It's Been a While...

In fact it's been a LONG while.  Last year, as most of you know, Steve deployed to Iraq.  Although, it would have probably been therapeutic to blog all that was going on, I just really had a hard time doing much of anything.  We had a very difficult year, and writing was just not something I had time for.  We had many struggles including my daughter, Kaylee, being diagnosed and treated for sensory processing disorder.  The stress of her dad being gone, just magnified the problem.  I am lucky enough to have the support of a very loving family.  I moved into my parents' home and they struggled with me as we endured this difficult period in our lives.  Most mornings consisted of me physically dragging Kaylee to the car, my mom holding her in while I slammed the door shut, all while she screamed and cried because her socks felt funny.  We got pretty efficient at this technique, though I dread to think of the neighbors' thoughts.  The battles to get out of pj's and into any other type of clothing were numerous and challenging.  Clocks ticking, TV noise, and the breathing of others all set her off into a tantrum.  With all this and the antics of a CRAZY 2 year old, my time for writing was a little limited.

It was how Kaylee reacted to being at Disney World, her very favorite place in the world, that made me realize she needed help (and so did I).  With lots of therapy by her very loving and supportive occupational therapist, the help of a psychologist for her anxiety issues (and the help of a little bit of Lexapro for me), and finally the return of her Daddy, I am so happy and proud to say that we have this thing pretty well knocked out.  Just this morning while the power was out in our house, Kaylee put on a tank top, ruffled shirt, skinny jeans, and boots.  She also has to wear LOTS of warm layers including a fleece jacket under a huge coat and a hat and gloves since we have recently moved to the bitterly cold state of Missouri.

I'm not going to lie and say that we never have an issue with clothing anymore, but her protests are the normal reactions of an 8 year old.  I cannot believe the difference a year makes and the progress she has made.  Kaylee has had to work very hard to be where she is today and I'm so very proud to be the mother of this amazing little girl.  I hope to keep this blog somewhat more updated than before now that our lives have settled down dramatically.  I appreciate all the prayers, love, and support we received this last year.  We definitely could not have done it without all of you.

As most of you know, I am a complete Disney fanatic, so that has started another chapter in my life.  I am now working from home as a Disney Travel Specialist.  You can visit my blog for that endeavor at www.disneytravelguide.blogspot.com.  I'm also going to start painting again soon and posting my projects at www.janarobins.com.   This is why I have moved this blog to another location to make room for the other projects I'm working on.  Thanks again for all the support this year.  Love to all!