How not to get lost in a corn maze

We made our annual visit to a local corn maze. When we got there, Noah spotted Spookley the square pumpkin right away. This is one of his favorite books.

Here is Noah reading the story to Nik.

The kids also spotted a Spongebob hay bale.

 We headed over to the hay ride so we could get lost in the maze.

 

We tried to get lost. We really did. But we were able to find our way out two times within 40 minutes. The benefit to having a smart husband.

 Before leaving the farm, we picked out our pumpkin and walked through the haunted barn.

Boo!

Another perfect day in Kansas. I love fall!

When life gives me lemons...

I don't want to make lemonade. I don't like lemonade. When life gives me lemons, sometimes I want to pick up that lemon and throw it right back. I don't mean a little toss. I mean 90 mile an hour fastball throw right into the face. Life is not always rainbows and sunshine. Sometimes it just plain old sucks. This week was the trifecta of parental suckage.

1. Sick kid. Few things suck more than having a sick kid. I hate seeing them curled up in bed, with that sad, queasy look in their eyes. Poor baby. But on the positive side, it was just a one day thing. He was up and on his feet by the end of the day.

2. An IEP meeting. Now I feel incredibly fortunate that since we have moved here, IEPs have generally been very positive. Back in California, I think I cried all the way home from each IEP meeting. I think I have only cried coming home once since we moved here. But even though they don't break me down into tears, it's still a kick in the gut. Another painful reminder that my kids struggle and have to work twice as hard to succeed. 

But on the positive side, I was surrounded by staff who do an amazing job with Noah. They are a very positive group of women. I know that Noah will make improvements under the care of this staff. I am confident in that. 

3. The first transition meeting at high school. This is a new layer of suckage that I have never experienced before. High school is a time when we start talking about some serious things. I'm learning about durable power of attorney, independent living, job coaches, trust funds.  Other parents are learning about SAT scores, college prep, financial aid.

I'm generally a very positive person. I try to find the joy in everything. But sometimes I...just...can't. This was one of those times. I sat in the transition meeting, becoming overwhelmed by all of the information. There is just so much to prepare for. Unlike most parents, who only prepare kids for college. I am preparing my kids for...well, forever! 

I need to bring my A game to these meetings. I need to make sure that everything is taken care of. I cannot fail at this. Because if I fail, my kids fail. I want them to achieve as much as possible, and then some. I want them to have the best jobs possible. I want them to live independently. I want them to have meaningful relationships with people. I want them to be able to afford cable TV, trips to the theater and vacations. These are the things that bring them joy. These are the things I want for them.

The good news is, I'm ahead of the game. We have a special needs trust all set up, we are on waiting lists for services the boys will need as adults. We are starting to put plans in place to make sure that both boys have a solid future. 

But a part of me just can't let go of that dream that I had 14 and 11 years ago. The dream that they would go to college, get married, have a family, have successful careers. The IEP and transition meetings will always be reminders that my idea of success for them is so much different now. 

On the positive side, I still have faith. Faith in a higher power, that will watch over my sons. And faith in the ability of my boys. The confidence that they will be successful, happy, kind hearted adults. Because Nik and Noah are two remarkable kids. 

So yeah, this week sucked a little. I don't have the life that most parents have. But I am so glad that I have the kids that I have. I wouldn't trade them for the world. They are pretty awesome kids!

Damn, I think I just made lemonade out of lemons. 

Autism.

Keep calm and stay positive!

Workin' the concession stand like nobody's business.

Last week, Nik and I volunteered at the school concession stand. What a great experience! Nik did a great job He greeted customers as they approached the counter, and took their order. Then he added it up and told them their total. With the help of a calculator, he was able to count out their change. And he also helped prepare their order. Not such a big surprise that he absolutely loved doing this!

Break a leg!

This week, Nik performed in his first high school play. He played the DJ, and had a few lines. We worked at memorizing, and he had rehearsal with the rest of the cast. The day of the play ended up being an all day event. He had school until 3pm, followed by rehearsal, dinner with the drama department, more rehearsal, then the play. On his way out the door that morning, I told Nik to break a leg. He shot back with "Mom, are you crazy?" Oops. Sorry, I forget how kids with autism take things literally. 

 

Nik did not have a para with him after school, so we were nervous how he would handle things. He did look a little lost prior to the performance, but once he hit the stage, he did great! And most importantly, he had a great time.

No One Mourns the Wicked!

Just months after our wonderful experience on Broadway, we decided to take the kids to another musical. Wicked is visiting on tour, and the kids wanted to see it. After my usual research, research, research, I settled on some tickets.

We selected Orchestra seats row Q, 17 rows from the stage. As the big day approached, the kids were just beside themselves with excitement. And any time Noah is eagerly anticipating something (like a vacation), this usually ramps up the anxiety for him. This was no different. He had a couple of issues earlier in the week, both at home and school. But on the day of the show, he was as happy as could be. He literally threw off the covers and jumped out of bed to get dressed. No asking him a dozen times to get dressed. And Nik woke up even before his alarm clock went off.

I selected a matinee performance hoping to avoid the crowd, but the show was pretty full. We got there with plenty of time to take a quick picture.

Rockin' the headphones to reduce noise.

I had heard an usher say no photography allowed. But Alex didn't, and took a picture before the show started. 

Even though we had great seats, it was a challenge for Noah and I to see over people's heads.

But if we leaned left or right, we could get a clear view of the performance. It was excellent. We all really loved the show. I think everyone's favorite part was Defying Gravity, when Elphaba flew up into the air. The kids also loved Oz. Their quick review was that it was the best show ever. Yes, even better than Spiderman Turn off the Dark. 

It was just another awesome reminder of how far Noah has come. From the kid who was so traumatized by sound in 2008, that he would not want leave the house, to a kid who had a huge smile on during the show. Yes, he needed to wear noise reducing headphones, but he could still hear well, and loved every minute of it. This was something that we never would have been able to do as recently as 2012. Noah couldn't even tolerate a 20 minute musical when we went to Disney World. Noah and I had to make a quick exit during The Finding Nemo musical, leaving Alex and Nik behind to enjoy the show. It's such an awesome feeling to finally be able to enjoy things as a family. And Nik just loves having us together. 

Ok, enough of raving about the show. If you haven't seen Wicked, do it! It's great. After the show, we made our way to the car. It was an absolute nightmare leaving the parking lot after the show. It took a good 30 minutes to get out of a parking structure only three stories high. Ugh. Apparently, Kansas City does have some traffic. 

Once we were out of there, we headed over to Crown Plaza and Fritz's Railroad Cafe. We love that place.

To refresh your memory, you order your food by telephones located at each table. Then the food is delivered by train. 

Here comes our train!

It delivers our food to the platform.

 The platform is lowered...

and it's time to eat!

Following dinner, we made our way back to the car. We spotted this guy near Discovery Legoland. We still need to go there! 

And I spotted this little restaurant called Streetcar Named Desire. It really does resemble a streetcar. This was the first place we ate when we visited Kansas City for the first time 6 years ago. Time flies.

And here is the big city! Note that it's about 7pm. I can't imagine a freeway being so empty at 7pm back in California. I love Kansas City!

Soccer season

Both boys participate in Special Olympics. It's such a great organization. I love how they push the kids as far as they can go, and even beyond that. Every year, they improve in their skills.

Unfortunately, I had to miss this year's tournament due to work. I was so disappointed. But Alex was in town for the last tournament of the year, so the kids were able to make it.

For the first time in 3 years, they were assigned to the same team.

Nik had an outstanding game. He scored 4 goals!

Noah also did a great job. He was very eager to play, even asking to be let back into the game!

In order to protect his surgical scar, Noah needs to wear his sun hat.

I'm so proud of my boys. They didn't win the game, but they never gave up!