Back in the Saddle Again

Trevor has his first practice yesterday, so yes, he is back in the saddle again. (Can't help but hear Steven Tyler in my head:) Honestly, can't get over how much he has improved since last season. He has matured so much. Trevor"s attitude is just different this year. He is again, one of the youngest on the team but he certainly doesn't act like it. This picture proves that exact point. So, this is the first practice, and who volunteers to catch??? Yep, Trevor. This was after taking ground balls at short and second. I not a big fan of him playing this position....it is the one position I worry about the most. BUT it is the position that I am the most proud of him playing. It shows he is tough, that he isn't afraid, and that he wants to be part of the action. So what's a mom to do??? Next practice is tomorrow. Hard to believe it is baseball season in February...but, we'll take it!!! I watch Trevor play and I feel immense pride...

Darren's spells have settled and we are feeling somewhat back to normal, whatever normal is. Never sure why, or how long these episodes will last. But I am getting better at predicting them. Darren, in general, is a happy boy. But he continues to struggle with the developmental stages that do not match his chronological age. So the growth spurts come in different forms. After the dust settles, I remind myself that he doesn't do all this it to drive me mad:)... he does these things because he is just different. He learns differently, he processes things differently, he loves intensely, and at times, angers easily. BUT, there is no one that I have learned more from.  In the car the other day I made s comment to Darren asking him not to do something or other and he responded "Knock that off Mommy, be happy" another day I handed him a piece of gum and he said, "OH thanks Mommy, I appreciate that".  Ha! He is full of surprised that kid. Trevor and I often say "if we can deal with Darren, we can deal with anyone." I think it is what has made Trevor the compassionate person that he is....and it surely has turned my world upside down and backwards..but for the better. I am thankful. Life would surely be boring without them.

The Cards are BACK!!! And Emotions are High!

Hi Everyone,

I am happy to announce that the cards are back! I will be selling them once again and have gotten permission from Darren's Principal...ALL proceeds will go directly to Renaissance Learning Center. It is a small way to give back to a school that is doing so much for Darren. If you are interested, please email me and I will send out a pack to you. Each pack is $20....we have 50 packs to sell! I would love to be able to hand over a check to RLC for $1000.

We just got word that Trevor did make the 9 year old minor league team. Practice starts on February 16th. All are excited! Trevor continues to do well in school and absolutely loves playing outside with his buddies. One evening a couple weeks back, Trevor, out of nowhere says "Ya know mom, we have made a lot of progress here in Florida.  You and Daddy have new jobs, Darren is doing good at school, and I have a lot of friends....lots of progress." So mature for his young years. But he is right. Lots of progress.

Darren is once again going through some changes. We are at the stage where we are trying to lessen his outbursts by replacing his actions with words. Not an easy task. He understands the concept of "feelings" at this point so are we are teaching him that his words MEAN something. That it is OK to mad. It is OK to be sad or frustrated. But it is NOT ok to hit, spit, or scratch. It is proving to be a difficult transition for him. He is used to expressing his frustration in this way....but we are finding that when he can calm down and express himself and have his feeling validated...the spells are weakening or are over in a shorter amount of time. Progress for sure. School is on board and we have been working on keeping things consistent across all environments. This process will be a tough challenge, but I believe it is crucial. Darren is a passionate soul and his actions can be just as passionate...I can't change him...but I can help him learn how to regulate his emotions a little better. This video is an example of a successful attempt. Not all attempts are like this:) It is a learning process for all.

I am really enjoying my new job and am so happy to be back in school system. My goal is to get a teaching job for the upcoming 2012-2013 school year.  I didn't realize all of the on the job training I have been receiving these past eight years. I am ready to mix my passion and my knowledge to help other kids and families that struggle with Autism. As I have said before, early on...I chose Special Education....then it chose me right back...now, I just live it.

We hope that all are well and happy:)