Ten Things Tuesday

1. I just took son#3 to the doctor and it's just a virus. I have pneumonia phobia. He has a runny nose, wet cough, tearing eyes and small fever at night. His appetite isn't normal and he fell asleep in the floor this afternoon after lunch. Not the usual energy dynamite he usually is. I'm happy he's not contagious and that it'll run it's course with some Mucinex to push it on it's way.

2. I love Bugles!! They are a blast from the past, have quite the crunch and a unique taste. Almost like a tall, skinny Corn Nut. What's not to like? Unless you're my college roomate who HATED my Corn Nut fetish. She said they smelled like dog food. Just means more for me!

3. I went to see the movie Valentines Day this weekend and LOVED LOVED LOVED it!! In case you missed it, it was good--go see it.

4.Time for mushy stuff. Isn't it great when you find a very fun, cool friend God places in your life? And even cooler when she turns out to have so much in common with you? You can jump right into the meaty talks about life, love and family. God seems to know what he's doing---imagine that.

5. My mom just left from a 2 day visit and the kids and I really enjoyed her time here. I'm VERY thankful the kids have at least one grandparent that is close-by and loves to play with them.

6. It's been fun introducing son#1 to the old school arcade games. He's pretty good, to be expected from this generation I guess. Brings back lots of memories of my Atari and hours of playing Pac Man with my dad.

7. I'm thankful for a husband that worked his cute little tushy off Sunday doing ALL the laundry, ALL the dishes and picked up the house. What a man, what a man, what a mighty good man! I'm also thankful he's figured out his place. Ooops did I say that out loud?! What I meant was that his place is beside me. (Holding the vacuum.)

8. I've broken an addiction this year, it's best I've fessed up to it. I love the time I've gained for Mon-Wed nights. Please refrain from throwing anything that stains. I'm off the show American Idol. For some reason, I had no desire to watch AI this season. I could care less about the horrendous try-outs, the sob story pieces, criminal backgrounds and the not quite good-enough singers. As I heard somewhere else, this isn't Make-A-Wish. Every person has a sob story somewhere in their life. All I can figure is my patience is shot for our society complex that makes people feel they are owed something or entitled anything, especially to this thing called fame. No you are not. So you can sing or have a talent. Got news for ya, we all have talent somewhere in us. But I don't think if some guy in Wisconsin is good with carpentry tools that we owe him 15 minutes of TV time and a contract with This Old House just because he stood in a long line all day or because his buddies told him he's got skills.
Wow, did you see that? Someone threw some box out there for me to fall onto. It says SOAP on it. Hmmmm I'll have to watch out for those from now on.

9. Mr. Coffee came to live at our house the day we got home from our honeymoon. He hadn't failed me in 12 and half years, until Sunday. I was SO sad. I went to Wal-Mart thinking a new coffee maker can't be hard to find and ended up having a meltdown probably needing one of my sons pills if truth be told. I finally made it through the process which seemed to take as long as those rose ceremonies on TV. I still feel old because I don't think those things are made as well as they used to be. They just seem flimsy and clumsy. Why can't they just have my same one I had? Is that too much to ask?! I kept Mr. Original Coffee just in case it was a one off. I'm not sure he's realized that he's not top dog anymore. *sniff

10. And I'm thankful for catalogs/magazines. I love them. I get an extra jolt when I get the mail and it's not all junk and bills---a catalog can make that all better. It maybe an unhealthy obsession if you look around my house at how many containers are hiding them, but I can't help it-- I luuuuv them. How then I ask you could I throw them away!?

Ten Things Tuesday

1. I'm thankful for Colby-Jack round cheese slices from the deli. Sorry, weak isn't it? But it's true-- I'm addicted. I can't stop myself...they call to me from the drawer in the fridge every day all day. Is there a help group for cheese addiction? You may see me on that A&E show Intervention sometime soon.

2. I got to see some wonderful family members Saturday that were in town from Houston. A brand new baby, a new boyfriend and husband I hadn't met. All were just great and we're blessed to have them all in our family. Hi Lindsay!!

3. Son#1's principal died Sunday and yesterday when he was home from school with a headache, son#1 took the news well. Below I'll post a picture of his idea of a good-bye to him. For the record, he gets the word fail from Star Wars games I think.

4. I'm truly happy and thankful all my plates are spinning together this week. None are threatening to fall and that can't be said every week. It's a good thing as Martha says.

5. I got to talk to some college friends I hadn't talked to in awhile and it was nice to touch base and really nice to find Julie Hall again. Sometimes the me before 1997 is forgotten. Always nice to see that part of me again.

6. Son#1 received a wonderful quilt in the mail this week! Ms. Yvonne Hubbo's step-mother HAND-QUILTED him a Star Wars quilt!!! Again, picture below--it doesn't even begin to do this beast justice! Did I mention it's queen sized? Ms. Yvonne is quite the Energizer Bunny addition to our family.

7. I got the princess dog Chloe groomed Saturday while we went to see my mother for the day. She came back softer than mink! And she found her brave inner dog. It's SO wonderfully heartwarming to see her jumping around and happier not to mention more relaxed. She isn't completely relaxed at all times, but she's getting there. The princess goes for surgery Thursday so let's hope she keeps that spark afterwards.

8. We had a meeting at son#3's school. He's doing SO well and they think he's just as happy & fun as we do. That's always nice. We're so thankful for his progress and what a well adjusted kid he is. A true bright spot in my day,

9. This week my iTouch is saving my brain cells. The radio stations, podcasts, downloaded books from the library, and music. I may nominate it for the Nobel Peace Prize for next year.

10. Bare Minerals make up had such success with the first eye color for Autism-Puzzle- ($25,000 success) that they are launching another in March of this year called Cherish! I'm very thankful to Leslie Blodgett and her team at BE for making different causes including Autism, a priority. The color is shown here on the side profile & it will be available online or at boutiques March 11.

Ten Things Tuesday

1. I had a wonderful week last week of no kids home from school and no holidays. Everyone went to work and school every day and I got a lot accomplished. I also smiled a lot in my quiet house. Alone time is precious and I don't take it for granted very often. Especially in the bathroom.

2. February 12th was the 4 year anniversary that my father died. I'm relieved to say it hurts less. Still plenty of painful MOMENTS, but the experience itself in daily living has lessened considerably. People always tell you that crap and there are even times you yourself will say it to people. Sometimes speaking from experience of going through it, and sometimes speaking from watching someone else deal. I'm happy to say it's not just a bunch of hooie, it IS true--time will heal your wounds. They don't ever close completely but you will heal through it to a livable functioning place.

3. I'm thankful my family made it through the holiday parts of this month *Hubbo's birthday is the 6th* without ANYONE being sick. It's a MIRACLE! Let's put it this way, I can not remember the last time in February we didn't have a member of the family sick or all of us ill on Valentines day, Super Bowl Sunday or Hubbo's birthday.

4. Valentines day may have been spent with my children, but my husband waited on me like a Queen. That beats out candy any day. LONG LIVE THE QUEEN!!!!!!!!

5. I found a new funny British show I love--The Good Life for you in the UK and The Good Neighbors for us Yanks. I watched it all in a 3 day time span from the first episode to the very last one--a Royal Command Performance in front of the Queen. Always good to find a new show I like. *This is my list remember? Not yours, so if you don't like it, get it or care, then kiss my grits!*

6. Son#2 got sent home today for trying to eat his mashed potatoes with his hands in the cafeteria. Well, okay, really it was because he got mad he wasn't allowed to and it escalated from there to the Hannibal Lecter chair. *sigh* At least I got the house cleaned & laundry started before he got here. He's fine now, but really---who doesn't have that urge sometimes? Spoil sports.

7. Westminster Dog Show was on last night and tonight--I LOVE watching! And this year I am SO thankful to finally have my very own dog to watch with.

8. I got my hair all chopped off. It's short people. I didn't even get that much cut off, I was telling her to even up my layers. Somehow I'm in a short bob cut again. Oh well---time to get out the barrettes and big hoop earrings I guess.

9. I got two round-about compliments last week. One was from a man that drives my son's bus. He said I didn't look 35 years old, I looked much younger. Lord, bless him with keeping his hair and his own teeth as he ages--Amen.
And the other was from a girl at scrapbooking. A new girl. She thought I'd had eyelash implants! FOR REAL! Someone does that to another person on purpose? Can you imagine what you'd look like?! All swollen up and bruised the next day? I told her truthfully, it's not the first time I'd been asked that but thank you. I sure don't think they're what they used to be, but hey, evidently some poor rich women are running around with naked eyes needing implants. Who knew?

10. And I'm most thankful for Doan's Back Pills. Those suckers WORK.

Ten Things Tuesday

I know--the word slacker comes to mind when you think of my blog. I feel like I have so much to say, there's no way it would all fit, so another week goes by without blogging. But today, my friend Michelle (Hi Michelle!!!) linked my Ten Things in her blog and THAT motivated me not to wait another cotton pickin minute, I had to just go BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!
SO here it is, it's been forever since I've done one---Ten Things Tuesday--hold your applause till the end.

1. I'll work my way backwards so to speak. Last night I attended Bunko. Now I seem to always say, "I'm SO thankful for the Bunko girls. I had so much fun." But I never really get into WHY they make me feel good, so let me try for the words.
My Bunko group has evolved over the years of living in Oklahoma to include many wonderful Christian women who have stunning faith in God. There are so many encouraging, accepting women that I can't possibly name them by name but each brings me (selfish much?) acceptance of my situation and doesn't judge. Each one takes me for who I am, accepts it's all I CAN be in that moment, and hasn't ever tried to change me. We laugh, we joke, we cry, we help build each other up with encouragement, words of wisdom and efforts of praise & acknowledgment. Now that isn't to say we don't get really, really silly. Snort, tell rude jokes about each other and just let our hair down.
I truly believe God sent me each group I've played with, in times when I need their spiritual gifts at that time in my life. Who knew what a blessing food, dice and a bunch of clucking women could be to each other. God made us so different from man, and to celebrate, accept and just plain revel in our similarities, is one of my most favorite things to do & is truly something I'm thankful for. Oh and the gooood food too.

2. Son#2's unknown cause tantrums are less this week. They were getting to where we thought we might have to change the dose of meds again. He's at least letting us sleep more at night/morning. And being sent home from school less. On one of his happy days, he took his scarf of stretchy nylon he got for Christmas from my sister-in-law, and snapped the assistant principal on the butt with it as she exited his class.

3. I am thankful for a great learning lecture the other night at my sons school about what happens when they turn 18 yrs old and the options in the community available to them for work, school and programs to help them. It was enlightening, interesting and made me understand why God brought Hubbo and I to Oklahoma. Apparently, Oklahoma is the top state in the nation for employment programs for disabled adults over the age of 18. And in the top three or five states in the country for transitioning kids to adulthood and helping them live by themselves.
Very encouraging! Oh and did I mention when I signed in, the older lady said, "Oh your Carson's mother---he's quite a boob man!" The pride swells within me.

4. We have had tons of winter weather since December, and we're due for more Thursday, but no problems with power going out or our car sliding off the road. Let's it keep it that way God!!

5. I got Hubbo this for his birthday, and he LOVES it! http://www.bbcamericashop.com/house-and-home/doctor-who-tardis-4-port-usb-hub-14827.html
It's a geeky tv show thing but when I can find a present for him he wants, it's a win--trust me. The man is harder to buy for than the average male. He doesn't wear aftershave, cologne or ties. Hubbo once kept a gift card for 2 yrs. before he used it. He's had the same wallet for years and I bought him a watch last year and I recently found it in his bag he carries to work. Men.

6. I LOOOOOOOOOOOOVE Pita chips! Stacy's Simply Naked Nothing But Sea Salt Pita Chips. I made some spinach dip for the Super Bowl for myself to accompany the Pita chips. It was so good, I don't even want to describe it because I'm afraid you'll go buy them all up for yourself.

7. My laundry is caught up for two weeks now. 'Nuff said. I feel my chest puffing up a little.

8. We're having pizza tonight and last night was Bunko so I didn't cook either--BONUS!

9. I got a knitting chair!! All for me and too narrow for just about anyone else's hiney in this house--what a shame huh?

10. I'm pleased my Son#1 has decided to let me be his mother again. He informed me the other day he was very sorry I was yelling and frustrated at the brothers, but maybe that meant I shouldn't be a mother if I get frustrated. He thought Mrs. Turner their substitute teacher would make a great mother because she doesn't seem to get frustrated. I picture her with long hair and fairly young with no children of her own, don't you? I tried to explain how EVERYONE gets frustrated and pointed out how every morning he bites my head off when I've done nothing to him but say good morning. But he has finally come around that I should stay and be HIS mother. But that maybe the brothers ought to go live somewhere else forever. Ahh the love.

God Lives Under the Bed

I envy Kevin. My brother, Kevin, thinks God lives under his bed. At least that's what I heard him say one night.

He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped to listen, 'Are you there, God?' he said. 'Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed...'


I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humor. I realized for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in.


He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labor. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult.

He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them.

I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different. Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life?

Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk our cocker spaniel, return to eat his favorite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed.


The only variation in the entire scheme is laundry, when he hovers excitedly over the washing machine like a mother with her newborn child.

He does not seem dissatisfied.


He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work.

He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores.


And Saturdays - oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my Dad takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculate loudly on the destination of each passenger inside. 'That one's goin' to Chi-car-go! ' Kevin shouts as he claps his hands.


His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights.

And so goes his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips..

He doesn't know what it means to be discontent.

His life is simple.

He will never know the entanglements of wealth of power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be.

His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it.

He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax.

He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is pure.

He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue.

Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry. He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God.

Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God - to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an 'educated' person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion.

In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity, I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith.

It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions.

It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap. I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances - they all become disabilities when I do not trust them to God's care.

Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of God.

And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed.

Kevin won't be surprised at all!

Chloe

I'd like you to meet the newest addition to our family--Chloe.
She’s a poodle and sort of rescue situation. According the breeder she is a year old. I saw an ad in the local paper's website of free poodles. I knew I wanted a poodle because I'd had one before, they are smart, no shedding, long life span and good with children. And I wanted a non-puppy but not a dog too far down the path of life. In our house, I don't have time to potty train anyone else or deal with their baby behavior. I wanted a small dog yet not a toy---too much action at my house for any tiny animals. Chloe had only been kept in a crate her whole life and only seen one human, the breeder. Breeder lady got too old to keep up with them all so she started giving them away & so a friend and I went to check her out Dec 20th. She was SO timid. Had NEVER been outside-EVER. The breeder kept food out till 3pm and then she took the food away & the dog only ate in the crate. This was her first car ride, first other experience with humans and first grooming. She was under the couch when we got there. It took us 30 min before any of us found her. So she is SUPER timid right now but lets us hold her & pet her. We’re trying not to overwhelm her. But she’s warming to us. She doesn’t bark or growl, she’s just not sure. Her whole world has been turned upside down.

Dec 22-
Chloe made it to the vet and had an ear infection and worms. She took her medicine like a trooper and was perking up after a day or so on it. She got several shots too. After a call to the breeder, I found she is a year or so old. She was pretty sure her books had her birthday as Sept 6th. The vet and I are guess 2008 since she has all her adult teeth. Chloe weighs 6.2 lbs.

De 25-Jan3
She did great in the snow--you'd have thought having her world turned upside down, she'd be scared of 8 inches of snow, but she was a bounding trooper.
Chloe has been timid still at times, trembling but never shying away from us as if she's scared of us. She was never hit, but not being socialized or around children before, well our house is like jumping in feet first with noise.
She's also growled a couple of times at Hubbo coming in the room when she is laying next to me. At least she's made a noise finally! Chloe did lick my hand last weekend. Still only eating and drinking at night.

Jan 8-
Still can't really walk on the kitchen floor. I've read they have to master that if they've lived in a crate. But still, not ONE accident since she came to live with us. Chloe didn't eat last night but I think it's because I left her coat on for warmth. She didn't really know how to come back inside in it. Chloe did make some progress today with some firsts. She took food from my hand for the first time. So far she hadn't even accepted a treat from me. And she full out barked at Hubbo! We laughed, at least she has a voice in there! She also opened her body up while sleeping. She's been a tense, tight circle when sleeping, now she laid more on her back so I could rub her tummy. She's so soft like velvet!


I'm sure many will wonder why on earth I'd think a dog in our house wouldn't just create more chaos.
But, it's not only what my heart wanted--this is the longest I'd been without a dog in my life, but I wanted the boys to learn to live with and respect another living thing. I've learned in the few weeks we've had her that her special situation is only going to take love, patience and kindness. We happen to do those things pretty well around here.

Lately

Well I am ahead of the curve on Christmas. I even feel okay saying that out loud. THAT is how close I am to DONE people! I've been busy ever since Thanksgiving like most of us. I've been decorating, crafting, baking up a storm and knitting.

The kids are well. Some runny noses here and there but no fevers & no missed school. Son#2 is missing on school today because he went into the surgery center for Dr. E to repair his broken front tooth. He reinforced it this time which is probably best, and he filled two tiny cavities, cleaned & flossed his teeth for him. Hubbo took him in by himself while I stayed here getting #1 & #3 on the bus for school. All in all it went well. The worst part is usually getting son#2 into the OR and waking up. This time we had a new anesthesiologist and he thought he'd put all 139lbs of son#2 on a stool, put the mask on him and THEN move him to the OR table. Yeah right. Hubbo nixed that real quick.

Then the wake up time isn't the best. Most people don't really feel great coming out of the "fog", but kids seem to react more loudly. Of course, being non-verbal son#2 doesn't yell at us like son#1, but he DOES love to bellow like a bull moose right in your face with his surgery breath. And rip out IV's or pulse ox plugs. His poor lips are always cracked open and rough/dry while his voice is raspy from the tube down his nose and throat. All in all he sleeps it off for awhile and then he's back looking for the gravy train.

I thought I'd include some of my latest creations that have gotten me in the holiday spirit of giving this year.

Progress

Well it's been awhile-- hush about it. I've seriously enjoyed the quiet time at my house in the mornings M-Th with all three kids gone at school.
So as a slow progression back into the blogging world, I give you some funny tidbits of life around here lately. I hope to be back in the swing soon. Just don't push me or I'll go back to the couch & my bon bons.

Number one son is adjusting slower than I anticipated to the middle school grind. All the "new's" paired with hormones have him a tad grumpy 90% of the time.
His homework the other night was done with Hubbo, and these were his answers, always good for a laugh.

Instructions:
Tell why you would or would not like to ride in each vehicle listed below.

1. Airplane: I don't like to leave Oklahoma.

2. Ferry: I don't like crossing the river,

3. Taxi: I don't like riding with strangers.

4. Subway: I don't like being underground.

5. Motorcycle: They're too noisy.

Instructions: Suppose you worked in a bicycle shop. What might you say to someone to get them to buy a bike?

It costs $.88. It's good for riding it to school.

Today son#1 came home today telling me that Mrs. Fowlers at school is coming to Pryor with us next week for Thanksgiving. Surprise Aunt Tala! Here is our conversation:

Me; Well honey, Mrs. Fowlers probably has her own family she wants to spend Thanksgiving with. That's what most people do, spend it with their own family.

son#1: Well, not this year. She's coming to Pryor for the very first time. She'll just have to bring her parents. I think they'll like Pryor too.

(Now, I'll stop right here to tell you, Mrs. Fowlers has some lighter tones of gray in her hair...)

me: Hmmm, well have you asked her about this yet? Invited her?

son#1: No, but she'll come, she likes me.

me: You have the biggest heart of any kid I know.

son#1: Yeah I know. It's red & down in my stomach.

me: Your heart is in your stomach?

son#1: Yeah, I hide it there so no one steals it.

me: Sounds like a good place. I'll remind you of this conversation when you're dating.

Ten Things Tuesday

Things I'm thankful for today...

1. Son#3 started school today. He'll go M-Thurs 8:30am-noon. It's exciting but a new experience for us both.

2.Time to myself, to do what I want, watch what I want, when I want, without a running commentary. I might actually eat real food today too!

3. Cooler temps--so cool that my kids wore jackets this morning to school. YAY FALL! Bring it on!!!

4. Football season again. It's taken almost 4 years for me to be able to watch a game and enjoy it again or even care too much. My dad and I used to watch the Dallas Cowboys together since I was little. And after he died, it just wasn't the same. It was too painful to watch thinking of all the conversations I would have been having with him. It's a little easier this year.

5. I got a lot accomplished yesterday, meetings, errands, forms filled out...good feeling marking things off the eternal TO DO list in your head.

6. I'm ahead of the game by already having my nephews birthday present ready to send out.

7. TV shows are back! I'm looking forward to or have already enjoyed Bones, Castle & NCIS Los Angleles!

8. Son#1 still thinks I'm cool after I ATTEMPTED to fixed some computer game cheat code for him. Daddy ended up really getting it to work, but I think son#1 telling Daddy, "Julie actually got it to work." was a compliment.

9.Son#1 has a new saying: "Etc., etc., etc. " When his dad asked him if he knew what that meant, he said "Blah, blah, blah." I think that's pretty accurate. It's now our new favorite saying.

10. Did I mention time completely alone in my own house???

Ten Things Tuesday

Things I'm thankful for...

1. School--'nuff said!

2. Uplifting friends & the fun I've had with them eating, scrapbooking & going to the movies this week.

3. Getting closets organized. They can really slow you down in the mornings if they aren't.

4. Books & the escape they provide.

5. Netflix & the "Watch It Now" feature.

6. Answered prayers.

7. Getting caught up in my scrapbooks.

8. Paychecks

9. Food I don't cook or clean up.

10. My new haircut--even though I'm just now warming to it & don't think of it as different, everyone else seems to like it. That's a good feeling.

Great News!

We received some terrific news today and although we felt we knew this all along in our hearts, it's wonderful to have confirmation to tamp down any doubts. Or doubters--and there are those that look at your with doubt in their eyes.

Son#3 was tested recently and shows NO signs of cognitive delays! This means there is no sign of Autism. The word they used was "average". I can live with average.

How the Summer Was Won

For most people summer is something they look forward to & dream about the time spent away from home with their family in the warm sunshine. We're not most people.
I would venture to guess just about anyone reading this post has figured that out by now. Not only do I hate the heat, the sun gives me monstrous headaches and the kids never seem to have enough to keep them occupied. They really do miss school & the routine. Did I mention I hate the heat? Summer is my LEAST favorite time of year. So for all the times you're hearing friends and family lamenting about, "Where did the summer go?" I'm going to let you in on how we survived the summer around here & how happy we are it's over.

You'll notice I haven't blogged since the first week in June. Well, let's just say summer takes three of me and there's only just the one. I can't remember sitting down much of the summer actually. As my mother says it's a wonder I'm not super skinny. Summer school was wonderful & I enjoyed the break every morning with the two bigger boys gone from 8-noon. I actually got some things accomplished, cleaning the garage out and such. Don't be too impressed, it's really taken me 2 years. We even had almost 2 solid weeks of rain--I was in heaven! We played outside a lot of the first part of the month and the kids really enjoyed the beach ball, sprinkler, trampoline, swingset, sidewalk chalk and little baby pool to play cars/trains in. Around here with 100+% humidity, we don't get out much of July/August. It never seems to be worth the effort you put out for 10 minutes of feeling wiped out the rest of the day. Even the kids don't seem interested at all after 30 minutes. But we found plenty at the library and such to keep us busy inside the rest of the rainy month of June.

The kids had the first week of July off of school and Hubbo's father came to visit. We got to meet his new wife Ms. Yvonne. The kids loved the time with them & we got to get out and about as a family quite a bit. We went to the aquarium, which son #2 really seemed to enjoy. I think he would have stayed all day peering at the fish. Although the kids weren't as impressed with the shark feedings as we adults were, but then, we're taller. We also went to an animal sanctuary with tigers & lions. Hubbo and his dad did some of the feedings with frozen chicken legs. That was impressive and I took many pictures. The baby loved the petting zoo type part and was fearless around the llamas, geese, and goats especially. Son#1 said he could have done without the sanctuary for the following reasons: it smelled, flies, too hot...oh and the other flies. For July the heat really held itself at bay while our company was here and we did our fun things. The kids all enjoyed it and I am thrilled to report they were all very well behaved. We were impressed!

Son#1 loved VBS and found an older girl in Drama Time that he has a crush on. Boy it starts young! I finally got their picture & I think it'll make a nice scrapbook page to show him when he's 18. Son#1 also has started middle school and doesn't seem to impressed by it all. But that's Autism--resistance to change at it's best! We go this week to his open house where hopefully we will sort it all out with the teacher. He's having huge adjustments and many of them with getting up at 6:15am, bus leaving at 7am. Not to mention, new school, new teachers & new bus driver who is nowhere near the perfection of patience we reached in previous years. That's a lot to deal with for him. He'll probably start back wearing his medicine patches or a half of one, soon to help him cope with his anxiety about it all.

Son#2 is back on the old meds with no tics. The tic seemed to be from caffeine intake. Now that we monitor that, we've had no problems. Well except the eating/weight issue it causes, but we're working on that one. He had a good 9th birthday because we were able to find a replacement for a 2 year old singing pig he had that he wore out. It's very hard to find a non-speaking/non-traditional toy loving child, a birthday present. Much less more than one. The pig was a life saver and boy has he driven us crazy with it--a sure sign he loved it.

That leaves son#3 and boy has summer given him a big boost! First he had his 3 year check-up where the doctor informed us he was off the percentile chart for height and 98th% for weight. His hip/foot have straightened out a lot, although he'll have to start some PT soon to help keep him from walking on his tip toes. He's always done it for balance to counter the foot he drags. Sure doesn't slow him down though. And son#3 is talking in complete sentences now too! A sound close to Hubbo & I's heart although on a crazy day can drive me bonkers. But he's a huge help around here and is quite the happy boy 99% of the time. Who could ask for anything more? He keeps us all happy & laughing even when we're in the trenches.
We took him for evaluation to get placed in a pre-school program in the public school system here for this fall. With the brothers history, and him taking awhile to talk, we want to be sure we are proactive with his speech and give him some kids his own age to learn from. Ours not being the most typical household to learn in. Son#3 loved VBS with son#1. They both really enjoyed the stories of David and the other kids. And son#2 got plenty of time with daddy, his favorite playmate.

Well, that about does it. You're caught up on our goings-ons. I promise now that I have more time to myself with the kids in school, to blog more often. If you don't hear from me though, I'd start checking local bus stations & airports, I haven't had a vacation yet this year.

For Tala

According to my Aunt Tala, I'm overdue for a blog post, so I'll just update a few things for you all.
Since school has been out, son#2 has been back to the old meds, and therefore has been able to return to summer school. His behavior is better & he is the old Carson we all know & love. However, he is back to being consumed with food 24/7. Such is life on this med. As long as he is distracted, he is less bothersome about it. But you're never quite prepared for a 112 lb. boy to be playing crouching tiger, hidden food on your kitchen counter top.

They are all enjoying the outdoors in the mornings when it's in the 90's and not hitting 100 degrees yet.
Son #1 is having fun only doing summer school two mornings a week and having a break from his brother's newest set of verbal annoyances. Yes we want him to talk, but it's sure coming at a high pierced price lately. heh
Son#2 is saying things that sound an awful lot like "I LOVELOVE YOU" over & over & over & over again. The entire ding dong day. It's sort of like when you pray for patience and the Lord answers by giving you things to practice being patient about.

Son#3 is thinking of potty training. He understands & embraces it all. Loves to yell through the house, "Pee-pee potty!" and then runs to the bathroom going through the whole routine including telling me to sit in the "chair"--the side of the tub, to observe. After leaving the bathroom he then proceeds to pee-pee in his pull-up. Soon we need to work on the pee-pee finding it's way into the potty.

We have enjoyed playdough, Legos, watercolor paints, growing a snake you put in water and playing baseball.
And in the afternoons while the baby sleeps, son#1 is at the computer working on his computer skills & BrainPopJr. Son#2 prefers to follow me around practicing the newest verbal sound at the loudest frequency possible. I think without my annual girl trip and time away from my family, I'm working on that above mentioned patience thingie.

I think it's safe to say the majority of parents love summer & enjoy the time with the kids home. I DO enjoy the less rigorous routine around here, but I have to say I work more than ever. Cooking three different meals a day for at least 4 different people, all the while being surrounded by my paparazzi. With the heat & energy that all takes, I find I have less energy to remove myself somewhere pleasant at the end of the evening to recharge my batteries. Summer's heat has never been my favorite & the boredom kids seem to suffer from doesn't place it close to my heart either. But we're hanging in there. If you don't hear from me in the next couple of weeks, you may find I've run off to escape somewhere MUCH, MUCH cooler. For now, I leave you with pictures of the boys enjoying themselves.

More Journal Thoughts From Jack

Things here have been crazy the past month with son #2, and I don't want to get into it all just yet. I need some distance, plus it's not all over with. So in the meantime, in honor of the last day of school,and all the stuff son#1 is bringing home from his desk, let's all smile & give a chuckle to his journal entries. The literal mind of an 11 year old, sort of simplifies things for me & makes me feel better.

If I went to the jungle: I would see a snake. You can look but don't touch. The jungle is cool.

If I went to the beach: I would build a sand castle. I also would barry doritos in the sand. Then we play in the sand. Then when it is time to go I pick up the doritos.

My dentist trip: They gave me medicine. My tongue did not go numb (like Jar Jar did) then we went home.

My weekend: For dinner this Saturday was Munchies. For dinner this Sunday is Lays. (orange)
note: I eat those a little bit so I don't jump around. *Son#1 knows if he eats junk & jumps around a lot, he'll probably throw up.*

My weekend: Julie went to a hole tell. Matt stayed. She came home this Sunday. *I really hope the teacher doesn't think we were fighting.*

My Christmas Break: It is 2009. I played with Grayson. He was cool.

My Imperial Day: I played the Wii. Julie got a new van. It was cool. *don't ask what an Imperial day is, because I do not know, although I always lean towards Star Wars.*

My Martin Luther King Jr. Day: I visited Brain Pop for the movie. They won't let them eat the same Lays. So he had a dream. *this clarifies the fight of civil rights huh?*

My Presidents Day: I played on my Nintendo ds. Matt got the van. It felt better. * we tell them at the cars go to vehicle hospitals*

My weekend: Julie went back to scrapbooking to finish. She was back before dinner. I love her.

My Spring Break: We cleaned up for visitors. I showed them the Wii. I love them. *I think this was his uncle/aunt & cousins.*

My weekend: Julie hurt her leg after scrapbooking. It will feel better soon. Matt got me Munchies. caution: she hops on one leg as a bunny

My Easter day: We hunted for eggs inside. They have gummies. We ate them. *this one feels like it needs a Biblical, "And it was good." at the end doesn't it?*

My weekend: On Saturday we went to Big Lots. I got a Sprite bottle. We got more stuff at Big Lots.

My Mother's Day weekend: We went to the Autism run. I played on the trampoline. Then at Best Buy we got presents for Julie.

Memorial day weekend: Grayson and Carson went with Matt. I stayed with Julie. They got home.


And last night we had to pick up Hubbo from work, so we all piled in the tiny, red clown car since the van is still in the car hospital. These are the laugh out loud observations son#1 made on this trip. Amazing how they listen to every little thing even when you think they aren't.

First we passed the armory in town that is where the weekend reserve military people meet up. He yells out, "There's a civil war tank!" Hubbo & I both felt quite old & discussed how to our kids, WWII will seem like the Civil War did to us.

Then we come to a huge Bible college here in town called Rhema. Their auditorium is quite large & has a well lit digital moving sign out front. While waiting at a light in front of it, Jack asked if this was where American Idol was.

Then we discussing someone marrying someone else, and he pipes up and asks, "Marian? She's on Indiana Jones!"
me: "Not that Marian honey."

As we pull up to Charlie's Chicken, son#1 bursts out, "There's the red barn house with the chicken memorial!" * the rooster weather vane on the roof*
And finally as we're in line at the drive-thru, he asks me, "Maybe Harrison Ford is in that car in front of us."
me: "Why do you think that?"
son#1: "I noticed his hair.."

A BIG Ten Things Tuesday

Being the last month of school, we've been more heavily involved in school things. Son #1 goes to middle school next year (6-7-8 grades) and son#2 is having issues staying at school
so I thought I'd just show you with some pictures what we've been up to.

1. Rainbow day at son#2's school. Each grade wears a certain color & the clear a parking lot while someone stands on the roof and takes a school picture.
2. Son #1's latest funny journal entries:

If I went to the desert, I would see : snakes. It is hot in the desert. I would see cacti.
The last time I cried was: Grayson ate my Lays. I got another one. That made me happy.
If I could build a robot: like Moby. I can install his speech function. He would say give me fifty dollars.
I smile (it said scream & he crossed it out & put smile) whenever I see: ants. They look for crumbs. They are cute.
A place that seems interesting is: New York. It has cities in it.
Right now something I really need is: a few bags of Lays. I need them because I'm keeping them. I eat them.
The telephone is an important invention because: you call someone far away. You can call your family. I call the police.
I'd like to invent a machine that: makes lightsabers. It has a red blade. I make it out of glass.
My favorite thing to talk about is: nothing. I don't have to talk. I have nothing to say.

3. Tuscany Brand Brushetta from Sam's. And Multi-Grain crackers from Sam's. Yummo!

4. My new gadget that has me eating A LOT of fresh pineapple!

5. Son#2 went to back to school today & hopefully when the baby naps, I'll get some time alone!

6. The month of May has tons of good movies coming out so Hubbo and I are on the path to see several this month starting with Star Trek. He went last night, and hopefully tonight I'll go.

7. Son#3 has enough hair that after he got an electric train stuck in his hair & we had to cut it out close the scalp, there's not even a hole in his mop of a head.

8. I plugged in a nightlight last week about the time that lightning struck closeby. It sparked, barely zapped my thumb but there was not ONE piece of glass found or metal from that bulb. Nothing but stink & black soot.




9. The local Autism walk was this past Saturday & we had a load of fun. For the first time all the Swaims got to participate. I was thrilled we could all be there! Even though dark weather was looming, we had a great turn out of a lot more people than usual. Possibly because they pushed it back a couple of weeks later this year. We had it at a new place too that I think was much more suited to the walk. Special thanks from the bottom of my heart to Carrie & her family, Tracey, Tamara and all of son#1's teachers/principal and administrators for showing up to support us all.
10. And last, yesterday was our field trip to son#1's school he'll attend next year--Middle school.
I had no idea I'd be so emotional over it. But seeing these boys I recognized from earlier years was just so overwhelming! They were so tall, most taller than me. And one greeted us at the door, showing his previous teacher that was with us, he had a moustache now. HA! We had a tour, lunch & got to meet a lot of the their teachers and kids he'll be with next year. It was a blast & I'm so happy I went. It's interesting to be an outsider watching the way a young person with Autism can communicate with another person on the spectrum. Or what they choose to communicate about. These kids were such a joy that I'm loosing my trepidation about son#1 moving on & growing up.

Ten Things Thursday

1. I'm thankful that the week is almost over. Son#2 may go to school tomorrow so today sort of feels like Friday to me.

2. I'm thankful that now we KNOW what son#2 is like, completely off meds. It's been three years since we began that journey. But we're still going to try & find a new one to help him cope with his emotions.

3. I'm thrilled my whole family will be doing the Autism walk this Saturday!!

4. I'm very excited Mother's Day is Sunday. Bring on the indulgence! That's always fun & the kids are already bringing me flowers from school. Son #1 even brought me two yesterday. When I asked him why he got to bring two, he said Noah said his mother wouldn't like them. Oh my--I hope the teacher knows!

5. I was thankful I finished two books in the last two weeks. And for an upbeat book this last month in my book club. It was an autobiography called "A Girl Named Zippy" about growing up in a tiny town in Indiana. And this month we're reading the classic "To Kill A Mockingbird".

6. Our fridge/freezer locked up but we were lucky that it only cost $175 and was repairable. I did not want to have to buy a new fridge (although I do want a bigger boy sized fridge) to fit this house.

7. I'm thankful my aunt's surgery went well even though they had to replace her elbow joint. And that a friends car accident & cardiologist report were nothing significant.

8. And since we've had to be on the phone every day & multiple times a day with our doctor/nurse, we are truly thankful they care, give us their cell numbers & call to check in. We feel like royalty with their care & concern.

9. I'm always thankful for low-drama friends. Let's hear it for the normal & boring!!!

10. And finally, I'm so thankful that I got some medical stuff figured out & maybe now I won't be slug mommy and I can return to my regular go-go-go self.

Five Things You Might Not Know About Our Household

Some people don't understand much about living with Autism, while others have seen a lot. But living with it daily & in our case in double amounts, there are every day things you may not realize.
Things that most all of us take for granted and may not realize the struggle it poses at our house. Obviously Autism is different for every person & each caregiver handles it different ways. This is just some of the stuff that goes on here at our house & how we handle it.

1. My kids don't blow their noses. You can try to explain the process over & over, and son#1 tries, but no dice. It'd sure help them tremendously if they could. The amount of sneezes they produce & the ferocity with which they sneeze...you'd be amazed. No one goes to college not knowing how to tie their shoes, but I really hope we can blow our nose by then.

2. Son #2 is not potty trained & after dinner is his "business" time. He sometimes even plays in it like a toddler. (Carrie didn't you have a story to tell me about this?) That's never fun to clean up on an 8 year old or the things around him. And we're in the biggest pull-ups they make. But it's very hard to reason and explain the digestive process to someone that doesn't speak and shows no interest. When son#1 potty trained, he watched the commercial for pull-ups & just wanted to be "a big kid now. Just like talking, late to the game, but when he did it, he just did it.

3. It took EIGHT years into our marriage before we got to sleep through the night on a regular basis. I guess it wasn't that terrible when you're right out of college and you're used to no sleep. But once I hit 30, I started to notice. We were so thankful that son#3 slept through the night from the get go. We felt we earned that one.

4. Son#2 loves food. He likes to watch me cook it, and eating is his favorite sport. This poses a problem after dinner. We barely get set down to eat ourselves, and he's almost done eating. As soon as dinner is over, we have to clean up--IMMEDIATELY. Any food left in pots/pans or on plates, all have to be cleaned up immediately or son#2 plays in it, strings it around the house or eats it. No pans soaking in our sinks or he plays in the water. At the end of the day after making dinner, the last thing I want to do is jump up & clean the entire kitchen. But we pay for it if we don't.

5. Our kids don't swallow medicine. They WILL throw up. So we have been fortunate enough to find a doctor that calls in almost anything to the compounding pharamcy so that we can have it topical form. It comes in a syringe without a needle, and is like lotion. In fact, son #1 still calls it "lotion medicine". We have Tylenol, Ibuprofen, and Phenegren for throwing up. If they just made one for the runs, we'd be set!

Side Effects

Well, we've had some side effects pop up for son#2. We were confused for awhile about where the cause of the effects were coming from. Was it the old meds he was on for three years or was it the new meds meeting some of the old in his body & having a reaction. He's ticing his head to the side & rolling his neck so violently & so often, that there was a point where we were worried he'd have convulsions or a seizure. Easter weekend it was happening every 2 seconds literally. Poor kid was smart enough to figure out if he laid down in bed, the gravity would hold his head back. He didn't even sit at the dinner table, his favorite place. When he would sit there for 5 minutes, he'd hold his head in his hand. It was horrible to watch as a parent & nto be able to help.We couldn't even demonstrate it to someone without getting dizzy after a couple of throws of the head. And we weren't doing it nearly as hard. Not to mention I'm sure he had a headache but couldn't tell us. We were afraid to leave him alone in a room or give him a bath or shower, in case he fell & hurt himself.

After seeing the doctor yesterday, she is afraid he has Dystonia Movement Disorder. We are to see a psychiatrist because they are more familiar with seeing this and can tell the difference between that & just tics. It really isn't too promising considering that it's a vicious cycle. If son#2 doesn't take the meds, he hurts himself. When he takes the meds, he ticcing and that could lead to permanent ticcing or paralysis in the neck.

We are trying to be patient & wait but as a parent, that's not what I want to do, nor is it what's the easiest thing to do. He is making tons of strides at school and is really maturing in many ways. The ticcing has lessened, but he walks around with his arm over his head, holding his head still. As the doctor said, "Like the poor kid needs one more thing to work through." Hopefully we'll have answers soon, but in the meantime, we wait.

Autism & Bare Minerals Make-Up--Help Us Raise $$!

Since April is Autism Awareness month, what better time to release a fund raising opportunity for the cause! Below was posted on my Bare Escentuals Addicts (BEA) bulletin board a couple of weeks ago.* Click anything that has a different color to purchase or read more about.

I was so pleased to be given such a fun and enjoyable opportunity to help raise money for Autism. Please feel free to buy more than one for teacher gifts, Mother's Day, Christmas or birthday presents or just to help raise money. They are $13. ~Julie


The BE Cares team at Bare Escentuals, are thrilled to tell you that the Spring 2009 BEAUTY Cares Campaign is ready to launch.

This campaign will raise funds for Autism Awareness with a donation to Autism Research International through the sale of a specially created color called "Puzzle". Puzzle was created by Julie Swaim, a long-time member of BE Addicts and the mom of two autistic boys, Jackson and Carson.

Jules worked with BE to provide lots of input into the creation of a color which describes all the many, many aspects of the autism spectrum. The result is a gorgeous, shimmery, ever-changing kaleidoscope of sparklies in a base of creamy lavender-pink. As with our other BEAUTY Cares colors, Puzzle is versatile. You can wear it dry for a more subdued neutral look, but if you want to really show it off and unearth its full spectrum of characteristics, foil it with a damp brush.

We hope you'll love Puzzle as much as we do and that you'll pull out all the stops to help put this charity color over the top, just like you've done each and every time. Please click this link to purchase the eye color. Puzzle will be available in all BE Boutiques until the end of the charity campaign or stock is exhausted, whichever comes first.

Feel free to link to this message on other people who will want to participate in our fund raiser. We want to create a hugely fantastic donation for Autism Research Institute and make sure we have a sell-out of the color.

Thanks for your support!
The BE Cares team

* I've deleted some names as well as the info that is now irrelevant.

Ten Things Tuesday

1. Hubbo brought me 3 magazines, including a knitting one & a word search book from the store Sunday.

2. My friend Tammy brought us homemade pot roast Saturday night with carrots & potatoes. Rolls, grapes & some iced brownies that Hubbo LOVED. Thanks Tammy!

3. I can put more pressure on my foot now, just not much at a time.

4. I got to go scrapbook Friday night with my friends. My husband was kind enough to drop me off & my friend Terry & her husband Max were nice enough to take me home. I didn't get a huge amount done, but boy was it nice to get out.

5. Hubbo's still getting kids ready in the mornings & on the bus. Which is a good thing. It takes me FOREVER to wake up after taking a pain pill at night. I'm yawning as I write this.

6. Today is Mr. Johnny's birthday. Mr. Johnny is the janitor at son#1's school. He wears overalls & is very soft spoken but so good with the kids. And son#1 has taken a special liking to him. Mr Johnny even sent son#1 a coloring book & crayons when he was home after having his tonsils out. And on his birthday one year sent him a card with 8 crisp one dollar bills. (son#1's favorite number) Today the kids are dressing in overalls & flannel shirts & bringing birthday cards. Since it's son#1's last year there, the teacher will take a picture for me. We've been very lucky & blessed to have such great people at our sons' schools. Even the janitors care!

7. Hubbo brought another surprise from the store the other day, to eat after the kids went to bed.8. The church we attend has hired a new preacher & they have an Autistic son who has some issues with staying in services. I believe he is 16 years old. This is very encouraging because I think they intend to make a room for him to be should be not want to be in the auditorium for services. Son#2 can't go because he is too loud & obviously is too big for the nursery so there's been no where to take him. If they follow through on this, our whole family may get to go to church together as a family which hasn't happened in years.

9. BE Cares campaign with Autism is allowing me to share my sons stories of Autism & how it's touched our lives & bring more people to use Bare Escentuals mineral makeup. (more to come)

10. The "baby", son#3, is saying "mommy" this week. I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! One out of three ain't bad!