Friday, July 26, 2013

Nate has a resume

St. Louis ARC has a great summer program, Teens in Motion. This was Nate's second year attending.   He had such a good time and acquired some good work experience. 

Every day had both a volunteering opportunity and a social opportunity. He volunteered at nine different locations where he learned and used many skills. He did various activities from folding pizza boxes to making cards for sick children to doing light landscaping.  They even made baked goods and sold them at a bake sale. 

After they volunteered in the morning, they spent the afternoon having fun throughout St. Louis.  They went to the zoo, rode Metrolink, jumped at Skyzone, and went swimming. By doing these fun activities Nate was able to increase his independence. He had to order his own food at restaurants and pay for all his recreation activities. 

He had such a great summer!  It was very easy to get him up in the mornings when I told him he was going to camp. He was always ready to leave on time and had his backpack, lunch, and wallet.  He came home with his own résumé!




Thursday, July 4, 2013

We'll sit out the fireworks

It's 9:20 pm on July 4th and Nate and Noah are in bed. It's not because they aren't patriotic, it's just that the way most Americans celebrate the 4th is just too hard.

Our family always has a celebration.  We used to all go, but it was always a miserable day for Nate and Noah. We were in a house they weren't used to and there were many new people. Both of these factors are difficult. I always struggle with the boys around new people. Their behavior can be unpredictable and not everyone is open and understanding. I usually spend most of the time worrying about their behavior and trying to explain it to new people. They are stressed, I am stressed.  Not a good combination.

The local carnivals are also difficult. They are so crowded.  Also, they don't allow the boys to jump to the front of the line, so waiting to ride a ride is tough. Put that on top of a hot, crowded group of people and they aren't understanding.

The fireworks are a nightmare. They are so loud that the boys just cover their ears and try to leave. We have even tried to watch them from the car.....didn't work.

So the best solution for us is simple... I stay home with Nate and Noah and Tim takes Nick to the picnic with his family.