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So another childhood dream (for me) was fulfilled this week. My mom and I brought Claire and Madeline to a Charlotte Diamond concert. I listened to her music when I was growing up and recently have introduced it to the girls. When I saw on her website that she was coming to Edmonton, we made sure to get tickets. I was totally geeking out about the whole situation. Who would have thought that I would be in my twenties before seeing the likes of Sharon (no Lois) and Bram, Fred Penner and now Charlotte Diamond. Is Raffi still doing concerts? If so I should probably see him too.

10 Carrot Diamond Poster


Eagerly awaiting the concert.


I wanted a picture with Miss Claire and it only took about 15 attempts!


Front row seats. Thanks Claire! But honestly, wheelchair seating is always a gamble. You're either right in the front or way in the back. There doesn't seem to be much in between.


Yay for Charlotte!


Some anticipatory news to share. SONIC BOOM. We're going. We're going to have fun. WEEZER!

We (and when I say "we" I mean Ryan) have begun the Battle of the Lawn. So far, so good. Power raked (Thanks Trevor!), mowed, fertilized, watered and now a couple days of rain. It's all very promising. Updates to follow.

Also, we are hoping to build a small (but epic) deck off the dining room and are excited about the prospect. Again, updates to follow.

Maybe I should only blog about things that have actually happened instead of what will happen. Otherwise I won't have anything to write about in the future.

Claire's new wheelchair is in the works. The frame will be expanded, a new seat insert, lowered footrests, bigger wheels, etc. They're going to situate the seat so she'll be able to start pushing her wheels (a.k.a. self propulsion) someday. Luckily we have pretty good programs to help cover the costs. It's just a lot of paperwork.

We've had a few other comings and goings this past little while. We had our last CNIB music therapy class and are looking forward to the fun Spring/Summer activities that the CNIB always provides for the kids. I attended an Inclusion For Life workshop at GRIT which was quite encouraging. Two parents of older children who have taken the inclusion route spoke about their experiences and challenges and triumphs with their children who have disabilities. It's always good to hear that other people have done it and survived and been successful overall. Ryan just took part in an Etiquette Night with the youth at church where they had a fancy dinner and lessons on manners. He and his "boys" (as Maddie calls them) made a video of how NOT to act on dates, at dinner, etc. to show at the gala. It was quite funny. Also, another Parents Association Meeting for me. It's fun to be on a board like that.

Also, as a side note, you know you're getting old when your university calls you to ask for donations as an alumni. That happened to both Ryan and I this week.