Autism In Our Home - Tap-Out

This is a picture of Josh tapping out Braxton. It's not as scary as it looks! Braxton didn't clean up after dinner, so he gets to wrestle with Dad. It's completely legit! :) When the kids have a rough day, then tend to try to take their dad down. One day last week, Jackson decided to launch himself into our bed to wrestle Josh. The only problem was that I was IN the bed. No bueno!

One of THE most frustrating things about Autism in OUR home is that it is impossible to know what is going on in Colton's mind. It is impossible to try to understand why he does some of the things that he does. It is also impossible to know how to deal with it. At this point, every one of his toys has been taken away. He has lost privileges to all of the gaming systems. He has had to sit on his bed every day after school. Nothing seems to do anything.

This morning, Josh got a call from Kaydon that Colton had taken off on a scooter north on 5000 west. Josh told Kaydon to go get him and Josh left work to head home and deal with it. By the time Josh got there, Kaydon and Colton were getting home. Colton had gone, gotten into a pasture that is owned by who knows who, and pet their horses. YOU CAN'T DO THAT!!!!! But, what do we do? What else is there for us to do? Does Colton not understand that those actions are not okay? Does he care? How do we make him understand? How do we make him see that there are consequences? What consequences do we use?

Josh called me after leaving home and told me what had happened. He is so frustrated, so tired. We both said over and over to each other, "I don't know what to do." We both have to work full-time. His brothers can't be with him every minute. Do we start putting locks on doors and cupboards and the refrigerator? Do we hire a nanny for an almost 12-year old? We don't know what to do. Sometimes we feel like tapping out, at least I do! Sometimes I feel like throwing my hands up in the air and just yelling at the walls. Sometimes I know my husband feels like doing the same thing. But we keep going. We keep trying.

Sometimes this life with Autism is just plain hard.

Inboxes

One of the hardest things about switching jobs was that I could do my previous job in my sleep, and sometimes I did. I knew that job inside and out. I knew who my resources were and because of that, I was really efficient. I had down time. Another thing that was hard about leaving that job was that I knew everyone, and I loved them. I still love them. Coming to a new job where I know no one and nothing has been a huge challenge for me. I have kept it together pretty good, but inside I'm bursting and feeling overwhelmed. My inbox is ALWAYS full and my to-do list is never-ending. This morning, however, I walked in to this:

That's my kind of inbox! I work with just the greatest people. There isn't any drama. Ever. Everyone works hard and gets their work done. Everyone has been so patient with me and so kind to sit with me through all of my note-taking. I have gone through multiple pads of paper. I'm getting it, but it's slow-going. I can't wait for the day when I feel like I get it! But today, I'm grateful for some thoughtful hearts who filled my inbox with Diet Coke... just because.

Mama's Day Weekend

I LOVE Mother's Day. I understand how blessed I am to be a mom to five amazing children. They bring so much joy to me every single day. They teach me so much. They have faith beyond measure and I love their curiosity and their brilliant minds. I also understand how blessed I am to have a husband who I love and adore. Josh puts up with a lot! I am a weee bit feisty and sassy and grumpy now and then. He is so patient. He and the kids painted canvases for me. They are A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. I love them so much!

After church, we rested. I napped in my bed. Josh went downstairs with his boys. Josh had set up mattresses and cots for their sibling sleepover on Saturday night. They were still in the downstairs family room so Josh and his boys took a little Sunday sleep. I am so thankful for my life and for my family.

G & G Come To Visit

Grandma and Grandpa Nef came to visit on Saturday. Grandma interviewed every one of the grandkids on how school is going and on how boys shouldn't be in relationships until AFTER their mission, and on how Brooklyn is a princess (duh!), and on how Josh is amazing. Grandpa just sat there and... well sat there. He then played horses with Colton.

I have become quite close to my grandparents the older I have gotten. My grandma and I talk or text about once a week. I have come to love her and respect her and appreciate all of her amazing talents. My grandpa has always been one of my favorite people. He makes me smile. He makes everyone smile. I can't think of anyone who might dislike Grandpa. He is so hardworking, funny, talented, smart, out-going, accepting, and affectionate. Everyone he meets gets a hug and a kiss. I long for those hugs. He LOVES his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Every single one of them. It was so fun to see them!

Autism in Our Home - Time

Almost everyday, Colton struggles immensely to find something to do that HE wants to do. Once he finally figures out what HE wants to do, nobody wants to do it with him. Awesome sauce. NOT. Last week, Jackson sat down and played Battleship with him. I can't tell you the feeling of gratitude I had for our oldest. It probably wasn't what he wanted to be doing, but it was a blessing for Colton, and I'm sure he was able to feel the Spirit by doing it.

Changing Directions Is Hard To Do

Last Thursday was my last day at SLCC. I worked there for eight years and I loved it. It was home to me. I had the privilege of working with some of the greatest people. I loved my eLearning family and my boss was one of my best friends. It was time for a change, though. Two hours in the car everyday is no bueno. I was no longer loving my job and knew that it was time to move on with a new adventure. I was offered a position at Ogden City, in the Public Ways and Parks Division. I started on Friday. My office had a going-away reception for me on Wednesday. The only picture I have is of the brownies. ;)

I started on Friday and quickly learned that there are great people in my new office! Throughout this process, I never had a feeling of peace and calm. I never really felt that I was making the right decision. But Josh did and I trusted him. I'm so glad I did. As soon as I arrived on Friday, I KNEW that the decision was the right one.