away to camp

Today Loren and I took Aaron to camp. I think he's going to have an awesome time. He was more worried about getting the top bunk than anything else. So we spent a little bit of time getting him settled, and killing the spider that was in the corner of his head board. Now I'm home watching the weather hoping he doesn't get too much rain. I do feel sorry for him in that it is so blasted muggy outside.

He is at Hidden Acres Christian Camp which is just on the other side of Boone by Dayton, Iowa. Totally awesome camp.

On a side note Loren and I had a tiny little bit of an irritating adventure after we dropped Aaron off and while we were still at the camp. It has been raining so much lately that the roads are nothing but sticky, squishy mud in some places. So while I was trying to avoid the mud on the left, I ran into the mud on the right and got us very stuck. I would have taken pictures but Loren was quite irritated with me at that moment and I didn't feel like feeding the fire. Anyway, the maintenance guy pulled us out with his tractor. He said we were the 5th ones he'd pulled out today. So I don't feel quite so bad. LOL

the festival

A few weeks ago I decided that maybe we should try going to the Renaisance Festival down in the Amanas. Loren was busy in the fields and I tend to get that "shut in" feeling when I'm at home too much. Aaron wasn't too sure about it but then was glad he went. He says next year he wants to dress up. He also "suggested" that next year we get respite for Andrew.

The problem with needing respite for Andrew is that it makes it impossible to do anything spontaneously. So, Andrew gets to go along for the ride, like it or not. Which of course he did not like to go. He screamed for about the first 30 minutes we were there and then finally gave up figuring out that we weren't going to leave. And of course it was hot and muggy which did not help his temperment at all. He was pretty wilted by the time we left.

   

There were jugglers, and acrobats, and skits going on.

And knights showing off their "jousting" capabilities.

Aaron had fun trying out the archery range. Of course he will do anything with archery, shooting and rock climbing.

And he had to see how strong he was. I'd a taken better pictures but the battery in my camara was about dead.

And then there was the highlight of my day. They had a jail and you could take out a warrent for a persons arrest for $2.00. Aaron watched a boy as he was sentenced for his "crime". The boy had to put on a fairy outfit and then was lead by a leash throughout the festival shouting I'm a fairy princess. Aaron wanted to do that soooo badly, he was begging, which was extremely annoying to me.

So I took out a warrent for his arrest and he spent 15 minutes in jail.

And then it was time for the reading of the crime and sentencing. The crime was being an "extremely annoying child".

Aaron was then promptly put into the stockade and he thought that was all that

was all that would happen until...

he started to sing "row row your boat" and suddenly got drenched. I thought it was pretty funny.

Technology at it's finest

Last week I went to The Arc state convention and was able to see demonstrated a new communication device called the Intelligaze. This is an amazing device that uses what is very similar to a computer and has voice output. What's even better is that it is operated by eye gaze. So basically, it can read where you are looking on the computer screen. So your eyes operate much the way a mouse would with select and click.

We tried a similar device on Andrew just over a year ago, but it was unable to read through his eye glasses due to the uv tinting. The Intelligaze does. I tried it myself and while not perfect, I definately had control with my eyes.

So with the vender there and Andrew's teacher's number in my cell, I immediately called and set up a time to try it out with Andrew. That happened at 10:00 this morning.

Andrew did very well. We had some issues with positioning. I wasn't able to watch his face directly so I couldn't tell if it was that he wasn't looking at the screen or if it was his eyes, because his right eye tends to wander a bit. He did much better with his glasses off.

I don't have a camcorder (it's on my wish list) but am able to take video with my camera. Unfortunately, I have yet to figure out how to edit the video. So I uploaded two that I took and they are posted below.

Andrew is actually using his eyes to make selections with the pictures (noise is other students in the background). When he is looking at a picture it turns red. There is a circle in the picture works much like hour glass by the curser. When it fills in that is the selection. We had difficulty with positioning which is why we are holding his head up. There is another circle which is difficult to see but when it is green there is a good connection, when it is red there isn't a good read and when there is an "x" it's not making contact at all.

The plan right now is to get it for a 30 day trial when school starts again in the fall. It's extremely expensive (insurance pays for it) so we want to make sure it works. And if it doesn't, technology continues to advance so something will come along.

You'll want to pause the music play list when you play the videos.


I stopped in the middle of Sponge Bob on this one. It lasts almost a minute and he like it so much he kept going back to listen to it.

God moments

Yesterday Aaron had a chess tournament. I wasn't planning on spending the whole day, I ended up being there the entire afternoon. It wasn't the most thrilling time, but I had a chance to visit with friends. So looking back at my day yesterday, I'm amazed at what God did during this boring afternoon.

It started when a man named Simanta approached me and started asking about Andrew. I'm guessing he is from India or Pakistan, but I didn't ask. He was asking about how Andrew communicates and what kind of things he does in school and on the computer. I explained about Andrew's PODD book and how he can use a switch on the computer accessing with his hand and his head. Simanta was totally familiar with PODD and it turns out that Simanta is Phd professor in the Department of Computer Science at Iowa State University. He is currently working with a 12 year old boy from central Iowa with similar issues to Andrew. He didn't know if what they had would work for Andrew but he wanted me to contact him sometime in the next few weeks. Here is the website he gave me Smart House. I'm sure I will run into Simanta again as we start going to chess tournys again in the fall.

Later in the afternoon I started having a conversation with a woman named Betty in the women's restroom. She asked me if I was Andrew's mom and told me how beautiful he was. And then she started talking about a woman she knew who had cerebral palsy and was completely healed. Immediately my defenses met up. Even as a believer I have trouble when approached by someone who starts talking about healing. She started going on and on about how if I have enough faith and pray hard enough Andrew WILL be healed because God wants everybody to be healed. It's only those who don't have the faith and pray that aren't healed.

Ok, I could majorly get on a soap box here, but I won't. I could have very easily just smiled nodded my head and ignored what she said, or could have just told her off, but I didn't. My response was so totally unlike me and I can only say that it came completely from God.

A few weeks ago I was reading an article about how Jesus had healed the the man by the pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-18). This man was one person among many with disabilities lying at this pool and wanting to be healed. Yet Jesus healed only him- and it was not based upon his faith. Jesus chose to heal one person out of many. He could have healed every single one of them but he didn't.

Bottom line is that God has a purpose for everything and we don't know what that purpose is and we don't understand what that purpose is and maybe we never will. ("And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28) But I do know that each one of us is created in God's own image and that God makes no mistakes. It is only in our eyes that Andrew is imperfect, in our Lord's eyes he is absolutely perfect. So instead of dwelling on what God chooses to do or not to do, I choose to follow him wherever He may lead me.

And that is what I told Betty as her 14 year old daughter stood behind her with a huge grin on her face. Betty thanked me and told me I had given her something to think about. No, God gave her something to think about because those words did not come from me at all.

from Aaron

Aaron gave me a hand made Mother's Day card this morning. It was absolutely the best Mother's Day gift I've had to date.

Top 10 Reasons Why I Love My MOM

-by Aaron

10. I love my Mom because she cooks this for me: pizza
9. I love my Mom because she helps me with Scouts.
8. I love my Mom when she makes me laugh by telling me a joke.
7. I love my Mom because she taught me how to have responsibility.
6. I love to hear my Mom sing Christian songs.
5. I love my Mom because she finds time to spend time with me.
4. I know my Mom cares because she rubs my back.
3. I know my Mom is smart because she knows everything.
2. I love my Mom because she works so hard at making me happy.
1. I love my Mom because she's the BEST MOM EVER!

Thank you Aaron! I love you so so much.

giddyup dude

The language in my house right now revolves around an 11 year old, 5th grade boy. The words "dude" and "stinks" are quite prominent. That and nothing is ever "fair" and everything is quite "cool" as well. And I really haven't thought much about the boy stuff until Aaron hit 5th grade. Now bodily functions such as passing gas and burping have taken over my world. One day I will whip some manners into the kid.

On Saturday Aaron went with his Boy Scout troop to work on his Horsemanship merit badge. You can find the requirements here. We did this up in Waverly at Camp Ingawanis with the Wapsi Horse Club. Aaron has no experience with horses but had a very good time. He learned a lot in one day.

First they fed the horses, which I of course didn't get pictures of. I mean, they put hay and grain into the trough so I didn't really need a picture of that. Then the boys reviewed their books and worksheets learning about safety, types of horses, illnesses, etc.

After that came learning to tie the knot- and don't ask me the name of it, maybe I'll post it later.

Mastered it...

Then of course he had to bridle the horse and lead it out of the barn. Oh, and we musn't forget the helmet for safety. I was going to get some pictures of him saddling his horse (or attempting to since he's shorter than the horse) but my brother Scott happened to call right then. And I couldn't pass up on that call.

Ok time to get up....

getting there....

almost there.....

whew, made it!

Aaron was a little nervous at first but then relaxed and did very well. This was more than a trail ride because Aaron had to learn to turn, stop, back up, trot, etc. He mastered all which isn't bad for the first time around. We didn't get to trail ride but we're hoping to next time.

Now why is there a picture of a toilet here? Because I felt like taking it. I found it to be rather gross and it was the only one available all day. And it amused me.

Last weekend Loren and Aaron were supposed to go camping. They made it there and decided to come home because of the pouring rain. Before they had left to go camping I had gotten them a couple of cots because I was "informed" last time that they were the only ones without cots. Here is Loren testing it out to make sure it worked correctly- in the middle of my kitchen. Seems to be working just fine.

And I can't post without a snapshot of Andrew. He's started this new thing where he rests his head on his hand. I've been trying to get a picture but everytime he sees the camara he does this. Oh well, he's still cute.

I did make Loren and the boys come with me this afternoon to look at trees and shrubs because we so desperately need to do some landscaping. I was bummed because Andrew screamed the entire time. Guess he doesn't like looking at flowers.

the big ole tree

Last Saturday the boys and I went for a walk/hike out at Indian Creek Nature Center. It was a beautiful day. We just didn't realize the misquitos would be so pesty already.

One thing about Indian Creek is they have huge old trees. We happened to find this birch tree which seemed perfect for picture taking. I think if it were in our backyard it would be perfect for a tree house.

The Thorn

The Thorn

(a "mendicant" is a beggar)

I stood a mendicant of God before His royal throne

And begged him for one priceless gift, which I could call my own.

I took the gift from out His hand, but as I would depart

I cried, "But Lord this is a thorn and it has pierced my heart.

This is a strange, a hurtful gift, which Thou hast given me."

He said, "My child, I give good gifts and gave My best to thee."

I took it home and though at first the cruel thorn hurt sore,

As long years passed I learned at last to love it more and more.

I learned He never gives a thorn without this added grace,

He takes the thorn to pin aside the veil which hides His face.

--Martha Snell Nicholson

It's been a long day

Snapped this right after he got off the bus. Think he's tired?

Mom and Chuck got Andrew a bunch of cd's with different stories, poems and rhymes on them. Here is Andrew chillin out listening to Thumbelina. I wasn't sure if he'd like them but he really does.

Chess

This year Aaron decided he wanted to join chess club. I thought it was just getting together to play chess every Monday afternoon. It's not. It's going to chess tournaments and playing against some of the best kids in the state.

A few weeks ago we took a trip to Des Moines so Aaron could compete in the Iowa State Chess Tournament. It was actually only his first rated tournament, but he did ok and learned some things too. First, you never offer a draw. Especially when you still have a Queen and a Rook left. Second, you make sure you're competator follows the rules and if you have a question, raise your hand. And finally, chess tourneys are pretty fun.

Aaron waiting for the first round to begin.

Making notations. Aaron writes down his moves as well as his competators. His coach can then go through the moves and help Aaron improve.

Parents need to stand behind there kids when they are playing chess. Kids and parents take it very seriously and get upset if they think you are sending signals.

Waiting between rounds. Each boy plays 5 rounds/games of chess.

Look at all those trophies. They are awarded by team and grade level. There are kids as young as 5 at these tourneys.

The Prairie Creek Chess Team in Des Moines.

things they say

Driving home from piano lessons tonight I was trying to explain to Aaron how to blow a bubble with gum

Aaron: somebody at school said if you swallow your gum it won't come out until you're 17.

Me: well, all things must come out. It's kind of like swallowing a watermellon seed. It will grow a watermellon in your stomach.

Aaron: Maybe we should start swallowing money. Then we could grow a money tree. Whenever we wanted money we could get it from our belly buttons.

Me: Don't I wish! (also wondering if my kid is really 11).

pajamas and the flower

 Andrew got pj's from my mom for Christmas. He needs the long pajamas because he gets so cold. And the fact that they are Transformers is an added bonus.

This toy was tucked away in a bin of stuff I had packed at the old house. I had honestly forgotten about it. I think I put it away because I didn't think it was "age appropriate". After all, Andrew is now 9 years old, surely he shouldn't be playing with a toy designed for an 18 month old

He loves this toy. There are three different settings all of which cause different sounds or music. Each "flower" does something different and all Andrew has to do is hit the flower and it plays. So I put some velcro on the bottom and stuck it to his tray. Ok, I am serious when I say this: the kid played with it non-stop for an hour. I finally had to shut it off to save my sanity. But I guess that anything Andrew can do for independent play is worth it.

Arkansas

We were finally able to take a trip to Arkansas over the New Year. I know that's been several weeks ago, but I figure a late post is better than no post. So, after 7 years we finally loaded up the boys and headed off. Andrew did exceptionally well. What would have been a 9 hour trip was actually 11 hours, oh well. But here are some pics and some info about our trip.

Mom and Chuck's house are full of antiques. It actually brought back that yearning for old times. Loren and I used to frequent auctions and like that "old stuff" and then we had Andrew, and well, he doesn't do to well outside at auctions. But I think we'll hit up few over the next year and see what we can come up with. My personal taste runs towards old brass. Loren likes old farm toys and guns.

So here Aaron and mom are measuring up because Aaron is growing so fast. But you can see some of the stuff in the background. Also, note the old organ Aaron is trying out below.

We were able to get out and about and actually see some things. Again, Andrew did very well, even at the Old War Eagle Mill. I thought he'd be very bothered by the sound of the mill but he did great.

We were also able to vist the Daisy BB Airgun Museum in Rogers. Loren and Aaron enjoyed this one. Aaron loves the movie "A Christmas Story" so it seemed to fit with the air rifle he got for Christmas.

We also got the oportunity to visit Pea Ridge National Military Park. It would be a great place to explore if it weren't so cold. Hopefully we can get back sometime when it is warmer.

Finally, we visited Turpentine Creek which is refuge for big "cats" that owners have not been able to handle. They are after all, not pets. I've got many pictures here but thought I would show my favorite.

He pulled all his feathers out because of stress.