We made it Autism

We made it through Autism Awareness month, barely. For me the month of April is the most trying month. And I came through this month skidding in sideways; hair disheveled and barely hanging on. But that's the way that I live my life. I'm going to have a good time no matter what.

Doodle may have autism but autism doesn't define who she is. And most parents act like Autism awareness month is the greatest thing and others act like it's a curse. Just like the old saying of what is your cup filled to? Is your cup half empty or is it half full? It's all in how you approach your life. Doodle will always have autism. No matter how much therapy she has at the school. Embrace it like its a freckle cause this life, every part of it is just a drop in the bucket.

So why did I skid in sideways? Well, it's my birth month, Special Olympics, new cutting machine I needed to learn and Open House. And Open House always means showcase pieces and those take time to make. So I have to make sure I have everything for Open House that should be seen. If people can see what they can be taught step by step they are more incline to take classes. I'm not in the store as much as you would think I am. I have so many projects that have to be done and ready for so many other things that I barely have time to remember to breathe. And Doodle is acting like a little pest by not wanting to ride the bus anymore to school or home from school.

I am working with the school to get the issue resolved. Open House was good. Training is still being done for the new instructor. I still have a lot on my plate. But the good news is I've been asked to be a part of a fashion show galla and feature my artwork. I'm a little on the fence about it. I need to see how many art pieces I can come up with for September and I have a lot of other projects on my table.

So now that this is the last day of April you guys know that school is gonna be out next month, right? So what are your plans for your kids that don't have summer program options and you never manage to remember to sign up for special needs summer camp?

I have to work so there is no dropping off at special needs summer camp. But I do have a plan. We are going to be outside watching movies. I have a projector that was given to me a couple of weeks ago. I have my office area to clean up. Lots of printers are headed off to the thrift store cause I just don't have any room for them. And I have been following a lot of teachers on Instagram who teach special education. I'm putting together work sheets that Doodle will be working on. And of course we will be at my best friends' house enjoying his swimming pool. Cause it's the summer! Got to have some fun.

I have a lot of projects that are either going to be in the magazine or in the blog. Haven't decided yet. Everything is just so jumbled right now. I should have some idea by the end of the week. But the most important thing is today I have to register Doodle for school for next year. Cause that was something I forgot to do for April.

See you guys on the flip side.

Welcome to Autism Awareness Month

This is a touchy subject to most parents on the spectrum. A month they hate the most for some. For me it's not. For me there is so much to be thankful for.

My child at a point in her life I seriously thought that she would never be able to speak, read, write or do math. She stemmed a lot and had seizure behaviors. I never thought she would be a child that would ever be unlocked from her mind.

And then a tornado ripped through our area and her school was wiped off the map. And we switched to a new school. We got a teacher that believed that any student that was under her care had the right to some form of communication and with dedication could be taught so that if they were ever in trouble they could tell someone basic information to help get them back to their family.

This teacher was our miracle worker but she did ask for the parents time in return. Not only did our children work hard at school but had homework and the parents had to help them at home. She would bring parents into the classroom and teach us how to help our children. It was glorious. She and her para were the cream of the crop on making sure our children focused and learned to the best of their ability.

When some teachers just want to babysit you find a teacher that is willing to put in the work and get results. I can't stand a lazy teacher. It infuriates me to no end. It's not only my child that is suffering but it's a whole class that suffers.

Yes, I am one of those parents that work my child and I will work her hard and I will battle with her if I have to to make sure she thrives and learns and progresses. If a teacher and a para can do it every single school year together I can do it for 365 at home.

Doodle is on spring break. I do have a summer plan for her that means yes, though she won't be in school and I will be working I will be making sure that she is still going to be learning. This week I'm helping her with her art. She's already at a point where she's fantastic with art, but she needs lessons to take it further. I'm a certified Grumbacher instructor for Michaels Stores so art comes naturally for us but even I take lessons to make sure that my art stays on point.

Don't hate on this month and that it is Autism Awareness month. Don't hate on the disability. You have to work hard with your children. But then again raising children is a 24/7 job. You can't have children and expect them to raise themselves. If you want them to do sports they have to be trained in that and of course practicing at home. Music is the same way as is art. Anything you as a parent have ever wanted to do in life you know there is practice practice practice. And that's the way it is with autism. Therapy and practice. Lets ban together and make sure we make our kids a success.

See you on the flip side.
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