  WA-BAM!!!  Out of the Mouths of Babes Part Doux!

Owie

Logan's broken nose in September 2010.  I still cringe and get teary-eyed when I think of this.

By Gosh, I Think He's Got It!

Well, after only seven months (humor me here), I think little man finally figured it out...he LOVES school.  If you will recall (those of you who know us KNOW the drama all too well), at the beginning of the school year Logan would NOT go into his classroom without clinging to me, crying, screaming, and running after me.  Special accomodations were made for Logan to be taken to the "bus stop" line on the other side of the school where I would drop him off and walk him to the bus line and his special "bus stop teacher" would be waiting for him.  She would hold on to little man and soothe him while I walked away and headed home.  This routine, too, took some time BUT...

After seven long months he's got it!!! 

Today, when I started to walk Logan across the crosswalk, he let go of my hand, waved a casual "hey" to Mr. O and took off at a sprinter's pace to the bus line.  No kisses, no hugs, no "bye mama."  He simply ran off and never looked back. 

I am so very proud of my little man.  At the same time, however, my heart cringes just a bit knowing that this is only the beginning of things to come. 

Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month...a subject VERY close to my heart.  All who know me, and know me well, know that children are my passion - their health, safety and welfare above all else.  To break the spirit and soul of an innocent child is something that we must not tolerate.  We must not remain silent.  We must take a stand and let our voices be heard for those who, through no circumstance of their own, do not have a voice.

There are many organizations out there that help abused and neglected children each and every day.  My dream, my hope? - to see these organizations close their doors.  Why?  Because their services will no longer be needed.  Child abuse and neglect will have been erradicated.  In a perfect world!

Unforunately, this world is FAR from perfect.  So, until we get closer to the erradication of child abuse, these organizations are much needed.  The organization closest to my heart is CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocates.  As a volunteer CASA for two years I was able to see first-hand just what this amazing non-profit organzation does to help those who need them most.  It was a privilege and an honor to be a voice for the children and to know, through one little smile, one tiny touch, one whispered thank you, that I was making a difference. 

There is so much all of us can do to raise awareness of child abuse and neglect.  It is our responsibility to do that.  Don't go quietly if you see a child being hurt...SAY SOMETHING, DO SOMETHING!  Let that child know that someone DOES care!

Please take a moment to visit your local CASA organization or National CASA at:

CasaForChildren.org

I will leave you with some parting images and words from "The Child Abuse Survivor Monument"

Hatred

Who’s to pay at the end of the day

For the cruelty and pain

That obliterated all sunshine or rain?

Unforgiveness, the judgement, children’s innocent illusion

The apparent unreality and impossible resolution.

Who’s to pay?

Who’s to pay at the end of the day

For the bitterness and sadness

The overwhelming madness?

Healing the Wounds

People that called me their family

Stabbed my life with a knife

and in the end they chose to twist it

Instead of choosing to help heal my wounds.

Now I have a new life and people that I call family

I now know how it feels to be

truly and unconditionally loved.

It is real! It is genuine!

Dear God

Please help the children

of this world;

They are hurt and hurting

and are crushed beneath the weight

of our insanity.

Please bless the children

and awaken us

before it is too late.

AMEN