Wii as a Generational Gap

Yesterday, we celebrated Christmas with Nana and Papa. They each got a Wii game. As I am writing, Papa is playing the Wii with Youngest, helping him ride a 'wave runner' or "bicycling'. What was super cute was that Youngest was sitting on Papa's lap and helping him with the wave runner. Too cute!

Unexpected!

Today, as I was working on dinner...Middle boy ran up to me from the computer room and said, "MOM! I love my life!"....totally unexpected and unasked for. He also said he loved his mom, his dad and brothers. I asked Oldest if he loved his life and he said, "Yes!". I guess we must be doing something right.

Controversy

I have always liked the British way of saying it: con-tra-ve-sy. It always makes it so much better.

I know that usually, I post cute stuff about my boys, because, frankly, they are cute and do cute stuff.

My MOMS club just sent out an email....they are having a controversy about an activity in December: caroling at a nursing home. Seems uncontroversial. However, this is the age of H1N1 (aka Swine Flu). So, the controversy begins. Seems a mom wouldn't want to put her kids at risk for any germs. Okay, then don't go. Simple...no. Just last week, my pastor was talking about how many parishioners were requesting that instead of giving 'peace' (i.e. shaking hands and saying "peace be with you" during the service), that he stop doing that. My pastor, being the guy he is, said that he didn't want to do that. Why, you ask? Well, it is a germ factory. My pastor said that we can still do it, but not shake hands (or whatever you feel comfortable or not comfortable doing). For him, it was important, because it was mentioned in the Bible.

I think it is important during this time, that we all use reasonable caution. I, for example, did not go to church (since I go to the 'old people' service). I don't want to share a bug, but I also don't want to get another bug.

Being that we are in the 'high risk group' of people. Because Oldest's autism, his immune system is compromised and should he get the H1N1, he would most likely get it worse then 'usual'. So, we all need to exercise caution, not do things that we don't feel comfortable with and most of all, if we are sick, stay home. That doesn't mean going to weddings if you child is sick. We need to exercise 'reasonable' caution.

Halloween Costume

We have gotten a lot of use out of the Halloween costumes this year. We have really gotten a lot of use out of Oldest's costume. He sleeps with it, as if it was a stuffed 'friend'. He's really into stuffed friends lately. He's already decided which friend he is going to take with him to Thanksgiving and he has already packed his friends for the trip.

Picture Day!

Today was picture day for Youngest. He was so excited to wear his new Spiderman shirt (a hand-me-down from Middle boy). I always let them pick out their school picture shirts because then they are comfortable, plus they are cute anyway, so who cares?

He said to me when he got in the car, "I got to go to the movie theater (the auditorium) and have my picture taken! Trevor was my friend. I had to stand on the blue X and have my picture taken. I had to wait for Trevor and then hold his hand and walk back with him". I got the WHOLE story! He seemed to really enjoy it.

Halloween

Last night was Halloween. The boys loved it. They all wore their costumes to Red Robin (Oldest really wanted a picture with Whitney, a special server there). They got a piece of candy from RR. Then, they went out trick or treating with the Hub (I stayed home to hand out candy). Youngest decided that he didn't want any repeat candies and he came home early. They were all decked out in their finery. I managed to find a "TOY STORY" goodie bag for Oldest and Youngest. Middle boy had a Transformer bag (I couldn't find a "Star Wars" or "Clone Wars" one and we couldn't find his Darth Vader one).

All and all it was good night :)

Halloween Eve

Today, Youngest had his Halloween party at his preschool. He got to wear his 'alien' costume, decorate cookies, play musical chairs (everyone gets a piece of candy when they get 'out') and poke holes (and smell) a pumpkin.

Middle boy told today that he traded his cookie from his lunch to a friend in exchange for a Pokemon card. I asked him if he missed out on his cookie and he said, "no, I got to eat more of my apples". Maybe, that's why he's so skinny!

"Mom, My Hair is Handsome!"

Yes, some days, Youngest does his best at cuteness. Today was one of those days. He insisted that he 'write' a book like Middle boy does. He got out a couple of pieces of computer paper. He has trouble writing, so he dictated his story (including title page) to me. The title of it was "Disney/Pixar Toy Story". Evidently, I did not do it perfectly, I thought he said the main character was Annie, not Andy (I did ask him twice). My middle son corrected me when he read the story.

At bath time, it was hair wash night and he said to me, "I don't need hair wash, I have handsome hair!".

Pumpkin Patch

Last weekend, we went to the pumpkin patch for our annual foray in the rain. We went to Pomoroy Farm, which is a local farm (I believe it is a 'working' farm). We went on the hayride, played games (not for prizes), looked at the animals (Youngest was fascinated by the roosters, Oldest by the pigs and sheep...all of them got to feed all of the animals) and got our own pumpkin. The boys also enjoyed pumpkin lane (think pumpkins/scarecrow wearing clothes).

Youngest picked out my pumpkin (a very petite one, but that is totally fine). Hub picked out a humongous one. Middle boy also picked out a big one and Oldest picked out a small one. Youngest was actually able to carry his pumpkin this year, which is cool.

Finishing Up Great Wolf

I apologize for not getting back to finishing up the Great Wolf Lodge....it is truly a fantastic place...pricey, but fantastic.

Saturday morning of our visit, we went to the water park. Fun, because it was so empty. We played in the water park all morning. Youngest loved going down the 'twin' slides (they are big kid slides), but he also had a lot of fun in the younger play area. Middle boy loves the big, thunderous slides and the big 'funnel'.

Then, we went off site to lunch at McDonald's (not very interesting, but was funny because it was literally two minutes away and the boys wanted us to hook up the dvd players).

The afternoon was spent at the water park, with a continuation of the morning's adventure. For some reason, the boys enjoy watching me go down the 'big' water slides...they say I have a funny look on my face.

Dinner was at a restaurant in the lodge (no french fries for Mom!). Then, it was time for pajamas and 'story time' near the lobby. Story time was a puppet-animatronic show that we really couldn't figure out the theme other than you need to respect nature. That was followed by story time ("No More Monkeys Jumping on the Bed"), which even Oldest enjoyed.

Sunday morning was back in the water park (we had to give a howl so that the front desk knew that the water park was open) and then get ready for check out at 11 a.m.

Whew.

Autism Equalizer

Since this was a three day weekend (Friday being the third day), The Hub and I decided to take the boys to the Great Wolf Lodge. For those of you who don't know what The Great Wolf Lodge is....let me explain....think rustic lodge, add a HUMONGOUS water park and add in some games (that, of course, cost money).

The boys have been looking forward to this trip....they advertise heavily in our area because it is about an hour and a half away. The room we have has this little 'cabin' area with three twin beds (convienent if you have three kids) and then a 'parental' room.

Oldest has been looking forward to it all week long...he has been doing his best at school and home so he could go (we'd take him anyway, but we always need a 'carrot'). All he has been talking about is the pool/waterpark.

This complex is huge....when we walked up Youngest looked with his little eyes like something he had never seen. There were huge wolves all over the top of it. He loved it.

So, we checked in, and all we heard was "I want to go to the pool". They loved the water park. Imagine huge waterslides, rides with rafts and rides with tubes, all with a 'lodge' theme. They even have a little kids play area, perfect for Youngest (who doesn't swim, yet).

As far as it being an "autism equalizer'...it's like Disneyland, you really can't tell the kids with autism or the kids who are neurotypical....all you can tell is that the kids are having fun...

Then, they have a special "Trick or Treating' for October....the boys dressed up in their Halloween costumes and went to four different locations and trick or treated. Lots of people thought that our little Pixar "Toy Story" aliens were adorable (especially Oldest in his 3-D glasses) and our Commander Cody.

Tomorrow, we are playing the "Magic Quest" game (another way to suck the money out of you...you have to buy the wand and then the game). It should be fun, once we figure out how to do it (I guess you have to read the instructions and then figure it out....that's not my department).

I truly love places where all kids can just be kids and not labelled as 'special needs' and just be a kid. Those are the times that I cherish. It's not that I necessarily am upset by autism or anything like that, it is just time when I realize I have three boys...not two boys who are neurotypical and one with autism. I treasure those moments because I know that autism hinders Oldest in many ways. For those brief moments, we are just like any other family. Those are the moments that help me get through the bad times (not that we have any of those anymore). I just go 'back to that place' and I remember what a joy all of my boys are (and they are...I wouldn't change anything of my life). Hopefully, that makes sense.

John Travolta

I know I wasn't going to get 'political' with this blog....sometimes, it just happens. It's more of me working through something, trying to figure out how to deal, as they say.

Last week, John Travolta was testifying in the extortion case down in the Bahamas. He testified that his son had autism. This was an interesting factoid in my world. First and foremost, my heart breaks for John. I feel that anytime a parent has to 'bury' their child, it is a horrible day. A friend of mine had to do that a year ago and I see the pain in her eyes and her daughter lived less than a day. I can only imagine if your child is older.

Jett Travolta was 16 years old when he died. He suffered from seizures (many times a week and many at a time). This is very common with children with autism. Fortunately, Oldest doesn't do that. So, Jett had medical issues, in addition to (it turns out) profound autism. I can't even begin to imagine, first of all. I remember when Oldest first lost his few words he had and I was determined to have him tell me (even if he didn't understand) that "I love you". I remember that was my project. There was no way that that was not going to happen. I know a lot of families who live with this reality, and, again, my heart breaks for them. I have no idea what that is like.

Back to Jett....throughout his life, John and Kelly had denied that Jett had autism. First of all, Jett was 16....he grew up in a time different than it is today. When Oldest was diagnosed at 3 (6 years ago), there were one in 500 kids afflicted with autism. Now, it is one in 94 boys; on in 150 children. I remember when the speech therapist first told me (at our first meeting, mind you) that Oldest had autism, I came home white as a ghost. I remember my mom asking me, "what is wrong?" To me, if you had autism, you were institutionalized, you were in a corner, banging your head. That is not my reality. So, times were different. Thanks to Bill and Suzanne Wright, founders of Autism Speaks, autism is more accepted....there is more knowledge out there.

Also, in scientology (from what I understand), autism is not accepted as a 'disease", even though it is a 'neurological-developmental delay". Yes, I can say that whole mouthful in two seconds flat. I like to think that Oldest 'thinks differently'....his neurons are just not connected the way the 'average' person is connected. Oldest possesses so many things that the 'average' person cannot. I like to think he just has a different way of thinking. From what I understand, scientologists can get medical attention (as in go to a General Practioner), but NOT a psychiatrist, which is who typically diagnoses someone with autism. So, the Travoltas would have to go against their 'religion' in order to help Jett. And, they did.....so I have been told.

They were doing everything correct....being amazing parents, getting him therapies, putting their children first, etc. The picture that always flashes through my mind is the one of John resting on Jett's chest. There is such love in that picture. You can tell John adores Jett. It's not one of those 'fakey' pictures. There is pure love in that picture...something that is rare and something that is pure.

My hope is that the Travoltas channel some of their grief and help others. We all do that as parents of either a special needs child or a child with a disease. We channel our grief for the betterment of others. John has so much compassion to give. It was evident in that picture.

I know others who have 'come out' and done good things for the autism community like Holly Robinson Peete, Gary Cole, Toni Braxton and, yes, even Jenny McCarthy (yes, even she has done good for the autism community). All of these 'celebrities' have a chance to do something good and help others, even in a small way. We all do that. I do what I do for those who come after me....just as the Down's community did a lot before the autism community. We all have a responsibility as a parent to help the next generation and to make this world a better place. We owe that to our children and the children after us.

Good Day in My World

Okay, except for the fact that Youngest might now be sick with THE bug....

As I write (and wait for Oldest to help him with his homework), my Middle son is quietly reading his book (yes, I make my son read 20 minutes every day, not just 4 to 5 times a week because I am the Mean Mom) on the sofa. I just found out today that he is in the 'highest' reading group (last year, he missed out on it by a hair, it was too full). He needs a little 'nudge' and will be working on some great new skills. We've already talked about it might be challenging, but we'll work through it together.

Oldest didn't do his work at school before he got to go out to lunch recess. His special ed teacher told him, he could take it home for homework and do it with Mom (he knew he'd get THE lecture, if he did that, so he stayed in at recess and finished his work). Reaffirming that I am the Mean Mom (I am not really, but they have the fear of God, which works). He also gets to try on his Pixar alien costume when he finishes. He also ran into Middle boy at recess and showed him his "Star Wars" library book.

Youngest, well, he's just cute and keeps calling me "Katie". Yes, he calls me now by my first name (which annoys me) because they are learning parents' first names. But, he's adorable and gives the best kisses (nice and wet) and hugs, so he's forgiven.

Astronaut!

My Youngest son, when I picked him up at preschool today said to me, "MOM, I got to listen to the Astronaut!" An astronaut from our hometown had a ham radio conference with the middle school kids in our district. He's currently at the International Space Station and our district arranged for a ham radio conference with him (via Belgium!). They watched the video conference.

Youngest has decided he won't be an astronaut, though.


Here's the links....check it out...the kids' questions are pretty sophisticated considering they are 6th graders....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-Gvn-599Q

Part two:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F84Y0Q&feature=related

It's under You Tube name: glysdi02

This is doubly cool because not only did my town have an astronaut, but my alma mater (UOP) had it's FIRST astronaut on the last shuttle mission. Whoot! Maybe, that's why I am spacey...LOL.

Weird

I was sitting tonight at 2nd grade cirriculum night. This is my second 2nd grade cirriculum night. That sounds so funny. I was sitting there, listening to the same silly jokes that the principal gives every year, every grade level, thinking, I have a sense of peace in my world.

Now, anyone who has been around me the last 11 days (yes, it has been 11 days since school started!), knows that I am a stressed out puppy. Stressed out, because today was the FIRST day Oldest made it to school on time (and with 3 minutes to spare---WHOOT!). He also got off of the bus at the proper time. What are the odds? Granted, it has been a LONG 11 days....as anyone who is around me will attest. The worst part of starting a new school year? "Training" new special ed teachers, bus drivers and the like. Yes, it is Oldest centric....so much that I delay anything major for 1 1/2 months for a new school year and 3 for a new school. Trust me, I have had experience.

But tonight, I felt at peace. I don't really know why. I found out that Oldest is one of the few special needs kids who do homework regularly. I find this weird. I find it weird because Oldest is behind academically, why wouldn't a parent push their kid to do academics that they are behind in.

I totally understand, a lot of parents are dealing with a lot of things when it comes to autism. I go there 100 %. But, wouldn't you push your kids to do all that they can do?

For once this so far this year, I just feel at peace. I feel confident that we have a chance to have an amazing year. I think that Oldest is going to do great things, socially (we have a long way to go, so we can only go up!) and academically. I feel like Middle boy is going to shine this year. He's going to make great gains. And, youngest, well, he'll start pooping in the toilet (major), he'll make great gains socially, and best of all, academically. He's already asking, "Momma, what letter does my name start with? Does my name have a short sound? Does my name have a 'ck' sound?". WHOOT!

Maybe, we do have a chance this year :)

First Follower!

I have my first official follower! Whoot!

First Official Week

Well, they have been in school a whole week (day six here we are!). Oldest still hasn't gotten to school on time (and he's getting home early, what's up with that?). Other than the bus issue (as I have aptly named it), things are pretty smooth. We have some other 'administrative issues' with the new teacher, but we are working on getting him to school (and home) on the right schedule first.

Oldest likes school (I guess, I haven't gotten any feedback from him or his teachers...note administrative issue), I think. His best friend is at his school now...so it's cool...he has some other 'typical' friends there, so life is good.

Middle boy loves school. We've already had two homework assignments (one small one and we're still working on a big one!). Middle boy isn't in the 'groove', yet, but he is enjoying his friends....

Youngest loves his preschool. I should clarify, he loves his preschool's playground. And, if peeing in the potty is what he has to do to play there, he'll do that, too. Who would have thunk that would be the motivator for him. Today, he typed his name (all by himself, mind you) on the computer at school so he could play the Mickey Mouse game. Again, who would have thought. He also loves that his BFF is in his class.

So, life is grand...no major stresses...just 'bus issues'. And, through it all, my bp is low. So, that's a good thing (as Martha would say :)).

Too Cute!

As I was putting Youngest and Middle boy to bed (Oldest was finishing up his email)....they had a 'race' to see who would be first to be tucked in (this is actually funny because they race for everything and neither wants to go to bed). Youngest said he wanted to be 'first'. He had actually already tucked himself in and tucked in his Night time Pablo (from "The Backyardigans") and his "My First Elmo" (which I think was Oldest's originally and has survived all of the boys). Both of his 'friends' were neatly tucked in next to him. For once, I think that he was actually tired from a week of school!

First Week of School

This week was the first week of school. We had three days before the Labor Day weekend. So far, everyone loves their teachers and each has a good friend in each of their classes. This is good....that helps to make everyone want to go to school.

Some highlights: Oldest got to take his Disneyland photo album to school. They were talking about their summers and he shared with his friends. He also shared it with his teachers from last year. He made the photo book all by him self (The Hub supervised, but really didn't do much). Oldest picked the pictures, placed them in the album and typed the text.

Middle boy had the same teacher from last year and he has his BFF in his class. He told me he is sitting in between two girls (and then proceeds to blush profusely). He likes being in the same class. His homework from 'back to school' night was to put things that represented what he did during the summer....he took a map of California Adventure Park (next to Disneyland), Disneyland, the Fish Hatchery and goggles (he took swimming lessons).

Youngest is at the 'special education' preschool. So far, only the 'typical' kids are there. There are about 13 kids (so far, more next week of special needs kids) and he loves it. He has told me on the first day, "I didn't make paper, I made play doh" (he attends Papermaker preschool) and that on the second day, he made a "Hey, Diddle, Diddle" book and he told me, "I made paper!". He also used scissors (which they are working with him on) and today they read books about vegetables!

Today, The Hub took the day off. He helped me pick up Youngest and then we went to Who Songs and Larry's (we had a gift card so it was cheap!).

This morning, I got to see my Mom's Club friends for Mommy Time (for moms with kids who are in school) and yesterday, I walked with a friend of mine.

This has been a 'perfect' week (well, minus the bus problems).

First Day of School

I just got an email from Oldest's teacher....she said he was fine, timewise...okay, he was just outside my door when the bell should have rung.....and I saw the bus at 9:14 and it hadn't gotten to school....

Bumpy Start

Today was the first day of school and it's already gotten off to a bumpy start. It actually started yesterday with Oldest wanting to watch his favorite shows "Super Why" and "Sid the Science Kid" before school. I have reassured him that Iwill record them. Still, we've had lots of autism because it's a change in routine and a change in schools (they rebuilt the school, so it's the same school, but it is totally different).

This morning, things were fine (I even got a picture of all of them on the first day of school, which I don't think I have ever done!). Middle boy, Youngest and I went down to Middle boy's bus stop. He got on the bus fine (with the twins next door, all looking out for each other because there are not many kids at this bus stop this year). Youngest and I went down to our house to put Oldest on his bus at our house.

So, the three of us waited and waited and so forth. The bus did not come at the time that it was expected. I called my husband and asked, "at what time should I call transportation?" He suggested I wait ten minutes past the time.

During this time, Oldest, Youngest and I waited, took lots of pictures of each other and waited...by this time, Oldest's autism is kicking in and I am getting pacing and him saying "the bus needs to come, I need to go to my new school, then the bus will come and take me home" and "I need to go to school", over and over and over...gotta love autism anxiety).

So, I waited the ten minutes and then I called transportation.....the nice assistant (as opposed to the mean one who I tried to work out a compromise with last week) said, "oh, I'll call her"....so, she does and she gets no response.....so, she tries again....no response.....she tells me, "I don't know why she isn't at her bus, she doesn't have any wheelchair kids (she does)".....I told her 'well, we'll be here" and hang up.

So, at 9 a.m. when Oldest is supposed to be at school (the tardy bell has rung) and the little bus arrives at my house.......and she still has to pick up two more kids AFTER Oldest (obviously, this is not going well)...this is also 15 minutes after Youngest is supposed to be at his school. The poor bus driver is telling me she has had nightmares about this route for a week. She didn't think it would work. She was assured by the head of transportation that it would work (okay, that was minus children AND getting a wheelchair on and off a bus).

So, I then take Youngest to his school.....we show up and I take him to the potty (see note below) and his teacher says to me, "we were worried about you!" (I am worried about me and Youngest, too).

Youngest did a great job at school. He loves his new school. He told me "I didn't make paper, I made play doh!" (his school is called Papermaker Preschool). He sat nicely, listened to the teacher and they were thrilled with him. Whoot.


NOTE: Youngest started last Thursday peeing in the potty...I am a little more optimistic this time (this is about our third start to potty training and all have failed....). He really loves his new school's playground and I told him he can't stay there unless he goes pee in the potty. So far, so good. He is required to pee in the potty for this preschool...I guess better late than never...it's a special education preschool, so they are used to pull-ups and such, but he really needs to be peeing in the potty at 4 1/2.

Field Trip Week

Because Oldest didn't have one of his classes this week, I decided to take the boys on a couple of field trips.

On Tuesday, I took them to the Zoo. Not only was it my first time taking the boys on a trip, but also it was the first time that we did not have a stroller. Youngest was insistent that he did not NEED a stroller.

Today, we went to the Fish Hatchery and the Bonneville Dam. The boys and I had a good time. They got to run around and look at the fish. We saw Herman the Sturgeon (who is a really big sturgeon!). We got to feed the fish (of course, in the process, Oldest got so excited that he threw his map into the water). Middle boy called it "an aquarium without the turtles".

One thing that is tough about here is that we are not near an aquarium. The closest one is three hours away (Newport) or four hours (Seattle). The boys love aquariums and they love watching fish. It calms Oldest.

As far as taking them by myself. It's so nice this age...I can talk to them about expected behavior and they can follow it. I can also ask them what they want to see and we can see it. Kind of nice :)

Mom, We Can Get My Balloon!

As we were driving up before Father's Day to Nana and Papa's house....out from the back of the van came youngest saying, "MOM! Now, we can get my balloon!!!" (refer back to a previous post in May when we were at the Cascade Station Red Robin and the balloon debacle).

Dining With Dad

Today, middle boy had "Dining with Dad', when Dads go in and have a little fun with the kids in 1st grade. It is culminated by the Dads going out to recess.

Middle boy had a great time. He made Dad a paper vest, a paper tie, a poem about "1st Place Dad" and an "I am not a..." book. Then, Middle boy and Dad got lunch and ate in the classroom. Finally, Dad got to go out to recess and played tether ball with Middle boy (middle boy had never played tether ball before).

Evidently, it was a good time and Middle boy loved having his Dad come and visit.

I Need Love

For a couple of days, middle boy has had the bug that we all have had. The first two days are a fever and sore throat, followed by never ending congestion and other intestinal irritations. The fever doesn't go away until the third day. In fact, nothing works on bringing it down. Typically, they lie on the sofa, lethargic and do nothing for two days, except feel miserable.

Middle boy turned to me yesterday and said to me, "Mom, I need love". So, we went and snuggled on my bed. What was so cute was that he asked (he thinks he's all grown up) and he just needed snuggling.

"We Got To Go To Seattle!"

Last night, we were at a different Red Robin (becauase that is the only restaurant oldest goes to). Our Red Robin was closed because the water tank was broken. So, we went to the one at Cascade Station. It was fun, however, what's scary is that we knew the manager from the Mill Plain one. We also recognized a waitress. Scary...we've been going to RR way too many times!

Anyway, we got outside, with the boys holding the balloons and, of course, youngest let go of his accidently. Then, he said, "Mom, we have to go to Seattle and get my balloon!" (out of the clear blue sky, he said that, no coaching involved). Later, at bedtime, he said, "Mom, we have to go see Nana and Papa and get my balloon in Seattle!". Obviously, he loves them and knows they live in Seattle.

Special Olympics

Last weekend was the oldest's Special Olympics' regional competition. He was entered in three races. The first race was his specialty, the 25K Freestyle. Once again, he looked at the depth of the pool and had trouble racing. He was more focused on the depth of the pool than swimming.

Then he raced in the developmental assisted race. He had trouble because he is so used to swimming by himself. He also raced in the walk, where they walk across the pool. He couldn't figure it out and it was hard to explain it to him to just walk...he wanted to swim, swim, swim....

It still was successful. He learned about waiting his turn and that the swim lessons lead to 'something'.

Young Athletes

Young Athletes is a sub-division of "Special Olympics". My youngest had the opportunity to participate in this during his preschool time (he is in a special education preschool, but not counted as 'special needs").

It was so much fun. They had the 'opening ceremonies'. They walked around the gym to a music fanfare. Then, they went to different stations. The first station, he volunteered to go be the example and it was an obstacle course. They had to 'bunny hop' over a little bar and on numbers. Then, they went to a station where they had to throw balls over a net. Then, they went to a station that they had to hit a tennis type racket towards the wall. Then, they had to walk on stars (and then run on the stars). Finally, they went to a station that they had to play with scarves.

Youngest got a t-shirt, a gold medal and a snack. He really liked the shirt. He kept showing it to me.

When we walked back to the room and youngest said, "That was SO much fun, it was AWESOME!!!"

I am so glad I went and love the Special Olympics program.

Mommies, Muffins and Manicures

Today was Mommies, Muffins and Manicures with middle boy. When I went with oldest, it was different, in that he and I hung out together.

First thing, middle boy escorted me into the room and said, "will you come with me?". Then, he escorted me in and sat down. He then gave me a back rub. He then went and gave me a muffin and juice. Then, he gave me some lotion and a manicure (I got smart this year and brought my own nail polish). He then read a poem with his classmates and sang a song with his classmates.

Middle boy had been practicing his manners and painting finger nails. They practiced on a piece of paper. It was too cute.

Mommies, Muffins and Manicures is probably my favorite day because I get to spend time with my boys in their classes and also just one on one time. The whole time, middle boy was blushing. He enjoyed being the 'center of my attention'.

Easter and Such

Easter was a great day. We did our famous egg hunt and ate the much anticipated bunny cake. Hey, I even threw in a homemade brunch and Easter dinner to boot.

Today was one of the first 'warm' and sunny days of the year. Wonderful. The boys and I headed outside. Oldest decided to play "Bolt" (he was Penny on a scooter and youngest was Bolt and he was telling youngest, "Bark, Bolt, Bark!!". Too funny. He also said he was Pete Doctor (one of the directors/producers of Pixar). In one of the 'outtake" reels, Pete Doctor rides around Pixar Studios on a scooter. He kept saying to me, "I'm Pete Doctor!". Of course, no one gets it but us.

This morning, out of the blue, middle boy says, "Momma, I love having my brother at my school". I ask him if he sees oldest and he says 'yes'. He told me that he sometimes sits on the swings with oldest and tells him 'hi' and swings with him. Cool.

Pre-Easter Festivities

Okay, I have psychoanalyzed myself. Because of our Christmas snow, lack of an oven and I couldn't get out of the house...I am overcompensating. 150% for Easter.

This morning, the boys and I decorated the much anticipated bunny cake (minus coconut and licorice because my boys and I don't like them; also, I changed it to a 'black and white' bunny and a chocolate cake). I made the changes, not to buck tradition, but because I get tired of eating the whole bunny cake every year by myself. Also, instead of jelly beans, we used Easter M and Ms. I realized I made a mistake by leaving out the M and Ms because Middle boy and Youngest were running around on a sugar high. Seriously.

We also made a new recipe (which I will modify for next year)...Easter nests made of dark chocolate and Rice Krispies with little M and M eggs in them.

All three of the boys got totally got into them. We waited until Oldest's dentist appointment was done to finish decorating the cake. With the nests, Middle boy refused to help until the last minute and then, oldest ran over and said, "Momma, I put the egg in the chocolate" and he did! All three of them finally helped and placed the eggs in the 'nests".

I have just finished making my "Grandma's beans' and the Easter egg casserole. Tomorrow morning during the egg hunt, I will bake the casserole and cinnamon rolls. Then, we'll have Easter dinner of ham (low sodium, of course!), Grandma's beans and rolls. True, the only ones eating any of the food will be hubby and I, but it is the fact that the food is available. Middle boy has said he'll try the cinnamon rolls. I am sure he'll like it because he is a sugar fiend.

Cub Scouts!

On Wednesday, oldest and I went to the cub scout meeting (as usual). This month's theme is "Jurassic Park", which I had hoped would pique his interest. We had the best time ever. Typically, cub scouts is very difficult for him. It is a very social activity and, obviously, he has low social skills. This time was different.

I don't know if he had the promise of seeing "Hannah Montana: The Movie" this weekend or if he was just really into cub scouts.

We started out cub scouts by doing a word search. Oldest and I worked on it together. Then, we listened to the leader discuss dinosaurs from the Jurassic period. Oldest listened quietly. They chose dinosaurs to write a report on a dinosaur. Initially we had chosen a Brachiosaurus. By random choice, we were given the Brachiosaurus. Then, he and I made a dinosaur slide for his scarf. I pounded out the slide and then we made an imprint of an 'egg head' dinosaur. We are letting it dry until the next cub scout meeting (when we will paint it). Finally, we colored 'dinosaur' eggs (Easter eggs).

Oldest didn't have any behavior problems, I didn't have to remind him to focus, it was an amazing cub scout meeting!

Ferry Ride

On our final day of our adventure, we decided to take it easy and take a ferry boat ride from Edmonds to Kingston. No, there isn't much in Kingston, except for a very cute McDonald's that the boys love to go to that has an indoor play area. The boys also love riding the ferry. The youngest boy stays inside, while the oldest goes outside (much quieter and not claustrophobic). Middle boy goes in between.

We had a great time on what youngest calls, "boat ferry".

April Fools!

On April 1st, Oldest boy woke up (he was so cute sleeping on a very plush roll a way bed) and said, "Nana, it's snowing!" and it was. The rest of us thought it was an April Fool's joke. Nope. No such luck.

Vancouver Aquarium

As stop two on our aquarium tour (I think it will be renamed the "water tour"), we went up to Canada and spent two nights at the hotel, going to the Vancouver Aquarium in the middle. The boys love the hotel part of the stay. Having 'tried' out the hotel pool once, we decided it would consistently be 'broken'. This did not stop middle boy from telling me, "why would you stay at a hotel that has a broken pool? That doesn't make sense.". Leave it to him to question authority.

On the 31st, we went to the aquarium and the boys had a great time. The aquarium has belugas, dolphins, a rain forest type room and lots of interesting viewings of animals like sharks and turtles. One particular room, has an aquarium where the you can have a huge turtle swimming above you and sharks above you. That is a favorite.

Youngest and Oldest enjoyed the beluga show from below (much quieter), while middle boy enjoyed it from above. I think he was hoping to get 'splashed' in the "Splash Zone".

All in all, it was a fun day.

B.O.B. the Blob

For those of you who do not know...one of the 'signs' of autism, is that the child does not have good 'play skills". This is one of the reasons they diagnosed my oldest and ruled out autism for my youngest. "Play skills" involve the ability of the child to 'play' (ie. imaginative play....play 'kitchen' or take an object and create a dialogue as in a story or play with little people and create a story...you get the idea).


Last night, in the bathtub, my oldest took his McDonald's toy, B.O.B. from the new Dreamworks' movie "Monsters Versus Aliens" and was playing with him. While this isn't new, I always relish in it because it is a concrete, if you will, example of how far we have come. Oldest couldn't do it when he was a toddler. He had no idea how to create a story or do imaginative play.

Oldest had B.O.B. and he was treating him like a little pet and talking to him. "B.O.B., we have to get you clean (while rubbing bubbles on him), B.O.B., we have to dry you off, B.O.B. we have to make you nice and clean". You get the idea.

You have to realize that B.O.B. is a blue blob. Literally.

Aquarium Tour

Today, was the first day of our Spring Break Aquarium Tour. We went with Papa to the Aquarium and he had a great time. The boys had a good time (they always do). I got some cute footage of Papa playing tag with the boys, too. They loved to touch the sea stars, sea anemone and urchins.

Astronauts

For some reason, I am so excited with the lift off of Kazakhstan rocket. Aboard, an astronaut, who is from my hometown. Turns out, he had spent most of his time growing up at the local science museum. Kinda neat.

Spring Program

Last Friday, Oldest and Middle boy had a Spring Program for their school. What their school does is instead of singing, they do a 'routine' (a P.E. routine). For example, Middle boy's class (along with a paired class) did a P.E. routine with scarves. This year's theme was "DISCO NIGHT". This year, Middle boy didn't lose his shoe (this happened last year, but he quickly recovered without missing a beat).

However, Oldest has trouble with this performance. During the dress rehearsal during the day, he ran out of the gym. He got in trouble with me and his special education teacher. He got in trouble for not being safe, not for not being able to perform. He has trouble because A)it's noisy in the gym, B)it's not in the gym he is used to, C)there's just too many people in there and D)he just can't focus. When he got home, he did tell me, "I wear my red shirt (his outfit for the program) and I dance with Mom". Primarily, I focused on the safety issue (the running out of the gym).

All in all, it was a good time, even with the minor 'speed bumps'. Those are just par for the course.

Snipping

Today, I got a phone call from oldest's special education teacher. She said he was having a great day, BUT, during a Reading project (where he was putting pictures in order), he used the scissors and snipped a chunk of hair. It was a non-issue and he did get a lecture "we use scissors to cut paper NOT hair". I told her that I laughed and it was not a problem. She said she was glad to hear that because on her inside, she was laughing, too. She said of all of the kids, he was the LAST one of her students she would have expected to snip his hair.

It is pretty noticeable. There is a spot at the top of his forehead that is pretty, not bare, but noticeable. He has sort of a 'bald spot"although, there is some hair there....

MNO

Last Tuesday, we had an adventurous MNO with my MOMS club. It was totally crazy. We met at the Starbuck's and were given 20 things to take a picture of (for example all of the Team Members in a dressing room) and 20 things to get (such as a pink or blue balloon).

The two teams were incredibly competitive. I have never laughed so hard. Here we were, about 13 Moms looking for cheap entertainment in the pouring rain! It was crazy.

The worst part was explaining to my six year old when asked what did I do: "I went out with my friends and had to take pictures of stuff and collect stuff". He looked at me like I was crazy.

Unfortunately, after the MNO, we went to Ruby Tuesday's and several of the moms have been worshipping the porcelin bowl this week. Not good :(

P.S.MNO stands for Mom's Night Out.

"The Lion King"

Last weekend, middle boy and I had a Mommy/middle boy overnight. We went to out to Applebee's (which is highly unusual in this house), instead of our usual Saturday night trip to Red Robin. He had cheeseburger sliders (hey, it was half price because it was happy hour) and a side order of fried shrimp. Where middle boy puts it is another question.

Then, on Sunday, I took him to see "The Lion King". He was at the perfect age. He watched in amazement as the animals came down during the opening "The Circle of Life" (of course, I started bawling because that song gets me every time...it reminds me so much of when my Grandma died....it's one of those weird associations). Throughout the whole musical, he was engrossed in the story lines (lots of 'bad guys' to keep him occupied). He loved the stage production and the music.

When we left, he said that maybe he could join us for our season ticket of musicals. Only middle boy would ask. He said he loved going to musicals. Maybe he's going to be my boy who joins me for musicals when he is older :)

Valentine's Revisited

Since youngest was not at school last Thursday (when his preschool had their 'valentine's celebration'), he got his valentines today. This is the first year when he has really 'understood' valentine's day. Although, on the actual day, I asked him if he would be my valentine and he said, "Momma, I am not a card". Anyway, he went through each valentine and had me read it. Then, he counted lollipops and candy that he got. He got very excited with each one and said, "is that for ME?".

Friday the 13th!

The boys had a day off from school (a lovely four day weekend). On Friday, I decided to bake valentines cookies and finish up their valentines (to family members and each other). We had a lot of fun and the boys enjoyed picking out valentines.

For once (this was before the 13th), I am not in valentine hell. Valentine hell is when I am overwhelmed because the boys don't really help out doing their valentines and who ends up doing it? Moi. Middle boy got his valentines list really early, so he had his Star Wars valentines done by the beginning of February. Oldest got his two lists around the first part of February. This was the first year, when he got his Special Ed list, he wrote his name. He had so much fun picking out his Wall-E valentines for his friends (we had a little tougher time with his typical friends, but that is okay, we had a blast with the special ed class friends). Youngest got his list the last, but he sat down and he picked out each one individually and decided which Star Wars valentine his friends would get.

WOWZA!

The other day, oldest was doing valentines for each other (ie. they were doing valentines for each other). Not only did oldest sign his name, but he also spelled and wrote his brothers' names correctly! WOWZA! Made me speechless!

Here We Go Again!

Next week, youngest will start Speech Therapy again. No, he doesn't have autism, he just has a little artic problem (ie. he has a Bronx or Jersey accent and is a little difficult to understand). I had non-IEP meetings a couple of weeks ago to discuss his speech and to discuss a possible sensory problem.

The end result is that they (the team) would recommend a little private speech therapy and the results of a sensory profile is that he has some sensory issues....nothing that prevents him from learning, but enough that they are aware of it.

For me, it's a 'here we go again' moment, even though most likely autism is not involved. More than one of the professionals has not noticed any sign of autism. However, I am reminded of all of the therapies, testing etc that we went through with oldest. In many ways, it makes me more determined to help families who are going through the process for the first time. That is why I try to help them and do whatever I can legislation-wise.

So, wish me luck, I have dealt with the pediatrician (to get a referral), the speech therapist, teachers and OT. Lord help me if I have to deal with the insurance company.

Not Much Goin' On

Hey, I'll take it that life is pretty quiet (trust me, my next week is Whacky!).

The interesting thing about my life is that sometimes I have to 'dangle the carrot'. You parents know what I am talking about. You set a goal, usually something that highly motivates your child about a week in advance and "dangle the carrot' in front of your child. I have had to do this the past two weeks with Oldest. He has wanted to go see "Paul Blart:Mall Cop" and "Hotel for Dogs". He has also had something going on in his brain. So, what do I do? "Dangle the carrot" (one movie per week) and remind him, get his teachers involved, etc. Not exactly my best parenting moment, but you know....

Pinewood Derby!

This weekend was the Cub Scouts' pinewood derby race. Basically, the cub scouts each get a block of wood to shape into a car and then they weight it and race it on a long track (a hill track).

Oldest and Middle boy both created a car. Oldest's was a Wall-e car and Middle boy's was a "Clone Wars" car. They had fun with hubby making the cars. The most incredible thing was that oldest painted the car. Yes, this is the boy who HATES art. He still hates art. He painted it yellow on the body and grey/silver on the top. Middle boy's car was silver. Both had stickers of their respective 'theme' and Oldest's car even had a pipe cleaner eyes (like Wall-e). Oldest's car came in 4th (last) both times. Middle boy got a 2nd and a 4th. So, both were eliminated.

HOWEVER, Oldest got the pack award for "Most humorous' as voted by the adults. Not bad for a boy with autism. They only gave out about 6 'special' awards.

Inauguration Wrap Up

Just a final note....middle boy told me that they got to read a book on Barack Obama, watch the Oath taking and see McCain go up in the helicopter. I reminded him that that was actually 'former' President Bush and he said, "whatever". Obviously, it was 'awesome' to see President Obama sworn in, but 'whatever' to see President Bush leave (that's how we all feel....LOL).

Inspired!

Yes, I have been re-inspired. I do (advocate for autism legislation and fight for things in my district), not only for my son, but for those who come after me. I do it because of the Down's community who fought for things before me. Today, I was inspired by President (yes, PRESIDENT) Obama's speech. Here's a snippet explaining why I do, what I do:

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends — hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism — these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence — the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

------President Barack Obama; January 20, 2008; Inaguration Speech


I do it to shape a BETTER future. I do it because I believe in it. I do it to help others who can't otherwise, help themselves. I do it because of those who have come before me and those who come after me.

I will try not to be so political on future posts.

I just found out that middle boy (who is my Obama boy) got to see the taking of the Oath. Man, I am so happy. If there had been a way to have him see it live, I would have done it. He told me when I asked him if he liked it...he said, "it was awesome!". Yes, it was.

"Skating"

Yesterday, youngest did one of my favorite preschool activities. In the motor room, they put the blue mats down and put shaving cream on it and the kids 'skated'. Last year, when youngest did it, he giggled the whole time. This year, he was swinging on the ropes (duh), and skating on the mats. I am sure he was laughing. I know when oldest did it, he really didn't like it because it was so 'tactile" and he has major sensory issues. Middle boy didn't quite know what to make of it all. He did think it was fun. Youngest, though, loves to be rough and tumble. He loves to be very physical and loves to swing on either the trapeze or ropes.

Am I In The Next Grade?

Since we had an unusally long Winter Break (yes, because of the snow).....Towards the end of Winter Break, middle boy would ask me, "Am I in the next level? Is Mrs. A my teacher?" The answer was no....you're still a 1st grader. She's still your teacher. I love the middle boy's mind...

No Sleep for the Wicked and Other Tales From My Week

Last night, our downstairs toilet overflowed. Not a little bit, but a MAJOR overflow. Sewage everywhere. I was able to contain it, fortunately. However, hubby was unavailable. So, being the 'executive' that I am (LOL), I decided I will see if I can wait overnight and if it will go down.

This morning, I was awoken by my big monkey (at 4 a.m., mind you) by "MOMMA, the potty is FULL!". Realize for a moment, that oldest as autism and routines are important, so an interruption of the potty not being able to be used, is a little bit of a problem.

Now, I am grateful that the monkey can speak. There was a time when he couldn't, but not really at 4 a.m. because this meant I actually had to deal with an issue. I somehow coaxed the boy into my bed (which is taboo, but at 4 a.m., I didn't really care) and he fell asleep at 5:15, which wouldn't be so bad, that is UNLESS my alarm didn't go off at 5:25 a.m..

What was a little more difficult was that they couldn't use the bathroom that they typically get dressed in AND middle boy was 'afraid' of the darkness upstairs and refused to go without an escort and this went against oldest's routine.

All's well that ends well...they got off to school (dressed and all) fine.

Stand for Something or You Stand for Nothing....

This is just a rhetorical question. It came to me as a result of my friend's post. She has a boy with autism (in fact, it is oldest's BFF)....she did a post that she doesn't feel the 'need' to put a 'tag' on her facebook page for something like "Autism Speaks" or do an autism walk a thon (she has been in the Peace Corps, writes grants for NPOs, works for social causes, but not for autism). In fact, it sparked some controversy.....okay, well for me. My feeling (and how I deal with oldest's autism) is that I feel a responsibility as a parent with a child with autism (or insert any disability or even just as a parent, because if I wasn't doing work to help children/families on the spectrum, I'd be working for the Children's Defense Fund or on behalf of children in Africa), I have a responsibilty to leave this world a little bit better for my children or other children than I found it. Now, you can insert any cause that you'd like.

I am a big believer in the theory or saying that "to much is given, MUCH is expected". I believe it is a Biblical phrase (perhaps if anyone out there knows, that would be helpful....but alas, according to my husband, no one reads my blog, so maybe I am talking to a wall, LOL).

Barack Obama ran on that issue when it comes to healthcare. I remember pondering it and thinking about it....For everything I have been given in life (and it is a lot), shouldn't I be expected to give back? I think so. In my example, I am expected to help the newly diagnosed families, create a system for better healthcare, better education...all while raising my boys. I am totally cool with that awesome responsibility....

As we go to Martin Luther King Junior's birthday....I leave you with this thought....
"I have a dream, that one day my children will not be judged on the color of their skin, but on the strength of their character". To me, that is the epitomy of what I want for all of my boys. I want my boys (especially my oldest with autism) to be judged on who they are as humans...the good things that they do, works that they represent, NOT by what they look like (or in oldest's case, by his autism). We, as a society, can do that. I hope.....

I just hope that President-Elect Obama can continue to inspire people to do one thing. It doesn't have to be a big thing, little things count! We need a leader who will encourage us to help our neighbors and create a better sense of community.

youngest's birthday

Yes, my little boy turned 4 over the weekend. He had a great day. On Friday, he took in cup cakes for his preschool (evidently, the district wide nutrition program doesn't apply to preschoolers) decorated with little Diego cup cake rings. We picked them up on Thursday and he kept running out to the van checking on them and going "Wow, those are my Diego cup cakes!".

On Friday, we picked up the Diego cake, which we promptly put into the fridge. Youngest knew he couldn't touch it and he would go in and peek and come back out and go, "Momma, it's my Diego cake!". He wore his crown from school all afternoon and went to the bus stop with me and gave his brothers a 'goodie' bag that he gave his friends at preschool.

On Saturday, we had a rolling birthday party. Because of the floods, we weren't sure who could make it. Aunt and Uncle made it in the morning and we had breakfast rolls and cup cakes. Youngest wore his crown from preschool and his Diego shirt.

In the afternoon, Nana and Papa showed up and he had another party with more singing, candle blowing, etc. Then, we went out to dinner to (obviously) Red Robin. He was so excited to have them sing to him and eat his ice cream sundae.

The good news: oldest has been so excited to have his birthday at Red Robin (typically, the song is too noisy for him). He said to me last night, "Momma, I want them at Red Robin to clap and sing 'who's birthday is it?' Brian!' to me."

LOL/LMAO

Yes, I had a moment this morning....I was going through my usual yahoo news (as I do every morning in addition to my MSNBC news) and ran across a story. If I could figure out a way to publish it, I would.

Basically, it was asking the question, "Is Facebook Good for Moms?". The reporter asked a psychologist friend of hers (who was interested in this question also). The answer was, "YES!". LOL. Here's why (summarized, of course): happy moms are better moms. Moms who did something 'short' like Facebook are happy moms. Why? Because they feel connected to the world (yes, our society is isolating), especially for SAHM. The bigger issue is whether moms are doing Facebook while they should be doing something else (like engaging in a conversation with their children at dinner). Like everything in life, moderation is the key.

We'll see what hubby says after this post (and watching the interview). LOL. I have the backing of a psychologist that a happy mommy is a happy house.