Boog
Monday, November 24, 2014
Vitamin D - Doing Dramatic Things?
Monday, November 10, 2014
Tis the $eason!
30% off Plan Toys
*fine motor skill development
*hand/eye coordination
*sorting
*matching shapes, colors or sizes
*imaginative play
Target
First off, do you have the Target Cartwheel App on your phone? If not, you have to get it. I rarely have time to clip coupons (in reality I don't because if I have a break I want to do something completely lazy). This App lets you scroll through a list off coupons that update daily, add the ones you want to use and you just show a barcode at checkout to receive the discounts. To get even more deals, check out your weekly Target ad. Very frequently there will be a Cartwheel deal coinciding
with a sale on the same item.
Example: You look through the Cartwheel App and see 30% off toddler shoes. You checks the weekly ad and toddler shoes are 15% off. They honor both in store so you just snatched up shoes for about half the price! Use a Target Red Card for another 5% off and you're basically a rock star!
***Tip: Don't swipe your card at check-out until everything has been rung up and your Cartwheel barcode scanned. If you swipe before it's scanned it won't add your coupons for some reason :/
Cartwheel is also taking 50% off one toy each day for the holidays. The coupon is only good for the
day and the toy changes daily, so keep an eye out!
Here are some current useful Cartwheel coupons from the app:
The 50% off toy for today is Target's version of the American Girl 18" doll. We actually have one of these dolls. Why? Because it's a fun way to help your child identify parts of the face and body and develop self-help skills when dressing the doll. It's a fun way to make the work three dimensional and is easier for a child to relate to than a stuffed toy bear or similar.
Walmart
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Jerry Seinfeld: He's Being Real.... And Fantastic!
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Holiday Sale!
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Time flies when you're on the run.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
I'm Choppin Broccoli...choppin broccoli!
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2014/10/14/autism-broccoli-study/19757/
I know, I know. This is probably just the next "thing". But then I get all "what if?" and "well, if it's safe...why not try?".
I looked it up on Amazon and it was about $6 for a bottle of the stuff. It's all natural too. I ordered it and it arrived pretty quickly.
Now how in the heck am I going to hide his in Boog's food when it tastes like freakin broccoli?!?!
If I come up with a solution, I will let you know.... Also I'm very open for suggestions!
-Boog's Inventive-at-times Mommy
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Show everyone you give a shirt!
Anyway, please check out our new t-shirt shop!! All proceeds go to supplies for Boog's amazing Autism class!
All graphics made by Boog's Mommy "borrowing" his iPad while he is in class. Don't tell him.
I'm doing something right?!?!
I think it makes parents feel better to know we're doing the best we can for our children. At first, it was very difficult to ignore Boog when he threw a tantrum. When your child cries you immediately have an overwhelming instinct to comfort them (well, you're supposed to). Combining that instinct with the knowledge your child is special-needs makes it even more difficult. The only reason I can avoid rewarding negative behavior is because I know I'm doing it to help my son in the long run. I think most parents of children with Autism (that are actively trying to help their children) feel very similar.
Hope you're all doing well :)
Boog's MommyAKA The mom with nothing better to do than research Autism at 9:00 a.m. on a Tuesday.
The study:
http://www.sacbee.com/2014/09/09/6690500/uc-davis-study-breaks-ground-on.htm
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Connections
Our schedule this school year is very full. We have been blessed to have him in two places that are both amazing, extremely helpful to Boog, and actually free. Therapy is not cheap. Private schools aren't either. After doing research and talking to lots of people, I was able to get Boog an interview for a Pre-K class especially for children with Autism that is located in our county. After all our searching over the years, it really seemed too good to be true. Well, it is true! And it's good! He goes for 3 hours in the morning, Monday - Friday. His teacher and assistants are fantastic. They're using several approaches with the children, and one of them is ABA. It's fantastic for Boog because we know he responds to ABA therapy, and he is still receiving that therapy at another location for two hours every weekday afternoon. It sounds like a heavy schedule for a four year old and it is. I'm pretty much his personal assistant/chauffeur on weekdays.
At times I feel guilty that he has to do so much work at his age. I really feel bad on the days he seems sleepy at the afternoon sessions (no time for nap). My guilt, however, is greatly decreased by the immense happiness and joy Boog has been showing at his new schedule. He is happy to go to school, happy when I pick him up, happy on the drive to therapy, and happy when I pick him up again. He's also going to bed earlier and sleeping better (this is good for Boog and Boog's parents).
I dare say, not many children his age would be in such a good mood at being shuffled around everyday and having to work hard...but he is. He's happy. He loves his teachers, therapists and friends. My son is four years old and works harder than any four year old I have ever seen. He loves to work hard because he knows it pleases me, his teachers and therapists. When other children need candy or food as a positive reinforcement, Boog requires a hug. Praise. Applause. Smiles. Love.
My son is four years old and he is my hero. He is a better person than I am. He is kinder, happier, and sweeter than I ever could be. He also has to work 1,000 times harder to accomplish basic tasks that I had no problem with at his age. He is still non-verbal, but has come up with even more ways to communicate instead of getting frustrated.
Over the summer, Boog started doing something new. He would give me very concentrated direct eye contact, take my hands and put them over his ears, then over my ears, then put them on my chest. When he had done this a few times I realized he meant "I love you". When I realized it and told him "Yes! I love you too! So much!" He smiled. He was happy. I was happy. He is happy. I am happy.
Love,
Boog's Mommy
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Summer Survival of the Fittest
In the last two months I have seen my child clap, wave, make more eye contact, paint and draw with very minimal assistance, ride a scooter, kick a ball, and write his name. I didn't know when (if) these things would occur, and did not believe it possible he would progress this quickly. Granted, we still have a long way to go and there's no speech yet, but I cannot tell you how amazing it feels to say "hi!" and have a big eyed little boy look me in the eye and wave.
I love my son and cannot express just how much I admire him. He's four and working harder than I ever did as a child. He's persistent, doesn't give up, and is so happy when he achieves a goal and we're proud of him. He just beams. I'm supposedly helping to teach him, but in reality he's teaching me.
When it's bad it's bad, but when it's good... it's AWESOME.
Hope your summer hasn't caused a looney-bin trip,
Boog's incredibly humbled and proud Mommy
:)
Monday, June 2, 2014
Monday Monday Lala Lalalala
It's been a while since I've posted about Boog's therapy/school situation and how it's going.
We recently made the decision to remove him from his previous school for children with language disorders to an Autism program based on ABA. I could just tell that he had reached a plateau at his previous school. It made me very nervous and I knew I needed to yet again explore the options and make the choice of where we go now. My parents and hubby are very supportive and give me great feedback, but ultimately the decision is up to me. I'm the one that reads the books, tours the schools and all of that. Basically, I'm a Mommy Advocate 24/7 . It's my (more than) full time job. I know the more intense therapy he receives while he's young, the better the chance that he will become verbal and able to do many more things that help him to become independent.
I wasn't seeing any new skills and became worried so we started out-patient ABA therapy twice a week at the beginning of this year. I started seeing progress right away and this was from just two hours, twice a week.
Also, I started hearing more negative comments about him than positive ones from his teacher. This puzzled me because his ABA therapist couldn't have been more complimentary! After doing some thinking and asking his therapist some questions I figured out what was going on. The method they were using at his old school wasn't developed for children with Autism. It works great for other children with language disorders, but Autism is in a whole category of its own. Basically Boog didn't like the work the teacher asked him to do (it didn't make sense to him) so he figured out that if he didn't do it,meh went to time-out. Well, enough times in time-out and sooner or later it's time for lunch, recess, snack, etc. This is what I tried to tell his teacher. Boog has A LOT of his Mommy in him :) If he doesn't want to do something and the person doesn't have any experience with Autism or behavioral training he thinks of a way, outsmarts them and gets his way. It started when he was very little and learned if someone asked him to do something he didn't want to, he could bat his big eyes and give them a hug or smooch and get out of it. I'm serious. This is why I often call him my "little stink" with so many of the sneaky qualities I had at his age.
So, after much research and thought he is now getting ABA for three hours a day, five days a week. What's great is that he's happy to go to school again. Happy Boog means more willing to work Boog. And these therapists recognize every time he tries to pull a trick on them to get out of something :)
In this short period of time, he can now:
Clap his hands
Ride a scooter by himself
Wave with one hand
Give a high five with one hand
Give a high five with two hands
He also is trying harder to talk, following commands better, and just generally in a fantastic mood. This is a total relief to me because I'm the one that decided to change our plan. Big decisions like this make me so nervous, but I really think I made the right choice.
Anyway, the whole point of this overly wordy post is: If you're not seeing results you think you should be, question it. Reevaluate. Check out other options. Ask around. Trust your instincts when it comes to your child. After all, you know that little one better than anyone else in the world.
Much Love,
Boog's Mommy
P.S. Please take just a second and click the link to vote for us! It's good karma :)
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Unbreak Her Brain
Here's the link if you want to get irritated too:
Toni Braxton's Shocking Reveal Hurts Children with Special Needs
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Mommy Laugh Time
Summer Lovin... Having a Blast?
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Salty and My Sweet
I remember about 1 1/2 years ago discussing a theory I had with Boog's OT. At the time, Boog would randomly start crying and I would go through my normal checks because he's non-verbal (boo-boos, diaper, hungry, thirsty, tired) and non would apply to said crying.
http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/problems/treating/epsom-salt-baths3.htm
http://www.livestrong.com/article/546619-epsom-salt-and-autism/
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Song for the Soul
1. This song tells the story through the eyes of the child, not the parent. It literally gives a voice to children that aren't able to (yet). That in itself is incredibly powerful and rare.
2. It's truly therapeutic. Every parent with a child on the Spectrum *needs* to hear this. Trust me. The first time I heard it, Boog was playing in the floor on his iPad in front of me. The video gave me the verbal emotional connection I crave to have with my son. It wasn't Boog singing, but I know he loves me and sees me frustrated. He wishes he could do more, I've seen it in his eyes. He wants to escape the communication confines Autism has created for him. I see how HARD he tries to speak, that it isn't easy for him to look me in the eye...but he does it. He works so hard and this song expresses that point in a perfect way.
The main point? "We'll Get by".
Johnny Orr Band Video "We'll Get By".
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Mommy: The Gluten Free Guru Attempting to Spend Less Green
I was very surprised and pleased! I wanted to know true results, so I didn't tell my parents or his teachers. Both noticed a difference in his focus. As a matter of fact, Boog self-fed himself with a spoon on October 18th, 2012. I was unbelievably proud.
Gluten free is not a "cure all", nor does it effect every child on the spectrum. What I'm saying is, why not try it? Read up about it and give it a one or two week trial. If you see improvement, try longer. I see Boog as being very sensitive. He's sensitive to sounds, touch, so...why not gluten?
I try whatever I can to help him within reason. Gluten free can be a diet no harm to children as long as you make sure they are getting the nutrition they need from all food groups. Go by the old-school food pyramid and make sure your little one gets what they need. If the diet seems to help, go with it (and please tell me!), if it doesn't, go back to what works (and please tell me!).
Anyhoo, gluten free can be kinda pricey and kids are picky. Here are some staples of our Boog-food and any tips I can think of:
Meat:
Luckily, these days you can get toddler size cups of these veggies that are microwaveable. There's not much I like more than a time-saver when a suddenly starving
seasoned fries and, unfortunately, the waffle fries. Boog loves waffle fries, so I find that one a bit frustrating.
likes fruit and a couple cookie types.
Do you have any "quickie" GF foods that your child likes? If so, please post below!
-Boog's Mommy
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Free Friday Printables!
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Sign Up Today and Receive 1 Month Free at Agnitus.com
Sign Up Today and Receive 1 Month Free at Agnitus.com
Use Code: No Code Needed
http://www.agnitus.com/
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Thursday, April 24, 2014
We're now on Facebook! Please like us! :)
Please take a moment and "like" All About Boog on Facebook here:
All About Boog on Facebook
And don't forget we're on twitter too!
All About Boog on Twitter
I also made some new graphics and a banner last night. I'm telling you...we're the little blog that could! ;)
Thank you so much for every click, like, share, rt or anything. The more people we reach, the more people start to understand Autism and the more parents will see that they are NOT alone!
Much much love,
Boog's Mommy
Friday, April 18, 2014
We're featured!!!! On Parenting.com!!!
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Woo-Hoo! We are moving up!
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Sign Up Today and Receive 1 Month Free at Agnitus.com
Sign Up Today and Receive 1 Month Free at Agnitus.com
Use Code: No Code Needed
http://www.agnitus.com/
This app is SO cute and fun for children of many ranges of abilities. The cute songs are great motivators. The more they work,the more fun the kids get to have. Boog loves it!
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Upcoming Book Review!
Are you there, God? You have to show me how to raise this child. Because the skills I've learned over the years just aren't working here. I'm helpless, Lord. I can't do this on my own!
Statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau report that 2.8 million children in the United States have a disability. That means more than 5 million parents, grandparents, and caregivers have probably offered up a prayer like this. Raising a child with a disability is hard work. Where do you go for solace? For rest, refreshment and renewed joy? We know where to go for our kids, but where do we go for ourselves?
Author Kathleen Deyer Bolduc knows these feelings from experience. She and her son navigated through his childhood and now approach yet another new life phase -- adulthood -- and all that entails. In The Spiritual Art of Raising Children with Disabilities, Bolduc uses the metaphor of the mosaic to life as parents of children with disabilities. How do you rearrange the fragmented and chaotic pieces of your family into a perfectly whole and beautiful work of art? Readers are walked through the process using the spiritual disciplines to help you recognize God's presence in your life and regain the balance we all need.
In this book, writer, parent, and spiritual director Kathleen Deyer Bolduc -- with honesty and humor, wisdom and wit -- invites the caregivers of children with disabilities to steep themselves in Scripture and self-reflection.
Key features:
- Provides a unique perspective of a parent raising a child with disabilities -- and dealing with it through faith and spiritual direction.
- Powerful, insightful, faith-inspired stories of other families who are walking similar paths.
- Exercises at the end of each chapter allow readers to reflect to find the beauty in the pieces of their mosaic.
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
I actually won something! And it's Awesome!
Highlights:
* Set up your profile for success.
* Understand the basics of eye-catching pins.
* Learn from businesses using Pinterest well.
* Improve strategies for gaining followers and increasing engagement.
* Achieve sales and marketing goals using Pinterest!
http://imaginationsoup.net |
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