Wow! I really am behind on updating LOL

When I started this blog I thought I would do a much better job of keeping it going but then school started and the craziness just keeps on coming!!! : )

The kids school year is almost over and they are both doing VERY well!! Ainsleigh amazes me with how well she has adapted to the school setting and her peers! She struggles with somethings but she is the sweetest little girl!! All of her teachers cannot gush enough about how sweet and enthusiastic she is about doing a good job. We have learned that she is very good with numbers, sequences/patterns, anything to do with art/music (we already knew that), and she LOVES P.E. : ) At the beginning of the school year they had a little dance/performance in front of the whole school and parents, Ainsleigh did not do well!! This semester they had another one, Ainsleigh not only performed but liked it!! We are SO proud of her!! She does have some struggles with letters, sounds, learning words, etc. She did very well in speech last semester at UNT but this semester she had a new therapist and she was struggling connecting with him. She started dreading going to therapy and because of all of my issues I pulled the kids out. I think it was a really good thing for Ainsleigh!

Brycen is doing VERY well!!! He started the school year with no hesitations and no regression. He jumped right back into it and took off!! He knows his entire alphabet forwards and backwards, he can count to fifty (though he will get a little sidetracked), he knows colors & shapes, he is now using the "I want..." phrase to request (though he is not always consistent), and he is doing so many things that he did not do before (i.e. get into/out of the car himself, takes off his jacket/zips it up, etc.)!! After Thanksgiving Brycen got sick and for the next couple of months we were constantly at the doctor trying to get him well. He would get a bug then before he could get over it, he would get another one! By Christmas he had pnemonia and was very sick. When school started up, he had a hard time getting back into the routine of things and behavioral issues became a problem. He is doing much better now and as of his birthday, he now goes full time!!! His teacher fought very hard to get him in full time and we are so blessed because of her!! She truly is an amazing teacher who works SO HARD for our kids!! She inspires me to always keep trying, fighting for my kids and their needs! Brycen had a little adjustment time to the new schedule but he is doing very well!!! : )

It is now Spring Break and we have just returned from another visit to Elijah's Retreat!! The kids had a BLAST!!! We went hiking through the numerous acres they have and the kids loved it!! Ainsleigh felt like we were on an adventure and both kids did really well following the trail. We played on the playground, played games, flew a kite, etc. They truly love that place and we are SO GRATEFUL & THANKFUL for Elijah's Retreat!!!

Though we had a great time on our vacation, it is hard not to realize just how limited our life is when looking at it from the outside in. I think it hit Brent harder this time than ever before. Simple things like having a camp fire and roasting marshmallows was a disaster with Brycen. Ainsleigh loved it and did very well, but Brycen kept trying to run away into the trees and wouldn't stop screaming when we put his leash on. Then he tried going into the fire and needless to say he and I ended up in the cabin. This was just one episode that occurred; there were many others. We cannot do so many things and Ainsleigh misses out on so much because we have to always accomodate for Brycen's needs/issues. We know it is not his fault and we never blame him, but sometimes it is hard to not feel so sad... well sad is not really a good description but how can you put into words the heartache that wells up inside at not being able to do something so simple as play kickball or catch or red light/green light?! As parents we struggle to balance what he is able/capable of doing/handling with what Ainsleigh wants/needs. There are times when she is left wanting and we are too!! Anyway, that is life... we enjoy the good times, cherish them and know the future holds so many great things! I'll try to get some pictures posted soon (no guarantees, haha)!!

New School Year

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, but I plan to make a few posts over the next few days to catch up on all that we did over the summer!!

Last Thursday we went to Meet the Teacher night at the kids school. Ainsleigh is in Kindergarten and Brycen is still in his PPCD class (Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities). Ainsleigh's teacher is Ms. Cherry and she is VERY nice!! Ainsleigh likes her and we chatted about some of the things going on with Ainsleigh so that we could work together to make this a GREAT year. Brycen's teacher is Ms. Tierney and she is the same teacher he had last year, YEAH!!!!! : ) She was SO excited to see Brycen and so proud of his hard work during the summer to not regress! Ainsleigh's classroom is just a few doors down from Brycen's and his teacher is helping keep an eye on Ainsleigh!!

The kids started school on Tuesday and Brycen was excited and happy!! He really loves his class!! Ainsleigh had a meltdown before we got to school and Brent went to work late so that he could be there to help ease her into the transition. She did better once she got to school and she ended up having a GOOD day!!! She told me when I picked her up, though she was crying. I was stuck in the line of cars picking up kids and I didn't get there fast enough for her, haha!! Anyway, the teacher, the principal, and Brycen's teacher all told me she had a good day too!! I had to meet with the teachers, the cafeteria manager, and the nurse about Ainsleigh's peanut allergy and I am VERY impressed at how serious they are taking it and the measure's they are taking to keep her safe! Her peanut allergy is severe and because of her sensory issues it is very hard for her to even be in the same room with peanut butter. Brycen had a good day too!! He did not fuss at all and was very happy to be back in his class (he didn't take to well to the summer school class).

This morning we had a major meltdown with Ainsleigh and it is so heart breaking to see her so upset and not be able to do anything about it! It is going to take some time for her to adjust to the change, but we are very hopeful it will work out!! She was doing much better once at school, so hopefully she will have another good day!! Brycen was happy as usual, haha!!! : ) I'll write more later about the summer and how today goes!!

Fun in the Sun

We had a family fun day outside last weekend due to the nice weather! The kids got to play in the sandbox, swing on the swing set, sensory play with shaving cream, and water fun!! We had such a great time and the kids really loved it!! I wanted to share some pictures we took of their fun!! Brycen is now in summer school (ESY) and he seems to like it. He goes three days a week for three hours each day. Ainsleigh now has a library card at our library and has joined the Summer Reading Club!! We checked out some books and she got to participate in Story Time!! I am trying to set up different activities for each of the kids for the summer so that they have some fun things to do!

Fun in the Sun (cont'd)

Fun in the Sun (cont'd)

A Truly Amazing Gift

I have a link attached to my blog that tells the story of a couple who are truly selfless!!!! They are creating a retreat for families with autistic children so that they may have family vacations that are truly "worry free"!! Please click on the link, Elijah's Retreat, and read their awesome story!!! I am truly humbled and thankful that there are such wonderful people in the world that they would do this for so many families they do not even know!!!

My Sunday Surprise

Texas is a GREAT state to live in and I am proud to be from Texas, but there are some serious flaws!! Now I know I will probably lose my citizenship for admitting openly and on the internet (gasp!!) that TX has flaws, but it does (still love TX!!)....

I was trying to sneak out of the house to go to the store without having an entourage (aka KIDS!! hahaha) go with me, so I quietly put on my shoes and grabbed my keys, phone, and planner (when Brycen sees shoes, he knows that means we are going "out") to head to the store. I eased the garage door open as soundless as I possibly could and stepped into the garage without turning lights on so as not to be seen by the entourage. Just as soundlessly, I close the garage door and flip on the overhead light when I got the biggest surprise that I have gotten in a while..... (look down only if you have a strong stomach)

Oh YEAH!!!! This little surprise was literally about a foot away from me when I flipped on that light and needless to say I startled him just as badly as he startled me!!!!! His head was up, facing me, mouth open...... my reaction: RAN!!!!!!!! Luckily, I had NOT locked the door behind me and I burst in and slammed it as quickly as I could at the same time screaming at Brent, "WHY DOES THIS ALWAYS HAPPEN TO ME?!?!?!?!"... hahaha, his reaction was hilarious - he had not a clue about my little surprise. I quickly told him what was in there and that I was NEVER going in there again!!! hahaha Rewind about three years when we were living in Medina, I wanted to take Ainsleigh (two years old) and Brycen (newborn) onto the patio to play. Ainsleigh ran out ahead of me as I held Brycen in one arm and the bouncer in the other walked through the doorway only to get a movement from the corner of my eye.... can you guess what it was?! Oh yes.... it was a snake, ON THE WALL!!!!! I freaked just as I did on Sunday!!! I DO NOT LIKE SNAKES!!!! Most people don't but I REALLY don't!!! I have gone into the garage since Sunday, but you do not even want to know the precautions I take now. The only thought that constantly runs through my mind is that it was sitting right were Brycen runs to go to his side of the car, my beautiful little oblivious to all dangers Brycen.... I know I shouldn't think about it because it didn't happen that way, but.... I am a mom and I am a worry wart!!! Gotta love TX surprises... : )

A special moment...

It is a rare moment in our house when this happens, I had to get a picture and share!! I hear stories from other parents about how their kids play together, interact with each other, and fight too!! In our house, that is not a usual occurence... ever. Granted, I do like the fact that my children rarely ever fight with each other (or with other children), but it would be nice to see this more often!! I just love these two little peas and I'm glad they are in the same pod even if it was only for a moment.

Ainsleigh's 1st Lost Tooth

There are times that make you stop and look at your children and realize that they are not babies anymore... this was one of those moments for us!!! : ( She was such a trooper about having this pulled (of course, we had to bribe her with money AND a visit to Chuck E. Cheese), and she did GREAT!!!!! I cannot belive my little girl has lost her first tooth!!!! The Tooth Fairy brought her a little something and she was SO excited about that!!! We discussed with her the Tooth Fairy and what happens almost everyday for two weeks to prepare her (she kept saying the Tooth Fairy was stealing her tooth, haha). Brent and I were SO nervous we had to enlist the help of my parents (we are such chickens!!!) and I really think that took alot of the fear away for Ainsleigh (she was very distraught about losing her tooth) and us. We treasure these moments for sure!!! : )

ISD vs. ME

Ok, so I know I have been VERY bad lately about updating everyone, so sorry!!! Here it goes... We had two ARD's with the school district (one for Brycen and one for Ainsleigh). Ainsleigh's did not go well. The school district, after reading the neuropsychologist's report, is sticking to their guns that Ainsleigh does not have an educational need for special education services (speech, occupational, etc.), and are taking the "wait and see" approach to educating her. I, of course, held to my guns that I do not believe in "waiting to see a child fail" before acting as a way of educating a child. We (Brent and I) decided to "play nice" and agree that we would enroll her without services set up, and "wait and see" how she responded to Kindergarten. The look of triumph was very short lived on their faces when I very "nicely" but in Wendi style "bluntly" let them know that I would be watching like a hawk and the second problems arose I would be on them (to quote an old teacher of mine) "like white on rice", but this time I would bring out the big guns (aka my bulldog advocate that is chomping at the bit to tear into them) if steps were not taken to give her the support she needs to receive her "free, appropriate education". Though I do not like the idea of going toe to toe with the ISD, I will do whatever is necessary to make certain Ainsleigh is not put in a situation that will cause her to fail.
Brycen's ARD went much better! He did not receive the in home behavioral trainer because (to put it plainly) he is not violent enough. I did not disagree and we moved on to our next agenda (the one I was really more concerned with) of Brycen's eligibility of ESY. He WILL be going to ESY!!!!! YEAH!!!! ESY is Extended School Year, and I really wanted this for him so that he would not lose the skills and progress that he has worked for!!!! He has progressed SO MUCH!!! He is really trying to talk and sing, and has a few words now that he can actually say!!! Most do not have meaning yet, but I am still SO PROUD of HIM!!! : )
I had Ainsleigh transfered to Brycen's school and the principal there as arranged for Ainsleigh to be placed in the Kindergarten class near Brycen's class with a teacher who has experience working with children on the spectrum. Also, the teacher and the principal reassured me that they would be talking with and including Brycen's teacher in decisions regarding Ainsleigh. This does make me feel better and I really hope it benefits Ainsleigh greatly!! We'll see and I'll keep you posted!! : )

Autism: Breaking Barriers (3)

This video discusses one story of a child with autism that "recovered". There is alot of controversy with this topic in the autism community. Most people know of Jenny McCarthy's son and her story that he is "recovered" from autism. The percentage of children who "recover" from autism is VERY low, and I find to be suspect. To me when I read about this, my first thought is always the same: they regressed then "recovered". I am always happy to hear of success stories of autistic children because I am always for progress, for success, for them!! But the skills were there at one time, so "recovering" those skills seems possible. But what about for those who never had those skills? That is our story and I would like to see if there is documentation on children born with autism (meaning shows signs from birth) who "recover". Brycen showed signs of autism from birth and did not develop typically. He never regressed because he never acquired developmental milestones then lost them. I pray every day that his progress will continue to grow, leaps and bounds, and that we never hit plateau. To me, Brycen is who he is! I want him to have a full, happy, wonderful life, but I refuse to look at him as though there is something wrong with him!! God made him the way he is and to want a cure or want him to "recover", to me means that I do not accept him for who he is... I am his mother and he is my blessing!! Now I know that comment brings alot of anger and contempt from some in the autism community, but it is my opinion and I am sticking to it!! Do I want him to develop, mature, progress? Of course!!!!! But I do not want him to "get better" because he isn't sick!!!! Neither is Ainsleigh!!! They were created the way they are and I love them and every single "quirky", "unique", "different" characteristic of who they are!! Some will say that I am in denial or naive, but those of you who really know me, know that those are not words that describe me! Anyway, that is my take on things and this is my blog, hahaha!!! : )

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6 Words... Amazing!!!

Ainsleigh and I visited Brycen's class today (I had to drop off some soy milk for Brycen), and we found out that Brycen said 5 words today in class!!!!! He said: fish, car, boat, hat, and bed!!! Then while I was there, he said "apple"!!!! He is SO AMAZING!!!! This weekend he said "mama" for the first time!!! He is doing SO WELL!!! He knows his alphabet, uppercase and lowercase, and he is even getting better with his letter sounds!! I am going to try to get video of him singing with his videos (Yo Gabba Gabba), it is SO CUTE!! We have been working on colors and animals, but all in due time. Also, his teacher told me that Brycen is actually taking their breakfast wagon to the cafeteria by himself, and coming back to the classroom and opening the door by himself!!! I think I almost fell over when she told me that, I know my mouth was wide open (hahaha)!!! : ) I will share a moment with y'all that was very heartwarming and tearful for me. Yesterday, the kids and I were playing in the living room after Brycen got home from school. We were standing in the middle of the livingroom and Brycen just reached up and grabbed my hand. I was a little dumbstruck at first then I started looking around to see if there was something that he was wanting (usually he only touches my hand to indicate he wants something out of reach), and I couldn't see anything that he would want. Then the realization hit me...... he was HOLDING my hand!!!!!! I couldn't believe it!!!! He just wanted to hold my hand, and that was it - not requesting, no demands... just simply wanted to hold my hand!!!! The tears started flowing and I cannot express to you the emotions pouring through me!!! So many people take the little things for granted but I don't... to have my little boy actually *want* to hold my hand then actually *hold* it was so precious and awesome!!!! For those of you who do not understand, Brycen does NOT like to have his hands touched and he has NEVER held another person's hand without being forced or prompted, even then he lets go as soon as he physically can! Anyway, I just wanted to share that moment, it was so beautiful to me!! Wish I could have gotten it on video, haha!!! : ) Priceless!!!!!

Autism Awareness (Video)

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Autism: Breaking Barriers (2)

This video talks about Sensory Integration Dysfunction or Disorder. SID is a disorder of the senses (smell, sight, hearing, touch, etc.) and it can be hyper (over sensitive) or hypo (under sensitive), or a combination of both. Alot of individuals with autism also have SID.

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Autsim: Breaking Barriers

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The Today Show is doing a three part series on Autism: Breaking Barriers. This is segment one and I will try to add each segment each day. Very interesting stuff!! Thanks, Rachel, for letting me know!!!! : )

April - Autism Awareness Month

Though I am not a huge fan of Autism Speaks, I do love this video! Autism affects so many of our children and it is on the rise! The awareness needs to be spread and our children's stories and voices need to be heard!

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This is a huge controversy in the autism community as state officials, government officials, doctors, teachers, and parents all battle. Our government and insurance companies need to wake up and realize that this is not going away! Children and their parents need help! Autism is NOT a disease (I really did not like it that they said that in this video), but it is SERIOUS! Insurance companies need to change policies and start covering for services for our children! Our government needs to fund our schools properly so our kids can get the education that is their right!! In this clip, it talks about how Texas is one of the states with mandates for autism coverage... however, what they fail to mention is that it is only for FULLY FUNDED policies, not SELF FUNDED policies (yep, you guessed it... we have a self funded which means they do not have to obide by Texas mandate)!! Self funded policies need to be held to the same mandates as fully funded! Our children need help... I hope their listening!!!

Funny days

Brycen is such a funny little guy!! Everyday when he comes home from school he likes to eat a little snack before taking a nap. Usually I give him Nilla Wafers or Teddy Grahams (Cinnamon and Honey.. of course, they are his color); Teddy Grahams are his favorite. I open the bag and set it next to him so he will feed himself (we worked hard on getting him ok with reaching his own hand into the bag). It nevers fails... if he pulls one out that has a missing arm, leg or head, he will lay it to the side and go for another one. After he is finished, there is usually a small line of disfigured Teddy Grahams beside him!! It cracks me up!!
This morning before going to school, Brycen and I were sitting next to each other on the floor going over different letters he would find on various things (boxes, cards, etc.). He would identify the letter then look to me to receive praise for getting it right!! And he did!! Everytime, even the lowercase letters!! As if that was not amazing enough, he was using his index finger (open hand) to point out the letters he was identifying!! : ) Brent and I were SO excited and proud!! He is such an amazing little person!! : ) When I went to drop him off at school, he and I walked over to his aide and he actually let go of my hand and went to her!!! I could not believe it!! This is SO great! We looked at each other with open mouths, completely surprised and thrilled! She then told me that he was identifying letters in a word, "Well", and he was using his finger to point to the letters too!! Also, his teacher told me that he did the letters in his name too!! Such awesome, awesome progress!! : )
I am still working on getting Ainsleigh into therapy and I am researching other insurance companies to see if I could possibly get us a different insurance that is more "autism friendly". Or get us an insurance policy that is fully funded so that it will have to obide by Texas law to provide services to children with autism (HB 1919). Ainsleigh and I do little play activities each day to work on her gross and fine motor skills as well as her letters/numbers/etc. It is very hard to keep her focused on learning activities and she is so smart that no matter how creative I am in working learning into our activity, she figures it out! : ) I wish I could figure out how to make learning more fun for her than challenging!! Anything that presents as a challenge, she shies away from (even when she knows the right answer). I have two school meetings this month, one for Ainsleigh and one for Brycen. I am not so worried about Brycen's, but Ainsleigh's I am!! Please pray that the school will recognize that she has a disability and will work with me to help her!! I am so fearful of when she starts Kindergarden in the fall! I know that she will become overwhelmed and anxiety consumed if the school district does not implement a plan to help her in that setting. I had her transfered to Brycen's school, but I still have to meet with the educators at the school in our neighborhood. We'll see how it goes...

Ainsleigh's School Pictures - October '08

I know these aren't too recent, but I wanted to put her's on here too!!! We will be sending these out with Brycen's. Brent and I were laughing at the fact that both of our kids had picture day on their first days of school : ) They are such troopers!!!! More updates coming soon!!!

Brycen's School Picture

I just wanted to share this with everyone - we couldn't believe how well he did especially since this was taken on his first day of school!!!! : ) We will be sending these out in the mail soon. More updates to come!!

Brycen Counting Backwards