HARRY POTTER PARTY PT.3--HONEYDUKES BUFFET

It ain't a Harry party without Honeydukes!

Gummi Worms--these went quicker than anything else

Mini candy bars=Dementor Relief

Take Home Bags--plain white paper sacks, with the
Honeydukes tags
printed on large sticky labels and cut to size

Dumbledore's favorite---oh, my poor little fangirl heart, DUMBLEDOOOOOOOORE!

Chex's "Muddy Buddies" recipe
labeled as "Sirius Black's Puppy Chow"
This was 2 batches, roughly 20oz of cereal, plus all the yum
The kids barely touched it.  That night, the Big Munky found Tater and I  had
dug into it

. . .and consequently passed out on the comedown

Got froggy molds from Amazon.com for, like, $6
LeNell Chandler made them with melting chocolates and candy eyes

These were a pain in the ass to find out of season--again, it was Amazon to the rescue
Candy Apple, or Fall Flavors candy corn, for "Werewolf Fangs"

Another Amazon find--a box of 48 for less than $12

A buttload of different jelly beans, with a couple of boxes of real
Bertie Botts' thrown in for "flavor"

Ran out of time to do this right--Dum Dum suckers and Pop Rocks
for the "Acid Pops"

Cupcake cake, made by the awesome Carrie Sestina (fresh out of the hospital and STILL
MADE A CRAPTON OF CUPCAKES--what a woman, right?!) who also did the cake last year

Printable/editable labels, recipes, and great ideas can be found  here
Printable signs can be found at this site
This page has a ton of ideas as well.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PRINCESS!

I was 18 when I found out I was 3 months pregnant with the Princess.  Things didn't start off too great, but we'll skip all the drama and get right to the day she was born, in May of 2002.  It was hours before dawn when we checked into the hospital, and I was there all day afterwards hooked up to a Morphine pump, so I don't remember what kind of day it was.

What I do remember, besides blurred faces of visitors in and out of the room and begging them to take me off the pump and pull out the evil catheter, was that Anistyn was so tiny, so dark, and already so alert. . .her eyes wandered and focused over and over again, like she was silently taking it all in.

She was the perfect baby, I thought, having had no previous exposure to babies.  She got fat quick, got smart even quicker, and laughed all the stinkin time.

We'll skip over more drama, that of her toddler-grade school years.  I had many proud mama moments, and she made me so happy, but the biggest memories of that time have to deal with her "issues" coming to a head and running rampant.

Tomorrow, she will be 11.  ELEVEN.  She's half grown.  She's an inch shorter than me.  She's wearing bras.  She's shaving her legs (well, no--I'm shaving her legs.  I'm crazy, but not crazy enough to give her a freakin razor) and doing her nails and gettin all girly and crap.  She's made friends and draws a lot and makes her own comic books.  She sings, and plays piano and soccer.  She does daily chores to earn phone minutes every night.  She's so damn grown.  I get so sad thinking about it, and her going to middle school in August. . .crap.  Here, let's just go to pictures.

The purple-haired Princess

First day of preschool
"I'm too cool for this crap"

Attempting a "Care Bear Stare" to get out of trouble

The first time she scared the hell out of me--fell out of her "big girl bed" the very first night she slept in it,
3 stitches.  The scar and consequent bald spot remain.

Santa was not very bright that year

Using my fabric scraps to make her own Barbie clothes.

With the awesome Ms. Rachel

First day of fifth grade--seems like forever ago.

I think she may be a little excited about this.

5th grade graduation and awards ceremony.  She was the only kid in her class to get straight A's all year, and had the most Accelerated Reader points (thanks mainly to the Harry Potter books).

I hate that my computer is jacked up--that's where a crapload of pictures are.  These are just the ones on the Big Munky's laptop.

Oh well.

Happy Birthday, munky-butt, you drive me nuts--but, I guess that's your job.  I love you and am amazed at all you're able to do.

HARRY POTTER PARTY, PT 2--THE SIGNS

FREEEEEEEE, YEAH.

This still makes me giggle.

Had to get an 11-yr-old to get these so I didn't feel weird putting up signs and taking pictures in a boys' bathroom.

Anyway, it says "Entrance to the Ministry of Magic."
Side note: boys are gross.

The "Platform."  I taped gray butcher paper to a cinder-block wall and used a Sharpie to trace the lines.  The 9 and 10 were simply printed out with Word, cut into ovals, and laminated.  This is the entrance to the rink itself, where everyone hid for the surprise.

"Password?"

"Myrtle was here" written with a dry-erase marker in the girls' bathroom.  I'm not sure if anyone got it.
   And DANG, that shirt is NOT flattering.

To download free fonts like Lumos and Harry P, among others, check out http://www.mugglenet.com/downloads/fonts/index.shtml

To print out ready-made signs, books, and other fun stuffs, click
http://dirtandsunshine.com/harry-potter-party.html

BRAAAAAAAAINS

Of which I have little.

Having run low on options to combat the Princess' steady tantrums and general attitude problem, I carted her off to the neurologist again today.  On our first couple of visits over a year ago, as well as hearing the Doc speak at an autism conference last spring, I was a bit uncomfortable with her.  She seemed to be too sure of herself, and a bit condescending, and quick to say (after 5 minutes of seeing my child), "She doesn't have autism."

Something has changed, though.  When we spoke today, she seemed to listen more, and asked more questions, and was pretty eager to try something new.  She went through what we could do, and laid out a timeline of treatments and such.  She also drew me diagrams and charts on the exam table paper and didn't tease or anything when I tore the paper off to keep.

And this may not sit well with most parents, and it may not make sense to a lot of you, but I loved that she spoke to me, and not to the Princess. It's like she already knew that that line of questioning would be pointless. Oh, she didn't ignore her by any means---the Doc was very side-eyed observant, if that makes sense.  But for the most part, the Princess was allowed to explore the room and sit and tic all she wanted.

Previously, we've tried Fluoxetine to try to calm her tics, and Strattera to help her focus.  Neither did shit.  Now we're onto a Ritalin-like stimulant, since she showcases so many ADHD symptoms (and, apparently, so do I, as the Doc subtly suggested I get myself tested and treated as well).  She also referred us to a psychologist for a more in-depth evaluation.  That's awesome.  I love evaluations.  Big ole packets of paper with lists and scores and assessments and stuff?  I live for that shit.

I'm always eager to find what professionals think of my kids.  I don't know why.  Maybe it's confirmation?  All 3 are just so interesting to me, with their huge personalities and funny quirks.  Teachers must dread IEP meetings with me---I've been known to attend hours-long meetings over the Princess.  There's always something to be said.

I know, I'm weird.  No need to say it, everyone's told me before.  But this weirdo makes awesome kids.

Easy Curls for Super Straight Hair

I've tried just about every method for curling my girls' hair--which is straight and baby fine, almost the total opposite of my own nappy locks--and nothing held longer than a few minutes.

Until. . .

http://punkynmunky.blogspot.com/2008/08/curly-hair-for-day.html


AND IT FREAKIN WORKED.

Check it:

Take damp hair, divide into sections, and twist the hell out of each section.  Twist the hair around itself, tuck the ends in at the scalp, and secure loosely with little elastics.  Sleep on it, and, in the mornin--TA HONKIN DA Y'ALL:

This method did what no heat style, or even a hairdresser, has ever been able to accomplish.  I scrunched it up and spritzed on some curl-enhancing hairspray, and that shit held allllll day.

Mommy likey.

TOLERANCE

No, it wasn't a rough day.  Her hair looks like that 3 minutes after I brush it every day.

As a person who has been called "weird" and "crazy" her whole life, I've done my best to teach my kids a few things:

1. Different isn't a bad thing.  It's okay to be different.  In fact, in this house, it's highly encouraged.
2. Unique and creative are about as cool as you can get.
3. Who gives a turd what everyone else is doing?  If it was all that great, they wouldn't feel the need to recruit.
4. Other people being different is cool, too.  Be it that they look, dress, act, talk, learn, eat, pray, sing, whatever, in a way you don't do yourself, or in a way you don't know, doesn't make them any less "okay" or acceptable that you.
5. Most of the above has been taught in direct reference to the Princess' condition, which is an effort to teach someone with neurological issues.

"It hurts my feelings when you call her Autistic."--a grown member of my family.  IT'S NOT A FREAKIN NAME I'M CALLING HER TO BE MEAN, IT'S HER EFFIN DIAGNOSIS. . . AND IT'S OKAY.  The Princess is learning that Asperger's can actually be pretty cool.  It allows her to do things most kids can't. . .like her whole music savantism.  (That's not a word.  I don't care.)

So, when I was walking through the lobby at work and Tater pointed out her sister's name on the Character Kid wall, I got a bit stupid.

"Anistyn is always understanding of others' differences.  She also appreciates the uniqueness in all people."

Ohhhhh, I'm getting all choked up again.

Seriously, do you people understand just how friggin AMAZING this is?!

This is exactly how I want my children to be.


Excuse me.  I have to go freak out the Princess by attacking her with giant hugs.  And cookies.  Yeah, this def calls for cookies.

ABA and stuff

This school year I have a new assignment, about which I'm super psyched as well as super anxious.  Before I've been an assistant in the classroom; now that's cut back to part time.  The majority of my day will be working one on one doing ABA therapy with students with autism.  The way things are looking, there ain't gonna be a whole lot of "part time."

I get my own room/office/closet.  How cool is that?!

I've also been assigned to ride a short bus as an attendant, per new state standards.  But that's another issue I ain't dealin with just yet.

So, like most people I know outside of our school, you're probably goin, "Sounds awesome.  What the hell is ABA?"  Since I'm not an expert, have no formal/collegiate training (now if you wanna count personal experience and incidental teaching, that's another scorecard), I don't feel comfortable learnin' you on the matter.  So I'll give you my understanding of the program, along with what I've stolen borrowed from other websites.

Firstly, "What is ABA?"
Stands for "Applies Behavior Analysis,"  a program of therapy designed for autistic children, which focuses on, duh, behavior.  ABA is sometimes called DTT (Discrete Trial Therapy) which isn't the same thing---DTT is the more popular method of ABA, but the overall program consists of much more.

from Autism Treatment Info, Many techniques are often used in an ABA program, Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT) is one of the primary (but not the only) instructional methods used in ABA programs for children with Autism today.  This technique is used to maximize learning and can be used to develop most skills including, cognitive, social, behavioral, fine motor, play, social and self help skills.  DTT involves breaking down skills into small sub-skills and teaching each sub-skill, intensely, one at a time.  It involves repeated practices with prompting and fading of prompts to insure the child’s success. DTT also uses reinforcement to help shape and maintain positive behaviors and skills.
http://www.autismtreatment.info/what+is+aba.aspx

In a nutshell, mostly what I'll be incorporating officially is DTT--taking a goal the child is working to attain and breaking in down into steps, then using prompts, lots of verbal praise, and reinforcements to help the child learn.  These goals can be anything from imitating motor skills to potty training to engaging with peers in the classroom, as well as sorting and classifying.

There is a buttload of paperwork/data collection.  TCPS is incorporating a new program ( http://www.behavioranalysts.com/shop/product.php?cat=253&productid=16156 ) this year, utilizing the ABLLS-R assessment http://www.behavior-consultant.com/whatablls.htm, an intensive "test" that helps to guide the development of each individual child's development and ABA standards.  This new kit should help in diminishing some of the paperwork, thus making assessments and sessions quicker and more productive.  Hells Yes.

If you're wondering about my language at work, with the kids, calm down.  I stifle most of my thoughts when they're inappropriate.  And I respect parents' decisions, which I automatically assume includes "don't cuss around my kid."

Back on track.  Hey!  Did I mention I get my own room?  Bitchin.

My good friend Alicia, who helped get TCPS' ABA program on its feet, has gone into business of her own offering private sessions outside of school.  Her website, http://btgtipton.com/index.html, details her services and training and personal experience.  Her son Jacob is an amazing little dude who has come a looooong way thanks to his mama taking steps in learning as much as she can about autism and its various treatments.  Seriously, I love this kid.  In fact, the whole family pretty much kicks ass.

This video starts off with a pretty simplistic explanation of ABA and DTT, then shows session examples intermittently with "tips and tricks," so to speak.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2afb4i7LMJc

Though the methodology and environments aren't ideal, and I can name several "wrongs," they're working for this home setup, and the instruction and tips are spot on.

On a more personal note, the Princess has never received any formal ABA techniques/therapy.  As I research what I can and learn all I'm able to about my new position, I'm beginning to think of ways to incorporate a few into our home life.  I'm also wondering how the past few years could have been different had I known more.

One book I've read since I've started back at work is "A Work in Progress," http://www.difflearn.com/product/A_Work_in_Progress/autism_ABA_basics  It's a quick read with lots of info and examples.  Great for an overall view of ABA.  Also, the title's metaphor appeals to my writer-wannabe's sense of self.

Tips for My Kid's Teacher

Fair warning:  this one ain't funny.

As the school year begins, I'm looking forward to having all 3 of my badass kids in the same building with me. . . but I'm also haunted by the Ghost of School Years Past.  I figured I'd use this paranoid opportunity to give a little advice to educators who work with Aspie kids (and consequently, have to put up with their crazy mamas).

Though I refer to the student in question as mine, this really goes for any special needs kid, just about.  And this by no means refers directly to the Princess' current teacher, who is awesome, and who I have full faith and trust in.

*Don't tell me my child threw a fit.  I know she does this crap, but you saying shit like "had a hissy" and "threw a fit" tells me that you view my child's disability to control her emotions as a hindrance on your schedule, a bother to you.  Be more professional--use the term "tantrum" or even "meltdown" instead.  This shows you know a little more about autism and the preferred labels.

*Don't underestimate her.  She will try to trick you into thinking she can't do something, just so she won't have to.  She's sneaky like that.  Caution:  this could cause a meltdown if not handled gently.

*Don't overestimate her either.  Seriously, folks tend to give this kid too much credit, due to her creepily high IQ.  But still, she's just a kid.  And she ain't got a lick of common sense.  Keep this in mind when it comes to any freestyle thinking projects you might assign.  Folks also tend to think she's more creative than she really is, because she writes amazing stories. . . but let me clue you in:  she plagiarizes the shit out of everything she's read.

*You hurt her, I hurt you.  This goes for your other students too.  Just so you know and won't be shocked if it happens.

BUT, there have been a few times when she hasn't responded to any other redirection or punishment.  Our wonderful first grade teacher handled this perfectly, I believe--she called me (at that time we were at separate schools) and explained the situation, then asked my permission to paddle, with a witness present, of course.  I had the thought of leaving work to take care of it myself, but quickly figured this was the teacher's place, her time to assert authority and let the Princess remember who was in charge during school hours.  I gave my permission, the teacher let me know the outcome.  Problem solved, crisis averted.

Now that we're in the same building, though, we use my presence as redirection and punishment, and I like to think this works out quite nicely.  But again, this is your time, you're in charge, assert your own damn authority.

*It's 90 degrees outside.  We have a king sized bed for a reason.  Get up off me and on your side so I can freakin breathe.  My bad, wrong list.

*She sees things differently than 'normal' kids.  She doesn't make the connection between her actions and others' reactions.  She just sees someone mad at her, and thinks they're mean.  Let's try to remind her as much as possible how her actions and words affect other people.

*I am at your beck and call, should you need advice, feedback, Clorox wipes, the evil eye, anything.  I listen.    Talk to me whenever you need to.  Please DO NOT wait until the Princess' behavior gets out of hand, then tell me, "But it's okay, the other kids have gotten used to it."  Hearing this from an amazingly sweet, kind-hearted teacher broke me.  My kid was that kid.  The "special" kid that the others had to "get used to" and ignore in order to go about their day.  Don't let this happen.  If there is a behavior problem, don't let me go about blissfully ignorant, don't wait until freakin April to fill me in.  Much more can be done if I know about it, and we can work together on stifling unruly outbursts.

*On the flip side, I'm open to all suggestions and input.  Just don't BS me.

*She has braces.  She's unaware of hygiene.  This gets gross.  Please allow her (and remind her) to rinse her mouth and check her braces for leftovers after snack and lunch.

*She's gassy as hell.  Please remind her it ain't funny.

*She can't sit on her butt for very long.  Sometimes you just have to make her stand for a while--she'll still do her work, she just can't be still.

*On top of Asperger's, she also has Tourette's.  Not the fun, scream random cuss words at old people kind of Tourette's, but the kind where she has tics in her muscles, and makes these awful animalistic noises when she feels she can't express her negative emotions.  If you're anything like me, you'll get so annoyed by this mess you'll find yourself growling back at her.  Not a good way to deal with this.

*I drink.  Sometimes she sees this.  I don't get drunk around her, but I drink.  Get over it.

*She tattles and bosses other kids.  Let's not encourage this.

*She is smart as hell, and catches onto scholastic concepts pretty quick.  So when she doesn't understand something, she doesn't know how to actually put forth an effort to figure it out.  She says its too hard, and gives up.  If you come up with a way to persuade her to try, and to convince her to actually use her brain, please let me know.

And lastly, if you have any problems with me, you really have 2 options:  Deal with it yourself, and possibly be miserable as you try, or just come to me and we'll work on it together.  Or, if you're not comfortable talking to me, there's plenty of her past teachers who could advise you in the matter of Mom.  Whichever's better for you, I don't give a damn, as long as it doesn't reflect in the classroom and/or on my child.

Just watch out--this woman will whup your ass with a stick if you have anything negative to say about the Princess.

Thanks, and hey, let's have an awesome year.

Seriously!

My Kids Are Nuts

and here's proof:

Tater, when her foot fell asleep from being stuck up my butt on the couch as we napped, said, "My foot feels like it belongs to someone else."

Stitch, when his sunburned face started peeling, got nose-to-nose with me and screamed, "WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO ME?!" and, when he asked if I could help him transform Starscream and I told him I didn't know how, huffed and said, "Mommy, I think you're lying to yourself."

and Princess. . . she wrote this letter to the teacher she hopes to have come August:

"Dear Ms. Rachel,
My name is Arlee and I am Anistyn's dog.  I don't no of any gud way to say this, so I'm just going 2 say it: Last nite I had an accident on Anistyn's homewurk.  It's unfortunet, but it happened and I take fullll responsibilitee four it,  I apologize.  I have a medical condition and thingz happen unexpektedly now.  Sorry.

Signed,
Arlee

P.S. By the way, I got a quik glance at it befor the incident and it lookked like excellent wurk.  Just thot you'd like to know."

Complete with doggy misspellings and a paw print beneath the signature.

Again, my kids are nuts.

YES, I'M SURE IT'S AUTISM. JACKASS.

If you ever meet my child, the Princess, please don't make an asinine remark such as, "Well, she doesn't look autistic" or "I don't see it."

Most people see my little Aspie on outings, where she's interested in the change of scenery and the people whose ears she can talk off.  Yes, she's extremely outgoing and sociable, but she sucks at it.  She has zip social skills.  She can talk to you all day long, but cannot listen to a thing you say, nor will she reciprocate in anything resembling a conversation.

In more comfortable settings, structured and scheduled, Princess is much different.  When given directions contrary to her desires, she has full-on melt-downs and tantrums than can last hours.  During these outbursts, there's little one can do to talk her down.

She's also very sneaky and manipulative.

Getting her to do anything around the house, or to leave when visiting anyone, usually results in trauma, it seems.   Whines, screams, shrieks, physical self-attacks . . .on and on I could go with her negative responses and behavior.  But when she's happy, she's amazing.  So when ignorant jackasses say stupid things contrary to what I know about my own freakin child, I get a bit upset.  It ruins the happy moment I have watching my Aspie Princess in a good mood, smiling and laughing and enjoying life, and reminds me of the rest of the time.

Besides, ass, just because you don't see it, because you don't think the diagnosis is right, doesn't mean that me and her doctors are dumbasses.  We didn't force her to have autism.  I didn't ask for there to be something wrong with my child.  Don't freakin judge me and think you know more than I, her mother.  Even if you work with other autistic children---you're not an expert.  There are no experts in autism.  You may have experience, but each of these babies are so freakin different. . . ugh.

And another thing---she doesn't "look" autistic?  Are you freakin serious?!  What, exactly, is a child with autism supposed to look like???

'Cause this is what mine looks like.

Bottom line:  you know nothing about my children.  Don't look down your nose at me and pretend like you do.

I LIKE JUST ABOUT ANYTHING PURPLE

What madness is this?!

Just the Princess, finally getting her birthday present---purple hair.

Before anyone jumps my ass about dyeing a kid's hair, I did consult with a professional first and got the go-ahead.  So shut up and take in the awesomeness that is this kid.

Rock on, my child.