a bit of sunshine

this week we finally had some half decent weather.  it probably snowed somewhere in there and rained and was windy, BUT the sun "out-shone" the other random weather systems.  ida and i actually went to the park in celebration.  she marched around the playground and i got a sunburn.  {my nose is actively peeling now, next will be my forehead.}

showings on our house have been slow.  with the weather warming up the backyard looks terrible.  dirt and rocks, uneven and yucky.  we have hired someone to get it whipped into shape.  at least we will be able to enjoy it during the summer.

eli has been going back to iStar {speech therapy for a stutter that started in kindergarten}.  oddly enough, the week i took him back, he began talking smooth as silk {we hadn't been since 2009.  i notice he had started bumping again so i thought a refresher would be beneficial}.  when we went to our session today miss elizabeth {eli's therapist} asked him to speak with another little boy who was coming in for a session right after us.  he was 6 and could hardly talk.  she wanted eli to tell him his story and show him that things will work out and he will progress with his speech by learning the skills taught at iStar.  it was touching to sit there at the little table and have eli introduce himself, tell him about his stutter and talk to him about how he has overcome this challenge.  he was clear and kind.  the little boys parents sat in the other room so there wasn't a big overwhelming crowd for this exchange.  it was a very intimate moment.  when we left, we walked by the room where the parents were and i couldn't help feeling for them.  it's hard to see your kid struggle through things.

here is great thing about eli and challenges that he has faced thus far:  it never phases him.  it's almost like it doesn't occur to him that the situation could make him sad or frustrated or shut him down.  he just proceeds forth carefree and happy and willing.  it is impressive to watch and experience with him as i am usually his companion at appointments.  he lends a hand at speech therapy, thinks physiotherapy is fun and exciting and hasn't batted an eye since we discovered that he seems to be losing the hair on his head?!?! {still figuring that one out, i'm sure he is fine}.  he is an inspiration to me.  i love him so much.

ok.  enough blabbing.  the weekend starts.... now.

p.s.  click here to see a terrific link to watch a short video about iStar.  very inspirational and could benefit anyone with a stutter.  it is amazing to see the transformation.  either click on the windows or quicktime version and enjoy.