Happy Day! Camp Begins

It's a great day...or should I say happy day, here at our house, as today marks the first day of Camp Happy Day for Noah.  He's super excited and I am, too!

It's been a rough three weeks.  I've been running myself ragged taking the kids to a different St. Louis attraction almost every day.  I wasn't trying to win any Mom award, I was just trying to keep them happy -- especially Noah because he doesn't really have any friends. And, although school isn't his favorite place to be, it provides him with a routine and allows him to play alongside kids his own age who know him and are familiar with his quirks.

Camp Happy Day not only gives him a routine, which he craves, it also provides a safe place for Noah to be himself without ridicule.  Since this is his 4th year attending camp, he knows what to expect and is looking forward to making some friends.  For me, camp provides peace of mind that Noah will receive the academic instruction he needs to keep from losing skills he previously learned during the school year.

We could not have sent Noah to Camp Happy Day without Action for Autism's help.  If you do not know about Action for Autism St. Louis or Camp Happy Day, click here to learn how our story began.

Does he look happy for camp or what?!

 

God Created All

I'm always surprised by how much I learn from my kids...

Did you know God created everything...even Wampas?

Natalie made this picture at Sunday school, but when she returned home she added a Wampa to the scene.



Musings from Natalie #1

"Mom, would you put this lily in my hair?...and then, could you call me
Tigerlily instead of Natalie?"  she asked.

Since age 4, she's been trying to reinvent herself.  Other names she's wished to be known as include; Daisy and Sugar.

Yesterday she asked me if she was too young to act - oh boy!

Day 2 of the pool opening: Natalie approached an older gentleman standing in one of the lap lanes and asked him if he wanted to race.  It never occurred to her that she had never swam a lap in her life and the only swim lessons she had ever had were a two week course taken through the Red Cross last summer.  She didn't win, but she never quit, either.  Five days later she told me she wanted to swim a lap as she wanted to be a champion swimmer.  She swam five laps...each one without stopping.

Natalie: "Mom, I need to get this tooth out!  I have to show Jenna today."
Me: "Honey, it’s not loose enough."

Natalie: "It IS really loose and I WILL wiggle it out.  You are wrong, Mom!" stated Natalie

"When am I going to get to be on T.V.?" she asked.


Natalie: "Mom, what is that?" (pointing to my wine glass)
Me: "Wine"
Natalie: "When can I have some?"
Me: "When you are 21."
Natalie: "Argh!  I've been a kid forever!"

Don't Let the Skunk Drive the Carriage

Sometimes I think one of the most enjoyable things about being a parent is just watching my kids grow and guessing at the person they will grow up to be.  With our daughter, Natalie, her gift of the gab, has often included elaborate storytelling.  I've transcribed many of her stories and keep them in a special folder on my computer.  Unlike me, she requires no editing.  She seems to truly have a gift for telling a good story.  Today, she spun a tale called, "Don't Let the Skunk Drive the Carriage".  Those of you familiar with author and illustrator, Mo Willems, will recognize where she drew her inspiration.

Don’t Let the Skunk Drive the Carriage

by Natalie Grace ("and Noah also," she added)

“Can you all keep this carriage safe?” asked the carriage driver.

“Yes,” said Harry.

“And, don’t let the skunk drive the carriage,” said the driver. 

 “I thought he would never leave,” said Skunk.

“Hey!  Can I drive the carriage?” asked Skunk.

“No,” said Harry

“Just around the block?” asked Skunk.

“No,” said Harry

“Just a teeny bit?” asked Skunk

“No!” said Harry

“How about we play drive the carriage?  I’ll go first,” said Skunk.

“No!” said Harry.

“LET ME DRIVE THE CARRIAGE!” screamed Skunk.

“NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! said Harry

“Wah! I want to drive the carriage!  Let me drive the carriage! Wahhhhh!” said Skunk.  Then, Skunk leaves and goes and hides behind a big rock.

The driver returns and asked Harry, “Did you let the skunk drive the carriage?”

 “No!” said Harry.

“Good,” said the driver.

Skunk stops crying when he sees a pink motorcycle.  He gets on the motorcycle and says, “Skunk at the wheel!” and drives off.  Then, he crashes into a bus with children in it.  The driver of the bus was a pigeon named Dontletthepigeondrivethebus. 

The end

Good Job, Monday

Good job, Monday!  You lived up to your reputation.  In the course of the day, my car found a sneaky dip in the road.  Not only did it scare the bejesus out of me, but there is now a nice new hole in the plastic undercarriage of my vehicle.  Then, there was the debacle at the playground involving Noah and a younger boy, who suddenly went ape and wrapped his arms around Noah's head and began yanking, to which Noah responded with a few slaps.  When I asked them what they were playing, Noah said, "We were just playing banker." Hmmm...now, that's one disgruntled customer.

This evening, I felt like I was sinking in a quicksand of dirty laundry and clutter.  It seemed all the work I had accomplished earlier in the day, had been undone during the hour I ran to the grocery store.  The scene I returned home to reminded me of a quote from one of my favorite writers, Erma Bombeck, "Cleaning the house while the kids are still growing, is like shoveling snow, while it's still snowing."

Good night, Monday.  It's time to put you to bed. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

A Star is Born

Yesterday, the kids and I headed over to Tesson Ferry Library's Summer Reading kick-off event.  Prior to leaving, I listened to Noah tell me umpteen times, how much he did not want to go.

"I just want to stay home all day," said Noah.

I was familiar with this song and dance of his, as it occurs whenever we go somewhere new.  When he was younger, the routine was more volatile and included tantrums and head-banging.  Over the years, I've learned that the less I say, the better.  I simply give him the facts - the who, what, when, where's, and make sure he has a favorite toy or book with him for the car ride.
Jason Vaughn, a professional balloon artist from Higher Hope Balloons, provided a fun, interactive show. The impromptu stories he spun, transformed kids into actors with the help of creative balloon props.

Noah was chosen to play the role of dragon in a one of the skits.  Within seconds of placing the airy costume upon his head, his apprehension turned to giggles.  He was on stage and having a good time.

Prior to leaving the show, Noah made a trip to the bathroom.  Upon exiting he said, "A boy came up to me and asked if I was the dragon.  I told him yes.  He told me he liked it when I fell down and played dead.   Mom...I'm famous!" announced Noah.



A brave knight faces Dragon Noah.

How Do You Spell Gimme a Break?

I didn't set out to be an activities director...however, school has only been out one week and already we've visited the zoo, the Missouri Botanical Gardens, Powder Valley Conservation Center, Tilles Park, and have made several trips to our community pool.

While folding clothes last night, I heard Natalie calling from the kitchen, "Mom!  How do you spell zoo?"

As I begin spelling out the word for her, I walk into the kitchen to find my precocious princess adding a trip to our June calendar.

So, I guess as activity directors go, I must rank pretty high as to have my very own personal assistant to help me with my planning.