Sensory Update

Hygiene Victory Over Sensory Distress!

I've given another bath and shampoo session to James, and again, no yelling, screaming, crying, thrashing, or tears. He even sat still and let me do a big trim number on his hair.

After, I brushed his hair several times (which is usually hard to get him to sit still and allow). I even got to swipe the extra ear wax out of his outer ear.

He is still in a good mood.

Yes! Yes! Yes!!!!

SOOC Saturday: Morning Glory

definition - glory: resplendent beauty or magnificence

Morning after a huge rain storm (front, SOOC)

SOOC: wish the camera phone captured nuances better

Sunrise out back: glorious, even in SOOC

I look up overhead and watch layers of differently lit clouds waft by

sigh

And here are the same photos, boosted and/or cropped a little:

It feels good to be participating again in the SOOC action at Marvelous Mommy's blog. Come on over to see more or join in!

Magic Marker Monday: Red Journal

Just before Winter Break, James brought home his writing log, which he calls his Red Journal. Considering he had trouble getting 4 letters on 1 page of paper last year, this is a Magic Journal for me!

Baseline, from September:

We have our puzzling days:

I see his teacher and aide's names there ...

 ummmmmm ...

"At school, the lights were not on. I feel bored. I went to speech with Jack. We watch -- "
 er, um, cheeus cager goose? This will keep me awake at night.

The ones that make my heart ache a bit :

Although I have to take the "worried" with a grain of salt, because:

Even though he writes he's mad, he enjoys the spelling practice at home and this is his usual result for spelling tests:

I also know that James reverses his pronouns (mostly on purpose, I believe) and mispronounces his own last name. He gets a big kick out of that, go figure.


For more great masterpieces or to share some of your own,
visit 5 Minutes for Special Needs for more Magic Marker Monday.

                   
 
(and yes, I know it's Friday -- it's been a week)

Weathering It

It's always hard to post when my heart is hurting or I am overwhelmed. Put the two together and there's a lot of lag time between posts - sorry.

Like so many other families, the bad economy and rising prices are stressing out my husband and I. There are fewer resources to help us. I have never gone so long between jobs that are regular and (relatively) well-paying. Oh the irony. I now have more time during work hours, but no big chunks at once and almost no money. So things that used to give me pleasure and relaxation, such as going to a museum, out for coffee, or live music, are much harder to do. I don't know how much money I can spend except probably don't. We are close to a financial edge we don't want to go over.

It's hard for me because I am used to working harder, or more jobs. Can't do that now; mostly because of child care issues, but also I don't have the strength I once did. It's no longer just mine, it's been given out to my family, and I am running mighty low some days.

There have been a few extra curves thrown at me lately since early December that somehow I am having trouble absorbing and managing. I've had to cut loose from some issues and it almost feels like I'm seeing off someone I care about but am exhausted over as they sail off into the Pacific in a lifeboat with issues. It makes me feel numb.

Well, what can I do? Hope and pray they make it okay, because I really truly do. Be there for my kids, because they really need me. Leave doors open and bridges unburned. Believe that this will not last forever and things will change for the better.

 Take in the small things that do keep happening and keep me glad I'm alive and living today. Things like good coffee in a cup,  a peaceful 20 minutes in a quiet morning home, listening to birdsong, tasting rain, a smile when I needed it and didn't know it. Smiles and schnuggles from my kids, a clean sink (fleeting as it is), ten minutes of nothing time in the hugely relaxing purple armchair. An outstanding design, a beautiful painting, music that speaks to me, light falling just so across the kitchen counter. A really funny story, LOL cats, good books, and Dr Who.

Appreciate the big things, like relatively good health, a party that my husband and I got to attend recently, respite care with people I trust, good online friends, a chance to talk with my parents - especially my mother - and see them smile.

Having my sunny kid, the one on a spectrum that is infamous for difficulties in relating to people, coming up to me, patting my back and saying "It's going to be okay, Mommy. It's going to be okay." Then giving me that warm smile. And a kiss.

Spelling Silliness

At Denny's, looking at the menu.

Me (reading menu, attempting to distract a bouncing James): "Look, honey! What does this spell?"
Pointing to a header that reads "SIDES"

James: "S .... STARBUCKS!!!! Hahahahahaha!!!!"

Classic James camera phone shot at Denny's.

Thinking up more mischief.

Magic Marker Monday: The Write Stuff

I try to get both children to write thank you notes. With their birthdays occurring so close to Christmas, it can be a challenge. I have found out that they do best if I get them to do about three at a sitting. They do not want to use pre-printed cards -- they want to make their own.

James, in particular, is excited to make them this year. He wanted to write his own thank yous. I dictated the letters an provided some guide lines, he did the reast. He even picked the colour of the paper for the cards and chose and placed the foam stickers on his own as well.

Materials:
* Handy Dandy Pad o' Construction Paper ($1 from the Dollar Store)
* Tub o' foam stickers (about $5 on sale from Michael's)
* Markers on sale from Target ($1 a box of 10)
* Misc. ball point pens

I found it was easier to have James write the message on the inside first before decorating the front. The foam stickers made an uneven surface for writing, and he kept making holes and got frustrated. Can I say how proud and happy I am that James can write his own Thank You cards?

His sister did a marvelous job as well. She detailed her presents in the front of the cards in design. I love how she put puzzles on the inside! Someone has been enjoying all those 3rd grade worksheets.

For more great masterpieces or to share some of your own,
visit 5 Minutes for Special Needs for more Magic Marker Monday.

               
  

Zumba Time ... or Not

School begins again next week. Both kids are getting antsy for a routine and some adventure. James' sister made up a picture scheduler for their day. It was sweet, because she conferred with her brother and he rose to the occasion.

Right now it's Zumba Time in her room. I can hear the music going, punctuated with "Yay!!!" and laughter. James is running around in my sweatshirt, his jammies, and rain boots.

 I hope it lasts. James has not only discovered the power of "NO!," he has acquired quite a verbal litany to back up his dissensions. Luckily, he adores the times his sister wants to play with him, so we don't get much of that at when they play together.

And, I have found an excellent way to encourage the kids to go play:

Another reason to love my Jane Austen DVDs!