Days 2, 3, 4, etc.

I've made some progress on my house resolution, but it's been S-L-O-W!  I haven't been working on it every day.  Some days I have to run errands or do something else.

I spent two mornings going through NB's clothes; weeding out the too-small and searching for winter things in the right size.  I thoroughly cleaned his room and vacuumed and cleaned the carpet.

Another day I went through my own clothes, but I made only a small dent.  I need to go through PJ5's clothes.  He will need some winter things, but he is being very picky about his shirts lately, so I better take him with me.  That means a Saturday shopping trip.  I also need to go through the toys, and that will be a multiple-day project.

On another (somewhat-related) topic, fall busy-ness is starting to show up in our schedules.  The boys have fall break this week, which means two days off of school.  This weekend is Faith Promise (extra time commitments) and a relative is coming into town to renew their vows on a special anniversary in the same chapel where they were married.  Personally, I look forward to both events, but we'll see how the boys react to all these variants in their schedule.

We're not far away from our annual Ladies Retreat, and I'm really looking forward to that!

I could say more, but lunch-time is over and duties call! 

Day One

I did okay.  Not spectacular, but good.  

I worked in the kitchen and the laundry area.  I mopped.  And mopped.  I cleaned counters and did dishes.  I cleared off the table of unnecessary items (which chore has to be done regularly at our house).  I know that doesn't sound like much, but it took some time.

I realized that some household tasks (namely, mopping) are an aerobic exercise when done for a long stretch, so I had to stop once-in-a-while to catch my breath and get a drink or snack.   I was burning calories, you see.  

The next day I took a nap in the morning, because I had been up in the middle of the night for at least an hour with a fussy, but not sick, kid.  I think he had a bad dream.   If I don't get enough sleep I drag the rest of the day; it affects my patience level; and it can cause flare-ups of IBS.  So, I do take a nap when I really need one.  My husband understands and encourages this.  He is pretty awesome.

Today I need to spend some extra time preparing for Bible Study tomorrow night, so we'll see if anything else gets done this morning.

Fall cleaning

I've heard of "spring cleaning", but not fall cleaning, so maybe I just made that up.  I've heard of fall pruning, and I'm going to do some of that, too.  And I'm going to blog about it.  Exciting, eh?

I'm blogging about it because I want to use this to hold myself accountable to my plans/goals. I will report my progress and maybe even post pictures..."after" pictures, only.  Either it will help me remember later that I can do it, or else it will make me realize that I can do better. 

My house is in a sad state, owing to a very hectic summer.  Add up a new diet that takes lots of cooking time, two messy boys at home pretty much all day, and excessive heat that makes it impossible to go outside for long and saps my energy.  That was my summer.  I am too embarrassed to have anyone in my house right now.  I am determined to do something about it now that the boys are in school again.  NB is not going full-time yet, so that gives me approx. 3 hours with an empty house each morning.  The first half hour is set aside for personal devotions, and then some days I have to run errands that would be difficult with the boys.  But that still gives me some good time to tackle this project.  MAJOR house cleaning.

The fall pruning I am going to do involves the boys' and my closets, the toy shelves and bins, and book shelves.  We are still in a small house, so it's time to simplify things and get rid of stuff that is outgrown or not used.  PJ is going to work on the garage where we have put boxes of clothing to either give away or keep.  The problem there is that the boys were out there in the spring and scattered everything all over, so it all needs to be re-sorted and marked clearly.  (We have a lock in place now to keep them from going out there without our knowledge.)

So, I will update here about how it's going and my non-readers can hold me accountable.  Hmm...

Spiritual Training

Every night, I (or my husband) prays aloud with PJ5 before bed. He sometimes ignores, sometimes listens, and on rare occasions says "amen" after we finish. I also pray aloud for him when he gets hurt and is very upset (overreacts), asking Jesus to help him feel better. Sometimes I pray aloud when he's crying and I don't know why he is upset. It's a comfort to me, if not to him.

Last week, he got hurt. I don't remember how, and it wasn't very bad, but he went and laid on his bed and cried (as usual). I went in and was trying to comfort him and calm him. In the middle of his crying he blurted out "Jesus". I said, "Do you want to pray and ask Jesus to help you feel better?--Okay" (fyi--I often answer my own questions with only a short pause because he never answers.) So I began my short prayer and this is what happened.

Me: Dear Jesus,-
him: Jesus!
Me: help Paul John to feel better-
him: better!
Me: in Jesus' name-
him: Amen!
Me: Amen.

He interjected those words without me pausing, which I didn't do because he never responds. And he said amen before I did, but he knew it was coming because I always end my prayers "In Jesus' name, Amen." He also kind of blurted out each word, because he was still crying and sniffling. He did seem to calm down better after that, but I was a little in shock and went to find my husband and see if he was near enough to have heard.

I don't know if that counts as his first prayer or not, but I'm still glad it happened, and finally feel like some of the training he gets at home and church is actually sinking in.





(explanation: In case someone is reading this that doesn't know our situation, PJ5 is 7 years old, with autism, and very little language skills, though he has made some good progress in the last year.)

Random thoughts

I realized that there are 9 mess-er-up-ers in the house and only 2 clean-er-up-ers. I also realized that I now clean up after 7 poopers!

When I get tired and cranky, I get sarcastic. Not pretty.


After today's trip to the store, I think I'll go back to staying at home and letting the boys play and watch Veggietales. Then I'll do my shopping in the evening by myself.

I really wish the "Cheeseburger Song" had never been written. Paul John sings it every time I fix him a hamburger...which is about once a day.

I really would like to set a record for the coolest August. Just once. And then maybe the warmest February.

I don't like talking to strangers, so I'm a little proud of myself for talking to some this weekend.

Holiday

Every year we go to a cookout with family and friends on the Fourth of July. We had to decide how to handle it since the boys are on this special diet. There would be lots of chips, soda/pop, and sweets---all of which the boys can't have on this diet, and all of which they LOVE.

We discussed several options beforehand, ranging from "not going at all" to "letting the diet go" for one evening. We ended up deciding to fill the boys up with food really well and then arrive about the time that people would be finished eating and just hanging out. We miscalculated the time and the boys got there right about the time the food was set out for people to eat.

Fortunately, it had rained and cooled just a bit, which allowed us to keep them playing outside most of the evening. And they were full from chicken and sweet potato fries. But we still had to run intervention: meaning, running to take away the can of pop from NB, running to take away the cupcake from PJ5, running to take away the chips from both of them. Lots of running. I also let them eat things from the "moderation" list, which meant that PJ5 ate quite a bit of watermelon.

Despite our running, they got little bits here and there. So, today I am watching for signs of regression or struggles in areas that have improved lately.



(Oh, and I didn't get to see any live fireworks. Only a few illegally set off in the neighborhood. Not because of the diet, but because the boys were muddy and needed a bath, and hubby didn't want to stay up late then get up early for work. In his defense, he told me I could go and he would stay home with the boys, but I didn't really want to go by myself)

Knowing

I was thinking: wouldn't it be cool if we could tell someone was a Christian just by looking at them? For instance, maybe every God-follower could dye their hair blue. Or every disciple of Christ should have "disciple of Christ" tattooed on their right forearm. Hmm....

Or maybe, every true Christian should have a face that reflects peace and joy, and their actions should show patience and kindness.

"they will know we are Christians by our love"

Do people know? Do we look different? Do we act different? I have heard some people say the people in the grocery store were kinder than the ones they met at church. What has happened to us?

If you feel convicted by this, I do not apologize.
If you have been mistreated by someone who claims to be a Christian, I do apologize.

We are not perfect, but there is One who is perfect and His love extends to everyone. We are supposed to reflect His love and grace to others and sometimes we fail. He never fails.

Isn't it terrible---awful---condemning---that we should have to say to someone, "Look at Christ, not at Christians."

These days

I wrote this a couple weeks ago and forgot to post it

We said we would do this diet at least four weeks, or for the whole summer if it seems to be helping. We are at three-and-a-half weeks now. PJ5 has shown a lot of improvement in behavior and vocabulary. He is responding to verbal directions much better. He also started drawing a LOT, which he did when he was little but then quit. NB is counting, and spelling words he's learned from a game. PJ5 got on a fruit kick for a few days there and I could tell the sugar was a little too much. I finally found a version of chicken nuggets they both love....However, it's a little time-consuming and messy.

Actually, this diet is somewhat time-consuming all-around. I've been trying to eat my meals before or after the boys, because making theirs usually takes awhile and they eat every crumb that I make! And in spite of the stash of frozen bean burritos (for protein) in the freezer, and carb-snacks locked in my bathroom, I have lost about 5 pounds. If you know me, you know I don't need to lose five pounds. I had just gained that weight and now it's gone again. I just don't always have time to eat every time I'm hungry. And I try to save for the boys the foods they really like. And I am just so busy!!

One reason I am so busy is that for the past two weeks I've been doing almost all the house chores, etc. on my own. Hubby has a big deadline at work and has put in many, many hours the last two weeks, so I have a lot less help from him than usual. He's even had to work the last few Saturdays, which is rare. So, on top of doing all this cooking I am trying to keep up with dishes, laundry, clean-up, shopping, etc. on my own. I keep telling myself this is only temporary.


I wonder: Do all mothers feel like they are trying to do the work of more than one person?

I don't know whether to laugh or cry when I think about the burnout he has at work and the burnout I have at home.

Two weeks and counting

Well, we've been on this diet for two weeks now. I really expected NB to accept this diet better and PJ5 to be the picky one, but it has been the complete opposite.

I definitely see some improvement in PJ5. He is "tuning in" better and making better eye contact, trying new foods, and calming down somewhat quicker. He's also using more words and phrases.

NB has had a harder time on this diet, not wanting to try things and refusing to eat what I put in front of him. I've let him have a few Phase 2 foods, because I was worried about him getting enough. That could be why I haven't seen as much difference in him. He's eating a little better the last couple of days, so maybe we'll see some improvement, both in eating habits and in behavior. He actually ate a mini-hamburger I had in the fridge today. That's the first meat he's had in about five days. He is getting protein from eggs everyday.

Hubby and I have "mostly" followed the diet, except on date nights. He was sick this last weekend with bad sinus problems, so I got him some bread, diet 7-Up, etc. so that he could eat things that agreed with him. We had to hide it in our bathroom.

We really need to find a lock for our fridge so that the boys don't get into the eggs and break them. And so we can control how much fruit PJ5 eats. He may have gone a little fruit-crazy last week. We've gone through all the child-proof locks for appliances and the boys figured them out some time ago. If we could just figure out a way to get a padlock on there. (And I'm only half-joking.)

I also may look for some special shoes for the extended time I spend standing in front of the stove. Or maybe a special rug...

I need a chicken

Yesterday we went through 16 eggs!!

At least two were thrown away because PJ5 broke them into a dirty bowl. Four went into a recipe for pumpkin pancakes which both boys really liked (but was a little time-consuming to make). But I think all the others were scrambled or fried, and all but two were consumed. Wow.

The first day I chopped up chicken breasts and fried them directly in olive oil and salt. I served them with honey for dipping and both boys ate them. I did the same thing yesterday and neither one wanted it. Go figure.

It's been interesting to see the boys different reactions. The first day, both boys ate fairly well although PJ5 was searching the cupboards most of the afternoon for more familiar foods. The second day, PJ5 continued eating a LOT, mainly eggs and fruit; while NB ate only a little and drank alot.

There is a yahoo group made of people who are, or have been, on this diet. It includes helpful tips and some recipes--yay! That is where I found the pumpkin pancake recipe. It's nice because you can use canned pumpkin. It's time-consuming because you have to make the pancakes very small or they fall apart when you try to flip them over. Several recipes require a food processor and I'm not sure I have one. (If I do, I didn't use it much and so would have put it out of the way.) They also share how their kids have responded during different phases of the diet.

I feel like I've spent tons of time in the kitchen the last two days. I need to figure out a way to cook ahead, but I'm still trying to figure out what the boys will eat well. I think I may cook several hamburgers and put them in the fridge or freezer for myself, so I can get some quick protein and keep going.

Maybe I need a cook, rather than a chicken.

First Day

Summer is upon us. This is the first day that the boys don't have school and their daddy isn't home. The weekend has been full of away-from-home activities, so today they may get restless. I have some activities in mind, both at home and away, but nothing specific planned.


Today begins a new diet for the boys. (And us, since it will be easier to just have the whole family do it.) It involves a list of foods that are "Best Choices" to be strictly followed the first 4-6 weeks; a list of foods to "Eat in Moderation" that can be added in the second phase of the diet, and a list of foods to "Completely Avoid". It's not necessary to follow this diet for a lifetime, but until the body achieves a right balance of certain minerals---usually about 4-6 months. The main mineral being targeted is manganese, which is very high in processed foods and soy-based products and when too much is consumed can cause symptoms very like autism. The research was done by a naturopathic doctor in Colorado and there is a 20-some page article about it available via her website. It costs nothing to download her diet protocol, and no special foods to buy.


For us, the hardest parts will be: no grains, and no peanut butter. That eliminates two of the boys' main staples: P.B. sandwiches and chicken nuggets. You can have any meat but pork on this diet, so if I can just get them to eat non-breaded chicken! I've tried a couple ways with them but no success so far.


There's also no sugar or artificial sweeteners allowed; only honey and stevia (in the first phase). But I've already been working on eliminating that lately. Only certain fruits and vegetables are allowed. A few examples that will affect us, because of what we like: NO white potatoes allowed, but sweet potatoes are good; NO corn or beans; NO apples or apple juice(until the second phase), bananas, watermelon, grapes, or berries of any kind. But I've already found some substitues that the boys like that are on the "good list": canteloupe, plums, cherries, and cherry juice. There are more on the list, but these I have found that the boys already like.


I've been slowly moving towards this diet, but waited until school and packed lunches was over before going full-throttle. We've already found out that PJ5 likes eggs (a "Best Choice" food) really well: boiled or scrambled (if I keep it in a "pancake" form instead of piled up). So that will be a good protien replacement until I find a meat that he will eat without breading on it.


The hardest part for me, besides the bread, is no milk. Almond milk is allowed in the second phase, as well as yogurt, sour cream, and certain cheeses. I'm going to keep yogurt in the house for myself because the boys don't like it. But NO MILK? NO CHEESE??


PJ already said that on our dates we'll probably be hitting up places like Panera Bread, Ted's, Olive Garden, etc. where we'll eat lots of grains and cheese! :)


I'm also hoping to work on potty-training this summer. Over-ambitious?

-------------------------------------------------


Website for diet, if you want to see it:
http://www.noharmfoundation.org/

It's almost over

The week got a little crazier as we went. Wednesday night I was wiped out. I got a nice break the next night, however, going on a date with my hubby. Today I'm trying to finish up preparations for a party tonight.

I didn't realize how much difference it makes to have a couple hours each day with no kids at home. The house looks pretty terrible today. Thankfully the aforementioned party is not at my house.

I think PJ5 said something about school yesterday. I believe he misses it.

I've got to get the cat "fixed" soon. She kept escaping this week whenever the boys would go in or out the back door.

I have enjoyed spending more time with the boys, and going with them on some adventures this week. I will enjoy a little peace and quiet on Monday morning.

Change of plans

Well, the trip to the mountains fell through the cracks, so to speak. The other two families are experiencing enough sickness that the prospect of being outdoors (in the wind) all that time was not appealing. So instead, we are going to eat lunch together today. Later I am going to pick up the teenager-helpers I mentioned and take the boys to a big park to play. It doesn't bother me at all.

Changing plans doesn't bother me as much as it used to several years ago. Having kids, and especially kids with special needs, has made me very flexible. And that's a very good thing, believe me. Like having to change an article of clothing because a diaper leaks onto it (which I just did). Like trying to potty-train a six-year-old only to discover that he doesn't have the necessary bodily awareness/control yet. Like going to a graduation or wedding ceremony knowing that we may have to take turns taking the kids out, so that neither one of us will actually get to see the whole thing. And with the option of one of us taking the kids home while the other one stays for the reception. Yep, we are flexible

But I so much like having a plan in place, even if I'm prepared with an option B or C. One of the areas I've always struggled with in my relationship with God is in waiting for Him to reveal His plan. I know He has a plan. But I want to see it all laid out; not this one-step-at-a-time thing that requires so much faith. So what often happens is I have my plan in mind, and then God comes along and works something different and changes my plan.

I know it would be better if I waited on Him in the first place, and sometimes I do. But sometimes I don't. And sometimes it's hard to let go of those plans you made. I mean, you even have an option B, right? But God comes in with something copmletely different. The beauty, though, is that He always gives the grace and strength to help you through the plan He has laid out. Even if all you see is the one step ahead of you that has to be done first.

Spring Break

...is not a break for moms!

I can't let everyone sleep in (though I would like too, since we lost an hour this weekend) because then our schedules would get really off, and next week would be horrible.

Today, we are staying at home and just chilling. Mainly because it's cool and rainy outside, so our choices are limited. I'm hoping to get some laundry done, finish preparing for Bible Study tomorrow night, and keep us all from going stir-crazy.

Tomorrow, we are venturing to the mountains (that are really just hills) with two other moms and their kids. Three moms and eight kids....yes. I'm planning to take along a teenage helper or two, to help keep track of my boys, so we don't have a repeat of what happened in CO last year. Then I have to be back in town and ready to lead Bible Study in the evening.

The next day we are going to the local zoo, meeting up with my folks and my sister and her kids. I don't have definite plans for the rest of the week, but it's supposed to be nice, so we'll probably be visiting parks, playing in the back yard, etc.

Somewhere in there I need to finish plans for a party that takes place in five days!

No, I don't think this will be a relaxing week.