I'm not sure where the first half of September went. I could barely believe it when I looked at the calendar today it said it was already the 16!

We are finding our groove with school, activities, therapy, homework and such. It was a rough take off but things are leveling out nicely. We have an incredible amount of help this year and that has made a world of difference. Our new roommate is super helpful in the mornings and evenings when she is around also, with her flexible schedule she is able to help when I need to run a kid to the doctor. My good friend Tina has gone through some major life changes and happens to be available to help me a lot as well. She even has a special day every week she comes! Thursdays with Tina - we love it. Of course my mom is always and will always be helping us as much as she possibly can. It takes a village to raise my children and I am ok with it. After doing most of this (doctors, school, therapy) on my own for 3 years I am accepting and welcoming the help with open arms. I am realizing more and more that we are meant to live in community and that means letting people into our messes in a very personal way. We have a small tight circle that knows all the dirty messy things that go on in our life (just like everyone else) and love us anyway. We are committed to walking through life with these people and they are committed to us. It is a breath of fresh air. It has enriched my life, my kids life, my marriage. I wish all families with special needs could experience the community we have. I know some do, I am afraid a larger percentage don't though. I know we did not for years, as I mentioned before. We are blessed to live by family, a lot of family and be close in relationship with them. That has always meant the world to us and I know a lot don't even have that. Anyway.... we laugh a lot about how it takes a village to run our life. Some days more than others! Thursdays in particular are crazy in the evenings with multiple kids needing to be at multiple places at the same time. We knew having a large family that was something that comes with the territory. Even with each kid only allowed to do one sport or one activity outside of school at a time that is still 4 things to get to each week. I know it will be a little nutty from now to eternity. Right now I am grateful for extra mom's to help raise my kids.