Sunday Evening, August 12th

Hi Everyone:

Lots of cool things going on and the growth is becomeing more and more remarkable with ecah passing day. While there is a long way to go and her behavior at times makes you want to hang yourself - it is becoming less and less.

As a optimist, I tend to dwell on the positive and remove the negative from my mind and that seems to work for me. I would rather place my thoughts and beliefs on what is possible instead of staying in the sickness consciousness that many fall prey to. I can also easily fall into the trap of negativity but will not allow it. This rule works well in life and business as well. Abe Lincoln said "Most folks are as happy as they make their minds up to be" or as Allie would always say "Happiness is Optional."

So for the good stuff. Yesterday was my birthday and guess who baked my cake. That's right, Allie did. She took out everything to make the cake and after reminding us that she was the only one who took cooking in school, that she should be the one to make it. How amazing is that!!!???
When we thought the cakes were done, she told us they weren't and she was right, they were not. Granted they dod not get frosted until today but who cares!! Our girl gave me the best birthday present ever.

Say Marla OK will you please e-mail me your address: drcagen@citcom.net and include your e-mail address also :-)

So today we all made a big breakfast and had a great day. So here is something really cool. The other day Allie and I were at the clubhouse and as we were walking back tot he car we saw a sign that said C.A.T.S which is the Connestee Amateur Theater people were putting on a play and were casting that evening. Allie said she would like to try it but it was later that evening and we forgot about it. Well the theatre community around here loves Allie and last night I got an e-mail from the director of the play offering Allie a part. he said he was aware of the challanges ahead of him but would love for Allie to have a small part in the play. At first she was against it but today was the reading for the parts and Allie and I went. She read (having difficulty but how can you not admire her and marvel at her courage and how God works) for the part of Maria. This is a Christmas play much like the Christmas Pagent but let's say mountain style. The part is her!!! Having brought her, they made me read for a part so I too will be in the play - pretty cool, not something I would ordinarily do but it will be fun doing it with Allie and I think just knowing I am there will help her greatly. Stay tuned but it is very inspiring.

Took her downtown tonight to meet her friends and we had some conversation about her being mean and I think somewhere inside she is beginning to understand that she just can not say mean things to people because they can say them right back and I would hate for her to get hurt. Also we managed to get up and down the mountain with no crying and she turned on the radio in the car for the first time. All in all - amazing.

Enough for tonight. Love you all.
Allie's Dad