Back stage

My dad and step-mom took Zachary to the symphony for The Grinch Who Stole Christmas performance.  I had called my dad to give him the low-down on all the "extra" things Zachary might want to do and how my dad might consider handling these various items.  One of the things I mentioned was that an oboist in the symphony had told Zachary he would be happy to visit with him anytime he waited at the back stage doors.  I briefly mentioned it to my dad and gave him an idea of where that was outside of Jones Hall.

After the performance, Zachary asked my dad if he wanted to meet Adam (the oboist), and of course, my dad said yes.  Zachary proceeded to take him backstage, rather than outside.  We had only been back there two times, and I was so lost, I was glad we had an escort.  My dad said Zachary knew right where he was going.  He did run into a security guard and quickly chose an alternate route.  Dad said they showed up amongst the musicians, and someone asked Zachary who he was looking for.  He then proceeded to visit with Adam and Conductor Franz, who you may remember, he met last year.  After a bit, they returned to meet my step-mom.  No big deal in Zachary's mind, just part of his visit.  All I could do was sit there flabbergasted and laugh at Zachary's boldness!

He makes headlines...again

I received a phone call from a lady about Zachary's experience at the Symphony Petting Zoo.  She wanted to write an article for her blog.  A little Throwback Thursday from last year.

Houston Symphony Instrument Petting Zoo Impact

MUSICAL INFLUENCE ON HOUSTON CHILDREN & FAMILIES
by Bernadette Verzosa

     Holly Sansing can pinpoint the moment of the awakening. She witnessed the elation on her son Zachary's face when he blew into a bassoon for the first time.

     Zachary was 11 years old then and enamored with the bassoon and other wind instruments. He had been diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, and like many autistic children, he had demonstrated musical talent. So the family decided to attend a free Houston Symphony Family Concert at St. Bernadette's Church and they were able to experiment at the Instrument Petting Zoo.  

    "The best part was the opportunity to try out all the instruments you can only look at with your eyes at a music store.  Instruments are fragile and you are not normally able to handle them until junior high and then only if you decide to play in band," says Sansing. "This allowed my son and other children to try multiple instruments that could be sanitized between playing."

     Zachary's interest in music was ignited. He also picked up a French horn and started walking around the church with it. "He would play a note, pause, listen as if he was following the sound with his eyes. He took the French horn under archways, on carpet, in different areas and I knew what he was looking for. He has a very keen ear and perfect pitch," says Allison Conlan, Coordinator of Education and Community Engagement.

     Conlan arranged for Zachary to meet the principal bassoonist and oboe players. He has chosen to pursue the oboe instead of the bassoon because of its smaller size. The young boy also took the stage at Jones Hall as guest conductor of a holiday family concert alongside Conductor Robert Franz. 

     "Allison has been so kind to foster my son's love for music. He now wants to play in the symphony as his career choice," Sansing says.

 BENEFITS OF MUSIC, INSTRUMENTS & THE PETTING ZOO    

     Zachary is among the thousands of Houston area children each year who blow, strum, bang or somehow play the Houston Symphony's musical instruments. The Instrument Petting Zoo is set up at family concerts, schools, festivals and community centers. Some of the instruments that kids can touch and play include the violin, viola, cello, flute, trumpet, trombone, French horn and the marimba.         "I have a soft place in my heart for kids and seeing how a simple note can affect their life," says Conlan. "They play the instrument and they create music. They have ownership and a sense of confidence.  They walk out with conviction that they did something better than they thought."

    "The reason for having it is to create magic," says Roger Daily, Director of Education and Community Engagement. "When a child discovers that they can create a sound, that they have the building blocks necessary to make music, you can literally hear doors opening.  There are only a few gifts that one can give a child to last a lifetime - music is absolutely one of them."

     Daily has managed the Houston Symphony Instrument Petting Zoo for more than a decade. Many families return years later with stories about the impact of the Instrument Petting Zoo. "One young lady had a natural gift, embouchure or lip formation that allowed her to hit extremely high notes on a trumpet. I spoke with her Dad, who asked for recommendations for what to do next," Daily recalls. "Nine years later, the girl stopped by the table and let me know that she had become a successful trumpeter and it all started at the zoo."

      The Instrument Petting Zoo is brought out around 25 times each year. It's part of several programs at Jones Hall including family concerts, holiday performances, Theatre District Open House and the Day of Music. It travels with the orchestra to different Houston area neighborhoods for the Sounds Like Fun! free concert series. The Houston Symphony also works with music teachers to bring it to classrooms and special events.


A nice article and a sweet way to highlight Zachary.  Christmas is in 5 days.  We are giving Zachary a really exciting present.  I can't wait!  I feel like a little girl waiting for Xmas morning.  Can't wait to share with everyone!

Lunch with Leah and Lilly

We had lunch with Leah and Lilly during Thanksgiving.  We had a nice time, and I was sad that it went so quickly and we didn't have longer to just hang out.  Thankfully I got to hold little Lilly, and she is just a sweet doll...a great little baby!   But no less, I didn't get a picture of her.  This is what I got, and at his request...

He asked if I would take his picture so he could show the girls at school.  (snicker)  No pictures of Lilly, except one of her sliding down in front of a Christmas tree.  I'll have to steal from good old Facebook.

Thanksgiving

We had Thanksgiving at my house this year, and I was super excited!  I'm so glad my mom was here because short of inspecting the turkey before putting it in the roaster, oh and, pulling out the giblets, I was of little help.  We also had my step-sisters here, which was super fun!  We used the wedding china and had a feast full. 

Happy Thanksgiving from the Copeland, Lutz and Sansing Family!

Look who got detention

I'm not sure why this particular teacher has hit a sore spot with Zachary, but he is constantly saying something about him.  And although this teacher is a little gruff upon introduction, he easily warms up once you get to know him.

I found this in Zachary's backpack the other day.  I had to giggle...

In case you cannot read it, the reason says "Coach Zeringue, the Giant Pickle, is disrupting Cort's sleep, is being very disrespectful, writes too many detentions, tells lies, and makes fun of the whole 10th grade, 8th, 7th, 6th grade and the Living God, & abuses the whole class including 10th, 8th, 7th & 6th grade."

Homecoming

We had our school Fall Festival, which apparently will become an annual thing, two weeks ago.  The homecoming football game ended up being right after it.  So, it was very sunny for the first part of the game.  Some of the band players wanted sunglasses.  Zack joined in.  He asked if he looked cool, as he reclined in the bleachers for a picture. 

Little did we know that the annoying sun would be missed once the sun set.  It was 60 degrees and many of us were in shorts from the earlier Festival.  Bhhuurrrr!

House Divided

Not really knowing where Zachary wants to go to college, but encouraging him based on several music teacher's comments and what he has found from reading bios on the Houston Symphony web page, he would like to go to Rice.  I do not know if he will have the grades or the focus for that program and luckily U of H has a great music program too.  We do anticipate college in his future.  In the meantime, I thought this might be a cute picture...

Found

He needed a home, and only three days prior had a spot come available.  I never imagined I would get another dog right after Pete passed.  But Kirby was abandoned and needed a home.  A friend of a friend found him on the way to work, on Kirby Drive in Pasadena.  I figured he had to be someones, and so we decided to wait.  The rescuers searched neighborhoods, reported it to the police in their little city, and went to the vet to check on a pet chip, but no one came.

After a week, Kirby came home with us.  I was afraid to wait too long.  I figured John only said yes because he was sympathetic to my recent loss.  He has been a wonderful addition to our family.  He is the sweetest little dog.  He is an approximately 2 year old, male chihuahua.  Pete always wanted to be around you, but Kirby wants to love on you. He is so appreciative of every bit of attention you give him.  And the best thing for our family is that he is good with Zachary, and even John likes him pretty well.

We are in a different stage with Zachary, so I need the calm of Kirby.  I need the quiet walks with him, and the company in the early hours of the morning.  He even encourages me to play with him and it takes my mind off of aggravations. 

I'm thankful for whoever decided they could no longer keep him.  He needed us, and we needed him.

Looks so typical

Reading Lord of the Rings

I sat staring at my little boy. This is what he was doing for about 3 hours.  Patiently waiting.  Not something he could have done many years ago, especially not three hours.  I counted my blessings in that moment.  We were at TCH waiting to see a doctor to give us more direction on how to help Zachary with his frustration.

Have you ever had your child say, "I don't want to get upset, but I don't know how to stop."  It breaks my heart that I don't have a magic fix.  Heck, I struggle with this myself, and many times I don't get it right.

Adolescence and autism do not mix well, and we are seeing the combination lived out.  We are all frustrated.  We didn't get many answers, but at least one good suggestion came.  So we are waiting for an appointment to see the most specific doctor that can help.  We may get a possible temporary fix, but have to wait for that appointment too. 

In the meantime, I try to enjoy the sweet times like this one (below).

7 hours waiting, & now we are both being silly.

Outsmart him

Over the summer, we decided to encourage more peace in our home, so we removed all Internet connections from those that are under-age.  Being a bit to smart for his own good, Zachary asked to show his dad something while John was already looking at something on his phone.  John was on to him, so here was the result...

I have also figured out a way to work a little therapy in, and Zachary has not even realized it.  He is not the best at describing things, so every once in a while, he wants me to look something up for him.  I make him describe every area he wants me to click using his words rather than pointing.  Ha!  He thinks he can outsmart us, but we are on to him!

Sudden but necessary

Pete has been our family dog since November 1999.  He was been a wonderful friend and companion for me through various challenges with autism.  Zachary has only recently taken a real interest in Pete, but Pete is not really having much of Zack's handling.

I had heard that little dog's can live to be 14-18 years, and so since Pete was my first dog, I figured for sure he would make it to 18.  He was just fine about two weeks ago, and in a matter of four days, he needed to be put down.  His liver and kidney were failing.  I spent the day loving on my good friend before I needed to say good-bye.

Pete was 3 and Zachary was 2.

Our first accident

Loved riding in the car

Going deaf has its advantages of getting up close photos

Learning to use my camera - I love this picture!

Typical face with Zack in the room.  Pete is saying, "save me from him!"

Rest in peace, sweet dog!  Pistol Pete Sansing, October 1, 1999 - August 5, 2013

Back to school

We headed back to school August 19th.  Normally we do not start until around August 26th.  I am not sure why the change, but during the month of August, Zachary told me he simply was not starting until the 26th because the new start date was "wrong."

Thought this was cute, although, I think it was in exasperation of me taking multiple photos.

Lately, he often stands with his arms crossed.

Are you wondering why he is wearing a hoodie pullover during the hottest time of the year?  He hates to tuck his shirt in and has figured if he wears a sweatshirt, he doesn't normally get caught.  Smarty pants!  Luckily, it is pretty cold in school, so he might actually need it, and blend in with 50% of the other students wearing them. 

Recorded in history

Some things are worth repeating.  Here are a few from Zachary's 6th grade year...

1.  We had been discussing gender specific compliments.  On the first day of school, he told all of his teachers they were either handsome or beautiful.  I think he scored a few points, because most mentioned it to me, and all thought they were alone in the compliment.

2.  Zachary was running late and exclaimed he had to brush his teeth or else he would have dragon breath.  I found out later Mrs. Caraway had mentioned something about this in English class. 

3.  In October, I needed to tell Zachary something while he was in his room with the door closed.  When I opened it, he said, "You are not respecting my boundaries."

4.  As Zachary finished his homework one afternoon he said, "I am done with my homework...thank you very much!"  Kind of out of character for him, but cute!

5.  In December, Zack was asked to conduct a song during the Christmas performance at the Houston Symphony.  When he got back in the seats with us, he asked if the musicians would be sending him thank you letters since he had conducted them.  I think the series of thoughts transpired after he wrote a thank you note when he had met one of the musicians on a previous occasion.  Smart cookie, if you ask me, but we did not get any thank you notes.

6.  At Christmas, Zachary was developing his list.  He wanted an English Horn (still does) and said if it is on the list, then he should get it.  I told him it was too expensive for one person to buy.  So he wrote "Fifty $100 bills".  Clever!

 7.  He has been very interested in the birth of babies.  One day he asked if a baby came out of the mother's mouth.  I simply said no, and left it at that.  Then a few months later, he said, "When my wife has a baby, I'm going to watch it come out."

8.  At piano lessons, Zachary very seriously told his teacher that he had watched a movie in History and quality was terrible.  She started laughing because it was totally off topic.  He quickly retorted, "It's not funny!" and he was very serious.  We laughed harder.

9. We were discussing having conversations with his wife one day and being able to explain games to his kids.  He said, “I will just have an autistic wife and then not have to worry about talking.”  At that point, I realized I had been outsmarted and dropped the conversation.

10.  Zack "What’s that thing called a man has, a T-bird…a thunderbird?"  Me:  "You mean a goatee?"  Zack:  "Yes."  Me: (snicker)

11.  Zack was leaving school and saw Coach Ritt, so he rolled down the window and said, “one day I’m going to marry your daughter.”  This was in reference to Megan, his love interest.  Her dad works at the school.

12.  Zack to me:  "Mom, don’t record anymore of the school musicals.  I think I might mess up if you do!"

13.  Over the summer, Zachary had a few baby teeth pulled.  When he woke, he sang the Alleluia chorus, and then drifted back off.  When he was finally able to sit up, and we stood to go, he told me he was walking like he was drunk.  I asked him how he knew what a drunk person looked like, and he said, "well, then I am walking like a toddler."

14.  When Zachary breaks rules, he has to do some kind of chore around the house.  He was cleaning tile, and I could hear him saying, “She is crazy.  Just wait till I get done.  I’ve had enough!”  I thought I heard a parrot repeating me.

15.  We listened to some Dr. Dobson CDs this summer on adolescence and the things that start happening at this age.  These are a few of the comments we've heard since then.  One of the times at his dental appointment when he woke from the sedation, he was speaking with a very low, manly voice.  I inquired.  He said "My voice changed after surgery.  I've hit puberty."  Another comment, and he was very serious and concerned about this. He said, "Mom, I'm worried my penis is going to be too long."  I contained my laughter and told him that really was not a worry he needed to have.  He also told me that he figured I didn't need a big bra when I was young since I am so small.  Aahhh, the innocence of an Aspe.  And finally, he lifted his arms and asked me if I could see any hair growing in his pit area.  He was certain their was hair growth.  

And these are the most popular statements we heard in 6th grade.  We are definitely moving in the direction of adolescence.