So It's Really Christmas Time???

It just hit me that we are nine days into December....where did November go???

A couple of highlights from November:
Veteran's Day Parade,Birmingham: Addi Rose loved the marching bands, Noah liked the horses & Sam liked the free koozies some company gave out, oh and the "trains" that didn't need tracks! I loved seeing the WWII solidiers and nurses!!! Tried to explain to Sam that grandpa served in Vietnam as a Marine but he didn't get it..but oh well, I tried to expand their horizons, right??!!! =)

Thanksgiving: It was a really great day with the family! Before my family came over, the boys watched the Macy's Day Parade and really got into it.
Our yummy menu included the following - a cheese tray (Mike said his Nana would have a tray at holidays sometimes, and we found some great cheeses at Whole Foods) and bruschetta for our appetizers, wine, the usual Thanksgiving suspects, oh and my sister made some delicious desserts (chocolate pecan pie!)...needless to say, we were all stuffed! Then Noah, Sam and Addi Rose played with their cousins Jacob, Owen, Emma, and Lillie and had a blast. Alli and I checked out the Black Friday sales and then my dad and I discussed getting to the Iron Bowl! My dad was soooooo excited - it was his first Iron Bowl ever (I had no idea).

December started off a bit sad...right after the game, my dad found out about his brother passing away. We all know that Uncle Gary is resting and no longer in pain... he was such a sweet guy and I know my dad is going to miss him. It really makes you appreciate your family and the love that we all share. My aunt and cousins (Uncle Gary's children) are just honest to goodness sweet folks. They've always been so kind and understanding to Noah and that means so much to me. I know his memory will be carried out with them. =)

So...moving on into this current month...you look at the calendar and realize that the month is almost over! We've checked out a few Christmas lights (a favorite past time of the boys), and we've watched a few Christmas flicks but we have soooo much yet to do! We haven't seen Santa yet or stopped by Zoolights....gotta get going on that!!!

Weekly Autism Tip

I'm going to try my very best to share an Autism tip that I have learned recently (and may even be helpful)..

Be warned ~ an autistic child, who you may have been working on his verbal communication for many years, may one day pick up a potty word and use it appropriately. Imagine the following: 'Noah, what are you looking at?' (as he stares at something while playing) to which Noah responds, "What the hell is that?" Yes folks, it is a place but not when it's used that way. Nice one Noah....=)

In This Economy...

About a year ago, I found an opportunity to work weekends (Baylor = make what you make if you were working 3 12 hour shifts but only work 2 12 hour shifts, every, single weekend) in order to have more time available to our increasing family (we added a 3rd little sweetie a year ago, and after that pregnancy, do not plan on adding another since I'm really not the best preggers kinda lady!) Today I found out that I was one of the RNs who had to choose between flexi and full time. Since I need some regularity to my schedule and paycheck, I'll be going back to full time - 3 12's per week. My boys, Sam and Noah, had really gotten used to the fact that I was home during the week and that they had daddy all to themselves on the weekends. So, going back to this schedule is going to take some getting used to...maybe a social story for me to lessen the anxiety/worry on how I THINK the kids, especially Noah will handle the transition. Wait, I am kidding my self - Noah probably won't even notice!

The thought that keeps cycling around my head - in this economy, I'm lucky to even still have a job!

Well Hello There...

Well hello everybody - glad you could join us! It's almost eleven in the evening and the house is silent, except for whatever old appliance's motor is humming along in our kitchen. I'm up but not tired. I'm still coming off 'night-shift-mode' from working a busy night Sunday in the hospital.

So what's this blog all about, you might ask? Ok, so don't laugh (I admit to "cheesiness") ~

ZZ = Mom (Erika, me) and Dad (Mike)

zzz = Noah (7), Sam (5), and Addi Rose (1)

Party of ZZzzz = it's so rare that all 5 of us go out to eat together because of our life, schedule, and this little thing called Autism. But lately, we've been getting braver and had some great times!

This blog is a way to share the humor and daily little miracles & achievements of our autistic son, Noah, the energy and love of Sam (an amazing 5 YO who is always willing to "step up to the plate" to support his brother) and a new little girl who has stolen the hearts of our entire family... ALL together, it makes for a beautiful life!