Support, Clarity and Advocacy

It's been just over a month since our Autism journey started.  I had the opportunity and time last week to do some in depth research into treatment options in our area.  I was lost and overwhelmed prior to that.  I wasn't able to properly focus on ANY aspect of my life.  I visited several day treatment facilities and met with a couple others that have walked these roads before.  

On Monday I met with a woman from my church community who has 2 kids on the spectrum.  Her stories and advice were immensely comforting.  It is one thing to read about similar stories online (which I love!), but talking face to face with another mom is a whole new level.  They can see your emotions.  They can give you a hug when all you want to do is cry.  I have also discovered that I have connections with most of 6 different special education directors in the metro area!  Ah, oh how the Lord provides when you need it.

I feel that I can now make an educated decision about how to proceed.  I will feel comfortable in the decisions made.  There is still a lot of uncertainty, but I am able to live and work and "mom" without being consumed with worry and doubt.  We also started speech therapy last week and I am already seeing progress.  I am so excited to see where it goes from here.  

We will also be participating in:

The Minnesota walk is on Saturday, October 12th.  I would love if you could join us, donate to Autism research or educate yourself more about ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders.)  Our team is The Parker Patrol.  You can join our team or donate by clicking below.

THE PARKER PATROL

Thank you all for your wonderful words of encouragement over that last several weeks.  Knowing you are here to love and support us makes each day so much easier.

Fall Fun (with summer heat!)

A great friend of mine, Sarah, invited us and a bunch of others to join them at a local Apple Orchard today.  It was hot and steamy from the get-go, but we still had fun.  We arrived before everyone so we let Parker play for a bit.  He has really started to like the slide.

Once everyone arrived, we walked through the cafe and got some delicious apple doughnuts for a snack.  Then we headed back outside and stopped to visit the goats.  Parker thought they were pretty funny, especially when they licked his hand!

Next was the cow train!  We weren't sure how Parker would like it, but he did really well.  I hopped in the barrel in front of him just in case he had a melt down.

The corn pit was a blast last year.  But, Parker was more interested in eating the corn and not playing in it.  We did sit in it for a while, but he didn't have any desire to play.

Then it was off to the apples!  I know (almost) nothing about apples so I didn't know which ones are good now and which aren't.  We tried a few varieties and found one I really liked, Zestar.  It tasted just like apple cider!  We also got a great family picture in the orchard.

Parker even tried one of them.  That is a pretty big deal because he has been very resistant to whole fruits, only eating purees.

It was a great morning with friends!

Mamas and babies (L to R: Ronin, Caiden, Parker)

Papas and babies

All the ladies: Me, Amy, Erin, Bethany, Tiffany, Sarah

I'm Back!

I have been a bit of a Debbie Downer lately.  I think I have put an end to my pity party (for now!)  I have just had a LOT of thinking to do.  It seems like every free moment of the last 3 weeks has been spent dwelling on Parker's super powers (what I am choosing to call Autism.)  But, in between all that dwelling we have actually had some fun!  I will try to be brief and just share lots of pictures.

A couple weekends ago we went to a local city days festival with my dad and nephews.  They have a bird house station where kids can help build one for free (donations accepted.)  Both of my nephews built one.

 My dad helped build one as Parker watched.

 We plan to put it up in our yard next spring.

 They also had a free "train."  Actually, most of the stuff at this thing was free!

On the train 

Checking out the "wheels," his favorite!

 The next day we went to my parents to celebrate Jimmy and my birthday.  My parents are getting a new patio so we started out by watching my brother excavate for it.  He does landscaping professionally.

Taking a ride with Uncle Sean and Grandpa

Jimmy got to ride the new go-kart

 I made White Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes (a nod to one of our wedding cake flavors.)

 It was a great day with my family!

 Even when I drove off the bridge!  The creek was dry, but it was still a bit scary!  The neighbors pulled us out!

I had made a post about our trip to the lake, but here are a couple more pictures that were on my other camera.

We also made time for our FAVORITE birthday tradition Benihana!  This was our 4th year going. They give a $30 certificate you can use during your birthday month.  It is practically a free meal since we have the same birthday!

We also made time for the State Fair!  It is one of my favorite things of the whole year!  We like to head out early to beat the crowds.  It was a lot different coming than going!

 Fair food!  Fried Pickles, Sweet Martha's Cookies, French Fries, Cinna-Minis, Mini Donut Beer (worth the 30 minute wait!), cheese curds, pronto pup!

 Lastly, I have been trying to get a haircut for WEEKS, but something always came up.  I finally did it on Friday!  My hair was SO long and it was time for a change.  I really like it, but it isn't as maintenance free as it used to be...Ah, the price of beauty...

Whew...That was a lot.  I am taking next week off to get Parker's care in order.  I have a lot of places to see and phone calls to make and it is really tough when you work full time!  I hope to start posting more again as I work through it all.

Ok, one more picture to share.  He was just too cute, I couldn't resist!

Have a great day!