Board Games as Classroom Parties

Yep! You guessed it, I'm a Room Mom for my sixth grader. At our school the kids are privileged to  have classroom parties for a couple of holidays through out the year. With Halloween next week I thought I'd share with you how I took CLUE the board game and spun it into a full on party.

My daughter begged me NOT to have stations, but with 30 kids it's almost impossible to have a party in a classroom and not break into groups. I think what my daughter was really asking me to do was to have a cohesive party with a beginning, middle and end. What better way to do this than with a game.

I started with the lights off and window blinds closed so there was just a little light to set the mood. I was dressed up with a red ribbon around my neck and acted a little while another mom read a scary kids story "The Red Ribbon". When the story was over I explained with a "Dundunduuun" that we were going to find out who, where and how this happened to the woman with the red ribbon by playing a real live version of the game CLUE.

I split the kids into equal groups and had them each start at different stations. These stations were facilitated by other moms, who were all dressed up as characters from the game with some kind of resemblance to the room they were in (examples below).
Each group was given an actual board game CLUE sheet to record their findings.
At each station the kids had to do different activities, when the activity was completed the team was shown actual clue cards. These cards I divided up just like you do when playing the board game.
The kids rotated stations for the time we had allotted, at this point they all came to where I had displayed the game board in the classroom and placed the figures with who, where and how they thought the mystery played out.
I read the group suspicions and then pulled out the "Top Secret" cards and revealed the answer. This was also the CLUE as to where the classroom prize was hidden. The answer being Mr. Green in the Bathroom with the Rope. In the classroom bathroom I hid a plastic green jack-o-lantern full of glow it the dark necklaces.

Once the prizes were found the kids got to enjoy popcorn, soda and freshly made in the classroom cotton candy. The kids said it was the best party. Thanks to all the moms who made it all possible.

Here is how we divided up the characters, rooms and the activities we played...
   Character               Room                             Activity

Professor Plum    Billiards                       Dart Board (every kid got a turn until they reach the set amount of points)
Mrs. Scarlet          Lounge                Halloween Word Scramble

Mrs. Peacock    Dining Room          Blindfolded Safety Pin Dig (in individual rice buckets)

Mr. Green           GreenHouse               Spider Throw (similar to darts but with sticky spiders and a web from Target)

Cl. Mustard           Kitchen                 Fear Factor Blindfolded (everyday foods named something spooky)

Mrs. White             Library                        Charades (every child took a turn acting to receive their clues)

you know you're a M.O.M. when.....

you can find every stinky camouflaged item a child has left behind and wonder why they consistently leave a trail behind them.

Maybe the story of Hansel and Gretel was a legend from mothers long ago after spending their lives picking up the trail of garbage left behind from their children.

Maybe children really do need a trail in order to find their way back to bed, toy room or bathroom room. That would explain why when I ask them to go to any of these places the reply is always "I can't!" Maybe because I've picked their trail they left behind they seriously can't.

I think I may have solved a really life everyday mystery, what do you think?

Can you find the camouflaged item that's been left behind?

31 days: TRUTH a family that works together stays together

TRUTH is....
We may not have it all together,

but together we have it all!

Punky and her buddies had a great idea to have a Bake Sale. I thought..."that could be a lot of fun and a great way to hang out with my Jr. High School attending Young Woman/Daughter"

It became a week long activity starting with the girls making caramels and then packaging them the next day, baking the entire day before the Bake Sale and then the Glorious Day of selling everything.

Baking Day was a Music Day just to help the day go by quickly. When there's music there's singing and dancing, right? Oh, yeah! I start singing and the girls came running "I love it when Mom sings" and we all belt out the words. 

Memories!!!

Here are the highlights.....

Although I was exhausted at the end, I was filled with peace knowing we'd done it together.

Run! Family! Run!

A couple weeks ago our family was given the opportunity to run in a local race. It's not something we trained for, just a few miles. I figured we go show up and see what happens. At this race they throw different colored chalk on you through out the race and I really wasn't sure if the Rock was going to be able to handle it well. There were a ton (5000ish) people there with great music, great crowd, which causes a great disturbance for the Rock. It could have gone a number of different ways, but instead of getting mad he got clingy and THAT I don't mind. He wanted to be held and covered his ears. We stayed away from speakers and just waited to start.                                                                 Once we were out of the gates we were dancing along and then Taz said "I don't want to walk let's run!" So off went Heman, Taz and the Rock running. I stayed with Punky and a friend and chatted as we went along. The boys would run and then wait for us to catch up. When they threw color on you the Rock did ok, I never know what's going to be ok and what's not. We all had a great time as a family!

Memories were made, time was well spent, bodies were strengthened and our souls were nourished, I'd say that was QUALITY.

How do you spend your family time? Do you have traditions that feed your bodies and mind?

you know you're a M.O.M. when....

.....the feeling that you're failing won't leave you alone.

I don't know why this comes with motherhood, but it does. I say ENOUGH! :) (throwing my fist down on the table)

We don't need to feel this way! We are good, strong, loving women who are just trying to do our absolute best and by gone it (what my Nana says) that's ENOUGH! :) (I'm now convincing myself)
I mean what more than our best could we expect to do? I don't know a woman out there who isn't fighting a good fight for her family (whatever shape or size it is). As a M.O.M. to YOU this is me wrapping my arms around you (in my bathing suit, jk) and saying

"YOU ARE ENOUGH 

and by gone it 

YOU ARE DOING GREAT!"

If found this card (picture) in one of my favorite sweet shops in town and loved the quote so much I had to have to share with others. I may not be next door to you or even a phone call away, but I am here to share my support and love and to be your clan, network, tribe and family. Thank you for you comments and support. We all NEED one to lift each other up and tell each other we're enough.

you know you're a M.O.M. when.....

.....tears happy or sad ones are more common than laughter.

I love to laugh and do often don't get me wrong, but being a M.O.M. is emotional. These pics were the last week of school and as excited I am for summer (sarcasm intended) it was tough to say goodbye to chapters in our life.
The first pic is of the LAST day Punky and Spunky will ever walk to school together. These girls are so much fun and full of character and have a good sister bond. Nervous for them to enter into separate schools. Ending, starting, changing, staying are too many emotions to hold in that they came trickling out that morning
The second pic is The Rock with the BEST teacher ever! We love her so much and are so glad that we get to have her again next year. My heart was so full of love for all the teachers that have made this school year the best we've ever had, that the love came pouring out my eyes.

So many emotions you've just got to let them all out, how do you let your emotions out?

Home of the BRAVE

I love this picture for so many reasons. The memories of this day when my brother came home from War, safely. I was so happy for my sister to see her husband again and for our family to be all together again. I love the memory of my daughter enjoying waving the flags and showing our enthusiasm for our love of our country and the soldiers that sacrifice for us.

My heart is so full of gratitude for the men and women who make it possible for us to have the rights we exercise every day. I love the saying "Home of the free BECAUSE of the BRAVE!" My love and prayers go out to these men and women and their families.

THANK YOU

Thank you for your sacrifice you give for me and my family. My God be with you!!

seeking help

Just this last week I have received two phone calls with loved ones of children with autism seeking help. My heart hurts for them as they are struggling with what to do and where to go. I know this feeling all to well. Right after my son was diagnosed with autism and my two daughters diagnosed with learning disabilities I felt lost and like I was drowning in a sea of information I couldn't figure out what was the best thing for all of my babies. There is no one way for every child, they are all different and what works for one does NOT always work for the other. I had to learn to follow my mother's intuition more than ever before and believe that I was the only person that knew what was best for them, no matter what anyone else told me.

Motherhood for me comes with a lot of guilt and wondering that I screwed them up. I have to remember all the time that I am doing the best I can and one day hopefully it will be enough. I love this quote.....

"If you're a good mom 60% of the time YOU ARE A GOOD MOM!" I figure feeding, bathing, clothing, playing takes up more than 60% of the day so...........I AM A GOOD MOM and so ARE YOU!

Because I've had these phone calls I've decided to add a few of the sites and places that have made my life with autism a little easier. Look to the right.

Autism Anthem by Dave Eaton

This song is right on point of the every day life the Rock experiences and us along with him. I love my family and would NOT change any one of them for anything in the world.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goyeS6ryNC8

progress not measured

It's that time of year when we all go to Parent Teacher Conferences, Ugh!! This has never been fun for me. I work my a$% off every day as a mother and then I get measured by teachers. I know it's not about me, but when your child does not do well in school, it's about you. Not really but that's how I feel, anyone else? I just want the kids to go to school, do their best and come home and do something they are really good at, such as rock climbing, swimming, video games, running, singing, dancing, drawing and everything else. So here's the progress measured and not measured.......

Punky is starting middle school next year and has a hard time remembering just about everything. She is an amazing story teller, especially to us about how she did her homework and turned it in (but that all happens in fantasy land not reality). I believe she can be a renowned novelist or actress, she's that believable. She keeps getting asked to be on the competition team in rock climbing, but she doesn't want to, but she's really good.

Spunky had to change teachers and is enjoying school instead of crying every day because she thinks her teacher thinks she's stupid. She's able to do most of her homework on her own now, so we don't have fits every night cause "She CAN'T do it" yes CAN'T is a potty word in our house too, but so is shit and I still say that. Spunky keeps recording herself singing on her itouch and she is really awesome, I think!

Taz is in love with the cute girl that sits next to him. He has lots of friends, read ok and is going to do it all again next year so he's not as behind like the girls were. I finally have a teacher that supports my ideas and for that I'm SO grateful. Taz is so fun and I enjoy playing with him, he always wants to be doing something, yep he's mine.

The Rock, the Rock, the Rock I don't know if I'll ever be able to leave his conferences without crying. Like I said before I love talking about his miracles, what he does do: hugs, kisses, can now mimick "I love you", run, climb, sit through church, comprehends so much more than 6mo. ago. I know you need to know where you're at in order to move on, I don't want to live in denial, the hard cold facts are still hard, cold and painful. The Rock turned four and is still at an 15-18mo old speech delay

18-24mo old social delay

18-24mo old fine motor delay

36 mo old gross motor delay

I know all of this and so may you, but I just see my son day in and day out and just want him to know he's loved and I know he does. Its a balancing act between finding peace with where you are at and hoping for much more so I don't expect any less of him than he is capable of.

All of my children are AMAZING individuals and I just hope that my love is enough, because I can't do much more than just love them. Love is Enough!

Oh My Goodness.......

we made it through '11. A little bruised. Did I let out a huge sigh when the ball dropped and it's a new year. So I had to have a new project and that's how the Hunger Games for Autism event came to life.

I was out and about the whole month getting sponsors and working on this event and found so much happiness and my soul filled with life. At the end of the month I realized that this event is one I've been waiting for my whole life. Last year as I was thinking about my legend, purpose, mission that I am meant to do, I've now found. Funny though, I found it as a senior in high school with my BFF Sarah Booth as we put on a Charity Fundraiser. Life goes full circle and I just needed to give it that time to come. It's here and I've loved all of it. Dang it, I'm good at it! I love events and I love projects with my sistas!

I love doing something about/for Autism. Unless you live with it, it doesn't effect you and it needs to. We all need help and this is an epidemic all over the world! I always thought I needed to go to a different country to help the needy, NOPE it's right here in my own home that need help.

Christmas Miracles

I know, I know it's been months since Christmas of 2011 and some of you are already planning Christmas of 2012 but I have to record what happend, if I can remember.

Top 10 Peace filled Christmas miracles.....

10) we made it through

9) we were able to host most of the events. I know for a lot of you that would not be a miracle but with the Rock and all of his sensory processing issues it means we were able to be present for all of the events and didn't have to leave early. Although it lead to me not cooking one meal in all of January '12.

8) not one of us gained any weight..........cause we were sick. Once Punky got sick I just stopped eating because listening to her throw up all night I was hoping that wouldn't happen to me.....it did. :P I didn't eat for a week cause I didn't want to throw up and then I didn't eat much cause I was sick and then I just didn't want to. yes, I am back to eating even though Heman told me not to, cause he liked the way I looked (JOKING of course ;0)

7)I was able to get everyone's gifts and Heman even went one night with me. It doesn't matter that I had him as my hostage on a date. He was helpful for A minute or two. That may have lead to why I didn't receive ANY gifts (not joking).

6)We were able to get cute pics of all of us and send them out! If you didn't get one it's cause I ran out and you were on the bottom of the list, haha, it means your name starts with N cause that's where I got in my address book.

5)Santa stopped by to remind us all what Christmas is really about and that he is only a symbol of our Savior. I love that my kiddos know the book I Believe by heart. It's perfect to keep everything in remembrance. The Rock hugged Santa all by himself and even said "HO, HO, HO! It was such a tender moment!

4)Punky and Spunky sang in church and it was very sweet. I love those girls!

3)All of our family and friends who share their love with us.

2)EVERYONE (including the Rock) opened their presents! The girls were so excited and Taz couldn't wait to put together is Lego's. For the last two years Christmas has been a bitter sweet for me. There is so much happiness and most of the time I am focused on all of the Rock's progress but sometimes it's thrown in your face that your child has autism and he's not like the other children and man that hurts. The last few years the Rock has not understood what presents are or that they can be fun, instead he would just run away from the crowd of people and NOT join in the festivities. It's like a part of your heart is absent when your child won't participate or interact with you, it hurts! BUT this year we had Christmas at our house and we've learned a few tricks and even the Rock stuck around for most of it and even opened one or two gifts. It was a miracle!

1)We were all together, it's been a rough couple of years and this last one we barely made through with our family intact. There was PEACE in our home and that is a Christmas miracle.

Defying Gravity

Amazing shot as the Rock flys through the air on the ice of the Grizzlies Hockey Arena. The Grizzlies hosted an Autism Night and before the game we got to go out and skate, run or fly. We all had a blast. The Rock just kept running up and down the arena with a smile on his face.

The bigger ones tried on skates, even Heman (who then complained about his ankles ALL night, I'm sure they hurt......he's not as young as he used to be). We then were able to watch the Grizzles beat Alaska, well everyone but the Rock and I (he lasted 10min). They all had a great time...dancing for the camera, cheering for our team and eating all the treats. It was awesome family time. We had an amazing Thanksgiving weekend as a family, with so much to be thankful for how could we not.

New Family Pics!

Thanks Sade for these great pics! Our Christmas photo is pretty awesome if you ask me.

Finding PEACE......

I'm so grateful a friend called in June and asked me to go on a girls trip to Mexico with her. It was such a good deal I couldn't pass it up. Little did I know that by the time October got here I would need to go more than ever. Heman was gone most of September, the big kids were off track and I was trying to be with my parents at the hospital as much as possible. I wish I could have taken everyone I know with me (except for kids) because everyone deserves the PEACE of the bright sun, the sound of the ocean waves breaking and all you can eat and drink being served to you all day.

I thought I was going to come home to a husband that was worshiping the ground I walk on after realizing all I do........nope. :) It seemed as if it was no big deal and it was a piece of cake, when I said this to him he laughed and said "Yep, super easy!"(with sarcasm) I think everyone was happy I was home. I was rested and ready to be home.

A friend asked if the Rock missed me, I said I wasn't sure. As I took him off the bus that day and he hugged me tight, she said "Oh he did, he didn't hug any one else like that when they picked him up." That made my day. I don't let myself wonder if the Rock knows I'm his mom and all that that implies or if he loves me, because he can't tell me or call me mom. But acknowledgments like that from my friend help me see how much I mean to him.

When I told Heman about this, he said "I didn't want to make you cry so I didn't tell you that everyday when we got home the Rock would go look all over the house and I'm pretty sure he was looking for you." Who knows, but I like it!

Its SO rare......

......to get eye contact (although its getting better) let alone a picture of those gorgeous blue eyes. All I can think of when I see them is who wouldn't want to stare into them all day. I wish I was able to see them more often, for each time I see them I am give a Piece of PEACE.

The Rock has been in a private school for children with autism for the past month and a half. I went and visited at school and I was blown away with excitement with all he was doing. Right now they are working on attending (meaning sitting still with feet on the ground, hands to themselves, eyes on the teacher), every day Hagen is passing of another level (these tasks are broken down into small steps). Also he is learning to say "yes" and "no" for things he wants. He is doing well in the structured environment and is following directions and remembering routines (putting his box away, putting on his own backpack, holding friends hands as they walk down the hall). When I came into the classroom the Rock took my hand and showed me his favorite places, the story corner and the drinking fountain. It was so neat to see him show me what he loves about class. He was excited about having me in class and that made me feel so good. At home the Rock is continuing to enjoy our company. I was/am worried about him loosing his desire to be apart of the family because he is away from us so much more now. So far we are doing ok, a daily goal for each of us to play and talk with the Rock.

More and more children the Rocks age are starting to notice he doesn't communicate like they do. They talk to him and get upset when he won't talk back or when he just does something and they were trying to talk to him. It's just interesting to me at what age other children really start noticing their peers. The Rock is starting to notice peers and will occasionally play/follow them, communicating is coming VERY slowly, BUT it's coming......I pray.

Where are we?

We finally got a clue and went to the Farmers Market. We've been to many since living in Cali and were usually disappointed so we gave up. This one was awesome! I seriously questioned where I was, it did't even feel like typical Utah and just what I needed. I got our Brazilian food, Mint Limeade, Granola, Honey, lunch and we were set. So glad Tish could join us for the fun. It didn't even matter that Taz was driving me crazy, It was still so peaceful.

After the market we went and ran through the fountains because we HAVE to every year at least once! Fun for everyone.........pretty much (Heman took coaxing).

to those we love.........and those that love us!

I'm sure you could get through life without letting people get close to you, but it would not be a fulfilling life. Sure it means that you open your self up for disappointment, heartache, and sadness at times BUT......you also feel more love, joy, and laughter than ever before. This is why we work so hard with those with Autism, so that they can experience life to it's fullest! It's amazing how much joy eye contact with the Rock brings to my soul. I am truly grateful for the special people in our lives that help us move forward, enjoy the little things and especial those that make us laugh! These moments keep us going in this unforgiving spiral we call life. Here are some highlights from the last few weeks. Sadie Lady, Oh How I love you........... your smile is infectious........your selflessness is relentless........your love is intoxicating.........

YOU ARE SO WONDERFUL, I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'D DO WITHOUT YOU!

HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY!!!!

Scandelous, Intoxicanted, Exhillerating Party!

I do not and will not show pics of the crazy bash this woman put on for her birthday, but it rocked!! So glad I got to be apart of the party and especially apart of her life.

The things I can talk this man in to doing! He is such a troop and yes even sometimes a pooper (aren't we all), but last night he did not let me down and owned the night! He walked away with the best costume award and I believe any time he's dressed mostly nauked he should get best dressed! (again there will not be pics, sorry ladies! you had to be there)

Recently I went on a road trip with 5 wonderful women and had a great time! I'm so glad these women are who they are and have helped me become who I am now. It makes my heart swell with joy to know that I have video of my little sistas and mama doing the Macarena with a friendly local truck driver and a passerbyer. ;)

This is the way to post incriminating photos. BLACKOUT NIGHT turned out way fun, especially considering I had know idea what we were going to do when I sent the text to "Be there or Beware". Crazy Women + Ice + Squirt Guns + Hoses + Voices + Blended Drinks + Serranades + TP = Happiness and one Crazy A Night! Just another usual night in my life! The women who entertain me with their presence have become my life line to sanity! They will never understand how much they have saved me and given me PEACE......I love you all! Thank you!!!

Trying to Understand

It was said to me this week that someone WAS trying to understand what our life is like, true understanding only comes from living it everyday. We all have our own understanding of our own reality and until recently did even Heman really understand what life expects of us as parents of children with special needs. I believe EVERYONE has special needs, ours have special needs that take a lot longer for them to learn. I have used this blog as a documentation for myself and a positive outlook for us and others. I do try and explain somethings on here, but if this is all someone or anyone is using as a method of TRYING to UNDERSTAND how we are doing, all you are getting is a very positively slanted point of view. I do not go into the day to day trantrums caused by over stimulated Sensory Processing Disorder, which results in anyone of us being bitten, the Rock pounding his head on the nearest hard surface, screaming, throwing his heads, hands, legs and entire body in different directions, hitting the nearest person so hard it even makes me cry(if I'm the victim) AND includes not being able to understand why this is happening because HE CAN NOT TALK! I do not go into the stress in causes me to take him to a new place or store because of these tantrums. I do not go into the amount of worry he causes me because he DOES NOT EAT enough! I do not talk about the amount of guilt I deal with because I can never do enough for ALL of my children, because ALL of my children have learning disabilities and need extra help with school work and any kind of learning. I realize that all mothers have these sort of feelings and they are normal, however amplified they maybe by situations. There are many other things I do not go into on the blog, because this is not where I want to talk about them.

I DO NOT GO INTO THIS ON THE BLOG BECAUSE I HAVE MUCH TO BE GRATEFUL FOR AND I AM TRYING TO SPEND A LITTLE BIT OF TIME FOCUSING ON THE POSITIVE AND FINDING A LITTLE BIT OF PEACE out of the crazy pieces of our lives. These things are only about the children and being a mother. We all have many other different pieces of our lives and roles that we play and the last two years all of the those pieces have been difficult and I myself and TRYING to UNDERSTAND.

So if you are trying to understand what life is like for us you might want to read about autism and then ask me about it. Please ask me if something is possible before assuming that it is, because the most simple tasks are overwhelming for us right now and may not be possible. I enjoy helping others and the fact that I can't do as much as I would like to at this time is difficult for me. At this time my helping is on the Rock's terms and I'm doing everything I can to help him and the three other joys in our life.

Punky is 11!!!

Punky also wanted to go shopping so just her and Mom went out! We started at Claire's where she bought all the accessories she is wearing (nerdy glasses, tiara, sash and owl necklace). She HAD to wear them all! We then went to a few other stores where she purchased this adorable outfit and something to wear to the Christina Perri concert. The girls invited one friend to watch the movie Soul Surfer. It was a great day! We are so blessed to have the girls in our lives. Lately Punky has been rattling off all kinds of inspiring thoughts in difficult situations. We are really grateful for her sweet spirit and loving personality. She has brought PEACE to our minds and hearts.