Thanks to Chase's girlfriend's little boy, who happens to be obsessed with Elmo, I am getting reacquainted with Sesame Street.
When Chase and Cody were little, I loved watching Sesame Street with them. Not only was it educational, but Sesame Street had humor only grown ups could truly appreciate. I loved 'The Beetles' Muppets with their hit song 'Letter B' and Baba Wawa was another character that would crack me up as she impersonated Barbara Walters.
Maybe I'm easily amused, but I had Sesame Street on the Netflix Instant Queue today and watched, for the first time, this comical little skit...
Oh, come on! You've got to admit, that's funny shiz right there.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
Just Send Cold Hard Cash
I was having a conversation with my daughter today and mentioned how I wish more people would comment on my blog posts. Cody, who watches waaay too much TV, started mimicking infomercials and said,"To journal blog posts, call 632-2147. That's 632-2147 OR send check or money order to..." yada yada yada.
I'm thinking maybe I should put PayPal's Donation button back up?!
BTW- Go ahead. Call that number all you want. It no longer belongs to us.. ;)
I'm thinking maybe I should put PayPal's Donation button back up?!
BTW- Go ahead. Call that number all you want. It no longer belongs to us.. ;)
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Another One of Cody's Off-the-Cuff Interpretations
Earlier in the week, Don, Cody and I drove past a car wash on our way into town. Well, technically we drove past a lot of businesses, but the car wash stood out because there were several flags flapping in the wind. Most of the flags were American, but there also happened to be a Canadian flag as well as the flag of Mexico. I pointed it out to Don and said, "I wonder why that car wash is flying the Mexican and Canadian flags?"
Unexpectedly, from the backseat of the car, came Cody's impromptu rendition of the 'Pledge of Alligiance'. I quickly grabbed a pen and paper from the glove box and wrote down his words.
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of Cancun,
and to Mr. Hyatt for which we remember,
one Pine View High under Taco Bell,
indivisible, with Mexicans and equis for kids."
To make any sense of this (insert eye roll here), you need to know that Mr. Hyatt taught Cody's Spanish class at Pine View High School years ago. I think Cody's use of Cancun and Taco Bell speaks for itself. ;)
If you would like to read about an experience Cody had in Spanish class, click on Como Se Dice "Don't Break My Routine" en Espanol?.
(FYI- I want my readers to know that I have nothing against Mexico or Canada. It's just not everyday that their flags are seen flying amidst ours.)
Unexpectedly, from the backseat of the car, came Cody's impromptu rendition of the 'Pledge of Alligiance'. I quickly grabbed a pen and paper from the glove box and wrote down his words.
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of Cancun,
and to Mr. Hyatt for which we remember,
one Pine View High under Taco Bell,
indivisible, with Mexicans and equis for kids."
To make any sense of this (insert eye roll here), you need to know that Mr. Hyatt taught Cody's Spanish class at Pine View High School years ago. I think Cody's use of Cancun and Taco Bell speaks for itself. ;)
If you would like to read about an experience Cody had in Spanish class, click on Como Se Dice "Don't Break My Routine" en Espanol?.
(FYI- I want my readers to know that I have nothing against Mexico or Canada. It's just not everyday that their flags are seen flying amidst ours.)
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Bizarre but Never Boring
Cody was full of piss and vinegar when he got off the day program van today. (Click here if you're wondering what being full of piss and vinegar means.) First of all, he tried to tell me something about rain (by the way, it's 81 degrees here and not a cloud in the sky). I asked, "What are you talking about Code?" and he replied by humming, in perfect pitch, 'Here Comes the Rain Again'.
After I guessed what Cody was humming, he hurried into the kitchen and started searching for something. (Remember, Cody is blind as well as autistic, so when I say "searching", he's frantically feeling things with his hands). I asked "What are you looking for?" as Cody scurried around opening the dishwasher and various drawers, and putting fingerprints all over the window Don cleaned yesterday.
Finally, Cody found a cupboard. He opened it, then shut it and headed back to the living room. Confused, as I often am when it comes to Cody's 'Guess what I'm trying to say because I sure as hell will not just come right out and tell you' conversations. I asked, "What does opening and closing the cupboard remind you of?" and this is what he gave me people..."When I was a kid, we listened to ELO and you said something about a cupboard."
If Cody says that's what happened, then I believe him. His autistic memory, as bizarre and unpredictable as it seems, is precise and detailed.
Speaking of bizarre and unpredictable, what came out of Cody's mouth next was probably the best oxymoron I've ever heard. He said...
"That reminds me of something that I don't remember."
See, I told you it was a good one. :)
Now, if you feel so inclined, you can watch this YouTube video and listen to thecrappy music that Cody is so passionate about.
After I guessed what Cody was humming, he hurried into the kitchen and started searching for something. (Remember, Cody is blind as well as autistic, so when I say "searching", he's frantically feeling things with his hands). I asked "What are you looking for?" as Cody scurried around opening the dishwasher and various drawers, and putting fingerprints all over the window Don cleaned yesterday.
Finally, Cody found a cupboard. He opened it, then shut it and headed back to the living room. Confused, as I often am when it comes to Cody's 'Guess what I'm trying to say because I sure as hell will not just come right out and tell you' conversations. I asked, "What does opening and closing the cupboard remind you of?" and this is what he gave me people..."When I was a kid, we listened to ELO and you said something about a cupboard."
If Cody says that's what happened, then I believe him. His autistic memory, as bizarre and unpredictable as it seems, is precise and detailed.
Speaking of bizarre and unpredictable, what came out of Cody's mouth next was probably the best oxymoron I've ever heard. He said...
"That reminds me of something that I don't remember."
See, I told you it was a good one. :)
Now, if you feel so inclined, you can watch this YouTube video and listen to the
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Friday, April 20, 2012
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
The Best Chili Rellenos Ever!
There are two BIG reasons my Chili Rellenos are delectable.
1) The recipe I use calls for canned chilies instead of fresh. In most cases, fresh is better, but canned chilies are not tough and chewy like fresh chilies tend to be.
2) When making the batter, I separate the eggs and whip the egg whites until they are light and fluffy.
Since Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner, I want to share my recipe with you.
The Best Chili Rellenos Ever
Ingredients:
1 lb. Monterrey Jack Cheese- cut into small strips (to fit inside the chilies)
8-10 Whole Green Chilies (canned)
6 eggs- separated
2 1/2 Tablespoons Flour
Salt
Enchilada Sauce (We prefer mild.)
Oil for frying
Directions:
1) Stuff each green chili with strips of cheese. Sprinkle with salt.
3) Whisk egg yolks until thick.
4) Gently fold egg yolks and flour into egg white mixture.
Heat oil in skillet. Coat each chili with batter. Fry in hot oil on each side until golden brown.
Enjoy!
1) The recipe I use calls for canned chilies instead of fresh. In most cases, fresh is better, but canned chilies are not tough and chewy like fresh chilies tend to be.
2) When making the batter, I separate the eggs and whip the egg whites until they are light and fluffy.
Since Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner, I want to share my recipe with you.
The Best Chili Rellenos Ever
Ingredients:
1 lb. Monterrey Jack Cheese- cut into small strips (to fit inside the chilies)
8-10 Whole Green Chilies (canned)
6 eggs- separated
2 1/2 Tablespoons Flour
Salt
Enchilada Sauce (We prefer mild.)
Oil for frying
Directions:
1) Stuff each green chili with strips of cheese. Sprinkle with salt.
2) Beat egg whites and 1 teaspoon salt until in holds a medium-firm peak.
3) Whisk egg yolks until thick.
4) Gently fold egg yolks and flour into egg white mixture.
Heat oil in skillet. Coat each chili with batter. Fry in hot oil on each side until golden brown.
Remove chilies and serve with warm enchilada sauce.
Enjoy!
Friday, April 13, 2012
Thursday, April 12, 2012
How Our Family Uses Mnemonics
When I was a young girl, my grandpa taught me about word association. He told me when he needed to remember someone's name, he would try to think of something associated with that name. I've always remembered my grandpa's tip and still use it when necessary.
As my children went through school and were required to memorize assignments, I taught them the word association technique. Once, on a car trip, Katelyn brought along her homework (She's the only child of mine who would actually take homework on a vacation) and the rest of the family brainstormed to help her memorize the capital cities of all 50 states. Baton Rouge, Louisiana still stands out in my mind. We helped her remember it by thinking "Loise has too much rouge on her cheeks."
A couple of years ago, when Katelyn was going through pharmacy school, she and I came up with some unique and often funny ways she could remember the names of generic drugs. One of the drugs that I recall Katelyn learning is Levetiracetam. It's the generic drug for Keppra, something Cody takes for seizure control. Levetiracetam was one of the more difficult words to remember, so we got ridiculously creative and came up with, "Tyra (Banks) had to leave and try to seat them." ( Levetiracetam = Leave and Tyra seat 'em) Katelyn will never look at Tyra Banks the same way, but more importantly, she will never forget Keppra's generic equivalent.
Yesterday, Katelyn was trying to remember a friend's birthday. She thought it was on the 9th day of the month, but found out via facebook that it's actually the 10th. I offered this suggestion to her, "Your birthday is on the 16th, an even number. Nine is an odd number. Just remember that your friend's birthday can't be on the 9th, because it's an even number like yours."
At that point, Katelyn stated, "That's how I remember your birthday mom. When I was little, you told me I could remember your birthday is on the 29th because it's odd, just like you."
As my children went through school and were required to memorize assignments, I taught them the word association technique. Once, on a car trip, Katelyn brought along her homework (She's the only child of mine who would actually take homework on a vacation) and the rest of the family brainstormed to help her memorize the capital cities of all 50 states. Baton Rouge, Louisiana still stands out in my mind. We helped her remember it by thinking "Loise has too much rouge on her cheeks."
A couple of years ago, when Katelyn was going through pharmacy school, she and I came up with some unique and often funny ways she could remember the names of generic drugs. One of the drugs that I recall Katelyn learning is Levetiracetam. It's the generic drug for Keppra, something Cody takes for seizure control. Levetiracetam was one of the more difficult words to remember, so we got ridiculously creative and came up with, "Tyra (Banks) had to leave and try to seat them." ( Levetiracetam = Leave and Tyra seat 'em) Katelyn will never look at Tyra Banks the same way, but more importantly, she will never forget Keppra's generic equivalent.
Yesterday, Katelyn was trying to remember a friend's birthday. She thought it was on the 9th day of the month, but found out via facebook that it's actually the 10th. I offered this suggestion to her, "Your birthday is on the 16th, an even number. Nine is an odd number. Just remember that your friend's birthday can't be on the 9th, because it's an even number like yours."
At that point, Katelyn stated, "That's how I remember your birthday mom. When I was little, you told me I could remember your birthday is on the 29th because it's odd, just like you."
Monday, April 9, 2012
Deficits in Social Skills
Parents who have children with special needs become accustomed to people staring at their kids. We become accustomed to staring, but that doesn't mean we are okay with it.
One time, when Cody was young enough that he sat in a stroller, we were in a department store and a young boy followed us around, gawking at Cody. We had no clue where his mother was, but evidently she was not keeping an eye on her obnoxiously curious son.
Somewhere in the infant department, Don lost all composure. He told the boy there was a booger hanging out of his nose and that sent the kid running.
I tell you this story, not because it's something I am proud of (though Don will tell you it was one of his best moments), but to give you a glimpse of what it's like every. single. time. we take Cody out in public. There are times when it can be painfully heartbreaking.
While I was scanning through Autism boards on Pinterest last week, I came across the following pin...
I showed it to Don, mentioning that I would like to have this quote printed on a t-shirt and he said, "Hell, can I get it printed on a tie and wear it to church?"
Sadly, Don is right. We can't get away from ill-mannered people, even while we worship.
One time, when Cody was young enough that he sat in a stroller, we were in a department store and a young boy followed us around, gawking at Cody. We had no clue where his mother was, but evidently she was not keeping an eye on her obnoxiously curious son.
Somewhere in the infant department, Don lost all composure. He told the boy there was a booger hanging out of his nose and that sent the kid running.
I tell you this story, not because it's something I am proud of (though Don will tell you it was one of his best moments), but to give you a glimpse of what it's like every. single. time. we take Cody out in public. There are times when it can be painfully heartbreaking.
While I was scanning through Autism boards on Pinterest last week, I came across the following pin...
I showed it to Don, mentioning that I would like to have this quote printed on a t-shirt and he said, "Hell, can I get it printed on a tie and wear it to church?"
Sadly, Don is right. We can't get away from ill-mannered people, even while we worship.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Cody's Not So Fast Food
A couple of nights ago, Cody found his Walkie Talkies and asked his dad to play with him. Since Don was heading out the back door anyway, he agreed.
(Before reading any further, if you haven't already read my post If Cody Won a Years Supply of Ice Cream , you'll want to do so now.)
This time, the conversation between Cody and his dad went like this...
Ring, ring...
Cody- "Hello?"
Don- "Oh hi! I'll have two tacos and some..uh...what do you call them?...cinnamon sticks?"
Cody- "10-4"
Don- "When will my order be ready?"
Cody- "10-4"
Don- "WHEN will my order be ready?"
Cody- "Soon."
Don- "What's soon? Two minutes? Five minutes? Ten minutes?"
Cody- "Tomorrow."
(Before reading any further, if you haven't already read my post If Cody Won a Years Supply of Ice Cream , you'll want to do so now.)
This time, the conversation between Cody and his dad went like this...
Ring, ring...
Cody- "Hello?"
Don- "Oh hi! I'll have two tacos and some..uh...what do you call them?...cinnamon sticks?"
Cody- "10-4"
Don- "When will my order be ready?"
Cody- "10-4"
Don- "WHEN will my order be ready?"
Cody- "Soon."
Don- "What's soon? Two minutes? Five minutes? Ten minutes?"
Cody- "Tomorrow."
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Stephen Wiltshire/ Autism Means Art
This is just one of many YouTube videos about Stephen Wiltshire, an autistic artist with the extraordinary ability to draw detailed cityscapes from memory.
If you haven't heard of him and his remarkable abilities, prepare to be amazed.
April is Autism Awareness Month and tomorrow, April 2nd, is World Autism Awareness Day. Show your support and raise awareness by Lighting Up Blue . For more information, click here .
If you haven't heard of him and his remarkable abilities, prepare to be amazed.
April is Autism Awareness Month and tomorrow, April 2nd, is World Autism Awareness Day. Show your support and raise awareness by Lighting Up Blue . For more information, click here .
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