Was Motherhood Ever in Bondage? The Evil of Margaret Sanger

I watched a short documentary last night with my family about children being a blessing.  One part talks about Margaret Sanger, the evil that just dripped from her lips.  Whether or not you believe you should trust God with how many He gives you, there is never an excuse to kill a baby in the womb.  Ever.  There ARE other ways to prevent pregnancy without the act of murder that does not involve abortion of any kind (including chemical forms of contraceptives).  

"This is the dawn.  Womanhood shakes off it's bondage.  It asserts it's right to be free"

"The most immoral practice of the day is breeding too many children."

"The most serious evil of our times is that of encouraging the breeding into the world of large families."

"The most merciful thing that a family does to one of its infant members is to kill it."

1.5 million babies are surgically aborted each year

Sadly, as a result of the abortifacient effects of the pill and other "contraceptives," an additional 8-12 million babies are chemically aborted each year in the US alone. 

Click HERE to read The Truth About Birth Control

It breaks my heart to know I was on the pill (even though it was only for a couple of years) and I didn't know I could still get pregnant.  I had no idea the pill would cause my body to reject the baby and get rid of it.  Ack.  I hate thinking about it.  I haven't touched the pill since I found out about it in 2002.  

Newborn Caleb (2009)

Since finding out about the pill I started practicing a loose form of Natural Family Planning, yes, I've had a few "surprises".  So what?  What incredible blessings they have been to my life.  So did NFP work for me?  Yes, because I could easily get pregnant every year since nursing doesn't prevent ovulation.  I calculated it and I'd have at least 12-13 by now.  I only have 6.  Some believe you should trust God with how many children you have, some don't.  I guess that is something each person needs to pray about and come to their own conclusion.  Either way never involves murder though.

My sixth (Caleb)

Ever since I got pregnant with my 6th (in 2008) I have been attacked mercilessly.  Within a week of finding out I was pregnant I had attacks that blew me away.  Online and even in my personal email box.  A friend even spread lies for everyone to see.  They later said they didn't know the details, but just had some "assumptions" about our life.  It still hurt very bad and bad enough that we left out of state for a week to get away from it.  You can imagine how scared I was to share when I became pregnant with my 7th in 2011.  I had miscalculated my ovulation and it had been a year and a half since my last baby.  I was surprised but yet again I had the attitude and understanding that children are a gift.  I was still terrified to share knowing that with each one I had would come with more persecution from every side.  Online and in my personal life and surprisingly even from Christian folk from church.

8 months pregnant with
baby #7 (Juliet)

This whole pregnancy I've received about 80% negative from people. This time I'm putting my foot down.  I'm not gonna allow myself to be bullied any longer.  I'm not gonna allow my heart to be sad nor will I let anyone make me feel ashamed.  Sure, I worry about what people think.  Don't we all?  I have to be stronger is standing up for what is holy and righteous.  Even Christians attacking large families is wrong and completely unbiblical.  I've been cornered (literally) with accusations, assumptions, and anger from people.  This precious child in my womb is a gift from God and I won't allow her to come into this world wrapped in shame and negativity from others.  If you don't want kids, that is your life and no one is forcing you to have any.  Welcome to the land of the free.  Are you able to murder your own babies here?  Yes, and the government and even your friends will back you up.  But don't attack those that choose to cherish life.  Enough with all the Save the Whales and Hug a Tree.  Those are nice but what about Protect Human Life?  I've yet to see a film like that in the theaters.  If it seems I am upset in writing this post, I am.  This world is so backwards in how it thinks and I am tired of seeing what is pure and clean be so attacked.

Worried Baby Wouldn't Turn Head Down Before Birth

Yes!  She did!  I was concerned because I really didn't want a c-section.  I'm 36 weeks and went into my usual checkup to see how baby is.  I didn't know I was gonna get another ultrasound but she is head down.  I think she turned about a week ago because I started feeling a lot of kicks on the top of my stomach.  So, we saw about the 4th time that she is a girl for sure but the other surprise is that she is already 7lbs!  So, if I deliver her to full term she'll be about 8 1/2 lbs like Kyle was.  I don't think I'll be delivering her that late though so she thinks she'll be around 8lbs by 39 weeks.  That was such a surprise for me because my last three kids were in the 6lb range.  I got to see another 3D ultrasound of her which is pretty cool.  :D  By the way, in a week and a half the doctor is stripping my membranes.  It's never put me into labor, just helped my body get ready. She asked if I wanted the balloon in 2 1/2 weeks to go into labor but I'm not sure I want it.  I might just want to go on my own. We shall see!

The other day my kids were freaking out because they saw this bug on the mini blinds. I told them I THINK it's safe.  So while they were all admiring it, my son Ryan walks up and grabs it.  The little ones were thinking he was to be freed but Ryan headed straight to the chickens.  Well, the miniature chicken ate it like there was no tomorrow and all the kids were crying for about a half hour.  Oh my goodness, the crying felt like it went on and on.  I told them it's just part of life and this happens all the time.  :D

Speaking of chickens, Caleb has found a buddy and this poor chicken rarely gets a break. This is my miniature chicken so she is perfect for Caleb's size.  I'm surprised I've never stepped on her since she's been a regular in our house lately.  Caleb snuggles her and carries her around like a teddy bear.  Thankfully this chicken has a lot of tolerance.  That or she is just scared into silence.  Not sure which one.

Our other chickens are too big for kids to play with like this.  Thankfully there has been no poop in the house.  That would just be gross.  Ivy is so goofy with the chicken on her head.  Ha!  

Taking a Trip Out of Town

Last weekend I took 3 of the kids out of town with me so we could visit some friends.  It's a much smaller town but more trees so we were excited to go.  Melanee has a gorgeous house and I got lost a few times just trying to find my way around.  LOL.  Melanee's son has Aspergers Syndrome just like my oldest son so we like to find ways to get them together and visit.  Dexter and Chaz are best friends and missing living close to each other.

I love kids just being kids, playing in the dirt, catching frogs.  Whatever.  :D  I love, love this picture of Melanee's daughter holding the frog.

My favorite thing was to sip coffee in the morning in front of these windows.  She lives on a hill so you can see for a long way.

This picture doesn't do justice for how long that rope really is and how far you swing out.  Ryan got me to climb the hill up to the tree swing to show me.  When you swing out, the hill goes down so you'd better not fall off.

Then we started crafts and Melanee showed the girls how to make silly putty but with glitter.  It was neat and sooo easy!  

Above: Ivy's friend Cassidy holding silly putty

We visited a nearby park before I had to come back and Ryan swung the girls on the tire swing.  We didn't get to be there long but it was awesome that we had that time together.  It was fun seeing how such a small town operates because there is pretty much one of everything.  It's actually a huge desire for me to live in a smaller town but close enough to the city to easily drive there.  We're definitely gonna visit in the summer for their family events.  

What Have You Done All Day, Woman?

This picture is soooo funny... I just had to share this with you!  Ha ha.

Click on picture to enlarge

A man came home from work and found his 3 children outside, still in their pajamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn around garden, The door of his wife's car was open, as was the front door to the house and no sign of the dog, walking in the door, he found ...an even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked over, the throw rug was against one wall, In the front room the TV was on loudly with the cartoon channel, the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing. In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, the fridge door was open wide, dog food was spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand was spread by the back door. He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she might be ill, or that something serious had happened. He was met with a small trickle of water as it made its way out the bathroom door. As he peered inside he found wet towels, scummy soap and more toys strewn over the floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a heap and toothpaste had been smeared over the mirror and walls. As he rushed to the bedroom, he found his wife still curled up in the bed in her pyjamas, reading a novel... She looked up at him, smiled and asked how his day went. He looked at her bewildered and asked, 'What happened here today?' She again smiled and answered, 'You know every day when you come home from work and you ask me what in the world do I do all day?...

''Yes," was his incredulous reply..
She answered, 'Well, today I didn't do it.'

36 Weeks Pregnant and Counting Down

Wow, I'm 36 weeks pregnant.  In my sleep last I kept waking up to my stomach tightening and it really hurt.  It last about 8 hours and finally stopped.  That's crazy that it was doing it all during my sleep and a few hours into my morning.  I wasn't even working yet.  So my husband made me sit down on the couch for a long time and it was super, duper boring.  I really wanted to start my chores for the day but when I do, they start back up again.  Argh.

Now the girls are making scrambleggs.  It's neat seeing the variety of eggs.  We get eggs for our miniature chickens, regular chickens, and some from the store.  I really need to raise more chickens again so we can get more eggs every day.  So far we are getting about 3 eggs a day which is not nearly enough since it takes 2 dozen to make breakfast for everyone.  It is pretty awesome to just go out back to get an egg when needing one for a recipe.  :D

(Ivy in picture)  Anyway, I need to stop procrastinating and get my bags packed for the hospital.  I'm not planning on having a baby shower so I'll need to get stocked up on some stuff. The great thing about already having kids of both sexes is I can go in the attic and find things we need.  I'm sure I'll donate at least half of the stuff.  I only reuse what looks mostly new but it'll be fun to go through all the stuff with the girls.  I've never gone earlier than one week before my due date so I'm pretty sure at the earliest I'll have Juliet in 3 weeks. That is NOT very much time.

AIMS Testing Week Makes for a Messy Home

This has been a tough week of driving my kids all week to AIMS testing.  In between we are doing lots of errands since we have to wait around so other things have been suffering.  Especially my house.  It got me thinking and wondering about how these taxi moms do it.  Isn't that exhausting?  How do you take care of household duties?  I have lots and lots of catching up to do and laundry is piled up bad.  Just making dinner at night has to be hurried and rushed.  We do homeschool but since the school they go to once a week offers AIMS testing we decided to go ahead and let them take the test.  I want them to take it for me so I can see how they are progressing at home.  I don't care what the state thinks, it's just for us to know.  They also will be rewarded according to how their tests turn out so they are excited.  :D

There is only so much I can catch up on today because tonight 3 of our kids and I will be heading out of town to see some friends.  It's much more beautiful there so we are really looking forward to it.  Here we get some beauty (huge stretch there) but where we are going has soooo much more nature and green trees to explore!  Since it's a smaller town though I would miss everything I have here such has fun shops and parks.  It's frustrating how I can't just have it all.  Family is here though and that's what stops us from moving every time.  Well, that and we love our church.

My husband will still be here with 3 kids and he's gonna have a game day here with  some guys from church.  He gets to chill without his lady.  Ha!  :D  He's such a sweetie.  He keeps saying, "Stop working so hard, go lay down, you don't need to be doing so much, you need to take naps in the day, etc"  I told him to stop trying to make me lazy.  Trust me, my parents couldn't get me motivated as a teen.  Now that I'm a much harder worker, why reverse it?  He said I have too much work, about 4 jobs worth so it's okay if house is messy.  I tried to explain to him that although it's okay to have a lived in house, it has to be kept up and the house is a reflection of the woman and how she cares for it.  He's a sweetie though.  Thank goodness he's not a drill sargeant.  That would be hard to live with.

My Crazy Coupon Savings of the Week

My friends and I had a girls night out and it felt so good to get out.  My husband is just so awesome about letting me get out with my friends and going kid free.  I think all moms should be able to get out once a week to wherever gives them a breather.  I love either going to a quiet bookstore, the mall.... no, just kidding on that one, or just hanging out at a friend's house while I cut coupons or something.  I can't just sit and do nothing if I'm at my friend's house.  I have to have my hands busy with something. Couponing is actually a hobby so it's not so much work.  

Speaking of couponing....

Last night I bought 12 boxes of cereal, 20 toothpastes (free), 20 toothbrushes (free), 2 whole chickens, 1 Purex detergent, 10 Right Guard deodorants (free), and 1 Angel Soft toilet paper (free).  

This SHOULD have cost me $204 but I only paid $37.  That is a savings of 82%!  Yeehaw!  I saved $167. 

I use coupons for every single thing I buy pretty much so that cereal was just dirt cheap.  Our kids go through at least 1 to 1 1/2 cereal boxes a day if they just eat a bowl in the morning.  This is only about 10 days worth of cereal. My husband was running low on our previous mens deodorant stash so it was time to refill it.  With 8 people in the family toothbrushes go fast.  Toothpaste not so fast.  It lasts quite awhile.  I probably have a 5 or 6 years stash.  Toilet paper?  Well, no need to explain why I needed that freebie.  I don't like to buy detergent since I make it myself for only $3 every 8 months but if I get a crazy deal on it somewhere, I'll buy it just as a back up.  I hate spending money on laundry detergent when it's easier to make than macaroni and cheese.  We were able to get a raincheck since all the Ivory body wash was sold out. We didn't have any coupons for it but if something is a dollar on sale and they are out, we'll get the rain check for future use when we finally do get some coupons. That's what I did with the deodorant so all 10 were free.  

Anyway, that's my fun and crazy deal of the week that I wanted to share.  Michele and I went couponing real late at night and it took about 45 minutes just to check us out.  They had only the self checkout lanes open.  We asked them if they wanted to just open a regular lane but they said no.  They regretted that decision since the machines kept freezing up and there were so many coupons.  The manager told us next time they'll open a lane up just for us.  :D

Best Printer for Couponers

I'm 35 weeks pregnant and usually I don't do a weekly countdown but since I'm getting close I have been.  :)  I just can't believe I'm towards the end.  I have gotten nothing ready and haven't even bought a car seat.  I DO have a car seat but a boyish looking one.  There is a particular pink and black one I have been looking into buying.  Pink because I love girly colors for my girl but black so it doesn't show every piece of dirt so easily.  I do have a swing and bassinet that was given back to me that I had lent out.  Yay!  I do need to climb up in the attic and find some girl baby clothes which I know I have.  Probably half of her clothes I'll have to donate.

Today I'm gathering up all my coupons that'll give me freebies at the grocery store or major deals.  So far I'll get some free toilet paper, 10 free Right Guard deodorants, and some free face foundation.  Then I have some coupons to get some major deals on food.  I have a fantastic Lexmark Prestige Pro805 printer that's popular with couponers because of it's ridiculously low cartridge price.  The only reason I'm getting the free deodorants is because I found the coupon off of Redplum.  About 6 months ago there was a major deal to buy Right Guard for only $1.  Well, I didn't have any coupons for it so I waited for the shelf to get cleared out and then asked for a rain check from the cashier.  Rain checks are good forever so I'm finally going to cash it in today.  :D  My husband is happy since our stash for men's deodorant is running low in the pantry.  I still have tons of hand soaps, bar soaps, women's deodorant, Ivory body wash, shampoos, shavers, tootpaste, etc, from previous couponing.  Anyway, some of the coupons I get from Sunday newspapers but a lot I get from printing them from popular coupon sites or from Facebook. It's not really worth printing out coupons if it costs a lot to buy a new ink cartridge.  I bought the Lexmark Prostige because black ink refills are only $5.  I didn't buy it for the new price that yous see because when I went it, I asked for the model that was only 6 months older than the newest one out.  I ended up only paying $100 for it.  As many freebies as I have gotten it was worth every penny.  The cool thing about having 5 computers in the house is that most of these coupon sites will only let you print a max of 2 of the same coupon.  Well, that means I can get 10 and since this printer is set up via wi-fi, I just go to each computer and quickly get my coupons printed out.  No cords attached.

Ashley

Anyway, Ivy is done homeschooling for the year, Kyle will be done in about 3 weeks, and the older 2 boys chose to be done in July.  It's fine with me since it's pretty much self guided.  It's the younger ones that I have to spend more time with one on one while homeschooling.  I'm excited since this will be my first time homeschooling a year straight through.  It's a lot of work schooling four kids but in August one more will be added since Ashley is turning five.  Wow!  You know what I'm super excited about?  My three boys will be able to join band this year at a school they go to once a week.  Well, all three chose DRUMS so guess what my house is gonna sound like?  We'll be buying a drum set soon.  Oh boy.

Amazing Facts about Bananas

Oh, I have to share this with you because it's just amazing!  I always knew bananas help with your energy levels but here is soooo much more.  This is interesting. After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.

Never, put your banana in the refrigerator!!!...

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

DEPRESSION:

According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS:

Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

ANEMIA:

High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

BLOOD PRESSURE:

This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

BRAIN POWER:

200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

CONSTIPATION:

High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

HANGOVERS:

One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

HEARTBURN:

Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

MORNING SICKNESS:

Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

MOSQUITO BITES:

Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

NERVES:

Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system..

Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

ULCERS:

The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

TEMPERATURE CONTROL:

Many other cultures see bananas as a 'cooling' fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant Never, put your banana in the refrigerator!!!...

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has FOUR TIMES the protein, TWICE the carbohydrate, THREE TIMES the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals.. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, 'A BANANA a day keeps the doctor away!'

PS: Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time! I will add one here; want a quick shine on our shoes?? Take the INSIDE of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe...polish with dry cloth. Amazing fruit !!! women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Autism Awareness 2012- My Son's Aspergers Diagnosis

This is Autism Awareness month and so I  wanted to talk some about Chaz and what it's been like the last 6 years since I found out he has Aspergers.

Chaz 11 years old

Sometimes I don't mind talking about it but other times (like now) I have a hard time with it.  It's not because I'm ashamed or because I am in denial.  Sometimes I get sad because I want the best for him in life and it kills me that I can't just fix everything for him.

My baby Chaz

Autism (or Aspergers) can come with bullying and he's had his fair share.  There is a reason I homeschool Chaz and it's not just because of other kids.  I have major trust issues even with teachers.  He's had a couple of good ones and a couple of really bad ones.  He's been mistreated by his teachers and been put to shame in from of other children.  Do you think it's normal to have a young child depressed and suicidal?  No, it's not normal.  I didn't know he had a teacher that was putting him out in the hallway of his school every day with his own desk.  He was told he can listen but can't be in the classroom with everyone else.  He was called the school freak because not even the teacher wanted him in the room.  Was I told about this by anyone?  Did anyone ask my permission before doing that?  Nope.  I was told everything was going fantastic by his teacher and other staff members.  He's been beat up, choked, mocked, etc.  I can't talk about it or write about it without crying.  The boy I carried for 9 months, nursed for 5, cared for, and loved, was having to leave his safe home every day and face a harsh world.  I didn't know he was mentally beaten down till he started writing about wanting to kill himself.  That was it for me.  My boy was coming home and staying with me.  He's not a freak.  He may be different but he's God's perfect creation and he was gifted to me.

Chaz (left) playing with his brother 12 months younger

You want to know how I found out he had Aspergers Syndrome?  Well, he was a pretty tough toddler and would never look me in the eye before he was five.  I figured he was just a really tough kid.  After all, I had 3 boys within 3 years and had my hands full.  Chaz was majorly delayed in potty training and I was beginning to worry he was going to go to Kindergarten in diapers.  He did have some speech issues but like I said, he was my first kid.  I didn't really know what was normal behaviors.  I have to admit I was relieved when Chaz got to school age.  Taking care of him was really, really tough and I looked forward to that break in the day.  I took Chaz to his first day and crowded in with other parents at the school.  Everyone was excited that their baby was growing up.  I looked around the white room and the tables and chairs that were set up.  Was Chaz really gonna sit in those chairs like a big kid?  Really?  I had an unsettling feeling in my gut when I left him there.  As I was leaving I looked back and saw his eyes wide looking at me.  I figured it was just mommy nerves and left to celebrate our kids' first day with other friends.  Soon after I get a phone call that I needed to come get my son because he had bit his teacher on the first day.  Crud.  I picked him up and brought him home hoping the next day would be a better day.  The next day I drop him off but get a phone call half way through the day again.  I needed to take Chaz to the hospital.  Chaz kicked his teacher, ran from her and then ran straight into a metal door splitting his head open.  Really?  He must've been freaking out.  I called Charles and he came with me to the school to pick him up.  Was Chaz freaking out and crying?  Nope. When I went to pick him up from school he was just smiling and happy to see us. He was calmly talking to us as if there were no hole right in the front of his forehead.  It was so deep we could see his skull and he wasn't even complaining.  The school called and said that there are only 3 strikes allowed and Chaz already had his second.  Being that Chaz has only been to school 2 days, that didn't leave a lot of room.  I pulled him out that day and enrolled him in another school.

You can see the scar where Chaz was stitched up

The next school wasn't nearly as strict and the room looked a lot more friendly.  I had a better feeling about this one and he had the sweetest teacher.  After a few days she started calling and telling me about some troubles she was having.  I really didn't know what to do as I figured it was just some behavior issues.  Rolling on the floor under the desks?  Licking the floor?  Hmmm.... Odd, but I had no idea what to think about it.  While the other kids were working, my son was in his own little world.  I was starting to get desperate as I got report after report of my son's behavior in the classroom.  I was feeling like a pretty crappy parent I guess I should say.  My shoulder started to droop each day as I went to pick him up.  On a particular day I was feeling really defeated when the school counselor walked up to me and asked if he could talk to me.  He had done some research that week for my son and printed out what he thought Chaz might be dealing with.  The title of the paper said Aspergers Syndrome.  I could tell he was a little hesitant suggesting this to me not knowing how I would take it.  He read some of the list to me and it was like he was reading about Chaz.  My heart lifted as I realized that maybe all this time Chaz was dealing with something bigger.  This meant I could get some help.  Mr. Chavez looked relieved that I wasn't offended but I'm sure he couldn't miss the sadness in my eyes.  I was happy there might be some answers but sad that there might be an answer to all this.  My son?  With the reports from the teacher and the school counselor, notes from mommy, observing Chaz, he was quickly diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome.  The doctor said there as no doubt whatsover that he had this and sent me home with my mind whirling even more.  Where do I go from here?

Chaz 8 years old

I've made mistakes along the way with trying to stumble along different paths.  Do I put him in a self contained classroom?  NO.  I discovered that he copies behavior and since the rest of the class was pretty wild, cussed, and threw tables and chairs, Chaz would also do these things.  After a year of that mess I found a different school and wonder of all wonders I found an angel of a teacher.  She just happened to have trained to work with Aspergers kids in New York for 3 years.  NO WAY!  She taught regular first grade and said it was no problem whatsoever to teach Chaz in her classroom.  She taught me everything she could about Aspergers and how to help Chaz.  She was an angel teacher and I wish I could go back and give her a big hug for everything she did.  She took one of the times of my life and made it feel like it was gonna be okay. She gave me the confidence I needed as a parent to help him.  Chaz no longer was rolling on the floor but doing very well.  He was given a seat in the front-left.  He was still sitting with the kids but much closer to the teacher's desk.  He was given a visual schedule and 5 minutes warnings before each task was to be done.  He was given an assistant to sit with him during math and language arts hour to help him focus.  Chaz was given more breaks and was even allowed his own snack time.  Since his legs were more sensitive than usual the teacher bought a cushion for his chair he had to sit in every day.  This lady UNDERSTOOD Chaz.  I will always be so grateful to her.  Unfortunately when kids advance in grades they change teachers.  It pretty much went downhill from there trying to find teachers who could work with Chaz.  I think most of the problem is just ignorance.  If teachers don't understand Aspergers then they aren't going to know what works for them.  I communicated as best I could but often was just treated like my son was naughty and he just needed to be punished.

Chaz and I 2009

I didn't have the best support.  Some said I would ruin his life by pinning Aspergers on him.  Some felt I just needed to spank him.  One lady at church even went as far as to say my son was demon possessed.  Yeah, that one hurt.  Charles and I felt very alone in our journey and really didn't even know whether or not we were gonna medicate Chaz.  After trying for a week of medicating Chaz and seeing him actually get worse, we never medicated since.  So far our stance is that we will only medicate if he becomes a danger to himself or anyone in our family.  Over the last 6 years I've gotten advice from so many people who tell me what I need to do.  Not one of them ever had to deal with someone who had Aspergers but I know they were just trying to help.

Chaz's best friend Dexter also has Aspergers

Yesterday I was at a Behavior Health center and was able to talk to someone about Chaz.  I told the man that I needed a new doctor for Chaz but was very hesitant.  He asked what my fears were but I drew a blank.  As I sat there in silence for a minute, I realized why.  So many people I trusted had actually hurt my son more.  Even though there were a couple of good teachers and a good doctor in the mix, he's dealt with a lot of bad.  I've been holding my son in a protective embrace and have a hard time opening up to trust someone with my son.  I know this doctor can help Chaz, but what if he does what another doctor did?  His original doctor that helped us get so far was one day just gone.  I wasn't given a warning at all.  He was assigned a new doctor who was very cold and didn't care to talk to me at all. He talked to us for 10 minutes and try to change Chaz's diagnosis all together.  He knew nothing about Chaz but wanted to just get us out of there.  I left and never went back.  I know it's time to find a new doctor that can work with us but I'm gonna have to open up and talk about everything again.  This will be good for us since as Chaz gets older we deal with new issues.  I hate that he can't make friends and that kids give him funny looks when he tries to talk and relate with him.  I'm happy he made friends with another boys that has Aspergers.  I wonder how he will be as a teen or ask an adult?  All those things I worry about but I try not to.  I just have to take one day at a time.

Our family at the Science Center 2011 (Chaz top left)

One thing for sure is that I love Chaz with all my heart.  He's my firstborn and my son.  Chaz has taught me more about unconditional love, PATIENCE, forgiveness, and tolerance like no other.  I can't imagine missing out on a kid like him. :)  It's not hard every day but we sure have our moments.  Challenges change as he gets older but he never has to doubt whether or not his parents love him, support him, and he knows he has the biggest cheerleaders in this family.

Easter Sleepiness and 34 Weeks Pregnant

We didn't really do anything on Easter Sunday, well, we went to church and celebrated which is the most important!  We were sooo tired from the night before (having to get van towed home) that I could hardly stay awake.  Wow, I hadn't been that tired in a really, really long time.  

With everything in me I wanted to stay in bed that morning but I knew I had to fight the blanket demon and just get everyone ready.  We weren't gonna miss communion. I made a much needed visit to the coffee corner (in my kitchen) before waking everyone up.  Somehow I was able to get everyone and myself ready within an hour.  It's getting harder and harder to get away with that as our family grows.  I'm so stubborn about having to set the alarm earlier.  NOT a morning person.  That is an understatement.

I hated that I was so tired and couldn't really enjoy the day.  I wish I could of had my mom and dad over and spent time with them but I knew as soon as I got home I was gonna make a run for my bed.  What a party pooper I am beginning to be!  

During communion we didn't get our grape juice and cracker on time before they started praying.  I was saying a personal prayer that the girls wouldn't spill their juice on their very white Easter dresses.  Pastor started to pray and they were barely passing it to us.  As quick as we could we passed it to all the kids and quickly took our communion just after the prayer finished.

As soon as we got home I took my shoes off (probably chucked them across my bedroom) and fell out asleep for about 3 hours.  I could have slept allll the rest of the day but knew that wouldn't be good.  I thank my lucky stars (if there were such thing) that my husband has no problem taking over with the kids whenever I need rest.  I seriously think God was having mercy by bringing us together.  

I'm 34 weeks pregnant now and time is just flying by.  Boy, the body sure acts different in pregnancy the older you get.  I'm only 32 but notice a difference in the body achiness.  I wonder what it's like at 40?  Yesterday I was on the floor cutting coupons and it took a full minute to be able to get up because everything ached.

I took a visit to my favorite pregnancy website that I've used since I had my first and this is what they had to say.

How your life's changing:

By this week, fatigue has probably set in again, though maybe not with the same coma-like intensity of your first trimester. Your tiredness is perfectly understandable, given the physical strain you're under and the restless nights of frequent pee breaks and tossing and turning, while trying to get comfortable.

Yeah, the tossing and turning to get comfortable is sooo true!

The Day Before Easter Fun and Van Troubles

Charles showing Caleb an egg

Well, we decided to get our minivan up and running again even though we don't fit in it too well.  My husband's family wanted us to come and visit the day before Easter.  We were unsure of it because we didn't know how well our minivan was doing since we hadn't driven it in awhile.  We decided to spruce it up a bit and take it for a drive. Here are some pics of the fun day of egg hunting.

Ivy and Ashley egg hunting

Ashley found an egg!

Ivy looking for eggs

Caleb excited!

Kyle making a run for the eggs!

Ryan with Chaz in the background

Ivy watching her cousin take some dives

View of family hanging out by the pool

Caleb getting a kiss from his cousin

Ashley taking her shoes off to put her feet in the water

Ashley and Ivy (4 and 6 yrs old)

Charles holding Caleb while I take photos

It was such a good day and fun fellowship with each other.  We stayed for several hours.  I brought about 100 eggs for the kids to hunt and Melanie (my husband's sister) brought some also.  We let the toddlers out first, then Ivy and Ashley, then the older ones.  We wanted it to be fair but we didn't realize how fast the girls would be.  They got double of what the boys got so we'll remember that for next year!  :D  It's always so relaxing to visit and everyone gets along really well.  Nice, huh?  We left around 8pm and went looking for some church shoes for baby Caleb in to wear for Easter Sunday service.  Once we headed home we were tired and happy from the day.  While on the freeway the power went out on the vehicle and we had to quickly get over.  We managed to pull off into a gas station.  We had half a tank of gas but being the van had sat for a bit we decided to add some fuel injection cleaner and some newer gas.  We were able to start the van after a bit and got back on the road.  This time we stayed off the freeway.  We lasted a few more miles and the same thing happened.  We could have gotten much farther but was stuck in bad traffic from the baseball game being let out.  It was downtown so it's was a beautiful area but also attracts a lot of homeless people.  With 6 kids in the van and a pregnant mommy we didn't want to attract much attention that we were broke down.  One guy walked by and offered us a ride in his spaceship.  We kindly turned that one down.  A half hour ride was turning into a 4 hour one and we sat there just hoping the van would start again.  Sigh.  Finally a tow truck came to the rescue and my dad got us home around midnight.  We still had to get up early in the morning for church but the kids were all worked up from all the commotion.  Finally we settled down to sleep around 1am and the morning came very quickly.  I'm tired of van troubles and it was a bit discouraging.  

Chaz and Ryan wrestling while we were stuck on side of the road

Somehow we made the best of it taking goofy pictures while waiting in the van. LOL.  Lots of wrestling, singing, and goofing off.