So What's the True Definition of a Fart?

I found out the answer to this question when Ian kindly told me, "Mom, I burped from my butt."

So, there ya have it.

To Pose or Not to Pose....

In Benjamin's class every year they dress the kids up like scarescrows and do a project with it. One of Benjamin's teachers went to take his picture and he didn't want to pose. When she saw him do this, she couldn't resist the cuteness. So, little did he know, but by not posing, he posed!

So What do Your Kids do at 10:30pm?

My Benjamin is a late-nighter type kid. When we put him to bed, at 8:30pm, he refuses to sleep. He'll sing, play blocks, talk to himself in the mirror, play in his backpack, or try to get our attention some other cute way.

The other night I peeked in on him and he had put his cowboy boots on and was doing "mr. strongman" in the mirror, standing on a tub he had turned upsidedown.

A couple nights later I peeked in. He had dumped all his big legos out of the tub and was sitting inside the tub with his backpack, talking away at whichever stuffed toy would listen.

Bedtime is alwasys my favorite time for cuteness!

Avery Saying

This one was extra too cute to not write about.

Avery: Mommy, can I get a cookie at school today for lunch?
Mommy: How much are they?
Avery: 4 quarters.
Mommy: A dollar for a cookie?!
Avery: No, mom....4 quarters.

my little baseball player

Ian joined Miracle League and had his first game this past weekend. He had so much fun, and looked so proud. Oh, he looked like such a big boy in his uniform. Since this is the first time we really even let him have a bat in his hand, he did much better using a tee. The first time he hit the ball, he stood there until his buddy led him to the base. When it was time to run to 2nd, he actually ran....and then kept running. Every seen Forest Gump? Uh-huh.

The next time he hit the ball (at least I think he hit it), he decided to run to 3rd base. Not quite sure where his buddy was, but he came back to get Ian and lead him to 1st.

In the outfield he mostly liked talking to his buddy. When a ball rolled out to him, he picked it up, looked like he was going to throw it toward the infield. But then he turned instead and threw it over the fence. He did this twice.

They don't have 'winners/losers' and basically everyone gets to score. He seemed to enjoy it and enjoyed high-fivin' the other players and buddies. I sure enjoyed watching him.

Okay, can't get pictures to open up, so those will have to come next time.

Officially Autumn! and more

In my opinion, in this part of the country, today is the beginning of the BEST season of the year! AUTUMN! I love everything about it. I know, I know...I say this every year. And I mean it every year. I love the weather, I love the colors, I love the football, I love the chili, I love the decrease in humidity, I love the running in cooler weather, and on and on. Okay, enough about fall.

Ian gets spelling words every week. I have to admit I giggled a little bit at the thought of Ian taking a spelling test. Boy, was I wrong! I started studying the words with him. First I would have him say the word..he did. Then I started saying the word and had him spell it as he was looking at it..he did. Then I would have the list in front of him and say a word, but not point to which one I was saying. I had him find the word in the list and spell it..he did. Then, I gave him the words orally and had him spell while I wrote what he said. He always got more right than wrong. At least twice he got them all right. So, I wrote a note to let his teacher know how we were studying. I didn't want them to just have him say the word. To me, that's not a spelling test if the student has the ability to do more than that. So, he brings home is spelling test yesterday. They gave it to him orally and the T.A. wrote what he spelled. He only got 3 wrong!!! I was soooooo proud of him!

Still pooping on the toilet. Not me...well, I am...but I'm talking about Ian. He'll disappear for a while then holler at us from the bathroom to let us know what he's done. We're on like 10 times now. Yes, he's getting a bit tired of pizza. Yesterday he requested McDonalds. To avoid a huge weight gain while potty training & avoid going broke, we bought the burger and made the fries at home. He was satisfied. Again, I am so stinkin proud of him! (pun intended) I am also so grateful that I have a group of bloggers who can totally understand the 'yippies' of this. And aren't you glad I don't post pics anymore!

Had another issue with school (well actually something T.A. did). I won't go into it because I don't want to sound like a negative Nelly. I emailed the teacher about the incident. I got a nice email back (although I don't think it was completely truthful, in order to save a butt). But it wasn't severe enough to pursue. I'm not out to get anyone in trouble, but I am out to be sure they learn about my son so they know best how to handle situations in a fair and appropriate manner. And, of course, I documented to be sure I have all the "data" to support anything that might come up. "Data" is the school system's 4-letter buzz word for the year. I got a bad taste of the word this summer while trying to work out a summer school issue. Anyway, I just want us all to be on the same side...not sure that's realistic based on the system, but, hey, it's always worth a try.

Temple Grandin - In My Opinion

Thank you Karen at Red Letter Living for recommending the movie, Temple Grandin! I have to tell ya that I had never heard her name before. Then in a matter of 2 days I read her name on the blog, read it on an attachment to an email I received, and then heard it on the radio (she's coming to our city for a speaking engagement). Hmmm, definitely knew I wanted to see the movie. So, we watched it last night. Great movie! I laughed, cried, and felt proud. I especially cried (clear to bedtime) during 2 particular parts in the movie...first, was at the funeral when she attempted to hug her mom. Second was the sweetness on her mom's face at the end when Temple was speaking at the Autism Fair. It's like she knew without a doubt that all her hard work and sacrifices were worth it. All the times she left her when she didn't want to, all the times she pushed her (as she 'kicked and screamed' and said, "NO") to do something, all the times she worked with her....it all came together in one proud moment. It really brings a lot of hope.

There are so many times that I've pushed Ian and felt so badly through his anger and tears. But at that given moment, I knew it was what he needed. But as a mom, with a mom's heart, it hurts. I've decided, for me, sometimes the momentary hurt has to be put aside because you know it's for the best. Results may be seen quickly or not for a long time.

I also love the way both her and her mom were able to push (and I mean push) through the nay-sayers and just plain mean people. I for one think the dude Temple punched TOTALLY deserved it! And the men at the cow feed place....I won't even tell you what I woulda planned for them for what they did!

Okay, okay, I need to be done. Great movie. If you haven't seen it, it's worth seeing. That's my opinion!