I'm right....until I'm wrong. And when I'm wrong...I'll admit it, apologize and ask forgiveness.
I was so totally wrong about this....
http://www.lifesitenews.com/blog/pro-abort-group-pulls-creepy-happy-anniversary-baby-video
I was wrong to think that pro aborts don't believe in bad publicity....I guess they do. I was wrong to think that we shouldn't spread it far and wide with outrage. That outrage really worked and they pulled the ad.
This is one case in which I'm really glad I was wrong. I guess I should trust indignation and truth to prevail. I'm sorry I didn't do that!
I'll try harder next time...just like
a good mother would....
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
pig latin.....
After school banter.....
Bella: "Do you guys want to learn pig latin?"
Buggie: "What is pig latin?"
Bella: "You take the first letter of the word, put it on the end with an a on it. Like, lowsa ownda...slow down."
Buggie: "otherma....mother, right?"
Bella: "EXACTLY!"
Wickers was really quiet. I should have known.
The 11 yr old riding shot gun pops off with "uckfa". REALLY?!?!!? Right here, right now with me sitting right here!!!! Just because I'm driving doesn't mean I'm NOT paying attention!!!
Boys who think they can swear in a different language and their mom won't get it!!!
I did get it....
A good mother would!
Bella: "Do you guys want to learn pig latin?"
Buggie: "What is pig latin?"
Bella: "You take the first letter of the word, put it on the end with an a on it. Like, lowsa ownda...slow down."
Buggie: "otherma....mother, right?"
Bella: "EXACTLY!"
Wickers was really quiet. I should have known.
The 11 yr old riding shot gun pops off with "uckfa". REALLY?!?!!? Right here, right now with me sitting right here!!!! Just because I'm driving doesn't mean I'm NOT paying attention!!!
Boys who think they can swear in a different language and their mom won't get it!!!
I did get it....
A good mother would!
Monday, January 28, 2013
sacrifice.....
We live very comfortably in this country. There is a safety net to help with groceries and free health care for emergencies Typically we don't have to worry about gun men kidnapping us at the store, church or at the state line. I don't have to worry about being beheaded because I disagree with our president.
So we believe that when it happens that people across the world don't have access to food, medical care and their lives are threatened, either by criminals or the government, it happens to "those over there". It can't possibly happen here.
That is a dangerous belief.
It can happen here. It will happen here. If we don't stand up today to defend those things that make America great. That keep her safe.
What are you willing to sacrifice for those principles that you hold dear? Security? Family? Employment?
I have been following this story below since these women got "divorced" in Virginia. And there is a pastor who is willing to sacrifice his personal safety, the security of his family, and possibly his job to protect this little girl and her LEGAL mother. This is his issue, his mountain to die on, the battle that he has chosen that there will no retreat. He will sacrifice it all for the principle of the matter.
It got a little lost this week because of the March for Life, but here is his story....
http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/mennonite-pastor-who-helped-girl-escape-lesbian-mother-sent-to-jail-for-ref
Where will be your mountain? When you be asked to fight? What principle will you be willing to sacrifice?
So we believe that when it happens that people across the world don't have access to food, medical care and their lives are threatened, either by criminals or the government, it happens to "those over there". It can't possibly happen here.
That is a dangerous belief.
It can happen here. It will happen here. If we don't stand up today to defend those things that make America great. That keep her safe.
What are you willing to sacrifice for those principles that you hold dear? Security? Family? Employment?
I have been following this story below since these women got "divorced" in Virginia. And there is a pastor who is willing to sacrifice his personal safety, the security of his family, and possibly his job to protect this little girl and her LEGAL mother. This is his issue, his mountain to die on, the battle that he has chosen that there will no retreat. He will sacrifice it all for the principle of the matter.
It got a little lost this week because of the March for Life, but here is his story....
http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/mennonite-pastor-who-helped-girl-escape-lesbian-mother-sent-to-jail-for-ref
Where will be your mountain? When you be asked to fight? What principle will you be willing to sacrifice?
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
I don't know...
There is a DISGUSTING video that a pro-abortion (can't call them pro-choice anymore, don't ya know!) group put out to "celebrate" the 40th anniversary of Roe. I don't know how you "celebrate" that, but whatever. Pro-lifers commemorate it, we certainly don't celebrate it. This video is beyond creepy, perverted, and vile.
Pro-lifers everywhere are spreading it like wildfire. The group that made it is laughing all the way to the bank. You see, there is no such thing as bad publicity, especially to people that celebrate abortion. So we have helped spread this awful thing...I'm not even sure what to call it, and it's message much further than if we'd left it under the rock from which it crawled!
I don't know if was helpful to show this to everyone, everywhere. That's why I'm not telling you where to find it, or giving a link. I just wanted to comment on how I felt unsure about us helping them spread their message. Pointing out how awful it is is just pointing out the obvious. These people think abortion is good, we point out that is bad. They don't care. They won't care about this video being bad either. Pointing out their depravity doesn't change the culture. It just drives more people to their web pages, twitter feeds and facebook.
They are happy that we are revolted by it. And we let it show.
I think that was a bad idea.....
Pro-lifers everywhere are spreading it like wildfire. The group that made it is laughing all the way to the bank. You see, there is no such thing as bad publicity, especially to people that celebrate abortion. So we have helped spread this awful thing...I'm not even sure what to call it, and it's message much further than if we'd left it under the rock from which it crawled!
I don't know if was helpful to show this to everyone, everywhere. That's why I'm not telling you where to find it, or giving a link. I just wanted to comment on how I felt unsure about us helping them spread their message. Pointing out how awful it is is just pointing out the obvious. These people think abortion is good, we point out that is bad. They don't care. They won't care about this video being bad either. Pointing out their depravity doesn't change the culture. It just drives more people to their web pages, twitter feeds and facebook.
They are happy that we are revolted by it. And we let it show.
I think that was a bad idea.....
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
love more....
I am blessed to be loved by a man that cares about my every breath. Loves me despite my faults, errors and pain that I cause him. We have created many beautiful children together and he provides for my every need and even some of my wants. I have no worries when I rely on him to take care of me and trust without doubt in his judgement. Want to know this man's name???
Jesus.
Do you love Him that much to make Him appear to be your husband? I hope so. I don't everyday. But I try. BS will often say that there is another man in our marriage and his name is Jesus. So hopefully we achieve it more often than not.
On this day when we are remembering the anniversary of the loss of the humanity of the unborn, we need to strive to love Him more. Up close and personal. Like a spouse. To be a saint.
That is what will bring about the change of hearts and end the lies that our society is drinking like Jim Jones Kool Aid. This pure, trusting, forgiving, and prayerful relationship that will draw others to it.
We grieve the loss of 50 million people. We need to remember their mothers. That is a lot of mothers who made the decision to kill and regret it. There are a lot of mothers that don't. They both need our prayers, compassion, and the mercy of God.
So even though today we spend a lot of time missing, and grieving, the loss of the babies...we need to be aware of their mothers. They have to be everywhere, right in front of us. Pray for them too, and love them....
a good mother would...
Jesus.
Do you love Him that much to make Him appear to be your husband? I hope so. I don't everyday. But I try. BS will often say that there is another man in our marriage and his name is Jesus. So hopefully we achieve it more often than not.
On this day when we are remembering the anniversary of the loss of the humanity of the unborn, we need to strive to love Him more. Up close and personal. Like a spouse. To be a saint.
That is what will bring about the change of hearts and end the lies that our society is drinking like Jim Jones Kool Aid. This pure, trusting, forgiving, and prayerful relationship that will draw others to it.
We grieve the loss of 50 million people. We need to remember their mothers. That is a lot of mothers who made the decision to kill and regret it. There are a lot of mothers that don't. They both need our prayers, compassion, and the mercy of God.
So even though today we spend a lot of time missing, and grieving, the loss of the babies...we need to be aware of their mothers. They have to be everywhere, right in front of us. Pray for them too, and love them....
a good mother would...
Sunday, January 20, 2013
claiming the throne....
Does your house have a recliner that is set off to the side of the room and has the BEST view of the TV?
Our house does and that recliner is usually claimed by my BS (beloved spouse). Since a man is the king of his castle, I call that chair the throne. When it isn't being occupied by him, I have noticed that RHM has claimed it. His stuff is laying in a heap on the floor on the right side of the chair. Considering how little he is here, I'm seeing that stuff laying on the floor more than I am seeing him. I think a new rule should be that if you want throne privileges, you need to clean up your stuff.
I went to early mass this morning with Wickers. When we came home, I noticed that he was sitting in the throne. The BS and RHM aren't here so clearly that was an invite, or opportunity seized, (I'm not sure which) to sit on the throne. It occurred to me that even though my husband wasn't here I never considered sitting in that chair. I guess it had become BS territory and it was his, even if he wasn't here.
I've decided to change that. So today, I will be claiming the throne. I will be sitting in the best seat to watch the NFL play offs with my feet raised and my stuff laying on top of RHM's stuff. I may even ask for a crown:
a good mother would!
Our house does and that recliner is usually claimed by my BS (beloved spouse). Since a man is the king of his castle, I call that chair the throne. When it isn't being occupied by him, I have noticed that RHM has claimed it. His stuff is laying in a heap on the floor on the right side of the chair. Considering how little he is here, I'm seeing that stuff laying on the floor more than I am seeing him. I think a new rule should be that if you want throne privileges, you need to clean up your stuff.
I went to early mass this morning with Wickers. When we came home, I noticed that he was sitting in the throne. The BS and RHM aren't here so clearly that was an invite, or opportunity seized, (I'm not sure which) to sit on the throne. It occurred to me that even though my husband wasn't here I never considered sitting in that chair. I guess it had become BS territory and it was his, even if he wasn't here.
I've decided to change that. So today, I will be claiming the throne. I will be sitting in the best seat to watch the NFL play offs with my feet raised and my stuff laying on top of RHM's stuff. I may even ask for a crown:
a good mother would!
Saturday, January 19, 2013
standing there....
Smoochie was sent home Wed from school due to coughing and a "fever" of 99.5 degrees. He popped around here all afternoon and was generally joyful about being here and NOT in school. Clearly not sick, but just a run of the mill cold.
Thursday I get him up and check his temp 3 time to make sure he isn't running a fever. Nope, nada, not even a smidge. I even check Wickers temp just to make sure the thing is working. It is all good. I go about my morning routine, come down the stair to find sweet Smoochie lying the sofa. Now this child has ADHD to the max and NEVER lies down. It stopped me in my tracks.
I just stood there. I couldn't move, I couldn't think, I didn't know what to do. I. just. stood. there.
I have been a mother for 21 years. Countless illnesses, surgeries, and associated messes. But this hyperactive, autistic 7 yr old stopped me dead in my tracks like a new mom of 1 month old infant. Is he sick, or not? Should he stay home or not? School is really good for him and time off is really bad, so do I try to send him because he needs it? Or do I leave him home because he needs it? Time is ticking, a decision needs to be made....and I. just. stood. there.
If you know me well, you know that is not my character. I am a charge ahead without thinking kinda gal, damn the outcome. I am a Type A personality to the extreme. Decision making isn't hard for me. Not that morning. I did not know what to do. At all. It was unnerving. It was terrifying. It was heartbreaking. I did not know what to do with this child. I sent him to school and by 8:20 he was running a fever of 101.5. I chose badly.
My dear friend at work told me I need to spend more time on my knees in the chapel when I told her the story. I stood there and looked at her. How could such a simple solution escape me?
Perhaps I am being silenced and shocked into stillness so God can lead me. I went and spent that time on my knees praying that I will no longer just stand there. But if it is His will, then I will, because....
a good mother would....
Thursday I get him up and check his temp 3 time to make sure he isn't running a fever. Nope, nada, not even a smidge. I even check Wickers temp just to make sure the thing is working. It is all good. I go about my morning routine, come down the stair to find sweet Smoochie lying the sofa. Now this child has ADHD to the max and NEVER lies down. It stopped me in my tracks.
I just stood there. I couldn't move, I couldn't think, I didn't know what to do. I. just. stood. there.
I have been a mother for 21 years. Countless illnesses, surgeries, and associated messes. But this hyperactive, autistic 7 yr old stopped me dead in my tracks like a new mom of 1 month old infant. Is he sick, or not? Should he stay home or not? School is really good for him and time off is really bad, so do I try to send him because he needs it? Or do I leave him home because he needs it? Time is ticking, a decision needs to be made....and I. just. stood. there.
If you know me well, you know that is not my character. I am a charge ahead without thinking kinda gal, damn the outcome. I am a Type A personality to the extreme. Decision making isn't hard for me. Not that morning. I did not know what to do. At all. It was unnerving. It was terrifying. It was heartbreaking. I did not know what to do with this child. I sent him to school and by 8:20 he was running a fever of 101.5. I chose badly.
My dear friend at work told me I need to spend more time on my knees in the chapel when I told her the story. I stood there and looked at her. How could such a simple solution escape me?
Perhaps I am being silenced and shocked into stillness so God can lead me. I went and spent that time on my knees praying that I will no longer just stand there. But if it is His will, then I will, because....
a good mother would....
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
morning banter....
Me: "It's Wed...what are you doing today?"
Charlie: "We have mass."
Me: "Great! Pray for our house to sell."
Charlie: "Listen to the apostles' bells???"
Me: "What?"
Charlie: "What are apostles' bells?"
Me: "Charlie, I said "pray for our house to sell"."
Charlie: "OH...that makes sense."
Yes son, it does.
Monday, January 14, 2013
a leap of faith....
Today we did it, Smoochie and I. We started a brand new therapy program. Well, I took him and he received the therapy. I'm praying, and paying, for it. It costs a $100 an hour. They wanted to put him in at 40 hours a week. Pull him out of school and just do 40 hours of therapy. All day, every day, just like a job.
I guess conquering autism is like a job. Paperwork, repetition, being told what to do just like when you have a boss. That seems like a lot of work for a little boy. But I want him to learn to read, and write, and talk. And to want to do other things than to watch the same cartoon over, and over, and over, again.
I want some of those dreams back that were vaporized when the words "he has autism" were uttered for the first time. When you are holding that beautiful, perfect, minutes old baby and you think, "this one will conquer the world". You never in a million years think this one won't be able to stand the sights of this world, or bear the sounds of this world, or hate the feel of even the softest cotton on his body. That he needs to propel his body through time and space at break neck speed because that helps him know where his hands are. I'm taking a leap of faith that this therapy can help with those things. Help ease the pain and intensity of being in our world so he can learn to participate in it. Even if it will be like another job....
Today was the first day of a different path. It was a leap of faith that it isn't a mistake, a colossal waste of money, and that we both can get to understand each other's world.
Our Lady of Good Council, pray for us!
I guess conquering autism is like a job. Paperwork, repetition, being told what to do just like when you have a boss. That seems like a lot of work for a little boy. But I want him to learn to read, and write, and talk. And to want to do other things than to watch the same cartoon over, and over, and over, again.
I want some of those dreams back that were vaporized when the words "he has autism" were uttered for the first time. When you are holding that beautiful, perfect, minutes old baby and you think, "this one will conquer the world". You never in a million years think this one won't be able to stand the sights of this world, or bear the sounds of this world, or hate the feel of even the softest cotton on his body. That he needs to propel his body through time and space at break neck speed because that helps him know where his hands are. I'm taking a leap of faith that this therapy can help with those things. Help ease the pain and intensity of being in our world so he can learn to participate in it. Even if it will be like another job....
Today was the first day of a different path. It was a leap of faith that it isn't a mistake, a colossal waste of money, and that we both can get to understand each other's world.
Our Lady of Good Council, pray for us!
Sunday, January 13, 2013
in conclusion....
I reverted back to the Catholic Church when T-Rex was 6 months old. I have been attempting to discover the richness and traditions of the Faith ever since. I make every attempt to follow the liturgical year and create traditions for our family that endear the calendar to our children. That is getting harder the older they get because 20 somethings no longer think it is cool to paint angel ornaments during Advent!!! They may do it, but there is some lack of intense enthusiasm that was present when they were 10! Shocking, I know!
On of our traditions was closing the Christmas season on the Feast of Epiphany. The children all search for the hidden Wise Men and bring them to me to get their last little treat of Christmas. We sing Christmas Carols and they each pick a Christmas light to unplug. And off to bed they go because school usually starts the next day. I then leave the darkened tree up for the week, just to give us a chance to adjust to the darkened house. That way it isn't dark AND empty! We have been doing this particular routine for about 15 years.
Imagine my shock and dismay when I discovered this year that the Christmas season doesn't end until the Baptism of the Lord, which is today!!!! How have I missed it all of these years?!?! How could I NOT know the true length of the season!?!?! That is one of those things a good mother would know!!! GRRRR!!! I'm grateful I've got a whole year to figure out how to incorporate this new found information into our tradition for the next Christmas season!
So, in conclusion of the season, on the last day of Christmas....I wish you all a final MERRY CHRISTMAS and a blessed feast of the Baptism of the Lord!
that's what...a good mother would...do! :)
On of our traditions was closing the Christmas season on the Feast of Epiphany. The children all search for the hidden Wise Men and bring them to me to get their last little treat of Christmas. We sing Christmas Carols and they each pick a Christmas light to unplug. And off to bed they go because school usually starts the next day. I then leave the darkened tree up for the week, just to give us a chance to adjust to the darkened house. That way it isn't dark AND empty! We have been doing this particular routine for about 15 years.
Imagine my shock and dismay when I discovered this year that the Christmas season doesn't end until the Baptism of the Lord, which is today!!!! How have I missed it all of these years?!?! How could I NOT know the true length of the season!?!?! That is one of those things a good mother would know!!! GRRRR!!! I'm grateful I've got a whole year to figure out how to incorporate this new found information into our tradition for the next Christmas season!
So, in conclusion of the season, on the last day of Christmas....I wish you all a final MERRY CHRISTMAS and a blessed feast of the Baptism of the Lord!
that's what...a good mother would...do! :)
Saturday, January 12, 2013
taking advantage
I missed going to Confession during Advent. I hate missing it right before major solemnities. So today I resolved that I would make it. Wrote out the schedule and planned for it TODAY!
As I was preparing to leave I did a mental check of who had gone recently just so I wouldn't have to put a guilt trip on anyone about going. They had all been with their classes at school, so it was optional today and no guilt trips required.
I was so pleasantly surprised when Buggie and T-Rex said they would go!!! Love, love, love it when teenagers decide to take advantage of receiving sacraments! And we went to mass right afterwards, so I'm sure their souls are still glowing. What a great day!
Also, did you know that it is really easy to take down your Christmas tree when it's 56 degrees outside?!?! I think it is the fastest I've ever gotten it down and I'm sure that it is because it feels like spring today! Bad weather is rolling in, but was so grateful for the snow melt and warm weather to take advantage of putting boxes away in moderate temps.
Blessed indeed.
As I was preparing to leave I did a mental check of who had gone recently just so I wouldn't have to put a guilt trip on anyone about going. They had all been with their classes at school, so it was optional today and no guilt trips required.
I was so pleasantly surprised when Buggie and T-Rex said they would go!!! Love, love, love it when teenagers decide to take advantage of receiving sacraments! And we went to mass right afterwards, so I'm sure their souls are still glowing. What a great day!
Also, did you know that it is really easy to take down your Christmas tree when it's 56 degrees outside?!?! I think it is the fastest I've ever gotten it down and I'm sure that it is because it feels like spring today! Bad weather is rolling in, but was so grateful for the snow melt and warm weather to take advantage of putting boxes away in moderate temps.
Blessed indeed.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Introduction...
I'm sure I'm doing this whole blogging thing backwards, but since that is my thing, I might as well stick to it!!
I will eventually get my conversion story on here and hopefully figure out to do tabs so that you won't have to read every past post to see who I am.
Today I would like to introduce you to my children and give them their blog handles. That way I don't have to refer to them by their birth order numbers! lol
Starting from left to right:
Wickers is the 11 year old in the green shirt. He is our well rounded student and athlete who is way to worldly for his tender years! He has a wicked sense of humor and is prone to chronic belly-aching. He is very conscientious and a very hard worker.
Smoochie is the 7 yr old. He is the sweetest little boy when things are going his way. And is slowly getting more cooperative about it when things aren't going his way! He is spoiled rotten in the typical "baby of the family" way. He is the one that stretches me, makes me grow in holiness with total dependence on prayer. I was cocky in my parenting. He has reminded that I know nothing. And I'm a better person and mother because of it.
Buggie is 14 yrs old. He is our spiritual and insightful one that leads us to God. (yes, momma is hoping for a priest!) He protects his innocence and chastity with valiant effort. He has come into his own as far as school goes and it has been a delight to see his confidence grow! He wants to be a musician, but doesn't want to practice. I'm hoping he'll grow into that as well!
Bella is my beautiful 16 yr old daughter! She and Buggie look like twins, don't they?!?! They look like my husband's side of the family. She is a thoughtful and considerate young woman. I marvel at her mothering abilities. If she doesn't enter the convent, she is going to be the most awesome mom. I can't wait to see what she chooses!
T-Rex is our second oldest son at 19. He is a young man on hold right now as we wait for state assistance to transition him to adult services. He is trying to be patient! It is so hard to discern God's plan for him and I know that he often isn't getting the support he needs. He is a very bright young man who graduated with a 3.8 on a scale of 4. I know that God's plan will be grand. Both of us just need to believe, wait and work for it to be revealed.
Last, but in no way the least!, is the RHM. My Right Hand Man! My almost 21 yr old adult son. (I cannot believe I have one of those!!!) He is a student at the local community college and was working two jobs over the holidays. Not sure what the plan is, and I don't know if he knows one either. But he is a wonderful person and I delight that he hasn't left the nest yet! I will miss his insight and quiet strength when he goes. He is usually the first one to let me know when I've gone off the rails and the first to offer help to get me back on!
So there they are! The people who made me who I am today! Thank you sweet Jesus for entrusting these people to my care. Blessed Mother, help guide me and them back to Him!
That's my prayer, just like any
good mother would....
I will eventually get my conversion story on here and hopefully figure out to do tabs so that you won't have to read every past post to see who I am.
Today I would like to introduce you to my children and give them their blog handles. That way I don't have to refer to them by their birth order numbers! lol
Starting from left to right:
Wickers is the 11 year old in the green shirt. He is our well rounded student and athlete who is way to worldly for his tender years! He has a wicked sense of humor and is prone to chronic belly-aching. He is very conscientious and a very hard worker.
Smoochie is the 7 yr old. He is the sweetest little boy when things are going his way. And is slowly getting more cooperative about it when things aren't going his way! He is spoiled rotten in the typical "baby of the family" way. He is the one that stretches me, makes me grow in holiness with total dependence on prayer. I was cocky in my parenting. He has reminded that I know nothing. And I'm a better person and mother because of it.
Buggie is 14 yrs old. He is our spiritual and insightful one that leads us to God. (yes, momma is hoping for a priest!) He protects his innocence and chastity with valiant effort. He has come into his own as far as school goes and it has been a delight to see his confidence grow! He wants to be a musician, but doesn't want to practice. I'm hoping he'll grow into that as well!
Bella is my beautiful 16 yr old daughter! She and Buggie look like twins, don't they?!?! They look like my husband's side of the family. She is a thoughtful and considerate young woman. I marvel at her mothering abilities. If she doesn't enter the convent, she is going to be the most awesome mom. I can't wait to see what she chooses!
T-Rex is our second oldest son at 19. He is a young man on hold right now as we wait for state assistance to transition him to adult services. He is trying to be patient! It is so hard to discern God's plan for him and I know that he often isn't getting the support he needs. He is a very bright young man who graduated with a 3.8 on a scale of 4. I know that God's plan will be grand. Both of us just need to believe, wait and work for it to be revealed.
Last, but in no way the least!, is the RHM. My Right Hand Man! My almost 21 yr old adult son. (I cannot believe I have one of those!!!) He is a student at the local community college and was working two jobs over the holidays. Not sure what the plan is, and I don't know if he knows one either. But he is a wonderful person and I delight that he hasn't left the nest yet! I will miss his insight and quiet strength when he goes. He is usually the first one to let me know when I've gone off the rails and the first to offer help to get me back on!
So there they are! The people who made me who I am today! Thank you sweet Jesus for entrusting these people to my care. Blessed Mother, help guide me and them back to Him!
That's my prayer, just like any
good mother would....
Thursday, January 10, 2013
the unexpected....
With autism, you just never know what the day will bring. I have lamented before that the conventional school year does not lend it's self to optimal adjustment for people with the disability. Summer vacation, mid -term breaks, Christmas vacation and Spring break are incredibly difficult hurdles to jump over. In our family, it was no different on Monday for the return to school after the Christmas vacation than the first day of school in August.
Sweet Smoochy, the 7 yr old, literally flopped on the floor like a wet rag when I pulled him out of bed on Monday. Through the weeping I bribed offered him a Ring Pop if he'd go to school. Fine. He cooperated, unhappily. Tuesday was less wet rag, but still with the tears. So another Ring Pop it was. Wednesday we were down to just protesting, but no Ring Pop. In fact, I didn't even offer one. Mainly because I didn't have one in the house, but even if I had I wouldn't have offered one!
And then today....the unexpected happened!!!! I got him out of bed a little earlier than usual and allowed him more time to just "be". And he came to me and said, "Okay mom, let's go!". The heavens opened and the angels sang...and I rejoiced as I ran out the door as fast as I could in case he changed his mind!!!!
I am offering prayers of thanksgiving and rejoicing in the unexpected gift of such an epic vacation recovery!!! Because,
a good mother would.....
Sweet Smoochy, the 7 yr old, literally flopped on the floor like a wet rag when I pulled him out of bed on Monday. Through the weeping I
And then today....the unexpected happened!!!! I got him out of bed a little earlier than usual and allowed him more time to just "be". And he came to me and said, "Okay mom, let's go!". The heavens opened and the angels sang...and I rejoiced as I ran out the door as fast as I could in case he changed his mind!!!!
I am offering prayers of thanksgiving and rejoicing in the unexpected gift of such an epic vacation recovery!!! Because,
a good mother would.....
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
a well known fact...
It is a well known fact that individuals with autism often have difficulty adjusting to schedule changes. Even a minor one, for example, of moving the fork off the placement at the dinner table, to majors one, like school vacations. The traditional school year is a nightmare for families like ours. Every August, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring break, we get to start over adjusting "going to school". You'd think that after doing this for 20 years that I'd have a handle on it by now. yeah, you'd think wrong.
As Catholics we believe that we are the first, and primary educator of children. God entrusts them to us and we are responsible to teach them the way to get them back to Heaven. He gives us the knowledge and insight for each one of His little souls to help us and most often we know more than the "experts". Not so with autism. Everyday I put that sweet 7 year old on a bus and give him over to people that seem to know him better than I do. They seem to say the right things. They seem to know when to push and when to let it ride. They seem to know how to get him to talk, and to read, and to write. How is it possible that I don't have that knowledge??? How is it possible that non parents do???? How is it possible that after all these years, and a well known fact, I still haven't managed to get my child on a bus after a school break with out a major melt down?
Today I put my crying, upset, and frustrated baby on a bus. I walked away from that bus feeling sick to my stomach; frustrated and upset that I STILL don't have the knowledge or skills to help him and the experts do. So, I will continue tobeg ask them to teach me because.....
a good mother would...
As Catholics we believe that we are the first, and primary educator of children. God entrusts them to us and we are responsible to teach them the way to get them back to Heaven. He gives us the knowledge and insight for each one of His little souls to help us and most often we know more than the "experts". Not so with autism. Everyday I put that sweet 7 year old on a bus and give him over to people that seem to know him better than I do. They seem to say the right things. They seem to know when to push and when to let it ride. They seem to know how to get him to talk, and to read, and to write. How is it possible that I don't have that knowledge??? How is it possible that non parents do???? How is it possible that after all these years, and a well known fact, I still haven't managed to get my child on a bus after a school break with out a major melt down?
Today I put my crying, upset, and frustrated baby on a bus. I walked away from that bus feeling sick to my stomach; frustrated and upset that I STILL don't have the knowledge or skills to help him and the experts do. So, I will continue to
a good mother would...
Sunday, January 6, 2013
what's in a name....
Good question! Why would I name a blog "a good mother would"? Because I certainly don't consider myself one. But I'm trying. And I often think when I mess up or have no clue what I'm doing (yes, even after parenting for 21 yrs!!!) I think, "a good mother would know what to do!" Or "if I were a good mother I would have done xyz". But I know where to find a good mother. Our sweet, loving, virgin, Blessed Mother Mary has many "good mother" titles. Repeatedly through the years She has helped me through countless sleepless nights, dirty laundry, dirty house, and all manner of crisis. Whether it has been a medical, financial or spiritual crisis, She is just a thought away. A swift prayer to the Blessed Mother and the burden becomes light, bearable, and manageable. A good mother knows where to turn! Our Lady of Good Counsel, intercede for us!
Another reason I named the blog "a good mother would" is to build up the community of mothers. Often we are judgmental of other's mothering choices....home schooling, or not; 3 children rather than 12; working or stay at home. What ever side you fall on the issues, we often judge p.r.e.t.t.y harshly the opposite side of the coin. I have a beloved friend. We were in each other weddings, had babies at the same time, and I was her God mother when she came into the church. She once said to me when I asked her if she was prepared for an event, "A good mother would be". Amid much laughter, the name of a blog was born!! I know that every mother, at some point in her motherhood, has questioned her ability to be a good mother. A good mother would seek council among her friends!
The final and best reason for the blog's name is Our Holy Mother Church. Within her loving arms contains the sacraments that pick us up when we have failed. And, thanks to original sin, we will fail. Thankfully we have recourse to the Spouse of Christ to help us amend the wrongs, find the path, give us respite when the burden is heavy. If you ever need the answer to what "a good mother would do" look no further than the Church Jesus established and the example of His Saints!
Who knew that such 4 simple words could contain 3 paragraphs of explanation! Aren't you glad you asked?
A good mother would....:)
Another reason I named the blog "a good mother would" is to build up the community of mothers. Often we are judgmental of other's mothering choices....home schooling, or not; 3 children rather than 12; working or stay at home. What ever side you fall on the issues, we often judge p.r.e.t.t.y harshly the opposite side of the coin. I have a beloved friend. We were in each other weddings, had babies at the same time, and I was her God mother when she came into the church. She once said to me when I asked her if she was prepared for an event, "A good mother would be". Amid much laughter, the name of a blog was born!! I know that every mother, at some point in her motherhood, has questioned her ability to be a good mother. A good mother would seek council among her friends!
The final and best reason for the blog's name is Our Holy Mother Church. Within her loving arms contains the sacraments that pick us up when we have failed. And, thanks to original sin, we will fail. Thankfully we have recourse to the Spouse of Christ to help us amend the wrongs, find the path, give us respite when the burden is heavy. If you ever need the answer to what "a good mother would do" look no further than the Church Jesus established and the example of His Saints!
Who knew that such 4 simple words could contain 3 paragraphs of explanation! Aren't you glad you asked?
A good mother would....:)
Saturday, January 5, 2013
a mother like me...
I have been stalking following several blogs for the last couple of months. Every so often, they'll ask if anyone has started to blog and I would think, "I should do that". And I never did. Life got in the way, I didn't want to learn anything new, I didn't think people would want to hear read what I had to say. I follow a couple of IF ladies who haven't conceived. I follow a couple of IF ladies who have conceived, or adopted. I follow several home school mothers of large families, many of them still bearing children, and I follow a couple autism mothers of small families who are afraid to have more children. But I have never seen a mother of a large family with autistic children who was done bearing children. (yes, I'm that old!) I didn't find any mother's like me, so here I am!!! A community of one! It's okay if you don't listen...I'll keep talking anyway! And trust me...I'm used to it by now!!!
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