Summer painting... the clean way

Your very own paint with water color pages.

Draw a picture of the child's choosing using black permanent marker (or trace one if you don't trust your artistic abilities).

Have the children outline the edges with some washable magic markers and then use a paint brush dipped in water to pull the color into the rest of the image by starting at the edge and pulling the brush to the middle.

Easy, simple and clean.

And the kids were entertained for at least 1 hour.

And for my kids, that is really saying something.

The Return

When we were first approached about Scout Camp for Brother our initial answer was, "no way."

When your twelve year old son is mentally 8-9 years old it doesn't sound like a great idea to send him with 11 other 12-year-olds and two adults to a camp 4.5 hours away from home for 6 days.

We still had him participate in all the activities leading up to the Scout Camp knowing that it was just for his social interaction and learning and not for preparation to go.

Then I got "the call."

One of his leaders, Jon, called about 4 days before camp started to ask me to have a letter written to him to read on a special night at camp, a letter expressing our love and appreciation for him as our son. I was a little set back because I thought everyone knew that Brother wasn't going to Scout Camp.

As I began to explain this to Jon he expressed his disappointment because Brother is such a great influence on the boys. He went on to say that when Brother is around the boys are always on their best behavior and strive to be good examples to him. He also expressed how much joy he brought to the activities for him, as a leader. I laughed at his encouragement to have Brother go to camp because in the next breath he explained that he, himself, was not able to go to Scout Camp because of work. "Of course you are encouraging him to go, you won't be there to deal with the hard times," I smirked over the phone. But, all kidding aside, my heart was touched and the idea of Brother going to camp for a week was becoming an idea that I thought may actually not be so far off the mark.

For a few days I pondered over it, knowing that Marc had said "no" many times and I agreed with him until those last few days.

Then on the Sunday before camp I talked to the two leaders, Varden and Jim, who would be going to the Scout Camp. I shared with them my dilemma in wanting Brother to go but also being to scared to let him be so far away in case anything went wrong. They assured me that they would love to have Brother there and had actually set up a buddy system for him and the other boys in case he was to come. Varden continued to assure me, there in the hallway of the church, that Brother would be a welcomed addition to the campout and they would do what was needed for his sake.

I felt a nervous peace about him going.

I talked to Marc about it after church and after some emotional words and tears we decided it was the best thing for him to go to Scout Camp.

We let our neighbors know.

We let our facebook friends know.

And, with help, we informed many people here in our neighborhood about our family's new endeavor.

Everyone was praying for him.

We felt surrounded by so many people who love and care for Brother. It was such a welcomed and familiar feeling. Everyone was so anxiously awaiting any report we had about how he was doing.

Everywhere I went people would ask, "Have you heard anything?" "How is he doing?"

For the first 3 days all I could say was that we had heard nothing so all I could assume was that all was well because nothing had gone wrong enough for them to call home about.

Finally, on Wednesday night we got a report that he had refused to change out of his pajamas all day. That made me giggle because we deal with that everyday at home. I just pictured all these young boys going around in their tan, official, Scout uniforms and there is Brother in his over-used, too small, red pajamas. It gave both Marc and I a good chuckle, but it got even better when we heard that they had gone on a hike and Brother had made it to the top! Only thing was, he didn't want to come down. So, Varden carried him down the mountain. Now I know that Brother is a skinny fellow, but he is long and lanky and not the easiest to bring down a hill. Even, now when you ask Brother about being carried down the hill he giggles. I cried some happy tears at that report seeing just how much these leaders love my son.

The next day, Thursday, we heard that Brother wasn't doing so well and they weren't able to get him to any of the merit badge classes or really anything else for that matter. I was also told that he hadn't been eating very well. It also happened that day that another adult was going up to join the other two leaders at the camp. I had contacted him sent him with more apples, granola bars and some homemade popcorn in a empty corn flakes box. Although the news that Brother wasn't doing so well that day I felt peace in my heart that his popcorn would give him the strength to go on. So funny, but so true. I am amazed what a bowl of popcorn can do for this kid and I just knew that if he was missing home this would help him out.

After a bit of a worrisome night I received a report from another mom that Brother was doing much better that morning and we didn't need to worry about going to get him.

We felt so good knowing that he was going to be successful at staying at camp all week and felt good that we had allowed him the opportunity to stay.

My friend, Brittany, was so excited about Brother coming home that she came over to decorate his room in purple and green balloons and streamers while I worked on his "welcome home" sign. Sister, JJ and Juju worked hard on their own signs and pictures to hang all over his wall and door. We were giddy with excitement doing this for him even though we both knew it may not stay up very long because it may be overstimulating or that he would not even want to see us when he got home and would run straight into the house and hide. But, we wanted to take the risk that he would love it, so we continued on and got the finishing touches done just as he pulled up in the van Saturday afternoon.

I wasn't sure what kind of reaction we would get, if he would be embarrassed, upset or happy.

When he stepped out of the van he was so dirty from head to toe that when he smiled with delight about having his own welcome sign his teeth were gleaming. He ran and gave me a big hug informing me he missed me and as Marc approached from his work in the garage he ran and gave him a big hug too. Marc and I were melted. We were so happy to have him home safe and sound, in one piece and excited to see us.

He loved his room, but was confused as to why it was all decorated (smile). I explained that Brittany wanted him to be happy when he got home and know that he was missed. He shyly smiled, trying not to let me know that it meant a lot to him that Brittany and all the other neighbors missed him too.

After he was able to readjust to being home we were able to get a few tidbits from him on what his favorite parts were.

He made an imaginary friend with a bear he named "Cilia" in the forest that he often went to visit. A good source told me that he was safe because all the boys and leaders kept a good eye on him and went to get him when ever he paid Cilia a visit. At first I was concerned as to what everyone thought of that, but realized that it was good for him to have an out and for them to be able to understand him better.

His favorite merit badge class was Archery. His eyes light up when he tells us about it. He even showed me today the stance when shooting an arrow the right way. I have to admit, he looks pretty studly!

He also loved Indian Folklore and informed that his Weather teacher was a crazy lady. I couldn't get much more out of him about her... "she was just crazy" he said.

When you asked him what he ate he says Ramen and apples. Thank goodness they had Ramen there -- a staple for Brother. And he informed me how happy he was when he smelled the popcorn I sent mid-week. He also told me that he had taco soup. Did he like it? It depends on who asks. It must have been a love-hate relationship.

There was one sad thing he told us.

Someone in another camp called him a "moron." He talked a LOT about this matter the first night he was home. He was very upset. But we talked about people saying things they shouldn't and it didn't matter what he said or thought because his real friends were there for him. I was surprised that I wasn't more upset about it. I think I was just relieved that there was only one person there who could be so naive and insensitive. So, I guess, you could say I was grateful for only the single instance of someone's indiscretion.

On Sunday at church I had moms of the boys who went with Brother tell me how much they loved having Brother there with them and what a difference it made in their experience. His young men leaders let me know how happy he was all through class that day and the camaraderie between him and the other boys.

Marc and I were beaming with happiness and gratitude not only for the friends, neighbors and leaders here but for all the support elsewhere from our family and friends.

It is truly miraculous to watch one young man with a disability bring ability to an entire community. I am so happy to know that not only will all these people touch our lives but, that they will be touched by his life.

The return you receive in serving others cannot be measured, but is rewarding.

Know this, from one parent who receives daily service on behalf of her children,
I cannot express the gratitude we have in our hearts for all the angels in our lives.

Planking Fruit Leather

Do you remember the "planking" craze?

I never got into it.

Not because I didn't want to.

I just didn't think I was cool enough.

I know that the fad has kind of worn out.

But I was so excited when I burned the apricot fruit leather I worked so hard on.

I had to do something cool with it.

I mean, I was able to get the whole thing off in one piece.

Why not show it off, right?

Yep.

That's fruit.

A whole quart and a half of ground up apricots.

That I picked.

In the heat.

Ate one of it's earwigs.

And this is what I get for my efforts.

Planking fruit.

Awesome.

P.S. Brother comes home tomorrow. We have reports that he has been doing well, for the most part. He  wore his pajamas all day, had to be carried down from a hike because he refused to come down, and misses his popcorn, but he is doing great! I am excited to give you the full report.

I'm wigging out!

So it's just been one of those days... or really 3 days.

I know, I know, I have been so positive lately but, this morning was the last straw!

Let me 'splain. (In case you don't know what "'splain" means you should watch "The Princess Bride" more often--it means explain said in a strong spanish accent.)

I love apricots.

I love free things.

So when I get to pick free apricots I am a double winner.

Sometimes when picking fruit you have to really get into the tree, you know, not be afraid of the branches and laugh when the fruit falls on your head.

However I wasn't expecting and earwig to fall down my shirt.

I immediately did the get-the-earwig-out-of-my-shirt dance which included the bending-over-and-shake-it-out-of-the-bra boogie.

But, you know how it is, you still feel like the creepy-crawly is still doing the creepy, crawly thing in your shirt. Every time you feel anything even remotely crawly you freak out and think it must be the earwig that fell down your shirt that never got out. I was brave and ignored the "crawly" sensations assuming it was only the "wigging out" worry of the earwig still being in there.

Later that night when I was changing out of my clothes into my pajamas...

an earwig...

fell out of my shorts...

still wiggling.

Yep.

Those creepy crawlies that I was "imagining" were real.

Ew!

Oh, but it just gets better.

Yesterday I picked apricots again, but, this time, I wore a shirt that was practically a turtle neck. I was taking NO chances.

Success.

No earwig down my shirt.

This story continues, but not until I tell you about what happened when we went to get Snow Cones with Marc's family for Family Home Evening last night.

Brother is gone on his campout (he must be doing well because we haven't gotten a phone call yet) so Marc and I are confident that we can handle the two girls while getting snow cones with the family...

We get to the snow cone shack and immediately Baby is falling apart because she can't get the snow cone quick enough. Marc and I are taking turns trying to handle her and help her to not completely melt down while waiting for her snow cone to come.

Finally, she get's her snow cone and I was even so smart as to get the pina colada so she didn't get and bright stains all over her summer dress. I told Marc that I wanted Green Apple and Raspberry on mine and I took her to the table and sat her down to work on her snow cone.

The snow cone was piled high in her styrofoam cup, her seat was low and the table was high. The snow cone came about to her forehead so she was struggling with trying to get the snow into her mouth with the spoon. She wants to do things herself so I let her work on accomplishing eating the snow cone while I start into my delectable red and green snow cone.

One bite.

Then Baby cries because she just spilled her attempt of a spoon full.

I get a napkin, clean it off the table and then put some napkins down in front of her to catch any further spills.

Second, third and fourth bite.

Baby cries because she just can't seem to get the snow to her mouth.

So I set my snow cone down on the table and come to her aid.

I see that she is not figuring out that the snow cone is too high up for her to successfully get the snow to her mouth before it falls to its death on the pavement. I decide to pick her up out of her seat to prop her up higher so she can eat it more successfully.

Baby does not understand when you are trying to help her.

She's like an infant.

She thought that this was the end of her snow cone eating moment and she was NOT going to have that. So she wigs out and flails her legs, body and arms to squirm from my hands.

Of course she topples my red and green snow cone off of the table and onto her lap...

which ensues more wigging out because she just got 3 cups of wet, red and green snow dumped onto her legs and dress. (Good thing she got the pina colada.)

Her wigging out caused quite a scene as I am sure everyone thought I was torturing her. I tried everything I could think of to calm her and put her at ease all while knowing that my delectable snow cone was melted all over the concrete.

Finally, after about 15 minutes I was able to get Baby calm enough to let me feed her her snow cone while she sat in the safety of the suburban.

I was physically and emotionally exhausted.

To help with my emotions I edited some of my photos I had taken because I really enjoy that.

Finally when I was ready to go to bed I brought my water cup full of ice still, set it on the table next to my big box of free apricots and trotted off to bed.

Sister woke me up this morning, excited for the day to begin. I was still so groggy but prodded through getting her set for the morning so I could lay back down in bed.

I figured since I was up I would take my thyroid medicine.

I grabbed my water cup that was now full of melted ice from last night.

Popped in my pill and chugged down some warm-ish water.

You know that moment at the end of your drink when you close your mouth over the straw so the water doesn't squirt out at you... well, it was then that I felt something not watery slide down my tongue and down my throat.

I am pretty darn sure it was an earwig.

Yep, remember, I set my cup by the box of apricots?

Earwigs crawl.

Yep, I am pretty sure I swallowed an earwig this morning.
(It reminds me of this scene from another favorite movie)

And all during this post I swear it is crawling down there.

I just hope it doesn't come out in my shorts...

If you want to read an old post that this one reminds me a lot of go here.
Really you should read it, it's funny...

He Can Do Hard Things

I have to admit that I am astounded at all the things that Brother has been able to do lately.

Not anything most people might be astounded over, but, to me, nonetheless, astounding.

All the things that I was told he wouldn't be able to do when we first got his diagnosis devastated me.

All my hopes and dreams for our son were dashed into pieces when we were told he was mentally impaired because of Fragile X Syndrome.

He has surprised us with each hill he has climbed and every wall he has broken through.

I remember when he wanted to ride his bike with the other neighborhood kids. He was the only 7-year-old with training wheels but, he didn't even seem to notice or care, he was just happy to have people riding along side him. Now I watch him ride off with his dad on his beach cruiser bike all the way up the canyon trail to the water fall. It wasn't until last year that I had learned that many children with Fragile X aren't able to ride 2-wheeled bikes because of inner ear issues causing balance struggle and low muscle tone affecting their ability to pedal long distances. So doing what he does on his bike is astounding.

He gets overwhelmed by outside stimuli so much so that he falls apart at the seams. Miraculously he has, over time, realized that he can remove himself from the overstimulating situation by singing, covering his ears for a bit, taking some alone time or even just covering his head with his blanket or jacket. He has learned to help himself.

Astounding.

I watch him struggle with the anxiety inside his mind when he really wants to do something.

It breaks my heart to see his desire to accomplish something or to participate in something but his anxiety takes hold of him and he denies himself the activity.

It breaks my heart to see his anxiety peak when we, as his parents, help him fight through the anxiety to get to the point of participating in the activity he really wants to do but, his anxiety fights him on.

Sometimes it becomes a physical tribulation as I carry his fighting body to accomplish a task yet knowing that his spirit is so willing.

It becomes so physically, emotionally and spiritually draining to be his parent.

Just the decision to send him to Scout Camp for a week brought on emotional turmoil for Marc and I as we tried to decide if we could trust others with the care of our son. And would Brother be able to work through his fears and anxiety without us. Would the leaders remember his meds and give them appropriately? Would they know when he needs to be pushed and when he just needs some time. Would they understand his need for love and attention without eye contact or receptive attention?

We made a last minute decision to let Brother go to Scout Camp this week.

We feel that it is a great privilege for people to learn from Brother.

We also feel that it is a privilege for Brother to learn from all the boys his age. Twelve of them, including himself, will be with their leaders for 5 nights.

Brother learns from example, so I pray they are great examples.

His sweet friend, M, ate dinner with our family yesterday and she was informing him that she was also going this week to girls' camp and asked what he was doing this week and he informed her, "Scout Camp." She then asked if he was excited and he said, "Oh yes!"

Then when we informed our neighbors his friends, Ali, Nee and Pepe came to tell him "goodbye" and "good luck." Even though he ran from them at first he was able to come back out with his blanket over his head to talk to them and let them know that he was excited.

Their mom, Amanda, sent me a text later that evening to let me know that Ali had included Brother in their family prayer.

I haven't cried, yet, about him leaving for a week.

I might.

But, right now I am just so incredibly proud that this morning at 6am he rose with a smile on his face so excited for Scout Camp with his friends. Marc dropped him off with his backpack bigger than him, his bag of apples, granola bars, lemonade and sweet tarts and said he was happy as could be about hanging out with his friends for a week.

Now we'll see if all goes well.

Oh, did I mention that the Scout Camp is 4 1/2 hours drive from our house?

Ya, he can do hard things.

So can I.

Fourth of July PIctures Part 2

Ya, I know it's blurry... but Daniel's look was totally priceless...

The infamous chicken. This one laid some firecrackers!

I had to laugh when I caught Berry sticking her tongue out at Jeremy for teasing her about the fireworks...so did he.

Berry was a "little" scared of the sparklers but Sister wanted to make sure she got over her fears.

Good thing Daniel came all the way out from Florida to run our neighborhood fireworks show.
(Marc was on call and got called out just before we started the party.)

Aw, mom and dad sharing their flame.

The only one I got of Brother with his sparkler.

Popo was having a good time and I just couldn't resist taking his pictures.
I love the smoke in this last one. It looks like he is holding a pair of masquerade spectacles.

My mom got a little excited about the crowd and the fireworks... this is her happy dance.

I am still learning photography and was having fun experimenting with the fireworks.

Hope you had as great of a Holiday as I did!

Fourth of July Pictures Part 1

Tynelle's family joined us for our Independence Day Celebration this year.

First there was socializing and singing in the back yard.

Popo was singing "I Got A Quarter" with Grandma Judy. It was a highlight of the evening.

Lil Man was tapping out the beat with his Grandma Beth

Tynelle's brothers (and a girlfriend) enjoying the treats