Handful of Happy

Today we did one of my favorite things. We attempted the zoo. And it happened. Eight, 1st - 3rd graders with Autism visited creatures they've never seen in their entire little lives. Or for some, are regular monthly attenders.Today was the best day for it. Even with the cloudy skies.

All the animal friends were out puttin on a boomin show or waiting for a scrumptious breakfast. One of us probably looked mighty tasty to eat.

 

 

My co-worker and I decided to call the day at the Zoo our Speech Day. Along the way we attempted to initiate conversation and describe various animals we came across. Lets just say... it went better for some than others. A majority of our students don't initiate conversations on their own or make requests and comment on the world around them. So, much prompting and modeling is given. On occasion it's a little awkward and feels like I'm talking to the trees, and that's okay too.

Amanda and I have a theory that it is our attempt to teach these kids how to learn in any environment we place them in. The zoo was perfect, comforting, and exciting for all. There were plenty of sounds to identify, animals to describe, and smells to distinguish.

Today was an opportunity for parents to join in on the zoo fun. I never quite know how it will play out. Today was flat out awesome. It was touching to see how involved these parents are and motivated to do what's best for their Little's. While in the restroom I overheard a mom talking to her son... even though he understands, it's difficult for him to verbally express. His mom asked him, "How do you feel?" his reply "Haaaaaaapppppy, Haaaaaaapppppy!" It made me light up. He was enjoying his day at the zoo and to top it off mom was there to share that joy with him.

Even with the cloudy skies and light sprinkles we still had a handful of happy today.

-Natalie

Off and Away!

And so the week begins. Difficult to rise up this morning but excited that Monday is one step closer to Friday. Hallelujah!

Lazy butt me, tried to get up to run this morning considering the weather forecast this week is lookin like the hundos...or 90's, still too dang hot for April. Ya hear me? Anyways, the running didn't happen.

Today was the last day for a client I've been providing ABA to since November. ABA = Applied Behavioral Analysis. We go into homes and modify or shape behaviors in the given environment. The children I work with range from 1.5 to 5 years of age and all have Autism. We work on things that typically developing kids learn naturally. By doing so we create a very structured environment.

Throughout the session, structured and unstructured activities are addressed. Today we went for it and meandered out on a 30 minute walk, with bubbles of course! Safety skills, such as looking both ways before crossing the street and responding to commands take place while we walk. Half way through, my little friend needed some sensory time. We plopped down and went for it with the leaf droppings. It could not have been more exciting for him.

Working with some clients for a long period of time their language increases drastically. One might go from 1-2 words "want ball" to a 3-5 word phrase or sentence "I want ball,please". It's pretty exciting when this does happen. This lingo has changed the way I talk to my family and friends... oh, and even my dogs..."Want food?" "Ride, go?"

Repetition has been key in helping these kids learn new skills and behaviors. Not just for individuals with Autism but for all of us. There is a reason we have calendars and alerts on our smart phones. To keep us structured and organized.

It's a bittersweet day. While packing up my materials my client walked over to me, tapped my forearm, leaned his head over to make eye contact and said "Bye Sue-wah-wee"... or Natalie (Hey, it was close!). We have worked so hard on attention seeking and language. It was for sure there today. Thanks buddy. You rock!

Being an ABA teacher and working in the clients homes, I love these kids like they're my own. It's hard not to. We watch them grow and mature in just the few months we are with them. It's encouraging and a huge blessing for us and the families involved. It's always a nice feeling walking away knowing that you did good. A blog friend reminded me of the Dr. Seuss book Oh the Places You'll Go. It really connected today as I departed away.

-Natalie

Marvelous Monday

Today was one of those days where my three alarm clocks just weren't enough, the largest cup of coffee at Starbucks didn't fulfill, and every song on the radio was slow when I needed it to be fast.

Yet I still got up, got ready for the day, and headed to work- cus that's what big people do.

A weekend consisting of 1 full day off (Sunday) just isn't quite enough to rest up. I almost need a rest day off of a rest day.

I quickly remembered a quote a fellow blog friend posted "Just when you're ready to quit is usually the moment right before the miracle happens." Wow. perspective is key.

So I packed up my box with wheels and headed on out to do some ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) and Speech Therapy with 8 little kiddos.

I love it and I love each of them. To call what I do for a living a job, is pretty silly because it's loads of fun. We play, we talk, and we learn how to have appropriate behaviors. There are days though, like today that I am pushed and challenged. Today, 2 students into my day, the challenge began.

This little fella worked me. He worked me so hard I was sweating after 6 minutes of therapy. All behaviors were present today from head butting, biting, and aiming so perfectly to spit on my face definitely happened. I was more motivated by now then ever to see change in this kid. Expressing his frustrations do not come verbally instead it's through negative behaviors. And they were very evident today.

During task avoidance we ignore and continue to encourage appropriate requesting... for him it is writing on the etch sketch. My repeatitive pointing as a redirection for a request was ever so consistent today. The etch sketch is his best friend and extremely motivating for him. Whoever created it, is flat out a genius.

The 25 minutes felt like 2 hours today, constantly blocking and redirecting behaviors to make use of our speech therapy time. We got through it and I was reminded of why I do what I do. It's not for everyone but I definitely love it.

Of course once the session was over and he needed to switch stations it was not on his terms. Therefore; the transition was difficult. He would rather stay and "work" (play) with the super cool gadgets Teacher Natalie had and not move on to continue with his structured day.

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There are times when all we want to do is quit, take a day off, and pretend like everything else in the world is quiet too. But that's not reality. Sometimes just getting up in the morning feels like a big hill to climb, but ultimately when we keep our eye on the prize and push through, it's a win- win.

and trust me... you'll be glad you did :)

Happy Marvelous Monday!

-Natalie

The Power of Criticism

"I don't know what the key to success is, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody."
- Bill Crosby

Ever notice that one person can love a certain type of food, and not the other? Or maybe even the person sitting directly across from you has a completely opposite preference. Taste is subjective and so are a lot of other things. We each have different preferences of food, color, music, fashion, etc because we are all different in our opinions.

Recently at the church I call home, the production department has received some not so favorable reviews. In fact, a few have not been critical but rather scathing.

Let me start off by saying... this church, the church I call home is designed to instill a creative experience of worship with a variety of elements. That is how we've always done it. I truly believe because of it we have grown as a whole.

Having heard the negative feedback it made my head spin. It made me angry, and as a volunteer in this area of ministry it made me want to call several people out. As the week went by I continued to think. It seems as though those people are more concerned about worshiping a list of things they need rather than worshiping the creator himself. Are we more concerned about ourselves or reaching out to a new attendee and turning them towards Christ?

Last week, I read a great article by Doug Fields about dealing with criticism in the church. Here is a quote that really caught my eye on how to reduce criticism called the “10% factor.” It goes like this...

 

“At any given time, 10% of my audience is not going to like me. It doesn’t matter what I do, there are going to be people who don’t know my heart, my motives, my story, etc… They are going to be negative no matter what."

If we continue to go on and seek validation from someone other than ourselves, we put power in that person's hands.  BING!

So lately, I've realized that in life we can either give up on what we are doing or choose to continue with the way we have always done things. We can continue to create and be fired up with the amount of lives changing or get wrapped up in an individuals complaints. Because those rewards far outweigh the criticism.

The rest is out of our control. At the end of the day, the only thing we can control is our response to criticism. It's hard because criticism stings!

Batch Full of Gratitude

So about this time everyone has a food baby, is in food coma, or feels like they gained 10 pounds. I completely understand. I'm not much of a thanksgiving feast person. That doesn't mean I'm not thankful, in fact that's my favorite part of Thanksgiving.

 

I will say... this family knows how to cook on turkey day. It's no joke. All tradition, with a counter full of food and a big scoop of goodness.

A thanksgiving favorite is made by cousin Madison. She can whip up the meanest ambrosia in town. By "meanest" I mean the best EVER! My sister-in-law asks for her own container of left overs to take home.

The family drew numbers before supper and sat wherever the corresponding number was. They were all scattered amongst two tables. I did this on purpose. For years there has been a kids table and an adult table. Spouses sit together, boyfriends and girlfriends sit together and it's the same ol thang every single time.

So this year, you were forced to sit next to the long lost aunt you haven't seen in years. Or your annoying brother who chomps on his food. Just kidding. We don't have crazies like that. I did this to create conversation. It was a fantastic idea. Maybe even a way for us to reflect and be thankful.

Speaking of thankful, I'm sure if we all took time to write down everything we were thankful for it would create enough room for it's own shelf on a book case. I think ultimately our life would be better spent, living gratitude, than writing every great deal down on paper. So instead, this year I wanted us to write ONE word describing what we are thankful for. Something that is pinned to the inside surface of our hearts, every day.

It was special.

Each generation had different perspectives on what they are thankful for. As we went around the table to announce our thankfulness they began to change with age. Youngsters are thankful for jobs, and friends, Whereas; the grandmas and grandpas are thankful for health and freedom or Mountain West Conference Champs.

Handsome older brother, Drew. Last Thanksgiving before he deploys.

 

So here were are with stuffed bellies, getting settled back in after much frolicking around town from one event to another. In two short days the fall decor will be making its way back in the boxes and the poinsettias, Christmas lights, and advent will appear. Just another triple batch of good and glowy things.

This is Thanksgiving at its best.

Happy Day Folks!


-Natalie

What's your favorite part about Thanksgiving?