Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Just Rambling....
I have decided I hate Autism. I don't like what it does to families, and I don't like what it has done and is doing to my Seth. I know beyond any doubt that God has a bigger plan and His plan is bigger than Autism, but getting to that plan isn't going to be easy. I guess anything worth having isn't easy...but still I hate the process. There are so many questions that never seem to get answered. I don't know what is best, what type of therapy, what type of diet, what type of anything is best at this point. I love Seth, and I will do anything for him that I can. I just feel like I don't know where to begin. It's almost like I'm spinning and can't stop. It makes me dizzy thinking of all the things that we have to do and the things that have to be done for the future. I'm tired and not sure what is next. Again, I know that God hold our future and He has all the answers....I just need a few answers soon. Until then we wait, and pray and hope for the best. I still hate Autism...but I can't change it and I can't cure Seth, so I live with it.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
A New Tradition....
I know two posts in one day...but this is worth remembering....
A new tradition for our family of race fans!
Step into my childhood...
Yesterday we took a drive over to Speedway. It's an insane tradition that we started when we moved away from Speedway years ago. I grew up in Speedway and the Indy 500 was a huge part of life. Every May it was an event. We parked cars for qualifications, my sister and I had a lemonade stand and it was a big deal. Then for race weekend we would have about 30 people come stay with us for the weekend. We had people in the house, and camping in the yard. We parked cars on race day and it was the best! We sat on the front porch and listened to the race (tv coverage is blocked out in Indy for the live broadcast) and after the race we went to Sizzler and came home and with everyone that had been to the race we watched the delayed broadcast. Ohhhh it was the best. People that would come stay with us had stayed with my grandparents when they owned the house...it was a month steeped in tradition! Before I moved to Florida I went to Speedway High School. I marched in the band around the 2 1/2 mile oval....it was not fun...but it was tradition! So off to Speedway we went...we drove through the crowd, down Georgetown Road, and up Crawfordsville Road....masses of people all for Indy.
After our foray into the madness we drove through Speedway on our way back home. We stopped at Leonard Park and ohhhh the memories. Gretchen and I used to come to the park all the time. It was a few blocks from the house but those were the days you walked anywhere. It's nice to see what has been done with the park. The baseball fields are the same...the vast expanse of park space is beautiful. The kids loved playing in the park. It was funny to see how much of the playground equipment is still there....30 years later! The merry go round, the Old Woman's Shoe, the monkey bars...and the big spiral slide. I remember when that was put in the park. It was fun taking my kids there and letting them see and play where mommy did! They had a ball! It was good to step back into time for just a little bit and remember when life was simpler. I miss Speedway and Leonard Park...and I miss being in the middle of the excitement of May. It's always nice to walk down memory lane!
We let the kids play for a bit and we weren't surprised to find that Seth loved the merry go round! The faster the better. Some children with Autism and Sensory Processing Disorders love spinning. And if I could I would have one of these installed in my backyard! Take a look!
Spin Seth Spin!!!!!
Seth at Leonard Park!
After our foray into the madness we drove through Speedway on our way back home. We stopped at Leonard Park and ohhhh the memories. Gretchen and I used to come to the park all the time. It was a few blocks from the house but those were the days you walked anywhere. It's nice to see what has been done with the park. The baseball fields are the same...the vast expanse of park space is beautiful. The kids loved playing in the park. It was funny to see how much of the playground equipment is still there....30 years later! The merry go round, the Old Woman's Shoe, the monkey bars...and the big spiral slide. I remember when that was put in the park. It was fun taking my kids there and letting them see and play where mommy did! They had a ball! It was good to step back into time for just a little bit and remember when life was simpler. I miss Speedway and Leonard Park...and I miss being in the middle of the excitement of May. It's always nice to walk down memory lane!
We let the kids play for a bit and we weren't surprised to find that Seth loved the merry go round! The faster the better. Some children with Autism and Sensory Processing Disorders love spinning. And if I could I would have one of these installed in my backyard! Take a look!
Spin Seth Spin!!!!!
Seth at Leonard Park!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Tuesday of Praise
Today, as always, I'm grateful for new beginnings. Working at the high school I'm watching as the Seniors I know prepare for a new beginning. On Friday they will graduate and no longer be high school students. They will be adults. They will have a new beginning. A new chance to change the direction of their lives.
Isn't it amazing to know that each day God offers us a new beginning. He makes all things new. Each time we ask Him He makes us new. Good days, bad days, in between days, days that I just don't know what to do He is in control and willing to make things new.
Praise God for new beginnings!
Congratulations to the Class of 2009
May this be a fabulous new beginning for each one of you!
Isn't it amazing to know that each day God offers us a new beginning. He makes all things new. Each time we ask Him He makes us new. Good days, bad days, in between days, days that I just don't know what to do He is in control and willing to make things new.
Praise God for new beginnings!
Congratulations to the Class of 2009
May this be a fabulous new beginning for each one of you!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
A Good Day!
Today has been a fabulous day! The kids were happy, the husband was happy and I was happy. Life is good! We had a great day today. Seth had a great day today. It's days like this that I wonder..Does he really have Autism? I know that he does. I know it is real, but days like today give me a glimpse of the little boy that is really in there. The little boy that doesn't have Autism, the little boy that doesn't struggle with communication, the little boy that is right on target with all other four year olds. But that is just today. I cherish these days. I cherish the times when there isn't a battle for everything and when we all just have a good day! Praise God for this good day!
Friday we saw Dr. Escobar at St. Vincent Children's Hospital. He gave us a lot of information and did confirm what everyone has said. Seth has Autism. Dr. Escobar recommended ABA therapy, and major behavioral modification. It's funny how God gives us a child that needs total consistency when Joe and I aren't known for consistency. My statement is proven right now as I type because Emma-Claire is in here in bed with us instead of her own bed. She will go back to her room to sleep....but she is here now. Not very consistent! So back to Seth. We are looking into different programs and will make decisions from there. We alrady have Daymar working with us and we are just doing more research. Seth also had blood work done to make sure there are no genetic conditions that would cause the Autism. Seth was such a big boy when he had his blood drawn. He just sat and watched the movie and only cried once! I was so proud!
So now we begin to figure out what direction we go in for Seth...and pray for more good days!
Friday we saw Dr. Escobar at St. Vincent Children's Hospital. He gave us a lot of information and did confirm what everyone has said. Seth has Autism. Dr. Escobar recommended ABA therapy, and major behavioral modification. It's funny how God gives us a child that needs total consistency when Joe and I aren't known for consistency. My statement is proven right now as I type because Emma-Claire is in here in bed with us instead of her own bed. She will go back to her room to sleep....but she is here now. Not very consistent! So back to Seth. We are looking into different programs and will make decisions from there. We alrady have Daymar working with us and we are just doing more research. Seth also had blood work done to make sure there are no genetic conditions that would cause the Autism. Seth was such a big boy when he had his blood drawn. He just sat and watched the movie and only cried once! I was so proud!
So now we begin to figure out what direction we go in for Seth...and pray for more good days!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Evaluation Day!
So today Daymar was out to evaluate Seth. She was observed him and agreed with the inital diagnosis. We are being told that his autism is mild to moderate. At this point we still don't know totally what that means. It does mean this...his tanturms are normal and for the most part related to Autism. The hitting and kicking and screaming that he does at time is also related to Autism. I told the counserlor today that we accept that he has Autism but I never want Autism to be an excuse. There will be times when it is a reason, but NEVER an excuse. She was behind that thinking 100%. She will be back in two weeks and we will begin weekly therapy. We are going to implement a picture commincation board and a picture schedule to get going with summer. She also did a sensory evaulation and found that in several areas he has sensory processing issues. So we will also begin work on that too. It's still overwhelming. We still aren't sure what to do most of the time, but we have a plan, and we have help! Please continue to keep us in your prayers. Our prayer is that we always do what is best for Seth and what will allow him to have a typical childhood and grow into a typical life.
Also pray for this family. I watched their story today and so many flashabacks of Seth's situation. I am so grateful that things worked out for Seth the way they did! God answers prayer. Please pray for this family and the little girl.
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/#30741951
Also pray for this family. I watched their story today and so many flashabacks of Seth's situation. I am so grateful that things worked out for Seth the way they did! God answers prayer. Please pray for this family and the little girl.
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/#30741951
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
How could I ask for more?
It's Tuesday and in the tradition started by a fellow blogger and aquaintance Cari, it's Tuesday of Praise.
I sing an old song of Cindy Morgan's called "How Could I Ask for More?" I've added the lyrics so you can see where my heart is today. I'm thankful for the big things in life that God does for me, but I never want to forget the small things. Some of these things may seem insignficant, but isn't it the little things in life that really make us happy?
Lyrics:
There's nothing like the warmth of a summer afternoon
Waking to the sunlight, and being cradled by the moon
Catching fireflies at night
Building castles in the sand
Kissing Mama's face goodnight
Holding Daddy's hand
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more
Running barefoot through the grass
A little hide and go seek
Being so in love, that you can hardly eat
Dancing in the dark, when there's no one else around
Being bundled 'neath the covers, watching snow
Fall to the ground
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more
So many things I thought would bring me happiness
Some dreams that are realities today
Such an irony the things that mean the most to me
Are the memories that I've made along the way
So if there's anything I've learned
From this journey I am on
Simple truths will keep you going
Simple love will keep you strong
Cause there are questions without answers
Flames that never die
Heartaches we go through are often blessings in disguise
So thank you Lord, oh thank you Lord
How could I ask for more
Thank you Lord for the simple things in life. Please help me to remember the simple things in my life and always praise you for all that You do for me. In Jesus Name, Amen
I sing an old song of Cindy Morgan's called "How Could I Ask for More?" I've added the lyrics so you can see where my heart is today. I'm thankful for the big things in life that God does for me, but I never want to forget the small things. Some of these things may seem insignficant, but isn't it the little things in life that really make us happy?
Lyrics:
There's nothing like the warmth of a summer afternoon
Waking to the sunlight, and being cradled by the moon
Catching fireflies at night
Building castles in the sand
Kissing Mama's face goodnight
Holding Daddy's hand
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more
Running barefoot through the grass
A little hide and go seek
Being so in love, that you can hardly eat
Dancing in the dark, when there's no one else around
Being bundled 'neath the covers, watching snow
Fall to the ground
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more
So many things I thought would bring me happiness
Some dreams that are realities today
Such an irony the things that mean the most to me
Are the memories that I've made along the way
So if there's anything I've learned
From this journey I am on
Simple truths will keep you going
Simple love will keep you strong
Cause there are questions without answers
Flames that never die
Heartaches we go through are often blessings in disguise
So thank you Lord, oh thank you Lord
How could I ask for more
Thank you Lord for the simple things in life. Please help me to remember the simple things in my life and always praise you for all that You do for me. In Jesus Name, Amen
Monday, May 11, 2009
It's AMAZING!
Attention all internet people....Breaking News!
My husband just brought a basket of whites into the bedroom, dumped it on the bed and began FOLDING it!
We now join our regularly scheduled program!
My husband just brought a basket of whites into the bedroom, dumped it on the bed and began FOLDING it!
We now join our regularly scheduled program!
Manic Monday!
It's just another manic Monday
I wish it was Sunday
'Cause that's my funday
An I-don't-have-to-run day
It's just another manic Monday
----The Bangles
Ahhhh remember the 80's! I loved this song. I still sing it in my head somedays, like today! Work was crazy today and then got home and the kids were crazy today. It's just another manic Monday.
These are the days I don't think I can do this. These are the days when I look at my house and see all the things I don't keep up on. Sorry June Cleaver I can't compete. The laundry is piling up, again. The dust bunnies are building bunny hutches, and toys are everywhere. These are just gentle (ok not so gentle) reminders of how human I really am. I should be up working, toiling away getting things done, but here I sit, blogging and watching the season finale of House. All the kids are still awake, apparently bedtime means NOTHING to them today and Emma Claire has pulled her hair out of its braids. Oh it's just another manic Monday.
I wish children came with instructions. I wish they had little pop up signs..."mommy do this and I will go to sleep" mommy do that and I will stop screaming." But alas, they don't come with pop up buttons or instructions. I just feels like I can't do this. How do I get things done? How do I find time to work and take care of the kids and the house and the laundry and so on and so on.
Funny thing is the child that is supposed to give me the most trouble is the one that in some ways DOES come with instructions. I know what to do when Seth throws a screaming, kicking, hitting fit in public. I know what to do when Seth hums and rocks. I have professional people that have helped me and will continue to help me deal with Seth's issues. While I feel overwhelmed by some of the stuff, so far I'm doing okay with Autism. I have a list of questions for the Daymar staff that is coming this week...I'm prepared and waiting for these upcoming appointments. Now if I can get everything else lined up!
I guess for now I take it a day at a time, and know that in 10 days schools out and I have all summer to do laundry! It's just another manic Monday!
I wish it was Sunday
'Cause that's my funday
An I-don't-have-to-run day
It's just another manic Monday
----The Bangles
Ahhhh remember the 80's! I loved this song. I still sing it in my head somedays, like today! Work was crazy today and then got home and the kids were crazy today. It's just another manic Monday.
These are the days I don't think I can do this. These are the days when I look at my house and see all the things I don't keep up on. Sorry June Cleaver I can't compete. The laundry is piling up, again. The dust bunnies are building bunny hutches, and toys are everywhere. These are just gentle (ok not so gentle) reminders of how human I really am. I should be up working, toiling away getting things done, but here I sit, blogging and watching the season finale of House. All the kids are still awake, apparently bedtime means NOTHING to them today and Emma Claire has pulled her hair out of its braids. Oh it's just another manic Monday.
I wish children came with instructions. I wish they had little pop up signs..."mommy do this and I will go to sleep" mommy do that and I will stop screaming." But alas, they don't come with pop up buttons or instructions. I just feels like I can't do this. How do I get things done? How do I find time to work and take care of the kids and the house and the laundry and so on and so on.
Funny thing is the child that is supposed to give me the most trouble is the one that in some ways DOES come with instructions. I know what to do when Seth throws a screaming, kicking, hitting fit in public. I know what to do when Seth hums and rocks. I have professional people that have helped me and will continue to help me deal with Seth's issues. While I feel overwhelmed by some of the stuff, so far I'm doing okay with Autism. I have a list of questions for the Daymar staff that is coming this week...I'm prepared and waiting for these upcoming appointments. Now if I can get everything else lined up!
I guess for now I take it a day at a time, and know that in 10 days schools out and I have all summer to do laundry! It's just another manic Monday!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Tuesday of Praise
"This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!"
Psalm 118:24
I've been sick since Sunday. Yet another sinus infection. I'm over being sick. I have way too much to do to be stuck in bed sick. I have three small children...that means I have no time to be sick! But today is Tuesday...and it's a day dedicated to praise.
I praise God today for my children. Years ago when Joe and I were going through infertility our pastor said to me that he really believed that God was going to bless us with many children, but they wouldn't be our own biological children. I have to admit I thought he was a bit crazy at the time...but God knew better. God has blessed me with three beautiful unique and amazing children. And ya know what?...not one of them is our child biologically! I praise Him because he knew all those years ago what His plan was and while I thought I'd never be a mom He knew better! I am blessed and God has given me three wonderful reasons to praise Him every day! Thank you God for Seth, Emma Claire and Mack!
Psalm 118:24
I've been sick since Sunday. Yet another sinus infection. I'm over being sick. I have way too much to do to be stuck in bed sick. I have three small children...that means I have no time to be sick! But today is Tuesday...and it's a day dedicated to praise.
I praise God today for my children. Years ago when Joe and I were going through infertility our pastor said to me that he really believed that God was going to bless us with many children, but they wouldn't be our own biological children. I have to admit I thought he was a bit crazy at the time...but God knew better. God has blessed me with three beautiful unique and amazing children. And ya know what?...not one of them is our child biologically! I praise Him because he knew all those years ago what His plan was and while I thought I'd never be a mom He knew better! I am blessed and God has given me three wonderful reasons to praise Him every day! Thank you God for Seth, Emma Claire and Mack!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
The weekend
Well, it's Saturday night and it's Heather time. Food TV is on and I'm online and the rest of the house is quiet! I love it.
It's been a long day today. It always seems weekends are crazy. We never seem to be home and when we are home it's craziness. This weekend I have crossed over to the dark side of parenting...we bought a DVD player for the van. Now don't get me wrong I don't have anything against DVD players...I just always said "my children will ride in the car and not need to be entertained by a DVD." The along came MY children! Seth loves it and it does keep him quiet and there's no screaming from Mack as we travel along. So for me it's crossing to the darkside...but I will now admit that MY children do better in the van being entertained by a DVD!
We are looking forward to May 14th, that is when Daymar comes to evaluate Seth and tell us where he falls on the Autism spectrum and what therapies and such he will need to have. Is it the 14th yet???? LOL I feel like I need some solid direction so we can do what is best for Seth. There is a ton of information out there and it can be hard to decipher what is good information and what isn't. ANd I'm hoping that once we have some solid direction we will see some progress. I'm not expecting major milestones, but baby steps would be good! I want to understand Autism so much, but I'm beginning to think that's impossible, which is why they call Autism a puzzle. There is no child with Autism the same as another child with Autism.
I'm off for now...must be up early for Sunday School. Enjoy your Sunday and Praise God for his goodness and mercy.
It's been a long day today. It always seems weekends are crazy. We never seem to be home and when we are home it's craziness. This weekend I have crossed over to the dark side of parenting...we bought a DVD player for the van. Now don't get me wrong I don't have anything against DVD players...I just always said "my children will ride in the car and not need to be entertained by a DVD." The along came MY children! Seth loves it and it does keep him quiet and there's no screaming from Mack as we travel along. So for me it's crossing to the darkside...but I will now admit that MY children do better in the van being entertained by a DVD!
We are looking forward to May 14th, that is when Daymar comes to evaluate Seth and tell us where he falls on the Autism spectrum and what therapies and such he will need to have. Is it the 14th yet???? LOL I feel like I need some solid direction so we can do what is best for Seth. There is a ton of information out there and it can be hard to decipher what is good information and what isn't. ANd I'm hoping that once we have some solid direction we will see some progress. I'm not expecting major milestones, but baby steps would be good! I want to understand Autism so much, but I'm beginning to think that's impossible, which is why they call Autism a puzzle. There is no child with Autism the same as another child with Autism.
I'm off for now...must be up early for Sunday School. Enjoy your Sunday and Praise God for his goodness and mercy.
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