ASD= A Serious Downer or Autism Spectrum Disorder

It is all in the attitude. When you hear that your precious little gift from God isn't perfect, like you think he is, there are a gamut of emotions that pour down on you. At first you have relief because you're not crazy. You're validated that you as a mom know when something is wrong with your kid. Doctors, schools, psychiatrists, psychologists, and the like can give you an idea but they don't really know either. How much time do they really spend with your child? I have carried this life for 9 long months, I have watched him roll over, sit up, walk, and talk. I have worried when he was sick at night or his wheezing was worse than normal. I have read the books on different behaviours that have concerned me. What do they know? They know only what he is compared to every other typical child. I know who he is to me and to our family. I know who he is to God. So it's all in the attitude. Big K might be high functioning Autistic but he is special to God. He is sensitive, loving, and kind. As long as you do everything the way he wants and needs it to be done, you will be showered with hugs and kisses. If you don't do it his way then you might be told "do you see these teeth? Remember they are for biting...just reminding ya". However, when you pull him aside and you listen to his heart you know that it's just his junk masking how he feels. All he really means is, "I'm feeling frustrated and not listened to, don't you get angry when you feel that way?" I love him past all of his junk. I love him for who he is. I love him for who he will be or won't be. He is my son and nothing will take that away. 
   All my hopes and dreams for my Big K will come true. Sure it gets depressing when day in and day out I struggle with his attitude and defiance but sometimes I look at him and think I wonder if this is how God feels. Here I am and all my junk and he sees past it to my heart and loves me just as much anyway.

Psalm 139:14
 "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; you're works are wonderful, I know that full well."

{S}

May not send you to hell, but it will make you smell like you've been there!

So there is something I was not expecting when moving to Virginia.  I did not anticipate the amount of smoking. I knew people would smoke as they do in California. However, I didn't expect so many. In California because of the anti-smoking campaigns and the high cost of taxes on cigarettes I would say most people don't smoke.

 In Virginia it is completely different. Smoking is not for a particular type or people group. Smoking never used to bother me but I think California has changed my perspective. I have associated it with low class and low income people who do not care for their health or children. How judgmental I have become. I think the non smoking propaganda has worked on me. I am kind of disappointed in myself.  I thought I was resistant to such tactics.

Anyway, I know I will get use to the smoking again and I do enjoy the smell.  The kids just don't know how to handle it. Beware, when you visit I might be on the front porch with my pipe.Maybe it isn't horrible for your health if you just do it every once in a while. Always thought that would be a fun hobby...hmmmm!

Can you spare $2.25 a day?

Okay...so we're not really asking you to support our children. However, this is one thing I didn't expect when moving here to NOVA. The cost of FOOD is ridiculous. My gracious it is enough to make me need to get a job. I am so used to ur cheap prices in California. I am not overly sure why food is so much more expensive here. However, my theory is that it probably has to do with shipping costs. We aren't really near any majour routes for supplies so I am sure many of them are trucked here and that has to make for higher costs. We will survive this but man it is crazy!

Other news in our neck of the woods are the storms. Most everywhere has been declared a state of emergency. We will be getting another group of them the next few days. Praying that our power doesn't go out and we remain safe. Thankfully we live far enough out that they didn't affect us too much! However our Pastor's family/good friends lost all of their power so we hosted them at our house this weekend. It isn't just the power that is the issue it's the fact that the heat is almost unbearable. By 10 a.m. we are all indoors because it is sweltering outside. If you think of it please keep praying for the people in this area because so many are just not handling the lack of electricity well and it could be up to a week before all the power is back up and running.

Peace Out!

CA to VA....one letter change and about 2700 miles

As most of you know, we moved from the beautiful state of California to the even more beautiful state of Virginia. We live in NOVA which is an abbreviation for Northern Virginia.  I think we were all a bit apprehensive about the move. Of course, being without the husband for 5 months left me with an independent streak a mile wide. Thankfully the transition back together as a family hasn't been too rough.  The kids are adjusting well, as are the parents!

 Of course our Big E has already dominated the neighbourhood with her vibrant spirit, loving heart, and dare I say "ummm leadership" and formed a club called Kid Time Club.  (Please don't get her confused with Hitler, he had a mustache) Needless to say she has gotten together a group of 6 children and they meet on Mondays and Wednesdays at the local park.


  It is so nice to live in a neighbourhood where I feel safe to let the small short people go up to the park on their own. It is just around the corner and if I go out on the deck I can hear them and see them through the trees. It allows me to be able to get a few things done around the house. Little E has already been banned from going unless with an adult because she refuses to obey Big E. However, she is only 3 and she will catch up on maturity with time.

  Dane takes the Metro to and from work and really seems to enjoy it.  It is about an hour commute each way but it gives him some downtime before and after work and because he doesn't have to drive it is more relaxing than if he were to have to drive both ways and the commute would be longer probably. So we are managing with one car just fine and I am able to run errands as I need to and also hit our local farmer's markets.  We have several in the area. I found one man that sells his organic honey.  I have always had a firm opinion that honey tastes like bee spit and is DISGUSTING, however if I have to eat honey it would be from this guy!  Soooo YUMMY, for honey. 

  Well that is a semi brief update on our VA adventures for now but I will try to update more later. Enjoy a few pictures of the small short people at Frying Pan Farm. (Emmaleigh milked her first cow)