Potty Update

Well, it was an interesting weekend on the potty. We had some successes (mainly due to the non-stop BM's) but had NO successes in the pee department. I have a call in to the doc to see about adjusting meds or what we should do about the constant pooping. We all got tired, we all got bored. It is hard work, but we are keeping at it and thank God for the teachers at school taking a shift each week day!

Sucess....at least a little

Tonight we had some little boys who asked to go potty and who both pooped in the potty (even if it was just a little)! Licker asked once and pooped 3 times at home (and once at school). Trouble asked once (10 min after we sat him and he used his talker) and pooped twice! I think he was jealous that Licker was getting beads and he wasn't getting his hand sanitizer.

Its a start and gives me some hope!

Back On the Potty Again

Kind of like being back in the saddle but without the saddle sores and the fun scenery. Instead you get some interesting books and smells and some children who really don't want to be there. We are trying a less invasive method this time and sitting them at set intervals through out the day. May take longer, but I think we may have more of ALL of our minds intact at the end.

So we had the procedure done for Encopresis and things are ....flowing. I would say nicely, but is poop ever nice? really? So we waited a week (school went ahead and started this week). Trouble pooped once at school and hasn't done anything at home yet. Licker has done once at school at once at home. No pee yet, but with the procedure on their bums, I'm not surprised.

This is the book I am following along with some things from the Cincinnati Kelly O'Leary center. I will update you all as things go along, but this way my friends who DON'T want to hear about graphic pee and poo can avoid it and just NOT read ;)

Happy Potty!

Schools in!

The summer is over and we are all grateful (since it was such a hot one). The boys started a new school this year for third grade. So far, it seems to be going very well! They miss their teacher (pictured left), but they get to see her still.

Both boys are listening very well!  Licker is trying all kinds of new foods! He is throwing away his trash and cleaning up his messes (and throwing away the towels, but we'll work on that. Only needs slight encouragement to clean up! Trouble is cleaning up without being asked. Anticipating things (like bedtime yogurt) and getting the yogurt and omega out of the fridge for Daddy. He is also getting in a LOT less trouble.

We are SO very proud. We hope the year will only continue to improve and our happy boys continue to do SO very well!

You make the Kool Aid better

So we are putting the whole potty thing behind us for the moment. I'm trying to forget about it, at least until my ego is a bit less bruised and they seem a bit more ready. We are instead trying to end the withholding of poo once and for all! (hopefully) but enough with the body functions talk!

I have a saying and this saying dates back to right after high school. I was rooming with my two best friends (one who eventually dumped us to get married...but tha'ts another story). We would take turns doing things. One of those things was making Kool Aid.
(for those of you who might not know about koolaid) So, this process involved adding a cup of sugar and a packet of chemicals to 2 quarts of water. Stir and the process is complete. My roommates used to try and con me into doing by saying "you make the kool aid better". This has become a phrase in my life when I or someone else is trying to get someone to do something just because they don't want too.

So beware of friends asking for Kool Aid! :)

Count Down...5 days left!

We have 5 days left until the start of the intensive. Tomorrow is my planning meeting with CITE. Then I start gathering things to get set up. Wish me luck!

Spring was Delayed

They tell me the groundhog saw his shadow...or whatever it is that makes spring come early. The problem is that it came early..and left even earlier! We had temps in the 70's last week. We were wearing shorts and opening windows. Heck, we were even sweating! Then this week comes along and so far, we barely got above 40. The First two days of spring break looked like this:
What is WRONG with these pictures? WINTER COATS. Lets lose the need and get some warmth into our spring break...please?

Oh Yes it's POTTY time, and the feelin's right!

Oh yes. We are going there. No, not there. That picture is the beautiful version of other people's potty time. Those 5 of you who happen to read my blog know that will not be how this works.

First of all, my children are 8, and have autism. We are doing them one at a time. The intensive method where you spend ALL DAY in the potty.

No, I don't mean in a "I ate some bad fish" kind of way. I mean a "Sit and stare at your child on the potty for hours and hours from waking until bedtime" kind of way.

We are starting with Licker. He stays dry for the longest time so we figured he was the most ready. We start on April 8th at 6:30am. Once he wakes, all his food and some of his kinda fun toys will be in or near the Potty. We sit him for 30 min and if he doesn't pee he gets a 2 min break. There is a lot of math involved so I'm hoping that I'll be able to read my notes after the third hour of watching him scream on the potty.

Yes, I could be optimistic and hope that he trains the first day. Actually, I do hope, but I am also a realist and know that there is a possibility this will continue for up to 5 more days (because at that point Trouble needs dental surgery). I'm hoping for the best. if any of you want to stop by and laugh or try and save my sanity...you know where I am :)

Lets hope the weekend doesn't end with this!

It's Finally Here

Here they are...all dressed and ready for the first day of ALL DAY SCHOOL. Yes, its what every stay at home mom dreams about. Having their kids in school all day. For me, it is finally here!!!! Don't get me wrong, I love little Licker and Trouble up there...but they were bored and a handful and are waking up every morning excited and happy to go to school. This is good for everyone all around!

What am I going to do with myself? (you ask) I do plan on getting some type of part time work, but for now....I am enjoying the freedom of days without children.

I thought you might want to share in all of our joy. Happy kids, happy mom...happy daddy too! its a good thing all around!

Now if only I could find my sanity.....

So I was tagged

By piglet a while back to do the seven deadly vices.

Sinful Nature

"Sometimes you can learn more about a person by what they don’t tell you. Sometimes you can learn a lot from the things they just make up. If you are tagged with this Meme, lie to me. Then tag 7 other folks (one for each deadly sin) and hope they can lie."

So, because its me, I'm purposefully NOT tagging anyone else. Here are mine:

Pride -- What is your biggest contribution to the world?
I am a shinning example of womanhood. I can be proud that I have contributed over-abundant amounts of girlishness into this life. Women just want to BE me.

Envy -- What do your coworkers have that you wish was yours?
The coworkers in my fabulous office all drive these great cars. I wish I had a convertible or some fancy sports car to tool around in. I'd look so fetch.

Gluttony -- What did you eat last night?
As little as I could. I eat like a bug these days (you can't say bird anymore, they figured out they eat like 5 times their weight). I rarely eat. I survive on health drinks. Its better this way.

Lust -- What really lights your fire?
More than a look, its a lifestyle. I adore EMO guys. You know the ones with a cause and the misery that surrounds them. SO hot.

Anger -- What is the last thing that really ticked you off?
Someone who went out of the house without makeup. I mean come on, ladies. Nature didn't intend for us to look this good without help!

Greed -- Name something you hoard and keep from others.
Games. I keep games from others. I want to play them alone and imagine the other player. That way I am ALWAYS the winner.

Sloth -- What’s the laziest thing you ever did?
I spent the whole weekend in bed. I did absolutly nothing but read and eat and sleep. I even moved a fridge and a hot plate into my room so I didn't have to get out of bed!

My Mindset

Teaching the almost unteachable....

It's frustrating. I can't even begin to explain just how frustrating teaching children with autism can be. Even with help, it's still a very hard process. I'll try and simplify it for those of you who haven't seen it first hand.

Take the most stubborn child you know. Got em in your head? ok...now take away that child's ability to speak. Also limit their understanding of body language and social graces. Sit them down and try and teach them something and you have an example of teaching a child with autism.

Are my kids overly stubborn like that child you know? Not most of the time. The reason I use that as a base is because they have decided that I do not belong in the role of teacher. It ups the stubborn factor quite considerably.

You can't explain the steps. You can't demonstrate them, well you can to an extent, but not really. You can't get across what it is you really want them to do. So what do you do? You make a plan, try and find a reinforcer that works (ie something they like, like candy or books) and you attempt to drive it home with lots of repetition. You become flexible. You learn to think outside the box and around issues. You pound your head against a lot of walls when no one is looking.

It never ends. Once you break through, you get them to learn something, no matter how small. The next thing is there....waiting. Learn to drink from a cup? Here, use a fork too. Learn to put on your shoes, now can we tie them? I know it is like this with "normal" children too. It is just amplified with children with learning disabilities.

So that is my rant....my venting for today. I'm tired of being a teacher. I'd like, for once, it to be easy.

When you think you know your kinda a little....insane

Most people list out the signs that you are a stay at home mom...or signs you have been home with your kids too long. Here are some of the other signs that may show you that you are the parent who stays home with kids with special needs.

1. Your friends think you have Tourette Syndrome because your either constantly repeating yourself or you have to model speech like saying "I want milk" all the time.

2. You find yourself moving to help everyone get dressed. Your 16 year old nephew does NOT need help with his shoes, thank you very much.

3. You find yourself giving instructions to other adults in a sing song voice.

4. Wait...Adults? What are those? Oh..those people you see from afar in the grocery store avoiding you and your screaming child....who happens to be screaming, but happy.

5. People you talk with online wonder if your trying to be mysterious with those long afks or are you really that absent minded.

6. People who don't have kids come to visit and leave never wanting kids...at all.

7. Your list of babysitters shortens instead of growing as your children get older.

8. You have the "bag of every need". Anyone who knows you knows that you carry anything you could possibly need in it...you know, just in case?

9. You know all the words to almost every children's song there is. These shows weren't meant to be played for THIS long.

10. You laugh....a lot. Maybe even to the point that people think you are insane. Sometimes it's better to laugh than to cry.

It has been a long 6 years, let me tell you. I am looking forward to all day camp, 3 days a week for 2 months this summer and for all day school 5 days a week in the fall. Adult world, you may not be ready for me...but here I come!

Rewarding, challenging, rough, and long are but small words to describe my job. Will be nice to have some extra hands helping me along my way. Those morning cuddles and afternoon hugs make it all worthwhile though.

Happy Mother's Day

I cannot say it any better so I won't even try:

http://www.parentingthespecialneedschild.com/parenting_special_needs_c/2007/05/happy_mothers_d.html

Happy mothers day to all the parents of "normal" kids too. You also have your trials!

Over a Month

Yes, I know...it HAS been over a month since I blogged. Yes, I KNOW Maven blogs like every other day. Even procrastinator Piglet blogs more than I do. I have found that I don't like blogging about the negatives. Its depressing, and doesn't help, and I don't think its productive. So :P

We have started down the potty training road with Trouble. He sits on the potty for 3 min at a time at scheduled times 8 times a day. (most days) He is fine with this...mostly. We have only had one small success. I'm hoping the fact that I let him wash his hands (aka play in the water) when he does go will start to click more. They say have patience...I sure am trying. Second week this week, so we'll see.

Confirmed that we are accepted by camp to go to camp when I realized, yesterday, that we have only 3 weeks of school left. *gasp* Camp is waiting on approval of the level one waiver. Contacted my facilitator to see what the hold up is. Between school and camp is 2 weeks. 2 whole weeks of kids home 24 hours a day. Can you say HELP?!?

In comes the call for respite help. We are currently pouring through the list of providers in our area and starting that process. Hoping to have found someone that can lend a had those 2 weeks. If not, we yell for Captain Huggyface and hope he answers and isn't busy with his girlfriend that whole time.

Me? Um...I'm trying to slug through and chip away at all the organizational stuff I really need to do around here. I'm trying to decide what I'm going to look for as a part time job come the late summer/early fall. I'm enjoying the very close friends I have made, or re found in the past year and the joy that they bring to my life daily. I'm trying to come together with The Master and instead of pushing our stress off on each other, trying to have some effort to relieve some of it instead. all in all....I'd say I'm keeping my head above water. thats good, no?

I'm looking forward to 9pm-330pm camp where they take a bus from tricounty...so I'm betting it will be more like 830-4 camp 3 days a week. Drama Queen says shes taking them swimming every week on one of the other days. I say that will probably turn into maybe every other week. Regardless...its a few more hours. I'm hoping to have some straight time to look for work, get some of this house stuff done, be able to exercise and to recharge. Them being in school full time next year is an extreme light for us. School seems to be able to teach them things they just won't let us.

all in all, I'd say I'll be happier after June 15th ;) but I'm not doing too bad. They giggle lots and ask for kisses and tickles with their cards. We are treading water nicely, I'd say...for now.

They are six.....

April is Autism Awareness month. April Second is Autism Awareness Day. April Second is ALSO their birthday. I find this rather ironic.

Yes...they are six. Six years old. Can you believe it? I sure can't. They are 5 months from all day school. 2 months from all day camp 3 days a week. Less than a year (we really hope) from potty training.

We celebrated with new books and computer games and the plague. Yeah, we have all been passing around illnesses here. Trouble just broke his fever yesterday and is curled up on the couch again today. They actually did, as you can see, make it to school for their birthday and their birthday party and Mom and Faerie scrubbed floors and vacuumed while they were gone. Yeah...I live the life.

So happy birthday you cute Munchkins. May your sixth year of life be better than your fifth and may the trend continue.

In which I explain why its not good to be me

Trouble...with a capitol T, you see. He is the reason no one wants to be me. I've tried selling him...trading him...leaving him on the corner with a free sign, nothing works. He is ALL BOY with added Autism.

You see...while Licker is quietly playing computer, or actually *gasp* playing with toys, Trouble is destroying. Random Tokyo big lizard destroying. If he was was a cartoon character, he would be stitch! We scream his name more than anything else in this house. The only thing he will actually play with is books....which he sometimes rips. Everything else must be thrown as far and from as high as he can get to make the biggest noise it can so he can cover his ears after it does.

he needs a hobby. An interest. BESIDES eating playdoh and throwing my bowls across the room. I will bake a whole pan of brownies to the person that gives me the idea that works to keep him busy for longer than 10 minutes.

Drink anyone? I'll have 4.

Silk Anniversary anyone?

So its our 12th anniversary which means silk. Silk...I think Lingerie. I went shopping for silk lingerie and what do you know, its ALL polyester! No silk in stores at all. Went to 5 different stores and was a tad put out. So...I'm ordering it online. This site actually had silk AND plus size and I highly recommend them:
http://www.wildfree.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=plus-size-lingerie
Very stylish and tasteful and SILK! *grins*

so tomorrow is the big day and I won't have it by then, but I'm sure he won't mind if I make it up to him later. Anyone wanna guess which ones I ordered? *grins*

Update anyone?

Ok, so I've been a blog slacker. But isn't that what blogs are for? For you to write in when YOU want too? yeah, thats what I thought too. Here is a picture of licker and trouble to start. yes they are getting huge.

What cuties though. They have been doing fairly well in school. Licker is matching like 30 some words to pictures and giving his teacher the number of objects she asks for. They are going to start sentence structure soon. Trouble is doing well with tracing numbers and letters. He's also doing great on counting lines. We have their IEP this week.

We have also been gathering paperwork for Camp Stepping Stones. AND for their Level One Waiver which will help pay for more respite care (for those who don't know, thats babysitting for children with disabilities) and for camp. We are also headed back to swimming lessons again today. Should be all around a good thing.

Me? Um...I'm doing paperwork, figuring out a potty plan for Trouble (we all agree Licker isn't there yet), trying to keep the house clean...or somewhat clean, and oh, going with Mischief and Master to....Yny's house to play Rockband every other Wednesday. That is my fun.

So there you have it. My almost 6 year olds, me and what not. Not all that exciting, but I think were making it through life at the moment. Speak of trouble, he is now awake. Peaceful time with Licker is over *winks*.

Piss or Get Off the Pot

This has become my motto of late. Whining, bitching, gripping, complaining...all these things are counterproductive to a good life. Venting is the only "complaining" thats worth it. "Whats the difference" you ask. Well let me tell you...

Vent:
a means of exit or escape; an outlet, as from confinement.
expression; utterance; release: to give vent to one's emotions.
to give free play or expression to (an emotion, passion, etc.): to vent rage.
to give public utterance to: to vent one's opinions.

Complain:
to express dissatisfaction, pain, uneasiness, censure, resentment, or grief; find fault: He complained constantly about the noise in the corridor.
to tell of one's pains, ailments, etc.: to complain of a backache.
to make a formal accusation: If you think you've been swindled, complain to the police.

So....Venting is the release. As in let it go and then go do something about it. Complaining is to express...which we all know just leads to more. Venting is ok. Venting you spew forth and then its over. Complaining/whining is NOT.

So..Piss or get off the pot, I say. Vent...vent to me ALL you want. but when the time comes and I hear the same vent again, its become complaining. Complaining is stressful and I have enough stress in my life. Ask for advice, I'll happily give it. If you just want to vent, I'll listen. These are all things I am good at. No more complaints....no more added stress...I'm on a stress diet.

I like that. A stress diet. I get enough in my day to day life that I'm cutting it out elsewhere. Some may think that makes me a bad friend. Bah...then go find a new one! The ones who get it...the ones who know. They'll stick by me and I'll do the same for them.

Stress diet...only venting from here on out!
you have been warned.