Holidays Schmolidays and a Job Switcharoo

Enid is very excited about her new Magnetic Responsibility Chart. I originally bought it and put it away with another surprise for birthday or Xmas, but after seeing her behavior the past few days, I decided it was time to put it into play. She doesn't receive an allowance, but at the end of each day if she has all smiley faces, she will get a sticker for her sticker album. At the end of the week if the entire chart is full of smiley faces, she will get a special surprise... sometimes a small toy or book etc, and other times maybe a dollar to spend or save.

She's also been asking questions about everything in (and out of) the free world, so posting holidays is a way to teach her too. She loves searching for stuff on the computer! Here's what we've found.

Today is Cinco de Mayo. People tend to think it's Mexican Independence Day, but it's not. The roots of Cinco de Mayo are the single battle in which the Mexican army defeated the French at the Battle of Pueblo in 1862. It marked the end of European colonial power. It has become a day to celebrate a rich culture and Hispanic pride. Read the link above to learn how Americans might have benefited. (Don't forget the great music and food that can be found for the celebration!!)

Also, this week is Children’s Mental Health Week and this is Mental Health Month... which brings me to my job switcharoo...

The family I work with has decided to change agencies for part of their services, and my job falls under the part that's changing. I will no longer be employed with a Home & Mental Health agency. I will be working for the Autism Society of NC. So far, it's fascinating training and information, and it's definitely going to help me out with the whole Early Intervention aspect of my career. I have no idea yet when the switch will take place, but it's a hefty raise and a much more involved supervisor. It feels like team work now.... between the family, agency, workers, and case manager. Woohoo! That's so important in this field!

As usual, I have to backtrack in the next few days and post some photos.  All of this gardening and strawberry picking and Enid-ness needs to be shared!