Vacation, All I Ever Wanted

Vacation had to get away...The Go-Go's certainly knew what they were talking about! We just got back from visiting my parents in NC. Every year gets better and better. I remember the first time I attempted this. Craziness. I remember thinking, "Did I really think I was going to be able to relax?" I think they were 2 1/2 at the time. NOW it's fun. The boys are great in the car and just really have a fun time when we get there. When we were there for Spring Break, Darren was potty training. THAT is still hard for me to believe. Amazing.

This trip Trevor taught himself how to swim.

It is fascinating to me to watch Trevor when he is learning a new skill. I am continually shocked at how quickly he learns things. The other neat thing about this is that Darren was trying to imitate Trevor.

All I can simply say is...we had a lot of fun.

The Sun is Setting on..........

Trevor's first venture to the beach without Darren and me. It's strange for all of us, but nice for all of us. I am enjoying my time with Darren...and I am sure that Trevor is being well taken care of by all. It's a big deal in some ways, but so important for us all. It makes me realize how much work Darren is alone and how much attention Trevor deserves. There are always times that I worry that I am not giving both of them what they need. Typical I'm sure. It's just that Trevor helps me so much, but he also drains me mentally...as any good four year should. The lesson here is.....everyone needs a break sometimes. Just a little change of pace can do a lot of good. There is a wonderful part of the normal routine that is consistent and great....but change can be good and refreshing. I am happy for Trevor, that he surrounded with people that love him. I am happy for Darren too...he can get lots of Mommy time that he really needs right now. On this beautiful evening....I am just happy

It's Official

http://www.specialolympics.org/Special+Olympics+Public+Website/English/Initiatives/Young+Athletes/default.htm

With the help, support, and backing of Special Olympics, along with POAC (Parents of Autistic Children), and the Down Syndrome Association we will running a five week program this summer!!!!!!!!!! Every Saturday in August from 9-12. This is SO incredibly exciting. The link above gives you an idea about the program. Lisa and I will be adding to it a bit by incorporating these basic skills into sports like basketball, baseball, soccer, bowling, tag, and putt-putt. This will not only be a great opportunity for Darren and Trevor, but for other families as well. Lots to do to prepare. If anyone is interested in volunteering, please let me know. We are going to need lots of hands to help these little guys and girls:)

Good News!

Ok....here we go!!! Let's see.....where do I begin???? Met with Special Olympics this week to discuss plans for sports camps geared toward the ages of 3-7. The email I got back was so positive. "A pilot program is already in place...equipment and resources in place...let's meet this week"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So we did. And it was probably one of the easiest meetings that I have ever been a part of. When universes collied...it's scary! We were all on the same page. Believe in it, want to make it work, and want to do it together. Done deal... We are trying to incorporate POAC (Parents of Autistic Children) and the Down Syndrome Association. This could be a really big deal. It is very exciting...personally and for the opportunities it could provide for Darren and Trevor. Exciting is not quite the word. We are trying to get all parties together for a meeting to confirm. But things look VERY promising....possibly something happening in AUGUST. Keep your fingers crossed!!!!!!!!!

Updates!!!!!!!!!!

It seems that there is a lot of random updates, so here we go!

• Darren is totally potty trained (OK..he wears a pull up at night) I still find this totally amazing. He rarely has an accident, and if he does it's minor. GREAT JOB BIG D!!!! He is also trying very hard to talk. The approximations that come out his mouth these days are startling!!!
• Just got the licensing agreement from Autism Speaks in regards to the cards. I have to sign it, send it back to them, and they will send the official logo that can be placed next to the cards saying that a proceed will be given to Autism Speaks!! Very proud and excited about that.
• Now that the weather is nice, we are able to play outside much more. Which means sports frenzy for Trevor. It also means a lot more time outside with his friends, which he truly enjoys. We are currently into street hockey, basketball, and baseball...gotta love it!
• Still trying to figure out a way to start some summer sports camps. Just can't seem to find a location yet. Attacking this a little last minute for this summer, but I am still working on it. I really think that this concept is a great one.
• Mark is still traveling back and forth to DE for work. We are managing fine...it's just hard on all of us...but somehow we make it work:)

Lastly, I just feel tired lately. I don't know if it is because I just have so much on my mind, or WHAT. Sometimes I feel like I get ALL of these ideas and questions and theories....and so on and so on and so on. I overwhelm myself. I somehow convince myself that everything can happen INSTANTLY. Not so. But that doesn't stop me from trying. It just teaches me to be more realistic. Whatever is ahead needs to be planned out appropriately and executed perfectly. I am just not that patient when it comes to ideas that I KNOW will work. Maybe I am half the reason why we have moved a million times:) I like to believe in things, I am not afraid of change...I am probably more afraid of NOT trying something. I like a plan....ALL about a plan. Maybe my plan needs some adjustment....maybe that will help. I just think that for the first time I feel a purpose forming for my life....and I don't know how to make it all happen. That frustration of not being able to make it happen NOW is what makes me tired.

One step at a time.

A Special Thanks

The cards are officially being sold at a very cool shop in Leesburg called "The Cottage".

www.cottageatleesburg.com

A special thanks to the owners Linda Campbell and Ann Vaughan (friends of Claudia's) for giving us this opportunity. I am very excited about it!!!! I am putting together baskets to take to some other stores as well. It's a fun and new adventure.

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.