I don't know what to write really, so I'll sit here and think about it..............
Well, Emma, 9, mild Asperger's, didn't like the adult sized Cinderella costume I got her. It was the only pretty little girl costume left at Target that would fit her! She's so much like her mama, kid sizes don't fit, is too chunky. She said that Cinderella is only her 7th favorite Disney Princess, augh! So, we went chasing all over town looking for something to make her happy. We finally made it over to Kmart where she found the costume she saw before that she was desirous of--I guess it went in one ear and out the other after she fussed about the diva/pop star costume she originally wanted that wasn't in her size. So anyhow, I became greatly relieved as I tried it on her, it fit THANK THE DEAR LORD, and after all that, buying the $8 wig she wanted to wear with it was a smalll price to pay for some beloved peace. Reminds me of the time when I was 16 and had a crush on this really nice guy who didn't like me in that way, but being the optimistic and relentless romantic that I was, I hoped anyhow, especially if I came to the dance that night looking really good. My mom took me to the mall to find a new dress, and I tried on like 50 until I found one I was happy with. I caused my mom excruciating pain that day, and I guess I got some of it back to me this past weekend...
Ammon, 3, classic autism, got a fever yesterday, got pale, laid around and was miserable. This morning, he threw up a couple of times. But soon thereafter, he made a miraculous recovery. He came right over when I asked him if he wanted a bath, and he splashed and smiled a lot. He then sat at the table and wanted to eat. So, I gave him some crackers. After he snarfed those, he finished off the last of a baggie of Life cereal. He then started coloring, doing his cute little stims like his waving back and forth with his arms and head like Stevie Wonder, and getting into stuff. It did my heart a lot of joy to see him feel well again so fast and do the things he loves again, but my stress meter shot up when he started doing his usual destroying too. Actually, that compounded with Sarah. Sarah, 5, classic autism, was really going at it in the kitchen today. I finally changed the broken locking latch on the fridge, so instead of messing around in there, she climbed on the counters and got a box of pancake mix off the top of the cupboards. She then dumped it on the kids table in the living room and spread it around and licked it. I hollered at her, wiped it, and put it in the garbage. A little later, I thought she got it out of the garbage because the same dang thing happened! No, this time, she climbed on the counter and got the other box of pancake mix and dumped it and licked it. It was Aunt Jemima, our favorite too. Between trying to tend to her messes, Ammon's messes and Mary's messes and demands, Mary's 2 w/PDD, I had enough. I prayed that John and the older kids would come home from church VERY SOON and I put the kitchen garbage and the pancake mixes in the outside dumpster.
Mary is about a year behind in development, and now that she's almost 3, she seems to have hit her terrible 2's. She seems to be getting more frustrated, wanting to express herself more than she's able. I have to do things her way, serve her food her way, etc. For example, she won't accept a half a granola bar, she has to have the ENTIRE thing or she screams. Last week, she screamed her head off like she was being killed when I gave her an ice cream cone....She immediately stopped and was happy again when I served her ice cream in a bowl instead. That's my precious babies...
Next week, we are meeting with a production crew to begin our autism documentary. And, this week I get to meet with the handy man and the house cleaning service to start those things going as part of my Bemis Busiest Mom contest winnings. Thank you dear Lord for your blessings!
Love,
Robin
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Before You Let an Autism Diagnosis Drive You Crazy
Yes, today is a better day! Even when I'm feeling WAY down like yesterday I do know that better days are ahead. Got this story link (see below) in my email this morning, good stuff.
Parents with a child on the autism spectrum tend to overwhelm themselves with research, treatments, and general anxiety over their child's welfare. While this is natural, it's not particularly good for you, your child, your marriage or the rest of your family. And the truth is, it really isn't necessary. Here's why. (article continues here) -
http://autism.about.com/od/inspirationideas/bb/notcrazy.htm
Dad
Parents with a child on the autism spectrum tend to overwhelm themselves with research, treatments, and general anxiety over their child's welfare. While this is natural, it's not particularly good for you, your child, your marriage or the rest of your family. And the truth is, it really isn't necessary. Here's why. (article continues here) -
http://autism.about.com/od/inspirationideas/bb/notcrazy.htm
Dad
Monday, October 22, 2007
A better evening after a rotten day
Oh my goodness...my husband sure is having a rotten day, uff duh....
Yeah, it's pretty bad. He's otherwise usually rather positive, and a LOT LESS moody than myself. I partly feel to blame, I spent a bit much at Walmart last week, he's between jobs, and I convinced him to cleanse his "inner vessel", and it's apparently giving his stomach some grief, probably because he's so full of crap--literally that is!
Anyhow, we did have a recent disappointing set back. Ammon, age 3 & classic autistic, had stopped stripping and digging in his poopy pants for several weeks, perhaps months. But, it wasn't soon after I realized that he stopped and mentioned it that he started up again, about two weeks ago. And it really bites! He's so dang smart that he can unzip himself all the way when his outfit is on backwards. There is NOTHING he can't figure a way out from. I did find a special zipper part that's included in some specialty clothing especially for fecal smearers, but each outfit costs $120. Dear God, let this soon pass...
Ammon also likes to draw, we have another aspiring artist in the family which does our hearts much joy, I mean it, no sarcasm that time....BUT....he's not only drawing on the walls which is actually kind of cute and easy to clean, he's drawing everywhere. He's drawing all over the counters, tables and floor as well! Buying stock in Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Sponges would be a great idea right about now.
We were somewhat disappointed also about having the chance to move into a bigger rental, the home of a friend who's moving into a bigger place for her growing family, but she needed more rent than we could afford. Was just one of those things that didn't work out. We're trying to work on being more patient about waiting for our time to move, but it's not been easy. Squeezing eight people into a 1300 sq ft, 3 bd, 1 bath house...it's like sardines in a can.
Well, it sure brings a heart joy to hear the little ones outside the bedroom door jumping and running around and laughing with each other. I'm gonna go clean up the sugar Sarah, 5, classic autism, spilled this morning twice just so she could eat it straight. Then, I will make them dinner, and we will have a much better evening.
Love,
Robin
Yeah, it's pretty bad. He's otherwise usually rather positive, and a LOT LESS moody than myself. I partly feel to blame, I spent a bit much at Walmart last week, he's between jobs, and I convinced him to cleanse his "inner vessel", and it's apparently giving his stomach some grief, probably because he's so full of crap--literally that is!
Anyhow, we did have a recent disappointing set back. Ammon, age 3 & classic autistic, had stopped stripping and digging in his poopy pants for several weeks, perhaps months. But, it wasn't soon after I realized that he stopped and mentioned it that he started up again, about two weeks ago. And it really bites! He's so dang smart that he can unzip himself all the way when his outfit is on backwards. There is NOTHING he can't figure a way out from. I did find a special zipper part that's included in some specialty clothing especially for fecal smearers, but each outfit costs $120. Dear God, let this soon pass...
Ammon also likes to draw, we have another aspiring artist in the family which does our hearts much joy, I mean it, no sarcasm that time....BUT....he's not only drawing on the walls which is actually kind of cute and easy to clean, he's drawing everywhere. He's drawing all over the counters, tables and floor as well! Buying stock in Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Sponges would be a great idea right about now.
We were somewhat disappointed also about having the chance to move into a bigger rental, the home of a friend who's moving into a bigger place for her growing family, but she needed more rent than we could afford. Was just one of those things that didn't work out. We're trying to work on being more patient about waiting for our time to move, but it's not been easy. Squeezing eight people into a 1300 sq ft, 3 bd, 1 bath house...it's like sardines in a can.
Well, it sure brings a heart joy to hear the little ones outside the bedroom door jumping and running around and laughing with each other. I'm gonna go clean up the sugar Sarah, 5, classic autism, spilled this morning twice just so she could eat it straight. Then, I will make them dinner, and we will have a much better evening.
Love,
Robin
Autism and Life Bites!
If you don't want to read the rantings of a Dad with Autistic children, stop now. Otherwise life is a bit in the crapper right now. Now, sure it's been great that Robin won the "Busy Mom" contest with all the prizes that are coming to us soon, thanks Bemis. But, most everything else pretty much stinks.
Gee, even now I wanted to go into details but I DON"T FEEL LIKE IT. Besides it looks like no one hardly reads or especailly comments on this blog anyway. I'll probably feel better tomorrow.
Dad
Gee, even now I wanted to go into details but I DON"T FEEL LIKE IT. Besides it looks like no one hardly reads or especailly comments on this blog anyway. I'll probably feel better tomorrow.
Dad
Friday, October 12, 2007
We're Getting a Real Website
Before if you typed Autism Bites dot com into your browser, you would have gone to the site that we have our Autism t-shirts. Now when you enter: www.autismbites.com you'll see that something else is there, every day I hope something new until we get it the way that we want.
My sister-in-law is a web developer by day and will be helping us put it all together. With all the additional attention we're getting we decided to have a place that tells about us, interests, dreams, bios on us all, etc. It will partly be a help for media types that want info on us. Hopefully a launching place for the AutismBites Foundation. A place of information, helping, coping and other nice things.
If you have anything you'd like to suggest, please do.
Dad
My sister-in-law is a web developer by day and will be helping us put it all together. With all the additional attention we're getting we decided to have a place that tells about us, interests, dreams, bios on us all, etc. It will partly be a help for media types that want info on us. Hopefully a launching place for the AutismBites Foundation. A place of information, helping, coping and other nice things.
If you have anything you'd like to suggest, please do.
Dad
Sunday, October 7, 2007
We're On A Mission
I was talking to the marketing guy connected to Robin winning the 'Busy Mom' contest the other day. He had attended a seminar that said in today's world there is too much of: 'XYZ is the greatest, best, etc.' or 'Never seen before', blah, blah, blah. For something to be TRUELY unique it must really, actually, BE unique.
WE are unique.
Not to go tooting our horn here, but we have SIX Autistic children. And we have a strong marriage as well. Note I did not say perfect... and we make it through each day. We have a story and experiences to talk about that we feel can help others with their struggles. Whether you have Autistic children or not.
I've joked with my wife that I'd be a great political candidate with what I've been through in MY life. I can relate to a LOT of people... "I feel your pain". ; )
My parents were divorced when I was young. I've had 3 stepfathers. I've lived as a child on a military base. I've lived in regular neighborhoods. I've been abused, physically, emotional and sexually. I've been poor, middle class and yet looking for being rich. I have lived in or visited every state in the US except: HI, AR, ME, VT, NH, CT or MA. I've travelled across the country by myself in cars, buses, trains and planes. I was in the USAF for over 12 years and got to live in and visit a number of countries in Europe.
I can speak a little bit of Russian, Spanish and a bit more of German. I've been married and divorced and married again. I'm the Father of 9 children (5 girls, 4 boys) and step-father to one. I am the oldest of 9 siblings, most are half brothers and sisters. I have relatives I get along with and some I don't. I have ancestors that were here in the early 1700's and some that got to the US in the late 1800's. My ancestry is English, Irish, Dutch, Prussian and French. I or my ancestors have been military members during the Cold war, Vietnam, Korea, WWII, Civil war and the Revolutionary war.
In the military I've earned two medals for marksmanship, received leadership awards , marched men, lead men, been frozen at minus 50 degrees and have worn full chemical gear and gas mask for hours in 90 plus degree heat. Repaired nuclear warheads, helped install nuclear missiles on B-52 bombers and have seen the 'standing on it's tail' take off of an SR-71 spy plane. I also cut a lot of grass and weeds. Painted walls and floors. Drove step vans, tugs, 2 1/2 ton trucks, pickups, and about everything else with wheels. I knew a man who was a political refugee from an African dictatorship. I could go on but that is about all I can think of off the top of my head.
So, why is any of this in any way important to you? I believe I can relate to nearly anyone, anywhere or anytime. My title above says we are on a mission.
What mission is that? Glad you asked.
TO HELP OTHERS.
We are both great conversationalists. If I or we can help just one person feel better, deal with a situation better or just make it through another day, we've done something good. Robin and I enjoy watching the sermons of Joel Osteen of the Lakewood Church in Houston, TX. He gives hope to the hopeless, lifts up those in despair and restores faith in people. If we can do our own little bit in the Autism world. We feel it is our 'calling', our 'mission' and our personal Ministry.
What can I help you with today?
Dad
WE are unique.
Not to go tooting our horn here, but we have SIX Autistic children. And we have a strong marriage as well. Note I did not say perfect... and we make it through each day. We have a story and experiences to talk about that we feel can help others with their struggles. Whether you have Autistic children or not.
I've joked with my wife that I'd be a great political candidate with what I've been through in MY life. I can relate to a LOT of people... "I feel your pain". ; )
My parents were divorced when I was young. I've had 3 stepfathers. I've lived as a child on a military base. I've lived in regular neighborhoods. I've been abused, physically, emotional and sexually. I've been poor, middle class and yet looking for being rich. I have lived in or visited every state in the US except: HI, AR, ME, VT, NH, CT or MA. I've travelled across the country by myself in cars, buses, trains and planes. I was in the USAF for over 12 years and got to live in and visit a number of countries in Europe.
I can speak a little bit of Russian, Spanish and a bit more of German. I've been married and divorced and married again. I'm the Father of 9 children (5 girls, 4 boys) and step-father to one. I am the oldest of 9 siblings, most are half brothers and sisters. I have relatives I get along with and some I don't. I have ancestors that were here in the early 1700's and some that got to the US in the late 1800's. My ancestry is English, Irish, Dutch, Prussian and French. I or my ancestors have been military members during the Cold war, Vietnam, Korea, WWII, Civil war and the Revolutionary war.
In the military I've earned two medals for marksmanship, received leadership awards , marched men, lead men, been frozen at minus 50 degrees and have worn full chemical gear and gas mask for hours in 90 plus degree heat. Repaired nuclear warheads, helped install nuclear missiles on B-52 bombers and have seen the 'standing on it's tail' take off of an SR-71 spy plane. I also cut a lot of grass and weeds. Painted walls and floors. Drove step vans, tugs, 2 1/2 ton trucks, pickups, and about everything else with wheels. I knew a man who was a political refugee from an African dictatorship. I could go on but that is about all I can think of off the top of my head.
So, why is any of this in any way important to you? I believe I can relate to nearly anyone, anywhere or anytime. My title above says we are on a mission.
What mission is that? Glad you asked.
TO HELP OTHERS.
We are both great conversationalists. If I or we can help just one person feel better, deal with a situation better or just make it through another day, we've done something good. Robin and I enjoy watching the sermons of Joel Osteen of the Lakewood Church in Houston, TX. He gives hope to the hopeless, lifts up those in despair and restores faith in people. If we can do our own little bit in the Autism world. We feel it is our 'calling', our 'mission' and our personal Ministry.
What can I help you with today?
Dad
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