For the first time EVER (6 1/2 years), Gage buckled his own seat belt. All by himself. No help from me. Nadda. Zilch.

Lesson? Never underestimate the power of good gross and fine motor skills.

Score one for Team Gage.

In light of the destruction of Hurricane Katrina and the hundreds of thousands of people displaced, trying to put their lives back together, while they are mourning loved ones, searching for others, and watching the best in people shine through and the worst in people come out I have little to say about what is bothering me in our little corner of the world.

The kids’ problems seem insignificant. I want to write about Gage’s 2nd time in Kindergarten and describe people’s pity-filled looks and how that feels, I want to talk about Gage’s psychologist and the new "child management program" (translate: "parental behavior modification program") he has us on, Gage’s lab results from Friday, and about how having chronically ill kids changes you as a mother and father and a couple. But I simply can’t.

I can’t complain today, or maybe tomorrow either.

Mostly I’m feeling very sad for those that have lost their lives, those that have lost their homes and everything they own, their sense of peace. I am mostly feeling thankful for how the kids are doing, because it could be so, so much worse.