Maintaining Normal...ish

Wow, it's been a very busy year. I can hardly believe that it's been over a year since I posted on here. Lots of changes have happened in our house. I've changed jobs and by default changed the city we will be moving to after Harlee graduates this May and starts at MTSU school of Music in the fall, the eldest is busy working and finding out about life and love, and we found out that little man is on the Autism spectrum in November. 

In our house the word Autism has  become a code word for all things frustratably unexplainable about little man. His need for structure, his literal interpretations, his dislike of change, sensory defensiveness, and more. Sometimes it feels like we are standing on the edge looking down into this huge chasm of a diagnosis. There are times when we feel unequal to the task of raising this wonderful child. 

And he is wonderful. Don't let my description above throw you off. He is high functioning. Unlike many children with Autism he will try just about any new food that you bring up. He may not eat more than a bite of it, but he will try it. He is the cuddliest 11 year old I know of and he is probably the politest kid you will ever meet. The hardest thing for me is to know that others don't see what a cool kid he is. I've been around cars my entire life and I still can't tell you what they are by the shape of the headlights or tail lights, but he can. He can ride for hours in the tractor with dad or he's content just being with dad in the shop. This kid also LOVES to cook. He will pester me for hours about helping me in the kitchen and learning to cook new dishes. 

All this is to give a heads up to the public. Today is Autism awareness day. Learn about Autism spectrum disorders. Look it up, check out Autism speaks, ask a parent of an Autistic child about what it entails on a day to day basis to simply survive some days. Be kind. Be supportive. Allow yourself to be educated about living in the moment. 

Time to catch up!

Oh my... where to start.

It has been 2+ very busy months since last posted on here. I have officially graduated and am now waiting to take my boards at the end of this month. For those of you who have set yourselves a goal and pursued it to the exclusion or should I say in spite of everything else, you know the wonderful feeling of triumph and pride I experienced walking across the stage on May 5th. I also got to see my little sister which was great since I hadn't seen her in several years. My mom was up here as well in addition to Kyle's uncle and the rest of the crew that is normally here. The Miata club was also there cheering me on as I crossed the stage and then at dinner later that night. Needless to say I was very happy and very exhausted by the time I went to bed that night!

Mom & I after the pinning ceremony Friday night

Mom, Mandy, Pat & I on Saturday morning before graduation at IHOP

In the Line of March going to our seats 

Receiving my diploma from University President Mcfee 

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Both girls have their drivers permits now (please pay attention over there on the sidewalk...their lane control is not a pretty thing yet lol). They are growing up quickly. They've been working on the farm with Kyle setting tobacco. It's hot dirty work and they usually come home covered in dust and sweat. Good thing I keep plenty of towels clean, because it's usually a fight for the shower when they all get home!

They spent the spoils of their labor this weekend on electronics. One got herself an Ipad & the other bought herself her own laptop. They are rightfully proud of themselves and so are we. Physical labor is nothing to sneeze at, especially when it's really hot & humid outside. They have stuck with it through bug bites & sunburns.

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Father's day yesterday was a blast. We finally got Kyle. For those not in the know, there is a tradition in this family relating to presents. More specifically, how they're wrapped. Tanith decided to buy Kyle his own Ipad. Harlee & I split the cost with her, and Mysti was our buying agent. Mysti & Tanith wrapped it but good. False bottom in the box covered in Hello Kitty duct tape, wrapped in pink saran wrap, tissue paper, and regular paper. Needless to say he had a huge grin on his face for the rest of the day.
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Last but not least Regatta & Detroit are coming up & I will have pictures soon =)

Mrs. Martin