This weekend will be a big weekend for us, MAC is turning 13 Sunday and on Monday Hubby will be turning 41 on Monday. MAC got a ferret as an early birthday gift so we'll be doing a small family party, she did get to choose an awesome cake from Cake Love and Hubby has ordered some cup cakes for his friends at work.
My parents are coming up to be able to spend their birthdays with them. Tomorrow MAC has IOP and we have a family meeting with the talk therapist so we'll miss seeing them. MAC will get to spend some time with them on Saturday since they wanted to take her to see the cherry blossoms in Washington, DC. MAC has a "gig" at the Navy Stadium in Annapolis on her birthday morning and thinks it's great because it means she also gets to miss church services. I'm a little worried because the weather man is not calling for very nice weather!
I can hardly believe that MAC will be 13! I know it sounds trite but some days it really does seem like we just brought her home from the hospital and she should be an infant. (Then there are the other days where she acts like a law student and picks apart every sentence you just said to her.) Happy Birthday to the two most important people in my life!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Week 9
I know that I'm spoiled and tonight I have realized that dinner to me means a hot meal. Tonight we had wraps, chips, and a fruit salad. While it was good, and the best part was that all we had to do was clean up our empty dishes, here I am at 9:40 wanting something hot.
Tonight's family activity was for MAC to write a contract stating that she would not use drugs or alcohol. Hubby and I as her parents were asked to write a letter to her explaining why we don't want her to drink or use illegal drugs. I was very proud of how quickly she was able to write up her contact. In it she explained very directly why she would NEVER use drugs or try alcohol.
The break out sessions were about how to work your way through a problem. The parents discussed using direct language ("Please pick your clothes up off the floor and make your bed" instead of "clean up your room"). The kids had a true life discussion about bullying and decision making as one of the kids had had a run in with a group that had tried to beat them up.
The final family session was showing the leaders our contracts, letters, and trying to walk a straight line wearing "beer goggles". MAC was able to walk a surprisingly straight line although she looked down a lot. There was a lot of laughing as all of the teens tried them on.
Tonight's family activity was for MAC to write a contract stating that she would not use drugs or alcohol. Hubby and I as her parents were asked to write a letter to her explaining why we don't want her to drink or use illegal drugs. I was very proud of how quickly she was able to write up her contact. In it she explained very directly why she would NEVER use drugs or try alcohol.
The break out sessions were about how to work your way through a problem. The parents discussed using direct language ("Please pick your clothes up off the floor and make your bed" instead of "clean up your room"). The kids had a true life discussion about bullying and decision making as one of the kids had had a run in with a group that had tried to beat them up.
The final family session was showing the leaders our contracts, letters, and trying to walk a straight line wearing "beer goggles". MAC was able to walk a surprisingly straight line although she looked down a lot. There was a lot of laughing as all of the teens tried them on.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Chorus
Yesterday was the Middle School chorus festival. The all Bates Chorus was the first to go after the judges' lunch. They were very good.
Another chorus went after them and then the PVA Chorus went. I know that I am biased but I think they did an excellent job! The issues happened while we were listening to the next two chorus'. They weren't MAC's issues either I am glad to say.
The chorus after the PVA had two soloists. I was a little surprised at the lack of volume from such a large chorus. One of the soloists was very good and the second one no one could hear. I felt bad for him since he could barely reach the microphone. There was a lot of chit chat among the Bates chorus and a little laughter. At least they did clap at the end of each song.
The second chorus was smaller but their director had them doing very difficult pieces. They had trouble finishing the warm up. There was a lot more laughter this time. There was much less applause for them. I am proud to say that MAC was not one of the ones who laughed, and she made it a point to clap at the end of each song.
I told her how proud I was of her and she said, "It's the right thing to do they tried their best".
Another chorus went after them and then the PVA Chorus went. I know that I am biased but I think they did an excellent job! The issues happened while we were listening to the next two chorus'. They weren't MAC's issues either I am glad to say.
The chorus after the PVA had two soloists. I was a little surprised at the lack of volume from such a large chorus. One of the soloists was very good and the second one no one could hear. I felt bad for him since he could barely reach the microphone. There was a lot of chit chat among the Bates chorus and a little laughter. At least they did clap at the end of each song.
The second chorus was smaller but their director had them doing very difficult pieces. They had trouble finishing the warm up. There was a lot more laughter this time. There was much less applause for them. I am proud to say that MAC was not one of the ones who laughed, and she made it a point to clap at the end of each song.
I told her how proud I was of her and she said, "It's the right thing to do they tried their best".
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Out of the Comfort Zone
Today was a visit to a place called Terrapin Adventures. It is an outdoor adventure center in Savage Mill, Maryland. We went with the Girl Scout Troop. We have decided to disband the troop at the end of the year so we are spending the cookie money that was earned this year. Terrapin Adventures had a Girl Scout day today and we were lucky enough to be able to get spots in the 9:30am tour.
Yes, it was as fun as it sounds! We had some really fun guides: Byron, Steve, Chas, and Sally (the only girl with all the boys). Sally was our main guide and she had us dancing, and singing which totally embarrassed MAC when I did it. It was 3 hours of being outside, being on a zip line, swinging from a 45 ft. giant swing, trying to scale the tower in any number of ways, and challenging the "challenge course".
We got really lucky that the snow they called for last night only arrived in a small amount and that the sun came out this morning as we were leaving the house at 8:30am. We were planning on going whether there was snow on the ground or not, it just made it easier to do the tour without snow. Steve told me that they run the tour rain, shine, sleet, or snow and last February when we got 6 feet of snow on the ground they did have a hearty group doing the course.
MAC had a blast and even made a new friend. The Zip line was really fun and she wasn't so sure that she wanted to get up and try the challenge course but after talking about it and seeing her friend do it she went up. Even with an untied shoe she was able to make it around level one. The most fun the girls had all day was on the swing. They all wanted to do it multiple times and because we had such a small group (7 girls and 4 adults) we were able to try everything at least once and some of the things 2 or 3 times.
Yes we did try the rock climbing wall (which I have always wanted to try) and we tried the rope climb (it looks a lot easier when Johnny Depp does it in Pirates of the Caribbean) but all I can say is "thank goodness someone was there to belay me!"
Today was totally outside the comfort zone and we had a blast!
If you want to check out the site please visit: http://www.terrapinadventures.com/
Yes, it was as fun as it sounds! We had some really fun guides: Byron, Steve, Chas, and Sally (the only girl with all the boys). Sally was our main guide and she had us dancing, and singing which totally embarrassed MAC when I did it. It was 3 hours of being outside, being on a zip line, swinging from a 45 ft. giant swing, trying to scale the tower in any number of ways, and challenging the "challenge course".
We got really lucky that the snow they called for last night only arrived in a small amount and that the sun came out this morning as we were leaving the house at 8:30am. We were planning on going whether there was snow on the ground or not, it just made it easier to do the tour without snow. Steve told me that they run the tour rain, shine, sleet, or snow and last February when we got 6 feet of snow on the ground they did have a hearty group doing the course.
MAC had a blast and even made a new friend. The Zip line was really fun and she wasn't so sure that she wanted to get up and try the challenge course but after talking about it and seeing her friend do it she went up. Even with an untied shoe she was able to make it around level one. The most fun the girls had all day was on the swing. They all wanted to do it multiple times and because we had such a small group (7 girls and 4 adults) we were able to try everything at least once and some of the things 2 or 3 times.
Yes we did try the rock climbing wall (which I have always wanted to try) and we tried the rope climb (it looks a lot easier when Johnny Depp does it in Pirates of the Caribbean) but all I can say is "thank goodness someone was there to belay me!"
Today was totally outside the comfort zone and we had a blast!
If you want to check out the site please visit: http://www.terrapinadventures.com/
Saturday, March 26, 2011
One Good Thing
We had our 3rd family meeting today. Friday's are really hard to do these days because of the IOP. We usually start our meetings off with one good thing that happened over the week. By the time we had our meeting today we forgot about this part.
We did go over what has been planned for the week and what is expected as we come to the close of the third marking period.
I have to say I was duly impressed by how she reacted today when all 130 students were in the auditorium and they kept moving them closer to each other. She did not complain, nor did she start yelling which has happened in the past when she was touched by another student. She was right up front and seemed to really enjoy the play. She did say that it was a little hard to understand because there was no talking. I can understand how it might have been an issue for her because she had no start point to reference. The dancing and the way the dancers changed characters was wonderful.
There was a lot of color and a whole lot of movement which is apparently why she really liked it.
We did go over what has been planned for the week and what is expected as we come to the close of the third marking period.
I have to say I was duly impressed by how she reacted today when all 130 students were in the auditorium and they kept moving them closer to each other. She did not complain, nor did she start yelling which has happened in the past when she was touched by another student. She was right up front and seemed to really enjoy the play. She did say that it was a little hard to understand because there was no talking. I can understand how it might have been an issue for her because she had no start point to reference. The dancing and the way the dancers changed characters was wonderful.
There was a lot of color and a whole lot of movement which is apparently why she really liked it.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Just like...
I have been reading a book called "Animals in Translation". I started reading it because I thought it might give some insight into why MAC acts the way she does. It helps to explain how autistic people see the world and why sometimes watching animals can give us insight into ourselves.
I downloaded it to the Nook and have been reading it but asked Hubby to start reading it too. After reading the first several pages he said, "Wow it's just like me!" I am hoping that he will continue reading it and may find some ways to help himself and MAC too.
Tomorrow is a PVA Plus day. MAC and I will be going to see the Magic Paintbrush. She said that she really wanted to go and even though she had written a paper and did not have to go tomorrow she wanted to. They usually have something they need to look for or draw to turn in for a grade. It's just like being in school but hopefully a little more fun.
I downloaded it to the Nook and have been reading it but asked Hubby to start reading it too. After reading the first several pages he said, "Wow it's just like me!" I am hoping that he will continue reading it and may find some ways to help himself and MAC too.
Tomorrow is a PVA Plus day. MAC and I will be going to see the Magic Paintbrush. She said that she really wanted to go and even though she had written a paper and did not have to go tomorrow she wanted to. They usually have something they need to look for or draw to turn in for a grade. It's just like being in school but hopefully a little more fun.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Family Art Therapy
This was week two of Family Art Therapy. We had a much better week. There was some laughing and even some teasing with smiles.
Tonight's theme was to draw a garden and to put ourselves in the picture. I tried to paint a sun using the yellow paint but someone else had used it near the blue and it turned my sun green! We decided the garden must be on another planet and because we have been listening to "Little Shop of Horrors" for the last 3 weeks decided it was Audrey II's planet.
MAC made a path and drew herself sitting on a hill staring off into space. She also drew a fence and Hubby drew the three of us walking along the path. I on the other hand drew a rock garden with a waterfall. I drew myself at the top of the waterfall.
In the vein of "Little Shop of Horrors" Hubby drew a picture of Audrey II. When MAC discussed the picture for the group all she could talk about was how blood thirsty the plant was. We kept trying to move her on but she was fixated. I was glad that we were the second to the last group to go because it cut our time a little short! At least there was some discussion about the picture. We have not been scheduled for Family Art Therapy next week. She has been dropped to 3 days (no Wednesday or Thursday). That's progress right?
Tonight's theme was to draw a garden and to put ourselves in the picture. I tried to paint a sun using the yellow paint but someone else had used it near the blue and it turned my sun green! We decided the garden must be on another planet and because we have been listening to "Little Shop of Horrors" for the last 3 weeks decided it was Audrey II's planet.
MAC made a path and drew herself sitting on a hill staring off into space. She also drew a fence and Hubby drew the three of us walking along the path. I on the other hand drew a rock garden with a waterfall. I drew myself at the top of the waterfall.
In the vein of "Little Shop of Horrors" Hubby drew a picture of Audrey II. When MAC discussed the picture for the group all she could talk about was how blood thirsty the plant was. We kept trying to move her on but she was fixated. I was glad that we were the second to the last group to go because it cut our time a little short! At least there was some discussion about the picture. We have not been scheduled for Family Art Therapy next week. She has been dropped to 3 days (no Wednesday or Thursday). That's progress right?
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