2, September h- A.R.D.

Alex's first A.R.D. of the year was today.  This morning at 8 o'clock in the morning, five people with a stake in Alex's education met in the diagnostician's office.  We sat around a giant conference table and discussed him.  We reviewed the findings of Dr. Kaimman, her recommendations, and what should happen in the classroom for Alex until his next A.R.D. meeting in October. 

Five people discussed our son both clinically and personally for about thirty minutes.  "Discussed" is the word that just won't go away.  "Discussed"--I suppose all parents "discuss" their children with their teachers, doctors, and other people with a stake or responsibility in their well-being, but I'll just say it---ITS WEIRD!

Reread the first paragraph; "discussed", "findings", "recommendations", these are not words you typically associate with a 6 year old.  I don't forget that he has special needs, but I forget that is not normal for everyone else in the world.  Certainly, I'm not complaining about today.  The above mentioned A.R.D. went  smoothly.  Everyone was in one accord, but still, I must marvel at the strangeness of  of "discussing findings and recommendations" when talking about my little guy.

Alex is a beautiful person.  He is cute, sweet, funny, smart, and he cares deeply.  He is so many things that I can't even find the words to describe! I worry because I am afraid that people only see him on a clinical level.  Alex's brain is clouded,  his behavior affected, his gross and fine motor skills affected, his social skills affected, as he reacts to life through the giant cataract of neurology, called Autism.

Alex is classified as a first grader this year.  The word classified allows for the mind to wander into dangerous territory.  Will he ever be a true (insert number) grader?  What will he be?  Well, I have prayed hard this week and last, I have done my best to close my mouth and listen(for you who know me--you know that in itself is a miracle!), and I have sought the counsel of my wise collection of family and friends.  I have decided to shift my thinking.  He will be who he will be.  God gave Alex his life and allowed for autism to be in it.  I know that regardless of what we "discuss", "find", or "recommend", we have a wonderful gift from God to love and cherish!  We are going to always set goals.  We will always push him out of his comfort zone to learn.  We will always expect things from him just like we will do for our other children, but on his level.  We will always love him!

Matthew 11:28-30 

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Everyone needs help carrying their burdens from time to time.  Jesus promises to give us the rest we need.  When we surrender our lives and the seemingly unsolvable circumstances of our lives to Him, He lifts us up and provides a fresh hope and wisdom.  Sometimes things are too hard for me to handle, but nothing is too hard for Him.  He promises to refresh us when we cry out to Him. 

Thank you to all of our family and friends that have allowed Him to talk through you, comfort, edify, and challenge us this last week.  Our family is truly blessed!

Pioneer Girls

Today, Brooke and I were Pioneer Girls!  We made our own powdered laundry detergent!  What a great project for us!  We grated soap bars, added washing soda, borax, and some eucalyptus essential oil.  It washes great and smells even better! 

I researched making our own soap, but I don't think she and I are "Pioneer" enough to render animal fat and play in the lye!  Lye is dangerous and animal fat is...um...gross!  Maybe when she's older and we have goggles and such to play with..or not.  Anyway, this was a fun and easy thing to do that she could help with. 

 I can't help but think that my Meme and my Grandma Martha are looking down from heaven with approval.  Both of these women lived through the Great Depression and made vat after vat of lye soap in their lives.  They washed their clothes on a wash board and hung them out on clotheslines.  They boiled water over wooden fires to prepare everything from dishwater to baths.  I think they would appreciate that in this life of such abundance, my daughter is agreeable to do things "the old way".  I am proud of my little 4 year old Pioneer Woman.

Back to the future.....Brooke helped me package and mail my ebay merchandise today.  She has been the most help!

Alex's first full day of school was awesome!  He has told me about the other kids in class and his new teacher since he got of the bus.  I am proud of him for being so independent.  Six year olds with autism typically have trouble transitioning from being at home for any length of time and then beginning school again.  Alex seems to be adjusting fine.  I pray that the Lord will continue to give me the strength and direction to do what Alex needs me to do. 

I am so thankful today for each of my children and Bob!  What wonderful blessings!

Doulos

We starting reading a book today called The Gospel According to Jesus Christ.  Just finishing chapter one and this book is amazing!  An old book, published in the late eighties, but what a timeless and honest capture of the Gospel.  Not for the faint of heart!  But for those full of heart with Christ as their Master.