Snippets 'N Stuff

25 Ways to Tell You're Grown Up

2012-05-30T13:20:00.000-06:00

I usually don't post things from Pinterest back to back, but this is too funny not to share. Off subject, but am I the only one who doesn't use exclamation points unless it's really, REALLY necessary? I thought about putting one at the end of my opening sentence...for about 2 seconds.

Source: 9gag.com via Jackie on Pinterest

Heartbreak

2012-05-29T20:47:00.002-06:00

This is the saddest thing I've seen on Pinterest. In fact, it's the saddest thing I've seen in a long time.

Source: media-cache2.pinterest.com via Pascale on Pinterest

Please Keep Your Clothes On and Refrain from Barking

2012-05-23T15:02:00.000-06:00

Another Kindergarten year has come to a close and I find myself wishing I had kept a log of funny things that came out of the mouths of our students. However, I do remember the following things that might give you a slight chuckle:

Once, during a lesson, Mrs. B. asked the students, "How many of you have ever ridden on a train?" Then she quickly told them, "Don't answer if you really haven't." One of the children proudly pronounced, "I road on a train.......to the North Pole!"

Another time, while reading a story about a dog, Mrs. B. did something only a Kindergarten teacher would need to do. She quickly added, "I know you all want to bark right now, but we're not going to do that."

Recently, I was working in the back of the classroom, while Mrs. B. was teaching the students on the carpet. I looked up when I heard Mrs. B. say, as nonchalantly as possible, "Aubrey. Put your skirt back on." (This is the same little girl who decided she was going to change her name to "Feonu"/ AKA Princess Fiona.) Mrs. B. made eye contact with me and I had to put my head down on the table because I was laughing so hard. Now, reminding little children to keep their shoes on, or to keep their arms inside their shirt sleeves, or to take off their coats, isn't uncommon, but never, in all my years of Kindergarten, have I heard, "Put your skirt back on."

I have the best job in the world and look forward to another school year with 5 and 6 year olds.

Damn Straight!

2012-05-19T17:04:00.000-06:00

Source: google.com via Jenna on Pinterest

Click "I Can Relate!" if you speak autism too.

I Am Autism

2012-05-17T16:34:00.000-06:00

by Marty Murphy...

Hello. Allow me to introduce myself to you. My name is autism. Perhaps you know me or know of me. I am a condition, "disorder" that affects many people. I strike at will, when and where I want. Unlike Downs Syndrome or other birth "defects," I leave no marks on those I strike. In fact, I pride myself on the ability to infiltrate a child's life, while leaving him or her strikingly handsome. Many people may not even know I am there. They blame the child for what I cause him or her to do. I am autism and I do as I please.

I am autism. I strike boys and girls. infants and toddlers. I find my best victims to be boys around the age of 2, but any child will do. I like children and they are always the true victims, though I take hostage the others in the child's family as well. It is a bit like getting two for the price of one. I affect one child and "infect" the entire family.

I am autism. I strike rich and poor alike. The rich combat me with education and therapy. The poor shut their children away and cannot afford to fight me. I am able to win in the lives of poor children more than I am those of the wealthy, but I will try to take root anywhere.

I am autism. I am an equal opportunity disorder. I strike whites, blacks, Mexicans, Ukrainians, Russians, Poles, Slavs, Japanese, Koreans and Fins. In fact, I strike everywhere on Earth. I know no geographical bounds.

I am autism. I do not discriminate based upon religion either. I strike Jews and Christians, Muslims and Buddhists, Atheists and Agnostics. I do not care what religion a person is or what beliefs he may hold. When I strike, there will be little time for any of that anyway. When they find me, they will question everything they believe in, so why would I strike only one group? I have affected followers of every religion on the planet.

I am autism and I am strong and getting stronger every year, every month, every day, every minute and every second. I am concerned that money might be allotted to combat me and my takeover of children, but so far, I have little to fear. Some countries like Kuwait, are spending quite a bit of money to assist those who I have targeted and some, like the United States, would rather spend money on such ludicrous things as discovering the number of American Indians who practice Voodoo, as opposed to combating me. In an atmosphere such as that, I can flourish and wreck havoc at will. In places such as that, I rub my hands with glee at the problems I can cause to children, their families and to the society at large.

I am autism. When I come, I come to stay. I take the dreams and hopes of families and trample them with delight. I see the fear and confusion in the eyes of my victims and see the formation of wrinkles, the worries and pain on the face of their parents. I see the embarrassment their child causes because of me and the parents unsuccessful attempt to hide their child, and me. I see tears the parents cry and feel the tears of their child. I am autism. I leave sorrow in my wake.

I am autism. I taketh away and give nothing but bewilderment and loathing in return. I take speech and learning. I take socialization and understanding. I take away "common sense" and, if I am allowed to flourish, I take away all but their physical life. What I leave behind, is almost worse than death.

I am autism. I fear nothing except courage, which I thankfully see little of. I fear those who take a stand against me and attempt to fight me and bring others into the fight as well. I fear those who try to make it safe and easier for my victims in the community, and their families. I fear those who push ahead, despite the fact that I am in tow. I fear the day I will be eradicated from the planet. Yet, I do not fear too much right now. There is no need.

I am autism and I bet you know me or know of me. If you don't, you probably will soon. I am marching forward faster than I ever have before. I am looking for new children all the time. I am looking for new children to consume and new lives to destroy. I dread the day I will be looked upon with pity or worse yet, understanding, for that day, is the day I will begin to die.
But in the mean time I am safe, free to prowl onward. Free to cause the pain and suffering that I do so well. I am on a mission and have much work to do and thankfully no one is stopping me yet.

Hello. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is autism. Perhaps you know me or know of me, if not don't worry, you will meet me soon.

Raising Angels

2012-05-12T11:00:00.000-06:00

The similarities between this girl's story and mine are amazing. Please watch the short video. (You may want to grab a tissue.)

"Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on

our hearts and we are never the same." Flavia Weedn

25 Reasons to Appreciate Your Mother

2012-05-10T06:00:00.011-06:00

I received this from a friend of mine and thought I would share with everyone.

25 Reasons to Appreciate Your Mother

1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE .

"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."

2. My mother taught me RELIGION.

"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL .

"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"

4. My mother taught me LOGIC.

" Because I said so, that's why."

5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.

"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."

6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.

"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."

7. My mother taught me IRONY

"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."

8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.

"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."

9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.

"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"

10. My mother taught me about STAMINA.

"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."

11. My mother taught me about WEATHER.

"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."

12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.

"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"

13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.

"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."

14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.

"Stop acting like your father!"

15. My mother taught me about ENVY.

"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do."

16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.

"Just wait until we get home."

17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING ..

"You are going to get it when you get home!"

18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.

"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way."

19. My mother taught me ESP.

"Put your sweater on, don't you think I know when you are cold?"

20. My mother taught me HUMOR.

"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."

21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT .

"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."

22. My mother taught me GENETICS.

"You're just like your father."

23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.

"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"

24. My mother taught me WISDOM.

"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."

25. And my favorite: My mother taught me about JUSTICE

"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!"

Special Friend of the Day

2012-05-09T22:55:00.002-06:00

It was my turn to be "Special Friend of the Day" in Kindergarten this morning. The students asked me the following questions...

What's your favorite color?...blue
What's your favorite movie?...What About Bob?
What's your favorite vacation place?...Disneyland
What's your favorite game?...Yahtzee (Hey, I had to give them something. I couldn't very well say "Sneeki-Tiki Slot Machine".)
What's your favorite dessert?...Hot Fudge Sundae
What's your favorite shape?...uummm....Rectangle?
What's your favorite food?...Chinese
What's your favorite animal?...puppy

But the best part about being Special Friend of the Day was bringing home pictures that the kids drew of me. It's funny what each child perceives. Here are a few of my favorites:

Too bad I don't have a nose to take in the fragrance of this colossal flower.

Here I am in my cheerleader pose.

Apparently this student thinks I look more like a football player than a cheerleader.

This boy is oblivious to the fact that I have hair...

...while this girl sees me looking more like Frenchie from 'Grease'.

Again...more giant flowers with no means to smell them.
By the way, you would never catch me wearing red. :)

So what if my arms are fatter than my legs? I have got to give this
little guy credit for remembering the ID badge around my neck.

Do you detect a look of guilty surprise on my face, or is it just me,
and what do you suppose that thing is on top of my head?

Here I am inside my Nissan (complete with spoiler). This little artist is obsessed with vehicles.
He asked me a couple of weeks ago, "What kind of car do you drive and what color are your rims?"
What color are your rims! How many six year olds have asked you that question?

I have the best job in the world. Kindergarten is the shizz!

Coca-Cola Tuk Tuk

2012-05-08T17:19:00.000-06:00

My daughter's best friend spent the last four months in Thailand teaching English to Thai children. Sunday night, she came to our house bearing gifts. Imagine my surprise when she gave me an adorable Coca-Cola Tuk Tuk (Taxi) for my collection.

I asked my son to take more than one picture of the Tuk Tuk, so you can see the fine details...

Flag Side

Top View

Notice the perfectly centered "Coca-Cola" back seat.

Driver's Seat

Check out the spare tire. Cute!

Front View

This is definitely my new favorite Coca-Cola Collectible. Thank you so very much for thinking of me Kaitlen!

Just OMH Funny

2012-05-05T22:39:00.000-06:00

Source: damnlol.com via Lynn on Pinterest

Graduation Day for My Sweet Daughter

2012-05-04T14:51:00.001-06:00

Are You Smarter than an Egg Layer?

2012-04-28T20:19:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Chase's girlfriend's little boy, who happens to be obsessed with Elmo, I am getting reacquainted with Sesame Street.

When Chase and Cody were little, I loved watching Sesame Street with them. Not only was it educational, but Sesame Street had humor only grown ups could truly appreciate. I loved 'The Beetles' Muppets with their hit song 'Letter B' and Baba Wawa was another character that would crack me up as she impersonated Barbara Walters.

Maybe I'm easily amused, but I had Sesame Street on the Netflix Instant Queue today and watched, for the first time, this comical little skit...

Oh, come on! You've got to admit, that's funny shiz right there.

Just Send Cold Hard Cash

2012-04-27T15:53:00.001-06:00

I was having a conversation with my daughter today and mentioned how I wish more people would comment on my blog posts. Cody, who watches waaay too much TV, started mimicking infomercials and said,"To journal blog posts, call 632-2147. That's 632-2147 OR send check or money order to..." yada yada yada.

I'm thinking maybe I should put PayPal's Donation button back up?!

BTW- Go ahead. Call that number all you want. It no longer belongs to us.. ;)

Another One of Cody's Off-the-Cuff Interpretations

2012-04-26T17:10:00.001-06:00

Earlier in the week, Don, Cody and I drove past a car wash on our way into town. Well, technically we drove past a lot of businesses, but the car wash stood out because there were several flags flapping in the wind. Most of the flags were American, but there also happened to be a Canadian flag as well as the flag of Mexico. I pointed it out to Don and said, "I wonder why that car wash is flying the Mexican and Canadian flags?"

Unexpectedly, from the backseat of the car, came Cody's impromptu rendition of the 'Pledge of Alligiance'. I quickly grabbed a pen and paper from the glove box and wrote down his words.

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of Cancun,
and to Mr. Hyatt for which we remember,
one Pine View High under Taco Bell,
indivisible, with Mexicans and equis for kids."

To make any sense of this (insert eye roll here), you need to know that Mr. Hyatt taught Cody's Spanish class at Pine View High School years ago. I think Cody's use of Cancun and Taco Bell speaks for itself. ;)

If you would like to read about an experience Cody had in Spanish class, click on Como Se Dice "Don't Break My Routine" en Espanol?.

(FYI- I want my readers to know that I have nothing against Mexico or Canada. It's just not everyday that their flags are seen flying amidst ours.)

Bizarre but Never Boring

2012-04-24T17:43:00.000-06:00

Cody was full of piss and vinegar when he got off the day program van today. (Click here if you're wondering what being full of piss and vinegar means.) First of all, he tried to tell me something about rain (by the way, it's 81 degrees here and not a cloud in the sky). I asked, "What are you talking about Code?" and he replied by humming, in perfect pitch, 'Here Comes the Rain Again'.

After I guessed what Cody was humming, he hurried into the kitchen and started searching for something. (Remember, Cody is blind as well as autistic, so when I say "searching", he's frantically feeling things with his hands). I asked "What are you looking for?" as Cody scurried around opening the dishwasher and various drawers, and putting fingerprints all over the window Don cleaned yesterday.

Finally, Cody found a cupboard. He opened it, then shut it and headed back to the living room. Confused, as I often am when it comes to Cody's 'Guess what I'm trying to say because I sure as hell will not just come right out and tell you' conversations. I asked, "What does opening and closing the cupboard remind you of?" and this is what he gave me people..."When I was a kid, we listened to ELO and you said something about a cupboard."

If Cody says that's what happened, then I believe him. His autistic memory, as bizarre and unpredictable as it seems, is precise and detailed.

Speaking of bizarre and unpredictable, what came out of Cody's mouth next was probably the best oxymoron I've ever heard. He said...

"That reminds me of something that I don't remember."

See, I told you it was a good one. :)

Now, if you feel so inclined, you can watch this YouTube video and listen to the ~~crappy~~ music that Cody is so passionate about.

Just Sayin'

2012-04-22T19:37:00.000-06:00

Source: lesapea.tumblr.com via Lindsy on Pinterest

...all followers of my blog, facebook and Pinterest. Thank you for your support!

Fixing Autism

2012-04-20T15:25:00.000-06:00

This is a very moving video about autism. Please watch...

Source: theautismsite.com via Amanda on Pinterest

The Best Chili Rellenos Ever!

2012-04-17T17:43:00.000-06:00

My husband loves Chili Rellenos. Every time we go out for Mexican food, he will order a meal that includes at least one Chili Relleno. After he finishes his dinner, he will inevitably reassure me that my Chili Rellenos are better than the restaurants.

There are two BIG reasons my Chili Rellenos are delectable.

1) The recipe I use calls for canned chilies instead of fresh. In most cases, fresh is better, but canned chilies are not tough and chewy like fresh chilies tend to be.

2) When making the batter, I separate the eggs and whip the egg whites until they are light and fluffy.

Since Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner, I want to share my recipe with you.

The Best Chili Rellenos Ever

Ingredients:

1 lb. Monterrey Jack Cheese- cut into small strips (to fit inside the chilies)
8-10 Whole Green Chilies (canned)
6 eggs- separated
2 1/2 Tablespoons Flour
Salt
Enchilada Sauce (We prefer mild.)
Oil for frying

Directions:

1) Stuff each green chili with strips of cheese. Sprinkle with salt.

2) Beat egg whites and 1 teaspoon salt until in holds a medium-firm peak.

3) Whisk egg yolks until thick.

4) Gently fold egg yolks and flour into egg white mixture.

Heat oil in skillet. Coat each chili with batter. Fry in hot oil on each side until golden brown.

Remove chilies and serve with warm enchilada sauce.

Enjoy!

I Would Hug It. Hell, I Would Kiss It!

2012-04-13T08:28:00.000-06:00

How Our Family Uses Mnemonics

2012-04-12T15:59:00.000-06:00

When I was a young girl, my grandpa taught me about word association. He told me when he needed to remember someone's name, he would try to think of something associated with that name. I've always remembered my grandpa's tip and still use it when necessary.

As my children went through school and were required to memorize assignments, I taught them the word association technique. Once, on a car trip, Katelyn brought along her homework (She's the only child of mine who would actually take homework on a vacation) and the rest of the family brainstormed to help her memorize the capital cities of all 50 states. Baton Rouge, Louisiana still stands out in my mind. We helped her remember it by thinking "Loise has too much rouge on her cheeks."

A couple of years ago, when Katelyn was going through pharmacy school, she and I came up with some unique and often funny ways she could remember the names of generic drugs. One of the drugs that I recall Katelyn learning is Levetiracetam. It's the generic drug for Keppra, something Cody takes for seizure control. Levetiracetam was one of the more difficult words to remember, so we got ridiculously creative and came up with, "Tyra (Banks) had to leave and try to seat them." ( Levetiracetam = Leave and Tyra seat 'em) Katelyn will never look at Tyra Banks the same way, but more importantly, she will never forget Keppra's generic equivalent.

Yesterday, Katelyn was trying to remember a friend's birthday. She thought it was on the 9th day of the month, but found out via facebook that it's actually the 10th. I offered this suggestion to her, "Your birthday is on the 16th, an even number. Nine is an odd number. Just remember that your friend's birthday can't be on the 9th, because it's an even number like yours."

At that point, Katelyn stated, "That's how I remember your birthday mom. When I was little, you told me I could remember your birthday is on the 29th because it's odd, just like you."

Deficits in Social Skills

2012-04-09T12:57:00.001-06:00

Parents who have children with special needs become accustomed to people staring at their kids. We become accustomed to staring, but that doesn't mean we are okay with it.

One time, when Cody was young enough that he sat in a stroller, we were in a department store and a young boy followed us around, gawking at Cody. We had no clue where his mother was, but evidently she was not keeping an eye on her obnoxiously curious son.

Somewhere in the infant department, Don lost all composure. He told the boy there was a booger hanging out of his nose and that sent the kid running.

I tell you this story, not because it's something I am proud of (though Don will tell you it was one of his best moments), but to give you a glimpse of what it's like every. single. time. we take Cody out in public. There are times when it can be painfully heartbreaking.

While I was scanning through Autism boards on Pinterest last week, I came across the following pin...

Source: etsy.com via DeeAnn on Pinterest

I showed it to Don, mentioning that I would like to have this quote printed on a t-shirt and he said, "Hell, can I get it printed on a tie and wear it to church?"

Sadly, Don is right. We can't get away from ill-mannered people, even while we worship.

Never a Better Hero

2012-04-08T13:42:00.000-06:00

Happy Easter Everyone!

Cody's Not So Fast Food

2012-04-03T17:00:00.001-06:00

A couple of nights ago, Cody found his Walkie Talkies and asked his dad to play with him. Since Don was heading out the back door anyway, he agreed.

(Before reading any further, if you haven't already read my post If Cody Won a Years Supply of Ice Cream , you'll want to do so now.)

This time, the conversation between Cody and his dad went like this...

Ring, ring...

Cody- "Hello?"

Don- "Oh hi! I'll have two tacos and some..uh...what do you call them?...cinnamon sticks?"

Cody- "10-4"

Don- "When will my order be ready?"

Cody- "10-4"

Don- "WHEN will my order be ready?"

Cody- "Soon."

Don- "What's soon? Two minutes? Five minutes? Ten minutes?"

Cody- "Tomorrow."

Stephen Wiltshire/ Autism Means Art

2012-04-01T13:35:00.000-06:00

This is just one of many YouTube videos about Stephen Wiltshire, an autistic artist with the extraordinary ability to draw detailed cityscapes from memory.

If you haven't heard of him and his remarkable abilities, prepare to be amazed.

April is Autism Awareness Month and tomorrow, April 2nd, is World Autism Awareness Day. Show your support and raise awareness by Lighting Up Blue . For more information, click here .

My Sentiments Exactly

2012-03-30T13:32:00.000-06:00

Courtesy of Hallmark