Gollum Fingers and Burro's Tail

I can hear you all now.  "What on Earth is she bloggin about now!"  It sounds like something out of Lord of the Rings or a Shrek movie.  But, if that's your guess your wrong.

I went to home Depot last week.  "What's that got to do with it?", you say.  Well just hold on for a minute I'm going to tell you.  I wanted to buy a plant, so I went looking to see what they had that my non-green houseplant thumb could grow.  Succulents are pretty safe with me, so I picked out two new ones.  The plants weren't marked as to the type they were, so I had to do some research.  I guessed one to be a Burro's Tail and it was.  The other one I affectionately named the Teletubby Plant, but it turned out to be Spoon Jade or Gollum Fingers.

Did anyone guess what the post would be about from the title?  Leave me a comment.

Sedum Morganianum - Burro's Tail

Crassula Portulacea - Spoon Jade or Gollum Fingers

I like the "Teletubby Plant" name better, it has friendlier feel to it.

A Poem - I am Michael and an Update!

I found a poem on this blog.  I copied and pasted it below, so all of you would read it.  It's entitled I am Ethan, but you could change the tittle to I am Michael and most of it would still be true.

I am Ethan

You may not understand me, or the way I feel today.
You may not understand my reasoning for things I do or say.

The reasons why I'm so loud and say things over and  over again,

Why I run so differently or lose my homework every now and then.

I write my letters backwards and sometimes numbers too,

and when in a conversation, I'll say "Guess what" 100 times to you.

Too much noise, light, or excitement can set me in a spin.

I don't like the way these pants feel rubbing against my skin.

I try to be good, but sometimes it's hard to control,

I have to do it, it's an impulse, I don't always do what I'm told.

Ketchup, Ranch and BBQ sauce on everything I eat,

sometimes I have days that I just can't sit still in my seat.

I like to talk a lot even when it's out of turn,

my mind plays tricks on me and interrupts what I'm trying to learn.

Sit up straight, wipe my face, and play ever so soft,

some of these things I have trouble with and I usually lose my train of thought.

I didn't mean to spill the milk mom, or slam the door so hard,

everyone else is done with their homework, I don't know where to start?

My heart's as big as gold, my feelings get hurt too,

I get sad, cry and have bad days just like you.

My brain works differently than other girls and boys,

but one thing always holds true, I can give your life so much joy.

I get frustrated so easily and my hand won't work that way,

I don't understand why those other kids won't let me come over and play.

Please don't think of me any differently or love of me any less,

I'm just like other kids and trying to do my best.

I am very special in my own unique way, and every moment with me

you'll never have a dull day.

By Kelly Graham

Thank you, Kelly I couldn't have said it better myself.

God has answered our prayers and Michael has received a one-on-one aid.  I am s-o-o thankful, God is s-o-o good.   I haven't heard all the details yet, since Amanda's meeting with all the school staff yesterday, but just couldn't wait any longer to let you know that yes, now mid-January (the same time last year that things finally fell into place for him); Michael now has the aid he needs for a successful second half of the year.  It's not to early to start  praying that next year he has what he needs in September.

And we do think Mrs. I. is a good match for him.  Her personality is much like Michael's teacher at the first early intervention school he attended.  Thank you fellow bloggers and loved ones  for all your prayers and comments. 

Snow on Trees

Is there anything prettier than snow on trees?

Pine trees covered in snow.

Though the cold winds blow,

And branches swing to and fro,

The clinging snow will not go.

Many pine trees covered in snow.

Growing in a row,

bending to and fro,

but they have no where to go.

A quaint little house.

Sheltered from the snow,

by huge pine trees that continue to grow

and collect more snow.

Perching on a branch with no snow.

A scarlet red cardinal putting on a show,

bobbing to and fro,

as the northern winds blow.

Yes, trees covered in snow is a winter blessing bestowed on us foolish people who live in the great north.

I love snow on trees.  Snow on roads, now that is another matter altogether.

An Email from 2006 - " I Need A Knife!"

I recently did a deep cleaning in my spare bedroom and found this email I had saved.  I'll recreate it now for your enjoyment.  It starts out ...... Michael was so funny on Saturday.  I located a few pictures of Michael from around the time in 2006 when this email was sent by his mom, my daughter, Amanda.

Michael got up extra early and I was sitting on the couch in a coma and he goes running into the kitchen yelling, "I need knife!"  I immediately jumped up and ran in behind him - explaining; "No, knives are dangerous; we don't play with knives..."  He thought for a second and said "OK, I need scissors".  To which I replied - "Mmm, no we can't play with scissors either!"  He thought about that and said "Ok, I have spoon?"  I agreed and gave him a spoon, he ran over and tried to unlock the bathroom door. (The lock is on the inside so we use - usually a butter knife to turn it from the outside).  He said "I need help" when he couldn't get it open.  I unlocked it and he ran in, pulled down his pants and said "Potty?".  I was like - well you could have just said potty and been in here 10 minutes ago.  He did get right up on the potty and went.  He is just so intuative.  I keep thinking back to when we first got him and he was so little and such a different little guy.  We are loving every day with him, all the changes, all the progress.  He is definitely our special little guy - can't believe he is three this week!

Please keep praying for Michael's school situation.  They are having another meeting regarding Michael this week. Michael's class has a new teacher and change is very stressful for kids on the autistic spectrum.  Just because we don't have an answer yet, doesn't mean that God isn't working on his behalf.

 Our God is faithful.

HUSBANDS!!!

My computer disappeared without warning.  Staples  has a FREE diagnostic tune-up until the end of January.  We had talked of taking ours in, but I thought we would actually plan it, so that I could return emails, tell people I would be without a computer.  You know do things that I needed to do before we took it in, like look up this weeks grocery deals etc.  Well dear hubby apparently is clueless to my computer needs, soooo I'm at work (not punched in) taking care of some business.

I hope to be back on by the weekend.  Until them I'll be having withdrawls I'm sure.

Too Cute for words!

I've been working on getting my Photoshop file of pictures whipped into shape.  Deleting many I shouldn't have kept because they are out of focus, or I have many shots of the same old thing.  During the process of weeding out the deletes, I came across this picture.  It's a keeper!

I'm speechless, this little darling is just too cute for words!

Indigo Dreams

I bought this CD and books combo for my grandson, Michael after reading a review by a mom who had a  son (with Aspergers) and problems with sleeping and anxiety issues.  She raved about how Lori Lites books and CD had such a positive influence on her son.  How it helped him to sleep and he learned to calm himself with the relaxation tapes.  She highly recommended it.  And I bought this set for Michael last fall.

Here is a description of the product.

Now children can enjoy all four stories from the Indigo Dreams CD in this all inclusive package. Four unique bedtime stories incorporate: Yoga breathing, visualizations, muscular relaxation and affirmations. These are the same techniques recommended for adults but presented in a fun, interactive format that appeal to children. Children follow the characters along as they learn belly breathing with A Boy and a Bear, make positive statements with The Affirmation Web, visualize with A Boy and a Turtle and relax with The Goodnight Caterpillar. The stories are best suited for ages 4-9. These proven techniques encourage wellness and provide tools for children who suffer from anxiety, stress, trauma, hyperactivity, anger, sleep issues and lack of confidence. The PACKAGE includes the Indigo Dreams CD plus two paperback books: A Boy and a Bear and The Affirmation Web along with two Hardcover books The Goodnight Caterpillar and A Boy and a Turtle. All titles are sold separately

About the Author

Lori Lite began creating stories to insure her own children's strong state of mind and peaceful sleep. Her own experiences with stress and anxiety ailments sent her searching for techniques that people could utilize in their everyday lives. Ms. Lite's books, CDs and curriculums are considered a resource for psychologists, therapists, child life specialists, teachers, and yoga instructors. Her Indigo Dreams audio book/CD series has been awarded the CNE Award of Excellence. Ms. Lite has been interviewed and written articles for several media outlets, including: ABC Radio; CBS News; Prevention Magazine; USA Today; Web MD; Stress Free Living; Mind, Body, and Soul; and Evolve Magazine. She has also been featured in several publications which include Parents Guide New York and Atlanta Parent Magazine. Lori Lite s love of the ocean and her family inspired her to create Affirmation Weaver, Angry Octopus, Bubble riding, and Sea Otter Cove.

Initially I was afraid that they might sit on a shelf unused, but bought them anyway and pleaded with my daughter to give them a decent trail period, so I wouldn't feel my investment was wasted.  I need not have worried.  Michael loves listening to the CD, he asks them every single night.  They do have a calming effect on him and I have recommend them to others and so has my daughter.

Here is a link to raves & reviews here.   I must warn you, there are a few people who did not feel the same way we do.  Ava does not like the ladies voice and perfers to be out of the room while he's listening.  You can also buy the CD without the book, so here's a link for CD only here .

If there are materials that you have used with your child that were helpful, please leave a comment and pass on the information, so that others can  benefit.

I hope to give you an update on Michael's school situation soon.   Please keep praying for victory for Michael.