Lil Ball of Energy!

Summer is flying right by! I can't believe we are at the end of July already. So my step son is staying with us for a few weeks. LJ is on cloud 9. "Bubby" is his idol! Its adorable. What is NOT adorable is the excess amount of energy LJ seems to have. He is ALWAYS hyper, like he has a motor in his little butt that keeps him going. Hard to imagine he has been worse! I don't understand it. Every day we are swimming, then in the evening he is outside riding his bike, playing with the neighbor kiddos. Yesterday was the worst!!!! We were house bound due some funky weather (CLICK HERE for some pics around our area) Liam was NOT having it. He was off the wall. B-O-N-K-E-R-S!!!!!!! Its not as if there are a lack of things to do in our home. He has a TON of toys, none of which he plays with anymore. So my first diversion was some Dr. Dreadful fun.....

sippin' some zombie barf :P

Josie had to get in on the fun!

Zombie brains! Funny how other things make him gag, but not zombie brains, lol.

BUGS!!

So this diversion lasted all of 30 minutes, and we were back to off the wall insanity! B then distracted him with the Xbox. Another 30 minutes of quiet while I attempted to clean this hog hole. Then Liam decided it would be more fun to beat on his brother. UGH!!!!! I broke that up and got out his peanut. Maybe some input would calm him down??????

First I rolled it over him....

time for some bouncing...

He loves to bounce!!!

now its a "horsie!"

this is how he occupied himself afterwards. He sat and lined up shells :) (yes, my antique table needs a nice refinishing, its on hubs T.D. list :D)

So this gave me another 30 minutes peace. Afterward he also settled down. Praise the Lord!!!! He was calm the rest of the day until the storms came in. He handled that pretty well too, but was out of sorts last nite. He discovered two new stimming words. In the car last nite, it was "arrow" over, and over, and OVER again! Then before bed it was Galifinakis????? (From a  new movie) Apparently he likes the sound of that word, lol. I don't, not after 30 times!!!! Anyway, its Friday!!!!! Busy day and weekend ahead! Hope you all have a great one. 

<3<3<3<3

Note: For more info on the benefits of a peanut, check out Fun and Function.

Autism and a High Five to the Face!

 Let me start by saying that those of you who know me, or follow my facebook page A Legion for Liam know that for the most part, I am totally Pro Autism. I choose to see the positive side of our life, because I don't have time or energy to let it get me down. Also, Liam is mildly autistic, so it is with greater ease that I can see the positive side. HOWEVER, Autism certainly has a way of sneaking up on us and high fiving us in the faces.
 I have taken a mini break from my blog for the summer. Today I am back, with an autism vengeance! The summer has been going great so far. Less meltdowns, more socialization, LJ is trying new things, its been great, with only a few minor bumps in the road. Until recently. I have seen my son regress when it comes to ruminating. For those that may not know, (I didn't when I was first told the term, I had to look it up, lol) Ruminating is a constant reflection on something. To think it, and think it, and think it, and THINK IT!!! My lil guy is a ruminating king! Lately though, his ruminations are getting the best of him. Though I am usually always open about our life, I am choosing to keep the exact details of these ruminations to myself. Too many people are quick to judge and I don't want my handsome man judged for something he has no control over. I do believe I know the root of the ruminations, and hubs has called the therapy office to up LJ's mobile therapy hours. Hoping this can be fit into her busy schedule as they have this woman all over Timbuktu, I am surprised her head isn't spinning by the end of the day!
 I just wish I knew why Autism thrives on sneaking up on us all and ruining a good run?!?!? Why must my 6 year old be plagued with thoughts that are too much for an adult to handle, let alone a little man? Why him? Why us? I know I will never know, and letting it get me down is like letting it win. So KMA Autism! You will NOT get the best of my son or my family! We are Autism warriors, and be prepared for a fight!!!!!

Taking a stand against Autism and Ruminations!!

FOR THOSE LOOKING TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RUMINATION, HERE IS A LINK TO MY NOTE WITH INFO.

CLICK HERE

We are Ausome

Yesterday I finished my video. I am so thankful to all the families who shared with me pics of their ASD loved ones. Without them, this video would not have been possible. My goal now is to share, share, share the video, and spark some awareness for our kiddos <3

I have gotten replies from a few people that missed the pic deadline for this one. I will make another video, I am just not sure when I will do that. I will let everyone know though, in case they missed being in this one.

ENJOY <3<3<3<3

Warning: this video induces crying :)

Holy Heat Wave Batman!

 Wow! I know I complained all winter I couldn't wait for summer, but wow!!!!! It has been killer hot here. Unless we are swimming somewhere, we don't go outside until at least 6 pm. Liam and I both have asthma, and its so hard to breathe in this humid heat. I can't complain though, I will take this over a foot of snow any day!!!!

Just realized "outside" is missing the "e" lol

 Our week has been pretty good. The Fourth was fun. Liam did pretty well. He only took one sensory break in the car, and was able to return to sit on my lap for the fireworks. He spent more time hanging with adults, than playing with the kiddos, typical for Liam though. He is my old sole.

Liam taking his "break" in the car :)

"happy 4th of July, now leave me alone!"

 The school meeting was postponed. Liam has been ruminating alot regarding school. So much so that hubs called his Mobile Therapist yesterday and had her come out. She tried like hell to get him to open up. All he would say is, "I don't want to go to school! Too many people! Too loud, too stinky, I am done talking, thats it!" WELL!!!! She thinks we need to consider cyber charter school, as he may not be emotionally ready. I kinda figured that, but hubs really wants him mainstreamed. I understand, but I am not one to push.  So I guess I will start doing some research on cyber schools.
 Next week is our trip to CAR in Philly. Got a massive amount of paperwork in the mail yesterday. I have to fill out the VABS and BRIEF questionnaires before we go. UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so sick of paperwork, lol. Its for a good cause though. Not only will we be helping research into autism, genetics and social skills, but we will get all the info from the visit for our records. Complete with more recommendations for how to further help Liam. Win win to me!
 I also got an AUSOME email. Lisanne from Rockin' & Ridin' for Autism contacted me about purchasing some Autism paracord bracelets for their non profit group. I was stoked!!! She ordered 10! I have gotten a lot of requests for them as well. Hubs and I are looking into making a bunch, so we can sell them either on our facebook page, or maybe even start and Etsy account. This is great because after we pay for the supplies, the over head can be used to buy Liam therapy items. Another win win for us!
 Thats it, our week in a nutshell. Nothing impressive :) So without further ado, here are my Ryan's.

Can this be a spectator sport????

GAH!!! I belong BEHIND the camera Ryan, NOT in FRONT of it :D

Happy Friday everyone! Make it a great day and great weekend! Stay cool!!!!

<3<3<3<3

Opinions.....

 What a week here! Lj has been doing pretty good actually. He has his moments of rumination and small bouts of depression, but otherwise pretty good. He is swimming on his own, with the use of armies, but swimming all the same and we are so proud of him! This weekend we were to attend an overnite ASD camp, but after a few week of strong ruminations about the stay, I emailed them and declined. I feel bad, but I just couldn't put him through that any more, and he has been a lot happier knowing he didn't have to go.
 Earlier in the week I received a comment from someone on my personal page about my son. I posted that I was strong for not punching a PT for telling my son he was bad while he was having a meltdown and someone commented that "he is a brat, and his meltdowns are bullshit!" (sorry, for lack of a better word, I am quoting the comment).
 I went off. First of all, he is my son, and NO ONE talks about him like that except for myself and his father! Secondly, unless you know about Autism, and have seen a melt down first hand, how the hell do you know?!?! This person has witnessed my son in a store throwing a fit over not getting a toy. Yes, bad behavior, HOWEVER, this was the day my son fell into the street, screaming and crying over the noises, this person saw us right after that. Sooooo, when my post read that Liam had a meltdown that day, THATS what I was referring too.
 I know I have nothing to justify to this person. It just burns my ass to hear how someone who has NO idea what MY life is like, say things like that. It was also stated that I baby my son, shelter him, oh and I want attention. Well, I may baby him a bit, he is my only child. I would like to see someone have 7 miscarriages, and NOT baby the miracle they are finally given. As far as sheltering him, we live in a trailer park. Do you know how many kids he plays with on a daily basis? 3-4 on average, some days up to 7 or more. As far as me wanting attention, couldn't be further from the truth. My blog was started so I could vent without annoying the pants off my hubby. A Legion for Liam was started so I could educate others, share my story, and be a part of the best damn circle ever. The autism parents circle! (yeah we ROCK!!!)
 Though my guess is this person will never understand where they were wrong. And yes, I know everyone is entitled to their own opinions. After all, opinions are like assholes, everyone has got one. But like an asshole, they should be kept to yourself. Unless of course you are asked to share. By that, I meant the opinion :)
 The only other thing I have to say, is I hope Karma is not pissed by this person's actions. She has a way of sneaking up on someone and biting one in the ass when they least expect it. Karma is a b!tch!!!

I made this pic in honor of my week:

To liven this blog up, here is a video taken by a friend, of Liam doing his dance. I call it his happy dance :)

On that that note, here are my lovely Ryan's for the week. Enjoy!

Happy Friday to you all. May you all have a wonderful, drama free weekend! And make some time to do a Happy Dance ;)

<3<3<3<3

I'm flappy and you know it....

 Yesterday, LJ's buddy came over to play. For the first time, I saw my boy flap. His usual stims are spinning, chewing, and vocal. He was so excited his buddy came in to play, he was flapping all over the living room. It was cute, he looked like a lil duck or penguin.
 The older kids don't play with LJ much. He is a very in your face child. He is a non stop talker. He likes to dominate play and direct everyone on how he thinks they should play. He also has a great imagination, and it seems many kids lack this??? Now younger kids, he's great with them, and they love him. He is a bit emotionally immature for 6, but thats ok with me. I am in no hurry for my baby to grow up.
 So his buddy came in to play. It lasted about 30-45 minutes. LJ was a motormouth from Hell. He talked non stop, was in his friend's face, and just off the wall hyper. I wondered how long it would last. Not long, as usual. His friend said he would be back, but hubs and I knew better. Lj is catching on though. He only looked out the front door 3 times, before he said, "He's not coming back is he momma?" I told him no, and quickly diverted his attention with a jello sensory bin.
 Meltdown avoided, go momma!!!! I was very happy that "A" took the time to play with Lj as they have been buds since he was born (only 10 months apart) but "A" is maturing emotionally faster than my boy, so its hard for them to play together now. Being a special needs mom, we learn to find happiness in the little things. For its the little things, that make our days!

Digging in! This is LJ's favorite sensory bin!

Creepy crawlies!!!

LJ loved his blue green "hulk" hands :)

Well, its Friday! It wouldn't be Friday without some Special Need Ryan Gosling pics. Without further ado, here they are :) Enjoy!

Now, as we all know, the Special Needs Ryan Friday was Sunday's idea. She has been under the weather, as is her hubby, so she hasn't been able to take part. Please stop by her blog and show her some love, so she knows we are thinking of her! As for me, I made this Ryan, just for her!!!! <3

I love summer!!!! Swimming, cookouts, "schmaws" (smores in LJ speak) The best part, swimming tires my boy right out!!!

As always Ryan, you have the best ideas!!!!!!! 

Have a great weekend all. Stay cool and enjoy summer!

<3<3<3<3

Autistic Pride and Q & A

Yesterday (June 18th) was Autistic Pride Day. What a great day to celebrate! Too bad I was sick. I still explained to Liam what it was and he sported his Autism Hearts shirt in honor of the day. Good enough for now. Some days I have to take a day off from advocacy :) I did however make this pic for my facebook page:

For more info on Autistic Pride day, CLICK HERE

I am also very excited to report that after speaking with a wonderful woman named Margalit, and sharing with her some pics, and answering questions, she has posted my interview. Margalit is the admin of Autistic Globetrotting on Facebook. I had submitted a pic of Liam in a state park, and she emailed me and asked if I would like to participate in an interview. I was stoked!!!! Being of a low income, we have to be so careful of what we do for fun. Yet, we always make sure we have something to do. When Liam grows up, he may say, "we didn't have a lot of money when I was a kid..." but I do believe he will also say, "mom and dad always spent time with me, and we did fun things anyway." You don't have to be rich, or even well off to find fun things to do with your kiddos. Some of our best fun is free! To read more of my interview CLICK HERE