Farmers' Market day!  

I know everyone loves a farmers' market.  But, it is so easy to just go next week.  Well today we realized we were in the minority.  Brooke and I decided to run across town to our local one this morning and everyone was there.  I loved seeing that. It just makes you feel good.  Natural, homegrown, pesticide free produce, vegetables, eggs and of course cinnamon rolls and cookies!  One vendor even had gluten free cinnamon rolls. 

Chase asked me when we were leaving to get him a watermelon.  Needless to say he was quite pleased.  He had a hard time waiting for it while I was chatting it up with Nicole long distance.  So being resourceful, independent and impatient he decided to prepare it himself.  Yes, that is a butter knife. 

 

I got off the phone and made him a watermelon bowl.  The equivalent of getting the turkey leg.  He was quite happy and so was I.  Definitely worth the trip across town!

Boys will be boys.  And, they love their toys.  Nathan has been struggling for over a week now.  Too many changes at school as the new school year starts and we are working with him to overcome the anxiety.  Part of my intervention is taking him with me when I run errands.  It gives us time just to spend one on one.  Watching him struggle always brings on an on-slot of ideas and feelings.  Then at the hobby store he spotted the 3 isles of models.  Planes, cars, trains and Legos.  It is so incredible.  His skills are so limited...or so it seems.  He is learning his alphabet again and has started having a hard time crossing over thresholds, but he is a nine year old boy.  He saw those models and went from isle to isle.  

Just like any nine year old boy!  Life is fun.

 

That was kind of fun.  Hosted a party for Jordan Essentials.  Just a few of us, but it was a great night.  Absolutely loved Tammy.  Chase fed us cookies and offered us water.  It was a community cup though and he knew if you were faking it.  He was just so cute we couldn't hurt his little helping feelings. 

 Love my guy!

Got this text... (While I was at a band fundraiser.)

Grandma just cut into cucumber..not ripe..Better not let Chase eat probably get a stomach ache.

Did they forget which grandson they gave the cucumber to?  It was all I could do to keep him from eating it on the way home.  I basically dropped him at the door and was off.  I let the girls know, but it was too late.

  No problems though!
All is good.

Been thinking a lot about Nicole lately.  Missing her.  And, today I heard her song.  'Gimme That Girl' by Joe Nichols.  I remember the day it became her song.  She was sitting in front of  facebook with tears in her eyes.  She felt everyone was growing up to be pretty, but her.  I told her I had that I heard a song that reminded me of her and I dubbed it her song.  Then I made her sit and listen to it until she got it.  Thanks JOE!
I love to hear it.  It is totally her!

Great time at the ORA conference yesterday. 

Even though it was sponsored by Ozarks Romance Authors it was perfect for all genres and I learned a lot! I also learned that this organization began as a group for romance authors, but have let the rest of us in!  What a great group.  

Although I didn't get some of the jokes.

Chase's birthday...SUCCESS. Family and friends joined together for a game of soggy baseball at the Miracle Field.

I love being able to combine family and friends, and friends that don't know each other.  What a wonderful group of people we have surrounded ourselves with.  No judging going on here.  JUST FUN!

What a Day.

Up early. Pink eye scare (just allergies though).

Deliver mosaics and help set up Special Artists Academy exhibit.

 News interview. That resulted in this story by Aaron Boll. 

Press conference with the governor.  I was given a signed copy of the bill that brought $750,000 to the Autism Projects.  Now the real work begins deciding on the specifics of how to use it to best serve the families.  So happy to be part of the decision making process.

 

Then the Special Artists Academy exhibit opening night.

This crowd was just as large as the crowd that gathered earlier to see the Governor.  Parents, teachers, community members, media and the artists themselves.

Here Chase views some of his contributions to the exhibit with Grandma.
 


Chase shows off his pottery to Miss Tobias.

Not only was visual art shown, but performing arts were highlighted.  Including a performance by the group 'Chosen Stars'.

This last piece was done during the Arts in Residence Program at Rivendale.  The artists from the Academy came into the school and spent the day teaching the children about music and mosaics.  I actually was able to volunteer that day.  It was wonderful to watch the children open up to learning about and experiencing art first hand.  The arts are a big part of our lives.  Yes, art is part of our bailiwick!

What a sister.  Nicole thinking of Chase on his special day.  Wishing she was closer.  She asked to be on the phone with him when he watched it for the first time.  After a hard day I could hear the stress in her voice melt away as she listened to Chase giggle that Spiderman was talking to him.  We love being a family.

Happy 7th birthday Chase!!

So sorry my sweet boy for the trick candles.  They were the only ones we could find.  Thus, three instead of seven.  What a trooper!

Thanks to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions we were able to visit Silver Dollar City yesterday free of charge.
Not only was it a fun day...

It was a day full of generosity and kindness.  Of course, beginning with the tickets.  Then Nathan received 2 gold coins as a gift from Silver Dollar City.  Not quite sure if it was kindness that people in line kept reassuring us that it was okay to use our special pass not to wait in line or if they wanted us out of their line.  Whichever, they were kind and supportive.  Then after wondering the park hitting every boat ride trying to get him to the "boat" ride he kept asking for I finally figured out that what Nathan kept referring to was Geyser Gulch.  But, it had closed for the day.  I explained to the attendant who was closing it I wanted to show him that I did understand him.  That he didn't give up and his words brought us here.  But, it was closed and that is why we couldn't go again.  She signed with him, gave him time to see it was closed, accept it, and then gave him a special token from that area.

 

 Then at the end of the day.  We decide to stay for a free concert.  Tired and out of money (I only bring in what I intend to spend and leave all other sources of funds at home) Nathan asked for a drink.  And, our warm tap water just wasn't cutting it.  I took what change we had left and headed to the concessions.  Doubting that I would have even close enough I asked about smallest drink available.  As I was counting the coins I was asked about our visit.and intrigued by an answer more questions were asked.  Then the two serving reached across the counter and said it was enough.  

                                                              

I don't think anything ever tasted so sweet to Nathan as this liquid kindness.

What a wonderful day...

To all fathers and grandfathers of special needs children.  You are honored this day and every day of the year.

Please watch this video. 

Fathers of children will extreme needs have a special challenge, but even greater opportunity.  To be a father of a child that loves him unconditionally and is often completely dependent on him can bring joy that cannot be matched by any number of trophies, scholarships or popularity.  Your child will never judge you, always forgive you and love you more each day as they feel you taking care of them. A father of a child with special needs works to support them each day, fights their fights and rejoices in their every accomplishment.  Whether it be taking a bite of something new, saying a single word unprompted or just looking up as they walk in the room.  Fathers, you are all wonderful.  And, you need not be perfect.  In imperfection many great lessons are taught.  Today is a day we honor you, but we think of you each day as we watch our sons grow into men and our daughters learn to love others.  Happy Father's Day!

Forgot to post this.  Ashley Reynolds of  Kytv reported from Autism Days at Fair Grove last weekend.  I got the pictures posted, but didn't share the story.  All four of my children had a cameo. Way to support the  
Missouri Autism Report publication!  
Thanks Ashley!

Nathan's X-ray

What a funny trip to the radiology department.  Chase had gotten a scratch on his leg at school which was consequently & successfully treated with a band-aid.  But, once he heard Nathan was going to get an x-ray he started limping insisting he needed an x-ray too.  He was limping so badly in the parking lot I had to stop him before he really did hurt himself.
When they called Nathan's name we stood up from our seats and Chase limped along.  The radiology tech looked a bit puzzled.  I am sure she had already seen the order for a bone growth delay x-ray, not a twisted ankle.  Boy we are approaching 'typical-ness' more and more each day.

Harvest Day!

 

Today Chase's class made salads from their school garden.  I could not be more impressed with a program than I am with the boys' school.

We are one of the lucky ones.  Chase loves vegetables!  He was in heaven during this project.  He actually ate two salads.  We have to watch him so that he doesn't eat too many raw vegetables.  He has made himself sick before.  During holiday dinners we have to guard the veggie tray, especially if it has cucumbers on it.  But, I would be amiss if I did not mention that he loves cookies just as much as he loves vegetables.

The warm weather has brought on pool weather.  We love our generous neighbors who let us swim in their beautiful pool.  Nathan loves the pool.  He has more language in the pool than in most other places. 

Chase in 2011.

But, it does present a problem.  Nathan elopes. He takes off, wanders off or just goes after what he wants.  And, I am like most parents...I think it won't happen to my child.  I picked this up off the AWAARE website just last night:
In 2012, the National Autism Association found that from 2009 to 2011, accidental drowning accounted for 91% total U.S. deaths reported in children with autism subsequent to wandering, and that 23% of total wandering-related deaths occurred while the child was in the care of someone other than a parent. 
 

 I lock the doors.  We watch him close.  Someone always knows where Nathan is.  But, I think it is time.  Time we look a little deeper at safety devices and wandering material.  There is a lot of information available.  We wait for that close call to act.  Why?  IDK, as my daughters would say.  Not this year.  He is getting older, we stress independence and rejoice that he is taking some initiative.
But, there is often more to consider when you have a child on the spectrum when you are taking safety measures.  I had a jolt a few months ago.  A warning of sorts.  Nathan's school takes water safety very serious.  The students in the autism program have swim lessons.  They board their little bus and go to the pool.  Nathan is beginning the process of learning how to swim without supports.  When his instructor let him go under water Nathan sunk. He just quietly slipped under the water.  It was reported back to me that even babies have a reflex that will propel them up.  Maybe not successfully, but it should be there.  Nathan had none.  Those present were horrified as they saw him sink in the water, without panic or response to what was happening.  One even said it was like he was just waiting.  Even now as I write this I feel an overwhelming sense of dread.  His lessons now include learning to float on his back.  We have a long way to go.  The importance of learning to swim drives the effort to teach Nathan (and Chase), but protecting him now is VITAL.  Time to look at alarms, alerts and make a plan.  One important message that the AWAARE site presents is that if a child is missing CHECK WATER SOURCES FIRST!  Advice I will always heed and teach my family.

'Cause some days are just that good.

Cherish your friendships. 
They enrich your life and can bring you peace.

Last Game of the Season

                                              Say it in pictures...

Nathan at third waiting for a ball.

Miss Allison was Chase's buddy tonight.

Chaseman

Sharing a moment with his teacher.  She came to see him play.

After!

More teachers...or should I say Miracle League fans.

The trophy.  Tonight was the last game of the season.  See everyone in the fall.

Thanks to our coaches.

Sweet success of a well played game.

Nate the Great!  Done for the season.  

Planning to practice in the off season.  Such a wonderful field built with some very special kids in mind.  So glad we have become part of this wonderful organization. 
And yes that is Chase running to home on the website.

Some days are hard...  He is so tiny in this picture.  So many years have passed.  He will be 10 in August!  This morning he was trying so hard to button his church shirt.  He didn't cry, he didn't get upset.  He just kept trying.  He didn't rejoice when he did it.  He knew he was struggling.  I sat on the bed and I pushed the button from the back and he pulled it through.  He couldn't get his two hands to work together, but he never quit. And neither will I.  We can't quit.  We need to try every day.  
His language, that is what we need to find.  He keeps losing it.  We build it up to a certain point.  Then it is gone.  Retention.  How do we do it?  This time it is not rebuilding like the other times.  He is frustrated tonight.  Tomorrow will be a good day.  The roller coaster will bring on the vocals.  Love my little guy.

Autism Fair-MAR fundraiser