Summer Catch up post (aka the highlights of June)

My Dad turn's 51

We had a BBQ to celebrate
My Sister Melissa and my niece Kelsey

Me and my dad
My brothers Gehrhart and Louis, My dad and Amanda, me and my sister Melissa

Father's Day

We hosted the Harris Family for a father's day celebration. We had lots of food and lots of fun in our back yard.

We sat through a couple more parades
Owen was so cute waving to all the floats
Our nephews Gavin and Conner in the parade
We went to the farm
My cousin Alyix got married
My cutie neice
My handsome nephew
My cousin Tuck (who's getting married in a few weeks) my brother Gehrhart and my nephew
My grandparents who raised Alyix
So there you have it...notice I only posted the highlights? June was a difficult month but the great thing about life is that even though there are hard times there all also great times! Bring on July!

You can't rain on my parade!

We had a great time at the Strawberry days parade! The kids swarmed the streets for the candyAnd we had a great time even though it rained and the wind blew

Emilia happened to be at the right place at the right time and someone from the parade gave her this bunny! She was so excited!

What makes a good Father?

A good father plays with his kids

Adam is so good at playing with the kids. He's the one that rough and tumbles with them. He's the one that gets dirty with them. He plays a mean hide & seek and the kids always have a hard time finding him. I love watching him play with the kids

A good father helps with chores

Adam is a very tidy person and he likes things to be in order. To be honest, most of the housework falls on my shoulders but have you seen our yard? And, he enforces that the kids do their chores, something I don't. And, he always helps when asked or when he knows that I'm too stressed. And today, even though it's Father's Day he helped me clean up breakfast.

A good father disciplines

Adam is the enforcer. I wish I could say that when I sit Owen or Ian in time-out that they stay. They only do for Adam. I never threaten my kids by saying things like, "wait until your father gets home", but they know I will most likely be sharing all their antics with him later.

A good father gets involved in his kids’ lives

Whether it's reading Thomas for the millionth time or going to camp with Matthais, Adam makes sure to be part of the kids lives. He takes an interest in each child and their hobbies and activities.

A good father protects his kids

I think this pretty much goes without saying. I know Adam would do anything to protect his kids and his family.

A good father talks with his kids

Hearing the same stories about coaches and freight cars over and over can get quite boring but Adam never lets that show. He listens to the kids and takes interest in what they are saying. He even talked to Matthais about why he shouldn't have a girlfriend at 11. He's the go to guy when the kids have something to talk about.

When I married Adam 14 years ago I had no idea what kind of father he was going to be, although I was pretty sure he'd me a great one. He has proved me wrong by being a WONDERFUL one. I couldn't ask for a better husband and father. Happy Father's Day Adam, we love you!

Craft day

It was time I had some adult conversation with some girls and since we are all stuck at home with kids I decided to invite a few friends over for a craft and lunch. Here are the kids with all the cute animal bracelets we made...

And here are the moms...

Thanks gals, I really needed that! Next week?!?!?

The Joys of parenting a child with Autism

I recieved this from my friend Jen today...thought I'd share! I really am blessed!

A Few Joys of Raising Autistic Children


We get to enjoy our favorite movie line quotes again and again and again.

Peer pressure—what’s that?

If the definition of humor is absurd and unexpected responses—we have A LOT of good jokes!

I actually prefer all my measuring cups lined up end to end across the kitchen floor.

There’s untold joy in finally toilet-training that 8-yr old.

Fresh perspectives on parenting, relationships, the gospel, and the history of steam engines.

Buzz Lightyear is actually a member of our family.

I have met more angels since my autistic child was born than most people meet in a life time.

I may have been compelled to learn it, but what better attributes than patience and compassion.

I know more about parenting than all the other parents I know combined; because they all gave me their advice.

Living with a developmental delay is like watching child development with time-lapse photography—you can actually see the Lord’s hand in it.

I love to end all of my sentences with “Not-otherwise-specified”.

Chasing a totally unaware child the entire length of Disney Land and back burns roughly 15,000 calories—that’s like 25 donuts!

When my child is displaying some echolalia, I just say out loud, “Mom, you are sooo good lookin’!”

They say autism is complicated, but with a child who has no social awareness, “What you see is what you get”—could these children be more simplistic?

Children of few words rarely talk back.

It is the lessons we learn from teaching our “outside-of –the box” children, that help us to be better teachers of all children.

Could it be that my autistic child came here to lead me to the hand of God?

If flowers grow best when there is both sun and rain, we must be living in a lush rainforest!

Sometimes it’s nice to be loved by someone who has never passed a judgment.

Are there references to autism in the Bible? Oh, yes!--those who had no guile.

A child that doesn’t learn deception until age 12 and still isn’t any good at it two years later is pretty easy to keep in line.

When you live with someone who interprets everything literally, “cashews” become something cows wear on their feet, and “notions” are people who have no shins.

A conversation with Ian

Yesterday was a bad day. In fact you might even say it was a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. I know that the root of the problem is me. I've known that for a long time now. I am struggling with so many different problems that all the little things push me over the edge. Having Ian doesn't help. Ian is a 24 hour a day job. Most kids are, but I mean 24 hour hard, manual, back breaking labor. If I had nothing else to do in a day but breathe, I could handle Ian. But as it turns out, that is not the case. After Adam got home and I unloaded on him, (I only posted about half the story) I still felt very overwhelmed and stressed. I was itching to get out of the house but I had no where to go so I just kinda moped around. After about and hour or so of that Adam said "you need to take Ian for a walk". The LAST thing I wanted to do was take Ian for a walk. Adam insisted so I did. We walked around the block and our conversation was something like this (I'll give you the readers digest version)

Ian: Promise, don't stay out of the road.
Mom: Ian, you need to stay out of the road
Ian: Promise, never stay out of the road

Ian: Promise, never touch other peoples cars
Mom: That's right Ian, don't touch the cars
Ian: Promise, never

Ian: Promise, never go to Preston's House (we were walking by Preston's house)
Mom: You can play at Preston's house, just not today
Ian: Promise, never play at Preston's house

The conversation went on like this the whole time. If you've ever had a conversation with Ian you know that he repeats himself over and over and says very random things. And it seems to us like he always says the opposite of what he means. For instance, he is always saying "never go peepee in the potty" even though we tell him to go peepee in the potty. Anyway, Adam must have been inspired to have me take Ian on this walk because I learned a lot about Ian. I realized that pretty much all we say to Ian is "don't" "no" "stop". Sure there are a few "good jobs" and "That's awesome" but most of the talk is negative. Ian has no friends. He watches his brother and sister play and go to others houses and Ian is just home. Sending him to someones house is asking them to babysit and I hate doing that to people and no one wants to come here. His way of initiating play is pulling hair and climbing on people. Most people are turned off my the sheer volume of his voice. This kid is amazing. I love him with all of my heart and I am not giving him a fair shake simply because it's too hard. I am his mom and I know him better than anyone else yet, I am the one that wants to spend the least amount of time with him. He is at school today and yes the house is less chaotic. I've managed to get a lot done and I haven't had to clean up any pee. But, I miss him. I need to be the kind of mother he deserves. I need to be more patient, more loving and more uplifting to him. I know he is my son for a reason and I believe it's so that he can drag me into heaven with him. Man I love that kid! Now it's time to show him.

Running out of patience

After almost 6 hours of searching, both sets of car keys have been found. The story goes like this...I dropped Millie and Matthais off at the library for Movie Monday and deliberately locked the doors on the van to keep Ian out of it. The problem is, the fuse is blown and the doors don't lock automatically so I missed one. I catch Ian playing in the van a little while later and make sure I lock that door.Fast forward and hour, I decide to run a few errands before the movie is over but lo and behold both sets of keys are missing. I look desperately but can't find them anywhere so I cram all the kids into the Tahoe and head out. I get back and begin the search only I'm certain they are in the van. Luckily they weren't but the longer I looked, the madder I got. I have not been a happy camper today. The keys were found outside along with a missing phone and a missing TV remote. The "plan" I spoke about in a previous post completely flew out the window today. Between the missing keys and the pull up I fished out of a poop filled toilet, I've had it. I know it must seem like my patience level is pretty low but believe me...considering all the stuff I deal with on a daily basis...I'm a pretty patient person. There are just some things that really push me over the edge. Today, it was the missing keys. But mostly it's the Little things. I couldn't help but think...8 more weeks of this! There is no possible way I can survive 8 more weeks of this! But I will right? I mean no ones kids ever killed them by being out of control right? I don't know. I feel like any sense of control is completely out of my reach. Not to mention that I rarely have any adult contact and I really miss my friends. Maybe there is a reason I'm not invited to lunch or to any girls nights out...maybe I really am as crazy as I feel. I guess I wouldn't want to hang out with myself either.

Easing my way out of denial

I got up and did my run this morning. I didn't want to but I did. I've been putting my runs off until the pm and more days than not I can find a reason not to go. And the reason always seems more important than the looming 26.2 miles I have coming in less than 4 months. I've pretty much been in denial concerning this marathon. I thought long and hard about why this morning. It's not that I think I'm going to wake up the morning of October 3rd and run this baby without preparation. I know I can't. I just haven't felt the urgency to get going. The last 6 months or so of my life has brought along a few life changing experiences. Some that literally knocked me off my feet. I feel like I am still recovering, trying to learn to live this "new" life. And for some reason, running marathons felt like part of that old life. It doesn't have to be that way and I desperately want running to be part of who I am. I love it. I really do love to run! The truth is I've felt for awhile that taking care of myself has not been a priority but rather an after thought. Maybe that is why I've packed on 30+ pounds in less than a year. I know as mom's we tend to look at everyone else's needs before our own but it's been really hard for me to realize I DESERVE to be healthy and happy. Yes, I deserve it. Sometimes it takes something like signing up for a marathon even though you have know desire to do the training to really knock yourself out of your line of thinking. I'm committed to running this marathon which means I'm committed to training and I'm committed to taking care of myself so that it doesn't kill me. 16 weeks until the big day. No more "training for training", No more putting off runs or workouts. No more telling myself I don't have the time. Denial is over. Training has begun!

Well, I survived another week

I know, I sound so pathetic...Really though, at this point, survival is the best I can hope for. After countless messes and accidents I put Ian back in pull-ups. It doesn't seem to bother him. I give him like three accidents before I put them on but I'm thinking that even that is making me crazy so it's probably going to change. He goes back to school next week for a few hours a day and I feel like I might actually gain control again. That means chores, scheduled meals and activities. I know that we all feel better when there is structure but I haven't felt like I could even musture up the energy. I think we had one day last week that I never really made a meal. The kids just ate whatever (if they ate!). But, no more; I'm ready for the structure. The kids will still fight, the house will still be a mess and I'll be changing diapers on a 9 year-old but I will be doing it with a smile because I will have a plan. Wish me luck.

Emilia to the rescue

Why does all the crazy stuff happen to me? So today I decide to play the good mom and take the kids over to the local elementary school to play on the playground. I decided to be an even BETTER mom and grab a pizza so we can call it a picnic too. We spread out the blanket, kick our shoes off and have a piece of pizza or two. The kids play and it isn't long before they're begging for me to push them on the swings. I had brought along my journal and was jotting some thoughts but decided to be a good mom and push them. I left my journal and the kids shoes sitting on the blanket as well as the empty pizza box. After the swings, Millie wanted to show me a shortcut from the school to the park. We walked over to the far end of the school field and then turned around and came back. On the way back I noticed a man carrying what looks like a blanket and then he disappears. Surely someone didn't just take my blanket and my kids shoes right? No, couldn't be. We stop at the swings and swing some more but I feel unnerved about what I think I might have saw so I gather up the kids and head over to our picnic spot. Sure enough, the blanket, shoes, everything is gone. Ok? I think...are we not allowed to play on the playground at the school? Luckily the front doors are open and someone is in the office. I explain to her our situation and she starts trying to track down the janitor. "Surely" she says, "he wouldn't have taken your stuff". Thirty minutes later she reaches the janitor at home. Yes, he picked up our stuff...and threw it in the trash can. Not just any trash can but those industrial sized trash cans that most schools have. But not to worry...they were just emptied. UGH!!! We had to lift Millie into the can to retrieve our stuff. Getting her out was not easy as the can was about 4 feet tall and I'm just over five and she had nothing to step on to help her out. But we did it. She saved the day. Seriously, do people really just leave there blankets and shoes at the playground that often? I mean...did he really think I'd just abandoned my kids sandals? Turns out the janitor working was a teenager. I guess he doesn't realized just how expensive it is to keep kids in shoes.

Spa night?

One of Millie's favorite Christmas gifts was this spa kit.

She played with it lots right after Christmas but then it got put on her shelf and forgot about. The other day she pulled it out and asked me to help her with it. I put it off for a couple of days cause I just didn't need the mess. Last night I finally helped her mix up the vanilla cupcake foot scrub.

Somehow she talked her brothers into spa night. Who needs sisters when you have brothers who will do foot scrubs and facials with you?

Car shopping

So, we've decided to get a new car. Well, a new family vehicle, rather, since our family no longer fits in a standard car. I hate buying new things like this. New houses, new cars...they totally stress me out. How do you find the right one? What can we afford? Is it going to be a lemon? We wanted a vehicle that would seat at least 7, preferably 8. I wasn't keen on a Suburban or another big van. We had pretty much settled on buying a Honda Pilot. When we looked around and found we would have to pay more than we would like we started looking at other options. The Odyssey wasn't going to work, (once again, too much), Maybe a Durango? Well, I found an add for a killer deal on a Tahoe. We bought it pretty much sight unseen. It really was such a great deal we figured if it didn't work out for us we could turn around a sell it. We need to find a seat for the third row, it needs new tires and it needs a good scrubbing but I'm really excited. I've never loved our van. And somehow, I feel more hip rolling in the SUV. Of course I've joined the throng of gas guzzling vehicles on the road with the V8 engine. I hope I don't live to regret it!

Just more of the daily crap

If your squeamish, turn away now. I've wanting to post about this for some while now but haven't just because of the subject matter. But, it's become such a daily routine for me now that I just *have* to "journal" it. What is it about my kids and POOP??? Ian has been potty trained for 6 years now, Owen, 1. But, it never fails. Any and pretty much every time these two need to poop, it ends up on my walls, on the toilet, on the floor, in their pants, on their hands, on the toilet paper, on the sink and in the tub (cause that is where I throw them!). I clean up at least 3 of these messes a day. Keep in mind...this is just the poop messes, don't get me started on the pee! Yesterday, I had one kid in each bathroom at the same time! Today I've already cleaned it off the hardwood floor and it's only 8:30. All I can say about that one is thank goodness we don't still have carpet! How can I get these two to realize they are not puppies??? How can I get these two to realize that mommy is tired and disgusted and that she does not want to clean up anymore poop? I feel like one of those people in the parades that walk along after the horses scooping up the poop and putting it in the wheelbarrows. I follow after these two boys, scooping it up and throwing it in the toilet. I didn't realize I signed up to be in a parade.

Well, I survived the first day of summer vacation

But if yesterday was any indicator of how the rest of the summer will be I'm in BIG trouble! I woke up with a kinked neck but pressed on only to hurt my back later in the day. I tried my hardest to stay on top of the messes but it was nearly impossible. I was in pain all day and the kids were no help. I do not have a summer game plan yet and wanted to just have a week until we settle into the summer routine but not having structure was not a good thing. I'm still in quite a bit of pain today and the kids are already fighting...I survived last summer...I'll survive this summer too right? RIGHT?