I'm happy to say that when I recieved my ASM newsletter yesterday in the mail, and when I opened it up, there was a wonderful picture of "Team Bri-Guy" in there- along with other pictures of the walk! They also listed our team's total and I want to say Way to go guys! Though I have to say that I don't think they had our total correct because I know we raised more than that- but it's okay :)
Also if you go to www.asmonline.org and go to their photo gallery there is a picture of Corbin, myself, Grandpa & Grammie (Leroy & Patty) signing in as well as our team picture.
Everyone that joined us, pat yourselves on the back, and get ready for next year :)
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Pomp and Circumstance
Today was Brian's preschool graduation :). They were having an all day celebration but unfortunately I could only sneak out of work for about half-an-hour so I timed it so I could watch him get his diploma.
When Josh, Corbin, & I first arrived they were singing some songs for their parents. Brian was singing along, a song about body parts in spanish. Was doing a wonderful job- then he spotted me. That was it- eyes were fixated on me for the duration of the time.
I went and sat with him and sang a few songs with them. Then they all got their diplomas. Brian went right up when his name was called, shook hands with Jen, and smiled for the camera. I think he was just so happy to have his family there with him!
When Josh, Corbin, & I first arrived they were singing some songs for their parents. Brian was singing along, a song about body parts in spanish. Was doing a wonderful job- then he spotted me. That was it- eyes were fixated on me for the duration of the time.
I went and sat with him and sang a few songs with them. Then they all got their diplomas. Brian went right up when his name was called, shook hands with Jen, and smiled for the camera. I think he was just so happy to have his family there with him!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
He don't know anything.
This is one of my favorite pictures from the tee-ball season. Brian decided to sit on the bench with the players and as they all slid down the bench, as each one batted, he would slide along with them. He was laughing, babbling, and smiling. It was so wonderful seeing him, WANTING to be with the other kids, following what they were doing, and just seeing him stay in one spot- as usual I'm chasing him all around the adjacent field.
One girl was particularly interested in him and kept asking him questions. She started to get frustrated as he wasn't answering. She then asked Corbin, "Is this your brother?" Corbin answered, "Yeah- he my brother, Brian. He don't talk- he don't know anything."
It stung to hear that come from Corbin. I know that it was just his simplistic way of trying to explain his brother and I know the girl didn't take it like I did, as she continued to talk to him. It only hurt me because I really worry that most people think that of him. I have worked for years drilling this through Brian's teachers and therapists heads- that his lack of language does not equal his cognitive abilities.
I know that Corbin doesn't think that about his brother- or he wouldn't ask him to build a fort with him, or show him how to dry the dishes, or take the time to practice colors and numbers with him. So I tried to look at it as he was just happy to share his brother and he wanted to spread the word on autism, as well, just in his own way.
Monday, May 25, 2009
He's a baller...
Corbin has enjoyed tee-ball very much this year. He is really quite the little athlete when he focuses, which surprises me, because he is a little bit ackward and clumsy in his own skin. The season is almost over so thought I'd share some of my favorite pictures from this month.
Growth Measured In Years
Often I find myself measuring Brian's growth in years. As in, comparing this years Christmas to last years. Sometimes day-to-day we don't see all those little milestones that he picks up- but definitely looking back over a whole year I will notice some changes.
We took the boys mini-golfing on Friday. We attempted this several times last summer. Our biggest mistake last year was taking them to the course that involves a lot of water. Brian was hooked, obsessed, stimming off of that water. I believe him and I had to leave the course in the middle and let our family finish out on their own.
Later in the summer we took them to a little one that involves NO water. He did MUCH better on that course but still by about the 9th hole he just lost interest. He also stimmed off the windmill there and was very upset when we had to leave that hole. He wanted to hit everyone's balls, not wait for turns, and jump and dance on the green while others were having their turns.
As always, we learn from our mistakes- and this year did not even think about going to the water course but went back to the one that he had some success at. First sign of change- when asked what color ball he wanted he shouted "YELLOW". Never, in my wildest dreams, last year would I think he would've answered that question.
During the course, Brian successfully only hit his ball, actually getting a couple of twos in the beginning. He waited for all of us before venturing to the next hole. He sure was excited about that windmill- I let him stim for a couple minutes- then said, "Okay, no more stimming, time to hit the ball." And he complied, no questions asked, or tantrums thrown. He finished out the whole course, interest never waned. At the end of the course the lady gave us a ticket for a free game because the boys were such good sports! Last year I think we left there getting nasty glares from the same lady as I carried out my screaming four-year-old.
It's so nice to enjoy family activities like that with all of our family members. So nice to see him happy and WANT to participate with us. It was a very fun day for all!
We took the boys mini-golfing on Friday. We attempted this several times last summer. Our biggest mistake last year was taking them to the course that involves a lot of water. Brian was hooked, obsessed, stimming off of that water. I believe him and I had to leave the course in the middle and let our family finish out on their own.
Later in the summer we took them to a little one that involves NO water. He did MUCH better on that course but still by about the 9th hole he just lost interest. He also stimmed off the windmill there and was very upset when we had to leave that hole. He wanted to hit everyone's balls, not wait for turns, and jump and dance on the green while others were having their turns.
As always, we learn from our mistakes- and this year did not even think about going to the water course but went back to the one that he had some success at. First sign of change- when asked what color ball he wanted he shouted "YELLOW". Never, in my wildest dreams, last year would I think he would've answered that question.
During the course, Brian successfully only hit his ball, actually getting a couple of twos in the beginning. He waited for all of us before venturing to the next hole. He sure was excited about that windmill- I let him stim for a couple minutes- then said, "Okay, no more stimming, time to hit the ball." And he complied, no questions asked, or tantrums thrown. He finished out the whole course, interest never waned. At the end of the course the lady gave us a ticket for a free game because the boys were such good sports! Last year I think we left there getting nasty glares from the same lady as I carried out my screaming four-year-old.
It's so nice to enjoy family activities like that with all of our family members. So nice to see him happy and WANT to participate with us. It was a very fun day for all!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Corbin's First Musical
We attended his school's musical last Thursday. Corbin told me he was nervous but I think he did a great job :) He's the cute little blonde in the white sweater w/the brown stripes. And for anyone that is local the musical will be on Channel 11 (our local channel)- not sure what times but they always replay things on there a million times so if you just check every now and then you should get a glimpse of it!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Reasons I Loved Mother's Day
* I was actually able to wake up in the same house as my own mother on Mother's Day- she had spent the night before so she could attend Brian's pool party.
* The boys were included in planting flowers at my gram's grave.
* Josh's words at the end of the card he got for me- "Babe, you are one of the most amazing mothers I've ever known. Your commitment to your children is unsurpassed."
* Flowers, flowers, flowers. Real ones, potted ones, paper ones.
* We got in a chance to visit my other grandmother and Corbin helped weed out her flowerbeds.
* Homemade gifts.
* Opening the local newspaper to read "Why I love my mom...." and Corbin's printed response, "She is fun."
* A new scrapbook album!
* The boys were included in planting flowers at my gram's grave.
* Josh's words at the end of the card he got for me- "Babe, you are one of the most amazing mothers I've ever known. Your commitment to your children is unsurpassed."
* Flowers, flowers, flowers. Real ones, potted ones, paper ones.
* We got in a chance to visit my other grandmother and Corbin helped weed out her flowerbeds.
* Homemade gifts.
* Opening the local newspaper to read "Why I love my mom...." and Corbin's printed response, "She is fun."
* A new scrapbook album!
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