The boys are away....

The boys left yesterday to fly out to spend a week with J...mom and dad flew with them. They were SO excited to get to fly...both mom and dad, and the boys! LOL They had a fabulous flight and really enjoyed the taking and landing. So far they are having a lot of fun playing and spending time at the park. Apparently (B called me this afternoon) while playing at the park, he had a couple of mishaps with a stick and another with a slab of concrete. :( He says he's okay and isn't hurting, but Terry and I think he's 'being tough.' :)

We will be going out there at the end of the week for a graduation and also to get the boys...I'm already ready to get them! LOL I've never had trouble like this before when they've gone away, but I know much of it is the distance. But also, I think it has to do with knowing and understanding C at this time. I know that it will all be okay.

I know that many have been reading about the recent 'developments' on Clayton and some we've talked to about it. I've heard all kinds of comments from "he's really not that off" to "I never would have guessed" to "Clayton? On the autism spectrum?? No way." Well, one thing to keep in mind is that just because he has these tendencies of Asperger's or PDD-NOS, doesn't mean he's Rainman (thanks Lee for the analogy! LOL). Asperger's is a high-functioning part of the ASD. Within the ASD there are MANY many variations, and also within Asperger's there are many variations as well. So it's important to keep in mind that even though many of you may not see some of the traits when you're around him, if you will give me a few minutes (if you're interested) I can explain it to you and take you through a step-by-step description of it all. And also, while he has these tendencies, he isn't by any means a most severe case of an Aspie. (It's much like saying, "I have high blood pressure." Okay, well, how high is high?? "Well, mine is 142 over 94." Oh, that's not that big a deal...you can't really tell it. That's nothing...I know someone whose blood pressure is 195 over 115!..... See? Just cuz it's not he worst case scenario doesn't invalidate it. :))

I don't mean this to be a 'smack' on anyone at all. I just think it's important to understand everything and not discount some of it. Ya know??

This week I have many things I want to accomplish. Here's the current list:

• I want to come up with a crock-pot menu for the next 6-8 weeks so that when we're starting therapy and all the driving (along with the baseball practice and games and Tae Kwon Do and weekend traveling for weddings and graduations) I can know from day to day what I'm cooking and what I have to shop for...and not have to even think about it.
  
• I also want to find the disc that has all of our picture files from the old computer on it...so I can get them printed off for National Scrapbook Day (so exciting that I get to go!!!). I'll be working that day on Brent's scrapbook and need to get some pictures printed for it.
• Another project I'd like to get done is to get a few weeks ahead on my Bible class lessons so I won't feel stressed on that front and I will be prepared.
  
• I'm also hoping to clean out my pantry (which desperately needs cleaning out!)...but that one was just added to my list today. I have to contact the State of Alaska and start the process of getting my birth certificate sent to me so I can renew my license this June...ugh, Missouri is a PAIN for making us having to have that when I didn't even have to have that to get married!
• It would be *nice* to get my carpets shampooed while I have no little feet running around when the carpet's wet and needing time to dry. I just don't know if this one is going to get accomplished.
• Not to mention all the cleaning and laundry that needs washed/folded...but that's a never-ending chore, right??
• Another thing that would be nice to accomplish would be to finish painting the kitchen/hallway, but I *really* don't think I will get that one done. LOL
• I also have three appointments this week. And Friendship Sister's on Tuesday, which I do NOT want to miss!

Do you think I could cram anything else in these next 4 1/2 days??? Hehe

Next weekend while we're in OK we'll also be celebrating Brent's birthday with both sides of the family for the very first time! He's VERY excited and I can't wait to post pictures! :)