Monday, November 29, 2010

Shutterfly Cards

About a month ago I got a Groupon for a photobook from Shutterfly. It cost me $10 for a 20 page book worth $30. I decided to make a book for Super Hero for Christmas. It took me awhile because I got to choose all the backgrounds, borders, wording and fonts. But I am so happy with the results. They also ship very quickly. The entire book was printed and arrived in my mailbox in a week. So you still have time to order something for Christmas! They are having a sale right now - 20% off all holiday cards. Check it out here.

Yesterday we took the kids to Washington Park in Portland and I took pictures in the Rose Test Garden. Even though the flowers are not blooming, it's still such an amazing place. The kids had a blast running around, helping with poses and exploring the gardens. I've been impressed with Shutterfly's Christmas card selection, and will probably end up using a design from here.. My favorites are the cards with multiple photo spaces. So many memories to choose from throughout the year!

The kids are so excited to see the results of our photo session. I love the quality of Shutterfly so much, that it makes me want to throw a party, just to use their invitations!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

The Big Update

So much has happened in the last month. It's no wonder I haven't been blogging about my ever so interesting life. Holland got into the school I was hoping for. We had several meetings and they decided it was a good fit.

We've had several mishaps with transportation (first day he was supposed to start, there wasn't a ride for him; and later on his driver told him she was going to call the police to get him out of the van because he wouldn't get out). Let's just say that I've never seen the school district react so strongly, so quickly and so appropriately. For the next two days right after this happened, they had a substitute driver. The director of Oregon City schools transportation went down to the office of the contracted student transport services and discussed the problem. They then switched the driver for Holland and the other boy who rides with him. Now we have a trained driver who has actually worked with special needs kids before.

There have also been a couple problems with getting him to stay at school. For the most part he's been fine and seems to be adjusting well. He gets lots of freedom for breaks and allowing him to cool down, but the hardest part is just getting him there. The program is a day treatment program so there are counselors and specially trained staff to deal with his emotional and academic learning needs. Within the first two weeks, two of the staffers had come out to visit Holland at home. They even both climbed his 4-story tree fort! This next week, his support staff Mary is coming out to work on family interactions. Romania will be home from school for a community service project. So she will be able to work with all three kids.

I will try to be more consistent with posting updates about all that has been happening. My uncle just died yesterday morning and things have been happening so fast all around me.