Boog

Boog

Monday, November 24, 2014

Vitamin D - Doing Dramatic Things?

I have recently been giving Boog a better multivitamin and a liquid Vitamin D supplement thanks to the advice of a fantastic friend who's son is also on the spectrum (Thanks, girl!!). A few days after he began the new vitamins, we started noticing Boog making large improvements in eye contact, focus and even doing new things. This last weekend he opened a door in the house by turning the knob all by himself. We were so proud!

I didn't know if it was coincidence or maybe the vitamins were helping. I googled this morning and found this really interesting article written by a doctor WITH Autism! Check it out if you have time:

http://www.lef.org/magazine/2014/1/autism-and-vitamin-d/page-01

Do you give your child supplements? If so, what type?

Happy Turkey Week!
Boog's Mommy

Monday, November 10, 2014

Tis the $eason!

It's pretty obvious this blog is geared for fellow special needs parents or caregivers. Ya teach what Ya know, right? Well, I also know that parents of special needs kids have some of the largest expenses I have ever heard of. As in, we spend Hollywood-type money for services/toys/equipment/therapy and live completely un-Hollywood lives.

Sometimes we can get creative and find a way to get the same thing for much less, but when it comes to doctors, therapists, tests, prescriptions, gas money to drive to all these places and more....You can't substitute. We demand the best for our kids and we pay for it...literally.

Unless you live under a rock, you know the holiday season is here. If you live in the South you've known since Hobby Lobby put out Christmas decor in September (seriously). The holidays mean presents. Presents for our kids are often both expensive and difficult to find. 

So for the next couple of months I will be posting any deals I find that I think are really fantastic. If it's a great sale on a toy, or great gift idea, or a freebie I will pass it along to you. The best ones will be blog posts, but if you follow us on Facebook (if you don't...go now! Quick! I'm trying to get to 500!) I will be posting more often.

I hope I can dig around the web and help prevent this $eason from being the reason you have more stress.
See some deals I've found so far below!

Fa la la lala lala la...la!!!!

-Boog's Mommy


Amazon.com
Amazon is having a "Count Down to Black Friday" event. Instead of waiting until the day after Thanksgiving, they are going ahead and marking down items and the list changes daily.



30% off Plan Toys


These toys not only look fun and cute, but would be great for:
*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:









This game for 25% off caught my attention because it would be fantastic for facial recognition work!




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

Walmart is also starting the savings early and have a "Value of the Day" here:

Today's deal is for Bluetooth speakers, but be sure to check back daily. I've also seen a great deal on photo paper which is very useful for printing PECS cards and photos of family members that can be used as cards as well.


*****I was not compensated in any way for this post although if someone would like to I'm all ears! :)



Saturday, November 8, 2014

Jerry Seinfeld: He's Being Real.... And Fantastic!

My Dad called me two nights ago to ask me if I had heard about Jerry Seinfeld. I told him I had not and learned that Mr. Seinfeld had come out publicly stating he believes he is on the Autism Spectrum. This is incredibly brave for many reasons and has I pressed me a great deal. Why? Because he didn't come out with this to get the most tweets of the day or to get more Facebook "likes". He did this to hopefully combat the media stereotype that people on the spectrum are all mentally-ill or mass murderers. 

If you haven't had a chance to read about the interview, check it out here:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2014/11/07/jerry-seinfeld-i-think-im-on-the-autism-spectrum--brian-williams/18641527/

I hope this will help others on the Autism Spectrum realize there is no reason to feel shame. Many people today are uncomfortable with Autism just as they were uncomfortable with children with hearing loss or blindness years ago. It is not completely understood, and when people don't understand they often develop anxiety. In time I won't need a blog to hopefully reach parents out there with newly diagnosed children that feel afraid and alone. I will just be writing to make myself feel more important obviously...

Like countless other parents of children with Autism, I have become incredibly angry at the media's consistent label of "possible Autism" when a terrible crime has been committed here in the United States with multiple victims and a single, usually Caucasian, male. Then once they've squeezed every last drop of sensationalism from a horrific situation, there is a casual mention that the suspect was never actually diagnosed with being on the Autism Spectrum. It usually goes something like this:


Headline: "Suspect In Mass Shooting, John Doe, Possibly Autistic".

When in reality, it should read:

"Woman Living Seven Streets Over States Suspect On Autism Spectrum Because Her Son That Was In An English Class With Suspect Said He Was Often Quiet".

Or...

"Well Known Reporter Hears Suspect Being Described As 'Artistic' And Runs With Autism Storyline". "No Connection Between Crafting As Hobby And Murder Known At This Time".



So thank you, Mr. Seinfeld, for your bravery. You have made millions of fans laugh over and over with your quit wit and enormous talent. Hopefully your story will help show people a different side of the Autism Spectrum... A laughing, feeling and happy side.


Oh, and as for those reporters out there that think labeling a criminal with Autism makes for a bigger headline...

NO SOUP FOR YOU!


Much Love,
Boog's Mommy

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Holiday Sale!

I saw this special sale on the Today Show this morning. Special sets by American Girl are up to 60% off! Visit. and use code "TODAYNOV" to get to the sale site.

http://www.americangirl.com/jsd/coadjxnov

We got an adorable gift at a fantastic price!

We scored American Girl, Julie's bed set (so cute and 70's) for $75 and its $150 regularly. Woohoo! Check out how adorable this is:




So go now! Shop! Quickly!

:)
-Boog's Mommy

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Time flies when you're on the run.

The last month has been a mixture of emotions for me. I have shifted from joyful and thankful to grief and emptiness. The term "bittersweet" comes to mind. Monday was Boog's fifth birthday and before you think I'm an awful mother for feeling anything but joy, please let me explain.

When Boog was around two he had already been diagnosed with Autism and was beginning his first school to work on occupational therapy, circle time, table work and hopefully speech. There was a lot of fear at that time, but also a lot of hope for the future. Boog started full time school two months after his second birthday. Receiving so many hours of intense early intervention is the only method that has proven to help children with Autism. 

I don't remember when, but at some point people began asking when I would give Boog a sibling. It was a difficult question to answer. I really wish no one had even asked me that, but I understand why they did. I am an only child with no real extended family. My parents are now in their 60's and it terrifies me that one day I will be alone. An orphan with no one to call and reminisce about how Mom and Dad did this or said that. I never wanted that for Boog. I didn't want him to ever be alone. Then I worried about him needing a neurotypical sibling to be there to help him if he needed it and I was no longer there.

Genetic testing told us that we had a high chance of having another child with Autism. Boog is in the range of in between mild and moderate Autism. If I had another child, there was a great risk of having a child with severe Autism. I knew that situation would leave one child with the short end of the stick as I'm already spread so very thin now. So husband and I talked a bit about adoption. It seemed like the logical answer. We would be helping to give a child a warm and loving home, Boog a playmate for peer-to-peer interaction, someone who would be there if he needed in the future, and I might possibly have the little girl I sometimes dreamed of. My favorite color is and always has been pink and I can't pass by the childrens' clothing section without looking at all the glittery dresses, ballerina skirts, sequined shoes and princess dolls. 

Husband and I decided to give everything a few years and then evaluate the situation at that time. It was nice because I didn't have to worry about it then. I knew we had time and focused on the present. Until the present was this month. You see, we decided to reevaluate when Boog turned five.

I remember hoping he would be speaking by then, maybe I would be working again and we wouldn't always be so worried about money like we are now. There were even two adopted beautiful little girls at Boog's school that were both asian and adopted. I learned that in some countries it is easier to adopt children with special needs. Some of those children simply need hearing aids or cochlear implants to live a completely normal life. Seeing these little girls becoming more and more used to their new lives and learning speech was so beautiful. One little girl in particular stands out because at one of the school plays she kept yelling "There's my mommy!!" on the stage to her friends when they were supposed to be quiet. It was beyond adorable. 

In a way I'm grieving again this month. I should be used to grief by now. I grieved when I had an early miscarriage before becoming pregnant wig Boog. I grieved when I knew my son was different and all the hopes I originally had for him weren't going to happen. I grieved when the geneticist told us the odds of conceiving a neurotypical child were so slim. I grieve that my son isn't speaking at five when I had so much hope he would be. And I grieve for the daughter I will never have.

At the same time, the logical part of my brain tells me that I have so very much to be thankful for. I have my parents and we're very close. I will have been married ten years his upcoming February to a man I still consider my best friend. We have a home and food on the table. And most importantly, I have a happy and healthy five year old son that is absolutely crazy about his Mommy.

The news story below inspired me to write this post. I know that I may be sad, but these parents would give almost anything to have a son that just turned five. I allow myself to grieve, but also have to remember to appreciate the gifts God has given me. And I am thankful.



http://fox13now.com/2014/10/28/utah-toddler-who-brought-light-hope-to-community-loses-battle-with-cancer/

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

I'm Choppin Broccoli...choppin broccoli!

New study showing some evidence that an extract contained in broccoli may ease the symptoms of Autism.

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!

Haha...Got ya!! I didn't do anything bad...it says "shirt". See? Look up there hehehehe.

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?!?!

This study was discussed for quite a while this morning on the Today Show. More and more information is being released that early intervention specifically combined with a large portion of parental participation is the only type of treatment assisting children with ASD.

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

Hello everyone :) I hope all are well and apologize for my absence recently. Summer is tough, but we've made it through! It helped that Boog had therapy every weekday from 8-11:00. Boog isn't hyperactive, he's just very active. I realized years ago that if he has back-to-back days of being at home and not stimulated enough, he has more sleep issues. I'm sure there are neurotypical children the same way, but like I say, this is all I know.

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

Well, I've made it this far without a trip to the looney bin... What's another 4 1/2 weeks? :/  In all honesty, we're lucky. Boog has now been receiving ABA based therapy five days a week for three hours each day.

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

Sorry that I've now put that song in your head :)

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

Unlike formerly-kinda-popular-when-I-was-like-12 singer Toni Braxton, I do NOT feel my son with autism is punishment from God. 

If I ever see her she may need to un-break her leg. Just kidding. Sort of.

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


I did this a while back and loved it. Here are some Ryan Gosling "Hey Girl"s that I found on various sites and thought were beyond awesome:





























Hope you had a laugh :)
-Boog's Mommy

Summer Lovin... Having a Blast?

Yep. It's here. Snuck up, on all of us. Summer vacation.

It wouldn't make me nervous, but Boog is in the process of changing schools/programs. At his precious school they had class until the end of June. Then I really just had to be creative for July and I was great.

To get Boog in a new awesome program based on ABA that he loves I had to take whatever time slot they had. He gets three hours of therapy there (he said "hi" today!) and they have a lot of kids to schedule. We got M-F 8-11. This means it would be completely silly to take him all the way back to his former school for June just to turn around two hours later and pick him up.

So, it looks like I'm going to have lots of bonding time this summer, which is great. I'm just one of those weird people that if I'm not busy, I can get really down. I think it's because I was always in school or working or both. Being a SAHM has been a big adjustment for me, then you throw in Autism and sometimes I catch myself talking to random strangers at Target about how there's a coupon for the item they're looking at. Seriously. I've done that just to have a small amount of adult conversation.

So, instead of scaring away potential shoppers in stores I have decided to make a schedule. This schedule will have Boog's therapy time, errands I need to run, cleaning (yuck), and meals amongst other things. I think having a schedule will make me feel better because it's what I'm used to.

I'll let you know how it goes and if you have any magical way of getting through summer sane...please let me know :)

Below are some hilarious pics I saw on Pinterest and had to share.

-Boog's Mommy





These first two are hilarious and from  Mommie Daze












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.

I gave him some ibuprofen once and it seemed to work. I wondered if he had a headache. I actually listened to his tummy to see if I could hear if it was upset (I told you Autism Moms were awesome) and heard nothing. It happened just about every day so I was determined to figure it out. I don't remember how I thought about it or if maybe my Mom said it but, growing pains came up. Why hadn't I thought of that earlier?! Boog had been growing like a weed and still is.

I did some research and found out that boys sometimes have worse growing pains than girls. I wouldn't know because I basically stopped growing at age 12 and just barely passed five feet tall. So next I looked for a solution. I saw lots of articles about Epsom salts relieving muscle pain and even helping with sleep. 

So, back to the OT. I asked her about it and she had heard the same thing once. Being the incredibly kind lady she is, she ran off and quickly returned with some printed off information basically describing the same as we thought plus a whole list of other issues Epsom salts are used to treat.

I headed to the store that afternoon and bought a big bag of Epsom salts. Did I mention these are CHEAP too? Like, really cheap. I was very thankful.

That night I put about a cup in Boog's bath and while he was in there I massaged his muscles in his legs and arms. He really liked it! So through my long process of elimination, Boog was having growing pains. Mostly in his legs with no way to tell me. 

I used Epsom salts and massage in his bath for several weeks and you know what? The random crying stopped :) I wish I had thought of it earlier, but maybe by postin this it might help out another mom trying to figure out what's going on.


Much love,

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Song for the Soul

An amazing man has made an amazing song and video. It's easy to find information, blogs, and videos about parents' frustrated feelings that their child has Autism. We're wrapped up in the "poor me" sometimes. I admit to this myself. That's why this video is so important for two reasons:

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

Okay, I don't know about the "guru" thing, but I do know a thing or two about gluten free. Boog has been gluten free since October 1, 2012. I decided to try it in September, so I gave myself a month to learn about it and test foods. We officially rolled it out 10/1/2012 to see if it helped in any areas.

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:

- Bacon
- Bologna
- Eggs
- GF Corndogs, chicken nuggets and sausage by Applegate Farms.
- John Morrell Meats. Most are GF, but still check the label. We frequently purchase the hot dogs, ham, and bologna.














Applegate Farms makes it so easy, you can browse their GF products here:

http://www.applegate.com/products









John Morrell has been around a long, long time. That's one reason they're GF. They started out natural and still are.
Check out their great selection  of GF meats here:







Veggies:

- Green beans
- English Peas
- Lima beans

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 

Potatoes: So important they need their own section :)


- Oreida brand fries. Check the packaging, though! There are just a few that are not GF like the
seasoned fries and, unfortunately, the waffle fries. Boog loves waffle fries, so I find that one a bit frustrating.

Snacks:

- Jello. Although, I'm thinking of skipping the red kinds. I've heard a few people mention red dye sensitivity. I need to do more research and find out if it's a real thing or rumor.
- Chips. Many chips are GF thankfully, and it looks like more are becoming GF. Boog likes Cheetos, Ruffles, and sometimes the cheese Doritoes. I believe Cool Ranch isn't GF, so watch out.

Sweets:

Boog really doesn't eat many sweets. I wish I had that in common with him.... anyway, he mostly

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!



I got crafty again and decided to make some more graphics expressing some great points. Some are Autism-specific, but others can be used for a variety of special needs parents. Boog goes to school with many adorable hearing impaired children and although not all use sign language, I couldn't resist when I saw this precious font! Each letter shows the ASL (American sign Language) sign and the outline is the letter :) Too cute! 

Also, many non-verbal children use sign language as well to communicate. Boog has created a few of his own. My favorite? He takes your hand NAND puts it on his check, nuzzles it, and smiles (swoon). He doesn't do it too often, but when he does it's the greatest compliment you can get! It even made his Papa tear up :)

I hope you enjoy these and feel free to save them, print them, put them on a t-shirt. Remember: Mother's Day is right around the corner and Father's Day is next!

Much love,
Boog's Mommy






















































Sunday, April 27, 2014

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Use Code: No Code Needed
http://www.agnitus.com/
The Agnitus 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!

Thursday, April 24, 2014

We're now on Facebook! Please like us! :)

I told you we're moving up and branching out!


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!!!

I am so *immensely* honored to be featured on parenting.com! Yes! They chose my Autism Awareness DIY wreath to feature!! I am so proud and humbled to be one of the interweb's Mommy-Warriors spreading awareness on all things Autism. This means the world to me!

Please check it out here: 
http://www.parenting.com/parenting-advice/mom/our-mommy-blog-faves-autism-awareness-month


And please check out these links to Parenting.com for advice, information, awareness, helpfull tips and reviews and all things parents need to know!

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/parenting

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/parenting

Pinterest: http://instagram.com/parenting

Instagram: http://www.pinterest.com/parenting








Sunday, April 13, 2014

Woo-Hoo! We are moving up!

Hi there! If you take a look up there at the address bar...there's no longer a "blogspot.com".

Yes, that's right! We are now www.allaboutboog.com!

Very excited and proud to reach this far! Expect more posts, more fun, more freebies, some giveaways...and most importantly...more BOOG :)

Hope everyone has had a great weekend!

-Boog's Mommy

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!

Upcoming Book Review!

I was very honored to have been contacted by Judson Press recently to review a new book, "The Spiritual Art of Raising Children with Disabilities" by Kathleen Deyer Bolduc. 

This is a subject that so many parents of special needs children struggle with. It's like one of my favorite quotes, "I know God only gives me what I can handle...I just wish He didn't trust me so much". :) I find myself thinking that a lot when we're driving to multiple places for therapy and I catch a Facebook post of someone I went to school with. 

"Oh, how fun. They're on vacation. Gee. At the beach. Wow. Shopping too, huh? Oh...and yummy places to eat..... Noooo, I'm not jealous! The stale granola bar I found in my car was a delightful lunch. Shopping? I do that too! Why, I'm going to the store today because we're out of liquid melatonin!". *bangs head against steering wheel*

But seriously, don't we all have those moments? I'm very excited to dive into this book for some much-needed tips on taking care of myself while still making sure everyone else is fine spiritually, mentally, physically and emotionally!


Here is an overview of the book:

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.
You can read more at: 
http://www.judsonpress.com/product.cfm?product_id=17766#sthash.aT66ivTk.dpuf



Stay tuned for a full review!! 

And maybe a little less bitterness at Facebook vacation pics on my feed...

-Boog's Mommy

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

I actually won something! And it's Awesome!

I know a lot of us are either those that NEVER win anything, or some people who ALWAYS win. I have always been in the first group. I never win, so I never even get excited. I just enter contests sometimes if it's something really cool and I know there's a 0.000098475757829% chance I will win.

I won it!!!

What is it, you ask?

Well, as I was checking out one of my favorite blogs by domestic-diva Kathy Gossen, Cornerstone Confessions (http://cornerstoneconfessions.com), I noticed a post about a chance to win an ebook of "Pinterest Savvy" by Melissa Taylor of http://imaginationsoup.net and http://pinterest-savvy.net

Here's a little blurb about the book from Amazon:

In Pinterest Savvy: How I Got 1 Million+ Followers (Strategies, Plans, and Tips, to Grow Your Business with Pinterest), Melissa Taylor reveals her secrets to becoming a top Pinterest user with over 1 million followers.

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!


I'm SO excited because I've been trying to come up with ways to reach more people with my blog. The more I reach,the better the chance it may help someone. My blog has several purposes:

1. Gives me a way to vent that does not involve my husband/Mom/Dad who near me venting on a very regular basis (sorry guys).

2. Allows me to go back and "reflect". This is important because as the journey goes, you forget the accomplishments you've had along the way. Yes, I want Boog to talk...but I also prayed for him to look into my eyes, to sit in a crowded room and not cover his ears, to hold my hand, and so much more. Looking backs makes me appreciate the road that got us here. And here is good.

3. To hopefully help other parents/caregivers of someone on the Autism Spectrum to know they are not alone and what they're feeling is okay. It can be a lonely place sometimes, but even if you are 500 miles away, someone else is on the same path. I'm thankful for the internet and blogging for this reason.

4. To spread awareness and early warning signs of Autism. Early intervention is a proven method to help children with ASD. All other treatments and therapies are debated in one way or another. The only thing everyone agrees on is that the quicker the diagnosis/treatment/therapy, the better. More people have got be educated so these children can have a better chance at a more independent future.


Because of reasons #3 and #4 I am devouring this book. It's so awesome because I never thought of  Pinterest as a marketing tool. I just use it for gluten-free recipes and DIY ideas that I never have time to do (wow...you too?). However, reading this book has given me so many ideas on how to promote my blog!


Thank you so much to Kathy of:

http://cornerstoneconfessions.com





And Melissa of:
http://imaginationsoup.net



and









And please go check out this book on Amazon for only $4.97! Now that is a deal a thrifty mom can afford! :) (Link below)

-Boog's Mommy

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Sunday, April 6, 2014

My First Free Printable

I have a few quotes that are very special to me. A lot of them are song lyrics since I'm really into music. This one, however, isn't from a song. I read it about two years ago. It was on a little piece of wood in a knick-knack type store (maybe Hobby Lobby?). Anyway I had to have it and it almost made me cry when I saw it for the first time :)

"A mother understands what a child does not say."

Simply beautiful!

Having a non-verbal child that I can read like a book, this really speaks to me. So much that I made a little graphic the other day to print and frame. If you like it, please feel free to snag it. It would be cute on a t-shirt, notebook, or on a gift for a mom that would appreciate it :)





I hope everyone had a great weekend,
Boog's Mommy

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

A Crafty Idea (pun intended)





With April being Autism awareness month I knew I wanted to make some sort of wreath for the front door. I only knew two things: it needs to be blue, and it needs to be thrifty. Challenge accepted! :)

I visited my local craft store (Michaels) and purchased a green foam wreath thingy (technical term) with my 40% off app coupon, some blue daisies that were 50% off! and blue ribbon from the $1 ribbon bin.

I figured I could dig through my several craft stashes to get the rest done, so I left and had only spent about $10.


I got home and wrapped the ribbon around the green foam thingy so it would be blue. I didn't worry about making it perfect because I'm going to glue stuff to it anyway:




Next, I separated the daisy flowers from the stems. It was super easy. They just come right off:



I kept the stems just in case a future crafty idea calls for fake leaves :)




While digging around my supplies I found a couple small wooden signs I got for less than $1. I pulled them out and went looking for some blue paint. Luckily I had the perfect color, "Laguna" by Apple Barrel. Again, very affordable. I think this paint is less than $1 too.




Then I went looking on Google for a cute font to use for my signs. I looooved this one. If you made this, you are adorable.




I painted my first sign with the blue paint, but added some water to it to lighten it up. While it dried I went looking for markers. I found a BIC fine point in black and a silver cheapo no-name silver marker.




Here's what I put together:



I wanted the wreath to have various shades of the same blue, so I painted the next sign and didn't add water. I just used a mix of fonts I've done before on other projects:




Then, I took the signs outside and sprayed them with a clear coat so they won't fade in the weather:




While they were drying I had an idea and went on the search for wire and found some in my jewelry crafty stash:



After the signs dried (I put two coats of clear on them) I hot glued the first sign to the wreath and wrapped the wire around it:


Here's a close-up:



I attached the wire to the second sign on the back with hot glue:






I dug around and was able to find some Scotch tape I got on sale at Target that was the perfect color and used it to cover up the glued wire for extra protection:




I also wrapped the tape around the wire in the middle because I knew I wanted to add daisies there too:



Then, I added the daisies I separated earlier and some blue beads I found while looking for wire for some "bling" factor:


And here you have it! Proudly displayed on our front door :)


I hope you all have a great Autism Awareness April 2nd and spread the word! Speak for those who can't and keep pushing until we get answers!

God bless and lots of <3,
-Boog's Mommy