I know I should probably blog all the "ups" seperately and raise the percentage of positive blogs vs."down" blogs, but that wouldn't be as much fun as this "whole bunch of ups". So here is a list from the past week or so:

1. Brandon competed in a soap box derby race (St. Jude fundraiser) this weekend. It lightly rained all morning, so they had to cut the number of runs for each racer from 3 to 2, but he didn't mind a bit. He ended up winning 1st place in his weight class! Way to go, Brandon!

2. Patrick has an evaluation scheduled for this Thursday for the Saeboflex. The therapist who we will see seemed to be encourged by what we told him over the phone. We hope everything will work out and he will finally get to be fitted and start the therapy for it soon. Patrick has had a one track mind regarding the device, and I am relieved to finally be getting it going. It's funny how a person with aphasia can still manage to never "stop talking" about something they want until it actually happens!

3. Mom is getting ready for her trip to San Fran/Napa for the cooking contest. She leaves Thursday and competes on Saturday. I honeymooned in both San Francisco and Sonoma/Napa and I have been giving her the short version of what to see, as this is a first time visit for my well-traveled mother and step-father. I must say I am a bit envious- I truly loved my visit there 6 years ago. I still haven't gotten a detailed description of her alternative burger recipe, but I know it has a cornmeal bun, has an apple relish or chutney I think, and is made with pork. GOOD LUCK MOM!!!

4. I am off today and tomorrow and we had no therapy to go to, so other than getting up to get Brandon off to school, I got to sleep a little this morning. If you knew me pre-Patrick's stroke, you would understand the gravity of this statement.

5. I finally got the social security/disability phone application over with!

6. We are getting ready for a cousin's wedding that will take place next weekend in Waterloo, IA. (Janice, you can still come crash it!) This will be the first REAL event we've atteneded since his stroke. He is excited to see some extended family, and today we went out and bought some new stylin' duds for him to wear. I can't attest for Patrick, but I always feel "UP" when I am feeling good about my appearance, and I think he will look like he always did to those he hasn't seen lately.

I guess that's the highlights for now besides the obvious things like having such a remarkable husband to wake up next to everyday, and two boys who are growing up to be good (granted, a bit challenging) men. But isn't challenging parents what teenagers do? PLEASE SAY "YES".

Have an "UP" night too, everyone!

Kristen