Symbols of Christmas

At church these past four weeks, we've talked about some of the symbols of Christmas. Maybe it takes me a while to put things together, but I never thought of it this way.

1. Evergreens remind us of God's never-ending, unchanging love for you and me.

2. The star and light remind us there is hope in a dark world.

3. Gifts remind us that God gave us the ultimate gift of love in His Son Jesus Christ, to transform our lives and use us, then, to transform the lives of others.

4. Nativity Scenes remind us that "the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us..."

With all the rush, it is hard to keep focused on what matters. Tomorrow when you are out, take time to reflect on the simple symbols of Christmas and what the day is truly about. Simplify and Enjoy! - that's my motto, and I'm sticking to it. Merry Christmas!

A Christmas Miracle

We had our annual Christmas musical at Zachary's school a few weeks ago. The first one we did in 1st grade was rather challenging. I worried, and have done so every year, about how Zachary will do, whether he would sing and know the movements, go running off the stage, pick a cuticle the majority of the play...all possible scenarios have entered my head, and some have been lived out.

Well this year, was the first time he appeared to do all the movements appropriately. So I include 3 photos to show you that he is on beat and doing the moves with the girls next to him. I was so thrilled inside, and smiled like an idiot on the outside. He has worked so hard, and come a long way in the past four years. Me and John were both applauding his efforts, and of course, stopped for a Sonic ice cream on the way home.

Way to go Zachary! Maybe in the Spring musical, you will get the speaking part. He's only gotten two part, and it wasn't speaking. I thought I was going to vomit the night of the performance. Nonetheless, I have more confidence in my little actor, and expect he will do great!

Getting into the Christmas spirit

To start the Christmas season off right, we planned a little trip. We had a class field trip to the Austin Capitol, but left from there to head up to the Great Wolf Lodge, where they have an indoor water park at the hotel.

We got in a little late, so we had to hold off on the park until Saturday. We started Saturday with what I would call a pretty, da-gone tasty breakfast buffet. Of course a little pricey, but a nice selection of food. We then headed to ICE, the exhibit they bring to the Gaylord Texan every year. This year it was a Charlie Brown Christmas, one of my favorite movies.

We were cold at 12 degree temperatures

Doesn't anyone know the true meaning of Christmas?

Good ole Snoopy

Afterwards, we headed back to swim. We ate pizza for a late lunch - Zachary's favorite food. Then played video games for a bit. Of course he won some silly prize that cost way more than it was worth, but he so happy with it.

And then Santa showed up, so we had to get a pic with him. And no less, Zachary started listing off all these different items he wanted from Santa. And dinner, after that, was quite tasty.

All in all, we had a great trip! We finished off our adventure with a stop by Scott and Leah's new place on Sunday. We got the official tour of their home, which was lovely! And we had lunch before we left Dallas at a BBQ place. The food was so good, and they gave you "complimentary" Blue Bell ice cream. How can you go wrong!!!

Thanksgiving hussle and bussle

Forgot to take pictures, but we had a nice T-day with my dad and family. I most enjoyed visiting with my 92 year old grandpa. We had a good talk about life. He is still sharp as a tack, and has slight vision and hearing loss.

Shopped with Mom on Friday for eleven hours. Nearly everything we got used a coupon or a discount. And I think we did pretty good not to buy any nonsense. Only about five items left, and I am done...woohoo!

Got the tree up, lights on the house, and a little time to rest and relax. We are looking forward to some Xmas fun in the coming weeks. I have gotten to where I do enjoy this time of the year, despite all it has become. I think it helps me to keep my eye focused on the Savior, and simplify. Less presents, less parties, less events...keep it simple and enjoy the things I really think are important for me and my family. Hope you all can do the same this season.

Webelos Woods

This weekend was Webelos Woods. This is where the boys show what they have learned as they prepare to bridge over from Webelos to Boy Scouts. It was a little competition emphasizing team work in various areas. We were so proud of boys. They placed 9th out of 53 Webelos I patrols (5th grade are Webelos II). They placed 2nd in Camping and one of the leaders attributed that success to Zachary's efforts. Goooo Zachary!

Despite the freezing weather, which I slept in 3 layers with 3 layers of covers and never got warm, and that 2 boys had nightmares and screamed out in there sleep, we had a pretty good time. Zachary slept in a tent with another boy, so I was a little stressed the first night. But he really showed improvement at this camp out as far as staying with the boys, and I did not worry as much about him wondering off.

Van Gogh

Zachary has taken interest in Van Gogh again. He asked to help paint our last room in the house. He insisted he wear a hat like Van Gogh.

Brain scan

The other day I was visiting with Zachary's doctor, and he wondered if Zachary was having seizures. He did not seem real concerned, but thought we should have him tested to rule it out completely. It's always something.


So after visiting with a pediatric neurologist, he felt like a brain scan would be the next step, but he too did not feel like this was anything more than ADD. Zachary has been to soooo many doctors, that he did not even complain. He was concerned about missing school, but he let them do there thing and did his best to comply.

20 little brain scanners attached

wrap him up to keep it all in place

Thankfully all was normal. And we are back to the same old routine.

The Boy that Cried Wolf

Zachary was busted on Friday for lying about completing his school work. He has told "little" lies about having his school books or planner packed. And I've questioned whether those were lies or maybe he wasn't sure. He used to say yes, and sometimes still does, to any question if he is not listening. We've discussed these possible lies and how people will not trust you, and that it is not acceptable behavior.

On Thursday, his teacher asked him twice if he had his unfinished school work packed. Both times, he looked right at her and said, "yes ma'am." When it was discovered, he confessed that he did not want to take it home because he did not want the extra homework. While disappointed about his decision, I can see the positive. Now work with me here...as different as Zachary already is, I see this as a sign of becoming more and more like one of the other children. Obviously, I don't want him lying, but as he matures, he continues to behave in many typical ways.

Nonetheless, my "date weekend" turned into a homework weekend. He worked all weekend long, and believe it or not, did not complain much about the amount of work I piled on. We read "The boy that Cried Wolf" and discussed all he missed out on since he wasn't truthful. And he confessed he wants God to help him not to lie. So he has something to pray about, and so do I.

Still just as happy

We took our standard Halloween pictures, and he was still just as excited as he was earlier in the month. I thought these were cute...

Push mobile

Lately, we seem to have something with Boy Scouts every weekend. This past weekend, we had the whole council, which is all of the surrounding areas, meet for push mobile. Each den, which is Zachary's group of boys (and all boys in Scouts from 1st - 5th), makes a car, then they work as a team pushing and driving the car in a race. I did not actually get a picture of the team work and race since I was busy directing and cheering, but here are the boys....

You may be wondering why I don't have a front view. I was getting attitude about the picture. Sometimes, the back side can be more appealing!

Autism walk 2010

Another successful year. I think when all is said and done, we will raise over $13,000. That is very exciting, and we had 25 walkers this year. We had long-time friends, family, Boy Scouts, Zachary's piano teacher and family, and even clients (really they are friends at this point) come out and support us. The weather was beautiful. And we finished off our day with lunch at Star Pizza. Here are a few pictures...

The team

Zachary was in heaven with these guys on the scene. Many times he asked to go speak with his master, Obi-wan. Poor Obi-wan didn't know what to think of Zachary.

Pop, Granmommy, & the star


The Salazar Family



My coffee friends, Patrice and Elaine




Good ole, patient Mrs. Pike (the piano teacher) and family



Some of our Scout family



And the star of the show....

We had a few regulars missing due to various reasons. But they were with us in spirit. Thank you to everyone who supported us and all others affected by autism.

SHAC Jam

Sam Houston Area Council for Boy Scouts is celebrating their 100th year of scouting this year. This was the last big shindig. It was held at the Texas World Speedway near College Station. There was so much to do, there was absolutely no way we could have seen everything. We stayed in the Cub scout area (1st-5th grade) for six hours. The boys had a blast. The parents were exhausted. We did many more activities, but here are a few things they did...



Noodle battles on wobbly platforms and painting with erasers.

Paper hat and harmonicas and an obstacle course.

I'll be honest and tell you I'm glad we went, but am super happy we do not have to do that every year.

When is Halloween?

Yes, I know it is a month away, but for fear we wouldn't get the costume or the size we stopped by on a Friday night after piano lessons. He was so excited, reminding me not to forget any of the accessories and where was his helmet? He wanted to wear the costume out of the store. He suited up as soon as he got home & was ready to wear it to bed. I can't count the number of times he has been in this thing. While I had to pay a pretty penny, I think it will be well worth the numerous hours of use he gets out of it. He is Jenga Fett from Star Wars.



I'm not sure what the Halloween post will be since you've seen his costume. Maybe somehow I can share his excitement with you. Oh, to be a kid again, and allow the little things to make you happy!

And first place goes to...

the cutest little Scout I know. That is right, he got 1st place. It was double elimination, the stakes were high, but his high speed rocket never got eliminated. Zachary actually thought he got second because his rocket only placed 1st one time. But he also placed 2nd every other time, and so was never eliminated. He was the sweetest thing, recording each race, and then a slight dash of hopes when the second place medal was given to another boy. But that half grin showed up when they announced he got 1st.

Way to go Dad and Zachary! A little team work victory.

Winner!

That is what we hope to hear tomorrow after we fly this Space Derby Rocket. That's right, not only do they have a Pinewood Derby (car race), but a Raingatta Regutta (boat race), and a rocket race in Boy Scouts. So we are off tomorrow to give it a whirl. When asked what he wanted to do with the block of wood we originally received, he said he wanted it to be fast. He is not the best at 2nd place or anything else below 1st.

Here are a few pics of the preparations with Dad...

To infinity and beyond!

Grandparent's Day

Wednesday we celebrated Grandparent's Day at Zachary's school. I'm not sure what process Zachary went through to pick the set of grandparents that attended, but he was dead set that Pops and Granmommy were coming. My mom talked to him on the phone and she asked him what she should wear. He said, "a nice dress." Not sure where that came from. Dress, no, but not a uniform either, and they both looked pretty snazzy. Rather than school quesadillas, I opted to pick us up lunch from Cafe Express, and the school provided carrot cake. Can we do this every week?

I was glad they came too. I think they spent more time in the car than they did at the school. Lunch is only 30 minutes. If Zachary only knew how special he was to all his grandparents.

Water park

Over the summer a new water park opened about 30 minutes from us. The day we got ready to go, to Zachary's dismay, it down poured. Labor Day weekend, we decided to try again. Besides the credit card machine not working, and it taking literally 45 minutes to get in the park, we had a pretty good time.

After bringing my camera, I thought, how will I get a picture on a ride. I'm on the ride as it is, so you get pictures at lunch. Poor thing, it was overcast most of the time, so he was shivering cold.


This is the only proof I was there. I had this new pedicure style done. Not sure I like it. John says it looks like I have dirt on my toes, as he laughs. Not funny.
After Zachary's friend tried at least 50+ times to get across a water obstacle course, we finally headed out after about 4 hours. Zachary zoomed across that thing in a few minutes, so watching his friend was rather humorous, but he was determined. Anyway, he played at the house for a bit with his friend, and when the boy left, he crashed out. Come to find out, he had a 102 fever. Might explain the shivering and ho-hum attitude about being at the park. So the reality is that Zachary's buddy and I had a good time. We'll go again when he is feeling better.

Boy Scout Bicycle Rodeo

Last weekend, our Boy Scout Pack had their annual Bicycle Rodeo. I was anxious because Zachary is not real strong on his bike, but he wanted to go. I did not know what to expect. I'm not sure why it was from 10-noon, but by the looks of his ear, it was hot!

They simply went over safety, and care of their bicycle, then rode an obstacle course, raced to see if they could improve their time, & rode for a mile. He did great, seemed to have a good time until the 1 mile bike ride.

He was looking pretty cute, despite being tired.

4th grade first week

Well, so far so good. Sunday night was a little rocky with Zachary being concerned about what he needed to do to attend school without his therapists after December. Feel free to pray about that goal. He got out of bed 3x. I finally had to get tough.

He was ready to go in the morning, and complained about the first day of school picture since it could make him late.


When I picked Zachary up, his aid said, if he does this good everyday, we may be able to make that December goal. Yahoooo! So, as a surprise, John got Zachary a medium cookie cake (boring me suggested a single cookie from the Cookie Co.). This is what was left after one day. John had them write, "Good Job Zachary". Although Zachary didn't show much excitement about the cookie, he and his dad did partake in a sample.

Summer memories

Summer draws to a close, but we have had many funny moments at our house. Hope you enjoy his humor. I think you will if are a Star Wars fan.

1. Independence has it's lessons. He decided to add pepper to his broccoli. We've shown him many times how to "shake". No luck. Dump. Zachary, "this pepper is burning my tongue off."

2. Mom: "Do you want a snack?" Zachary: "No, I've got cottage." I guess I've been talking a bit to much about the cheese on my thighs. His attempt to show me his "cottage" was even more funny!

3. Zachary expressed a disinterest in attending college the other day. After reminding him to focus on 4th grade, I questioned about his intents after school. He said he was going to be a Clone Ranger, but would not be attending Clone Ranger school.

4. At the orthodontist, after successfully convincing him not to wear hot pink rubber bands, he chose purple. We discussed how purple is a "girl" color. He said, but Mace Windu has a purple light saber. Of course, Star Wars.

5. I went into his room the other day. He had almost all of the Jedi Council set-up for a meeting, created from his Star Wars Legos. I can only imagine what they were discussing. Very creative for him.

6. For at least a year, I've been trying to explain the concept of "talking back". I really have been unsure if he grasp this until he told me Anakin talked back. Qui Gon Jinn told Anakin to stay in the ship, and Anakin said "But I...". Zachary said, that is talking back. Yah, all this Star Wars stuff is teaching him something useful.

7. Zachary approached me and said, "Darth Maul's (Star Wars) bringing the sexy back." I'm sitting there stunned. What does that even mean? And he doesn't know. It is the title to a series of Darth Maul scenes from Star Wars set to a hip song, that he found on YouTube. I do monitor these things, but apparently I need to be checking out the titles as well.

8. If you know the Dairy of a Wimpy Kid series, this will be funny. This series is about a junior high school boy's experiences. The basic gist is that someone has left a piece of cheese on the playground. If you touched it or the person that touched it, you were labeled as having the "cheese touch". While at a church function, I mentioned watching out for some dog poop. Well, later, we didn't see a little dried poop. When I told him to move his foot away from it, he said, "oh, no, I have the poop touch!" I nearly died laughing. So, he is comprehending something when he reads!

Alas, school starts Monday. We are ready, and looking forward to more of our Zachary's Whacked comedy series this Fall.

Aaaaahhhhh...

Cancun! I've never really wanted to go because all I've ever heard is it is commercialized and like the States. Lies, lies, lies. John & I went on our annual "just us" vacation.

We arrived later than expected after the travel to the resort and a delayed plane. But a good learning experience for next time. We were beach/pool bums the whole next day. How could you not be. They literally had like beds, shaded or partial shade, lining the beach and pool. It was an adult only resort, so I guess it was appropriate. There were a few couples needing to take it back to their own rooms, and a topless sunbather. Woohoo! I did actually think it was a man at first.

The next day we went to Tulum, one of the Mayan ruins. That was super cool, and I think we made a good decision to go here rather than Chitchen Itza, which was 2 1/2 hours away. This ruin was 30 minutes away an on the beach. Guess were we went after hiking through the ruins... swimming!

I had to get a picture of the water. It was beautiful! Little did I realize this picture would make me look like the ultimate, dorky tourist. Dork or not, I did get to finish off my day with a massage on the beach. I think it was the best massage I've ever had.

This was at dinner one evening. I had to post it. It is tough getting a great picture of John. Pay no mind that I look a little dumb and was having a hair issue.

And here we are just being dumb at dinner. Good memories, a break from the hustle and bustle. Goal accomplished. And thank you Nana for keeping Zachary.

A boys delight

I set out to sew Zachary a Star Wars cape. Shouldn't be too hard, right? I figured all I had learned in my sewing class 10 years ago would come rushing back to me, and surprisingly, most did. I even had Zachary's help with locating the pattern and picking fabric. We were good until I got all things out and started looking at the pattern....hmmm, where are the size 6 measurements?

Wrong size pattern! Did you know they had sizes in patterns, but all sizes available on the back? Lesson learned. But guess what, it was Sunday and Hancock's isn't open, and Zachary wanted that cape. He was already running around with fabric draped over him. What to do? Call Mom. After a few pointers, I was on my way to cutting down a pattern and finagling it to fit Zachary.

I have to tell you, I figured this would be no more than a 2-3 hour project. It only had 4 cut outs doubled, all straight, simple stitches. Here is my house after about 2 1/2 hours...no sewing yet.

At 11:30P, I put the final touches on a promised cape to be available when he woke up. He was so excited when he got up. He went looking for the new Darth Maul cape, draped himself and found the appropriate light saber.

Still tired, but ready to fight any Jedi he might come in contact with! Sorry the photo isn't very clear. We do our best with the smiles we get.

May the Force be with you.