Claustrophobiac

As the kids are getting older, bigger, taller, they take up a whole lot more space, our family of 5 living in a 1,000 sq ft home that I've adored and enjoyed for the last 9 yrs is now crowding Jeremiah out with his spatial issues.

Persons with autism appreciate space and when you have a lack of space there could be an escalation of unwanted behaviors. We have no other choice but to put both sons in one room which sometimes can be a cause of chaos. What does one do when money and space is an issue yet the behaviors continue? Praise God! Seriously, we are to praise Him even in these times. Thank you Lord for the blessings of this home and the contents within it, for your unfailing protection of our family and neverending grace in our lives.

Remember, yesterday is already gone, today we are just passing through and do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow has enough troubles of its own. Love the skin your in! Tell me your thoughts....

Outrage!!!

Oh...not mine, but Jeremiah's. Do you know how it feels when you tell someone that your child acts a certain way at home and they look at you with a big question mark on their face? Well, I've been saying that he has these periodic outbursts of anger and aggression and to watch for any escalation so no one gets hurt. Typically, the reply is "I've never seen him do that" or "He's so sweet are you sure it's not his home environment" or my favorite "Well, I just can't see him acting that way."

Call me wicked, but I feel so relieved when he displays those behaviors while in their presence so I don't think I'm going crazy. Yesterday, while with his developmental tech, Jeremiah was so overstimulated (mind you he's 12 yrs old, 5 foot 4 inches weighing 125 lbs) and was so "good" during school that he had a massive breakdown resulting in his tech of over a year to be currently displaying 2 clear bite marks on his arm. No, I am NOT saying I'm happy he bit him, I just am glad that his tech saw what I've been trying to say for a long time....it can/could happen!

When Jeremiah finally calmed down and realized what he did to his "buddy" he brokedown and cried periodically throughout the evening. He is a very kind, considerate, caring and helpful gentleman but there are those times. It doesn't mean he's a bad boy but we have entered the new stage of combining Autism with puberty and it ain't pretty! I don't advise others to take this combination if you want to maintain sanity but for those that are going through this, God bless you! I really should start my own support group, hmmmmm

Wahooz!!!

Today is my husband's birthday and we surprised him with a custom made camo nerf blow gun that I made and had a dear friend paint it and attach a laser sight on the end. The 'boys' played warrior for awhile. It was such a blast to watch them taking pot-shots around the corners of our house with many giggles to follow.

We continued the day by blindfolding him as we tried to take him on a wild goose chase to Wahooz. We started out by having pizza and slushies. We spent 5 hrs playing Laser Tag (and winning as a family), miniature golf, bumper boats, go-karts and numerous free video games.

We returned home to have BBQ steaks and eggs (JC's idea) and green beans. Boy, am I tired!!! The kids are so exhausted they are going to crash when their heads hit the pillow. Exhaustion is my friend but I'm going to feel it in the morning!

Mowing and Trimming and Raking...oh my!

I still can't believe all three are at the age where they are working as a team to complete yardwork. Jeremiah mows, Thomas trims and Laura rakes then they all work together to put the piles of grass in the trash bags. Yes, we make them rake....so they'll appreciate the bag attachment later. Teamwork and independence are something you just can't buy.

Jeremiah is taking pride in his work and seeing the benefit of how much mom and dad take care of him and nurture his growth in becoming a young man. No matter if he had Autism or not this is such a simple form of independence that has started to break the mold of adolescence to young adulthood.

Biking

What udder excitement!!!! We've been trying for years to teach the boys how to ride their bikes and it's been such an undertaking. One push and Laura was taking off without the training wheels but the boys.....Yikes!

Today was the day.....I had it, gazing up at the bikes so neatly hanging from the ceiling of our garage, today was the day they are going to ride!

We got them down, aired up the tires, helmets and pads prepared ...we ventured. Jeremiah wanted to learn first, a little apprehensive but eager to conquer. With one quick breath and a half a dozen tries I gave a little push from behind and voila! He rode for 2 straight hours and only stopped momentarily to take a drink of water.

Thomas was another complexing situation. He was so scared that he'd get started and cry as he pedaled. Only a few feet at a time, he was about to give up for good.....slowly but surely he didn't notice that I let go. What joy! He pedaled as hard as he could, wabbly at best but he did it. For the next 30 minutes he wanted to ride until his face turned red. With pride in his stride and a glow about him, his accomplishment was such a breakthrough in his development that he continues to amaze us.

Biking....such a simple yet gratifying accomplishment and one that he will be proud to have achieved long after this date.