After our somewhat challenging start to the day this morning, I redeemed myself (hopefully) with the girls by having banana bread just ready to come out of the oven when they arrived home early from school. Today was an “early release” day where they get out at 2 PM. This is a once-a-month deal where the teachers get some extra preparation time. We used the extra time to go horseback riding. It was a beautiful, sunny, 70 degree day. Dora was able to use her brand new riding helmet that we bought several weeks ago and haven’t been able to use before now.


I also surprised both girls by hiding greeting cards in their beds. Dora found hers first, and you could almost see the ticker tape on Beth’s forehead, wondering if she had a card waiting for her. Beth was helping me in the kitchen and I finally became so worried about her increasing angst that I sent her upstairs to “get ready for bed.” She shot me a grin, immediately realizing what I was telling her … there was a card in her bed, too. Both girls were pleased to get some special attention. Dora’s card acknowledged her upside down world and her efforts to get herself on track. It also told her we were glad she was here. Beth’s card said something about loving her more and more, and even more during the time it took her to open and read the card.


After a dinner deemed awesome by the girls (TCBY yogurt as the appetizer, followed by Sam’s rotisserie chicken and fresh grapes!) I finally got Dora to bed and spent some one-on-one time with Beth. She asked me why I thought she had some ongoing trouble with eye contact. It was an honest and thoughtful question, although it seemingly came out of nowhere. She must be thinking about it. Next up I’ll tell you what I said …


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