Friday, May 30, 2008

Monkey See, Monkey Do

I have so enjoyed watching the way Micah tries so intently to do eveything Josiah does. I've often wondered how well they would truly enjoy each other, given that there is a 4 year age difference. Fortunately, they play so well together and Micah's "type" of play is EXACTLY like Josiah's. I know they are brothers after all, but so much of the similarities I am referring to, I believe, are a product Micah's observing his big brother. It is really fun to watch. And although there are some behaviors I don't want Micah imitating, he has such a good role model in Josiah. The other night we were eating fried chicken and Josiah was chowing down on a chicken leg. We mostly eat boneless chicken, so he hasn't had much practice eating chicken off the bone. He bit down firmly on the bone and then proceeded to complain about needing some floss because he had a piece of bone between his teeth. Within a minute, Micah, too was complaining of an boo boo in HIS mouth. :)

This is off the subject, but Josiah just came into my room with a huge grin on his face because he completely, independently tied his own shoe. I bought him some NON-velcro shoes today so he had no choice. We've kinda been struggling with this process, but he finally did it. Yeah, Josiah.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Things That Excite A Working Mother of Three

However mundane this post may be to some of you, I thought I would go ahead with it. Here it goes: I am not the most disciplined person on this planet, so I struggle on a daily basis with getting behind and becoming overwhelmed with things like housework, laundary, paying bills, grocery shopping, etc. I don't like that about myself and I often daydream about having it "all together." How much nicer life would be... But, to be honest, I don't long for perfection in this area...I just want to be on top of things to the best of my ability, and I know I have not been giving it my all. Now, I'm not asking for you to analyze me and try to figure out the "whys" and "hows" of my behavior (although feel free if you want to take the time :)), I just thought I would ask my readers (however few it may be) to help "share your wealth" of knowledge/experience, especially where housekeeping is concerned. Do you have any daily chore that helps keep you caught up throughout the week? Any advise on grocery shopping, keeping up with the laundary, or being able to get to bed before midnight? What motivates you to get movin? And I'm hoping that this will benefit more than me. Please tell me that you are not all perfect. :)

I will start:
I set my kitchen timer for 5/10/15 minutes, however much time I've got at that particular moment, and do something in each room of my house. Its amazing how much you can accomplish in just 5 minutes.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Cool Church

On Tuesday evening I was sitting on the couch, relaxing, watching TV, and Josiah entered the room. He stared at the TV for a few seconds and then commented, "That guy's gotta a cool church!" Then I proceeded to tell him that it wasn't a church...it was American Idol. :) They did "have church" a few weeks ago when they sang "Shout to the Lord." Did anyone see that?

Monday, May 19, 2008

Just Recording Some Significant Happenings

On Tuesday, Josiah met and had his picture taken with Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox 2nd baseman. He gave him a high-five which Josiah was extremely proud of. He says that he now has 2 favorite Red Sox: Big Papi and Dustin Pedroia. Big Papi, by the way, will be replaced one day by Josiah (according to Josiah) :)

Twice this week, I heard the toilet flush soon after Jacob went up the stairs. And knowing that I didn't flush the toilet and neither did Alex, Josiah, or Micah, process of elimination (no pun intended) told me that Jacob did. He went to "go potty" without being told...which has never happened. We usually set a timer and when the timer goes off he is told to go pee and he does. So, doing this independently was HUGE!

Today Josiah reached the milestone of having the training wheels taken off his bike and did great! No battle wounds to show for it, fortunately.

Alex got a $2.00/hr raise at one of his jobs, which will be a big help to us. Thank you, Jesus!

Saturday, May 17, 2008

That's Pretty Smart

My sister, Jaime: (speaking to her 5 year old son, Sam) "Sam, you are really smart!"

Sam: "Yeah, I am really, really, really smart. But, Daddy's the smartest. He is
really, really, really, really, really, really smart."

Jaime: "So, what about me?"

Sam: "You're a little smart. You're smart at wiping booties." (and imagine this coming from the cutest little hickey, southern accent):)

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Business As Usual

I'll make this short and sweet. Our meeting today went really well. Jacob will be able to continue going to his current school, we get to keep our wonderful home therapist for the same amount of time each week, and there were no changes to his transportation. We determined what his goals for next year will be and life goes on as usual for my precious baby boy. No transitions and no cutting of services. Praise God! We are so thankful. Thanks to all who lifted us up in prayer today.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Just What I Needed

The following is an e-mail I received today from a subscription I have to childrenofdestiny.org. This website e-mails daily prayers to its subscribers for autistic children and their families. Anyone can subscribe and they include two different prayers - one for the parents themselves and one for extended family and friends. To get a better idea of what I mean just read on. Today's prayer was exactly what I needed considering what we will be going through on Thursday.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

“Therefore may God give you of the dew of heaven, of the fatness of the earth, and plenty of grain and wine.” (Gen. 27:28).

PARENT’S PRAYER:

Father,
We thank you that just as the dew falls from heaven, so does the abundance of your provision and supply for our lives. Therefore, Lord, we ask that you would provide all that we need in our situation. Lord, we ask that you would provide all the funds we need to help _______ move forward. We pray that you would supply all the professional help we need, especially (name a few needs, such as good school administration, teachers, therapists, doctors, advocates, pastors, lawyers, etc.). Father, we ask that you would provide each member of our family with all the patience, love, kindness, and understanding that we need to have with each other and with ________. We thank you that just as the dew falls anew each morning, that you would supply every one of our needs anew each day. We praise you for your unfailing love and faithfulness to us.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen



FAMILY/FRIEND’S PRAYER:

Father,
I thank you that just as the dew falls from heaven, so does the abundance of your provision and supply for the _______ family. Therefore, Lord, I ask that you would provide all that they need in their situation. Lord, I ask that you would provide all the funds they need to help [child’s name] move forward. I pray that you would supply all the professional help they may need, especially (name a few needs, such as good school administration, teachers, therapists, doctors, advocates, pastors, lawyers, etc.). Father, I ask that you would provide each member of their family with all the patience, love, kindness, and understanding that they need to have with each other and with [child’s name]. I thank you that just as the dew falls anew each morning, that you would supply every one of their needs anew each day. I praise you for your unfailing love and faithfulness.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen