An 11th Hour Reprieve?

It appears, through no small miracle, that Lara's job will not be cut. Over the last few days, contentious street demonstrations in Chicago, lawsuits from the ACLU, and general up in arms-ness from child advocates made it clear that there are lots of places that the state budget can be cut, but child and family services can't be one of them.

So, for the time being, it looks as though we get to have our cake and eat it, too. Actually, the no cake diet we have been on for the last few months has been a blessing in disguise. Never has it been more apparent to us that most things we come to expect in our lives ain't worth the money we spend. So, we have learned to live a little leaner, and will try to keep our excesses from getting the better of us.

Here's to all our friends and family, many of whom made it clear to us their willingness to help if we needed it. Thanks!