MERRY CHRISTMAS

MERRY CHRISTMAS

I'd like to take a moment to wish everyone a truly Happy Christmas Season.

I am grateful for the experiences I have had and people that I have met along my journey

this year.

Have a wonderful, safe, Holiday.

WANTING AUTISM ....

WANTING AUTISM...

If I can’t have what I want, let me want what I have.

During April - Autism Awareness Month let us all remember that....
Things turn out best for people 


who make the best out of the way things turn out.

"You'd Better Watch Out.... and Better Not Cry!...."

"You'd Better Watch Out.... and Better Not Cry!...."

Autism and Holidays...... 

I came across this website which I felt had some great points for parents, friends and family members of children on the spectrum.  

http://www.chantalsicile-kira.com/resources/siblings-of-a-child-with-autism/

Why the holidays are so difficult for families with autism and what can help.

Often parents in the autism community will joke that we become more religious during the holiday season: we pray our children will behave while we are visiting relatives, we pray they will show interest in their gifts (and not just the ribbon), we pray they will sit at the dinner table, we pray they won’t hit the relative who tries to kiss them, and above all – we pray that we will have the strength to politely ignore the judgements passed upon us and our ‘misbehaving’ children. Here are some areas of difficulties for children on the spectrum and their families during the holiday season, from my book, 41 Things to Know About Autism, published earlier in 2010:

The stores are full of noise, lights, lots of people, and winter holiday music that can create major overwhelm for those with sensory processing challenges.

• Social requirements such as relatives wanting a hug or a kiss that can fell painful.

• Holiday dinners where they are expected to try foods or sit for long periods of time with so many people and so much commotion.

• Many children are mesmerized by the colours and textures of the ribbon and wrapping paper and do not open the present but stim (get engrossed and play) with the wrapping

• The child does not understand personal space or have safety notions and so may run around the house or try to play with something breakable.

• Relatives may think that the child is misbehaving, and may try to discipline the child, not realizing that the child really can’t help it, and that discipline is not helpful when it comes to sensory overload and high anxiety.

• Parents have a difficult time because they know there are certain expectations of behaviour that relatives and friends have and that the child cannot for fill.

What can you do? With some preparation, planning and information sharing, the holidays can be less stressful and more enjoyable. Here are some tips on how to prepare your friends and relatives whom you will be visiting:

• Explain the difficulties your child has with the holiday dinner environment, decorations, noise etc.

• Let them know he is not just misbehaving, and that he is learning little by little to handle these situations

• Explain about dietary challenges so they don’t expect him to eat what everyone else is eating.

• Ask if there is a quiet room (child -proof in terms of décor) where your child can retreat for some quiet time to escape the commotion and noise.

• Send them a short but sweet letter or email ahead of time explaining why your child acts the way he does and the difficulties of the holidays form his point of view. They will have a better understanding of why she won’t wear a dress or he won’t wear a tie, and why as more and more people start arriving, he tries to escape the room.

To prepare your child:

• Make a social stories book about what will be happening and the behavioural expectations. If possible include photos of who he will be seeing, the house decorated during last year’s holiday season. If he is going to church, do the same for that environment.

• Play some of the music he may be hearing at this holiday season.

• Practice unwrapping presents – wrap a bunch of boxes up with favourite treats inside and have him open them to get to them.

• Practice a handshake if he can tolerate that.

• Write rules together – ie how long he thinks he can tolerate sitting at table, and the expected behaviour.

On the day of the holiday celebration:

• Remind your child of the agreed upon rules

• Pack some little toys he can play with in his lap at the dinner table

• Bring some foods he can eat, especially if he is on a specific diet.

• Arrive early so that the noise level builds up slowly for him.

• Do not let the expectations of others ruin your day. Do what you need to do to make it as comfortable as possible for you and your child.

Holidays can be difficult because of all the expectations, as well as the sensory challenges, but with planning and information sharing the holidays can be more enjoyable for all.

Interesting thoughts to ponder.

Holidays for our family especially Christmas Day are a very quiet affair.

It is usually just the boys and myself, maybe their Grandparents (my family) and

their Sister, partner and children on Boxing Day for a few hours.

We used to have the big family day celebration.... extended family, cousins, friends etc but times change. I miss those memories. The children playing...the laughter....the chats around the table over a lunch that seemed to go on for hours.

I often think about what values I am role modelling to my youngest and his brother around this seasonal holiday?  Will they have fond memories from large family gatherings, eating too much, the excitement, Santa Photos, visits to the city, holidays at the Gold Coast..... like I did?

No...... but instead of feeling sad or having regrets about that..... I think to myself....

What family traditions and memories can I create on my own?

Unfortunately many families decide to celebrate in small numbers or alone at Christmas as it is just easier for everyone. But Autism shouldn't be used as an excuse not to grasp that Christmas Spirit.  This is a time for families, for making that extra effort, for being grateful for what we do have, pride, happiness, peace and of course love and acceptance.

That is why I felt the above tips gave an insight to those who may not understand.... for those who forget what it is like for families living everyday with Autism.....

and for families who tend to hide and shut others out at this time of the year.

100 KISSES..... NEW BOOK.... AUSTRALIAN AUTHOR

100 KISSES..... NEW BOOK.... AUSTRALIAN AUTHOR

http://www.seekingmedia.com.au/news.php?newsid=2349&g=-1

Just what I like to see... an Australian Mother of Autism..... writing books, success, humour.

Can't wait to read this one!

Raeblogs.

"Autism is no laughing matter, but this book captures the small humorous loved-filled moments, of a mother's personal reflections about raising a son with autism.

(BENDIGO, AUSTRALIA) - Author Kelly Andrews today announced the release of 100 Kisses of Autism (ISBN # 9781742841069), a collection of 100 anecdotes based upon the authors journey as a parent of an autistic son, and living with the effects of this complex neurodevelopment disorder.

From the early challenges and hardships, to finding the "100 Kisses of Autism", Kelly's book aims to open the eyes and hearts to the world of the autistic mind seen through the vision of loved-filled humour, each kiss in the book is a beautiful or entertaining moment in passing:

From the books first kiss: "You realise you're raising a wonderfully selfconfident child when Sam says to his Dad, "I'm better than you, Dad. I'm stronger and smarter and I have more autism!""

Experts estimate that autism affects 1 in every 110 children. More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with Diabetes, AIDS & cancer combined. There is no medical cure for autism.

"100 Kisses of Autism -Raising Smiles, is heartfelt and humorous, all wrapped up in one little book, and was written in hope to inspire, raise understanding and encourage a view of positivity to embrace, in amongst the challenging, unpredictable and extraordinary journey attached to Autism," says Kelly Andrews.

Kelly Andrews is a mother of two children from Bendigo, Victoria. Her youngest child is formally diagnosed with High Functioning Autism. For over 12 years, Kelly worked in the Childcare Industry, including as a Director of the first purpose built private childcare centre in Bendigo.

At present Kelly's most current journey is dedicated to being a mother and publishing her story.100 Kisses of Autism is her first book."

For more information, please visit http://www.bookpal.com.au/

ISBN 9781742841069
Author Kelly Andrews

About the Book

100 KISSES OF AUTISM - RAISING SMILES has been written and based upon the author's journey as a parent of an autistic son, from the early challenges and hardships, to finding "100 Kisses of Autism." Opening eyes and hearts to the world of the autistic mind, through the perception of love-filled humour and joy as a coping mechanism, when living with the effects of this complex neurodevelopment disorder. The collection of 100 anecdotes shared within this book not only looks at the perspective of how the author's autistic son views the world, but it also reflects the author's parenting view with love and understanding as she raises her son Sam, and embraces their day to day life, by focusing upon capturing, celebrating, and enjoying the beauty in the authentic self, that comes attached to it. Autism is no laughing matter, with moments and experiences that will never cease in reference to the hardships endured, and future hardships to come, although the author discovered finding and recording a balance of attention towards small humorous loved-filled moments, personally creating an equilibrium, to smile every day....... Every Kiss is representatively a beautiful or entertaining record of moments.... that will touch your heart and raise smile

“100 Kisses of Autism” Announced; 

New Book About Embracing Everyday Life, Living With Autism

Wednesday 7th December 2011 | 8:04 AM 

http://www.bookpal.com.au/OtherLinks/Store/tabid/91/ProductID/10496/Default.aspx

Set Fire to the Rain.....

Set Fire to the Rain....

The Adele song.... "Set Fire to the Rain".... I think has an underlying message,

...to achieve the impossible.... by setting fire to rain. Achieving something that can not be done.

It has been a few weeks since my last post purely because "life" became a challenge.

Until recently, there has been no time for me to centre myself and no time to clear my mind...no light.  I have felt trapped, constantly walking on shaky ground- not knowing where to place my feet and awakening each day into darkness.  Held hostage by a lack of sleep and stability, my thoughts were constantly racing causing my head to hurt from making decisions..... so many decisions. I held my breathe and shut my eyes praying the storm would eventually come to end....which it did. 

"They never Last.....!"

So as the sunlight warms my soul .... what have I learnt?  Has my experiences in the past 8 weeks.... made me wiser, stronger, more determined, more focussed, more hopeful and trusting?  I would have to say "Yes" , although I did ask a friend the other day....

"Why is it that I need to be constantly tested?". It's exhausting!

But I guess challenges are just that... they are meant to confront us... they are there to help us grow stronger, more resilient, to teach us, to live the experience..... and survive!

So much has happened.... it may need to be addressed over the next few weeks. 

For a super quick update;

My youngest has now been taken off Ritalin.... my choice and I am so glad I did!

My eldest has successfully graduated from Year 7.... ready to enter the world of High School, a new chapter, next year.

My youngest has survived or rather his teachers have survived, his first year of full time main stream schooling....finishing Year One.

I have had so many specialists appointments that Medicare awarded me a gold star for frequent visiting.... (just kidding)..... the most rewarding was my yearly appointment with Professor Tony Attwood with my youngest son.

I have discovered that my youngest now responds to melatonin.... hooray.... no need for a tranquillizer dart to help him go to sleep.

I have obtained a beautiful second-hand, old piano to teach the youngest how to communicate through Music.

A few more bridges have been built between the boys father and I.  Is it enough to  continue working together towards the best interest of our children ?..... I hope so....

for their sake.

My youngest is beginning to slowly lower his heels to the ground for short periods of time.  A lot of massage and stretches have taken place... and this needs to continue, at least until I can get the referral to the Rehabilitation Physiotherapist.

Professor Tony Attwood and I are chasing the Sleep E.E.G avenue once again... but at least this time I have his support. Hopefully now things will move ahead here.

Both boys have had hearing tests at the Neurosensory Unit, Holy Spirit Hospital.... with the results coming back all clear. In fact I am convinced the only frequency that my eldest son cannot hear.... is the Mum Frequency.

Holidays have arrived.... and even though the first few days have been busy, I enjoy watching and listening to my youngest talking more, inspired by the Christmas Spirit! - Especially yelling out in the middle of Mass.... "Where is Baby Jesus?"

I have received some surprising, yet wondrous words of praise and support from people... that was totally unexpected.... humbling me to hear.

and finally.....

Once again, I trust my intuition, my faith, my judgements and my ambitions in life.

I trust me.....letting my light shine, which was the theme behind my eldest son's Graduation. I can breathe again!

"Prayer is you talking to God. Intuition is God talking back."

Wayne Dyer


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVLJ4HOzi1c

RIDING THE RITALIN ROLLER COASTER.

RIDING THE RITALIN ROLLER COASTER.

This is getting flippin' ridiculous now!  Life with my youngest... while experimenting with Behaviour Medication, has been to say the least, an experience I will remember for a VERY, VERY, LONG TIME.

I haven't been able to Blog, due to the extreme exhaustion I am feeling.  Now it could be all the specialists appointments, lack of respite, or the "craziness" of the Christmas season.... but when I need sleep the most, it eludes me. Our family is now on Week 3 on trialling the medication.  Let's recap; Week 1 - youngest sleeping for 3-4 hours a night!, spoke to specialists and have determined that the medication is spiking his "racing-mind" at night making it extremely difficult for him to wind down. Affecting the moods and temperament of his older brother and myself.  Week 2 - managed to get the youngest into a routine of 6-7 hours of sleep a night, but his school are concerned that the medication dose is too low - as he is still very inconstant in his ability to focus.  Week 3 - Bouncing from being so spaced out, slipping in and out of absent stares constantly, biting his nails uncontrollably but only when on medication and spiking his Autistic traits once the medication wears off. We are also back to 5 hours sleep.  But while at school, he is more compliant to complete worksheets and get "desk" work done.

Now I have already had my yearly appointment with Professor Tony Attwood, who has offered interesting insight - as he always does. Our focus will be to follow up with a Sleep E.E.G to determine the function of his brainwave patterns, especially when he is sleeping..... and Music Therapy. I am venturing into a new type of intervention  next year. I have done a lot of research and I think this will offer something we haven't had yet with my youngest.  So in the mean time..... I have a follow up appointment with Professor Attwood and the youngest's Pediatrican, obviously waiting on an appointment for the sleep E.E.G from the hospital, an appointment with the Rehabilitation Physiotherapist regarding his toe-walking and finally another hearing test at the Neurosensory unit tomorrow.  It does seem like a lot but I am trying to wind all these appointments up before December hits.  Besides my youngest never copes too well with the end of the year school celebrations. The Christmas Craziness of school concerts and changes in routines, the preparation of classrooms for the following year; taking down colourful work, moving desks, moving rooms etc etc.  It can be way too difficult for him to cope with as he simply cannot understand what is going on around him.  Over the years it has been suggested that many parents simply finish their ASD child earlier in the term before all the sensory overloading occurs.  That will happen with us to a degree. The yearly  Year 1/2 Swimming Carnival is on tomorrow..... one event my youngest is not going to attend (joint decision between myself and his supports). But honestly, knowing I will then have both my children home for a duration of 8 weeks over the summer holidays, with no respite, all to myself - no breaks, no sleep, no time-out..... I wanted to try and use the next week and a half left of the school term as simply time for me, preparation for Christmas or just take the opportunity to relax.  But.... we cannot all have what we wish for and if my son needs to come home early or have time off in the next two weeks... so be it.

I certainly will not be giving him the behaviour medication while he is at home. I realise I will have a few days of challenging behaviour but I believe he will settle again and I know I can get him back into a routine. Besides.... I think lots of swimming, fun, visits to South bank, Christmas Fireworks, visits to the Beach will be just what he needs.  Moments of 

fun and activity. I know where he will melt-down; shopping centres, crowds, being forced into an unknown situation..... so I will just have to be VERY ORGANIZED and PLAN, PLAN, PLAN!  Well sounds impressive doesn't it.

GREETINGS FROM MY HAPPY PLACE......

GREETINGS FROM MY HAPPY PLACE......

While I take refuge in my Happy Place...feel free to find Wally!

It's not that I have abandoned my responsibilities to Blogging.....

the business of life has kept me at bay.

When challenges or storms "Rise Up"....

clarity and direction comes from solitude.....

So Greetings from my Happy Place.... where everything becomes clear.

JUST SAY "YES" TO DRUGS!

JUST SAY "YES" TO DRUGS!

As you know we have taken the step toward giving my youngest behavioural medication to help him focus at school and control his emotional outbursts. The decision has been a difficult one, but I had to take it under advisement, in the hope that my son would find everyday life, a little easier.

The first day, he was seemingly a different child at school. Settled and focused. By the time school pick-up came around, the drugs had supposedly worn off. However during that afternoon his Autistic traits had escalated... less talking, more vacant staring, his energy levels were through the roof and basically his behaviour was out of control - crying, laughing unable to stabilise his emotions. That night he slept for 3 hours.

The next day I tried to keep perspective on the situation. He wasn't as settled as the first day but still had moments where he was really focused completing all his work. All that week he slept for around 3-4 hours per night. I would take him swimming in the afternoon to try and wear off some of that energy.... but nothing would work. I prepared dinner and bath-time routines earlier so he would spend the early hours of the night in his bed, reading. However it was like his mind was racing. He would play, read and babble for hours on end. I felt so helpless as I didn't know how to help my child. It reminded me of when he was first diagnosed.  This continued all over the weekend too. I was advised not to stop and start the medication as it would interfere with the following week. So by the time Sunday rolled around, my eldest and I were suffering. We were moody, emotions were high, simply exhausted.

 My youngest was attending school, swimming and being as active as normal.... running on 3 hours sleep per night. Some may be wondering why I didn't rest while he was at school ?

Well life must go on. I had domestic duties to do, shopping washing, cooking, cleaning as well as still attending to commitments.  On Tuesday, after attending a Paediatrician appointment for my eldest, and hearing how his right ear drum was damaged from an infection he had two years ago, after given the all clear from the Royal Children's Hospital.... I was on the edge. My son needed a hearing test to determine if his hearing was affected.  Now I know there was an issue as I had been querying this with my G.P for months, but I needed a referral. So I raced the children  off to my G.P for yet another appointment.  When we arrived, I heard that I needed to then cancel the hearing test as my son had an infection. I didn't know and he hadn't been complaining... but we had been swimming so much to wear out the youngest at the local pool, I wasn't really surprised.  At that point I sent my eldest from the room, and proceeded to sit in front of my G.P. whom I have known for almost 13 years and cried. I just couldn't stop. I begged for answers on "why my child wouldn't sleep?.... who lives like this it's crazy?..... I can't do it any more!.... Why does it have to be this hard?"  At that point my G.P handed me a box a tissues and asked if I felt depressed?  Did I think I needed more medication and go back on antidepressants ?  I stopped crying... looked up at him and said....

"No!  I just need #@*% sleep!"

He agreed with me, (it was a test I think....) and asked if I had any help?  Again through the tears I just quietly answered "No!"

I reassured him that I was O.k..... but I just really needed some sleep. It is so difficult to stay strong, clear and positive when you are so exhausted you can't keep your eyes open.

He was honest.... he couldn't really give me too much information on the drugs my youngest was taking. It's not his speciality. But he did insist, that I do not hesitate to call my Paediatrician to inform him of what was going on. He also reminded me that this is all part of having a child with a disability, there are always issues to tackle.

I left his office feeling worse for wear... annoyed at myself for loosing it!  I took my boys home and prayed that the youngest would just sleep.... just a little longer tonight.

But of course....he didn't .

It wasn't until the following night that he slept for 6 hours and has stayed on that routine up until last night. (We are back to 4 hours.) It doesn't seem to matter as much though because I have had a few nights of extra rest. He has been more stable at school and is even talking more.... just a few extra sentences and words. The medication is obviously building up in his system, helping to slow down his thought processes.  Next week I will need to increase his dosage. We had started off really low as my son wouldn't be able to express any discomfort from side effects....just for the first two weeks... but then we would need to adjust it more, to suit his body weight.  My fear is that it will throw out his sleeping patterns or rather what is left of the patterns, but I guess I will just take each day as it comes.... and wait.

I have been receiving encouraging words from those around me, trying to hold me up when my legs are weak.... and my closet confidantes reminding me that I will get through this, that storms never last, to have faith and be the strong woman that they know me to be. I am so grateful for these people in my life, but really.... these challenging times must be my responsibility.... whether I like it or not. For only then can I learn and grow stronger from the experience.... better prepared for next time.

Stay Blessed.

THE MORNING AFTER.....

THE MORNING AFTER....

THERE IS AN OBVIOUS REASON WHY THEY SAY YOU SHOULDN'T DRINK YOUR WORRIES AWAY....

BECAUSE THEY ARE STILL THERE  THE MORNING AFTER!

So.... what to do..... I had organised a Hearing Test and needed to get my son to the hospital by 8.30am. I couldn't sleep anyway.... so I sat in the early hours of the morning reading everything I could on Toe-Walking..... feeling like there was a Jack-hammer going off in my head. As I slowly drank my extra strong coffee..... I had to take a moment.

I didn't feel like crying, I didn't feel like giving in.... but I certainly didn't know where to start... it was like limbo!

I know I am certainly not the woman I was all those years ago, shell-shocked and left devastated by news that my child was Autistic.

She is long gone!

But I certainly wasn't feeling confident, positive or inspired by what I needed to do. 

I guess I just needed some time. Time to get my head around all the information I was given at yesterday's appointment and more Vitamin B - to get rid of this annoying hangover.

I don't have time to be tired, drained, or for self-pity. I knew I couldn't wait around for help. I didn't want comments of so-called support/ pity...."understanding my situation" to make me feel better. I actually didn't want to talk to anyone about it or get opinions .... all I wanted was to get this train out of the station.... and on the rehabilitation track fast..... and I needed to start today.

SAY WHAT .....!

No.... this isn't me.

But I am almost positive I had the exact same look on my face after my visit to the Pediatrican on Tuesday. 

Firstly.... advised to get my youngest another hearing test at the Neurosensory Unit, Holy Spirit Hospital..... abnormalities in his ears..... I am starting to feel guilty that I didn't opt for the grommets when he had his tonsil and adenoids removed.  My reasoning at the time was... I had absolutely no way of ensuring I could keep his head dry. My son will pour a cup of water over his head if he is hot or sweaty. He submerges in the bath and lives for swimming in Summer.

Secondly.... we are on the Meds.  

It's a low dose so I have been forewarned there will be little or no side effects.

It is a trial for one month, while he is still at school, reporting in every week.

I have been told I will probably see no effects at home.... it will all be at school.  All his teachers and Aides should she is my child a little "more settled", able to focus for longer and sit at his desk for longer. As he cannot swallow a tablet. I am having to crush his meds  into a powder, mix them with butter and disguise it on a drug-laced sandwich.  I need to make sure it is enticing enough that he will want to eat it all.  It needs to be administered in the morning with food and then at lunch-time with food.

.....a quick note, we started yesterday.  I am still trying not to take it personally that I was told what a dream my child was at school.... how different and wonderful he was. Issue.... the second tablet was given too late and I had one hyperactive, monster on my hands last night, who just couldn't go to sleep.

Today was a little different.... the reports are.... completely different from day 1. More unsettled, distracted behaviour.  But hey, at least he is asleep by 9pm tonight! 

Oh it's going to be a long two weeks..... "tweaking his drugs"..... makes me shudder!

Thirdly..... this one was a complete shocker!

While measuring my boy's height, our specialists noticed how high he was standing on his toes. I had noticed it too.... We tried to get him to put his feet flat down. He leaned over and obviously couldn't stand up straight. His toe walking had been on my mind this year. He becomes very tight in his calf muscles. Swimming used to help but wasn't any more. This was one of the reasons why I decided to start studying Remedial Massage at home. We get no assistance from the Government and Disability services, so paying for a private Physiotherapist wasn't something I could afford this year. Especially when our focus has been on behaviour and speech. My specialists gave me a concern look and basically stated my three options;  A referral to a Rehabilitation Physiotherapist at the children's hospital for further assessment..... treatments involving; binding and casting both legs to stretch his Achilles tendon. Botox injections into his calf muscles, freezing them so he cannot get up on his toes but this would also require anaesthetic as it is a painful procedure. Third and final choice... surgery lengthening his Achilles tendon, followed by casting and months of rehabilitation and braces. My son's calf muscles were very close to contracture (permanent shortening of the tendon and muscles). Once in this state my only option would be surgery.

1....2....3  and She's OUT!

So what to do when faced with all this information...... ?

I went home, looked after my children, put them into bed and.....

I drank.... vodka shots.

"D-Day...."

D-Day....

Tomorrow is "D-Day" for my youngest son..... Drug-Day that is.

We are off to see his Pediatrician and face a fate that I been desperately trying to avoid for years. I was hoping and praying that after we got through his Adenoidectomy this year, his sleep and overall ability to cope with mainstream school would settle down.  But after a few months now of erratic sleep patterns and behaviour, squealing, resistance and severe banging of his head out of frustration while at school.... a setting where he is expected to conform somewhat.... I need to go and face the possibility of looking at chemical therapy.  Drugs to help him concentrate within a school setting.
I am trying to be open-minded.
I am trying to look at this from an non-emotional perspective.
I loathe these decisions..... but unfortunately someone has to make them and carry the guilt if all goes horribly wrong.  In my previous few appointments, the possibility of chemicals has been raised before.  It's not that uncommon.... especially with kids on the Spectrum.  From my own personal experience I understand the need to rebalance your mind. The chemicals will, I have been assured, help to do this. 
Tomorrow will be interesting. I have previously discussed with my child's Pediatrician, that if I choose the path of drugging my child, and due to the fact that he is non-verbal and cannot tell me if any of the long list of sight effects is being experienced.... that he had better organise to drug me with the same medication first. That is the only way I will administer the tablets. I need to know how he could be reacting.  You can imagine my specialists reaction.... but if these "drugs" are as harmless and useful as I have been told.... bring it on!  There shouldn't be any reason for me to react. In fact unless I am Autistic and not yet realised it..... they will not effect me at all !   


Why do I suddenly feel like a caged laboratory rat?


I guess I just feel that it is just the most unnatural thing for a parent to consider. Using drugs so other can "cope" with your child.....  drugs to help them be "normal" and "conform".... it is so contradictory.  But unless I go this road... I will never know. And besides I am not doing this for anyone else but my child.  If it helps him.....  If it makes his world a little easier.... if it takes away his frustration of not being able to communicate. I have voiced my opinion to all those who will listen, DRUGS WILL NOT MAKE HIM SPEAK!  I need that message to be heard loud and clear. I actually don't know what they will do..... or how they will affect him.


Time to take a deep, long, breath... and step of the edge... into the unknown.  

            

 

A CURE HAS BEEN FOUND......

A CURE HAS BEEN FOUND...... FOR INSOMNIA!

Yes ....I do not tell a lie.

My new found cure for insomnia is...

Volunteer for the day at the School Tuckshop!

It's only once a term.

I absolutely take my hat off to the Tuckshop Convenor at our school. She is incredible! Now the job isn't that difficult..... or that is what you think anyway.

I mean how hard can be be preparing lunches for children ?

But as any mother/father/grand-parent/carer knows, there are rules to 

follow. I am reminded a little of the "Seinfeld" episode of,"Soup Nazi".

Every "Tucky" (Australian slang) or Tuckshop (cafeteria) has it's own procedures and methods of preparing lunches. It can be for some a rather intimating place to be, especially if you are new to the school or do not know too many of the other parents!

My day of volunteering is always actioned packed.  It was actually the final Tuckshop day with my eldest son at the school. He is off to High School next year and the only one in our family to order for. My youngest doesn't have Tuckshop. It's just one of those "perks" from our years at school, that he doesn't quite understand yet.  I can still remember my mum volunteering her time at my Primary School - Our Lady of Lourdes, Sunnybank. Every child loves it when their parents are called on to help.  The free food (or so they think.... treats for friends.... the extra special attention!)  When your parent is on at the Tuckshop.... for kids..... it means instant popularity!  Even the teachers know who they can bribe for the extra large fruit juice slushies (frozen ice drink) or the "fresher" or "biggest" home made cookies!   It truly does hold a lot of "power/bribery/corruption" within the school structure.  Anyway.... from an 8.45am start.... it is not stop.... until at least 2.30pm.  Missing orders, forgotten boxes, unavailable food, tears, broken slushie machines...the list can go on and on.  After all the lunches are prepared and dispensed to the eagerly waiting two-foot tall mini people, the cleaning and ordering has been done, and the there is finally time for a toilet break..... you are physically and mentally exhausted.  

Believe me I love seeing my beautiful kids at school, playing with their friends.

The youngest handled my presence without any difficulties.

But by the time 5.30/6.00pm came round..... I could hardly keep my eyes open.

With a plan to relax and watch a movie once the boys had gone to bed....

I found myself, fast asleep before the credits rolled.

Ahhhh.... sleep is golden!

DAY FOR DANIEL

DAY FOR DANIEL....

Now in its 6th year, Day for Daniel continues to grow 

on a National scale and is recognised as Australia’s largest participation 

event of its type.

The Daniel Morcombe Foundation was established in 2005 by 

Denise and Bruce Morcombe following the tragic abduction and suspected 

murder of their 13 year old son Daniel in December 2003. As

you may already know, due to recent developments, Daniel

final resting place has been found and the man accused is awaiting trial.

The Morcombe's now have to prepared for the funeral of their son....

with only a few remains to bury. It's so heart breaking, but we pray,

they can find some peace.

To promote the Foundation’s aims of making the world a safer place 

for our children, an annual awareness Day for Daniel 

is held, involving schools and local communities. In 2011

up to 500,000 school aged children are expected to 

participate on a local level. 

A variety of activities are suggested and these range from 

a talk about Internet safety in class, a presentation by a school based police officer, completing an interactive educational program like ‘Being Safety Smart”, 

watching our DVD titled ‘Foundation Red’ or participate in a Community Walk. 

These education activities are designed to provide life skills for children in a fun 

and informative manner without the fear factor.

The foundation encourages that a red flavour be incorporated in the day – a colour which 

links Daniel’s story in a discrete way to the importance of Child Safety Education.

Day for Daniel is not a memorial day – it is a learning day for our Children.

Please support this initiative and 

may this incredible family be blessed for they are always in 

our hearts and prayers.

http://www.dayfordaniel.com.au/

INTELLIGENCE VS INSOMNIA

INTELLIGENCE VS INSOMNIA

It's 4am..... 

Why is it that when you are really tired....

you just can't sleep?

I am an intelligent person. I know I need sleep to function at my best....

Yes it has been a challenging start to the week but...

We rose up and are positive.

I'm still running each day.

I'm happy.

I'm feeling balanced....

I just can't sleep!

Maybe my youngest sons restless traits are spreading.....like an uncontrollable disease?

Maybe I need to be quarantined from them for 48 hours?  

Ha!..... I wish

...and before those closet to me comment.... no I haven't been drinking too much coffee!

I have tried....

Meditation to relax....

Reading before bed....that usually knocks me straight out!

Study... another sure fire sleep enhancer!

Exercising a lot.... not a huge fan of that one!

Massage.

Relaxing Music.

Extra vitamins...especially B.... (will get to that later)

Oh ....O.k.

A glass of wine or two.....

or three!

....not sure.

No chemical solutions either....I am a single Mum. 

(Looks funny underneath a clip of wine... but anyhow!)

Obviously not a fan of sleep this week so I'm putting out the Suggestion Box.....

Please feel free.

...(you would think Blogging would knock me out too huh!..... wrong.)

Time to watch the sun rise...

an added bonus!