I took the kids to the Magic Waters Water Park today. We bought season passes last Christmas, and the price was well worth it. The waterpark is filled with these little "islands". Lounge chairs, picnic tables, and faboulous multi story waterslides perfect for a 5 year old and an 8 year old. At one point, this huge bucket overflows with water, tips over, and pours a large amount of water over anyone standing underneath. Every five minutes, the bucket tips over again. Meanwhile, my five year old and I are attempting to climb up three stories of gently sloping rope ladders. It turns, it twists, it changes into a rope tunnel, and eventually leads to two or three gentle water slides.

The children had so much fun. Josh's occupational therapist, Tess, would have loved this if she had seen it. The rope ladders require quite a bit of balance, coordination and strength to navigate. It's the perfect activity for a child with sensory integration disorder. Heck, it's just plain fun for me too!

Meanwhile, I have been researching 'divorce care' for kids. Basically, it is highly recommended that at least one constant be kept in place after the divorce. It's much better if you can keep several things the same, but unlikely. There is such a thing called a 'nesting' divorce. In this case, the children stay in the same house, the same neighborhood, and the same school district. Mom and Dad move in and out to care for the kids. For example, an airplane pilot might have to work four or five days in a row, so Mom would live in the house at that time. After Dad returns from work, Mom would move out to a seperate place ( a little studio apartment perhaps ) and Dad would take care of the house and the kids. A joint 'kitty' would exist for household expenses, and both Mom and Dad would contribute a portion of their pay to the kitty. It's a very cooperative effort between two divorced people for the sake of protecting the children.

Joshua is both a sensory disorder child and autistic (high functioning.) This kind of situation would be perfect for him. And in our case (Mom and Dad), it would be less expensive long term. Dad has somewhere to go during his long work hours, and I would rent somewhere cheap.

But of course, it takes two willing partners. At the moment, we aren't talking. So what could happen? Maybe the kids stay in the house with Dad and I continue to watch them while he is at work. Or, the court could award residential custody to me and ask him to leave the house. Or I could be awarded financial support and try to rent a little house or safe apartment for the kids and myself. Buying a house would be cheaper as for as a monthly payment, but I hesitate to put down roots.

All I really know right now is that I have to wait for the next court date and wait for the judges decision. Meanwhile, I just try to gather facts, research, and keep my sanity.

I skipped my lemon juice with hot water this morning, and boy can I tell the difference. My sinuses are inflamed, the weather is vastly different from day to day, and most of the surrounded area is flooded.

Sorry if I skip topics or if my writing is a bit rambled. I am tired and my head hurts. But ---- oh am I thankful. My house is dry, my kids are healthy, and tomorrow is a new day. Sleep well everyone.