Once again I was working on pictures. So much fun and work at the same time. Three hours today disappeared quickly. I am working on a page to limit the number of pictures to make it easier to go through. I have not found software I am happy with yet for adding tags. And once I find something that works and follows some sort of standard I have to get all 30,000+ tagged while staying current.

For those who tell me I'm obsessed with the pictures, you're right. If only you knew the time I put in that you don't see. A minimum of one hour per week is what it takes to pull pics off the camera, rename them, sort them, save them, back them up locally, back them up off-site. Another half hour, usually the next day, to recreate a list of current pics, re-size them, recreate a complete list, verify they are shown on the site. Another hour to follow a similar process of the videos. Then I take a half hour or so to look through pics to find some to upload for the slideshow.

Someday, Christina will tell me I'm crazy for doing it. And someday after that she will tell me it is great. And... I do realize that these somedays have years between them.

New news on Christina's wheelchair. The appointment is scheduled for her fitting. The chair will be fitted just for her. We have been told to plan on an all day affair. Oof.

Cheers.

So as the weather cools down(ha) it is 73°, a dew point of 72°, and a real feel of 83°. And that is cooler, hmm. Everything is relative. Winter where are you.

Christina and I had fun this past weekend. We went to a family reunion and got to see relatives I have not seen in ages and got to meet many more. It was a good time. Christina tolerated the heat better than some.

Our outside play has been limited with the heat. I have noticed even the neighbor kids have not been out much. Christina still keeps me running in the house.

Another round of Phenol blocks and Botox is coming up and my mind is already tossing every thought possible over it. Ugh. I have been reading a book about advocating for your child and it is informative enough to get me thinking about how lucky we have been with doctors, therapists, and insurance. There is very little positive in what I have read so far.

The slideshow of pictures should be updated tonight. Enjoy!!!

Christina has been full of hugs and kisses. The little princess has made a game after meal time to ask for kisses. If I do not oblige I am told she wants a kiss. It makes clean up time entertaining to say the least.

Another round of Phenol blocks and Botox is coming up soon. It has always gone smooth, but that what if thought always lingers.

Christina got to meet several relatives over the weekend at a family reunion. Christina did well with everyone even with the outrageous heat. We stopped on the way and picked up a fan for her in the car. The A/C works well, but it makes for good entertainment and keeps her a little cooler before the A/C has a chance to cool us down.

We have been playing a lot inside and make short excursions outside for walks, rides, swinging. On a couple of days Christina wanted to cut our wagon ride short.

Christina got to make cookies on her last day of ST for this semester. Chocolate chip, yum. It made me proud watching her interact with the others making cookies. Her movements and vocalizations were very pronounced several times for items that she gets to do when we make cookies. I am not sure how to accurately describe it, but let's try. Over the many batches we have made, Christina and I have found methods that work better than others for her to pour in the ingredients, stir, put the dough on the pan. If the student or supervisor moved in a way that did not work as well Christina's motions were an attempt to correct them. If I would not have tried those same ways myself I don't think I could have picked up on Christina's efforts. Christina definitely enjoyed tasting.

Lots of stuff going on.

I opted to reinstall the OS. It took five days to finish getting the last of the software and updates done. Now the data files are being copied over. Should be done tonight. Woo Hoo.

I have more pictures from 2006 printed so I can work on my collages. I have been on time updating the slideshow of Christina.

There was a good article about photo-blogging I came across. The downside is the means they suggested to set one up. I want to do it myself, I don't see a reason to use a third party.

The heat has continued and I am still ready for winter. These temps are crazy.

These temps are awful. I like it cooler and this is not cooler by far. Christina likes it even cooler than I do.

I read an article today that got the emotions going. http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Bo ... 05093.html
Remember that those directly involved are only the tip of the problem. There are layers of administration that have a hand in problems such as this.

I have been updating the slideshow, pictures, and videos once a week. Yea me for keeping up. Enjoy!!!

Christina is not a fan of the heat. These overly warm temperatures make her a tad cranky.

Our wagon ride on Saturday morning left us extra sweaty. We made sure to stay in A/C with lots of liquids. DQ wasn't too bad either.

There has been lots going on and I think it put Christina in a cuddly mood. Again I admit the abundance of hugs and kisses are enjoyed.

Although the temps are cooler, Christina thinks it is still hot.

Sunday Christina met Gina. Christina reached for Gina on her own and even gave a hug when they left. Thanks for visiting Gina and Brian.

For many internet users they do not know what an ISP is. ISP is short for Internet Service Provider. The company providing the internet to you. A well explained article is put out by good 'ol Uncle Sam. You can find it here: http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ST04-024.html.

For those around here examples are Charter, AT&T, ClearWire, and all the cell companies.

It has been hot and Christina prefers the air conditioned house. We spent time outside in short spurts and back inside to cool off.

Lots of fun in the water to keep cool. Wagon rides were best enjoyed in the morning and evening. We made the wagon rides a little better by bringing a battery operated fan along for the princess.

Simon left us after 20 years. We will miss you Simon.

Happy Birthday Christina!

The princess turns five and sometimes I think going on 20. Christina you're the greatest.

We hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Fourth of July. And stayed cool. Christina enjoyed water time outside and showed me just how much fun it is to go through the water. I don't remember the water being that cold when I was a kid.

Thank you to everyone who came to Christina's party. You all made it special for Christina and I. Christina continued her efforts from the party to eat my piece of cake. It wasn't until the next day Christina let me have a piece without sharing. If you wondered, the princess likes cake with lots of frosting best.

We went to the fireworks display on the Fourth, Christina did wonderful. From the walk to the park, the show, to the walk back to the car. I am definitely glad Christina was able to see the show. Christina was very cuddly, but she was sure to watch as the fireworks lit up the sky. I think the combination of being late and the number of people prompted the super cuddly. She was in a good mood all the while and very patient when we packed up and walked in line.

I'm getting closer to being caught up with pictures on the slideshow. If you do not receive an email when it is updated and would like to let me know. I love to share pictures of Christina.

One of Christina's favorite items she received is a singing birthday card. It is cute to watch her open and close the card so it can play again. On a side note: I can't help but think how beneficial it is for her to make those hand motions. As long as I am sure Christina is having fun I guess it is OK to think about the therapy stuff too.

Christina has been full of kisses. More so lately during various activities she finds it fun to reach for a kiss. After a kiss and I continue, the little kisser asks for another. She laughs if I am far enough away and turn to come back.

During meal time clean-up if I don't give the first kiss in a short enough amount of time I get told. Or if it has been too long since the last time. It is nice (I think) to see the four/five year old attitude and playfulness shine.