I've moved

Come check me out at my new blog:

doesthiscountastherapy.blogspot.com

I will not be deleting this one anytime soon, but I will no longer be adding to it.  The new blog has the same stuff, but I've chosen to not use any names for privacy reasons.

A little change is good.

I will no longer be updating this blog.  I will be starting another, ANONYMOUS, blog soon.  I hope to have the new one up and running soon. Still trying to pick out a name that isn't taken.

I hope you have enjoyed reading this blog and that you 'stumble' upon my new page.  Why am I going through all of this trouble?  I have decided that an anonymous blog should have bent he way to go from the beginning, as I do not want to edit my posts due to the fear of retribution.  Not towards me, mind you, but towards my little guy.  Even if the offender is unconsciously punishing him, he shouldn't have to suffer for his momma's bitchiness.

Now off to find a cool blog name.

The boxer rebellion

We have experienced a small victory.  Spence has agreed to wear boxer shorts around the house.  Not boxer briefs, boxer shorts.  Not plaid, solid. Not woven, knit.  Yes, he did make us exhaust all of these options before he made his decision.  At least now when he runs outside, he has underwear on.  Thank God for small favors.

Unfortunately, one victory is all we have.  I've seen him slip down the mountain of achievement into a valley I thought we passed up long ago.  It has recently come to my attention that the teacher or para or someone at the school has been giving my son items to stim on.  NOOOOOOOOO!  I broke him of this habit, only to now have someone encouraging it.  I also had a beef with the teacher's request to send Spence to school with "a game boy or iPod or old iPhone that he can play with when he finishes his work."  Say what?  I was glad my husband was at that meeting.  I was too stunned to come up with a response.  He mentioned that Spencer would be obsessed and it would be hard to take it away from him when the time was up, so it is better to just keep it from him in the first place.  Then we were told that he keeps trying to get the para's phone.  Here's a thought- maybe the para should secure her phone?  I don't think we had this problem at any of his old schools.  

But, when would Spencer play it?  Seems he doesn't like to do his work, or attend to any lessons, or use the restroom at school.  Part of me thinks this is his way of saying that he doesn't like it there.  Or maybe that is just me projecting my feelings.  I do not get Spencer dressed until about 7:20.  He has NEVER given me this much trouble on a daily basis.  I had gotten him to the point that I would lay his clothes out and he would dress himself.  Now, I have to chase him around the house and almost tackle him and FORCE the clothes on him.  Needless to say, my mornings suck.  Add in a 12 year old who keeps asking for "5 more minutes" and I feel like a human snooze button and all around tyrant.  Yippee!  I'm emotionally exhausted before my day even starts.  Then laundry, cleaning and cooking call my name and before I know it, it is time to pick the kids up from school.  Really, where does the day go?  Okay, so I do take a daily nap.  I have given up caffeine (after my one iced coffee in the morning) and am finding it difficult to stay awake all day.  But, since Spence will steal your Diet Coke, I have given them up.  I miss my contraband!!!

I hope soon to get back to reporting the "feel good" victories that are most certainly going to come our way!!!

Panda-monium

Normally, I would apologize for not writing in the blog for over a month, but I'm not going to this time.  There is so much I want to write about, but I feel like my hands are tied.  I've grown way too politically correct for my own good.  I normally publish my blog to my Facebook page and let interested parties read at their leisure.  Unfortunately, my FB circle of friends is growing ever wider and I have become so afraid of offending certain people that I just say nothing.  Then, I start acting like a petulant three year old and think, "Well, it is my blog and I should be able to relate my thoughts and feelings without worrying.  The things that happen, happen and I would be remiss to sugar coat it to suit someone else's way of thinking."

The I realize the solution would have been so easy.  I read other autism blogs: Homestyle Momma (with a  side of autism), Grape jelly on pizza, Ancora Impartial..and others.  What they all have in common (besides autism) is that they are anonymous.  Granted, they sometimes use first names for their kids, but never give their precise location, etc. I'm sure a few friends close to them know who they are, but the whole world doesn't.  Perhaps I should have named mine, "mommy's hiding in the bathroom", or "a grande frap and a valium to go" or something else clever and witty.  Seriously, the blog helps me deal with what is going on around me, a forum to share my experiences and a place where I can unabashedly praise my children.  Certain things have been said to my recently that just beg to be addressed in a blog.  But I can't without offending the person who made the statement.  Seriously, how would you feel if an entire blog was a response that I wasn't comfortable giving you in person?  And, you would most certainly know that YOU were the one who got me started on that tirade.  I don't think you'd be flattered. What if someone you like so very much was the source of my ire.  Would you share what I said to them?  Yep, it would just be opening a can of worms that no one wants to deal with.  Me included.

Maybe I've been too open and honest.  But that is just my style.  You always know what I'm thinking, because I tell you.  Also, there are some things that I'm dealing with and working on that are hush-hush at the moment.  And I'm afraid I'll spill the beans and thwart my own efforts.

Any ideas, folks?

You always win when you call in the big guns

BLOG FROM 1/20/12 not posted.

Update on the school debacle.  Seems the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing. I sent (per their request) Spencer's IEP and psych evaluation to the Special Ed Department at Jefferson Parish School System on December 21, the day before Christmas break.  I went to the school Spencer would be attending to pick up a registration packet.  They told me to call the school system before bringing the paperwork to them to make sure they would have room for him.  Tried to get in touch with school system to no avail.  Finally, I got through to Terri on January 10 (the day AFTER school started)  I informed her of the ENTIRE situation.  We spoke again on the 11th, 13th, and 18th (schools were closed on the 17th).  During the conversation on the 18th, she says, "You still have the registration paperwork?  The school should have accepted it even if they didn't have any room."  I'm thinking how would I know, because you've never given me a straight answer.  Then she says what finally set me off.  "Who have you been speaking to at Special Ed."  It was with great pleasure that I responded through clenched teeth, "You, I have been talking to you since the 10th of January."  She had no response, but to say she would call the school and call me back.

When she calls back, she states that we are to take the registration packet to the school and proceed from there.  I was so far beyond angry, it could only be described as completely enraged.  I was physically shaking and unable to tell my husband, what had happened.  I kept screaming, "You, I've been talk to you! AHHHHHHH!"  He tells me that he will bring the registration packet to the school.  When asked why, he stated, "because I'm afraid of what you'll do.  I don't think you'll be able to remain calm." Yep, you are right about that.  I used up all of my calm on December 21, 22 and January 10, 11, 13, and 18.  I've run out of calm.  

My husband goes to the school on the 19th around 10am.  He returns a little after 10:40 with the following information:

• Spencer will start school on Jan 20
• He will school uniforms, backpack, lunch bag, etc.

This only makes me madder.  I went through and paved the way, he just waltzes in and everything is smoothed over and taken care of. 

You have tape. Well, I have scissors!!

Today is the second day that public schools are in session here.  Spencer is still home.  I left a message on Friday, the 6th with the special ed department even though they were closed.  I then called back at 10:30 yesterday morning and left another message.  I didn't really think that they would have his placement, but I wanted to talk to a human being.  I needed to know that they received the IEP and psychological evaluation (from Georgia) that I faxed to them on December 21 (the day before they closed for the holiday period).  I was starting to panic.  Where do I turn?  You're right if you answered: Facebook.

My husband often makes fun of my social networking, but it has become an incredibly useful tool for me. I wouldn't have found Brain Balance if not for Facebook.  I wouldn't have gotten help in Georgia, had I not turned to my FB friends.  And they came through for me again yesterday.  After posting about the trouble I was having, a friend (who I haven't seen or talked to in almost 20 years) gets me a name and a contact number. (Many thanks, Robin J.!!)  I talked to a person!! She not only had Spencer's most recent IEP form Georgia, she apprised me of the current situation.  So, I feel better.  My district school does not have space for him in the first grade autistic class (teacher to student ratio is limited to 1:2). So, a teacher needs to be assigned to the school, or he needs to attend another school in the vicinity.  I really hate red tape.

On another note, I got an invoice from the apartment in Georgia.  They are refunding me my deposit.  Say what?  I was expecting to have to pay.  Spencer grab a slat of the blind and pull it toward him to look outside.  Since they were cheap metal blinds, they bent when he did this.  ALL of my blinds were horribly bent due to him doing this.  I'm not complaining, but they are not charging me for them.  They charged me when I moved from one apartment to another because he bent one set before we could switch blinds.  I'll take it.  

That's it.  Laundry is calling.  Will blog again soon.  I'm trying to do better this year!!

The Nekkid Werewoof

For a while now we have been dealing with Spencer's unwillingness to wear clothes around the house.  JUST around the house.  He is fine when we are out in public and when he is at school (thank goodness!), so I know that it is not a sensory issue.  I'm pretty sure he does it just to drive me insane.  We have tried trying to make him wear just his undies, but as soon as you get them on him, he pulls them off. We've tried tying wearing clothes to getting to play.  You get the toy if you put on your underwear.  He puts on his underwear until he gets the toy.  Once he has the toy, you guessed it, he drops trough.  At this point, I have run out of ideas.  He doesn't do this ANYWHERE else!!!  (Okay, Tammy, you were the one exception!!) Just at home (or wherever 'home' may be).  I will tell him that he will get to keep the toy if he keeps his underwear on.  He isn't buying that one.  

I have noticed an increase in his flexibility.  You should see the stuff he can do with an exercise ball!  He is ready for a spot with the Cirque du Soleil. Unfortunately, he likes to howl like a wolf (which Peyton used to pronounce as woof) while doing his various acrobatics.  You have to laugh. Thus, he has earned a new nickname- the nekkid werewoof.  

I've had a few people criticize me for not being 'serious' enough.  (I thank them for not doing this publicly)  I have to face adversity with a laugh.  I've done the crying, stressing, denial and depression thing.  It just made my eyes red, my anxiety increase, my kid's special needs and my family neglected.  I'd rather have laugh lines than frown lines.  Trust me, this attitude is a much healthier one for the whole family, but Spencer in particular.  I stand behind everything I've done and said.  People are more willing to listen (and learn) when you temper it with humor.  I'd like to think that I have not only entertained you, but taught you something as well.  Dang, we're getting deep here- time to lighten it back up!!

I'm ready for Spencer to go back to school, so we can establish some kind of routine.  He has had a very long time off since Fayette County got off of school on December 15 and Jefferson Parish doesn't go back to school until January 9.  I think he is ready, as well.  He loves school.  We will be doing some videos soon (fully clothed, ind you!) to update everyone on his progress!

"Humor is the instinct for taking pain playfully." -  Max Eastman

Happy New Year!!

I haven't written for a while.  (It seems like I start ALL of my blogs that way now.) But, things have been CRAZY.  Spence and I had an emotional few days after my last blog post saying goodbye to some truly incredible people in Georgia.  Then we packed up the apartment and with the help of my husband moved back home one week before Christmas.  So, I am trying to unpack, shop (which didn't happen), spend time with the family I haven't seen in months, reorganize items that were misplaced when the entire house was painted...oh and not lose my mind! 

It is now January 3 and I am finally getting a moment to breathe.  Here is a brief overview of what is going on these days:

On one of my first days back, I called the school system to inquire about registration for Spencer.  I was transferred three times and finally was told that I needed to go to the school to get a packet.  I then called the school and was told to pick up a registration packet and then I could return it on the first day of school (January 9).  No problem.  Right?  Wrong.  While I am there, the secretary tells me that I need to contact special education services on January 6 to ensure that Spence will be able to attend the district school, as they are at their capacity in the special ed room and a new teacher would need to be assigned if there are no students leaving.  Oh, and the office may not even be open on the 6th.  I may need to wait until the 9th to find out.  For those of you who are unaware of this, public schools in Jefferson Parish wear uniforms.  So, I can't even buy his uniforms since I don't know where he will be going to school.  I really should be freaking out around now, but I'm not.

I still haven't completely unpacked, there are boxes everywhere.  I need to take down my Christmas decorations and put up my Mardi Gras ones.  Despite my best efforts, I still have not caught up on the laundry.  And you know what, I don't care.  I am so happy to be home and my boys are so happy that Spence and I are home that no one even mentions the clutter.  Of course, once the kids are back in school (Pey starts tomorrow), I plan on having everything completed.  

You would think that resolutions would be the furthest thing from my mind.  But, instead they are at the forefront of my mind.  Instead of the usual: lose weight, become more organized and  take more control of Spencer's recovery, I have decided to make one blanket resolution for the family- We are adopting a healthier lifestyle.  While Spencer and I were on track in Georgia, I would often cheat when I was stressed out.  Fast food is bad.  Fast food several days in a row is worse.  Fast food scarfed down in the car between appointments is horrendous.  My new mantra is moderation.  Easy to say when I live in the mecca of excess.  I am also relinquishing some control of Spencer's recovery and getting the entire family involved.  Everyone will have a stake and enjoy the rewards and the milestones we reach.  And we will continue to reach milestones.  

Going back to nola, back to nola, back to nola.

Yep, LL Cool J would be proud of me.  I keep singing that line over and over in my head.  Well, here is the last blog post for a while.  I will moving home in the next couple of days, and then I will need to unpack all of this stuff.  And finish Christmas shopping.  And cooking for Christmas. And...

Okay, I need to breathe.  Here is the latest update on the Spencer man.  I think he has some idea that we are leaving, with all of the boxes around and everyone talking about it.  He was in the strangest mood on Wednesday.  On the way to school, he would break down crying for no apparent reason.  Then he would be fine, then he would cry again.  So bizarre! When I went to school for his Christmas party, he had the worst meltdown since the last time I showed up.   He broke down during his Brain Balance session and when he came out, his little eyes were bloodshot.  Poor baby!  

Today was the last day of school. When I entered to pick Spencer up, he was as calm as can be.  He gave all of his teachers kisses and hugs.  I'm still not sure if he understands that he is not going back there in January.  It has so hard for me these last few days saying goodbye to such wonderful people (both at school and Brain Balance) who have watched my son grow and change before their eyes.  It has been a remarkable experience and I will treasure forever the memories and the friends that I have made here.

Merry Christmas everyone!  Hope you get to spend some quality time with your family, I'm looking forward to spending time with mine!!

Loading up the guilt

As you may have noticed, there has not yet been a guest blog.  I have hinted, asked, cajoled and still no guest blog.  I could nag, but that is not my style.  I guess, in my husband's defense, it can be a little intimidating to write the first blog.  What do I write about?  How do I make it interesting?  What if no one 'gets' me?  I know, I've been there.  But the key is this- write it for yourself.  I don't care how many folks click on my link, just that WE have the record of our adventures.  I would love to be able to look back on this past year and get HIS perspective on how it has been to be the single parent of the almost teenager while I have been away with the younger one.  (Do you think I guilted him enough?)  And, honey, if you are still in need of a topic- this title should get you started: "My wife is totally awesome".  ;)

Back on topic.  This past Friday, Spencer received a TROPHY (paper cut out that sticks to the wall at BB) for his work.  AWESOME!  And just today, I got Spence's last report from this session.  And, yes, the usual adjectives apply: awesome, wonderful, great, fantastic.  The biggest jump was in gait.  He went from Pre Brain Balance level 5 (out of 6) to Brain Balance level 6 in FOUR WEEKS!!!!  We are really getting some cross communication happening and it is so exciting!  Spence is getting a bike for Christmas,  and I can't wait for us to be outside teaching him to ride!  Just like other people.  He is still saying 'okay' and 'cookie' and he will say 'toy' if you keep him from having it until he speaks.  Patience is the key.  He will wait you out and try to wear you down.  But, we are so anxious to hear the words that he won't be able to pull that stunt for long.

One story I forgot to relay about our week home for Thanksgiving was the roll incident.  My husband had bought these sandwich rolls for us. (regular- not gluten free)  Spencer was OBSESSED with these rolls.  He would drag them out of the pantry and we would substitute his rolls on his plate.  Well, he got a hold of them while no one was around.  Later, I was throwing some trash out and noticed the bag of rolls in the trash.  I pulled them out.  Then I saw one lonely roll with one bite taken out of it.  Since my husband had been working and Peyton had been outside with friends, the only suspects were Spencer and I.  I knew that I didn't do it, so I surmised that Spence had taken one bite of the roll and thrown it away.  Then the whole bag followed.  I'm glad that he wasn't happy with the regular gluten roll.  We dodged a bullet on that one!!  Guess I should go back to packing- moving day is fast approaching!!

All I want for Christmas...

Yep, Spence lost his other front tooth just yesterday.  Truth be told, it was not ready to come out yet.  Once his teeth get a little wiggly, he releases them from the confines of his gums.  (which is a nice way to say he digs them out- ewwww)  He woke up at 2:30 yesterday morning and I am thinking that the tooth must have really been bothering him.  He got it out at school and was in a MUCH better mood when I picked him up.  At Brain Balance, he was giggling and happy.  After performing oral surgery on himself without the benefit of anesthesia!  What a tough little cookie!  Ive been trying to get a picture of him, but he is still getting giggle fits and won't sit still, so they are all blurry.

I've been trying to pack and get rid of things, to no avail.  I got rid of some junk today, and packed a couple of boxes.  Spencer went digging through both boxes when he got home.  Now, I need to repack them tomorrow.  Guess I need to put them in a corner when I am done with them.  

On a really good note, I have Spencer sleeping in his own room, by himself.  I hope this transfers to home!  I could really get used to not getting kicked and pushed while I am sleeping.  Still so much to do to prepare for going home and Spence is really no help at all! So, I need to go finish with dinner and get some more packing done, or should I say 'repacking'.  Oh well!

Empty handed

I got nothing. In a way, that's a good thing.  Spence has been plugging along so well and with the upcoming holidays, our move back to New Orleans, trying to sell excess furniture, etc., I am at a loss.  As usual, I have only myself to blame for the long to do list that I have.  I cannot wait to be back in my house for Christmas.  Pey and I already decorated, so it will be mighty festive for our return.  

I know that in times like this, when I am crazy busy, the blog is the first thing to slip. I've been trying to get hubby or Pey to guest blog (hint, hint, guys!!) so a different perspective can be represented.  (Not to mention, I would get a little break!) 

Whenever I do a blog that encompasses a week or more, there are undoubtedly things I will miss.  So, here are some of the tidbits that I'd forgotten to include in my previous blog:

When I was packing up Sunday morning for our return to Georgia, I motioned to Spencer's play area, where he had strewn toys all over the place and said, "This is all gonna need to be packed up."  Next thing I know the kid is taking one toy at a time, dancing with it, making it fly, and then landing in the box.  He packed two boxes full.  Great, but we only came home with one box of toys.  So, Mommy had to do a little repacking to ensure that we didn't take too much back.

Just Wednesday at school, Spencer was swinging (they have a swing in the classroom that hangs from the ceiling).  He accidentally knocked over the teacher's bag.  He got off the swing, picked up her bag and then moved it closer to her desk so he wouldn't knock it again.  THIS IS HUGE!!  He was aware of his surroundings and realized that he had to move the bag or else he would hit it again.  

Spence has been super loving to his teachers at school.  I am pretty sure that he knows that his time with them is limited.  I know we all will have some adjustments to make, but I think we are all ready for us to be together!!!

The post-Thanksgiving wrap up.

Overall, we had a fabulous time this past week.  I just love watching my boys hugging each other and playing together.  I also noticed Spence following Pey around a lot more than ever before.  It was such a a sweet sight to behold.  The weather was amazing, so Spencer got to go in the hot tub or pool almost every day.  That is his favorite activity with his Daddy!  I spent Black Friday sleeping late, putting up the Christmas tree and decorating the house for Christmas.  Pey helped while Daddy worked and Spence entertained himself with bubble wrap.  I've missed those guys so much!  Yesterday, we drove back to PTC.  The weather was horrible, the traffic unbelievable, the child amazingly well behaved.  Only a few weeks to go before we are home for good.  

I have deliberately left off talking about Thanksgiving Day.  In order to appreciate the present, you must revisit the past.  So, this is what Thanksgiving USED to look like:

• It was a chore to get Spencer dressed and leave the house.  He would freak out once we got to my mother's house and it would be another battle before we could get him in the house.  Before we even entered, my husband and I would be spent.  Not knowing why he is getting upset makes it impossible to make him happy.
• Spence would be all over the place, like a one man fragile-item seeking missile. 
• Spencer didn't notice or care who else came to dinner.
• When Spencer was ready to leave, the little dictator would demand that we go.  First he would bring me my purse.  Then, if we didn't get the hint, he would start leading us to the door.  If we still demanded that we stay a little longer, he would go into full blown melt down mode, becoming self-injurious. He would have to be physically restrained and then we would have to go.
• We normally stayed at my mom's for an hour- maybe an hour and a half.

Now, for what it was like this year:

• We told Spence that it was time to go "bye-bye" and he willingly got dressed and went outside. 
• He was calm.  He did venture from room to room and redecorated my mother's living room. But, grandma didn't mind one bit!! He even played the piano in the living room.  SOFTLY, not banging the keys.
• He made eye contact when my aunt, uncle or cousins would say his name.  He even played a little game of keep away with my cousin.
• Spencer didn't want to leave until the other family members left.
• We stayed at my mom's house for four hours!!
• Other family members remarked on the change in Spencer in the past year.  It is nice when others notice the change in your child.

When we got back to the Georgia apartment last night, Spencer got out of the car and cried.  I guess he is ready to be home, too.

"I am thankful for all those who said NO to me.  It's because of them I did it myself."  Einstein

And since it is Monday- GO SAINTS!!!!!  You didn't think I forgot? ;)

In the spirit of Thanksgiving

Thank you to all that read my blog.  My original intention was for the blog to be kind of a personal accounting of our adventures and a way for me to track the process.  I opened it up to some close friends and then- WOW!  Some of them linked their blogs to mine and in a year I got over 5,000 page visits.  Which in the scheme of things is pretty remarkable.  Up until last week, my blog was 'private', meaning that you could not locate it via search engine and it was never listed on blogger as a recommended blog. But, after Brain Balance corporate put a link to my blog on their website, I realized others interested in the program might be interested in what I have to say.  So, now I'm in the 'public' arena.

I must say that the response to my blog has been incredible.  While few people leave comments here, I am touched when people mention to me that they enjoy reading my blog.  Still others post to my Facebook page and/or send me emails.  To be honest, I never thought so many people would be interested.  I must confess that during the early part of the year, I lost a Facebook friend who felt the need to tell me that she was 'unfriending' me because she was tired of hearing about my son with autism.  And it made me wonder if I was boring the heck out of everyone.  That feeling didn't last long, though.  I came to the realization that it was her problem, not mine.

One lesson I have learned from my son is not to give much credence to the opinion of others.  I am me and I will not change to fit into your mold of what you think I should be.  Spencer has also taught me patience.  Lots and lots of patience.  I've really had no choice.  His progress has been directly related to my ability to give him time.  While we will be moving back home in time for Christmas, I will continue to blog.  My last blog contains a video that Spencer's teachers were kind enough to capture for me as an early Thanksgiving present.  By the way, Kelly & Biz, I am expecting a video as my Christmas present. ;)  Hint Hint:  I'd love to hear him say, "Mommy"  (Don't worry, I'm not holding my breath.  Chances are he will call me 'Gigi' like his brother.)

Scotty is out of a job

One of the traits of an autistic child is that they seem to operate in a world all their own.  There is even an accepted form of treatment that assumes that these children WILL NEVER GET BETTER and therefore we must reach them where they are, as opposed to bringing them into our world.  I’m happy to say that my child now resides in my world and HE IS NOT GOING BACK.  Some of you are saying, “if autism could be reversed, it would be all over the news.”  You would think.  The medical community is just now starting to embrace the concept of a functional disconnection in the brain.  (the premise upon which Brain Balance is based.)

When I went to pick up Spencer from school yesterday, his teacher came out 5 minutes early with her phone in her hand.  She said that I had to see what my son did in school.  Uh-oh.  No, it was not an uh-oh; it was an OMIGOSH!!  He saw the Cookie Monster character and said, “cookie”.  They printed out the picture and captured the following on video.

I realize that my blog is full of the words amazing, huge, wonderful, etc. These words don’t even begin to cut it. The truth is, Brain Balance does work and should be all over the news.  My son was functioning at a level of a one year old, in a six year old’s body.  He is now around a 4 year old.  IN LESS THAN A YEAR.  Was it easy? Absolutely not.  We split our family in half.  The program is intense, both at the facility and at home.  Not to mention the financial impact.  Would I do it again? IN A HEARTBEAT.  My little boy has such a sweet and loving personality that we may have never known about. 

I never did give anybody hell.  I just told the truth and they thought it was hell.

                                                                                                                        -Harry S. Truman

Headline News- Gigi style

Last week, we had Special Olympics basketball.  For my son's age/ability range, it is not a game by any sense of the word, it is more of a skills test.  I got there after Spencer arrived.  I watched him from a distance for about 5 minutes.  He was calm and behaving well.  All of that changed when I showed up.  He wanted to leave, then he wanted me to leave, he found the iPad in my purse and became obsessed with it.  I should have stayed home, he would have had a better time.  He refused to do many of the activities, choosing instead to watch the iPad.  Since he is not allowed to watch television, he wanted to watch for as long as he could.  It took both the teacher and myself to get Spencer to the gym floor when it was his turn.  So, imagine my surprise when it came time for ribbons to be distributed.  Spencer went down when they called his name, WITHOUT ANY PROMPTING.  He got so excited to get his ribbon that he ignored the iPad for a while.  Who knew?  (In true Special Olympics fashion, everyone gets a ribbon)  That part was awesome.  I was not pleased with the rest of the day.  The gym was uncomfortably warm, Spencer didn't begin to misbehave until I got there, the 'pal' assigned to Spence didn't speak to him for 2 hours and then expected Spence to go with him.  In the kid's defense, it was suggested that perhaps when parents are present, the 'pals' are somewhat intimidated.  Okay, I can see that.  

That was Wednesday.  On Thursday, I had my last IEP meeting in Georgia.  It was the most positive experience I have had during an IEP.  I did inform them that Spence would be leaving during the Christmas holidays.  I feel bittersweet about this.  Granted, it is time to go home.  I will miss the wonderful people that we have encountered here.  But, I miss my family more.  We (Spence & I) have operated in a bubble, and we need to get back to reality.  I have been so pleased with Spencer's progress thus far.  If you know anyone whose child is affected by autism, ADHD or other neurological disorders, it is worth it to look into the Brain Balance program.  I feel especially grateful to Lori C. who brought this program to my attention.  Our lives have been changed for the better due to this program.  While it was just for Spencer, as a family we have benefitted from it.  

Over the weekend (Thursday afternoon until Sunday morning), my parents came for their last visit to Peachtree City.  Spencer was happy to see them, and we had a wonderful time.  I packed some items so my parents could take them back.  Yep, it is finally sinking in that we are leaving.  As I look around, I see all of the items that need to go home, and all of the items that I need to sell before leaving.  Then I grab the paper bag to breathe into!!  Seriously, it is enough to give me a panic attack.  Trying to do all of that plus continue with everything that I'm already doing and I wonder when my clone is arriving. 

I'm going to finish listening to the Saints - Falcons game.  (Why yes, I do have my priorities straight!!)

I'm baaaack!!

Back to the reason for starting this blog in the first place- SPENCER!  Just got his evaluation from Brain Balance yesterday and his progress continues to amaze me.

There is quite a noticeable change in him overall.  He is calm.  Without medication.  THIS ALONE IS HUGE!!!  He has been off ADHD meds since April and continues to thrive without them.  This change has been noticed by everyone.  We make regular trips to the grocery store, like other people! Two years ago I never would have thought this possible.  If I seem to be rambling, I am.  I am trying to commit everything to the blog before I forget it.  This week will be an especially busy one for both of us.  

Monday- Brain Balance evaluation (I'll get more into that soon, I promise!)

Wednesday- Special Olympics- basketball

Thursday- IEP (morning) My parents arrive for the weekend (afternoon)

I will try to get blogging about the results of the Special Olympics and IEP meeting.  For those of you who unaware, an IEP is an individualized education plan developed between the school and the parent to create goals for the school year.  Recently, Spencer was evaluated by the county psychologist so we are going to discuss those results.  To be honest- I hate all of those checklists they make you fill out.  By the time you are done, your head is spinning and you are unsure of your name.  The one for the psychologist was by far the worst.  It was apparently for all school aged children and included some foolish questions regarding operating a motor vehicle.  Yeah, he's 6, I let him drive all the time.  I thought about answering 'yes' just to see if they were paying attention.  Then I figured that they probably wouldn't appreciate my sick sense of humor and would hold it against the little guy.

Drum roll, please.... Yes, now I will share the results of Spencer's testing.  He is doing some exercises that he was refusing to do at the beginning of the session in September.  He has moved into Brain Balance levels in 4 of the 6 Sensory Motor exercises.  This is great.  Brain Balance level 4 is equal to a 6 year old level and he is operating at BB level 5 in the Balance Beam and BB level 6 in Fine Motor.  He has also increased his core stability (yes, my 6 year old has a 6 pack while Mommy is carrying around a 2 liter!)

Here are the comments:

Sensory Motor Room

Spencer has been making gains with his core and is really giving effort on it.  For his OPK, he places his finger on the computer screen and his eyes are moving.  Frogger has been a wonderful reinforcer in the room, as he really enjoys jumping on the pad.  His cerebellum is gaining strength through both legs moving.  We continue to work on his upper body strength as well as vestibular system, spatial orientation, movement and sense of balance.  Where Spencer used to roll around the mat, he now is staying in one place.  Likewise throughout the room.  Excited to see these gains and look forward to many more!!

Cognitive Room

Spencer has been working so hard for the past month.  Certain activities he avoided in the past, he is beginning to enjoy such as out otolithic work.  He is sitting with me and being engaged during our Felt math song - he replaces the felt pieces on the felt board when asked.  He can put some word cards on pictures although he is not yet consistent in that.  I do stay right with him during our sessions but he is no longer rolling around the room.  I expect to see more positive changes!  Keep working Mom!

We have one more month of Brain Balance here and then we are heading home.  We've been gone since December 27th of last year, so it is time to pack it up here and get on with our life.  But don't think the changes are going to stop.  No way.  He will continue to change and grow.  I will continue to blog as much as I can.  Time for dinner...

Beauty Banter- Product Reviews

Some of you will not be interested in this blog at all. That is okay with me.  In fact, this entry has taken me so long to do, that I am not sure that I will do another one like this for a while.  However, I do know that quite a few of you are in the same boat- looking for non toxic alternatives without the benefit of realistic reviews. Please note, the opinions expressed herein are completely my own and based upon my own unique experiences.  

I have been using myself as a human guinea pig.  After I noticed that I was running out of makeup, I decided to replace my old stuff with something less toxic.  The stuff I was using had a lovely name like Healthy Complexion (it was by Smashbox).  Although EWG did not have my specific base listed, pretty much all of Smashbox’s foundations were in the severe range. (high toxicity) Ugh!  So then I thought I would go back to Bare Minerals.  What is their slogan, “makeup so pure you can sleep in it.” Well, ALL of their mineral powder foundations scored a 7 (out of 10, with 0 being very low risk and 10 being Yikes!)  Interesting enough, their mineral veil without spf was somewhere around a 3, while the one with an spf was at 7.  Strike one.  (or is that 2?) So, that was my mission.  I mean there has to be something decent out there!!

A few days later, the Pure Pantry posted about a completely non-toxic line called Ava Anderson non-toxic.  I looked on the website and thought I would give it a try.  I was a little disappointed that they had only two colors- light and medium and they made NO eye makeup.  But, I bought the foundation, blush and a mascara to try.  While waiting for my order, I was contacted by the consultant that had been assigned to me.  I wanted to LOVE this makeup.  I hated it.  First of all, I looked worse with it on than I do without any makeup on at all.  It didn’t even out my skintone or anything.  The blush only came in one color called pretty pink.  Um, mine was more like shocking fuchsia.  Not attractive.  But the worst part was when my face started itching. All over.  So, I contacted my consultant and let her know what I thought of it.  She has yet to contact me. There was no indication of how to return a product or even what their policy was.  Since it is a consultant operation (like Mary Kay) I think you need to go through the consultant to return, but since they get commissions on sales... **UPDATE: the consultant did send me an email.  To let me know about an upcoming sale.  I’ll get right on that!

Next up, 100% pure cosmetics and skincare.  One plus was that they had eye makeup as well as different formulations of foundation, etc.  Their products are naturally pigmented with the extracts of fruit.  Sounded interesting.  I got smart this time.  First of all, broadcast in large print is their 30 day money back guarantee.  I like that.  I called the company to ask a few questions.  They were incredibly helpful, both with picking out the right color for foundation and the right skincare.  I have been using this for the past two weeks.  I LOVE IT!!  I have since found the skincare (not the cosmetics) available at my local Fresh Market.  I am using the Purity (for acne prone skin), the caffeine eye cream, resveratrol night cream.  With the exception of concealer (they were out of the color I needed), EVERYTHING I put on my face is now from this company.  I waited to see if the ‘honeymoon’ period would wear off and it hasn’t.  Unfortunately, EWG has not done a lot of review on the 100% pure line, but they did review the mascara.  It got a 2.  That is almost unheard of.  Best part, the stuff rocks.  Seriously.  I have horrible lashes and am constantly on the lookout for something.  Here is all the mascara I have bought in the last 3 months.

So glad, I got one thing covered!  

On to hair…

I heard through research of various organic living websites that Aubrey Organics brand was supposed to be really good.  I got the replenishing for dry, frizzy hair.  I was not impressed.  So, back to the drawing board.

I have my hubby doing some product research as well.   If you know of any good products for kids (or adults!) put them in the comments section, as I am still searching for something for my boys.

I'll get back to Spencer updates as soon as I recover from this blog!!

All tricks, no treats?

Well, here we go. I don't usually a get on my soapbox, but I'm going to now. Since being here at Brain Balance, I have learned a lot about healthy living. First of all, those of you who know me would never describe me as 'granola'. I am a makeup wearing, hair fixing, dressed up little Southern girl. (Add in there- more than little computer literate.) So, when I was told that organic fruits and vegetables were the way to go, I went to my trusted computer for answers. What I found out shocked and dismayed me. There are so many chemicals in our food these days. To paraphrase a friend of mine. "our grandparents didn't eat organic. They just called it food." While science is great and wonderful, our food these days owes more to the lab than to the farmer. I found a wonderful website for the Environmental Working Group. Check it out.

Seriously, if you can't pronounce it, how do you know what it is and what it will do to your body. So, while we are being VERY careful about what we put in our bodies, that's not enough. Everything you put on the outside of your body is also absorbed into your system. EWG also has a cosmetic database. I challenge you to grab your makeup, shaving cream, body wash, shampoo, etc. and check it out. The lower the number, the better. I was horrified to find that my foundation scored at a 7 (out of 10). Yikes. Then I got angry. I noticed that the 2007 formulation of the same product was rated at a 3. Say what? Seems the company decided to change the formula and in doing so (without informing the consumer, I might add) it became toxic. Oh, and don't believe any information on the front of the bottle. Look at the ingredients and beware of vague phrases such as "quality control ingredients". Be suspicious. Take for example the brand Organix. You might think it would be a good product to use. Not so. There is not one organic ingredient in the shampoo that I looked at. (The one for straight hair, sorry I forgot the name- but it is in a brown bottle.)

You can choose to believe me or not. The message I really want to get across is this: Do your homework. The information is out there. Arm yourself with knowledge and make fully informed decisions. I, for one, have thrown out quite a few makeup products and no longer make impulse buys at the grocery or for makeup (Sephora will be VERY unhappy to learn this!!). I do a lot more planning. As for the organic eating, I do feel better knowing that we are eating fruit and veggies as nature intended and not full of pesticides. (By the way, there is a report called the 'clean 15' that lists 15 produce items that are okay to buy non-organic since they are farmed with minimum use of pesticides.)

Done preaching. Go forth and Google!!


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Time to play catch up

I write these incredible blog posts. Full of pathos, emotion, bordering on literary genius. Really. Now, those of you who follow my blog are now wondering why you haven't read any of my coherent prose. There is a simple explanation for that. Seems the process of removing the blog from the recesses of my mind and transferring to the written word reduces my cohesive essay to a "stream of conscious" ramble. Perhaps I am missing a neural pathway, or two. ;)

Anyhow, on with my ramblings:

- Spence got a couple of stars last week at Brain Balance. The first was for doing an excellent job on his sit ups (yes, my six year old has a six pack!) and the second was for following directions really well.
- Spence got a chance to display some empathy. He scratched Michelle at Brain Balance (not a proud moment), but instead of running away, he stared in horror at the marks he had made on her arm, even going so far as to say, "eww". He seemed genuinely upset that he had hurt her.
- The same day as the above incident, Spencer had a mad day at school. This was impressive because, in the past, he would take his anger out physically on others. But, not on this day. He was mad, but found a way to express it without doing anyone bodily harm! Progress.
- My parents were in town last weekend. They got to hear Spencer laugh a real way down deep laugh. He saw something he found funny on his tv show and was laughing so hard he made himself hiccup. There is just something about that child's laugh that makes us all just laugh, as well.
- While my parents were in town, we did have a golf cart adventure. Spencer showed off his navigational skills and took us to Kroger, where he proceeded to guide them around the organic and natural foods aisles. On the way back, I pulled over off of the path to dispose of some trash. When I was trying to return to the path, one of the rear tires came off the rim. Whoops! We decided that my dad would walk back to the apartment, retrieve the car, and meet us up ahead on the road. I must say Spencer was extremely patient while waiting. He did act like a typical six year old, though. He was whining and wanting to walk back. Much better than he would have reacted just a couple of months ago. There was no blown out of proportion tantrum, just a little whining (I can so deal with that!)

I really do need to get better about blogging. In the book I'm readin right now, the main character has driven from Phoenix to L.A., been accused of two murders, been questioned at length by the police and her attorney and still managed to blog more than I have! Maybe that is why it is called "fiction".
Good day all!
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