Randomonium (sp?)

It was brought to my attention this morning by a very dear and impatient friend, whom shall remain anonymous (cough hack cough megan cough hack cough burp pardon), that I have yet again neglected my blog. So, in efforts to keep my dear friend happy I am here. Posting. Nonsense. I had several weeks 'off', which is bizarre and odd for me. It's just how my month ended up, so it wasn't planned, but it has left me with a TON of work all at once. I normally only ever work Saturday's, but this month I've had 3 weekday sessions in addition to my weekend sessions and pretty much all of my work for the month ended up being within a 10 day period. So, I've been running around like a mad woman trying to keep up, and it's not working so well. Good news is, I think I've found myself a mommy's helper for the summer to help keep me on task. And I laugh about the "on task" thing, but a girl can hope! Since Mason won't get a summer program this year, I've been a little concerned about what to do with their days. But if I can keep up with work with the help of extra hands, I can probably have a couple of days a week that I am not stuck in front of the computer working. I love resolutions. They are so resolving. ;o) Ok, so I really have nothing else of any huge interest at this very moment. But I will be SURE to come back this week with images to share and more randomonium. Amen.

Sweetness.

My grandparents came to visit this weekend, and while they were in town we headed out to Marble Falls for some yummy lunch at the Bluebonnet Cafe. If you've never been there, you have to check it out! It's just a little diner, but man the food is yummy and the pie is out of this world (but still not as good as my mom's or granny's!)! On our way home we took the long way through Burnet and Bertram, and stopped at this old (and nasty lol) flea market that always has lots of cool antiques and such. I've been on the prowl for a really cool chair for a while, still looking for a velvet wingback chair of some sort, but was thrilled to find this cool chair! It happened to match Brooklynne's dress too! LOL I wish she had been wearing a contrasting color, but it still worked well. We stopped at this cool abandoned building in Bertram, and my kids actually cooperated for a few photos. It was just for fun, but I ended up with a ton of pics I LOVE!!! Too bad too, cause I just ordered 3 new canvases for myself and had to use images from Thanksgiving. lol Which means I'll have to just get more of these! ;o) Hope you all had a beautiful Mother's Day, it was a gorgeous day out!

She is the one person he will stop and give love to, no matter what. And she loves it.

How I love these three little mongrels.

Isn't she getting so big?!?!

This is her saying, "Mooooom, not more photos!". LOL

Yay for kids being still!

Peek-a-boo!

Tagged....x2!

Many of you may remember the last time I was tagged, well I've been tagged again times 2! My crazy friend Vicki, and a wonderful budding photographer Alison tagged me. This time there are actual questions to answer so I don't have to dig up 10 random things about me! ;o)

The rules are:
1. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning.
2. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
3. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they've been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

What I was doing 10 years ago: 10 years ago...well, I was almost 18 so I'm sure I was up to nothing good that's for sure! And yes, I really am 27 (and a half), and yes I do have 3 kids at this ripe young age. My husband and I like each other...a lot. ;o)

Five things on my To Do List today: I am a list maker, especially when there are things to really be done. My grandparents are visiting this weekend, and while they may not even come here I feel the need to make sure my baseboards are dust free and everything sparkles. Which is hard with 3 young kids to "help".
So, on my to do list is place orders, wipe baseboards, and scrub toilets. Anyone wanna help?!?!

Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
I'd buy a big ole house. Or 5.
Buy my parents a beautiful house on land in Kentucky.
Tithe.
Shop.
Travel.
Get laser hair removal so I never have to shave again.
Eat.
And donate to my favorite charities.
(but not in this order, I'd clearly have the hair removal done before I traveled)

Three of my bad habits:
Not drinking enough water and drinking too many Dr. Peppers
Not excercising
I hate doing the dishes so I let Joseph take care of that.

Five places I've lived:
Kentucky
San Antonio, TX
Leon Valley, TX
Austin, TX
Leander, TX



Five jobs I’ve had:
Waitress
New employee trainer and admin
Leasing Consultant
Chauffer, chef, maid, teacher, disciplinary, etc (aka Mom)
Photographer

People I want to know more about (a nice way of saying TAG!):
Robin DePaula
Megan Franks
Jennifer Adams
Jodie Minniear
Rebecca Tyler

Goodbye Control Freak!

Hi, my name is Bethany and I am a control freak. No doubt about it. I'm a planner, I like to know what's going to happen, have it all laid out in my mind. I can definitely be spontaneous when there isn't anything going on. But for the most part, I like a plan. So, when Joseph called me last Tuesday and said he'd be off Wednesday through Monday I was SO excited. But suddenly my mind started to race. He's going through a company sell right now, so we had planned time off but couldn't plan anything because we weren't sure what the good ole job status would be. So, we began to think of what we could do. And it turned out to be an amazing 6 days with him home. By Monday, we were fresh out of ideas and worn out. But we really had an amazing time together! We went to the Austin Zoo, Sea World, LOTS of shopping, LOTS of eating. It was fantastic, and just what we needed! ;o) So, here's a few (or a ton) snapshots (yes, the control freak even used her camera as a mommy and not a photographer) from our mini family vacation (aka when I said goodbye to the control freak)!

Holy turtle mouth!


This is my new friend, Yurtle. He's a turtle. And I was a little on the obsessed side. Me + Yurtle = Love (and 2 billion pictures)


Then I saw a familiar face. Joseph is that you?!?! Oh, sorry. HAHA ok, I kill me. Love you honey bunny. ;o)


SHAMU!!!! My children now adore this creature. And I thought he was pretty fantastic too. I have a bunch more to share tomorrow of Sea World.

Ew. That's all I got.


When I saw this aquarium, this idea immediately popped into my head. Brooklynne loved looking at the fish swimming by, and I really adore this moment we caught with her and I.


Brooklynne says Mommy is #1! lol Or maybe I asked her how many teeth she has. See the cute little spud in there?!?! She JUST got it! And on another note, my baby will be one on May 28th. Can you believe it?!?!


Well, enough said. Poor kid. He will hate me later.


He gave me 1.78 seconds to capture his sweet face! Yay!

It's our first ever BLAM blog tour!!!

BLAM! (Brilliant Little Adventure-Making) Blog Tour

Do you yearn for a Christian based fiction book geared for younger elementary children?

If so, then check out the Meghan Rose series!

This new series from Standard Publishing introduces Meghan Rose, the bounciest first-grader in the world! Young readers will share Meghan’s adventures, laugh, and learn important life lessons. Each title also includes a bonus section with discussion starters and fun activity ideas.

I am excited to welcome author Lori Z. Scott, joining us today to talk about the newest releases in her Meghan Rose series—Meghan Rose All Dressed Up and Meghan Rose Has a Secret.

Since 2000, Lori has published over fifty short stories, devotions, puzzles, poems, and articles for children, teens, and adults in publications such as Focus on Your Child, MOMSense Magazine, Spirit Led Writer, Pockets, and Devozine. She is the author of Busy Moms’ Devotions to Go and four Meghan Rose titles. In addition, Lori has contributed to over a dozen books including Real Moms, Cup of Comfort Book of Prayers, and 2007 Eppie Award winner InfiniteSpace, Infinite God.

A graduate of Wheaton College, Lori has worked with children for over twenty years, both as a teacher in the classroom and as a volunteer for local churches, museums, and schools. When she’s not busy driving her two children to various church, sporting, and artistic activities, she moonlights as a speaker for women’s groups and schools.

Lori, welcome. Thanks for taking time to be with us today.

My pleasure.

You often introduce yourself as first a mother, then a teacher, and finally a writer. Why is that?

I feel like being a mother is my highest calling in life. And that means I’m a caregiver, nurse, tutor, cheerleader, counselor, transportation expert, and nutritionist. Doing all those mommy things is a bit like filling a jar jam-packed with marbles. I pursue my own interests in the empty spaces around those marbles because being a mommy trumps all.

I call myself a teacher second because working with kids has been such a huge part of my life. Just as God gifts different people for different tasks, I feel like God has given me a special ability to understand and work with children. Or maybe I’m just not ready to give up playing and comics yet.

I call myself a writer last because I often feel like writing too much fun—and pays too little—to be a real job. But then again, writing is another interest in my life I have felt called to pursue. God blessed me there too. When I decided to start writing, my first submission won second place in a science fiction writing contest. My second submission won MOPS International story writing contest.

I guess what I want moms to realize is, it’s okay to put the mommy part of our lives first and to trust that God will still bless, fulfill, and lead us in other areas as well.

Why would parents like your series?

A good question—one that I have to answer from my own experience. When my daughter was in first grade, her teacher started reading the Junie B. Jones books in class. Since Meghan liked them, I picked up a few copies.

Well, I enjoyed the humor in those books, but had to edit out some of the grammar slips, name calling and attitudes. I thought there had to be an alternative choice—a book that was just as funny, but also had a good take-away value. I scoured the Christian bookstores. I couldn’t find any fiction for that age group, only devotional books and Bible stories.

When I asked about it, bookstore owners often commented that they wished they could offer such a book. In fact, they’d had numerous parents come to the store, all asking the same thing: Do you have a fiction book my young child will enjoy reading? And, like them, I walked away empty handed.

So I wrote the book I couldn’t find—a book for my daughter AND for all those other mothers just like me. I put in everything she wanted—an interesting story filled with giggles and characters worth rooting for—and everything I wanted—good moral values (but with nothing preachy about the story at all). And because I don’t believe I’m alone in those desires, I’m convinced other parents (AND THEIR KIDS!!!) will like the series too.

Why did you include discussion questions and activities at the end of each book?

That’s the teacher part of me flaring up big time! LOL. But seriously, how many times have you as a mother read a book and thought, “There’s a good lesson in here” but didn’t know how to draw your child into a discussion about it? I remember reading Where the Red Fern Grows with my daughter and wanting to talk about the tender topic of death that book touches on. Since I didn’t know where to start, I couldn’t fully take advantage of that teachable moment. (Instead we both just cried all the way through the last few chapters.)

That’s why I included questions for parents or teachers to use after they read the story, so they can capitalize on the book’s underlying message. (Although I hope people laugh through the last few chapters of Meghan Rose instead of cry!)

And the activities are all for the kids. They love extending the story experience by creating their own volcanoes or whatever. I also put a ton of other ideas for parents and kids on my website under the BLAM (Brilliant Little Activities to Make) link.

So each book has an underlying message? Tell us about that.

As I mentioned, I wanted the stories to do more than entertain. I wanted them to have takeaway value. Each book’s message is very subtle but still evident throughout the book. While Meghan Rose on Stage! talks about discovering your talents, it’s ultimately about friendship. Meghan Rose Has Ants in Her Pants explores the idea of patience—a difficult area for most kids to deal with. The newest two books—Meghan Rose All Dressed Up and Meghan Rose Has a Secret—address inner beauty and kind words. But again, none of it is preachy. It’s heavy on the humor and very, VERY light on the lesson…yet neither quality is lost on the child.

Are the books just for girls?

Not at all! One mother of two boys emailed me about how much her sons enjoyed reading them with her. She said they could hardly read for laughing so hard—they were all HOWLING!! The youngest one loved it so much he started sleeping with the first book under his pillow at night.
In fact, the comment I hear most from people who read the books is, “I laughed out loud.” The second comment I hear most often is about how much kids (and parents) like the discussion questions and activities. How can all that just be for girls?

Where do you get the inspiration for the humorous parts of the books?

Most of that comes from my upbringing. My dad was always coming up with puns and jokes. He made them up on the spot, and they were hilarious! I can’t tell you how many hours we spent laughing around the dinner table. I think dad influenced all my sisters. In fact, one of my sisters was part of an improvisational comedy team. (She’s also a pastor’s wife—it’s a fun combination.)
I also grew up on a steady diet of comic books. Peanuts and Garfield were my favorites, and later Calvin and Hobbes. And we’d also watch comedy on television, especially The Carol Brunette Show.

That said, some of my inspiration just comes from everyday life. My kids crack me up. They both have a great sense of humor.

The main character in the Meghan Rose series shares your daughter’s name. Why is that?

She was the foundational basis for the character. When I started the series, I needed someone likable, outrageous, clever, spunky, and sensitive all rolled into one. Well, that’s my Meghan. And since I originally wrote the books just for her, I simply used her name. You’ll also see the names of other people I’ve met, although the character they’re named for is totally fiction. Mrs. Arnold, for example, was the name of Meghan’s real first grade teacher. But she’s not like the Mrs. Arnold in the book.

Are any of the characters like you?

I think maybe there’s a little bit of me in all of them. Certainly a lot of me is reflected in the teacher, Mrs. Arnold. Then Ryan shows the jokester side of me, Kayla has the goofy side, Lynette has the rule-following, show-off side, and Meghan’s Mom has the practical side. The Meghan character herself is about 80 percent of the “real” Meghan, 10 percent of me and my creative musings, and 10 percent total fiction.

Do you ever visit schools to talk about the books?

Yes! I’ve visited several schools and talked about the steps a writer goes through to get from idea to published book. I’ve also shared ways to boost everyday creativity and develop writing ideas. All three presentations seem to fire up everyone, even the reluctant writers. Kids tell me that what they enjoy most about the time we spend together is learning my two-handed drawing trick and discovering how to write their own jokes.

As a teacher, I value school visits. I think it’s important to inspire and encourage all children…to help them see opportunities and possibilities. As a mom, I can’t help seeing my own children reflected in the faces I meet. That gives me extra incentive to make kids want to reach their dreams, whatever they might be.

Can you share one idea for mothers to help their children be more creative?

Sure. Hmmm. Hard to pick one. I guess one great idea is to encourage your children to be involved with artistic endeavors. That can include a whole variety of options, like drawing, painting, or making things out of shoe boxes. Children can listen to or dance to music. Or make their own music. They can dress up and put on a show for family or friends, or memorize a silly poem. And it should be fun, not work.

Where can readers learn more about you and the Meghan Rose books?

They can visit my web site. My award-winning illustrator, Stacy Curtis, designed it. It offers jokes, puzzles, and activities for kids and great ideas for teacher and parents (on Mrs. Arnold’s BLAM page). It also introduces the books and characters, provides links to book reviews, and gives ordering information. I posted a retold fairy tale reader’s theater that gives visitors a good feel for the style of humor found in the books in my Little Red Riding Hood reader's theater.
You can also purchase a copy of Meghan Rose on Stage!, Meghan Rose Has Ants in Her Pants, Meghan Rose All Dressed Up, andMeghan Rose Has a Secret by clicking on the titles here.

That sounds great. Well, thank you for your time!

Thank you for letting me visit with you.

Sneak Peek!

You know what I love? A lovely family, and this family is just about as great as it gets! It was such a fun session, and with kids and parents this great it makes my "job" that much easier and FUN!!! Seriously, the kids were so good it made me want to trade children. lol Ok, maybe not - but these kiddos were so good and super photogenic! Yay me!!! We had such a great time, and so many amazing photos for this family to cherish. Here are just a quick few to keep Mom till the rest are ready. Enjoy, Momma!

My beautiful sister.

My sister came out recently for a fun photoshoot just for her. Seems her 30s are suiting her well, and she wanted to show it off! I can't blame her really. ;o) She's looking pretty darn good! She's my older sister, and I lurve her much. We are so different and still so alike, she's got blue eyes I've got brown. She's almost 6 foot tall, I got the short end of that stick FOR SURE. But I'm still younger. So there. ;o) I had a great time taking her photos, these are so up my alley. I'd love to do more like this, any ladies need a session just for you?!?! Thanks for coming out sister, it was so much fun.

Happy Birthday my sweet baby boy....

Tomorrow my sweet little man will be turning a big 3 years old! I can't believe he is getting to be such a big boy. :o) We celebrated his birthday last Sunday with a few of our close friends, and we had the great pleasure of celebrating at his fire station! It was amazing fun, the firemen and volunteers were amazing. And I want to have my birthday party there. ;o) It was so fascinating, and the firemen were amazingly patient and so willing to teach us all the amazing details of their work. It was by far my favorite birthday party ever! I have a ton more pictures, but I won't bore you so here are a few favs. I even made an appearance in a few. GASP. lol Have a great night. And Happy Birthday, Mason. I love you more than you will ever know or imagine. I'm proud and blessed to be your Mommy.


He wasn't so keen on being up in the driver seat. ;o)


My boys.


This is my beautiful mommy and my beautiful girl. I lurve this pic.


It's me and Mason. Ew.


Some of the gang, not everyone was into the mascot. lol

Holy smokes, has it really been like a week and a half since my last update?!?! Time flies when you're having fun. Or busy with 3 kids, have a business that is amazingly busy, a house to maintain, being a chauffer, house cleaner, bill payer, oh whatever I could go on for ages. I'm sure you all know how that feels. lol Life just doesn't ever stop does it?!?! We have our big meeting on Monday with Mason's team that has been working to diagnose him for the school. They have a whole team made up of different professionals and specialists that preform their own evaluation, the state doesn't care if you come in with a diagnosis, they have to prove there really is a need so you don't take the place of a child who needs it. So, keep us in your thoughts - it's bound to be an emotional rollercoaster of a day. ;o) Anyways, on to this little cutie! This is A, you've met her before. She's been a client of mine now since I first started. She's the one who called her mom a tramp last time. lol She's got the BEST imagination. It reminds me to stop for a minute and enjoy the small things. This time she was Tommy from Rugrats, we just had the best time playing. One of my favorite little ones to photograph! Enjoy!!!

Confessions of a CF Husband

http://cfhusband.blogspot.com/

Have you seen this blog yet? I found it just a week or so ago while I was visiting another photographer's site. (She's got triplets, and I've enjoyed watching them grow from belly to almost a year!) Anyways, so she recently posted about a blog that is making national news. It is the story of a wonderful family, fighting to help their premature baby thrive, and waiting for a new set of lungs for the mom who suffers from Cystic Fibrosis. While they were waiting for her lung transplant, they discovered Tricia was miraculously pregnant. And against doctors wishes, they went forward with the pregnancy. Their sweet little girl was born 12 weeks ago, at just 24 weeks gestation. She's just beautiful. While she is growing daily in the NICU, Tricia is in the same hospital awaiting a new set of lungs. It's a beautiful, inspiring, moving story - and it appears tonight is a new beginning for their family. Tricia is in the OR getting ready for her double lung transplant! Please take a second to visit their blog, and leave a comment to let them know how many of us are praying. Please also pray for the family of the donor, and the doctors through this lengthy operation. Many, many prayers for you guys! This is such exciting news!

Sneak Peek!

This little guy is ridiculously handsome, so I had to share! Meet Mr. N, he is handsome, he is smart, he is so much fun!!! This was his 2nd session, has been in the works for quite some time now! I had the best time photographing this little guy last week, he was SO good. He worked that camera! Amazing what a kid will do for a bribe of playing on the playground! ;o) Don't worry, mom, the rest are not too far behind.

Ten things....

I found this excerpt from a book by Ellen Notbohm, Ten Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew, posted on a photographer friend's blog and thought it was phenomenal. I thought I would pass it on, as it may help in understanding how Mason, and any child with autism, is wired and how best to interact with him. It really fits him to a "T", and is so important to understand. It is important to know that Mason is not "retarded", unable, disabled, or dumb. He is differently abled, due to autism. But it is important to know that many children with autism are just the opposite. Many are in fact considered to be of brilliant mind, they like all of us, are just wired different.


On another note, this is Mason's 2nd week of evaluation with the Leander Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities. His first week went wonderful! This week is the big testing, yesterday was our parent interview with the diagnostic team. He is coming out of the "honeymoon" period, so they can now start to get a clear picture of how Mason works. Which will help them determine the best plan for his progress. He absolutely loves it, and is eager to go to school everyday. It's made the transition for Joseph and I all the easier. Thank you to all that have called, emailed and sent support for us. It was a tough week, but we are adjusting and thankful to have such amazing support. Thanks for taking the time to read this!


Here are ten things every child with autism wishes you knew:

1. I am first and foremost a child. I have autism. I am not primarily “autistic.” My autism is only one aspect of my total character. It does not define me as a person. Are you a person with thoughts, feelings and many talents, or are you just fat (overweight), myopic (wear glasses) or klutzy (uncoordinated, not good at sports)? Those may be things that I see first when I meet you, but they are not necessarily what you are all about.

As an adult, you have some control over how you define yourself. If you want to single out a single characteristic, you can make that known. As a child, I am still unfolding. Neither you nor I yet know what I may be capable of. Defining me by one characteristic runs the danger of setting up an expectation that may be too low. And if I get a sense that you don’t think I “can do it,” my natural response will be: Why try?

2. My sensory perceptions are disordered. Sensory integration may be the most difficult aspect of autism to understand, but it is arguably the most critical. This means that the ordinary sights, sounds, smells, tastes and touches of everyday that you may not even notice can be downright painful for me. The very environment in which I have to live often seems hostile. I may appear withdrawn or belligerent to you but I am really just trying to defend myself. Here is why a “simple” trip to the grocery store may be hell for me:

My hearing may be hyper-acute. Dozens of people are talking at once. The loudspeaker booms today’s special. Musak whines from the sound system. Cash registers beep and cough, a coffee grinder is chugging. The meat cutter screeches, babies wail, carts creak, the fluorescent lighting hums. My brain can’t filter all the input and I’m in overload!

My sense of smell may be highly sensitive. The fish at the meat counter isn’t quite fresh, the guy standing next to us hasn’t showered today, the deli is handing out sausage samples, the baby in line ahead of us has a poopy diaper, they’re mopping up pickles on aisle 3 with ammonia….I can’t sort it all out. I am dangerously nauseated.

Because I am visually oriented (see more on this below), this may be my first sense to become overstimulated. The fluorescent light is not only too bright, it buzzes and hums. The room seems to pulsate and it hurts my eyes. The pulsating light bounces off everything and distorts what I am seeing -- the space seems to be constantly changing. There’s glare from windows, too many items for me to be able to focus (I may compensate with "tunnel vision"), moving fans on the ceiling, so many bodies in constant motion. All this affects my vestibular and proprioceptive senses, and now I can’t even tell where my body is in space.

3. Please remember to distinguish between won’t (I choose not to) and can’t (I am not able to).

Receptive and expressive language and vocabulary can be major challenges for me. It isn’t that I don’t listen to instructions. It’s that I can’t understand you. When you call to me from across the room, this is what I hear: “*&^%$#@, Billy. #$%^*&^%$&*………” Instead, come speak directly to me in plain words: “Please put your book in your desk, Billy. It’s time to go to lunch.” This tells me what you want me to do and what is going to happen next. Now it is much easier for me to comply.

4. I am a concrete thinker. This means I interpret language very literally. It’s very confusing for me when you say, “Hold your horses, cowboy!” when what you really mean is “Please stop running.” Don’t tell me something is a “piece of cake” when there is no dessert in sight and what you really mean is “this will be easy for you to do.” When you say “It’s pouring cats and dogs,” I see pets coming out of a pitcher. Please just tell me “It’s raining very hard.”

Idioms, puns, nuances, double entendres, inference, metaphors, allusions and sarcasm are lost on me.

5. Please be patient with my limited vocabulary. It’s hard for me to tell you what I need when I don’t know the words to describe my feelings. I may be hungry, frustrated, frightened or confused but right now those words are beyond my ability to express. Be alert for body language, withdrawal, agitation or other signs that something is wrong.

Or, there’s a flip side to this: I may sound like a “little professor” or movie star, rattling off words or whole scripts well beyond my developmental age. These are messages I have memorized from the world around me to compensate for my language deficits because I know I am expected to respond when spoken to. They may come from books, TV, the speech of other people. It is called “echolalia.” I don’t necessarily understand the context or the terminology I’m using. I just know that it gets me off the hook for coming up with a reply.

6. Because language is so difficult for me, I am very visually oriented. Please show me how to do something rather than just telling me. And please be prepared to show me many times. Lots of consistent repetition helps me learn.

A visual schedule is extremely helpful as I move through my day. Like your day-timer, it relieves me of the stress of having to remember what comes next, makes for smooth transition between activities, helps me manage my time and meet your expectations. Here’s a great website for learning more about visual schedules: www.cesa7.k12.wi.us/sped/autism/structure/str11.htm .

I won’t lose the need for a visual schedule as I get older, but my “level of representation” may change. Before I can read, I need a visual schedule with photographs or simple drawings. As I get older, a combination of words and pictures may work, and later still, just words.

7. Please focus and build on what I can do rather than what I can’t do. Like any other human, I can’t learn in an environment where I’m constantly made to feel that I’m not good enough and that I need “fixing.” Trying anything new when I am almost sure to be met with criticism, however “constructive,” becomes something to be avoided. Look for my strengths and you will find them. There is more than one “right” way to do most things.

8. Please help me with social interactions. It may look like I don’t want to play with the other kids on the playground, but sometimes it’s just that I simply do not know how to start a conversation or enter a play situation. If you can encourage other children to invite me to join them at kickball or shooting baskets, it may be that I’m delighted to be included.

I do best in structured play activities that have a clear beginning and end. I don’t know how to “read” facial expressions, body language or the emotions of others, so I appreciate ongoing coaching in proper social responses. For example, if I laugh when Emily falls off the slide, it’s not that I think it’s funny. It’s that I don’t know the proper response. Teach me to say “Are you OK?”

9. Try to identify what triggers my meltdowns. Meltdowns, blow-ups, tantrums or whatever you want to call them are even more horrid for me than they are for you. They occur because one or more of my senses has gone into overload. If you can figure out why my meltdowns occur, they can be prevented. Keep a log noting times, settings, people, activities. A pattern may emerge.

Try to remember that all behavior is a form of communication. It tells you, when my words cannot, how I perceive something that is happening in my environment.

Parents, keep in mind as well: persistent behavior may have an underlying medical cause. Food allergies and sensitivities, sleep disorders and gastrointestinal problems can all have profound effects on behavior.

10. If you are a family member, please love me unconditionally. Banish thoughts like, “If he would just……” and “Why can’t she…..” You did not fulfill every last expectation your parents had for you and you wouldn’t like being constantly reminded of it. I did not choose to have autism. But remember that it is happening to me, not you. Without your support, my chances of successful, self-reliant adulthood are slim. With your support and guidance, the possibilities are broader than you might think. I promise you – I am worth it.

And finally, three words: Patience. Patience. Patience. Work to view my autism as a different ability rather than a disability. Look past what you may see as limitations and see the gifts autism has given me. It may be true that I’m not good at eye contact or conversation, but have you noticed that I don’t lie, cheat at games, tattle on my classmates or pass judgment on other people? Also true that I probably won’t be the next Michael Jordan. But with my attention to fine detail and capacity for extraordinary focus, I might be the next Einstein. Or Mozart. Or Van Gogh.

They had autism too.

The answer to Alzheimer’s, the enigma of extraterrestrial life -- what future achievements from today’s children with autism, children like me, lie ahead?

All that I might become won’t happen without you as my foundation. Think through some of those societal ‘rules’ and if they don’t make sense for me, let them go. Be my advocate, be my friend, and we’ll see just how far I can go.

Hello Coolness!

The other evening we took the kiddos out to check out a new park, and on the way we saw these huge parachute looking thingy's in the air. Thingy's....you must really appreciate my technical terminology here. I'm all about teaching the masses, ya know. :oP

So, we drive in search of the flyers of the thingy's and you won't believe how cool this is!!! I have NO idea what it's called, but holy moly coolness! We sat and watched these guys for a bit, then I finally mustered up the nerve to ask if I could be awkward and photograph them. And of course they didn't mind! It was so much fun to watch and photograph, and by golly now I want to try it! These guys were so nice about it all, and looked like they were just having the best time. When I finally put the camera down and got back in the car, Reagan tells me "Wow, those guys have a cool job!". LOL It was really cute. ;o)











Then we finally made our way to the new park I discovered, and just in time too. It was dark in no time at all, but I still managed to capture a couple at sunset. My favorite! Have a great weekend, I am off! It's strange, but so necessary right now!

Wow.

That's really the only word I've got for how this week has been. First let me start by saying it's been one of the busiest weeks I've had in a long time. Which of course has put me behind in my work. But that's ok, cause I have a session tomorrow then I get 4 whole days off with my hubby and kids and I couldn't be more ready! So, to start I was sick at the start of the week. No good, perfect timing of course - but it's passed fairly quickly. Mason started school, which put a whole new spin on things. Dropping off and picking up 5 days a week now, whereas when they were just doing preschool I only had to leave my house Tuesday's and Thursday's. Now I have to have everyone up and ready to be out the door every morning. Good news is, Mason goes to the later program, so we don't have to be out of here till after 9:30. Then on top of everything else, my site was down. That was out for about a day, which meant I couldn't get any of my regular emails - made for an interested day! THEN, my hubby has been bugging me for 2 months now to get him AT&T Uverse. We have dish, but they came knockin' this week and saved me a phone call - so I made the switch. Silly me though, didn't consider they'd be taking over my house for hours and tear it all apart. Taking care of 3 kids with a crew of 5 men working in every room isn't the easiest of tasks I tell you! Which meant that today while they were redoing everything I had no tv and no internet. And I had to stay out of their way, which meant off the computer. Which of course put me even more behind! I'm tired. *moan*

But, my real reason for posting is not to bore you with the sad details of my out of control week. I'm here to tell you about the amazing time Mason is having! He is doing INCREDIBLE!!! Let me just say, that I shouldn't be surprised. I put my faith where it needed to be, and we have been provided for in this situation more than I could ever imagine. On Tuesday we had to drop Reagan off at preschool first, and it confused Mason. He thought he had to go back to the old school and as soon as he saw it he lost it. It took him a bit to figure out he didn't have to stay, but as soon as we left he was bouncing around so excited to go to the new school! They happened to have a field trip today, which totally freaked me out only being his 3rd day, and he'd be on a bus(in a carseat). But he did so good, he loved the farm, totally loved the bus, it was great! He's been saying "fun" everytime we talk about school, and we've heard about the "piddies" (piggies) from the farm all day. It has made the transition for me so much easier. I am so happy he is in a safe, fun place he can just be himself in. Warms my little heart. Thank you so much for all the incredible support. There is no way I can ever explain how it feels to have such amazing friends that are just here. Really, thank you. Lots of love folks! I'm off to have a meeting with my pillow. :oP

Site and Email are down....

No clue why the site is down, but with the site being down I am also not getting my email. In 2 years of business I've never had my site down, so I am in panic mode! But I've sent in a support ticket and hope to have it resolved as soon as possible. In the meantime, if you need to email me, please do so at bella_amadis@sbcglobal.net

Thanks!

We made it through the first day!

Well, for as much as I dreaded this day - it went so much smoother than I could have ever hoped for. I just have a quick second, but wanted to give a quick update. Mason did so good today! Children with Autism, or spectrum disorders are VERY routine oriented, and he has to stick to the norm. Anything off our normal routine will throw him off balance and make for a not so fun time. But he did so well. We spent the last few days driving him by his new school, talking about the "big boy school", and how much fun it would be. So, we really played it up for him. He did well when we got there, told us bye like nothing. He was happy to see us when I got there to pick him up, so all in all it was a good time for him. And he's still fairly happy at the moment which is good for a kid who missed a nap. Mama on the other hand, is exhausted. I'll be back soon with more on the school process. I can't think.

Just remember to breathe, Bethany.

*warning: the following is me being a big fat ball of emotions, AKA stupid girl. read my nonsense at your own risk*

Monday is a big day for us, a big day that I am neither ready for or happy about. It is such a bittersweet step in our lives, and it's really a lot of mixed emotions. On Monday, Mason will start with the local school district in their PPCD (preschool program for children with disabilities, also referred to as an ELE - early learning environment) program. This is the program set forth by the state that takes over when children with disabilities turn 3. ECI (a program he is in now) services children up until 3, making home visits and really catering to the younger child. Now that he is turning 3, he will enter the school district for services. His school days will be 5 days a week from 9:45-1:45. The classroom is amazing, the teacher seemed great. The program is one of the best in this country (who would have known Leander had that! We just got our first grocery store for crying out loud!). It is structured, they learn the way he needs to learn, the teacher to child ratio is amazing, it's a brand new school with brand new everything, I could go on and on about all of the good things about this program. It's awesome, and exciting. And I know it's a program and environment that will help Mason blossom!

So, why does it make me sick to my stomach? My mind knows without a shadow of a doubt that this is what Mason needs. There are so many different ways to handle and treat these situations, and none are wrong. It's really a matter of what each family feels is right for them. And my mind knows this is what is right for Mason. I am not educated or trained to teach a child with special needs. I am of course the expert on Mason, but 'getting' how he works doesn't mean I know how to make everything work for him. And I just want to know at the end of the day that I have done everything I can to help him. I know he will blossom and grow. We have seen AMAZING improvements in Mason in the short time that ECI has been coming out. We went from a child that was only saying one word sentences, to a child that doesn't stop talking. Does it always make sense? No, but he is talking and trying and that is a miracle in itself right now. While my mind knows this will be wonderful for him, my heart aches. It is a reminder that this is real. This is our life, and this is what we have to do. Everyday I see Pervasive Developmental Disorder and Sensory Integration Disorder and Auditory Processing Disorder, but I don't think of it as a disability. I see an amazing little boy, who is brilliant, sweet, genuine, pure, giving, loving, and just plain beautiful. I see a miracle. I have been mighty successful about hiding from the labels, hiding from the disability. But sending my son off to special needs class, just puts a big fat spotlight on that which I hide from. It is really still so fresh, just a month ago we got our diagnosis and just 7 months ago we were ignorant to this. And every bit of my heart says, "What do you mean your 3 year old is headed off to an elementary school?!?!". This ISN'T RIGHT. This isn't supposed to happen, this shouldn't be happening to children. And it shouldn't be happening to mine! I hate it. Every bit of it. And as amazing and beautiful as my child is, I know there is a part of him locked inside and I just want him OUT. I feel like this is what we need to do to help his future, but it is just so hard. Lord, please guide me through this. I cannot do this alone.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:6-7

Sneak Peek!

We had another fun and successful weekend shooting at San Gabriel Park in G-town. This family has been coming to me for about 2 years, have added a new little one, and they seriously have the most beautiful children! I had a great time guys, and will have the rest up soon!