Schedules!

We've been totally out of routine lately! Between 'Busco's parent/teacher and ours, let's just say, Jackson hasn't known which way is up! He's actually adjusted amazingly well and just had one major meltdown...when he did, I was surprised to realize how long it had been since he'd had a full blown meltdown.

I'm ready for the break and hoping he adjusts...
We'll trick or treat tomorrow night....

Trick or Treat at School

We just returned from the safe trick or treat at school.
I decided to go at the last minute when Cal came outside in his Power Ranger costume as I was raking leaves.
We didn't emphasize we'd be going to the "school". Jackson loves being Spiderman, so he put on his costume and walked up to school!
Lucky for us, we had friends closer to the front of the line and Jackson did great...I'm very proud of him. He actually remembered doing this in the past (we've only been one other time because of how much he HATES going back up to school) and wanted to "go this way". Asking to go to the main corridor of the school. That was cool too! :)

Great Photos!

Jackson is very difficult to photograph. We have many pics of him that just seem unnatural--almost pained. So, I hired a photographer to meet us at the local park and just get natural shots of both boys. Here are some of the best:

There are many more...but these are definitely my favorites!

Jackson Turns 11!

Here are photos from his skating party:

All the kids had a great time and I'm so glad we decided to go ahead and have his party at the skating rink. He really had fun skating and now Callahan has decided that he's going to have his party at the skating rink too!

This day was coming

Monday at recess there were some girls making fun of Jackson...
Actually they included the other autistic child in his class in the charade by having her say, "Jackson is my boyfriend", telling Jackson to hug her, asking Jackson to say, "I love ---". I guess this is typical kid stuff and really it didn't bother me a whole lot, largely because Jackson's guardian angel (and my little spy) Paige quickly told the recess teacher and it stopped.

These "mean girls" have been appropriately handled at the school (I think). But what makes me crazy mad is that now they're out for Paige! Honestly, for me that is even worse than what they did to Jackson.

Jackson doesn't "get" it. When they were making fun of him, it was funny to them, and they were laughing at his expense, but (Thank God) Jackson didn't understand or have his feelings hurt.

I'm really hoping this all just goes away and these girls cut the crap...time will tell.

Problem Solving

Just when I'm at my wits end with Jackson he manages to do something that surprises me and I marvel at his ability to cope...
We're getting ready to run out and pick up a pizza and I'm trying to get the boys out of the house....Jackson cannot find both his tennis shoes, so he took off his socks and put on a pair of sandals...Wow! It seems like such a small thing, but for him, it's BIG!

Tonight at the football game, friends of ours were commenting on how much more Jackson is talking and engaging others. I sometimes get lost in everyday life, and don't realize the strides he's making. Hearing others voice their observations of his gains somehow makes them real....

UGH!

Jackson really has not concept of time...he's not at all patient. It's something about him that gets on my last nerve. He just doesn't "get" it and it's a great cause for anxiety to him....