"Time to get packin'"

Before we went to Disney in the fall, we talked to Jax about it several times and for many weeks before we actually went. Each time, his response was, "no mickey mouses house". He did not want to go [yep, the old change in routine thing]. In the end, he loved being there and is just dying to go back. His way of communicating this to us isn't to say, "let's go back to mickey mouse's house" instead he'll say, "It's time to get packing".

Now, every time the four of us are up relatively early in the morning, Jack decides we must be getting ready to go "on the airplane". Today he's up early with the rest of us and goes into the toy room, gets out the suitcase and says, "Jackson's packing his suitcase" then, "It's time to get on the plane".

Ya know, it doesn't take much for me to want to go back, but this is especially motivating. ;) Maybe I'll pop over to the disney site and see what a short trip next sept. would run us...

Game Night

Last night we went over to some friends. They have 4 kids (Logan & Cal are good friends); and they're easy going and don't sweat the small stuff when it comes to Jackson...

Anyway, they invited us to their game night with a few other families. In all, there were 11 kids and 8 adults there. It was definitely hectic and a bit chaotic at times. Jackson really handled the situation well. When he was overwhelmed, he found a quiet spot. Overall, he did great and we all enjoyed the night as a family!

It's something that other families are able to take for granted, but for us, it's a big accomplishment!

The Novelty

of the television in the bedroom lasted one night....are you surprised?

Now, I'm stuck. Do I just say, forget it, you don't need a TV in your room? or do I suck it up and let them keep it to fall asleep to? Did I mention we moved the TV out of our bedroom, so now I don't have a TV to fall asleep to? UGH!

Sam's Club Buffet & Another I'll Never....

Dan took the kids to Sam's Club Saturday...an adventure to say the least. ;) He was excited that Jackson was really into sampling the foods there! It was great to have him trying some noodles with parsley and chicken! Again, it's encouraging to have him branching out from the known.

Years ago, I remember teaching with Betsy Gillis, one of the 'greats' I've worked with. She was someone I really looked up to. I also remember being disappointed to hear she'd allowed her own children at home to have TV's in their bedrooms; well, I'm ashamed to admit that I was shocked she'd allow her kids this luxury...I vowed I'd never allow my kids to have a TV in their bedroom. I felt it an unnecessary distraction.

[yes, this is me eating my words never say never!]

Guess who has a TV in his room tonight?

Yep, just in time for Cal's 5th birthday, we decided to remove the distraction from our bedroom hoping it would keep the boys in theres...we shall see. Jax was definately excited about it...I'm just worried that tomorrow he'll want me to move it back in my room...only time will tell.

Sight Words

Jackson is showing some progress here. He is able to identify 4/4 words correctly doing a coloring activity. "Color me yellow, now color zoo pink, color dad purple, color jump red". These words are visually diverse, tonight I think I'm going to throw mom into the mix and see if he can handle it. It's very encouraging!

Update on Arthur Live!

What a fabulous family date it was! Jackson really enjoyed the show and handled the transitions like a pro. He enjoyed the music, was enchanted with Arthur and gave me some play-by-play during the show:

"Sh Arthur is sleeping"
"Arthur is marching, march, march march"
"Wake up Arthur, Dance!"
"Arthur lost a tooth"
"Arthur is singing"

It was wonderful to go and enjoy this program like "normal".

Of course, the tickets cost us $65 and we spent another $50 on souveniers; but again it was well worth it. Jackson had a good time and it just felt right. It's another reminder of how far he's come; and it makes me proud!

Arthur Live!

Today is the day! Jackson has been waiting to see this show since November! So, wer'e off to Wabash to see Arthur live. I'm hoping he's able to enjoy it and doesn't meltdown when it's over!

Yesterday, he was all set to go. Didn't understand the concept of tomorrow. He has so much trouble with time. Even the calendar doesn't seem to help much. Especially when its something so anticipated. I'll edit this post to update....keeping my fingers crossed!

Jackson's Mom

I went to CVS to print one last photo for the Talent fair project...actually it was all done, but Jackson decided he didn't want the picture of just his cousin Taylor, but instead the photo with her holding one of his stuffed toys...(ugh!). Nevermind that the one we originally used was of much better quality (centered, focused, etc).

So, I'm just trying to get a photo printed and I say hello to another mom I know. (Her daughter is in Jackson's grade.) As she's leaving she causally says good-bye. They happened to park by me, so as I'm getting in the van, I hear her daughter comment, "that was Jackson's mom, wasn't it?"

That comment shouldn't cause me to think twice, but of course it did. The thing is, being Jackson's mom holds a completely different connotation than being Callahan's mom. Does that make sense?

Alas, the Talent Fair photography project is done!!!!

Brothers

Cal dressed up like Buzz Lightyear tonight. [We only have 20 different costumes to choose from]. He went to Jackson and said, "Jackson, go get dressed like Woody!" Jackson ignored him initially, but in his own time went to put on the Woody costume. Then the two of them had a grand time re-inacting scenes from the movie.

How does that mastercard commercial go?
Buzz Lightyear Costume: $30
Woody Costume: $15
A boy with autism playing Buzz & Woody with his little brother?: priceless

Through his eyes

Working on that talent fair project.
He chose his picture to 'edit'.
We cropped and changed the tone of his favorite picture of his toys.
It's hard for me to not "do" this for him. He's supposed to choose his favorite/best picture to edit and manipulate. He really enjoyed changing the hue of the photo.
When I consider the theme of this project:
"My community from my perspective"
he's following the theme pretty well. The picture is random; almost chaotic. Is that his view? Does it comfort him? I don't know the answer, but I know he loves the 8X10 of his toys! ;)

SNOW DAY!!!

It's snowing here (still)!
We're homebound and a bit stir crazy.
Jackson is just happy to have a 'free-day'
He and daddy made cookies this morning. I think his calling must have something to do with cooking...maybe there's a career for him in it....?
We're going to work some more on the talent fair project and having him sign his class Valentines. It's going to be a long, white weekend!