For Sale!!! SOON

I am VERY proud of this new adventure and would like to tell you all about it. This was a simple project that turned into something that I wasn't quite expecting. Again, just trying to roll with it. A couple of weeks again I brought out the Diego neon finger paints and was determined to have both boys sit down on the kitchen floor and do some good old, messy finger painting. Trevor was game as always. Darren wasn't quite interested at first, that's putting it kindly, but once he was MADE to do it...he tolerated it. He likes squeezing the paint out....dipping his fingertip in it....but would them want it off. It took him some time to be willing to let me put his entire hand in it and smear it around. Eventually we completed two very large pieces of paper. They were very colorful and happy...especially knowing the effort it took for the project to be completed!

Couple of days later we ripped up the artwork...on purpose, mind you. My mom is an artist who does this kind of stuff. Every time we are visiting, she takes the artwork created by the boys and turns into neat cards. Feeling somewhat inspired, I thought, "maybe we can do that too!" So they ripped up the art work the way "true artists would" and I told them to just glue the pieces on the cards. When I stood them on the counter to dry...I just kept looking at them. They were really cute! But they needed a little something. A long time ago I had purchase these little stickers at Michael's that had inspiring words and phrases on them.... Believe, Dare to Dream, Make a Wish...etc. PERFECT!!! And as l looked at each card individually, I picked the appropriate title. I fell in love with all of them. On the back of the cards I have added a picture of the boys and this little write up:
This card was created by our "Wonder Twins". Darren is autistic, Trevor is not. Yet, together they live with, battle, and break down the walls of Autism with good ole' brotherly love.
My thoughts are 1 for $5
5 for $20
8 for $25
Something like that???????????????????????????
Any money made would go towards Darren's therapies and expenses. As always...input needed.

We're Playing Bas-ket-ball

Does anyone actually know that song???

Well we have been playing basketball. Darren is definitely a post player and Trevor is a natural gunner. In my last post I was talking about sports camps for kids. So I figured I'd better put myself to the test. Can I teach Darren how to play basketball or any sport? So off to Toys R Us we went. We got a new basketball hoop, plastic hockey sticks, fresh new bouncy balls, and all other necessary equipment. The first day of basketball we were outside. The goal was for Darren to just get the ball and slam dunk it without whining. That took awhile. But it eventually did happen. So then he had to get the ball, dunk it, high five Trevor, and sit down.....with as little whining as possible. Again, it took some time. BUT he can do it. He's also a perfectionist. He has to make the shot...if he misses...he, on his own, will get the ball and try again. I liked that.

Trevor used to shoot baskets all the time as a toddler. Seriously, the kid was so good. Watch the video and see for yourselves!!! It had been awhile since we had really played, so his form was rusty. What I love about Trevor is that he really does listen to what I say...even if he's mad...or determined that he is right...he listens and eventually WILL try.

Round 2: Last night we tried again. My initial goal was to have Darren catch the ball, turn, and dunk. If he did so, he would then receive his beloved frog as a reward. I would say catch and he attempted to say CATCH. Cool. I was even more surprised when he caught it! I then told him to shoot, he did and then went to where is frog was and say, "FR-OGG". For those that have heard him say frog...it's too darn cute!!! Wow, this is working. Next he had to catch it, shoot it, get the ball, and pass it to Trevor. Mission accomplished. "FR-OGGG".

Thank god for Trevor. He is my biggest helper and support. I can't explain to you all how much this four year old helps me on a day to day basis. What a team.

Sword Fight!!

I am going to keep this one brief. Darren's imitation skills are really sky rocketing! When we are with friends now...not only does he hang around them...he is starting to participate in what everyone is playing. Great improvement. We are blessed with friends that are accepting and patient. More video to come...we are working on learning hockey, basketball, and riding a big wheel. Stay tuned!

Keep Going Home

My creative juices are flowing these days. I have SO many ideas and dreams. I watched the movie " Pursuit of Happyness" today. I never thought about the concept and reality of the actual Pursuit. So true, our fore fathers were right on. Another book that hit me hard was " I will not die an unlived life" by Dawna Markova. I feel that I am in pursuit of my purpose. So when I get these spurts...I go with it. I am trying to be in the moment. Even though I live it, I know that there is a special lesson to be learned from my boys. Their unique circumstances mean something. What if other kids and families could benefit from this type of situation. Fairfax County is wonderful. Darren is in the Pre-School Autism Class and has benefited greatly. BUT what if there wasn't the " Trevor Factor"? Darren has the opportunity to be around a same age peer all the time. Major benefit when it comes to dealing with Autism. What if other kids could have the same chance??? The idea of developing such a thing has been inspiring me lately...some sort of school or before and after school center????

I am also a sports kinda gal. What options will I have for Darren? Trevor could possibly start sports next year...what about Darren's choices??? Darren on the sidelines just isn't gonna be enough for me and it shouldn't be for any parent with a special needs child. Why couldn't they learn to play sports at an early age like the rest? Could take A LOT of practice...but what doesn't? The thought of some camps...for the younger guys...REALLY excites me.

This is what I mean by coming home...I know what passions I can bring to the table. I love sports, music, and kids. I have learned how important these early years are for kids. Childhood is so important. It's what make us, shapes us, and grounds us in the future.

Any feedback on these ideas would be greatly appreciated....SERIOUSLY