More Chris and Sara and a new sound

What is that? Do you hear it? Do you have your sound on? Are you listening now? Does this seem odd? Yea, I think so too. Most country music sucks, sorry but it does. Hey, do you know what you get when you play a country song backwards? . . . . You get your truck back, you get your dog back, you get your wife back, you get your (insert anything here) back. Ha ha. Anyway, I like music mostly for the harmony. Most country music has so much twang that I can't stand it. This song has a little but the harmony makes up for it. I think I may like 10 country songs total and this is one of them. Pick yourself up off the floor.

Here are a few more pictures of Chris and Sara. Enjoy.

At least they were on the same page with this picture. Eyes closed.

Another Flood?

Flood waters forced the evacuation of the daycare the boys go to. This is part of the parking lot and playground.

Maize road was closed but that didn't stop some people. I wasn't too worried at first but when I saw water rushing through the parking lot of the business next door, I was ready to go.

The Cowskin creek passes behind the daycare and then across Maize Road.

This is the Cowskin at 8:10 AM this morning at Kellogg. I would have taken more pictures but I was trying to drive.

Thanks to Grandpa for calling me and letting me know that the flood waters were coming.

Chris's Prom-Part 3

John, Tara, Sara and Chris at Sara's house. Aren't they cute! Love the dress!!!!!!

Oh and love the tux!!!

Here they are in the house.

So pretty. Yes, I can say that.

Here is Sara again. She is beautiful.

Chris's Prom-Part 2

Just hang on. There's more coming!

Chris's Prom-Part 1

Here he is ready to go. I just took a few pictures at the house. As it turns out, I have the flu and so does Jarrett. I asked for copies of pictures from Sara and Grandma and Grandpa so hopeful there will be more to come.

Do you like my dress?

Just an FYI - Jackson is playing dressup at preschool. He is not a cross dresser.

Autism Speaks, It's Time To Listen

If you're like me when you hear the word autism you think of Rain Man. Either that or I think of children who are completely unable to speak or relate to others. What I didn't know were the facts. Did you know there is an Autism Spectrum? I guess I didn't know because it has never effected me personally until now.

Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime. It is part of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Today, 1 in 150 individuals is diagnosed with autism. Autism impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to others. It is also associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors, such as obsessively arranging objects or following very specific routines. Symptoms can range from very mild to quite severe.

There are 5 developmental disorders in the spectrum. They are Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. Currently, there are no effective means to prevent autism, no fully effective treatments, and no cure. Research indicates, however, that early intervention in an appropriate educational setting for at least two years during the preschool years can result in significant improvements for many young children with autism spectrum disorders.

We were recently told that Jarrett has Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. PDD-NOS is a condition on the spectrum that has those with it exhibiting some, but not all, of the symptoms associated with classic autism. That can include difficulty socializing with others, repetitive behaviors, and heightened sensitivities to certain stimuli. I am getting most of this information from http://www.autismspeaks.org/. If you want more information on Jarrett's disorder please go to http://www.autismspeaks.org/navigating/pdd_nos.php.

What we need most is your support and understanding. I'm not making excuses for his behavior I'm just letting you know what's going on with us. We are hopeful that with the appropriate therapy we will see improvements. Jarrett is a good kid. He is very loving and likes the things most 4 year olds do. He is for the most part a normal kid. He just has difficulty socially and has some heightened sensitivities to light and sound. It is always good to ask him if it is ok to hug him, hold his hand or whatever. He likes to know what is going to happen before it happens. He doesn't like surprises (for the most part) or loud noises or bright lights. A small group is better than a big group and it is best to be sure you have his attention before telling him something important. If he is angry leave him alone until he cools off. If he doesn't know you very well it will take a while for him to warm up to you. If you have any questions or advice, just call or email me and if something happens during a visit let me know so I can handle it.

Jarrett has been going to preschool through the local school district for a while now and has good days and bad. Thanks to all who have helped us through this difficult time. Please say a prayer for us when you get a chance. That's about enough seriousness for one day. Now back to our regularly scheduled posts.

Nice Hat!

When I picked Chris up from work yesterday he tried on Sara's hat and let me take pictures. Jarrett was throwing rocks and Chris was dodging them. Either that or he was just striking a pose.

Chris

You may be asking yourself, "Hey, I wonder what Chris has been up to?" Well, Margaret, he has been going to school, working and hanging out with friends. He will be going to prom in a few weeks so I will have LOTS of pictures.

Breakfast AND Lunch In Bed!

My sweet little Jarrett. So peaceful. So thoughtful. When I think of breakfast in bed, this is not what I pictured.

Sunday at Grandma and Grandpa's Take 2

We had to get out of the house Sunday so we went to visit Grandma and Grandpa. Jarrett insisted on wearing his Thomas pajama shirt. Whatever works. At least it was long sleeved.

Jackson is a climber. Look out!

Jackson tried to sweet talk Grandpa into giving him M&M's. It didn't take much.

Clearing Snow, Sort Of

The One Where You Need A Tissue

One of my biggest gifts/faults is having a big heart. Please pray for baby Stellan. His Mommy's blog is http://www.mycharmingkids.net/ or you can click on the Praying For Stellan button. The local media did a story yesterday that was pretty awesome. You can find it at http://kstp.com/news/stories/S859209.shtml?cat=1. How great is our God.