Different Avenues

The author of this blog has decided to take a leave of absence as of June 20, 2009. I need to focus on other avenues. Everytime I would think about writing it became too much of a task and I figure I need to take care of myself first before I can try and help others. I must think about the my family's future. Thanks you for all the support and for the others on the opposite end... Take care. I will read everyone's else blogs! Thank you again.

Time to Breathe

It's been awhile since I've posted. Today seemed like a good day to write a little and take a breather. My new job is going well. The boy that I shadow is 9 and in the third grade. Hasn't been officially diagnosed yet, but he might have PDD, Autism and definitely ADHD. One day last week was rough one for him because apparently, Mom forgot his meds. That happens at times so Mom came and picked him up. It's interesting to see some similiarities with this child and my son. I have been working now a little over a week and still getting to know his quibes (if that's a word). Still getting used to the schedule as well, with the silly time change AND having to get up earlier.

Brendan is doing well. His days seem to be improving where he is right on task and then of course when something sets him off, BINGO! I have to tell you this cute story. When I go and pick up Brendan from school there is a dirt/pebble parking lot that I park my car in. You can see the play structure from the parking lot. Lately his class will go out for free time at the end of the day at the play structure. Brendan can see me pull up and park "mommy's red car" and I usually wait for the time to walk to his class. So Brendan while at the sturture, peers through the fence and works his way down the fence to watch out for me and "yells" Why isn't Mommy getting out ?!" Thought that was rather cute!

Other news: Took my final test for the CSET in Math and Science on Saturday. It's a test to obtain your teaching credential in CA. 5 hours of racking my brain. Will let you all know how I did when I get my scores in four weeks.

Cheers.

Good News!

Well It's happened...I have a accepted a position as Instructional Assistant for Special Education at a nice K-8 public school. I will be 1:1 in Special Ed Class of 7 who are grades K-4. This is ED (emotional disturbed) class. Not sure when I will start. It's only part-time so I still have time with my boys. This week I have been getting all the pre-employment stuff done. Yesterday I had a physical which required me to lift 50lbs. Today my body isn't liking it. I can barely walk! Every step is monumental!

This, for me folks is a step ahead and a new beginning. I know that some Moms are able to stay home full-time with their children, so they can be there for them and raise them to the best of their ability and I do know some, my hat goes off to you. I simply don't have that choice. I have to work, to provide a life for Brendan and his brother that he needs. He needs a place to play outside and to run, we don't have that here. I do take him to the park every weekend, but I would have to invest in one of those child locator's or else I would never see him again. My list is long. I think of Brendan's future and it scares the H#)) out of me.

This new beginning will eventually provide me opportunities I never knew existed. I am still working on my teaching credential and that's my goal is to become a teacher. So with that said I must get ready for a oral exam today, yet with another school district. This is for placement on a list for employment. All I can do is take one day at a time. =)

Cheers Everyone.

TGIF (Thank God I'm Finished)

Hi There,

I made it through another week. My kids gave me a nasty cold with that always turns into a sinus infection. With those I would like to hide in my bed. Not. Like clockwork I get one about every three months. Yesterday was my job interview. I believe it went rather well. It's a position in a classroom of seven children with ED (emotional distrubances) Ranging from grades K-4. I would be 1:1 with one of those students. At this point I would be happy with anything. As I said on my other blog. It's the survival of the fittest these days. Even Walmart seems expensive and that's bad. My sense of humor for some reason has left the building and I know it will return sometime soon.

I do have the say that BP has been doing awesome these days. I have heard nothing but positive things from his classroom. That makes me a very proud Mom. (she's grinning now from ear to ear) :) Haven't figured out how to put those smiley things in my posts yet. One thing we haven't figured out yet is how to make BP pee in the toilet instead of all over the bathroom floor. This is certainly a work in progress.

Cheers Everyone and Happy Friday.

I'd better write something (she smiles)

Please don't come running after me with a stick. I know I have been out too long. I am having some battles in my life and surprising enough it has nothing really to do with my children. But I just wanted to make note of the National News and the latest story regarding Autism. I am sure you have heard all the hub-bub about the dreaded "V" word , relating to the "A" word. Me? My honest opinion is that if your Son or Daughter has Autism, it's a true blessing in disguise. I wouldn't have it any other way and I have never given it a second thought. But that's just my opinion and I am stickin' to it.

On the lighter side: I have a nasty cold that my both my kids gave me and I took a Merit exam for employment with a school district this morning. We will see how that turns out. I also have an interview with another School District next Thursday. Wish Me Luck!

BP's Body Art - Poop Style

I know that most of us as parents with Autistic children have dealt with bathroom issues far more than we ever imagined. Average Parents who have babies or toddlers, talk about "poop," but it ceases in a couple of years when they are potty trained or otherwise. They ain't seen nothin' as the saying goes.

Lately when BP has been using the potty, (he is fully potty trained as of last year at 6) and when he needs to go number two, he becomes very quiet. I used to step away out of the bathroom, and return to check on him a few moments later. Well NOT anymore. When he becomes silent, I know that he has become the artist (artist's have to concentrate on their work you know) and the medium he uses is "the yucky-smelling brown stuff." Yesterday I stepped out of the bathroom to start preparing dinner and I returned to BP in the bathroom. "The body Artist" took his poop and smeared it all over his entire stomach and the upper half of his legs. "Wonderful Art!" Of course immediately he goes into the bath and he is done with his art project of the day.

Anybody else have body artists with poop as the medium? I have heard of the "wanna-be monkey's who fling their poop. Sorry I don't think the art galleries would find it amusing, but as a Mom, it's just one day out of 365!

A Big Thank You

I just want to thank all the friends I have met through blogging. I received my first award for one of my other blogs today from a friend, rainbowmummy. She has been with me through the thick and thin. My support when I didn't really know what to say. I have been helping her when the cookies are down, when actually she has been helping me! My intention at the other blog is to help other parents through all the icky stuff with raising special needs children and be the positive one.

But I just wanted to say "thanks" for being there and when I am at my wits end, your blogs are where I turn to.