I Can Has Autism

Thankful Thursday

2012-02-02T06:00:00.018-05:00

excuse the groundhog ;)
I thought he was cute and it IS Groundhog Day afterall...
So, is spring on it's way or is it another 6 weeks of winter?!

Today, I am most thankful that despite all the challenges my younger son, Holden, faces: his own ADHD and anxiety, his older brother's autism, and all the stress that we as parents put on our children to do what they can to succeed, that he's overall, a totally wonderful and great kid.

I was able to check his 2nd marking period (9 week) grades online, via Edline. His progress report grades back in December while not horrible, were not what we know he's capable of. He had a C+ in Math which went up to B+, English was a B+ and went up to A-, Social Studies was a B and remained a B and Science was a B and went up to A-. He did an incredible job raising his grades up! Very proud of that boy!

This kid can do anything he sets his mind to! Raising his grades, drawing, running a race, playing soccer, wrestles, video games (that are more intended for adults). He just has his hand in everything it seems!

I hope he realizes how blessed he is... he can literally do anything and I think will do amazing and wonderful things as he gets older. As long as he applies himself and does what's necessary, he'll be an amazing adult!

Mom loves you very much little man!

Wordless Wednesday: What was he thinking about?

2012-02-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

Ashton, taken in Aug '06...

New Test results.....

2012-01-30T14:06:00.001-05:00

Yea, so it's a bunch of mumbo-jumbo. I just included the actual test results from the testing not all of the summaries, etc. Basically the jist of the testing summaries say that he's got a lot of scattered skills (as do most children on the spectrum). There were some subtests that he did very well in, until he was "done", and than he just refused. So, my guess is maybe his scores would have been higher had his focus/attention been better. It seems he did pretty good in word recognition, having decoded the words: poise, interject, ridiculous, and budge. His spelling is good, but comprehension skills are lacking (well, he can, but apparently chose not to for testing purposes, stinker! LOL). Math skills are also lacking (it's why he's allowed the use of a calculator per his IEP).

We have an eligibility meeting on Wednesday, and I'm curious to see what is discussed and what results from that meeting. I need to find my copies of the SECEP evals that were done back in 2007, lord help me now! They're not in his cumulative file (who the heck knows why) and I want them in there. However, it kind of helps my case that the last testing Ashton had done (as of right now, on record) is 2001. THAT'S RIDICULOUS! Never again will I let a school district sweep away my concerns for Ashton and forego testing because "duh, it's obvious he still qualifies". Ugh.

Anyways, anyone care to help actually me decipher these results?! I'm at a loss.... the summaries are helpful, but they don't actually tell me what these test results actually mean.

Thanks! :) Have a great day!

Thankful Thursday

2012-01-26T06:00:00.015-05:00

I'm most thankful that my autistic child defies the odds every time he opens his mouth, speaks and converses with others. He can tell us what he wants/likes, what he doesn't want/like, if he's feeling bad/hungry/thirsty and can pretty much talk to us whenever he feels like it. He also defies the odds by being able to read, out loud even.

Yep, that's my sweet boy, reading out loud. Yes, he's reading off my Kindle Fire. The child loves to read, and always has. I'm thankful that he can read and comprehend what he reads, it means that he can and does have the ability to soak up the knowledge that his educators try to poke into that stubborn nearly-teenage brain of his. I think his biggest problem that holds him back, is pure and plain, stubbornness!

But I'm thankful for the days where he seems more "typical", although those days drive me equally as crazy as the "non-typical" days. We had one of those mornings earlier this week when Ashton decided to be quite a grump, and crabby-butt. I told him that too and of course, he spoke up "I'm nooo-ooottt being a crabby butt" in that high-pitched anguished voice of his. ;) Stinker. why YES you are!

He's becoming a lot more fun and interactive, love that!!!

Wordless Wednesday: Cool Guys!

2012-01-25T06:00:00.008-05:00

Izzy and Ashton with their "cool man" sunglasses!

Ok so this one gets a few words. Izzy is Izzy Paskowitz, co-founder of Surfers Healing (which Ashton has been fortunate enough to participate in for 2 years now, hoping we get to again this summer!). I had taken a quick picture and Izzy saw Ashton's cool man sunglasses and grabbed his own for another picture! :) What a wonderful memory from a wonderful day!

New DSM-V criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder

2012-01-22T13:23:00.002-05:00

DSM-V Criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder

So, much has been floating around the internet about the new DSM-V criteria that will be lumping all autism-related diagnoses into one category "Autism Spectrum Disorder".

the criteria is as listed below, directly quoted from the link above...

Autism Spectrum Disorder
Must meet criteria A, B, C, and D:

A. Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across contexts, not accounted for by general developmental delays, and manifest by all 3 of the following:
1. Deficits in social-emotional reciprocity; ranging from abnormal social approach and failure of normal back and forth conversation through reduced sharing of interests, emotions, and affect and response to total lack of initiation of social interaction,
2. Deficits in nonverbal communicative behaviors used for social interaction; ranging from poorly integrated- verbal and nonverbal communication, through abnormalities in eye contact and body-language, or deficits in understanding and use of nonverbal communication, to total lack of facial expression or gestures.
3. Deficits in developing and maintaining relationships, appropriate to developmental level (beyond those with caregivers); ranging from difficulties adjusting behavior to suit different social contexts through difficulties in sharing imaginative play and in making friends to an apparent absence of interest in people

B. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities as manifested by at least two of the following:
1. Stereotyped or repetitive speech, motor movements, or use of objects; (such as simple motor stereotypies, echolalia, repetitive use of objects, or idiosyncratic phrases).
2. Excessive adherence to routines, ritualized patterns of verbal or nonverbal behavior, or excessive resistance to change; (such as motoric rituals, insistence on same route or food, repetitive questioning or extreme distress at small changes).
3. Highly restricted, fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus; (such as strong attachment to or preoccupation with unusual objects, excessively circumscribed or perseverative interests).
4. Hyper-or hypo-reactivity to sensory input or unusual interest in sensory aspects of environment; (such as apparent indifference to pain/heat/cold, adverse response to specific sounds or textures, excessive smelling or touching of objects, fascination with lights or spinning objects).

C. Symptoms must be present in early childhood (but may not become fully manifest until social demands exceed limited capacities)

D. Symptoms together limit and impair everyday functioning.

Fortunately, or maybe not, Ashton still falls well within the guidelines set forth. He's very classically autistic, though he's fairly high-functioning. But, upon reading this, it sounds like a subset of Autism (now known as Asperger's and/or PDD-NOS) will no longer full under the Autism Spectrum Disorder, and in fact, be cured! Imagine that, curing an entire population, just by changing the criteria needed for a diagnosis. The rates of Autism will dramatically shift and children who are now labelled as Aspergers will go back to being just bad kids who need more discipline. Those are not my thoughts.

Then, I read this quote from Ashton and Holden's doctor, Dr. Eric Madren, on Facebook:

"Here's the main problem with the proposed re-definition of autism in DSM-V: autism shouldn't even be in DSM-V. This is the diagnostic manual used by psychiatrists to define psychiatric disorders. Autism is not a psychiatric disorder. It is a systemic disorder that affects the brain as well as other organ systems including the gastrointestinal system and the immune system. Don't take my word for it. Ask Dr. Martha Herbert, pediatric neurologist at Harvard and Mass General. Defining autism according to criteria established by psychiatrists is nothing more than a historical relic. Psychiatrists are infrequently involved in the evaluation and treatment of individuals with autism, unless of course that individual has a co-existing psychiatric disorder. Much more often, the evaluation and treatment of individuals with autism is managed by neurologists, developmental pediatricians, and yes, primary care physicians. We should be the ones who establish the diagnostic criteria, not the American Psychiatric Association."

And I thought to myself, YES - he's absolutely and completely correct. Why is a psychiatric association coming up with the diagnostic criteria for a neurological disorder? Why are the doctors who actually treat these patients not allowed to at least have some input on the criteria? Many times, these children and adults with autism spectrum disorders are never even seen by psychiatrists or psychologists, unless another disorder is manifesting itself along with the Autism. Many of these individuals have other body system symptoms that play a part in their autistic symptoms (whether it be gastrointestinal, immune system, sensory, etc).

So much has been posted about this, as this article points out... http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/46060802/ns/health-childrens_health/t/new-autism-definition-may-exclude-many-study-suggests

So... my thoughts are this:

1. I do think in some cases, autism may be over-diagnosed. Some kids are so mildly autistic that they require no extra medical attention, no extra help in school and no outside help from parents, therapists, and don't require medication. Are these kids truly autistic? I don't know, but it does make me wonder, when I see so many children struggling and these others, who really truly do not have any struggles at all. I've also seen kids who were diagnosed when very young and seem to "grow out of it". This is not typical autism in my mind, it's a kid who may have been behind developmentally (behind the curve so to speak) and just caught up. There have always been kids like this, but I don't think they are truly on the spectrum.

2. With the above thought though, I do realize and know of many children who are not receiving the beneficial treatments, therapies and medication that could help them, because the diagnostic procedure has been very subjective over the years. One day they may seem mostly (or completely) typical and another they can seem very classically autistic. Insurance companies refusing to pay for beneficial treatment, doctors who refuse to diagnose, and parents who live in denial are all factors here.

3. I truly believe autism is on the rise. Changing the criteria for it isn't going to change that, but will only make it more difficult for families and medical professionals to assure that children and adults being diagnosed, are getting the help that they need to live in a society that is not meant for them.

4. No matter what anybody says, we need a consistent diagnostic criteria to identify all individuals with autism. Something that is precise and understood clearly, by everyone. Autism is not going to go away, and the parents and families of these individuals will not either.

Here's a petition to sign if you feel the changes are not in the best interest of the individuals it's supposed to help..... Maintain the current definition of Autism

Dreary Saturday

2012-01-21T11:16:00.002-05:00

So I thought I'd post some fun pics to cheer you up! :)

and even if it isn't dreary where you are, they should make you smile and LAUGH YOUR BUTT OFF!

One of the apps I downloaded when I first got my iPhone4s was CamWow and BOY did we have fun with it ;)

Thankful Thursday

2012-01-19T06:00:00.078-05:00

Ok, this will sound crazy nutso, but, I am thankful for FOODIE BLOGS!! I love perusing the recipes, the beautiful pictures, and the stories that accompany each individual recipe/blog. I've made a few recipes off of some of my favorite foodie blogs, and others, I just enjoy drooling over the recipes and pictures. So.... here is a list (& links) to some of my favorites!! :)

Our Best Bites - probably my most absolute favorite foodie blog, EVER! I even have their cookbook and their calendar and can't wait until the SECOND cookbook comes out! :) Lots of yummy recipes and beautiful pictures, and ALL of it good! I LOVE these crazy girls' posts and comments!

In Jennie's Kitchen - Jennie is a beautiful spirit, who tragically lost her husband late last summer. Her journey through her and her daughters' grief is beautiful and heart-breaking. You won't want to miss her posts, trust me!

Jamie Cooks It Up - beautiful pictures with some very easy to use recipes! Very funny, and very DELICIOUS recipes!

Cookies and Cups - what's not to love about a zany girl who posts nothing but absolutely BEAUTIFUL and tantalizing desserts?! I think I gain weight just reading her blog post titles, let alone looking at the pictures and recipes! Zoiks!

Confessions Of A Cookbook Queen - Yum! Easy! Beautiful Pictures ..... and did I say YUM!?!

Sing For Your Supper - See... I visit blogs that post things other than desserts!!! ;) Ok, I admit it. I have a HUGE sweet tooth. But, beautiful pictures that have amazing foods in them suckers me in every. single. time.

Sprinkle Bakes - mashed potatoes in cupcakes?! chocolate in tomato soup? Love these recipes and they remind me a lot of Deceptively Delicious .... a book by Jessica Seinfeld. :)

Glorious Treats - need I say anymore? Glorious. Beautiful. SCRUMDIDILYUMPTIOUS! (yes, it's a real word, DUH!)

These next two... I seriously visited solely on their names..... The Curvy Carrot and Jolly Tomato. Neither one is like the other, but they both have some wonderful recipes and Jolly Tomato has some innovative ways to get children to eat healthier and curb childhood obesity.

How Sweet It Is - fussy, fancy foods that I'll likely never make but wow, the pictures are mouth-watering beautiful and make me very, VERY hungry!

Picky Palate - This is one that I thought said Pickle pâté. Obviously, what I thought and what it really is are two different things. Yummy delicious treats, beautiful foods and great pictures!

Ok.... so I have many, many, many more than this bookmarked on my favorites bar, but I can't post them all or I'll be here all day/night. Have fun perusing some new blogs and maybe pick up some new ideas for you to share with your family and friends!

Wordless Wednesday: At the finish line

2012-01-18T06:00:00.006-05:00

Holden running his first 5K

Hanging my head in disbelief.... HELP AMELIA!!!

2012-01-14T22:23:00.001-05:00

Read about Amelia Rivera's story, Kidney Transplant denied.

I cannot believe, that in this day and age, that a child is being denied a life-saving kidney transplant due to her cognitive disability ("mental retardation"). But that is exactly what is happening to little Amelia Rivera, a two-year-old little girl. She is in need of a life-saving kidney transplant, and just a few days ago, her parents were told that the transplant would not be happening because their beautiful little girl, Amelia, was ineligible due to her mental delays. Not because she was in too poor of health, not because there wasn't an available kidney (her family has a family member match), but because she has cognitive delays.

How is any of this even a question? A child needs a transplant, and if a donor can be found, you give it to them? Mental delays or not, it's still a child.... someone who deserves a chance at a life.

The doctor who told these parents that their child could not receive a potentially life-saving kidney transplant because she was deemed ineligible due to her mental delays (or in his words mentally retarded) should be absolutely ashamed of himself and humiliated. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia should be ashamed of themselves.

What's even worse? This is apparently a common theme amongst a lot of hospital here in the US, and that's just wrong in so many ways. This makes me cringe. Ashton is not classified as mentally retarded (intellectually challenged), but this makes me wonder if we ever found ourselves in a situation such as this, would he be denied for the same reason?

THIS HAS TO CHANGE! Please sign the petition located HERE, to show CHOP and everyone else that us as Americans will not stand for this.

Thank you and Good Night all!

Thankful Thursday

2012-01-12T10:05:00.000-05:00

Today, I am thankful for such wonderful groups like Surfers Healing, Camp Gonnawannagoagin, and the many, many on-line support groups that I/I've belong(ed) to over the last 10years or so since Ashton's diagnosis.

Groups like Surfers Healing and Camp Gonnawannagoagin allow Ashton an opportunity to experience things that a "normal" (for lack of better words) child would, in a loving, engaging, and safe environment. The surfers and volunteers of Surfers Healing are gentle, gentle souls. You wouldn't expect these macho, sporty guys to be so gentle and kind with these special kids, but wow! Big, ole, amazing teddy bears! We've met a lot of awesome people within the Surfers Healing community, both in real life at the Virginia Beach camps as well as online via their Facebook page(s). Ashton's already looking forward to Surfers Healing Virginia Beach 2012! How COOL is it that he gets to surf with a REAL surfer, not just a family member who can "kinda" surf? The smiles and calmness that he gets to experience is amazing and awe-inspiring. Camp Gonnawannagoagin is a much needed source of respite during the summer months. Ashton gets to go to camp from 9am-3pm every day for 5 days straight. They go swimming every day (pool, beach, water park) and they do one other activity (mini golf, arcades, aquarium, Tae Kwon Do, etc). Each autistic camper is paired up with a typical peer buddy as well as an adult counselor. The social growth Ashton experiences every summer is amazing. The things he gets to do (Ocean Breeze, Tae Kwon Do, etc) are not things that I've done with him, but he LOVES them! It gives him an opportunity to experience camp and social outings, without Mom always having to be there.

The support groups have been numerous over the years. From online support groups to in real-life support groups to our family and friends. But they all serve the same basic purpose. To allow the opportunity for discussion of issues, different coping strategies, the ability to see Autism through another family's eyes, etc. But, they give you the opportunity to vent about the struggles or the opportunity to celebrate the small (or to us, large) victories that other family's that have only neuro-typical children wouldn't otherwise understand.

SO thank you. From me and my family to ALL of you!

Wordless Wednesday: Kiss da camel!

2012-01-11T07:22:00.002-05:00

Yes, that is Ashton .... KISSING a camel! ~ June '07

Case of the "Mondays"

2012-01-09T19:31:00.001-05:00

Did you know that there's an official affliction called .... the "Mondays"?

Ok in all seriousness... it's not official, or even a real affliction, but boy, it seems that it's running rampant amongst my fellow autism families today. And yes, it's Monday. The first full week back to school for many kids. (Last week was a shortened week).

Ashton wasn't "bad" at school, but he refused to come to group for any of his lessons. So therefore, he didn't get to bring a DVD home from school, and *that* my friends, made him mad mad mad mad MAD!

He apparently had a complete and total meltdown. Screaming down the hallway, etc. But, the school handled it but the teacher called me to ask me what she should do. I said DO NOT under any circumstances, send the movie home with him. He's smart enough to know what he did (not do work, the guidelines were very clear: come to group, participate, do your work. If not, no choice of DVD to take home). The sooner we make that very clear for him, the sooner he will realize that "hey, I want that movie, I need to do my work".

And honestly... he's been fine since he got home. He went to his elective and to PE this afternoon after the meltdown and did fine.

So, it wasn't a horrible day .... just one where Ashton (hopefully) learned a very valuable lesson. Do your work, so you can have the reward. (and really? we're asking for a 50% participation/work completion ... that's not too hard for him, since he did it 2 days last week).

So - here's hoping for a better Tuesday!

ABCs of the Special Needs Community

2012-01-05T15:50:00.013-05:00

If you have any ABCs of Special Needs to add... feel free to comment below and I'll add them in! :)

- A -

ABA: Applied Behavioral Analysis

ABC: Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence (a method of tracking targeted behaviors)

ABI: Adaptive Behavior Inventory

ADD: Attention Deficit Disorder

ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

AIT: Auditory Integration Therapy

APD: Auditory Processing Disorder, also referred to as CAPD or Central Auditory Processing Disorder

APE: Adaptive Physical Education

ARD: Admission, Review, Dismissal (used in Texas)

AS: Asperger's Syndrome (a high-functioning form of Autism)

ASD: Autistic Spectrum Disorder

- B -

BD: Behavioral Disorder

BD/ED: Behavior Disordered / Emotionally Disturbed

BIP: Behavior Intervention Plan

BOE: Board of Education

BP: Bi-Polar (formerly called "manic-depressive")

- C -

CAPD: Central Auditory Processing Disorder, also referred to as APD, see above

CD: Conduct Disorder

CNS: Central Nervous System

CP: Cerebral Palsy

CSE: Committee for Special Education (called "MDT" in some states)

CSPD: Comprehensive System for Personnel Development

CST: Child Study Team (also called Child Find Team)

- D -

DAS: Differential Abilities Scales (an early childhood educational eval)

DD: Developmental Disabilities

Dx: Diagnosis

DOE: Department of Education

DS: Down Syndome

- E -

ECSE: Early Childhood Special Education

ED: Emotionally Disturbed

EI: Early Intervention

EPSDT: Early Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Treatment

ESE: Exceptional Student Education

ESEA: Elementary & Secondary Education Act

ESL: English as a Second Language

ESY: Extended School Year

- F -

FAPE: Free Appropriate Public Education

FAS: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

FBA: Functional Behavior Anaylsis

FERPA: Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act

FOIA: Freedom Of Information Act

- G -

GAF: Global Assessment of Functioning scale (used in psychiatric evals to state level of functioning)

- H -

HFA: High Functioning Autism (such as Asperger's Syndrome)

HoH: Hard of Hearing

- I -

IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

IEE: Independent Educational Evaluation

IEP: Individualized Education Plan

- J -

- K -

- L -

LD: Learning Disability

LEA: Local Education Agency (the school district)

LFA: Low-Functioning Autism (defined as autism occurring with mental retardation, e.g. w/ IQ lower than 70)

LLD: Language-based Learning Disability

LRE: Least Restrictive Environment

- M -

M-D: Manic Depression (now referred to as Bipolar)

MBD: Minimum Brain Dysfunction (what ADD/ADHD used to be referred to as)

MDO: Major Depressive Disorder

MDT: Multi-Disciplinary Team

MH: Multiple Handicapped

MH: Mental Health

MPD: Multiple Personality Disorder

MR: Mental Retardation, IQ < 70

- N -

NAMI: National Association for the Mentally Ill

NICHCY: National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities

NIH: National Institute for Health

NOS: Not Otherwise Specified, usually seen as PDD-NOS

NLD or NVLD: Non-Verbal Learning Disability

- O -

OCD: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

OCR: Office of Civil Rights

ODD: Oppositional-Defiant Disorder

OHI: Other Health Impaired

OSEP: Office of Special Education Programs (located Washington, DC)

OSERS: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services

OT: Occupational Therapist

OT: Occupational Therapy

- P -

P&A: Protection & Advocacy

PDD: Pervasive Developmental Disorder (a form of Autism)

PDR: Physician's Desk Reference

PET: Positron Emission Tomography (Brain scan that can be used for diagnosis of Neurologically-based disorders)

PIQ: Performance IQ

PLEP: Present Levels of Educational Performance

PLOP: Present Levels of Performance

POHI: Physically or Otherwise Health Impaired

PT: Physical Therapist

PT: Physical Therapy

PTI: Parent Training and Information center

PTSD: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

- Q -

- R -

Rx: Prescription

- S -

SD: School District

SEA: State Education Agency

SED: Severe Emotional Disorder

SED: Severely Emotionally Disturbed

SID: Sensory Integration Dysfunction, also referred to as SI, or DSI

SIB: Self-Injurious Behavior

SIPT: Sensory Integration and Praxis Text

SLP: Speech-Language Pathologist

Sped: Special Education

SSRI: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (class of meds, incl. Prozac, Zoloft, Praxil, Luvox)

- T -

TEACCH: Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Disorders

TS: Tourette's Syndrome

TSS: Therapeutic Support Staff

- U -

- V -

VIQ: Verbal IQ

- W -

WAIS: Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (an IQ test)

WISC: Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (an IQ test)

W-J-R: Woodcock-Johnson Revised (a psycho-educational test)

- X -

- Y -

- Z -

Thankful Thursday

2012-01-05T07:54:00.001-05:00

Yep, another blogger tradition that I'm picking up.... Thankful Thursday

Today, I am thankful that Ashton has gotten the chance to flourish in a middle school class placement with a teacher who genuinely seems interested in getting to know him, his quirks, his interests and wants to know the best way to help him.

Yesterday I talked to her for a little while and told her, she has to stop being SO NICE to him. Not that I want her to be mean to him (of course... not like this story, or this one, or maybe even this one). He's going to take advantage of the situation if he's not made to come out of his comfort zone (ie. made to be held accountable for his work, for his behavior, etc). It's not being mean to push him to do his work, or even attend to a group lesson. It's called educating him, and for most of us parents with autistic children, that's what we want. We want our children to learn in a safe and welcoming environment.

So.... she's coming up with a new behavior chart that will get sent home every day. He has to do at least 50% of his work to get TV in the afternoons here at home. (GOOD!). If he DOES do 50% of his work every day (because that's a good amount of work for him to be doing right now), then at the end of the week he'll get the treat of going to the movies (GOOD!). I was going to use his tablet as a source of reinforcement, but I think that's too much to take away from him if he's not had a good day. He has to have something. This way TV isn't an option if he hasn't been doing his work. Then of course, he gets the reward of going to the movies that weekend, providing he's doing his work every day. I think I need to come up with a smaller reward item for daily reinforcements, at least, initially. This way he gets the idea quickly that doing his work is a GOOD thing.

Anyways - yes... very thankful that he's gotten this new chance at school. He currently loves his new school, teachers and classmates... so we'll see :)

Wordless Wednesday: Brotherly Love

2012-01-04T18:34:00.004-05:00

Except this first Wednesday, all others will be, well... wordless ;) I see this on a few other blogs, and it's just the blogger posting a picture or some such. So, I like that idea and I thought I'll try it out :)

I will note, that I may post a small caption about the photo.... just because, well, it's nice to know what the photo is of/what it means :) (and for me, it's not always going to be a recent picture... it may sometimes be older pictures that I post)

and now.... ON WITH THE SHOW!! :)

Brotherly Love .... Nov '04 .... :)

WELCOME 2012

2012-01-01T15:23:00.002-05:00

So.... New Years resolutions come and go. I never seem to be able to follow through with one. Whether it be weight loss, cussing less, more patience, etc. But, I do need to do all of these, so I'll move those over to the "Make Lifestyle Changes" column and try and follow through with them. However, I think setting an attainable goal is a good thing, so my New Years resolution will be....

Cook/bake/buy more culturally diverse foods.

This one should be easily attainable. We started off the New Year with one.... homemade hummus with some store-bought naan (need to learn how to make it). I want my family to eat stuff other than tacos, spaghetti, burgers, and our normal dishes.

Oh, I thought of another one and this should make my fellow bloggers happy.....

Visit and comment on more like-minded blogs!

This is another one that should be more easily attainable. I've accumulated a list of blogs that I love to visit and read, but I hardly ever comment. That. Must. Change. NOW! :)

So, be looking for me to visit your blog and comment more often! :) Maybe we can reciprocate the linking to each other's blogs?

So BRING IT ON! :)

oh, and Happy New Year everyone! Live long, love much, be happy and prosper!

Our year, looking back...........

2011-12-31T22:35:00.001-05:00

The future rolls in and the past is washed away. (II Corinthians 5:17).

So.... as you could tell from the last post, our 2011 was quite a busy, fun and crazy year! So, looking back... this is what all went on, starting from most recently, to the beginning of the year!

DECEMBER

Christmas - the year of geeky tech and video games! Ashton got his own tablet device, a Motorola Xoom. Holden got a lot of video games, both from us and from his grandparents/great-grandparents. :)

First 4.5 weeks at Ashton's new school - and he's doing great!

CBI trip - Ashton went on his very first CBI trip ... without me having to attend and was SUCCESSFUL!

13th wedding anniversary (12/10/98) - Yep, David and I have been married for 13 years. Hard to believe! Sometimes it seems like yesterday that we were married, and others... it seems like, forever ;) Thankfully, it's usually the former rather than the latter. :)

NOVEMBER

Thanksgiving - What more could you be thankful for? Time with family, good food and lots of laughs and fabulous conversations!

Gonnawannarunagin 5k & 1/2mi Fun Run - Holden ran his first 5K and finished with a time of 40:47. David ran his first 5K in 23yrs and ran it in 42:40. Ashton ran the 1/2mi. fun run and finished with a time of 6:27 (pretty impressive!)

Ashton started at a new school - After a difficult 6th grade last year (w/ 2 suspensions) and a very rough start to his 7th grade (w/ 2 more suspensions), we made the decision to move him to a new school! He LOVES it!!!

Awesome report card! - Holden had 3 As, 1 B and all Ss on his report card - WTG Dude!

OCTOBER

Halloween - Holden dressed as a Dragon Ninja. Lots of candy and he got to go out with his friend Connor's family

First roller coaster ride - Holden went to Busch Gardens for the first time with his cousin and rode his first roller coaster ride - The Mach Tower. He LOVED it!

Ashton makes dinner - Ashton made a pizza for dinner, mostly by himself other than the oven part! YAY! independence rocks!

SEPTEMBER

IEP madness/hell starts/continues... and Ashton receives 2 suspensions within 3 weeks. One in September, the 2nd in October.

Soccer Season and wrestling season starts - First year we let Holden participate in 2 sports in the same season since 1st grade. He did a pretty good job AND he kept his grades up! YAY!

First Day of School - First day of 4th grade and of 7th grade. Where has the time gone?!?!

AUGUST

Hurricane Irene - the boys' 2nd major hurricane... the first one was back in 2003 when Isabel came through shortly after we moved down here. They weathered it well (no pun intended)

David's & Jenn's birthdays - David's last year in his 30s as he turned 39. My last year in my early 30s! Next year I'll be solidly in my mid-30s! Waaaah! Guess what Mother Nature gave us? A bona fide EARTHQUAKE! Wild!!

Surfers Healing VA Beach - Ashton got to do Surfers Healing for the 2nd year in a row. He got to see Kalani from last year, and met Izzy (co-founder of Surfers Healing) and got to surf with Tim. What a blast and Grandma, Grandaddy, Uncle Kevin and Chelsea got to see him surf!

British Challenger Soccer Camp - Holden participated in his first soccer camp, and what a blast! While the weather was pretty excruciating, he learned a lot of good skills and learned that British Folks are some pretty cool people!

JULY

Toby Keith @ Eagle Fest - I won tickets to the Toby Keith concert from Eagle 97! I was ecstatic! I took my friend, Cathie Quimby and while Toby's portion started late (due to a sudden onset of bad weather) it was a BLAST!

Trip to Chowan River - Holden rode the intertube by himself for the first time! He did great, even though he got dumped once! he handled it like a champ! :) Ashton had a blast riding the jetski and just in general, riding on the boat :)

Summer School - Ashton went to summer school for the first time in 3 or 4 years. Did FANTASTIC! Such a wonderful experience for him...

Ken Chertow wrestling camp - Holden attended wrestling camp for the 2nd year in a row. He liked it but the days are really long (9am-9pm). But he learned a lot and made new friends. :)

Happy Birthday America - We had a great 4th of July dinner out at my inlaws! :) Fun with grandparents and cousins... can't ask for more! :)

JUNE

Mini Surf Camp - Ashton attended a mini surf camp held by Guardian Angels and Team Hoyt of VA Beach. He had a blast and what a way to kick off the summer after a horrid school year! :)

Last Day of school - Holden ended up with quite a few certificates and Ashton got the "Best Friend" award for his class for being friendly.

MAY

Happy Mother's Day - Had a wonderful day. Love being with my hubby and boys. :) Went to Chick-Fil-A's Mother/Son date night!

Yay! Brand New TV time! - David walled off a portion of the space above our fireplace and we put in a big 60" wide-screen HDTV!

APRIL

Happy Easter! - Another holiday with family and easter fun! The kids loved their baskets! :)

Happy Birthday Ashton and Holden - Yep, Ashton turned 12 and Holden turned 9.

Ashton's 2nd suspension - we won't go into the details. But suffice it to say that I wasn't happy, AT all. Ugh.

MARCH

Operation Smile Final Mile - Holden ran his very first official race. He finished with a time of 8:30. Not bad for a first race. He would go on to run Fun Run mile at his school's field day in 7:15!

End of wrestling season - Holden finishes up his 2nd full year of wrestling. He now needs a new pin board for all of his medals!! :)

FEBRUARY

New laptop for me! - I got a new MacBook Pro! Loving it! So much better than a Windows based laptop and no longer have problems with it crashing, locking up (although don't ask about earlier tonight, 12/31)

Extreme Makeover build in VA Beach - Holden, Lorey (David's cousin) and I attended the Extreme March to make a difference. We got to see a few of the stars from the show, see the house from the outside and make a difference by donating canned goods. What a blast!

JANUARY

Ashton's VERY FIRST ER trip - We got quite a scare in late January when all of a sudden Ashton's speech went from easy to understand to slurred and unintelligible. He deteriorated and ended up with a fever. Diagnosis (after 7hrs in the ER) was a basilar migraine. We think he was at the start of a sinus infection as well which didn't help. Luckily he was fine after a few days but wow, SCARY!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011 - We had no idea what to expect. Some things happened that we weren't expecting and other things happened that we did. Good, bad and everything in between.

LET'S BRING IN 2012 and have the best year ever!!!!

2011 review in pictures.... :)

2011-12-31T21:16:00.001-05:00

LOTS of pictures! Be patient..... it's well worth the look into our year! :)

January 2011: Ashton's first ER trip :( (dx: basilar migraine)

January 2011: Ashton with IV/pulse ox :(

February 2011: Holden in front of EMHE's VA Beach Build

Feb 2011: See, we get snow too! :)

Feb 2011: lookin' like a little pro!

March 2011: See, I CAN do my homework!

March 2011: Wrestling match

March 2011: Operation Smile Final Mile

April 2011: Happy 12th Birthday Ashton!

April 2011: Happy 9th Birthday Holden!

April 2011: Happy Easter cousins!!

May 2011: Happy Mother's Day, Happy Father's Day, Happy Birthday,
Happy Anniversary and Merry Christmas to us! :)

May 2011: Mother/Son Date Night @ Chick-Fil-A

June 2011: Last Day of School (Ashton)

June 2011: Last Day of School (Holden)

June 2011: Mini Surf Camp

June 2011: Mini Surf Camp

July, 2011 - Happy Birthday America!

July, 2011: Cousins in a cage (aka. at the zoo)

July, 2011: The next 5 pictures are from Chowan River

handsome Ashton!

Ashton & Grandad

Holden on the intertube

David and Ashton

Holden and Mommy :)

July 2011: Toby Keith in concert - I WON tickets!

August 2011: Holden's camp teammates at British Challenger Soccer Camp

The next 7 pictures are from August 2011: Surfers Healing Camp

Ashton, surfing with his surfer, Tim

Chilling out with a pepsi

Ashton & Izzy Paskowitz, co-founder of Surfers Healing, Great to meet you!

Ashton & Kalani (one of his favorite people & his surfer from last year!)

Ashton with Tim, this year's surfer

Having the time of his life!

Heading out for another wave

August, 2011: Dealing without lights after Hurricane Irene

September, 2011: Back to School (4th grade)

September, 2011: Back to school (7th grade)

October, 2011: Ashton making pizza for dinner

October, 2011: Ashton and Holden at the pumpkin patch

October, 2011 - First roller coaster ride with Uncle Richard

November, 2011: Ashton in front of his new school, Hugo Owens Middle

Next 6 Pictures are from:

November, 2011: Gonnawannarunagain 5K and 1/2mi. Fun Run

Holden, coming into the finish line - 40:47

David coming into the finish line - 42:40

Ashton coming into the 1/2mi Fun Run finish line - 6:26

David and Holden running :)

Ashton and Holden with the WB XC team :) Thanks for coming out guys!

My 3 runners! :) Great Job guys!

November, 2011: Happy Thanksgiving!

December, 2011: Front of our Christmas Card

December, 2011: Heading to breakfast with Santa

December 25. 2011: Best. Christmas. Gift. Ever!

December 25, 2011: the Christmas of video games! :)

READY TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR!!!! :)

Merry Christmas (a little early) .....

2011-12-14T20:47:00.000-05:00

My absolute FAVORITE Christmas Flash Mob .... Hallelujah!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS 2011

2011-12-02T17:43:00.000-05:00

Gonnawannarunagin 5K

2011-11-20T17:32:00.001-05:00

David, Holden and Ashton after the Gonnawannarunagin 5K & 1/2mi Fun Run

So proud of my three guys! They ran in the first ever Gonnawannarunagin 5K & 1/2mi Fun Run yesterday with proceeds to benefit Families of Autistic Children of Tidewater (F.A.C.T.) and Camp Gonnawannagoagin (yes, this is the camp that Ashton attends every summer). Neither David nor Holden have really trained for the 5K, but with the proceeds going to such a wonderful cause, they both ran it anyways and they did GREAT!! Holden finished with a time of 40:47 and David finished with a time of 42:40. Considering Holden's never ran a 5K before and David hasn't ran one in 23years, they did awesome! Our cousin, Ryan Carroll ran and of course, he won with a time of 15:13, but well... he's a runner ;) Ashton finished the 1/2mi Fun Run in under 7minutes which is pretty dang impressive if you know him! No pictures of him running because I ended up running after him after not recognizing anyone of the volunteers..... but he finished WAY before me! LOL

Front Row: Ashton and Holden
Second Row: Nick Richardson, Katherine Mattias, Coach: Ryan Carroll, Alexis Dudek, Juliette Zadrazil and Zane Bolen
Third Row: Justine Sikes, Sarah Semp, Mark Judy, Blake Tidwell, and Kevin Sikes
Back Row: Andrew Werner and Terry Reel

Here's the rest of the pictures from the day ...... :)

Ashton, waiting for the races to start

Holden, waiting around for the races to start

Holden and David coming around the loop from the first 1/2 mi. of the 5K

Ashton, waiting for David and Holden to finish the 5K

Holden, coming into the finish line at 40:47 - Good Job Dude!

David coming up to the finish line with a time of 42:40 - Great Job Honey! :)

.... and he's off!

2011-11-14T07:58:00.000-05:00

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL (again) to you buddy! We love you and hope you have a stupendously great, awesome, and terrific first day of school in your new school with your new teachers and new friends!! Remember to be on your very best, best, best, most excellent, best behavior...... :)

New Behavior Chart for New School

2011-11-13T23:36:00.000-05:00

This is just a screenshot of the document that I made up. It doesn't look wonky like it does here - looks good :) Just thought I'd share for anyone else needing something similar! :)

They were once so small.....

2011-11-12T09:17:00.000-05:00

ASHTON JAMES

Ashton's coming home outfit (left) and him as a newborn. He was born at 5lbs 14oz, 17.5in and was down to 5lbs 6oz when he came home (and probably got down to closer to 5lbs before he started gaining weight, tiny dude!). But, I found his coming home outfit the other day and was astounded that he was EVER small enough to fit into something so itty-bitty! Yes, the outfit was a preemie-sized... and it was a cool spring day when he came home, around 50ish degrees. Amazing that the tiny peanut that wore that outfit, is now around 130lbs and is so close to 5 foot tall he can taste it! ;)

HOLDEN CHRISTOPHER

Holden as a newborn (left) and his coming home outfit. He was born at 6lbs 1oz, 18.5in and came home at 5lbs 8oz. He however, grew pretty quickly and was back up and over his birth weight by the time he was two weeks old! He was a chunk-a-munk baby.... he grew incredibly fast, and was over 15lbs by the time he was 4months old! But now, at 9.5years old, he's back to being tiny again! He's around 53lbs and is 50in tall! But sometimes the best things come in the smallest packages, or that's what we keep teling him! :) But his coming home outfit was also a preemie-sized, but, it was over 100degrees on the day we brought him home! Amazing the difference in a matter of 3 years between the two boys' births!

Light at the end of the tunnel....

2011-11-08T20:45:00.002-05:00

Yes, we have finally reached the light at the end of the tunnel.... both figuratively and literally. After this school year starting off much like I thought it would; two suspensions, several behavior write-ups, 4 (or was it, 5?) looooooonnnnggggg IEP meetings (totaling around 17 hours) and many phone calls later, we finally have a plan of action and it's already in place. :) Ashton's not just changing classrooms, he's changing schools! However, it wasn't an easy decision to make and the last two weeks have resembled something much like this....

We initially thought everything was cleared for the transfer (he's going to an out of zone school, but still in the same district), after a particularly lengthy IEP session totaling 6 hours in one day! Come to find out a few days later when I was calling to check on things, things were in fact not cleared for the transfer, and was in fact told that we were going to be told to reconsider a move to the adjacent classroom to his current one. Well, that in my book, was no longer an option I was willing to consider and the school was insistent that that placement wasn't a good match for Ashton anyways. At this point, I was confused and exhausted and just tired of dealing with all of the stress. Not to mention that his behavior was/is deteriorating rapidly. He received two suspensions (both for "attacking/going after" a staff member). I also just learned that he bit another student yesterday. He's never, ever bitten anyone (to the best of my knowledge), except me - and that was when he was on Paxil, which so obviously didn't agree with him. It's a sure-fire, clear sign that he doesn't like this class (whether it be the students, staff, or both, doesn't matter) and needs to get out of there, pronto! We had another IEP meeting last Friday and decided that a same-type of class placement in another building, is what would meet Ashton's educational and behavioral needs and meet the requirement for Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). I think (really) that it's just well, it's not a good fit. Not sure what else to say about it. It's obvious he doesn't want to be there (refusal to do any classwork, refusal to comply to any demands placed on him, his aggressive tendencies, etc). He needed to be moved.... I put on the table that I want the move completed by November 14th, as that's when the new grading period started, and so it was agreed. I started that meeting feeling nauseous and sick to my stomach and so incredibly ready to vomit. I walked out of there, substantially less stressed and feeling very positive about the upcoming change.

He starts at the new school on Monday, November 14th. I took him over to his new school this morning so he could see the building, meet his new teacher and meet the special ed assistant principal over there. He loved it! The school is substantially bigger than his current one, and at least the small part of it that we saw, seems quite a bit newer. The "campus grounds" are so nice - spacious and open, and way off the main road. Some of you may remember that Ashton had become a runner during his time at his current school and I was always afraid that he was going to get out of the building (which he did on one occasion) and get lost in the neighborhood that his current school sits in. The "vibe" I got when I walked in was one of no-nonsense.... but still warm and welcoming. The asst principal was very nice and kind, she was actually standing in the office and waiting for us. His new teacher seems very caring and willing to explore new ideas and work with us. As she said, we as the parents, are the experts on our kid. In order to form a good relationship, we have to work as partners, which means, educating her on Ashton and his personality and his behaviors, etc. To help with that, I had made up a list of "Things to know about Ashton and School" and another list of "Interesting Facts about Ashton". Just lists things that can be triggers for meltdowns, some of his interests and of course, talks about his love of going to the movies and watching YouTube videos! I also gave her our contact information along with a copy of the current IEP, all meeting notes pertaining to that IEP and all modifications that have been done since implementing the IEP in May. It gives her a headstart on getting to know him before he officially starts in her class.

The plan was originally for him to start on Monday and that I'd be driving him to school (to facilitate his transitioning to the new building with new staff and new classmates). Well, the teacher called me earlier this afternoon and asked if I minded bringing him in tomorrow so that he can meet his new classmates and classroom staff and hang out for a little bit! I ALREADY LIKE THIS WOMAN and I've talked to her for all of about 15 minutes :) So we'll see how tomorrow goes. I'm excited to see how he reacts to the new classroom and staff/classmates.

I will say, that once Ashton realized I was taking him back to his old school, after visiting the new one, he was very unhappy with me :( Poor guy. Hopefully he'll do better with it tomorrow, as tomorrow his his last day! Our school district has off on Thursday (end of grading period/teacher work day) and Friday (Veteran's Day). He'll start next Monday off with everything a-new! Wish him luck!

As for me, I'm glad the roller-coaster is just about over. I know that not every day is going to be a happy, cheery, perfect day. But dangit, he deserves to have so many more good days than bad, and that's not happened since he's been at his current school :( I'm ready to not have to stress every moment he's at school about what he's doing/not doing and whether or not I'm going to receive a call to come pick him up. I'm done with it, and he so obviously is too.

So onto the next chapter..... :)

LOVE this expression

2011-11-07T10:22:00.000-05:00

I love this face ..... absolutely cracked me up when I saw it. I'm due for an update on here, but I need to get through this week. Good things on the horizon though, good things indeed!

"Don't Let Me go"

2011-10-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

I will never stop fighting for you, my sweet big dude. You will get what you need, despite what anyone thinks, says or does. Yes, you will be happy and successful in your life, in whatever way that means for you. Your smile is so sweet, your personality so engaging (yes, I just said that about an autistic child), and your eyes and heart are so full of life!

We will keep fighting the fight to get you what you deserve!

Love you sweet dude!

Steve Jobs has passed away........

2011-10-06T09:09:00.000-04:00

The Einstein of our time, the Henry Ford of our time, a true genius of our time ....

Steve Jobs will be missed, and I can only hope that his legacy will forever be etched into our lives and our children's lives and so on....

Have a nice day!

Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning......

2011-09-11T11:46:00.048-04:00

(all videos on this site are not playable directly here .. you will be directed to YouTube to view them. But, they are too important and poignant not to share .... enjoy)
(no images on this site are my own, they are from various news sites, websites and other sources)

Don't forget the 4 legged heroes of September 11, 2001 ..... four-legged heroes remembered.

September 11, 2001 ..... The day that would forever change the skyline of New York City. The day that brought our country together as one. A day that will not and cannot be forgotten.

Where was I when the world stopped turning?

I was approx 7 weeks pregnant with my 2nd child. I believe that morning was also the first time I experienced morning sickness in that pregnancy. My friend Kristy was coming to my house so we could go to Tyson's Corner. Her husband called me around 8:55am to ask if she'd arrived, and to tell me to turn the news on. I watched in horror as I watched the 2nd plane crash into the WTC South Tower. My friend and I decided it was best to not go on our shopping trip and we just watched the news. Horrified, we watched as the towers fell, as the Pentagon was hit, and as a plane crashed into Shanksville, PA. We obviously cancelled our shopping trip and watched the TV as the horror of that day was portrayed across the TV. Her husband came from work and her and him left to go home, while I sat glued to the television. My husband was at work and they were finally allowed to leave around 3pm, though it took him quite some time to get out of the parking garage at work and then on home.

I hope people will remember how we felt that day. The unity we felt as a country, as a people. Remember those who lost their lives, or loved ones. Remember those who have fought for our country in the war since September 11, 2001. But most of all, remember....... that we can move ahead in the face of adversity, that we should love our fellow man, and that we should love ourselves.

Graphical timeline and photographical timeline of the events of 9/11 ....

WTC shortly after Flight 11 crashes into
the North Tower on 9/11/01

Flight 175 crashing into the South Tower
of the WTC 9/11/01

Pentagon after it was hit on 9/11/01 by Flight 77

Site of the Shanksville, PA crash of Flight 93 on 9/11/01

WTC South Tower as it collapses on 9/11/01

WTC North Tower as it collapses on 9/11/01

MEMORIALS to remember those lost.....

9/11 Memorial reflection pool at Ground Zero

9/11 Memorial Wall at the Pentagon

9/11 Memorial in Shanksville, PA

Have a wonderful day of remembrance..... remember the good in those we lost, and never forget the tragedy we've overcome. May God continue to bless our wonderful country with the freedoms, liberties and the pursuits of happiness that we're allowed......

What a difference..... Surfers Healing 2011

2011-08-21T14:26:00.002-04:00

Look at that smile!! :) PURE happiness and joy!
The ocean heals my soul when I see that look of pure excitement!

Thanks to Emily Peat for this wonderful picture of Ashton

Surfers Healing 2011 in Virginia Beach, did not disappoint. It was a beautifully sunny, warm, light breezy day. Perfect weather for surfing!

CFA sandwiches are a FAVE!

Since we've done this before, we knew a lot more about what to expect. Got Ashton signed in, received his goody bag and all of our t-shirts, and went and found a spot on the beach. We ran into many friends and the excitement was in the air! Funny enough, my family and went ahead and grabbed a spot while I was talking to a friend. After I sat down, I realized another group of friends were in front of us; the Peko Family!

We got there right as lunch was being served; Chick-Fil-A chicken sandwiches! The camp was running a little behind, trying to wait for the surfers and volunteers to catch a breath from the morning heat of surfing, plus allowing them time to eat and take a break. Plus, they were waiting for some better waves, as the waves petered out a bit in the afternoon.

Ashton's surf time was scheduled at 1pm, though he didn't go out until around 2:00 because of the delay. He was so excited, as he knew exactly what to expect! He was slightly disappointed that he didn't get to surf with his surfer from last year, Kalani Kahalioumi, but I think once he was out on the water, he didn't mind one bit! There weren't very many waves during Ashton's time out in the water, but he did get to ride a couple of smaller waves in. He greatly enjoyed just laying on the surfboard out on the water; what an extremely calming effect.

But, what excited me the most wasn't the way Ashton was in the water, it was how social Ashton was this year, in comparison to last year. I don't know if it was the vibe or energy of those around us, or if he's really just made that much progress, but wow, amazing. We had seen Kalani the night before at the Welcome Luau at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. He'd given Ashton a gift (a poster of himself surfing) and gave hugs, etc with a promise to "see you tomorrow!". I cannot tell you how many times I heard "Where's Kalani? Where's surfing? Where's Kalani? Where's surfing" the entire ride home and even afterwards. It was hard getting him wrangled into bed that night, but he went, begrudgingly.

When we arrived at the beach Saturday, we looked for Kalani. We ended up heading over to the tents where the surfers were taking a break, eating lunch and chilling out. We saw Kalani (after asking several people where he was) and Ashton got a huge grin on his face and was so excited! He got even more excited when Kalani started introducing him to all the surfers as his buddy. At this point, I paused, because I was amazed at the transformation in my son. He was talking, laughing and being a total social butterfly! This time last year, he would have shied away from them, not knowing what to say. This year however, he was wanting to meet everyone and excitedly talked to anyone who would listen! He caught a glimpse of Izzy Paskowitz and said "I saw him on TV" so the surfers gathered us around and introduced Ashton as a fan! :) We got a couple of great pictures, gave Izzy hugs and I thanked him for all he does for our special children with Autism. What a gracious, generous, teddy bear of a man. So humble and so normal! Ashton had a blast meeting all the surfers, and I'm so glad they didn't mind our interruption.

Mahalo to all of the surfers who gave my son much aloha and many happy memories! We now can't wait until next year! Our entire family had a wonderful time watching the transformation of these kids in the water and I'm continuously amazed at how such a busy event can be run so smoothly.

Special thank you's to Izzy, Kalani, Pito and Tim ..... I can't remember the names of all the surfers we met yesterday but I greatly appreciate the time and effort you all make to help our children feel the love and acceptance that they so greatly deserve.

Here are a few pics from yesterday..... enjoy!

Izzy Paskowitz (founder of Surfers Healing) and Ashton

Izzy grabbed his "cool man" sunglasses for another cute shot!

Getting suited up

Getting led over to his surfer w/ a volunteer

Ridin' a wave in with his surfer, Tim (look at that smile!)

Ridin' the second wave in....

Thank you Tim for your patience and kindness!

Ashton with last year's surfer, Kalani Kahalioumi - TY for the gift!

Thank you so much everyone! Surfers Healing, Surfers Healing VB, all of the volunteers, the surfers, the families who shared their children with us all, and most of all, thank you God for putting Angels on Earth like these tireless people, who can give us a day away from judgement, away from the stares and puts us with a group of people that we can laugh with and share our joys with.

Gift from Kalani (trying to get a frame for it)

Until next year,

The littlest heros.... the siblings

2011-07-21T16:49:00.001-04:00

I know I've posted about Holden, Ashton's younger brother many times..... well, Holden is Ashton's wind beneath his wings..... :)

But, have I told you how awesome he is?

<~~~~ That beautiful baby boy, was the single best and most important thing we ever did for Ashton. I mean yes, we had a second child because we wanted one and knew a second child would round out our beautiful family. But what we didn't know at the time, was just how important of a role Holden would play in helping Ashton. We didn't realize just how crucial Ashton's well-being and independence would be and what role Holden would play in that. Never did we realize how good of a therapist Holden would be. A built-in and free therapist, imagine that?! :)

Holden has always been early at meeting his milestones. I mean heck, he came out, 3.5weeks early after a 2.5hour labor! ;) He's been early at everything! hahaha! He started walking around 8-9ish months, started talking shortly after his 1st birthday and he was talking non-stop by the time he was 18months old. Holden knew all shapes, colors, ABCs (upper and lowercase and all sounds) by his 2nd birthday and was singing the Star Spangled Banner and was saying the Pledge of Allegiance by his 3rd birthday and also knew his full name, birthdate and phone number and address.

<~~~~ That is a picture of Ashton and I the summer before Holden was born. I got pregnant the month after this picture was taken. We were still undergoing the diagnostic process for his Autism (meaning, we knew something was up, but didn't have a label yet) and had decided, if I didn't get pregnant by the end of that summer, that we would remain a one-child household. Well, Holden was meant to be, because I found out the day before mine and hubby's birthdays (August 23rd) that I was pregnant. Ashton underwent testing for seizures (MRI, EEG) and genetic screenings and blood tests. Everything came back normal, but we knew something was going on with our precious boy. We found out in November of 2001; Autism. The scarlet letter of developmental delays. He rated on the severe end of the scale, and we were left wondering what that would mean for our sweet boy. We found out in December of 2001 that our new baby would be another boy. While I was sad at the thought of never experiencing having a little girl, I know now, that our second and last little boy was exactly what God had planned for us. In January of 2002, Ashton started school, a preschool class for special ed children. His teacher (Ms. Cindy) was an Angel on Earth (though she may dispute that!). I greatly admired (and still do!) this woman; she has a huge huge heart, has special needs children of her own and yet, was going to school to finish her schooling and was teaching special ed kids. Because of her, Ashton learned incredibly quickly. He quickly picked up on the communication skills that laid the groundwork for us to be able to hear his sweet voice. At first, he used PECS cards and used those for communication. On April 16, 2002, Holden made his grand appearance! Ashton's teachers knew when he didn't come to school that day, that I'd likely had the baby. When Ashton returned to school the next day, we sent in pictures of his new baby brother and he wore his "I'm the big brother" t-shirt! :) What a grand moment for him.

I was fortunate in that I got to stay at home with Holden. Ashton was in school full day when Holden was only 4months old, so he got lots of 1:1 mommy time despite being a second child. We went to playgroups, LLL meetings (LaLecheLeague; it's for breastfeeding mothers), and we were hardly ever home! :) Lots of mommy & Holden time. At this point, Ashton didn't pay much attention to Holden I don't think. He was still very much "in his own world", although I would often get pictures like that one ~~~~ ^. Beautiful, aren't they?

It wasn't until Holden was around a year old, that Ashton became more aware of this little being that had set up residence in our home. Holden was walking already (Ashton didn't walk until he was nearly two-years-old; now known to be because of hypotonia in his upper extremeties) and was talking pretty clearly for being so young. We had moved right around this time and that had set Ashton back quite a little ways. But, what was quickly becoming apparent was, he dearly loved his little brother. So sweet! <3<3<3

As the boys grew older, and over the years..... Holden's personality came to light. He would not be ignored. It's just not in his personality. He also helped Ashton come out of his shell. Due to Holden's outgoing personality, and his precociousness, Ashton was seldom able to withdraw when Holden was around. Holden loved to play and interact and never had any problems adjusting to a special needs brother; Ashton was just who he was meant to be, his big brother. See ^^^ pure idolization of his big brother, and I think it was mutual between the two of them. They would put up from each other, what they would put up from no one else.

and here's some more pics, story will continue afterwards.....

Ashton would have never wore this if
Holden wouldn't of had the same costume!

Trip up to NOVA '07 - LOVED the carousel in the mall

Holden's first day of kindergarten - MY how he grew!

Ashton at the special games for his school

Look at that smile - RUNNIN'!

Fun with friends

FAMILY PICTURE - ALL 4 of us!

Fun with family friends!
(I Promise, no kids were harmed in the taking of this photo! LOL)

Still feelin' that brotherly love <3

One of the first years Ashton REALLY got into Christmas '09

This was also the year Ashton decided to give himself a hair cut! :P

Happy 12th Birthday Ashton and Happy 9th Birthday Holden!

and now we are here today (well okay.... a few weeks ago LOL) ..... :)

Holden has helped his brother immensely over the years. But, I think what has helped Ashton the most, is Holden being exactly who he is, so that Ashton can become the young man who he is supposed to be. Ashton is now a very verbal and social creature. Almost always happy, and talking non-stop! Ashton now has a pretty engaging personality. You can't talk to him and not smile. He's so funny and comes up with some really cute things to say! Sure, he's not at a twelve-year-old level, and I doubt he'll ever be totally age-appropriate, but he's come such a long ways from where we started. Holden has been the biggest part of that. Holden knows that sometimes, we can't just go out and do fun things, because Ashton just can't always handle that stuff. He's been put on the back burner on many occasions because of Ashton's therapies, school issues, etc. Holden is now coming into his own, now that he's getting older. Holden is very smart, very active, and is quite a talker. He gets very good grades and is well-liked by all of his peers and teachers. He's quite popular at school, as Ashton paved the way for him! As night and day as my boys are, they are both a very special part of our family. Ashton has taught us that slow and steady wins the race, and Holden has taught us that gettin' up and goin' and havin' fun is a good thing too. They're both sweet, loveable and funny as all get out. And the love they have for each other? Unsurmountable. They're best friends and stick up for one another when they think the other is being wronged. Holden has picked good friends, all of whom have accepted Ashton for who he is, not what he has. Ashton is a book-lovin', movie--watchin' fiend while Holden is a video-game playin' and runnin' around actin' crazy goofball. But, at the end of the day... they're both ours. Our sweet boys who are both growing up into incredible young men.

My hope for them is to always remain friends, always look out for one another, and always remember, that blood runs thicker than water. Family is family, and they do for one another. and Thank you for being the two best sons any mom could ever ask for!

Love you BOTH very very much!

The little lion? that's Holden..... in 2006 on the homecoming float for his school

One of my favorite pics of Holden, EVER!

First soccer game - ala Karate Kid! LOL

No idea what the silly faces were for, but I LOVE it!

2nd place in his VERY FIRST wrestling tourney! AWESOME!

Holden took this picture, with my little p&s camera - photographer in the making?

VERY first GOLD MEDAL in wrestling!

Small, but MIGHTY!

he had some anxiety about the tube initially, but then wanted
to keep going back out in it! :) YAY!

I'm always proud of both of my boys' accomplishments, but I try to make sure Holden gets the extra attention he deserves. He's had to give up a lot with having a special needs brother, and has always taken it in stride. He's a very sweet kid, and this post is for him :) I hope you've enjoyed the story and the pictures :) Thanks for letting me share

Have a nice day!

How a stare or an unkind word can hurt further than you can see....

2011-07-18T15:49:00.000-04:00

It constantly amazes me at how the world as I know it, is unkind and not made for my special guy. While both of my guys struggle with their difficulties, Ashton just can't pass as "normal" like Holden can and does. Despite Holden's ADHD/anxiety, his meds keep most of his symptoms at bay so for all intents and purposes, he's a completely typical 9-year-old and appears that way. Ok, so well... a small 9-year old ;) He is after all, only 50lbs and 51in tall.

If you see me and my son in the store..... here's what I hope you will not do.

First off, when you see me have him climb into a shopping cart, don't look at me weird. I do this, because Ashton can and does sometimes run. In a place like Walmart or Target where I do a lot of shopping, I need him to be contained. Yes, I know.... he's big (120lbs and nearly 5 foot tall) and looks goofy sitting in the back, but live a day in my life of having to chase him down and I can bet you won't judge me anymore.

**TIP**
Lifting the front part of the cart (where a small child would sit) up from the inside of the cart
will allow a larger child to climb in instead of having to lift them
into the cart (which I cannot do with Ashton's size)

Secondly, when he flaps and claps ... don't stare. Can you even begin to imagine how this makes him feel? It's his way of processing the sensory overload that he's experiencing. Imagine the sounds, sights and smells of a place like Walmart and magnify it, 100x. That's how he feels! I can guarantee you'd have to do something to help your body calm down. Also, don't assume he's doing it because he's mad or upset, he does indeed flap and clap when he's happy and overly excited too. The vocalizations are different. People (generally) seem to find happy noises more acceptable than upset/angry noises.

Third, if you see or (as the case will usually be) hear him screaming, don't rush to the conclusion that he is some horrible kid that can't control his behavior, or that I'm just enjoying hearing him scream and making you miserable. While yes, he is autistic and he has difficulties with communication and behavior, he still needs to learn to fit into this world. He does very well, most times. But well, we all have our bad days and well, I do the best I can to keep him from screaming and yelling and carrying on. However, sometimes it's just not possible. I do have to get groceries, pick up prescriptions, and get out of the house; just like everybody else. My son also needs to learn these life skills too, he's almost a teenager! Just remember, if you feel miserable because his screaming is bothering you, think about how him and I feel. I do my best to quickly leave the store (and have done so without my purchases too).

Lastly, if you see my son behaving oddly and aren't sure what to say..... don't stare, give weird looks and turn away.

What I hope you will do ......
If you don't know what to say..... just nod your head with a friendly smile, and walk away. However, if you're wanting to make a positive social interaction with my son, speak up and say "Hello, Young Man!" He loves positive interaction and will typically answer back with a "Hello, my name's Ashton!" He gets so excited for positive communications from people. If you see him melting down and screaming and crying, please ask me if I need any help. Don't feel badly if I say no, however. I most times can handle the crying and screaming and do my best to quickly remove my son and myself from the scene. Please know that I sincerely appreciate every kind look, every kind word, or even just moving out of my way if you see me running with a cart and a kid. I hate the stares, so don't. I hate the unkind words, leave them unspoken. But I do appreciate sensitivity. I appreciate kindness. I appreciate understanding. I also appreciate people who can look beyond the situation and notice that this is a child with special needs. I appreciate people who know and can spread awareness.

This post came to light today because I read this note, someone posted on Facebook: A Few Feet, and a World Apart. It spoke to me, and made me feel like maybe I need to get out into the open how sometimes the looks, stares and unkind words that I get out in public, make me feel. I am most certainly not the only one out there. I've copied it below for those that can't read it due to not being on Facebook. Thank you to Kristina for the permission to use this :) You Rock Girl!

I will feel better if I get this off my chest, even though I know the people who will read this are not the people to whom it is addressed...
You and I stand just a few feet, and a world apart.

You are the old lady in the restaurant who gave me a stern look, then elbowed her friends, so they could also stare at my daughter. You shook your heads in open disapproval. In your world, children aren't born 3 and a half months early, and they don't have life threatening strokes, therefore they have absolutely no excuse to be using a bottle at 4 years old. In my world, the fact that my daughter can take anything by mouth is both a miracle, and the result of years of painstaking effort.

You are the irritable man at the Science Center who gave my children a blatant look of disgust when they had trouble staying in their seat during your presentation. In your world, parents are expected to control their children in public, and children have no excuse to behave that way. In my world, my children have ADHD and autism, which makes sitting still very difficult for them, even when they are on medication and are really trying to behave.

You are the lady in the mall who rolled her eyes at me because my daughter was making too much noise. In your world, parents should teach their children to use their "inside voice." In my world, the fact that my daughter can make any vocalizations at all is really amazing. Her left vocal cord is paralyzed from nerve damaged caused by a chest surgery which was done when she weighed less than 2 pounds. In my world, not all children are capable of understanding the concept of an "inside voice."

You are the neighbor who notices with dismay that my yard doesn't look quite as manicured as it once did. In your world, there is time and energy to put in to things like that. In my world, I am too exhausted to care much about the yard anymore. I have bigger concerns that consume my days and nights, important things like trying to teach my 4 year old how to communicate her basic needs.
-
You are the fair weather friends I once had, the ones who simply evaporated while I struggled for months to cope with having a critically ill child. In your world, friends are only worth having if they are always fun to be around, and aren't likely to need anything from you. In my world, friends don't need to be asked. They can see you need help, and are quick to offer it.

You are the checkout lady in the grocery store who said to me, "I am SO glad that isn't my kid," not realizing that it was my own son you were commenting to me about. He was having a meltdown, and my husband was taking him out of the store, while I checked out as quickly as I possibly could. In your world, children with special needs are a curse. You pity them, rather than value them as people. With your eyes, you see only their deficits. In my world, special needs children are a blessing beyond measure. They teach us invaluable lessons in gratitude, patience, faith, and the value of life. With my eyes, I can see the miracles you sadly fail to see.

You are all the people who smugly pass judgment on us. I know most of you do so without knowing all the facts. I realize you measure our behaviors by the only rules that you know, the rules that govern your world. You can not know how deeply your thoughtless responses cut. On most days, I extend to you a courtesy you fail to give us. I silently pardon, and excuse your behavior. Because you do not live in my world, I know you can not begin to fathom how hard my children work to try to meet the expectations of your world, and that they are doing the best they can despite their challenges.

I both forgive, and sometimes envy you for your ignorance.
...and so ends the rant....with my apologies.
_
To the special needs parents who read this, I would like to invite you to join my facebook support group for special needs parents "Loving a Miracle - Special Parents Supporting Each Other."
https://www.facebook.com/groups/325329864348?ap=1
If the link fails to work you can copy, and past it to your browser.
- Kristina Smith Blizzard

Have a nice day!

Camp Gonnawannagoagin

2011-07-09T08:51:00.000-04:00

This video showcases the wonderful camp Ashton will be attending next week, Camp Gonnawannagoagin. I love the song that is playing, so I found the lyrics and copied them here.

Camp Gonnawannagoagin's premise is to allow autistic children and teens the opportunity to socialize with their neurotypical peers out in the community doing things that kids and teens like to do. In the past, Ashton's gotten to go to the movies (a favorite past-time of his, lol), go to the zoo, the aquarium, the beach, Ocean Breeze, swimming, the park, Jumpin Jellybeans, etc etc. He always has lots of fun and he's always very tired when I pick him up at the end of the day.

This is Ashton's 5th year in attending Camp Gonnawannagoagin. He's attended many weeks over the last 5years and this year will be attending four weeks! He's excited about seeing Ms Pam again and seeing his friends. He always has a great time and usually ends up leaving each day with tears and some sadness. I'm hoping with some maturity over the last year, that we can avoid the tears, but it lets me know that this is a place he loves being at and people that he loves and enjoys being with.

Hope they have some new books this year ;) I think he's read just about every book they have!! :)

Cold Play's "Talk"

Oh brother I can't, I can't get through
I've been trying hard to reach you, cause I don't know what to do
Oh brother I can't believe it's true
I'm so scared about the future and I wanna talk to you
Oh I wanna talk to you
You can take a picture of something you see
In the future where will I be?
You can climb a ladder up to the sun
Or write a song nobody has sung
Or do something that's never been done

Are you lost or incomplete?
Do you feel like a puzzle, you can't find your missing piece?
Tell me how do you feel?
Well I feel like they're talking in a language I don't speak
And they're talking it to me

So you take a picture of something you see
In the future where will I be?
You can climb a ladder up to the sun
Or a write a song nobody has sung
Or do something that's never been done
Do something that's never been done

So you don't know were you're going, and you wanna talk
And you feel like you're going where you've been before
You tell anyone who'll listen but you feel ignored
Nothing's really making any sense at all
Let's talk, let's ta-a-alk
Let's talk, let's ta-a-alk

Have a nice day!

AWESOME What a way to wrap up the week!

2011-07-09T08:04:00.000-04:00

How do you follow up one really great day at school? You have another!

Here's the note home from Thursday......

I left your note about camp next week on ::regular teacher::'s desk and both teacher assistants are aware too. Ashton had a great morning! He transitioned extremely well from computer time today! He was the first one logged off the computer and lined up to go back to class. He led the way back to class. He worked with the occupational therapist again today for an hour too. He worked on Brainpop Math & Englsh today and took graded quizzes. He got 6 out of 10 on multiplication and 5 out of 10 on reading about an author, Roald Dahl. He worked really well. He also drew a picture for his journal today and showed the class. The topic was "What do you plan to do this weekend?". He shared with us that he plans to be happy and good. He got a sticker from the OT today and he earned extra free time on the computer time today from me. He read a book and went to the library and did an excellent job checking out a book. He should get his reward. Have a great weekend! ::sub teacher::

I cannot believe the total 180 degree turn-around that Ashton has made, even from just one month ago at school. That's what is most hardest to decipher, just one month ago, his school was still having such big issues with him. Why the sudden turn-around? Why, is he all of a sudden, trying new foods? Being more verbally appropriate? Acting more, dare I say it, neurotypical? Oh don't get me wrong, he's most definitely still autistic and always will be, but he's being more appropriate in just about every aspect of life. Yes, he's still having his moments, but overall, a major improvement in all areas; academic, behavior, social, communication, etc etc etc. Yay!

Then.... you follow up a great week at summer school, with a great 2hr session of ESY academic instruction! YES! He's totally rockin' this summer, which is awesome! So happy for all of the improvements.... :) :)

Have a nice day!

MAJOR improvements so far this summer

2011-07-06T23:32:00.001-04:00

Wow - Ashton's verbal communications are way up, considering his connectedness to YouTube and the TV. He's just making more sense, being more spontaneous and some of what he says, is downright hilarious! ex: he'll say..... "I said, a thousand times NOooo" with almost that same inflection.... LOL The kid cracks me up on a daily basis.

We've been working on identifying facial expressions; happy, sad, scared and mad/angry. Well, not only has he picked up on those four expressions, he now likes to make a game of it! Watching him try to contort his own face into each expression is absolutely priceless!

How can you not totally giggle at this silly boy? :) He's doing a great job identifying and showing emotions, even if we do still make it a game sometimes.

Even better? Read the note that got sent home today from summer school.......

Ashton did well today. He handled having a substitute teacher remarkably well. He had some minor difficulty transitioning from the computer lab back to the classroom, but he was able to make the transition from the computer activity he really enjoyed back to the classroom. He read a book today and did an excellent job sounding out some difficult words. He also led the class back to the classroom after lunch. He was helpful and made sure I did not get lost. After lunch he transitioned extremely well from putting his lunch bag up and going to a new setting to work with the occupational therapist. We had told him prior to lunch and had him meet the occupational therapist to help with the transition. He worked with the therapist for an hour. He had a good day and should get his reward. I will be here again tomorrow for ::regular teacher:: and then she will return on Monday. Thanks ::sub teacher::

How amazing. Well, not really.... I know he's capable of so much more than what he was producing with this past school year's teacher and staff. This note home, proves it. I'm keeping tabs on how he's doing with summer school, both with the teacher and also with the therapists so I can pass it along to current school's staff as a starting point for the fall. He'll start working with his ESY teacher on Friday; he's very excited about this, because she used to be his teacher when he was in 5th grade! She's quite aware of the situation that's gone on this year and is hopefully going to be a major key in helping him make some big gains over this summer to make up for what he lost or stalled on over the school year.

In other news.... Ashton's eating new foods! We had tacos last night for dinner and I made him one, with just meat and cheese. We eat our tacos on fried corn shells (soft) and I just rolled it up. He didn't want to eat it initially, but he did end up eating the whole thing! *thumbs up* Scored points for me! I often lament that he won't eat what we eat, and he always wants hot dogs & mac and cheese or chicken nuggets & fries. He's getting better about at least tasting (even if it's just to lick) the food, and now, he's even biting into and then eating the item. He's also started not only drinking a sip of milk when it's placed in front of him, he's asking for it! I'm trying to cut down on the amount of soda that he drinks (well, all of us really), so I told him once the pepsi in the pantry was gone, no more sodas! Well, he drank the last of it two days ago! He doesn't much like juice, and well, water does get boring after a while. So, yay me again! :) He's very happy to drink skim milk, woot!

It's been a big week in our house as you can see! To think, this is already the third week of summer break (well, not much of a break for Ashton). You may not be able to read the calendar... but you can see that there is something going on just about every single day!

Between summer school, ESY services and summer camp, Ashton's whole month of July is going to be gone before we know it. He doesn't really have any real free time, until mid-August! But, if the last three weeks are any indication, things are on the spiral upward and I can't wait to see the gains he continues to make and where he'll start his 7th grade year at. So proud of my big guy, he's working so hard to make himself fit into this world. You know, that whole 'square peg in a round hole deal'..... yea, that. He's trying desperately to fit into a world that doesn't always understand him and he's doing a fantastic job!

Have a nice night everyone!

First week of summer school = SUCCESS!

2011-07-02T11:01:00.001-04:00

"Any rough times are behind you"

How poignant is THAT fortune?! hahahaha....

Well - the first week of summer school is OVER! :)

Ashton had a pretty good week, with only one real meltdown in the computer lab. NOT BAD!

He went on to have a good day on Thursday.. so he got to go see Cars 2 as his reward!!! It was a really cute movie and Ashton said "I want to see it again!" and Holden said "it was better than the first!"; to which I laughed because when I took them to see the original Cars at the movie theater, Holden fell asleep. He was only 4years old at the time and the movie is nearly 2hours long; he just couldn't quite make it through. Hahaha...

But yes - summer school is going pretty well! He was supposed to of seen his ESY OT at school on Thursday; I need to get ahold of her to see how it went. ESY teacher should be starting this week and well, who knows about ESY speech. Still haven't heard anything so I'm guessing one hasn't been found. Guess that means we'll be looking at compensatory services near the end of summer.

Have a Happy & Safe 4th of July weekend everybody!

I happened upon this blog post yesterday

2011-06-30T07:28:00.002-04:00

It was titled Dear School Personnel, Community Members and Neighbors. I happened upon it from a friend's Facebook page who had linked to it. I have copied it in it's entirity here as it was written by Marianne, from The Life Unexpected: Raising a Special Needs Child. I plan to send this to my son's last year school teacher and will send it to his teacher in the fall as well as to any of the administrators that will deal with him on a day to day basis. It very poignantly describes what every person who knows a special needs child, or will come in contact with a special needs child should know. If you choose to copy this letter or blog post, please give credit to the ORIGINAL WRITER, as I have done above. Thank you!

To Whom it May Concern,
I am the parent of a special needs child. I was overwhelmed, confused, heart broken and struggling to unravel the complexities before me.
Please do not pass judgement of me without knowing why I did not attend the school PTA breakfasts or community picnics. Please take a few minutes to understand why I did not take you up on your offer to have lunch or grab a cup of coffee. Although we see each other in the supermarket or at school functions, I don’t think you really ever knew me, actually, I can guarantee that you did not know me because just as my child was different, so was I.
I was in survival mode to keep my family in tact and to give my child the best quality of life possible.
I was presented with parental decisions that have torn me apart and kept me up more nights than I can possibly remember.
I had spent most days of the week at therapy and doctors appointments and most nights up researching treatments and medication options.
I was forced into isolation at times due to the stigma and misconceptions that are epidemic in our society.
I became proficient at prioritizing my life and learning to let the little things go, to look at others with compassion instead of tabloid material and to turn a blind eye to the stares or ignorant comments.
I did the best I could.
I survived.
I am one of the lucky ones, my child has blossomed and has exceeded all our expectations.
I have now become strong, I have become confident and I have become a fierce advocate for parents of special needs children. The growth did not come without much pain and many tears but it came.
So I ask you, please
The next time you see a parent struggling with a raging child, a child terrified to go into school, a child making odd movements or sounds, a child that seems to be in a world of their own… .Be kind. Give a smile of recognition for what that parent is going through. Ask if there is anything you can do to help, give them a pat on the hand or offer for them to go ahead of you on line.
The next time you have a birthday party for your child remember that their child has a hard time with a lot of sensory issues and social situations. Please send their child that invitation and know that more times than not they will not be able to attend but appreciate being included. Understand that in order for their child to go to the party they may need to stay for a little while and please make them feel welcome. When they let you know that their child cannot make the party consider inviting that child for a one on one playdate or an outing at the park.
The next time you are grading homework papers please understand that their child struggles, some with learning disabilities others with the exhaustion of their disorders or the obsession with perfectionism. The Perfectionism is not necessarily to have the answers right but to have it “feel” right for them. They have spent hours doing what most can do in ten minutes. A paper returned with red circles and comments only hurts a child’s self esteem and causes school anxiety. Please understand that when they see the school come up on their caller ID their hearts sink, remember to tell them about all the gains their children are making as well as their deficits. Take a minute before that call and know that they appreciate all you do and want a collaborative relationship in their child’s education.
The next time you are in the teachers lounge, please do not discuss their child. Please do not make negative comments about their parenting or their child’s behavior, it gets back to them and it gets back to other parents in their community.
The next time you pass the cafeteria and see their child sitting alone please consider inviting that child to eat lunch in your classroom and be your helper that period. Consider working with guidance counselor to set up a lunch buddy group in a different area.
The next time they are at the CSE meeting planning their chid’s IEP know that they are educated, informed and confident knowing special education law. Know that they have found the courage to stand up to conformity and will explore every option to give their child the differentiated educated that will show their gifts and not just their disabilities. Understand that educating a child with special needs is one of the most difficult tasks a parent can face, know that the last thing they want is an adversarial relationship. Please show them the same respect they show you.
The next time you are creating an educational plan please take into consideration that their child may have specific interests or obsessions. Foster those interests, instead of taking away that art class for a resource class consider adding an art class instead. Think outside the box, these parents do.
The next time you see that child in a wheelchair unable to speak or control their movements, don’t stare, don’t look away, say hello. Do not assume that because this child is nonverbal that they are not intelligent or do not understand the awkwardness that you feel. Take a moment out of your day to show kindness, support a parent enduring incredible pain and just give them a smile.
The next time your child comes home telling you how Johnny or Susie is so weird, take the time to teach about differences. Take the time to talk about compassion, acceptance and special needs. Please remember that your child learns from you. Be a role model, mirror respect and discourage gossip.
The next time you hear a comment about how out of style these kids are, educate about tactile sensitivities and the fact that these kids cannot tolerate many textures and fits. Imagine what it would feel like to have sandpaper in your stilettos or tight elastic holding on your tie.
The next time you see an out of control child do not assume it is bad parenting. Understand that many of these disorders have an organic basis, are biological and are real illnesses. When you hear the word mental illness, take out the “mental” and remember ”illness”.
Know that it is this generation that can stomp the stigma and create a world of acceptance.
The next time other parents are talking about “Those Kids” be our heroes, stand up for us.
The next time you see a special needs child know they are not just special in their needs but in their brilliance as well.
Take the time to meet our children. Take the time to know us.

Have a nice day!

Mini Va Beach surf event & pics!

2011-06-27T12:40:00.000-04:00

Ashton got the privilege to participate in a mini surf camp yesterday, and had a blast doing it! He has absolutely no fear of the water and I think he thinks he knows how to swim (but he doesn't, LOL!) He had a blast though and it was a great day to spend at the beach with family! Enjoy the pictures!!!

Mom, the sun is WAY too bright for a picture... LOL

Uncle Kevin took Ashton into the water as soon as we arrived

Ashton, nearly knocking himself over from a wave

Looking for Mom :)

Mom, do you HAVE to take my picture?!

Ashton had quite a crew helping him get on the board and in the water

Hey Mom! Did ya see me?!?

Waiting on a wave!

Trying to help Ashton stand!

He did actually STAND UP at one point but that pic was blurry :(

look at dem eyelashes!

Holden caught a sand flea

Ashton on the board again riding a wave in

totally lovin' the waves

whoa! hold on, i'm gonna fall! lol

that was fun! Let's do it again in August!

Have a nice day!

Vote for Surfers Healing in the Vivint Gives Back Project

2011-06-24T07:23:00.002-04:00

As many who have been here before may know, I absolutely adore the people of Surfers Healing. They gave my son a chance to experience something he's never had the chance to do before, and that was to surf out on the ocean's water, with a professional surfer.

Ashton in Aug '10 @ the Va Beach Surfers Healing event

It was one of the best, and most unique experiences of Ashton's life. He went out with no trepidation, whatsoever, and had an absolute blast! The picture taken above (by me), shows the absolutely amazing look of excitement and wonder on his face. I was awe-struck by how this tough-looking surfer dude was able to connect with my son, and help him enjoy this wonderful and unique experience. There was a pod of dolphins out in the water behind the surfers at one point, and Ashton just laid on the board, totally soaking up the experience. He loves animals, especially sea creatures, so this was an especially amazing moment for him.

I just got "unofficial" word yesterday, that he's gotten accepted into the 2011 Surfers Healing VA Beach surf event, YAHOO!! As a matter of fact, Ashton is also going to be participating in a mini-surf event this weekend, which is set up by the volunteers from the Surfers Healing VB team. What an amazing way to start and end the summer!!!

Vivint (home security alarm company) is giving back to their communities by giving away $1.25million dollars to be given out to various winning charitable organizations. Surfers Healing is definitely deserving and could help SO MANY more children with autism if they just had more funds.

Please help me, help them by voting today and doing so each and every day! They are quite a distance away from being in a top spot, but I know we can help them win!

Thank you!!! :)

Have a nice day!

Summer School starts MONDAY!

2011-06-23T10:25:00.000-04:00

Well, this has been a nice week off, but it's nearly time to get back to the grindstone for Ashton. Summer school starts this coming Monday. School is from 8am-12:45pm, Mon-Thurs. I don't know yet what his bus-ride will be like, but presumably, it'll be a fairly long ride since the school is some distance from our house. We'll see.

I hope and pray that Ashton makes up for lost time and lost ground over this summer school session. He had come so far in previous years at school and he really, really backslid this past school year. He's going to end up missing one week of the 4 weeks session due to camp, but I'm not too worried about that.

We're also still waiting to hear about his ESY Occupational therapy and ESY Speech therapy services. The start date was 6/20, this past Monday. When I called yesterday, they haven't found a speech therapist or occupational therapist for him yet. :( I was hoping to get some of the hours covered during summer school but since that starts next week, I'm guessing we won't start until the following week unless they get on the ball and find someone today or tomorrow. He's got 6hrs of OT and 4hrs of ST coming to him. We have heard from his ESY academic instructor and I've sent her his schedule for the summer, so we can figure out how best to get him his 12hrs in.

So here's to xx FINGERS CROSSED xx that Ashton excels with this summer school program and does really well and makes up for lost time. That, combined with 4 weeks of camp (social programs), should make up for what he didn't get this past school year.

Have a nice day!

Happy 9th Birthday to my little man!!!!

2011-04-16T01:37:00.000-04:00

Holden Christopher
3:02 AM on 4/16/02
6lbs 1oz, 18 1/2in long

Yes, I'm seriously not kidding, the boys' birthdays indeed are only two days apart. It's hard to imagine that ^that^ tiny little newborn, is my now, 9yo handsome young man. Holden was very planned and very much wanted. We wanted to have two children, approx 2-3years apart. We however, didn't realize it would have been so close to our plan of 2-3years apart.

Literally, exactly 9 years ago at this moment (1:00am EST), we were on the phone calling our families because my water had just broke around 12:30am. We figured that David's parents would leave (we lived in Northern VA at the time) once we got to the hospital and checked in. Well, what we didn't plan on, was for me to go and have Holden 2.5hours after my water broke. The next phone call any of the family got, was after Holden had already been born, 3.5weeks early no less! He's been like that ever since.... fast and never stops moving!!! >:)

First smile caught on camera - 3weeks

He's been a handful ever since! ;) Mischievious and a bundle full of energy who never stops talking (seriously, he started talking in sentences in 18months). He picked up on things very quickly and knew his ABCs (sight and sounds for both upper and lowercase), shapes, colors and could count to 20 by the time he was 2years old.

18months old

Halloween '03 (2.5yrs)

When he turned 3, he was reciting his address, phone number, date of birth and could say the "Pledge of Allegiance" and could sing the "Star Spangled Banner"! (remember, I SAID he was a handful! hehe) He started preschool the fall after his 3rd birthday and learned so much. He was a reverse-mainstreamed student in a special ed preschool program. Because of having an older brother with Autism, he was a perfect role model as he was smart, out-going, verbally precocious and well, he was very sweet with the special needs kids in his classroom. He greatly enjoyed preschool but wanted more!

Holden with friends Andrew & Tori (age 3.5yrs)

When Holden was in kindergarten, it became apparent there might be some issues going on. However, we didn't get a diagnosis until half-way through his 1st grade year, ADHD. He was starting to struggle in school and his self-esteem was quickly eroding. Plus, he had become this quiet little boy, except for when he couldn't contain himself and his impulses. However, with meds he started to do better!

Halloween '06 (4.5yrs old)

Norfolk Zoo - Aug '07 (5.5yrs old)

April '08 - Birthday Party (6yrs old)

April '09 (7yrs old)

Camping Trip July '10 (8yrs old)

SPRING 2011 - 9 Years Old

He's now in 3rd grade and is doing exceptionally well. His most recent report card was A, A-, B+ and another B+! AWESOME JOB Dude!! We're SO proud of him!! He enjoys playing soccer, wrestling and loves to run. He also loves to read, but I would dare say, his favorite things to do is play video games! Pokemon ones in particular. :) He's just recently wrapped up his 2nd full year of wrestling and has moved onto soccer for the spring. He's very active and loves being outside and playing baseball and soccer. He also recently participate in the local Shamrock Marathon Final Mile race and finished with a time of 8:32! :) He placed in the top 3rd of the 3300+ runners and had a better time than any of his friends that ran the race with him from his school.

We're very proud of Holden and how he's dealt with having a special needs older brother. Like Ashton, Holden tolerates from Ashton what he will tolerate from no one else. It's an incredible relationship that they share. :)

Thank you for letting me share my littlest birthday boy with you!! Later today is their birthday party, so hopefully I'll have lots of birthday pics to share tomorrow!! Happy Birthday little man - we LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU LOTS!! XOXOXOX! Mommy!
Ciao!

Happy 12th Birthday, big boy!!!!

2011-04-14T06:51:00.000-04:00

Happy 12th Birthday Ashton!!!!

(posted in red since it's Ashton's favorite color)

Ashton - 2 days old

Ashton & Mommy '01

Proud Big Brother - 3yrs old

Christmas brothers - '03

Ashton - halloween '04

Ashton - halloween in '06

Kiss the camel! - June '07

Mommy & Ashton at VA Beach - Spring '07

Feb 2008

Spring 2010

To my sweet, sweet baby boy.... who is no longer, well, a baby but is quickly becoming a young man. You are almost a teenager my sweet boy! A TEENAGER!

You were our "planned" surprise... meaning, we'd planned to have kids, just not quite as soon as we found ourselves becoming parents. You were a gorgeous newborn, absolutely perfect in every way. A head-full of dark hair that was so soft and was probably the cause of all that heartburn I had when I was pregnant with you. (old wives tale..... if you have lots of heartburn when pregnant, than your baby will have lots of hair.... YOU did). You were much smaller than we'd anticipated; you were supposed to be 8+lbs and 22in long.... you came in at a tiny 5lbs 14oz, 17.5in long. You were always so alert and your eyes were the purest windows into your sweet little soul..

As you grew, you were always smiling, always. Such a happy and friendly baby and toddler. You loved to eat, despite the nasty reflux that plagued you for the first two years of your life. Around 18months we began to notice a change; you were no longer that social and happy-go-lucky baby. You would often stare up at ceiling fans for an extremely long time and well, you had to have everything lined up, just so.

At 2 and a half years old we received your official diagnosis; Autism. I was also pregnant at the time and your world was about to be rocked upside down and all the way around. Luckily, you adjusted to your preschool pretty well and the adjustment to becoming a big brother? Well, it went as well as anyone could have expected. I think you thought you had a new toy to play with!

Your little brother was probably the single-best thing we did for you. You had a built-in playmate and he (by nature of his personality) forced you more and more into "OUR" world so that you couldn't retreat into your world as much. Your love for him is so obvious; your joy when he's gone and you see him again "Holden, I'm so glad you're back!" which is followed by hugs, is evidence of your love for him. He's the one person who can push you around and you don't fight it. He is your very best friend and you tolerate from him, what you tolerate from no one else.

Your interests have changed vastly.... whereas you once enjoyed all things dinosaurs, animals and ABCs, you've moved on to bigger and better things! Super heros, comics, and spelling things out takes up your time now (I guess your obsession with the ABCs paid off since it helped you spell). However, two things have never changed.... your love of movies and books! Wow! You could sit and watch movies all day with books in hand, ALL DAY LONG! As a matter of fact, I think you have on a few occasions!

You are now a big huge, 6th grader! You're just an inch shorter than me (though, being that I'm not quite 5foot tall, that doesn't say much), and well, you know how to throw your weight around! Strong, but sweet. Handsome, funny, smart as a whip! While you still have many years ahead of you for learning how to adjust to the world around you, I've got glimpses of who you will be. You will be caring, always happy, quick friend to others, and always, ALWAYS smiling. You adjust to new situations and new people better than any other kid I know; in fact, you thrive on the challenging and new.

We were blessed when we first found out I was pregnant with you, but I don't think we ever imagined just how much. You show us every day, in the face of adversity, just how awesome you are. We love you...... VERY VERY MUCH and I hope you have the very best of birthdays today!!!

Happy Birthday baby boy!

Ciao!

It's a matter of perspective......

2011-04-13T10:15:00.001-04:00

Life happens.....

Things happen......

even more importantly.....
things happen in life for a reason ......

I know I've moaned and groaned and complained about this school year. It may seem, that nothing positive has happened, and that would be very wrong to say, because lots of positive things *have* happened.

1. Ashton got to experience a (mostly) once in a lifetime opportunity last August; the joy, magic and healing of Surfers Healing. Ashton has always thoroughly enjoyed the water and has never really been afraid of it, and he took to surfing, well, like a fish! Thanks to Kalani, one of the Surfers Healing surfers, and Surfers Healing for allowing Ashton to have such a wonderful experience.

Ashton & Kalani

Catchin' a wave!

2. Ashton got to experience the fun of snow! Yes, it's snowed here before; nearly almost every year that we've lived down here. But Ashton just never seemed to take much interest in it. However, this year he had a ball (pun intended) throwing snowballs at his brother. Take a look at this winning smile!

BIG SMILE Ashton!

See, snowball in hand! ;)

3. Ok... so while having a trip to the Emergency Room is not necessarily a positive thing, the care Ashton received and how well he did with a totally unexpected trip and new situation/surroundings, was amazing! He had, what the ped. neurologist said was a basilar migraine or a complex paralytic migraine.

Sleeping in the ER

See, he even had to have an IV :( and pulse oximeter and he did awesome!

4. and while school has been the thorn in my side since nearly the beginning..... the fact that we've made it to middle school is amazing! I look at how far he's come since fall of '01 when we got his Autism diagnosis and wow. amazing changes.

First Day of school this year

I remember this day, 12 years ago like it was yesterday.... having been told that because my blood pressure was rising and the fact that we were expecting a largish baby (8+lbs and 22in) that we should induce two weeks early to ensure a healthy delivery for all.......... After having been on bedrest from 29weeks until 37weeks for pre-term labor, we were in for a ride of a lifetime!

The story continues tomorrow.....

Ciao!

Virginia Will Enact Autism Insurance Reform After 11 Years - CNBC

2011-04-08T08:00:00.001-04:00

Virginia Will Enact Autism Insurance Reform After 11 Years - CNBC

what absolutely WONDERFUL news for families of young children with Autism in Virginia - It's ABOUT freaking time! I only wish this had happened sooner so that my own family may benefit from it, but my son is now, too old. But this current bill will help many deserving families of young autistic children and I have hopes that in the future, Virginia will adopt bills and legislation that will help older children and adults with Autism as well.

What a good day to be a Virginia resident!

Have a good one everybody!

2011 Academy of Country Music Awards - Darius Rucker - Music from the Heart

2011-04-04T12:06:00.001-04:00

what a beautiful song and inspiration to EVERYONE!! What a beautifully written song and an absolutely wonderful performance. Thank you to the Academy of Country Music for allowing these kids a day to shine and perform and do something they love.

and now, to the video.... :)

Have a good one everybody!

Eye contact is over-rated...

2011-03-14T22:41:00.001-04:00

First off, I ran across two, very precious images of Ashton, taken about 4.5years ago... they are soo sweet, and in all his autistic glory, totally him....

looking out through a bubble on

a playground fixture at the park

looking out over the water ....

BEAUTIFUL pic!

I've come to realize, that some of my very favorite pictures of him, he's not even looking at the camera! Of course, I love seeing his handsome face and gaining awesome eye contact, but sometimes the innocence and wisdom in the eyes is more beautiful and stunning when there's not a posed, smiley picture.

But, I have my favorite pics of him looking directly at the camera too....

and of course, here are some of my recent favorite ones with him not looking....

So see ... you can have an awesome pic, with little to no eye-contact and it could be your favorite one ever! :) Like I said .... it's Sooooo over-rated! :)

Have a good one!

Christmas Card 2010!

2010-11-21T23:43:00.001-05:00

What A Year Christmas Card

Make a statement with custom Christmas cards at Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Our favorite gluten-free and dairy-free products!

2010-10-13T09:47:00.000-04:00

(I will link to each company that I post about, but only once so if you see the same company more than once in this post, only the first time is linked. Also GF=gluten free, CF=casein free, DF=dairy free)

Ashton's favorite mac & "cheeze"

Amy's Gluten Free/Non-Dairy rice macaroni w/ non-dairy cheeze

This has been a favorite since we first discovered it. We have tried "them all", quite literally. Ian's GFCF mac & no cheese, our own recipe using teese "cheeze" that recipe can be found here at: GFCF Mac & Cheese, Road's End Chreese penne & cheese, Namaste Foods Say Cheez pasta, and many others. The Amy's GFCF mac & cheese is the one that most closely resembles homemade mac & cheese. It's texture is similar (not gummy like I find some gf pastas to be) and the color of the Daiya cheese makes it looks sooo yummy. Ashton loves it and the few times that I've gotten the cheese sauce on my finger and licked it, I don't snurl my nose up in horror; so it's not all bad :)

Ashton's favorite chicken nuggets

Allergy Free Foods Chicken Breast Nuggets

Again, as with the mac & cheese, we tried many brands. Ian's GFCF chicken nuggets, Applegate Farms GFCF chicken nuggets (which were pretty tasty and we get in a pinch when we can't find the others) and then Allergy Free Foods. What I like about this brand, is the quantity of chicken nuggets you get for the price. You get a lot, and that helps when I want to bake a whole bunch and then refrigerate for future meals, as I did when we went camping earlier this summer. My only peeve with this brand is the breading does sometimes fall off easily, but Ashton doesn't seem to mind. Yes, we do bake these, and not fry them. They might be even better fried, but Ashton doesn't need the extra calories from fried foods; he's quite big enough, thankyouverymuch! :)

Ashton's favorite cheese

Daiya Foods Cheddar & Mozzarella style shreds

Yes, non-dairy cheese that looks like cheese. Non-dairy cheese that melts. Non-dairy cheese that tastes like a real dairy-full cheese. Daiya Foods knew what it was doing when it came out with these two products. It appeals to the vegan, the dairy & soy allergic, and to all those who need to be on both a gluten-free and dairy-free diet. When you can find a cheese substitute that melts like real cheese, you know you've found the holy grail. I've used the cheddar style shreds to make "cheesy" eggs (scrambled eggs w/ cheese) and to make our favorite home-made mac & cheese recipe. I've used the mozzarella style shreds on pizzas, spaghetti, and in a mixture on taco meat for my son. Now if only Daiya would come up with cheese slices, than I would be forever indebted to them. Ashton misses cheese slices on his sandwiches. I know I'm not the only one who wishes this; so get on it Daiya! ;)

Ashton's favorite donuts

Kinnikinnick Cinnamon Sugar donuts

Kinnikinnick (this link takes you to the US site) products are a huge hit in our house! Ashton particularly loves these donuts. They smell wonderful when you nuke them in the microwave "2-5-start" in our household. They taste pretty good too. He used to really love the vanilla glazed and chocolate dipped ones, but somewhere along the way, he's not that into those two varieties anymore. These do look and smell just like regular gluten-containing donuts. So that's a major plus! Ashton also likes the Kinnitoos (both the vanilla and chocolate varieties; they're very similar in taste, texture and appearance to oreos!) as well as S'moreables (graham crackers). He used the s'moreables when we made s'mores this year when we went camping - Yummy!

Ashton's favorite bread

Udi's Whole Grain Bread and White Sandwich Bread

Yes, a gluten-free white sandwich bread that rivals the real thing! We have tried both Udi's varieties and while I prefer the whole grain variety (it's healthier), Ashton enjoyed both. The white sandwich bread really does taste, smell and look like the real thing! It smells wonderful when it's been toasted lightly and well, you can't say anything nicer about a gluten-free bread. It's moist and delicious; two adjectives you hardly ever hear when you describe a gluten-free bread product. We also really like their pizza crusts and muffins.

Favorite store to shop at

Navan Foods Allergy Free Food Shop in Virginia Beach, VA

Navan Foods is a wonderful, local, allergy free food shop owned by Jennifer Elizondo. She has taken the guesswork out of figuring out what foods are safe and healthy for the food-allergic, celiacs, vegans, and specialty dieters of the area. Every product in her store is labeled with a card showing what allergens the product is free of as well as the manufacturing conditions the products are made in. (Some people are so allergic that even products made in the same plant and/or line as their allergen, could be deadly) She's a wonderful person and friend and is very knowledgeable and willing to help anybody. If you're local, I highly suggest you check out the store, IN PERSON. If not, check out her website as she does have some of her products available for purchase online.

Favorite baker of all things delicious

Unfortunately, their products are only available in store,
at Navan Foods in Virginia Beach, VA

Willow Bakery is a wonderful, local, bakery that has bridged the gap for the many tasty treats that the gluten and dairy intolerant/allergic can have. To have fresh, home-made goodies is a rare treat, and to have them taste delicious, even more so! Ashton loves the chocolate chip cookies and brownies and we recently tried the chocolate pumpkin marble cake. Quite delicious but he wasn't as big of a fan of that as I thought he might. If you follow them on Twitter, you can find out when they are bringing fresh products to Navan Foods. Get there in a hurry as the stuff sells out, quickly!

I'm sure there are many other products I could blog about, but I'd be here all day in that case. These though, are our tried and true favorites. I hope they have helped you! :)

Have a good one!

wow - what a change!!!

2010-10-05T13:33:00.000-04:00

See the chunks of hair he cut out? See how LONG it was, comparatively?

Ashton's hair after we "fixed" it in Dec '09

this was Ashton, just a few days ago (Oct '10)

November of '09 through March of '10 was a horrible period for us. Sure, lots of good things happened but it's when things with Ashton went, completely haywire. I mean, totally off the wall, odd, strange, weird, psycho behaviors. Strongly believe (well, we know based on what Dr. Dozier explained to us) that it was an allergic behavioral reaction to Paxil. Evil drug, at least for Ashton.

Anyways, during that period, he gave himself several hair cuts (two of which happened at school!) The top picture was after the worst one, and then after we had it "fixed"! Well, he hasn't given himself any haircuts since March. We've kept it short all summer, but then decided to see if he'd let us grow it out to a normal, boy haircut. Well, he's done it! (the last picture)

I've even decided to grow it out longer, and see how long he'll let it grow. I think he looks cute with longer hair; it's just going to depend on how hot it makes him or if he starts complaining. Can't wait to see how he looks with "longer" hair!

Have a good one!

Ashton was in the newspaper (and on TV)!!!

2010-09-28T20:04:00.002-04:00

How cool is this?! I had emailed the reporter and she asked some questions and a few weeks later, there he was... in the newspaper! :) He got SUCH a kick out of this!!! (I blacked out our neighborhood name and name of his middle school)...

Then tonight, he was apparently on the local news (WTKR, Channel 3). They were talking about the Noblemen's ..... http://www.wtkr.com/news/takingaction/ ...... if you watch the video, the picture is about 35 seconds in. It's just the picture and doesn't say his name or anything but if you've seen the picture or the below newspaper article, you'd definitely know it was him!

A celebrity in the making!!!! :)

Enjoy!

Have a good one!

Kudos to Taste of Home magazine!

2010-09-24T14:03:00.001-04:00

I was thumbing through the most recent issue (Oct-Nov '10) of "Taste of Home" as the delicious looking turkey on the front called my name. I love the excitement I get from looking at a magazine with new recipes; especially when there are holiday cookie recipes..... yummm.

So many yummy looking pictures with easy to follow directions.

At this point, I'm also realizing that hey, this was my last issue.... (I must renew soon)

Anyways... I'm flipping through the magazine and I happened upon the "Mom's Best" section. I read the tagline to the article/recipes ... "When this teen learned he was gluten- and dairy- sensitive, ......." I immediately had to read and glanced at the pictures and recipes. Of course, as you all know, Ashton is gluten- and dairy-free. Finding unique, but yummy recipes for a gluten- and dairy-free lifestyle is not easy as I'm sure many of you know. Finding recipes with pictures are even harder to come by as many gluten- and dairy-free foods are just not that appetizing, let alone mouth-watering delicious.

There are four recipes: chocolate-chip-banana belgian waffles, grilled peach bbq chicken wings, spaghetti and meatballs with garlic crumbs and penny's apple-brown sugar coffee cake. Wow.... they all sound so delicious and even the pictures make my mouth water. I might try the coffee cake, as that's what Ashton is most likely going to be willing to eat.

After reading the entire article, I realize that the woman who came up with these recipes, Silvana Nardone, has published a book, called Cooking for Isaiah: Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals. I think I might have to see about getting this, if by the four recipes printed in "Taste of Home" is any indication on how yummy they might be. I then realized, after reading the Amazon page, she also has a blog, Dish Towel Diaries (by the way, I absolutely love the name of her blog), which I started to look around at and realized she has many delicious recipes posted there!

So - huge kudos to "Taste of Home" for posting not just one, but several specialty recipes that are geared towards the gluten- and dairy-intolerant people of the world. Not just the autistic people, or the celiacs, but to letting others see that specialty foods for dietary needs can be just as to make as recipes they are used to and just as appetizing as well.

Have a good one!

Surfers Healing Camp 2010

2010-08-22T10:34:00.005-04:00

Ashton has always loved the water. Granted, he might not always be the most happiest child in the water (washing his hair was a lovely ~~job~~ chore when he was much younger) but when he got a bit older (five or six-years-old) he had a blast sitting and playing in the water at the beach and/or lake. Over the last three or four years he's gotten more and more brave about going further out in the water and not being able to touch bottom. In fact, last month when we went camping, he'd wade out into water that was way over his head and without a care in the world. Yes, he had a life jacket on, as he can't swim (though he thinks he can ;))

Earlier this year, I had heard about a wonderful organization called Surfers Healing. For those of you that don't know what Surfers Healing is, it's a surf camp for autistic children. It was started by Israel and Danielle Paskowitz. You can read more about Surfers Healing and about why they do what they do at http://www.surfershealing.org. And to read about the local Surfers Healing team that we participated in, go to http://www.surfershealingvb.org. I figured with as much as a "water baby" as Ashton's become, that he might really like and enjoy this experience. Plus, it's free for the campers! After paying for three weeks of Camp Gonnawannagoagin, a free and fun option seemed like a wonderful idea! So, when the signup page went live in May, I got in right away and signed Ashton up. I heard within two weeks that he'd been accepted!

So, we anticipated this day all summer long and went about our daily lives. Well, the day finally arrived yesterday and Ashton was completely excited for "Surf Camp"! Got him dressed in his "surf gear" (rash guard and swim trunks) and got the car packed up and headed to Granny & Papa's to hitch a ride in their van as they were going with us.

We arrive at Virginia Beach Oceanfront and were immediately greeted by the excitement in the air. You could tell the day was going to be exciting and the weather could not have been more perfect! Hot (but not too hot), sunny, and just a very light breeze blowing. PERFECT SURFING WEATHER! We were greeted by some volunteers who gave us a wheelbarrow to put all our stuff in (chairs, coolers, cameras, etc) and signed Ashton in and got his goodie bag and free tshirt (and us parents also got free tshirts!). We weren't there long before it was time for Ashton to gear up and get ready for his surf experience!

They put their life jackets on (we had brought Ashton's) and take their picture with their name and time they went out in the water. Then a volunteer came up to us, took Ashton's hand and walked him to the water where two more volunteers took him into the water to meet his surfer, Kalani. I couldn't see Ashton's face at this point but I know he was totally excited! He walked away from me without a care in the world. He didn't care that I wasn't with him! hahaha... independent kid! Ashton went out at 10:24; he came back in at 11:06. He had 40+ minutes of water time!

He ended up getting to ride the board about 5 or 6 times (one time he rode it all the way onto the sand! lol) and his surfer, Kalani, helped him stand, twice! He spent a lot of time just floating on the board waiting for just the right wave to ride in on. Ashton definitely preferred laying on the board to standing, but you could tell he totally had a great time! Most amazing to me? I didn't see his hands flap or clap the entire time he was out in the water!

Thank you to Surfers Healing, Surfers Healing Virginia Beach, all of the volunteers, organizers, sponsors, surfers and all the other families and children for making this such a wonderful experience for our son! He got to experience something he likely would have never gotten to and he's looking forward to ~~"tomorrow"~~ next year! An especially HUGE THANK YOU to my son's surfer, Kalani! What a wonderful soul; patient, kind, caring and a big teddy bear to boot! Ashton will always refer to you as the "blue surfer"!

And now, for the pics.... (I might be adding one more of Ashton with his tshirt on and with a picture of his lei/medal).

Getting walked out to the water with some volunteers

Ashton & Kalani (aka. the Blue Surfer)

waiting to go back out on the surf board

floating on the board

Riding a small wave in! Ohhhh!

Kalani, trying to "help" Ashton stand!

Ashton getting a hug from Kalani, his surfer

Ashton with his lei/medal (that you can't see, oops!)

hope, surf, heal ~ let's ride!

Happy Fourth of July!

2010-07-05T18:38:00.002-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

AMERICA!!!

(a day late)

So, I attempted to take some decent shots of the boys for the fourth of July.... the above 3 pictures were what I got, in addition to the winner of the day, the photo that is standing in as the header for my blog. My guys are just so handsome!! :) Ashton wasn't in the mood for smiling but I still love the pictures. The top one here cracks me up because neither was looking at me and they were both looking in opposite directions... haha... silly kids! :)

I hope you and yours had a wonderful Fourth of July....

I Can Has Autism

Thankful Thursday

Wordless Wednesday: What was he thinking about?

New Test results.....

Thankful Thursday

Wordless Wednesday: Cool Guys!

New DSM-V criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Dreary Saturday

Thankful Thursday

Wordless Wednesday: At the finish line

Hanging my head in disbelief.... HELP AMELIA!!!

Thankful Thursday

Wordless Wednesday: Kiss da camel!

Case of the "Mondays"

ABCs of the Special Needs Community

Thankful Thursday

Wordless Wednesday: Brotherly Love

WELCOME 2012

Our year, looking back...........

2011 review in pictures.... :)

Merry Christmas (a little early) .....

HAPPY HOLIDAYS 2011

Gonnawannarunagin 5K

.... and he's off!

New Behavior Chart for New School

They were once so small.....

Light at the end of the tunnel....

LOVE this expression

"Don't Let Me go"

Steve Jobs has passed away........

Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning......

What a difference..... Surfers Healing 2011

The littlest heros.... the siblings

How a stare or an unkind word can hurt further than you can see....

Camp Gonnawannagoagin

**AWESOME** What a way to wrap up the week!

MAJOR improvements so far this summer

First week of summer school = SUCCESS!

I happened upon this blog post yesterday

Mini Va Beach surf event & pics!

Vote for Surfers Healing in the Vivint Gives Back Project

Summer School starts MONDAY!

Happy 9th Birthday to my little man!!!!

Happy 12th Birthday, big boy!!!!

It's a matter of perspective......

Virginia Will Enact Autism Insurance Reform After 11 Years - CNBC

2011 Academy of Country Music Awards - Darius Rucker - Music from the Heart

Eye contact is over-rated...

Christmas Card 2010!

Our favorite gluten-free and dairy-free products!

wow - what a change!!!

Ashton was in the newspaper (and on TV)!!!

Kudos to Taste of Home magazine!

Surfers Healing Camp 2010

Happy Fourth of July!

AWESOME What a way to wrap up the week!