You Get What You Get, So Don't Throw a Fit

Lately my spouse's attitude is, "I've worked hard my entire married life so I should be able to do what I want." I love my husband with all my heart and he HAS worked hard our entire married life, but so have I.

I found the following song on You Tube. It is about motherhood. On top of raising "normal" children, add taking care of a son with disabilities 24/7 and working part-time out of the home and you've described my life.

My intent is not to whine, humiliate or complain, just prove a point. I liken life to what I tell the Kindergarten kids when handing out treats, "You get what you get, so don't throw a fit."

Enjoy the video!

Krazy Kollege Kids

"Look at me! Look at me!

Look at me NOW!

It is fun to have fun

But you have to know how."

--Dr. Seuss

Halloween 2010

I guess Santa & his Slutty Little Elf have been postponed until 2011.

Under Arrest

Katelyn and I went shopping for Halloween costumes today. For the record, I really don't like Halloween. Having to come up with costumes is a thorn in my side! A few years back I told Cody that adults don't have to dress up for Halloween; they get to stay home and hand out candy. This has worked out pretty well until now. Cody brought home a flyer from his Day Program yesterday stating they will be having a costume contest tomorrow. Ugh. Anyhow, I ended up choosing a prisoner costume for 60% off. 

On the way home, Katelyn and I decided we'd let Cody choose if he wants to call himself a Jail Bird or a Criminal. I asked her, "What do you think he'll choose?" We laughed when Katelyn pointed out he'd probably just say "Bird". (Heaven forbid Cody ever say the entire word or sentence.) Guess what? The twirp proved me wrong again. He actually said, "Jail Bird"!

Here is a preview of him in his costume. (I forgot to stick the numbers on the front for the pic.) He's been in character all evening saying, "Cody, you're under arrest".

Working Hard or Hardly Working?

Cody has two jobs that he does around the house, take the trash can to the curb and unload the dishwasher. I should let you know however, that Cody's idea of "unloading the dishwasher" is to open it when it beeps and feel the steam on his face (as seen in the picture below).















Hey! I Heard That!

Last night we had a leisurely evening at home watching 'Killers' on DVD. Cody ended up falling asleep in the recliner about halfway through. Toward the end of the movie, one of the characters said the "F" word. (The real "F" word, not "fly" as written in my August archive.) Cody shot up out of a sound sleep and said, "Hey! I heard that!"

We couldn't help but laugh. Cody keeps our language pretty clean around here.

Apology Basket

My daughter made an "Apology Basket" for her boyfriend. I think it is clever and cute, so I want to share the idea.

Here are a few of the items that she used...

Jerky- I'm sorry I've been "Jerky".

Mint Mouthwash- I never "mint" to hurt you.

Nutella Spread- I can "Nutella" how bad I feel.

Basketball (Beverage Holder)- I "swish" it never happened.

Orbit Mist gum- When I think about it, my eyes get all "misty".

Axe Body Wash- I "Axe" for your forgiveness.

Noisy Toys

noise [noyz]
n (plural nois·es)
1. unpleasant sound: a loud, surprising, irritating, or unwanted sound
2. any sound: any sound or combination of sounds too much noise in the room
3. outcry: a loud clamor or commotion concerning something

Noise doesn't bother me (unless I'm watching a movie or talking on the phone). Our family has always had toys and electronics around the house that Cody (blind) can enjoy. Because he uses his sense of hearing A LOT, that means noise.

If you have children and don't mind noise, you may want to check out the following website. It has several toy instruments: Bongo drums, Maraca and Egg shakers, accordians, pianos, a variety of percussion instruments, etc:

http://www.kazootoys.com/musical-toy-instrument-sale.html

Poison Control

Having to call Poison Control is one of those things that every parent anticipates. We keep medications and chemicals out of reach or locked up, the Poison Control number near the phone (or these days, programmed into the phone) and hope we will never have to use this service.

I made it twenty-five years before I had to call. The circumstances involving the incidence were very unusual and unpredicted.

That particular evening, I had been "down and out" with a sinus infection. I was laying on the sofa with Cody sitting beside me and realized that it was time for his evening dose of Phenobarbital. Feeling too sick to get up, I asked my son Casey to please give Cody his pills (at that time he was taking three pills per dose).

Casey brought Cody his medicine with a glass of water. Cody obediently took the tablets, swallowed them and then said, "Wrong ones."

I felt feverish and pretty much like crap, but not bad enough to not catch what Cody said. I asked Casey to please read the prescription bottle to me. It said Quinipril. Casey had made a mistake and given Cody my blood pressure medication; not just one pill but three! (The tablets looked so much alike that I eventually asked to have my prescription changed.)

Long story short, Poison Control came through for us. We had to take Cody to the hospital to drink activated charcoal and Casey felt extremely horrible for making a mistake that put his brother through a nasty ordeal.

We all wish Cody would've said, "Wrong ones" before he swallowed. In any case, at least he said something and we were able to take care of the situation.

What did I learn from this experience?

1) Keep the Poison Control number close by.

2) You may have to use Poison Control even when your kids are grown.

3) Always, always, always check the prescription label before you take medication and...

4) Moms just can't afford to be sick!

Christmas Idea: Musical Train

Cody had a train similar to this when he was younger. It's a great toy for anyone, especially visually impaired children. With Christmas coming soon, I thought I'd pass the idea along.

The Special Needs Child: Free Printable Halloween and Trick-or-Treat Mazes ...

The Special Needs Child: Free Printable Halloween and Trick-or-Treat Mazes ...: "Free Printable Halloween Trick-or-Treat Countdown Calendar...little ones looking forward to Halloween and trick-or..."

Hide-and-Seek the Autistic Way

A few years ago, Cody went through a phase where he loved to play Hide-and-Seek. That may seem normal enough but let me finish. Most of the time Cody wouldn't tell us he was playing and he'd just hide, usually in the coat closet. It's a good thing for Cody that we are observant or he may have stayed in there for hours. (With him being Autistic, I am not joking at all!)

Christmas Tree Quilt

It's not July anymore but that's beside the point. This pattern looks easy and October is as good a time as any to begin this project.

Its Christmas in July - a tree quilt for you to make - Blog Top Sites

Parenting a Child with Special Needs

This is an interesting article. I'd like to hear your thoughts after reading it.

Parenting a Child with Special Needs

Run, Dick, Run!

As I was standing on the playground supervising recess a few years ago, a faculty member said to me, "I think it is so funny how Kindergarten kids run everywhere instead of walk." And do you know what? They do! I hadn't ever noticed or paid attention to that particular behavior until it was pointed out to me. Day after day, as I watch our class of five and six year olds play outdoors, each and every one of them run instead of walk. It is hilarious. If you haven't ever noticed, pay attention next time you see children that age playing at the park, playground or wherever they may be. One cannot help but smile. Visualize how comical it would be if adults ran everywhere they went. Think of the calories we'd burn; we would be a thinner, healthier population!

Grace App for Autism on iPhone, iPad and iTouch: The Grace App in pictures.

This is amazing! Parents of kids with disabilities must check this out!

Grace App for Autism on iPhone, iPad and iTouch: The Grace App in pictures

Talking and Musical Gifts for Christmas

With Christmas just around the corner, I thought some of you may like to look at the following website:

http://www.speaktomecatalog.com/

Speak to Me Catalog is a great place to find gifts for anyone, especially the visually impaired. I have ordered products for Cody from this website several times and been very happy with them.

Oh Crap.

A Kindergarten boy pooped in a urinal today. Anybody care to explain the science of how this is even possible? He is five!

Enough said.

Miracles Happen

Cody drains the tub by himself now! This is both good and bad. You see, Cody's bath routine consist of my husband, or me, walking him through each step...

"Get undressed, go pee, then get in."
"Shampoo your hair."
"Rinse and wash up."
and then usually...
"Drain it."

The good news is miraculously Cody has decided, on his own, to drain the tub without being told. You may be wondering what could possibly be bad about Cody finally, after a quarter of a century, draining the tub on his own? The answer is, Cody would literally sit there and freeze if we didn't hear the tub draining! He still thinks we have to tell him to get out of the tub. We dare not say anything to Cody though. If we make a big deal out of it, he may resort back to his old ways. Progress is progress, right?!

When Life Gets Hard, It Helps to Laugh.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lldxmpx51lk

911 Emergency

Cody's latest obsession is his dad's emergency pager. When Don is home, he will let Cody hold on to it and listen to the dispatching of Paramedics and Firemen. Cody has learned what channels he must have the pager on to hear all the action. When the alarms sound, he gets very excited and yells, "Here it is!" He will then report to us everything he's heard even if we are in the same room with him. The following are a few examples:


"Oh no! Somebody is having problems breathing."
"Control, Medic One"
" Someone is having head injuries."
" Smoke is coming from a big building."
"Somebody is having stomach pain."
"Brush fire!"


 There is one problem and that is Cody only knows one volume, wide open. Sometimes there are lulls in the action and we forget he has the pager on, then the alarm goes off and scares the crap out of us. Cody thinks it is wonderful. When bedtime rolls around, he tries to take the pager with him. He will tuck it into the pocket of his pajama pants, as if we can't see the boxy thing. Of course, he doesn't understand this concept because he is can't see.


Sometimes I wonder what Cody would be doing right now if he didn't have disabilities. Would he have become an EMT or Fireman? Would he sale pharmaceuticals (I'll post more on that later)? Would he have made a great husband and father? Cody has such a sweet spirit; I like to think so.

I'm Still a Kid at Heart.

This is for those of you who have never been to California Adventure Park. California Screamin' is the best, especially the launch. I want to go back!

Honey Gingerbread Bites and Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting

These look delicious and perfect for the season. Click on the link and see for yourself.
Honey Gingerbread Bites and Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting

Is there a Gnome in the Dome?

I took this picture at my daughter's high school graduation and noticed something funny. The guy walking up the stairs in front of her (wearing a white shirt) looks like he is carrying a little man on top of his head. Actually it is somebody bending over the chairs on the floor. Call me immature, but I think it's funny.

Slutty Little Elf

My daughter told me her boyfriend wants to dress up like Santa Claus for Halloween. I said to her, "What are you going to be if Bo's going as Santa?" She replied, "his slutty little elf." When I asked her "Why do you have to be a slutty little elf?" her answer was "It just wouldn't be as much fun Mom!"

Where did I go wrong?

My Top 10 Guilty Pleasures

1) Hot Fudge Sundaes with Peanuts. DQ's are the best.
2) My bed. I love it! It is my favorite place to be (sad maybe, but true).
3) Diet Coke. I sip it first thing in the morning until about 3:00 p.m.
4) Watching my favorite evening television programs (Survivor, Criminal Minds, The Office).
5) Turtle Chocolates. Because I end up eating the entire box in one day, I only get them for Valentines Day, Christmas and maybe my birthday.
6) Hair Product. I have to buy the really good stuff when my husband isn't around. He just wouldn't understand.
7) Movie Theater Popcorn. It's the best part of the whole theater experience.
8) Playing slot machines (when we go to Nevada). I'm not brave enough to play the tables.
9) Weight Watcher Fudge Bars. I realize this doesn't make sense, since I eat hot fudge, popcorn and candy but hey, I try:)
10) AC/DC. I still enjoy Back in Black. It takes me back to my high school days and for a few minutes, I feel young again.

Como Se Dice "Don't Break My Routine" en Espanol?

When Cody was in high school, he chose Spanish as one of his electives. He enjoyed it so much that he took it his Sophomore, Junior and Senior year. Every day, at the beginning of the period, the entire class would, in unison, say the alphabet in Spanish. One particular day, this important part of the routine was skipped. Cody became upset and no one could figure out why. Of course Cody would never just come out and say what was bothering him. By the end of the period, tears were streaking down his cheeks and when the bell rang, he would not budge! When the teachers and peer tutor finally figured out Cody was upset because the class didn't say the alphabet, they tried to convince him it would be okay. They would be sure to remember to say the alphabet the next day. However, no amount of coaxing or persuading would get Cody out of that desk! When students of the next period began to arrive, the teachers realized they needed to do something about Cody, who by this time was full on crying and causing a scene. They decided to pick up Cody, desk and all, and move him into the hall. I don't remember what happened after that. Obviously Cody eventually calmed down and got over it. I'm not so sure his Spanish teacher ever did. But you can bet he never forgot to have his class recite the alphabet when Cody was in attendance :)

Converse with Cody

Since Cody was around three years old, he has been infatuated with enunciation. Cody has had exposure to a number of accents over the years. He had a doctor from India, a dorm leader from Germany, a Sunday school teacher from New Zealand and his dad's entire family is from South Carolina. Cody's infatuation with the way people speak wouldn't be such a big deal if he didn't mimic them. His grandma and aunts have become accustomed to it. They do not let it bother them when Cody points out their southern drawls. However, Don (my husband) has to deal with Cody on a daily basis. Cody is quick to point out that his dad doesn't pronounce d's and t's at the end of words (such as Donald/ Donal and left/ lef). This drives Cody absolutely nuts!


Last month we took Cody to a new doctor for his seizures. We were expecting to see someone really smart (a neurologist with a specialty). We were expecting to see several Interns and answer a lot of questions (university hospital). We weren't expecting to see a doctor from Iran with a VERY strong accent. The moment she opened her mouth to introduce herself, my husband and I tensed up. We knew what was coming. Sure enough, Cody started mimicking her the best he could. "Hi. Where are you from?" he said. The doctor answered him by stating where she had last lived (in the states), to which Cody replied, "No. Where are you from originally?" mimicking not only her accent but her pitch as well!


Meanwhile, my husband and I are dying of embarrassment. We explain to her that Cody isn't trying to be rude, he is just fascinated with different accents. She was gracious, good and patient with Cody. For that, I am thankful.

Pumpkin Bread

Autumn is not my favorite season. Summer ends, school begins, temperatures drop and illnesses circulate. However, I love the foods that come along with cooler weather. Soups, chili and chowders, caramel apples, apple crisp and pie, and pumpkin dishes. Here is the recipe for one of my favorite...pumpkin bread!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup oil
1 cup pumpkin
1/3 cup water
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 2/3 cups flour
Optional- chocolate chips, nuts, raisins.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix sugar and eggs. Add oil, pumpkin and water. Add dry ingredients and mix well. Pour into a greased 4 1/2" x 9" bread pan. Bake approximately 45-55 minutes. Bread is done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on rack before slicing.

Finished Product



Perfect Texture