Successful Therapy

I have had several emails requesting I talk about Landon's therapy session over his behavior.

In the past couple of weeks, Landon has been displaying "screaming" when he wouldn't get his way, needed attention, or was trying to communicate but couldn't get the words out that he needed. As much as that makes me sad that he couldn't communicate, it irritated the heck out of us! Nate and I were at a loss. We knew we needed an intervention. I talked in detail to his private speech therapist, Katie about this. She came up with some things to put into place. Have I mentioned she is one of the best therapists ever?

Here are the steps to Positive Behavior Support:

1. Consider the function of the behavior. If it's attention, ignore it, etc.

2. Be proactive-BEFORE problem behavior occurs.

3. Preventative-Make changes to the environment.

4. Teach a more appropriate skill that meets the same or similar function. (Replacement behavior.)

5. Change behavior of both the child and adult.

Katie made a social story with pictures and detailed it to Landon about his screaming. It was perfect!! His wheels were turning in his head and it clicked! Since we have implemented this new support, he hasn't screamed one time. I can't believe it. It's like a totally different child.

The visuals will show you what we are doing. We are so thankful and finally feel like we are making strides in this area. Social stories are great for typically developing children too! Liam loved it!

Sometimes I hear people scream and sometimes I scream too.

My teachers are sad when I scream. It makes Mom and Dad sad too. Liam does not like it when I scream and neither do my friends. Screaming is a sad choice.

I am not allowed to scream.

When I choose no screaming, it makes my teachers happy. It makes Mom and Dad happy too and it makes Liam and my friends feel good.

When I choose no screaming, I get to go to places I like. (church, school, with friends, El Puente for chips and salsa, and parties.)

No screaming is a good choice.

When I choose no screaming I get to have things I like. (Ice cream, donuts, computer times, candy, and toys.)

No screaming is a good choice.

A little visual to take places with us.

Another visual to take with us.

Blessings

As I was driving this evening, I had a strong overwhelming feeling come over me. It was one of those breath in, breath out moments. I thought about a couple of things, and then God reminded me it could always be so much worse. In the midst of my overwhelming feeling, I felt my shoulders start to relax and a sense of peace came over me. It was amazing! No joke. The stresses of day to day things like finances, kids, jobs, family, etc. can be very overwhelming BUT God promises us joy and peace. I want to remember how blessed I am in everything. I want to live like I am blessed. I want to show others I am blessed. I AM BLESSED with a loving family, a healthy family, great friendships, a nice home, food in my fridge, clothes on my back, and a great church. Thank you Lord for the many blessings.

The Wind

Have you ever had one of those days where you just need to step outside and take a long deep breath and feel the fresh air and wind on your face? It was one of those times this weekend. Don't get me wrong, we had a wonderful weekend but it has brought some challenges we are choosing to persevere through.

Landon has turned a different direction in his anxiety level. There are some things that are causing him more anxiety. Yesterday I just wanted to cry but I held it together. Nate was gone for some of the day and my parents were here. When Landon doesn't get his way or is made to do something he doesn't want to do, he reacts in ways that push our buttons. I know it sounds typical, but these are things that he was doing just fine with. We have put some things in place and are having a special therapy session on this coming up. All weekend in my head I kept thinking how hard all of this is for me. I didn't really realize it until I went to bed last night. I just prayed. The only thing I can do is give Landon the best I can in everything and pray that the Lord will help us through the difficult parenting patches. It's not easy.

On a different note, we got to celebrate Landon's friend Brooklynn on Saturday. She just turned 6 and had a fall party! Landon and Brooklynn were in preschool together. She mothered Landon and took care of him. She was part of the reverse mainstream program through the school district. Brooklynn's Mom Lynzey did a fabulous job with the party! They are a sweet, sweet family and dear friends to us.

After the 6 year old party, we headed to Nate's bosses house for his 40th birthday party! I failed to get pictures on my camera! We had fun giving him a hard time and we hope he wasn't offended with his funny card we gave him. Hee, hee.

Last night was just what I needed. I went to the Mark Schultz, 33 Miles, and Finding Favour concert at our church! It is part of the Letters From War tour. It was beyond wonderful. I didn't think I was a big fan of these groups but after last night I am now! It was such a blessing!

The cute table!

Me and the girls

Landon and Savanna

Brooklynn and Landon

33 Miles

Mark Schultz

What a Week!

Hello blog friends!

I really can't remember what the day is today but I think it's Thursday. It's been one of those weeks.

Monday was a typical day. I kept Derrick and Liam all day and then my husband took us out to El Puente for dinner. Tuesday, was another typical day. I made taco's for the boys for dinner and had a girls dinner with Deb Fusek and my friend Katie. Deb is a great gal. She has designed the Reach Effect. It's a website that hosts everything for a parent that has a special needs child. It is full of resources and has stories on it as well. You can also like them on Facebook. She had a vision for this and put it to a test. It has been a huge success! Deb and I met while our boys were in a Social Motion class together.

Yesterday was a little different. I got the "bug." I was in bed most of the day with nausea and other things I won't mention. I feel so much better and am gaining my appetite and strength back. It's amazing how worn out you feel in just one day of sickness. I pray my family doesn't get what I had.

Today Nate had an MRI done. He has been having severe migraines and the ENT wanted him to get this done. We don't think it's anything serious but it will be good to rule everything out. He thinks it might have to do with migraines from vertigo. We will see.

Tomorrow I am working and doing my errands. It will be good to get out of the house and enjoy some fresh air. My parents are coming on Saturday to see us so that will be tons of fun! Not too much else to report.

You're Beautiful

We sang this at church this morning. Listen to the lyrics. Amazing.

Not a Wordless Wednesday

Liam and I had such a great day today! We enjoyed each others company and it was so nice to be with my little man. He is 17 months and getting way too big. He is signing and saying so many words. Unbelievable!

We started off the day by taking Landon to school. We hit the gym on the way home so I could get a quick workout in. After working out, we came home and got ready for lunch. We went to Big Whiskey's today to celebrate our friend James birthday. He just turned 30! So young! The whole student staff went and had a blast. It's nice to serve with people you love. After lunch, Liam and I came home for his nap time. I got a bunch of things accomplished. After nap time we went and picked Landon up from school and went by the church to see Nate. After that we headed home for dinner before church tonight. I had a creative team meeting for our new modern church services. We have some neat things coming up!

Happy Fall Ya'll!

What did you do this weekend?

Do you feel like you ask that question a lot to your friends? It's always fun to hear what others do on the weekends. Our weekends are our down time. Nate works about 55-60 hours a weeks so we try and enjoy our time as a family when he is off.

On Friday I went to the gym and had a different class than what I was used too. It was a good mix of boot camp, cardio kickboxing, and toning. I was very sore on Saturday. I haven't been that sore in a while. It's a good feeling though! After the gym I went into work and did my thing and then met Nate at the pediatrician's office for Landon's 5 year old check-up and Liam's vaccines. They both did great and Landon is in the 97% percentile for height and 95% percentile for weight. 4 feet even and 54 pounds. Did I mention he wears a size 3 shoe? He is such a big boy.

After our doctor's appointments we headed to Chick-Fil-A to get dinner for the boys. It was one of those rush around kind of nights! We had to get it through the drive-thru and eat in the car as we were headed to gymnastics for Landon. This was his second week. He absolutely loves it! About halfway through the hour though, I noticed him getting very sleepy. He was just laying there after doing a somersault with his eyes half opened. I immediately went over to get him and he just melted in my arms and told me he was sleepy. We decided to take him on home and get him a warm bath. Kindergarten has been quite the adjustment for him. He is so tired by Friday. He slept 12 solid hours Friday night. Fridays might not be the best choice for gymnastics.

Saturday we enjoyed a lazy day at home. I got so much done! I love that feeling! We ended it with dinner at Chipotle and a fun evening at the park. It was such a beautiful day!

So, what did you do this weekend?