Spelling Champ!

I have not been shy about my disappointment in the public education system. Cayden had a really great experience last year and was surrounded by people who seemed to be genuinely involved with the success of his education. Its been almost a year since Cayden was diagnosed with autism and during that time, I have learned that most of the people that have been involved with his many therapies have little or no experience with autism. **Insert a picture of me shaking my head with frustration here**
His teacher this year has a tendency to treat him "special," which irks me beyond belief. When discussing his goals for the year, I told her I want Cayden to be able to write his name by the end of the year, in which she responded with the lesser goal of having him be able to recognize the "C" in his name by the end of the year feeling that would be appropriate. Why limit him?!? I know he is exceptionally bright. **Insert another picture of me shaking my head in frustration here** Regardless of her lack of confidence, I have continued with my original goals for him.
About a month ago, he came home with a coloring project in which he had written a gigantic "C" on the back. "C is for Cayden," he proudly told me. About a week later while sitting in a restaurant, he told me, "C A Y D E N - That spells Cayden mom," I was so proud and shocked that I could barely find the words to tell him how brilliant he is. I thought, at least he is able to memorize the spelling which is the first step.
Then yesterday, he picked up a can of Diet Coke from the pile that is still waiting to be crushed. He brought the can to me and pointed out while saying "C O K N - That spells coke mom." He confused the "e" and "n." But, HOLY COW!! What a genius!

All I can say is take that teacher lady! My son is a spelling champ!

Red Markers

Many of you know from first hand experience the amount of energy that is required in order to participate in normal everyday activities that involve Cayden. He is like having twins and sometime quadruplets. As I am preparing for a final for my Finance class; it seems as there are no exceptions. In fact, Id dare say that he knows when I have important tasks to accomplish and feels the need to seek attention in a louder than normal ways.
I intentionally waited a few days to post this so I could cool down and find the humor in the situation.
Wednesday:
I had to run next door to my brother-in-laws for a few minutes. Leaving Cayden and Kailee in the care of Dave. Upon my return, Cayden greeted me from the top of the stairs, "Guess what Mommy?"
"What is it Buddy?"
"I drew a picture of Onslaught and Ratchet on my wall!" (These are names of Transformers) His face beaming with pride.
I heard Dave get up from his office chair as I ran up the stairs.
He proudly showed us the 3 foot stick figures that he had drawn on his walls with permanent marker. Pointing out which each were. Three in total - Onslaught, Ratchet, and a bad guy Decepticon.
It was pretty difficult to get upset. It was the first improvement that we have seen in his drawing. The stick figures even had fingers! Instead of getting overly upset, we took pictures and even had him pose in some. Then explained if he wanted to color he could use his special paper and crayons.


Thursday:
Morning have been pretty hectic since Cayden began school. Mostly due to the fact that Kailees crib remains in our bedroom and Cayden has no differentiation between quiet voice and loud-happy morning voice. Ideally, I would have Cayden on the school bus as Kailee was waking up. On this particular day, I seemed to have everything on schedule so there would be no need for rushing. So I gated off the living room and proceeded to make the kids breakfast. I noticed the silence, which as any mother knows - silence is only ok if your kids are sleeping.
I went into the living room, no kids! As I walked towards the bedroom, I finally hear Caydens voice talking to Kailee in his 'Im Batman' tone. They are in the bathroom with the door closed....not good! Even worse, the door is locked.
I knock, "Cayden, open the door Bud."
"No Mom, go away." He says in the no-big-deal tone.
"Please open the door, we need to eat breakfast."
"No Mom, go away!"
......this continues for several minutes. Cayden was getting more angry that I would not listen to him. I was getting more frantic as Kailee began to cry.
Finally I decide I am going to have to break in. The whole time I am taking the door knob apart Cayden is telling me that I am not going to put him in time out. Finally, the door opens.
Saline solution covered the floor and most of Kailee. My prized Bed Head Afterparty hair lotion saturated Cayden and Kailees hair. Mascara covered the front of the cabinets, the broken wand in Caydens hand - he had applied it to Kailees cheeks. My liquid gel eyeliner was smeared all over into the eye shadows and on every finger nail of Caydens. My powder all over the place, most of which had made it onto Kailees face.
I looked at the clock - ten minutes until the bus! I promptly stripped Cayden and put him in the shower. I must say, that I controlled my anger very well. Of course, there was no way that Cayden was going to miss his bus because I could not guarantee anything if I was to endure a whole day like this. He made the bus.


After the choas of the morning, I called my mom to vent. She did very well not to laugh to hard. She did help me calm down. After our conversation, I felt ready to continue with my day. I put Kailee down for a nap. Because she has been getting up so early with Cayden, she still takes 2 naps. On this day I was extremely greatful for this fact. I went upstairs to switch over the laundry. As I am headed downstairs, I am beginning to think that a nice hot cup of tea would be relaly nice and calming. Just as the thought enters my mind, I trip over my feet and begin to fall backwards down the stairs. I reached up to catch myself on the banister. The pain was immediate in my shoulder. All I could say is, "Are you freakin serious?!?" I sat on the bottom of the stairs and tried to regain my composure.
I went into the kitchen and went to get the coffee pot down (which I use to "brew" my tea) The pot falls and shatters into a million pieces all over the floor. At this point I decide it would be in my best interest to sit on the couch and not do anything until absolutely neccessary.


My day did get better. Kailee was in an extremely playful mood. And when we went to meet Cayden at the bus, he was so happy to see me he could barely contain his excitement. On our way in to the house, he grabbed my hand and looked up at me and said, "Mom, youre my best friend." My kids are the best!

UPDATE
Since originally typing this post, Caydens stick friends has grown from 3 to about 8.....the red permanent marker is still MIA.

Kailees 1st Birthday

Kailee turned 1 on October 31st! We planned a get together for friends and family the following day. The invitations were sent, the party supplies were purchased. Despite Kailees ear infection and the fact that Davids schedule had been changed to work later at the last minute and he would miss the party, the plans were still in place. However, after we picked up the birthday cake; Cayden began throwing up in the back of Grandmas van. So, 2 hours befre the party we decided to reschedule the party for Sunday evening.
The party worked out perfectly. Kailee and Cayden felt significantly better by party time. The house was packed with family and friends, and our normally shy beauty was exceptionally happy with all the attention. It was a great time!!

Halloween

As always, our Halloween was packed full of obligations. We had Davids family come from Idaho to spend time with us over the weekend. Dave had some business obligations that kept him busy with his day job as well as our business. I, of course, was busy with preparations for our guests and preparing our kids for a night filled with candy and fun.
The original plan was for me to take the kids trick or treating and then to go with my brother-in-law, Jeff, to visit Dave in Park City at the Harry O's Halloween Party. However, Dave called and needed us to bring some equipment up right away; basically allowing me to dress my kids and leave them with Grandma to do some trick or treating. The kids looked adorable and this was the first year that Cayden was super excited about Halloween and it was fun to watch his anticipation. I had a fun night out with Jeff and actually had a good time with the work I got to do at Harry O's to help out Dave.