My Fifteen Minutes of Fame

This local TV show wanted to do a show on this program, Buddy Break, that we are involved in.  Buddy Break is a chance for parents of special needs children to get a break for 3 hours a month.  The special needs child and their siblings have a one-on-one buddy and the kids set the agenda.  The parents get a break!

So as part of the show, they wanted to spend time with a family that benefits from Buddy Break.  That would be us...  I talked to the producer and she seemed totally cool and encouraging - so I figured... what the heck, I love attention... I love talking about my kids and how God has a super amazing plan for their lives.

I dropped the kids off at Buddy Break last Saturday and wasn't sure if I would be interviewed then or not.  Sure enough, I was.  Now, a normal person would have make up on in case they were interviewed.  Further proof that I am not normal... I was au naturale...  Mark and I then went to a bbq rib fest and chowed down.  God, in His amazing grace, made sure I did not spill any sauce on my shirt because we went directly to pick them up.  I was interviewed again... this time, no make up and sweaty.  That footage will be lovely!

She came to the house tonight to see a typical evening...  Before I describe that, let me just say, the thought of having TV cameras at your house is nerve wracking!  I wanted to redecorate, but never did.  Last night I was in a total state of panic because I have dinged walls and the toys aren't in the right bins.  But then a conversation flashed back to earlier when my friend reminded me that we weren't chosen because we were perfect... we were chosen because we were real.  So I settled for a clean house that has no style.

And of course, the kids were perfect for the camera and now they are a bunch of wild monkeys.

Well, tonight was fun!  Aside from a few, "I hope they edit this" moments.  Here are the highlights that I hope they edit:
1.  Please don't show me looking like Jobba the Hut sitting in a chair waiting for the bus.
2. Please don't judge me for making macaroni and cheese with hot dogs for dinner.  It was 100% beef hot dogs and Kraft brand.  I did add strawberries and green pepper as a side dish.  I wanted easy and something they would actually eat.
3. Mark was talking about the point sheets the kids get at school.  He made it sound like we use the TV as a babysitter and "real" toys like blocks and Legos are punishment!  Ugh.
4. I hope they have a special filter that takes 10 lbs off - well, 50 would be ideal, but I don't want to get carried away.
5. I hope they include the part about God having a special purpose for my kids that couldn't be accomplished if they were "normal".
6. Ryan needs a haircut. I wonder if the filter that takes off my 50 pounds can trim his hair too?

I'm sure I'll add more to the list and I'll let y'all know when the show airs unless I look like the fat cow that I feel like. Or sound stupid. Or am generally mortified by the appearance of my kids or myself. Or... or... or...

Just some unrelated stories

Zach is talking up a storm...  He is getting attitude too.  Now, I'm not really complaining about this - but we now need to work on respectful ways to talk to mommy and daddy.

Zach has learned to "Shhhh" only it comes out with just the s sound.  He loves to say, "Sssss, go away, you're mean."

We have a rule that you have to stay sitting at the dinner table or go to your room.  We also send Zach to his room when he is not being pleasant.  Last night, he didn't like what I said to him, so he said, "You need to go to YOUR room." Complete with attitude.

Zach is also obsessed with Disney.  But he actually seems completely overwhelmed by the park and the rides. I think he likes the anticipation better than the actual place.  He even has his bag packed for the next trip.

And finally, Zach has learned "Ta da!" And he knows how to use it!

Ryan, like all youngest children, has learned a few key phrases of his own.  "Mine" in a high pitched screech is always effective.  He has also learned, "Give it back, it's mine!"  But that is not a sentence, it's one word pronounced like this "givbakitmine"

Tonight, I got my haircut and the stylist said, "I like your hair long, you look pretty.  But let me get my glasses so I can confirm."  Gee, thanks?

Trying to figure out the summer vacation and it is driving me batty.  My 20th reunion is this summer and so we might as well make it the vacation.  But really?  A week in Indiana?  No thank you.