Painting & Peaches with Patricia

Our dear friend Patricia took us all up to Peach Days. We went to do the carnival thing and buy peaches, but none of that was available at the actual Peach Days party. Face Painting was available and this lady was amazing. The kids loved their paintings. We then went all the town buying peaches, ordering peach shakes and peach pie. Needless to say we were all sick at the end of the day, but thats what happens when you are having fun!;)

mommy and taz time

Now that everyone is in school all day except for the kindergartner the two of us get to enjoy a little bit of time together. Our first day we went and played at one of Taz's faves, Chuck e Cheese. We had a great time earning tickets and playing games.

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.

Resilience of a Child

The Rock had a tonsillectomy and adenoid removal yesterday. I'll post more later because the Dr. was interesting. They tell you that they shouldn't move much so they would bleed too much. They said the pain meds would make him tired and drowsy. They weren't sure he would drink or eat. Well he proved all wrong! He recovered from surgery well and didn't seem in too much pain. Got pain meds in him and he started eating and drinking immediately. As soon as the meds kicked in he was climbing on the counters, couch, slide and swinging. Uh, was he suppose to be relaxing? This all happened within 2 hours after surgery. Wow! kids are so resilient.

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).

First Day of School

Punky is in 6th grade!!!! I canNOT believe it!! Seriously this is really tough for me. It has brought on a lot of new aspects of life having her become a young women and again I find myself holding on for dear life, it passing by so fast.

Spunky is in 4th grade. She is super excited for this year. She's got some good friends and loves growing up as fast as she can, I wish she'd slow down. I've been saying that her whole life!

Taz starts Kindergarten! He asked me everyday for two weeks if he was going to school today, tomorrow, when. He was just a little excited. We were excited for him too. He is happy and loving it all.

Pieces of Peace

I came up with my blog name, life motto, personal mission statement, Peace from Pieces, about a year or so ago when I was so overwhelmed with all the different Pieces of my life. I realized I needed to find Peace within these different pieces, hence Peace from Pieces. Even though I can look at life through different lenses, per say, and have a positive attitude, I still haven't felt long periods of Peace, something I so desperately long for. Once I am finally able to come up for breath the next mountain to climb comes almost instantly. UGH! I recently was inspired with the thought that I needed to hold on to the small Pieces of Peace I felt and

combine these together to create longer

lasting Peace and overshadow the

mountains I'm climbing. The quote above came at such a perfect time. I have made Peace with myself and now feel like I can take on the world. I don't know where Taz got this Peace sign idea, but I loved it. It's not like I walk around all the time talking about Peace and flashing "the" sign to everyone, I guess it goes to show sometimes we communicate in more ways than words.

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!!!

On His Own

The magic of potato heads! The Rock really likes potato heads and it is the only toy that I have found that he will let me PRETEND with him. We build the potato head with all the features and then together we make them jump, dance, sleep, walk and kiss. It's awesome! The Rock is really good at physical, chasing, tickling play, most others we are just beginning to be able to do together and for him to want to do it.

Along with this has come a whole new level of understanding. I now feel and know that the Rock is comprehending a lot of what we are saying and telling him to do.

He can help put his shoes on and can take off his clothes (when told to, not just when he wants to). These are simple things that mean a great deal to us.

He is talking (sounds) a lot more, instead of stimming with his voice. More words are coming and we are so excited! We are so proud of the Rock and are so grateful for all the love and support we are given by so many. These simple pieces that give us PEACE.

Taz Turns FIVE

Buddies at the birthday party! Taz is loving Super Mario Wii so we had a Super Taz World Party and ran the obstacle course through the whole house! It was great to have everyone there. Thanks for being there for our big boy.

Yep! Another trip to the ER for stitches. He is so brave!

This boys brown eyes and smile melt my heart. He is such a sweetie and gives me loves whenever I need them. With all the sword play and rough housing you'd wonder sometimes if he has a tender bone in his body, HE DOES!

Fun pics to see how much he's grown.