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.
Friday, October 23, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, October 9, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, October 2, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
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 :)
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 :)
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