I Actually Made Something!

I was a little late in jumping on the Pinterest train.  I think I thought it was mostly about sewing and artsy crafts to do with kids.  I mean, yes, it has all that on there, but what I failed to realize was that there were lots of DIY decorating projects and ideas for hair and fashion stuff and...well, everything!  Once I discovered all the DIY stuff (especially Pottery Barn knock-offs!), I thought, "I could totally do that!"  This past Saturday I decided to do my very first project from Pinterest:  Decorative Apothecary Jars.  Here are the pics:

Mason did most of the spray painting.  He was very excited:

I chose the colors I did because I wanted to use these in my bathroom, and the colors coordinate with my bathroom stuff.  Here is the finished product:

I put them in my bathroom, but I was busy doing this that I neglected to clean my bathroom.  So I photographed them in the kitchen.  Anyways, I found the idea for this here.  It was super, super easy, and not very expensive.  I can't wait to do more projects!



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Having A Ball

Last Saturday the boys and I went with two of my sister-in-laws to a local Salsa Festival.  We actually only got to taste one salsa because the kids wanted to run and do everything else!  There were bouncers and games for the kids to play, plus face painting and fake tattoos.  The kids had tons of fun!  It was all supposed to be free, but I found out the hard way that some things were not free!  Mason and Connor saw other kids climbing inside these giant balls, and then rolling around bumping into each other.  They really wanted to try it, even though the line was so long.  We waited a good 40 minutes in line, and they really waited patiently because they were excited to try it out.  As I got to the front of the line a woman said, "OK, $5 per person."  *!!!*  However, I couldn't let the kids down, so I forked it over.  After their time they both came running up to me with HUGE smiles on their faces...which made it all worth it!   Here are some pics I snapped with my phone of their fun (Mason is in the purple ball, and Connor is in the green):

And here are the dogs they got painted on their faces:

The boys hope to go again next year!

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The Sayings of MC

Mason and Connor have a great vocabulary, and sometimes they say things and I have no idea where they learned them.  I don't know if other kids with Asperger's are like that, but it sure makes things interesting.  As I was working in the yard this past weekend Mason said, "Hey, Mom, you wanna be on my team?"  I said I would if he wanted me to be.  He paused and replied, "Well, Mom...are you going to be an asset to my team or a liability?"  I asked him if he even knew what liability meant.  He said, "Sure.  It means a person who is going to cause problems for your team."  I have to say, I was speechless.  Did I mention that he's 9 years old?




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This And That

It's amazing how you can blink and a month has gone by without a post!  Right now I think I'm suffering from lack of imagination and inspiration, but I hope to get that back soon!  At any rate, I just wanted to say that we are still all alive and well, just extremely busy!  Here are a few things we've been doing...

1.  Doctor's visits!  This may not seem surprising, since I do have two boys with Asperger's.  However, the appointments have been for me!  This is unusual because I usually just go to the doctor once a year.  I hardly ever get sick!  (knock on wood)  My first round of appointments were heart related.  I was having trouble breathing and other symptoms which led me to the cardiologist...and to get chest xrays...and to have bloodwork.  In the end I learned that I have a congenital heart defect...a bicuspid aortal valve, to be exact.  It's not serious, though it could cause problems later in life and become serious.  I was advised to cut back on caffeine, which is really, really hard for a hardcore soda addict like me.  I've made the switch to caffeine free for now, and hope to cut out more in the future.  Baby steps!

2.  Chiropractor visits!  Again, for me.  I don't know what it is with this year, but it's just not my year so far!  I have never wanted to see a chiropractor, but my body decided I should.  One Saturday morning I bent over to pick up something, and my back spasmed.  My legs gave way, and I literally could not get up.  Kind of freaky.  Jodie helped me to the couch and I couldn't move for two days.  Thankfully the chiropractor got me back up and I learned that my pelvis is crooked.  Since Mason was born, I've had a lot of problems with my hips and back, and just sort of put up with it.  I guess my body had enough.  I'm feeling much better and things are getting back to normal around here.

3.  Dealing with attitude!  This time it's with Mason.  All of a sudden we are dealing with major attitude, and everything we do or say is constantly questioned.  We're trying very hard to be patient and work on this and have also majorly cut back on video games, which seem to amplify the problem.  This is actually the main reason blogging has fallen by the wayside...family comes first, and we've felt the need to really focus on both boys right now so we can figure out things.  It's like the teenage years have come early.  Yikes!

4.  Staycation!  We all took the boys' spring break off, and really enjoyed just staying home and relaxing.  We spent most of our time at the park, because the boys have suddenly developed a passion for biking and scooters.  It's so awesome to see them riding around with huge smiles on their faces.  The boys also went to an ASU baseball games with the cousins and grandpa.  It's a yearly tradition, and they really had a great time!  We were so sad to see spring break end, and this week has been all about getting the boys back into school mode...which brings out even more attitude.  Sigh.

So, there you have it.  A quick update and a hope that things will settle down a bit soon!  That said, I can't complain.  I am grateful for my boys and for the family time we get to have.  I'm grateful my husband works hard so I can stay home and teach the boys.  I'm also grateful for this awesome weather and being able to spend a lot of time outdoors!  Maybe soon I'll get some pictures up and a few more posts.




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To Connor On His Birthday

Today my baby turns 7.  I can hardly believe it!  I look at him and can't believe how tall he's gotten, and how fast time has passed.  Connor is our family comedian.  He always has something funny to say, or a crazy dance to show us.  His dance moves are completely awesome, and Jodie and I could watch him all day.  Connor is also fearless.  He will jump into anything without fear, and always shows excitement at trying new things (unless it's food).  When Connor talks I love to watch the facial expressions he gets, and I love to listen to the way he phrases things or the big words he uses.  He's such a smart, funny kid, and we feel so lucky that we get to have him as part of our family!  Connor, we love you and hope you have a very happy birthday! 

 Photo by Captured By Cassandra

Here are 7 things about Connor:
1.  He loves cheese.  He would probably eat a whole block of cheese if I let him.
2.  On the other hand, he hates peanut butter.  We think he's crazy!  ; )
3.  Connor is a Transformer expert.  He knows the most obscure details...like the fact that Optimus Prime was originally Orion Pax, before he was named Prime.
4.  He loves to dance.  Put on music and he will treat you to some crazy and awesome moves...including some gymnastic moves.
5.  Connor's favorite animal is a dog.  He loves dogs so much and is sad that we can't have one where we live.  (Someday, Connor...someday!)
6.  Connor is a great helper...when you ask him to grab something or help you out, he is always willing to do it!
7.  Connor is one of the most determined kids I know.  If he has a goal he will not stop until he reaches it.




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