Picture Day

Ok, so my chuch is wanting families to participate in a pictorial directory, and so I scheduled my family at 10:20 am. About an hour after we arrived we were photographed and for some reason, they took the oldest and went to the youngest. By the time they got to Atticus he was crying because everyone else got to go before him. So now we have a fmaily portrait and an individual of everyone but Atticus and we did not get one of the kids. I am so disappointed, but no amount of bribbing would work. One good thing we got our first family portrait at the age of nearly 6.

Merry Christmas!

I guess sometimes when things are going well, we think everything is fine. I got to where I thought Atticus was like all other children. I was head of the Christmas party for his classroom and realized that Atticus is not like the other children. He repeats everything. He usually does not come up with his own sayings. Unfortunately one of the characters he loves to imitate is SPONGE BOB SQUAREPANTS. Not one of the best role-models. I've stopped spanking. Something I did not want to do anyway, but it just makes my kids think they can hit each other. Molly is not getting any attention because she is sooooo smart and so ahead of the game, while Atticus gets all the attention because he is louder and more needy. Molly is so independent now. One good thing to come of all this. Atticus is different, I know that. I just want to do the best for him. I love our school, I just don't think we can afford it.

Progress!

Atticus is having a great year. I have taken so much for granted. He has a marvelous teacher. He is in the Harmony program which is JCS's version of Special Ed. This has been a great arrangement until we realized the expense. It was like double what I expected it to be. Now, we are faced with, 1. DO we stay at JCS and try to come up with the fortune it is costing, 2. Place Atticus in a public school where he will be mainstreamed (most likely) and fall behind or 3. Look into another private school that will not force us to stay in special ed program. I've already decided I am going home to "HOMESCHOOL" Atticus when he gets to 6th grade. But I need prayers until then. He has made Leaps since Jr Kinder garten.

VBS not a hit with Atticus

Well, Atticus was up at 4am. I got him back down 2 hours later, but only so I could sleep, he was still tossing and turning. So I blew him out of the bed to go to VBS. He was not thirilled about this at all. He did well got dressed in the parking lot. Our church had him a helper to work directly with him during this time. He seemed to like her when I left. When babysitter arrived to pick him up, they report he had a bad day. Yelled or something. I know he was tired. But somehow I have to teach him that yelling is not an appropriate response. He is doing this more frequently these days. We will see how it goes tomorrow.

Great News!

Praise God! We've received some financial assistance with the upcoming year. I am truly grateful to those organizations. Atticus is going to summer camp at JCS and loves his counselor. It doesn't hurt that she looks like a younger version of Kellie Pickler. He said she told him he was a sweet, sweet boy. And I know she doesn't know this but that is very important at our house, because Molly has always been called the Sweet Sweet girl. In fact she says that is her middle name. So, for someone to call Atticus that was a GRAND compliment. He will go to the STAR center on Tuesdays and Thursdays for the month of June. He will have art and music therapy. They both are in play therapy. The therapist seems to think Mollys' self-esteem has suffered during this time. She is such a good kid, it is hard for me to tell. I just want to say that we have been making it to church. Atticus has been sitting with me in the sancutary until childrens church and he has done well. He even went to Wed night last week. His teacher says he did not listen, but I made him apologize to her and told her if he did that again he would go to the baby nursery. Molly is in VBS this week and Atticus did not want to go, but Molly's teacher says we can try him in her class tonight. I know Molly will be mortified, but we shall see how it goes. I love VBS and children should get a chance to enjoy it. The music and crafts are so good. Let me end by saying GOD IS GREAT!

Hippotherapy

Yesterday I took Atticus to hippotherapy. It is about a 45 minute drive one way. But well worth it, since we are short on options for the summer. This is therapy using a horse. He actually stood up on the horse. He was a bit afraid, but he started flying like superman. Oh it was great. He had a great ride. He has graduated to now learning about caring for a horse and developing skills riding the horse. I am excited for him to learn these things. The Star Center in Jackson is offering a summer autism art and musical therapy. I am so glad they have this program. We are so short on assistance here in rural West TN. I told Atticus last night about his classes and he said,, "I love art, but music is too loud." He can spend his whole day drawing. Atticus is so precious and I love him with all my heart. I enjoy each day with him and look forward to the end of the day when he curls up in my bed with me for me to read not 1, not 2, but 3 (always 3) books to him. Then listen as he falls asleep. These days are priceless!

Finally! School is out!

Well I just found out from my son's school therapist that no other parents want Occupational Therapy for the summer. I feel like I have been hit with a brick. Let me first say that Atticus performed in 2 events last weekend. His end of the year Jr K performance, which was ok. No screaming but he did spin around like a top and cover his ears with the clapping. He then did his KinderTot performance (which is a basketball program) and he did wonderful. I was amazed. He actually sat in church with me Sunday. He had to sit outside for children's church because the puppets were too loud. But that made me feel good for him. Atticus has always seemed to enjoy pleasing me. He will always say, "Are you happy at me?". I love my son. But I need help. The only thing I have lined up for him is play therapy. Any ideas?