Monk

OK I admit I've been hiding under a rock for the last decade. I found a new show that really is an old show called "Monk." I love this show. My whole family is hooked. I love that Monk has a supportive group of people that help him solve crimes and live an independent life. I love that the seasoned head detective, don't know his name sorry, obviously cares for and respects Monk. I've only seen two episodes but I have to admit I'm totally hooked. I even went online to find out how Monkish I was. I was a little Monkish, but more go with the flow. Check here to see how Monkish you are.

God is an Artist

God's an artist everywhere I look I see his work...

What's more beautiful than a human jumping on a trampoline? Our bodies are beautiful and amazing...

Outside my front door look complimentary colors. I've stared at the sky through my pine trees for hours...

My back yard contrasting colors of lavender and green. OK I'm not like my neighbor down the street the pics don't give God enough credit.

Heart shaped clover on my front lawn (I know its blurry, like I said I'm not a photographer, but still perfect little hearts everywhere...)

(Note this is a picture the Hubbo took...)

I look out my window and the world is so amazing I can't accept that it all happened by chance.

Down with the Puzzle Pieces

For some time now the autism/puzzle piece thing has been bothering me and I couldn't put my finger on why. Casdok just posted an excellent commentary on how autistic individuals feel about the puzzle and alternative icons to represent autism. Its a great post link to it here and let me know what you think.

I Love My Son

I love my son exactly the way he is.

I love the way he draws, paints, jokes, thinks, loves...

I love my son.

I've been reading a lot about finding "a cure" for autism. The truth is I don't believe my son will ever be "cured." There have been no magic bullets for us, just slow steady progress as he matures. My hopes for him are "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." I'm so sick of the media treating autism like its a tragedy. I sometimes think who is disabled? If the world centered around visual communication rather than verbal communication I would be the one in the special ed classes.

On another note, G got an A on his latest History unit test. I was so proud of him, he hates the subject. We celebrated by doing two Geometry lessons and skipping English yesterday...

Girl Survival Skills

My daughter is getting ready to start Junior High. This weekend we talked about the complex social interactions of preteen girls... I thought raising a boy on the spectrum was tough, after last night I want a time machine to warp me past the next five years!!!

Anyhow GA then produced from the library a group of phenomenal books:

• The Girl's Help Guide
• The Smart Girls Guide to Tricky Situations
• The Smart Girls Guide to Junior High
• plus a few more.

WOW! I wish those books would've been around when I started JH! I was so excited I went online to find the boy versions of these types of books... I found one that sounds interesting "No BO." I'll let you know how it is when I get it.

So I'm still looking for the heartfelt boys guide to friendship, when you find it let me know.

Homeschooling in California

Well a lot happened last week. I had an IEP. Some were surprised because I homeschool. I am homeschooling through a charter school which receives public funding. This allows G to continue to receive speech therapy as well as consultation with a learning specialist.

At the IEP the school psychologist asked me "are you sure this is the right placement for your son?" It was all I could do not to bean her with a paper wad... of course I think its the best placement if I didn't, he would be at public school. How would you feel having a total stranger question your parenting decisions???

Grrrrrrrrrr

Anyhow, G has made huge improvements this year and the SLP let everyone know it. So long story short I can still homeschool.

THEN a California judge decided that everyone who homeschools needs to be under a private or public credentialed teacher. Because CA is of course known for its excellent schools... This week a lawyer reviewed the status of our charter and we are within legal limits for now.

Stress

It's my son's three year IEP today...

I'm trying to relax, only had four cups of coffee so far,

As usual the school and I don't agree, say a prayer for me...