time moves on…

 

I can’t believe its been 7 months since my last post.  I guess you could say I just needed some time for me and all that I say yes to on a regular basis.   My Fall started excitedly with my endeavor into the Arbonne world.  That has been an amazing journey in and of itself.  Christmas came with a great trip to Georgia to see the Deacon and Pops.  In came 2014 with a “flurry” of fun and before we knew it  Spring Break was here.  I can’t believe that our school year ended Friday.  I am now the proud Mama of a Kindergartener and a 5th Grader.  Wow when did that happen? 

Cameron and Junior Mint are growing up so fast.  Cameron has embraced the game of golf and Henry is following in suit.  Mr. Miller is very excited.  I don’t play golf but am enjoying watching the 3 men in my life share in this pursuit.  We will be taking Private Lessons this summer, if you live in KC click on the private lessons link and give them a call.  Great people!  Cameron will be attending a weeklong Golf Camp in June.  We will have our last Webelos Camp at Camp Naish in July for Cam and Mr. Miller.  I can’t believe he will cross over into Boy Scouts this Fall.

As for Junior Mint, well…. he still follows big brother everywhere.  He loves to swing and garden.  He helped me harvest our first items out of the the Green Acres Garden.  I tripled the size of the garden this year.  I will be sharing more as the time moves on.  He LOVES to be read to and going to the library. I am trying to contain my excitement over this prospect right now.

Mr. Miller still works for the Big Green Tractor Company and will be celebrating 13 years this summer.  Wow!

As for Green Acres in the City….I am wanting to change things up a bit.  Would love suggestions from you, my readers.  I am looking for help in a new blog design as well.  I love the barter system.  BTW I am holding a contest over at my FB Page for Arbonne.  If you like my page you will be entered into to winning a free gift!

Can’t wait to see where time will take us, Green Acres in the City and how we will grow.  For now blessings and we will talk more this week! 

 

TBT:: 4 years ago this week….

4 years ago this week I was still hanging diapers on the line

Henry was cruising around on his knees

Cameron was making his first PBJ by himself

not a choice…

I have been facing a few challenges lately with being the Mama of that “kid”.  You know the one with the quirks.  The one who has the meltdown because things are not going his way.  The one who makes the noises.  The one that can’t look you in the eye and you think they are ignoring you. I am that Mama at the store that people look at and then away.
Yes I AM!  I AM the Mama to an amazing child and gift from God.  Yes, we may not be “normal” but what is normal anyways. We were chosen by God to be this beautiful boys parents. 

I AM the Mama to a child with Autism, Asperger’s to be exact with a side of OCD, ADHD and SPD.   I often joke that we have Alphabet soup behind our name.  I am writing this today to let my fellow “Superhero” Parents and friends that we are here for each other and to support each other.  Lately I have had some friends facing some rough times with “fitting” their piece into the mainstream puzzle and it has really spoke to me.  I have been there.  I keep remembering to take a deep breath, pray and I count to 10 a lot.   I have learned to speak up and am teaching Cameron to advocate for himself too.  Thank you Ms. Anna K for that reminder. 

I am grateful to be at a school that does a pretty good job of inclusion, not perfect but we are getting there.  We have STM for All and the support of Friends of FIRE.  These two programs help keep my “gift” and others in a regular classroom and help in the fight for an Inclusive Religious Education.

I am grateful to be in an amazing network of friends at that school.   (We refer to each other as the Real Housewives of STM or RHSTM.)  I am grateful to be on this journey with Mr. Miller.  I am grateful for my family and my faith.  Without all of these components I couldn’t do what I do.

I was cruising Facebook this morning and a gal I love at Autism With a Glass of Wine had a great picture and caption this morning.  Head over to her page, give her a big ol’ LIKE.  She might enlighten your world just as she has mine.  

“I am beautiful not broken.  Different not less.  Challenged not challenging. 

Overwhelmed, not spoiled.  Autism is not a choice.

However, acceptance is.”

Remember the next time you are at the store, park or wherever that child who isn’t “normal” in your eyes might not have a choice in how they are feeling and how they are reacting in the moment, but you do.

it’s that time of year again…

 

 

Can you believe it?  School has started again, where did the summer go?  This was our first Summer that I didn’t have daycare here at Green Acres.  I did help a couple of my Mama friends with there little boys.  C and J were great play dates for Cameron and Henry.  I only kept them 1 – 2 days a week and they are a part of the family here.  They have been in school with Cameron since the beginning at STM.  We had all kinds of adventures, mostly around here but none the less adventures were had.  I really kept control over “gaming” and TV time.  We have been blessed here in Missouri with a very mild Summer.  In fact reminds me of the Summers of my youth in Seattle.

As the new academic year begins so does a new chapter for our Junior Mint.  He has started Pre-Kindergarten at STM in Ms. Patty’s class.  He is finally in school with his big brother, which is pretty cool, and going full days for 3 days a week.  He loves it.  I did very well dropping him off on Monday this week.  (Cameron started the week prior.) 

I wondered what I was going to do with my time for 3 days a week.  Hmm, well lets see I am volunteering like crazy at school, working on building my nail clients again, blogging again and oh my most favorite part is reading.  I have time to read again for pleasure.  Who knew?

 

step back a pause...

As the Holidays are upon us I am forever reminded this last week to take a moment to pause and reflect on what is important in life.   The important things in life are not the house you live in, the car you drive or the type of clothes on your back.  What really matters is how we live our lives daily.  Can you lay your head on your pillow at night and answer the question "Did I live my life to the fullest and respect those around me?" If you can answer "yes" then maybe we are on the right track.  The important things in life are your family, friends and faith in what you believe.

 Mr. Miller and I have been on a "spiritual journey" of late.  We have been reminded and inspired to remember all the blessings that we have in our lives.   Two of which are very sweet little boys that warm our hearts daily. 

 

 
Yes, they can stress us out too but we have decided to try and count to 10 more often, step back and realize that they too can get as frustrated at situations like we do.  It is important to remember that they are sponges and will do what they are taught and repeat what they hear.  Henry learned a song in preschool for his program and he keeps singing it and I am reminded daily by my 3 year old that what he is singing is so true. (At least for this family)

"Jesus in the family,

Happy, Happy Home!"

In light of the tragedies this last week I am asking that we all hug our children a little tighter and pause to realize what is really important.  Remember that we all need to take care of each other.  I can't help but think of the golden rule that we all have learned as children ourselves,

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you..."

 

are you ready for some football?

I should say are you ready for some St. Thomas More football?  Yep, that time is here again.  The St. Thomas More Cyclones are at it again.  With Cameron in 3rd grade now we are entering the Parochial League.  It is fun to travel and play other schools.  Mr. Miller is helping coach this year.  We actually had 5 Dads step up and are helping our boys.  Our head coach, Coach Brown, is an amazing leader to the other Dads and we are grateful to them all.

 

In past years our 3rd and 4th grade boys have played flag within our own school league.  This year they added the option of tackle for our grades.  Some us were not comfortable with that yet, so our amazing Athletic Director and my good friend, Cathlin, helped us get organized with the PLKC here in Kansas City. 

The Cyclones had their first game this past Sunday against St. John Lalande and well we didn’t do so hot they played a great game and should be proud of themselves.  We showed spirit and tenacity despite only having 2 practices due to the much needed rain we received in the 2 weeks prior.  Our boys will be back at it again this weekend in Liberty against St. James.  My own Cyclone, #14, sure showed improvement over the past years.  We are catching the ball and really getting into to being on the line.  Thank you to Uncle Jeff for coming to his game Sunday.  We loved having extra family there. 

Here are a few moments from Sunday’s game.

 

We almost have as many coaches as the Chiefs!

ready to rock the 3rd grade

 

 

Well school is back in session.  Cameron is in the 3rd grade this year and Henry will be starting preschool in September.  Where has the time gone?  Wasn’t it just yesterday that I posted this picture on my blog?

Four years later he is now this big boy who is thriving in school.  Loves his teacher, Math and to sing.

Watch out Cameron, Henry is on your tail and watching all that you do.  Continue to be the best big brother you are.  Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you.

 

“Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not forget your mother when she is old.  Learn the truth and never reject it.  Get wisdom, self-control and understanding.  The father of a good child is very happy; parents who have wise children are glad because of them.  Make your mother and father happy; give your mother a reason to be glad.”

Proverbs 23:22-25

1st Communion

In April the 2nd graders at St. Thomas More celebrated their First Holy Communion.  It was a very beautiful day filled with many emotions.  Being that we are Episcopalian, Cameron received a special blessing from Father Don.  We were joined in this event by the Deacon and Pops, Gigi, Mimi and Poppa, Aunt Erika and Uncle Randy (his Godparents) and his cousins – Nate and Makennah. 

 

 

 

Cameron and C were very sharp dressed men.  They are not afraid to sport the bow ties.

Cameron and our sweet little friend, Miss H of the MG’s.

Cameron had a special honor of presenting the gifts.  We didn’t let Gigi in on the surprise.  We knew that she would love this honor.  She is a very proud Catholic of 92 years.  She traveled from Newton to share in this special day for Cameron and his classmates.

These kids did an amazing job and worked very hard to get to this special day.  My heart was definitely full that day.  Father Don kept referring to them as “little lambs” and on that day they definitely were, all 64 of them.

 

::this moment::

~ a brief moment from our trip to Georgia in May…

salsa redux with an added side of DWTS

 
Forgive the redux of the salsa recipe but I have had a lot of people ask for it again this week.  Over the weekend we participated in a fundraiser for Cameron’s school to raise votes for DWTS.  It was a Cinco de Mayo party so I made the Salas.  This benefit was specifically to raise money for the program that is near and dear to us, STM for All, and that has occupied a lot of Mama’s attention lately.  

This program provides the necessary tools and teachers so that kids like my Cameron and others with their unique needs can attend and be integrated into a Catholic School.   Every year the Brian Anselmo Memorial Foundation hosts DWTS and our very own STM for All has been chosen to participate and be a recipient.  Please go to the site and vote for my friend, Teresa Doty, she is dancing for us.  Votes are only $10 each.  STM for All will receive the money that she raises.  This helps us give support the school not only with Para’s but technology such as Handwriting without Tears, Smart Boards, the Barton Program and many more items needed to meet the needs of all of our students.



Please take a look at the BMA page and consider a vote for Teresa.  Cameron, the Millers and 41 other Families that are direct recipients of this program thank you for your support!
So now without further delay here is the Salsa recipe that you have been asking for.

Salsa

fresh tomatoes or diced tomatoes

cilantro to taste

2 garlic cloves

1/2 of large white onion

1 small jalapeno pepper ~ more or less depends on you

juice of 1 lime

1 tbsp. of Meat Tenderizer – yes I am sharing the secret ingredient because I love ya all!

Put ingredients into food processor, pulse until you like.  Store in air tight jars in food and enjoy.  Best if made the day before serving, but hey who am I kidding we can’t normally wait that long.  

my infirmary

It started out as most morning with the hustle and bustle of getting Mr. Miller out the door.  Trying to keep Cameron focused on his task at hand which isn't always the easiest.  Henry did tell me his tummy hurt but in the same sentence started joking with his brother. 

Maybe I should have listened more intently.  Note to self:  When a 3 year old says his tummy hurts, it probably does!  Yep I am thankful for my hard wood floors and the fact that we hadn't gotten in the car yet.  I am also thankful that Mr. Miller's new location is just a couple minutes from home.  He rushed home to take Cameron to school. 

Henry and I decided to cuddle in my bed.  Phone rings and I see its STM.  Yep, Cameron didn't make it through Mass.  Bless his heart.  I asked him before he left for school and he said he was great.  I believed him because one thing with Aspies they are honest.  When I got to the school he said "honest Mama it didn't start feeling up/down (his term for nausea) until we got into mass" .

I am running an infirmary today.  We have survived and we haven't had any more "messes".  Just sleepy and achy boys.  They are starting to drink some Spite and I am going to heat up some Chicken Broth with rice for dinner if they want it.  Tomorrow we will lay low, work on the homework Cameron brought home for today and put out Easter decor.  I know he could probably go to school but I would rather have it be a full 24 hours. 

I am very grateful for Mrs. Spiller's quick reaction with Cameron this morning and for helping him.  Thank you to Mrs. Tanner in advance for bringing our Thursday homework home tomorrow.

Back to the laundry and fresh bed linens for my patients.

brotherly love…

Why is it that they can spend all morning bickering and the minute Henry realizes that Cameron is back at school for the day he wants to know if its time to pick him up yet?

Why is it that they can be so excited to see each other at 3:00 and by 4:00 they are picking on each other?

Why is it that they each no how to push each others buttons?

Why is it that by 8:00 last night I was ready to jump in a tub of Calgon?

Why is it that I get nervous when it gets eerily quiet in our room when I know they are in there together? 

When I went to find out why I found this:

Yep, they fell asleep.  Cameron holding his brothers little pigs and all.  That is brotherly love.  All the before questions have been forgotten by just looking at these two in this perfectly blissful moment.  Brothers.  Best Friends. Companion for life.  My boys, how can I not love them?

oh the things children say…

 

Have you had those moments with your children when you know what you heard come out of their mouth and his makes you go “hmmmmmm”? A very Arsenio Hall moment happened last night while Mr. Miller was helping Cameron with his homework.  Cameron had an assignment for religion class.  He had to decorate a cross and on the back side he had to write how he was going to get closer to Jesus and/or work on during the Lenten Season.  As his parents we had to discuss this with him and answer his questions.  You wouldn’t think this would be to difficult for us considering Mr. Miller is the son of an Episcopal Deacon.  Here is a brief recap of the conversation between Cameron and Mr. Miller.

 

Mr. Miller:  “As a family Cameron we are going to give up eating out during Lent.”

Cameron:  “ Does that include McDonalds?”

Mr. Miller:  “ Yes , son that includes McDonalds or any fast food.”

Cameron:  “But why?”

Mr. Miller:  “ During Lent we give things up as a sacrifice.  Our sacrifice is to honor our Lord and his ultimate sacrifice he gave us. ” (I was impressed at that moment.)

Cameron:  “ Why don’t we eat meat on Ash Wednesday and Fridays now?”

Mr. Miller:  “ Well it is another sacrifice to symbolize when Christ fasted for us.”  (Are you impressed Deacon, I was again at that moment.)

Cameron:  “ So in other words Dad, fasting and Fast Food is the same thing?  Thanks for clearing that up for me.”

Mr. Miller:  “ Maybe we should call the Deacon.”

Henry had a moment too this morning, never a dull moment here.  I was fixing us some eggs after we took Cameron to school.  Henry loves to help me cook and he is fascinated when I crack the eggs on the side of the pan.

Henry:  “Mama are you hatching the eggs now?”

Me:  “ I am cracking the eggs.”

Henry:  “Nope I am pretty sure you are hatching them right there in the pan!”

brothers

"We're brothers, we're brothers..."

Cameron often sings a little tune every since Henry was born. It always starts out the same and sometimes the following verses change. It always ends with a big hug.

I love how my guys play so well together despite the 5 year age difference. Oh they have their fighting moments too, but they really do love each other. I feel so blessed that they will always have a best friend, team mate, confidant and protector in each other.

We have been having some crazy January weather and now its the 1st of February and we are still in the 50's and 60's here in Kansas City. Crazy. Where is the snow. I know most people hate it but I love my seasons plus I like it for Mr. Miller's business. Snow and ice melt play an integral part in his numbers this time of year and he has a ton of it in the warehouse. Could we just get one big snow please? I actually bought these two monkeys snow pants this year and I would love to see them in the yard building a snow fort. I guess I will have to settle for sand castles this week.

 

 

getting focused on gluten free again

Since it has been my issue mostly, that is the issue of gluten, as a Mama it becomes easy to put your health on the back burner.  I know "shame on me", after all it is just an intolerance right?  Yes, true but none the less I have felt horrible lately.  Now I am forced to face the fact that we quite possibly need to be gluten free for Cameron's sake also.

We tried the dairy free diet last year at this time thinking it might be a link for him with the Asperger's.  After 8 long and torturous weeks to a family that loves dairy we saw no difference.  Dr. Hoffman has suggested the gluten free route which I was relieved at.  Crazy as it sounds it is much easier for this family to be gluten free instead of dairy free.  I have a good friend, Mrs. C., who has recently gone gluten free for other health reasons.  She is doing great and is my inspiration that I can do this again. Thank you Mrs. C! 

I have also recently met a Mom through a local Holistic Mom's Network here.  Elizabeth has a wonderful blog celebrating their adventure in life which includes being gluten free due to a wee one with celiacs.  Please check her out, she is quite the inspiration.

I am spending my time not only preparing for the Celebration of our Savior's Birth, Green Acres Closet but also getting my house back on track to be gluten free again.  I need to do this cost effectively and tasty.

I have found some wonderful  recipes from Karina, The Gluten Free Goddess.  Karina also has a wonderful post on being gluten free on a budget.  I would love any tips or ideas on keeping this lifestyle budget friendly.

double take

I went to get a prescription last night for my Cameron, he has strep. YUCK! He is on the mend this morning but none the less I kept him home with me today. He wasn’t to happy since he will miss “Trunk or Treat” tonight at school. Mama to the rescue! We are going to have our own Halloween Palooza here. We will carve our pumpkins, watch the “Great Pumpkin” (a must see), have popcorn and the boys and I will make cookies this afternoon. Not bad planning for 6:30 am with a crying boy.

Back to the purpose of today’s post, I received this text while I was out:

I always thought he looked like Pops, but wow there are definite Mr. Miller genes in there too. Especially when wearing Daddy's glasses.

But when you put the 3 together, hmmm. Genetics are amazing.

Cameron was 2 in this picture, 3 generations strong. I think he will continue to grow into a pretty great guy in looks, generosity, faith and life, just look at his Pops and Mr. Miller.

:: 8 ::

 

Cameron turned 8 yesterday, 8! How can that be?  It just seems like yesterday that I was holding this precious gift from God.

Now we are 8 and such a big boy.

 

We had a Lego/Star Wars party on Sunday with friends.  A very low key last night with Mama, Daddy and Henry.

Cameron loved his Lego’s from Henry.  I will cherish the love right now, I know it won’t last forever.

Mama and Daddy got him his Clone Trooper Helmet.

Needless to say he loved it. 

I am still not sure who enjoyed it more.

Happy day!  No matter how old you get Cameron you are always my sweet boy!