FWD:Mamacrow

Hi Mamacrow

 

 

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S

Cash cab

As we were driving Thomas saw a cab and said "when I get older, I want to ride in a cab."  Bewildered I asked him why and he responded, "it just might be cash cab!"

Sent from my HTC on the Now Network from Sprint!

I confess!

It was our daughter's turn to spend the night at Papa and Nana's yesterday which meant she was headed to church with them today. Here she was all dressed up to the hills with a pink dress and black patton shoes. While at church the pastor made a very convicting message that included "if you have sinned, confess and your sins can be washed away." A very good and simple message to most but to a little 8 year old feeling guilty that she possessed stuffed animals that were in her mother's room to be given away was more than she could bear!

She leans over to Nana and with a quiver in her voice "Nana, could you pray with me?" Not knowing what the prayer was for, Nana agreed. Laura sobbed and confessed her 'sin' and asked if Jesus would forgive her and through Nana's tears answered "Yes!"

As she returned and was confessing her 'sin' to me I could see that this really affected her and let us know that she is growing up and understanding more. What a tender heart and a sweetness of innocence! Praise Him! He said to come to Him like a child and I know this warmed His heart as it did mine.

I did proceed to let her know that I had already known of what she had done. She looked in amazement and then asked "how did you know? Did He tell you?" as she pointed with one finger to the sky. Mommies just know....

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.

(picture taken during the Christmas Party at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho ~ December 2008 for the 183rd Airborne)
Crow Nest 2008

Well, here we go again…Another year has passed and the kids never stop growing inside or out. So I will attempt to keep you updated. (So long as they can stop growing for a minute!)

Jeremiah is 11 ½ and is getting those “adult” features. It’s probably harder on me because I can look him in the eye now. He is still very imaginative and creative and loves to pretend that he’s a spy so he can sneak up on you. However, not in his favor, I have a keen ear that can hear the slightest movement anywhere in the house. Needless to say, I’ve scared him more times than he me. He enjoys various projects with his “Papa Pfost” and is in the middle of making their own flagpole. Not sure where it will go once finished but these projects are very good for the both of them. The first part of the year he spent finishing up Bible quizzing from Genesis and won gold, silver and bronze medals for the quiz meets. This year, he’s studying Exodus and so far has earned himself a gold medal. He continues to amaze us yet he still struggles with his anger and aggression. We are praying daily for God to take the reins on this.

Thomas….oh, Thomas! Our little character! He’s embarking on 9 years come February. He loves life to the fullest and has quick reflexes when it comes to sports. At the beginning of the year he played in Upwards Basketball, with Sean as his coach, and was one of the star players for the team. He and his sister will be starting up again in January. He is creative in writing and drawing and is a big help around the house. With his calm spirit and tender heart he keeps tabs on the other two. It is nice to have both boys in therapy together for keeping an eye on each other. He loves to tell jokes, reads very well and Nana LOVES for Thomas to cuddle with her (as do I). Starting piano lessons has been a real treat for all of us. He loves to cook, clean, race radio control cars and always finds time to encourage everyone everyday about everything!

Laura is ‘7’!!! She just had her birthday on the 18th and we celebrated it on the 20th by having a “Spa Day” at our house. It was a 4 hour ordeal complete with manicures, pedicures, facials and massage. We snacked on cucumber, tomato sandwiches, or bon~ bon’s and other sweets. We were going to curl hair and make “do’s” but ran out of time. Lots of fun to be had! She will be starting Upwards Basketball in January and is anxiously waiting. She went to girls’ camp for the first time this summer and really loved it. She passed two swim classes this year and we hope to have her continue in the spring in Level 3. She is ALL girl!

They still like Webkinz and all three are doing very well in school. We started Idaho Virtual Academy in August and have found it refreshing to say the least. It allows us to be more flexible in the ways our kids learn best and I feel we’ve accomplished much more. They take every opportunity to make breakfast in bed. It was a tradition I was doing to help Jeremiah understand being sick. He’d never tell me when he wasn’t feeling good even if he had a temperature of 104, he didn’t give in. Every once in a while they surprise me and wake me up with breakfast (eggs, toast and juice) on our silver platter.

Sean completed his duty this year by going to basic and AIT from April through July and was recently commissioned as a 2nd Lt in the Idaho Army National Guard attached to the 183rd Aviation unit as a Chaplain Candidate, a MOS change from the band. He is employed with Pioneer Mortgage and Insurance as a mortgage loan officer while returning to NNU through their online Master of Divinity coursework. He will be leaving to South Carolina possibly by next summer to begin the Chaplain Candidate training necessary for his MOS. We look forward to what God has for our family and the spiritual journey he has us on. During the time Sean was away, I had an oophorectomy and was taken care of by friends, family and very faithful NNU students. Through this time I had to learn to rely on others to help us out.

I am a stay-at-home mom and enjoy it. This allows me more time with the kids and Sean while experimenting with new recipes and just keeping up with the growing clan. I have recently relinquished my authority as the Chair for Regional Early Childhood Committee so that I could focus more on the kids’ education. Next spring, I have the privilege to be making an Autism presentation to other Early Childhood constituents. These opportunities inspire me to continue speaking about what we’ve been, what we are and what we’re going to go through and they allow me to give God the glory through ALL our trials. I held my 4th annual Ladies Christmas Tea the first Saturday in December and it was sure a delight! There were about 30 ladies, including their daughters, in attendance. We had plenty of food, fun and fellowship and I’m anticipating next year’s tea time.

Even with school, virtual or online, we’ve been able to grow closer as a unit and each member having a special place in the family (Jeremiah with his smile, Thomas with his laughter and Laura with a twinkle in her eye). Sean and I are very blessed and proud of them. With everything that is going on with our society, economy and our country we see the struggles and are comforted that God is protecting us in the midst of fury. May we look to Him today and each day as we are reminded of the blessings He has given us instead of dwelling on material things taken from us.

He is the real reason we celebrate and we rejoice in His coming again!!! Merry CHRISTmas to each and every one and may 2009 be even better!

Blessed be His name~Melissa S Crow

Some days are better than others...

One thing to keep in mind in persons with Autism, one moment you can be having the best day ever and something sets them off (as easily as a sibling picking up a toy that belongs to the autistic). They can have prominent explosive behaviors or irrational resolutions to simple problems.

I had the opportunity to observe a little girl with Autism and she was rude, self-serving and somewhat biligerant. I found it interesting in the reactions of others in her environment. She kept saying "go away, I didn't ask for your help, stop talking to me, don't help me." So I approached the behavior by squatting down at her level and explaining quietly that it hurts other's feelings when she talks like that. I waited until she took her fingers out of her ears and said "may I make a suggestion?" She yelled, "Don't help me, I don't need you, I don't need help." So, I repeated myself and asked her again "may I make a suggestion?" She looked bewildered and was a little reluctant but as she pulled her fingers out of her ears she replied, "yes."

I truly believe it is in the delivery in how things are presented, if we say it in a way that we are asking their opinion (a little reverse psychology) to get them to involve us in their world, we can achieve much. If we are getting easily angered in how they respond to our helping them we will not see the progression of achievement possible.

In our dealings with our kids, typical and with Autism, we find we are very repetitious, consistant and very creative. For example, Laura turned 7 today and received a birthday package in the mail from one set of grandparents. She opened it with delight as she gazed upon a "learning laptop." I smiled! What she doesn't realize is that it concretely reinforces everything she is learning in our homeschool. She sees it as a LAPTOP! An electronic device for pleasure. So, to make her see it as a toy and not a learning instrument, I read all the things that she can do on it and said after each one, "Wow, you're going to be so good at this. I think you will beat the computer!" She gave me one of those "I know" looks and played hard on it doing all the math problems for the next 2 hours. What she doesn't know...definately won't hurt her!

Okay....so it's been a while

I'm finally starting to get some things in order and that means I'll be blogging more. Thanks to everyone who have been waiting patiently on me! ;o)

So, today we went to the NNU Fine Arts building for Thomas' piano lessons. One thing to note: The Fine Arts building used to be the Samaritan Hospital way back when. While we were waiting, Laura said "Mom, who was born here?" I replied, "your uncle Jim." She asked "were you born here?" I joyously said "no!" She asked, "where were you born?" I smiled and told her I was born at Mercy Hospital. Never running out of continual questions she asked, "Mom, what's mercy?" Jeremiah emphatically said "Mercy is when God gives you a second chance!" Well put and the questions were laid to rest! AMEN

Honorable Toastmaster Jeremiah

My husband is the president in Nampa of the local affiliate of Toastmasters International. He took Jeremiah to the club today and told him he may have the chance to speak during their session of "table topics"; this is where members and guests are called upon to briefly speak about a subject impromptu for 1 to 2 minutes in front of everyone.

After his dad spoke and then finished, the table topics master turned the groups' attention to Jeremiah and asked in a big voice "Jeremiah, would you like to speak tonight?" Jeremiah turned to dad for a moment sheepishly, and then with a few prompts stood up and spoke in front of the group!

He said how he liked to do things with daddy, to hunt, fish, golf, play "ship", and other games. Jeremiah talked for an official 30 seconds (all speeches of members and guests are timed for the record), and then he finished with a flair that took the breath away from all the members: when he finished he stopped, outstretched his arm toward the podium and acknowledged the table topics master honorably saying "Mr. Table Topics master" !! The applause was stupendous and Jeremiah sat with a smile that would shatter the midnight into dawn...

There was a first-time guest (who doesn't even know of Jeremiah's autism) who was last to be called upon. When he was asked if he would speak or pass (he was a guest), he said "well, I can hardly back down now after what Jeremiah has done".....

Silent Night....

All is well in our home, and silent....well, it should be it's 12am. With the swooshing of the dishwasher and dryer going and kids not underfoot reminds me of the song "Silent Night." However, I was reminded three days ago that there is a different rendition of the verse "round yon virgin."

Jeremiah pleaded with me to listen to him sing Silent Night after returning from therapy. His chest puffed up as he started to sing, standing straight and tall with hands at their respected side. Mind you, his rhythm is better than his pitch. As he approached the verse I was so proud of him and then the words "rounder version" rolled out. My ears perked with eyes wide open, eyebrows raised, biting my tongue, he finished the song. I cheered him on, he took a bow and left the room grinning from ear to ear, his DT and I tried very hard not to laugh for fear of hurting his feelings. Yet, with it being Christmas time it will forever make me smile everytime I hear "Silent Night."

We Give Thanks!

This is our newest family portrait. It initially was for our church directory but we try to take a family portrait once a year so this became that time. I hope those that keep updated with our family find this picture helpful when you can't see us all the time. We love and appreciate all the support through the years and the ongoing prayers offered. We wish everyone Happy Thanksgiving and hope to see you soon!

With all our love,

Sean, Melissa, Jeremiah, Thomas and Laura Crow

Dictionary according to Thomas

Thomas is very creative with a wild imagination and great sense of humor. To understand him you have to understand his verbage....

Word:
Fly Slapper-his name for the fly swatter (we find his word more appealing..)

Hurts like the chickens-another useful saying

Buggles-Snug as a bug on a rug, also known as, cuddle-time

The fighting room-actually the 'fitting room' but he starts crying everytime he sees the sign at the store and so I asked him what made him so sad, he replied "I don't want to go to the fighting room." His first venture in reading...

Drop your drawers-Thomas takes his sweet time in doing anything, but one day I was so tired of waiting on him I said "Drop your drawers" he frowned and said with a stern voice "I am NOT a drawer, and don't call me names!" I tried really hard not to laugh, but then he thought I was laughing at him, so I waited until after I dropped him off at school before I blew....Yes, he's still very much a literal thinker!

There will be more additions at a later date for I am sure he's not done with his definitions!

Take care and try buggling!

Future ambitions....

If I post what my children would like to be, as they see the world now, I wonder if or when they'll come true....

Jeremiah wants to be a pilot/astronaut. Basically, be in charge of anything that can fly! Thankfully, a local chapter of Young Eagles took he, his brother and sister, father and grandfather up for a ride. It was such a neat experience they'll never forget! He is extremely good at legos and loves to explore and build. He does take charge and has a go-get-em attitude. I just hope that one day soon that the social anxieties dissipate and he can move forward towards his goals.

Thomas wants to be a police officer/teacher. This is a very good ambition! He is the peace maker in the house and if something isn't right he 'takes care of it!' especially if someone needs nurturing. He loves children and at every chance he takes very good care of them and baby dolls, too. I remember when Laura was born and everytime she cried, he was there first, even before mom and dad. He will make an excellent father and husband someday.

Laura wants to be a firefighter/doctor. I say "more power to ya!" She is a very determined and strong willed individual that, if given the chance, will make a huge impact on society. She will be made known. She's already (at age 4) expressed a passion of one day talking about autism and her brothers. AWESOME!!!! She is a leader, so don't be surprised to hear her name in the future. She is loving and a little lady, mommy's helper and daddy's girl.

I have NO doubts that all 3 will make it big in the world. I'm very proud as to what they have already become!

Aggression

The older Jeremiah gets the bigger and stronger he gets! The only problem is, is that his aggression and anger issues due to the lack of communication and social skills are increasingly growing with him. His frustration level is higher and his focusing has lessened.

Just to sit down and doing a tracing activity which isn't difficult nor a new concept, however, becomes his ultimate breakdown and hinders any activity beyond simplicity or basic. There are some days where you can't initiate any new concept or problem for fear of negative response. Some days, he'll do pages upon pages of any activity. Who knows what day it will be like, and it's in the unknown that I am writing. It causes me much grief that he may never be able to adjust and recorrect this behavior. It is troublesome that the state of Idaho puts a 3-year cap on IBI services. Who says autism and the behaviors associated therein ends in three years?

Unfortunately, this type of cap was administered by the State and regulated by Health and Welfare's interpretation. They don't live with the fear of an outrage and possibly violent behavior undetermined by specialists. I have been hit, kicked, punched, pinched, spat at, head-banged, bitten, scream and yelled at, and most of the time he doesn't understand he's doing it or the consequences thereof. The other day I held him for 15 minutes because he was so full of anger toward his brother that if I let go of him he would have attacked me or him. Thankfully, my father showed up unannouced and held him so that I could walk away from the situation. I was so exhausted because it used up every ounce of energy I had to protect him, I became an emotional wreck. I literally couldn't stand, I was sick to my stomach and I feared what could've happened.

Thankfully, this time, things calmed down. One of these days, because of the Health and Welfare's decision, my child might be hog-tied or restrained in such a way by authorities that it will only hurt his progress and make matters worse just because the lack of understanding. Or.....Brutal enough, someone somewhere is going to misinterpret mine or my husbands handling of the situation and call us into CP. I am trying to be patient, but my heart aches for my son who desperately wants to achieve "normalcy". We can only do so much, thankfully God is on our side, but I wouldn't want to be in the shoes of those who don't believe.

There's got to be another way to reach those in power to change the course of our son's life, but who or how? Please, I beg of you, keep praying for our sons, their behaviors and our family in general, it's hard to live this way! Also, keep in mind those who are afraid to voice their concerns but live in my world day-to-day.

Pick up line?

Thomas and I were picking up Laura from her cousins' house and she got into the van while I was talking to my cousin. When I got inside the van Thomas explained "Laura said I was picking her up, but I told her, 'I'm not married yet!'" Of course, I lost it!

That man!!!

Tonight as we were driving home, the kids were talking about Spiderman and Batman. Laura wanted to put her 2 cents worth into the conversation and said, "Jeremiah can be Spiderman and Thomas will be That man." I couldn't help but chuckle as my husband replied "That man and that man and that man.......na,na,na,na,na,na,na,na,na,na,na,na,na,na,na,na......
THAT MAN!!!!!"

Rollie Pollie

After eating a large lunch at Chapala's Jeremiah held both sides of his tummy and in a big sigh said, "I 'm so full and big and round, my head is going to shrink and my arms and legs will get smaller, then you can roll me like a ball all the way home!" Just like the pig in Chicken Little!