Read more about the article A long overdue update and a request for thoughts and prayers
My thoughts / Thoughts and Prayers

A long overdue update and a request for thoughts and prayers

I'm burning the candle at both ends. I'm sleep deprived and not running on all cylinders. Emmett's really struggling right now and last night he was in crisis. It's not something I will go into details about but I'm currently working with Akron Children's, his therapist and his mother to do whatever we can to help him. He's safe and at home. I'm managing things at home, and that's a huge plus. He's an Autistic kid who's being forced to deal with things no kid should have to deal with. He's been through a great deal this year and doesn't have the tools to cope with all of it. Your thoughts and prayers would be greatly appreciated for both Emmett and Elliott. Gavin can always use them for different but…

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December 17, 2019
Read more about the article Why it’s so challenging when #Autistic kids get sick
My thoughts

Why it’s so challenging when #Autistic kids get sick

I'm really hoping that Emmett will be returning to school in the morning. We have had our routine out of whack for over two weeks now and we're all paying a price for it. I haven't been able to workout regularly in weeks and the things I can do at home, don't give me the same emotional boost that walking outside does. I think that's part of why my depression is kicking my ass right now. Before I get into this a bit more, I feel like this can be a teaching moment and I'm hoping that by sharing this, I can provide some insight and additional context about some of the struggles that parents like myself face. It can be really hard to manage Autistic kids on a good…

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December 16, 2019
Read more about the article If only I didn’t need to sleep
My thoughts

If only I didn’t need to sleep

It was a rough night. A couple days ago, I pinched a nerve under my right shoulder blade. It's making finding a comfortable position to sleep in, next to impossible. It hurts to breath and cough and even move my head. Not sure what I did but it sucks. I had the mattress cranked up to 118°F and layed flat on my back. I was hoping the heat would help and it sorta did. Unfortunately, Emmett woke up with a nightmare, just about the time I finally fell asleep. He was so shook by whatever he'd experienced that he glued himself to me. The poor kid was shaking uncontrollably and that was the end of me sleeping. I'm exhausted and in pain but otherwise in a good mood. Last night…

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December 15, 2019
Read more about the article Gavin did the most amazing thing today
Gavin / My thoughts

Gavin did the most amazing thing today

It's been a little while since I haven't really talked a great deal about Gavin lately. I suppose the reason for that is that there isn't a great deal that's new. Gavin isn't struggling with everything that the boys and I are. He carries his world with him and his mom moving out has no real impact on him because his life moves on just the same. Having said that, Gavin has made some decisions today and I'm sorta beside myself with amazement. I felt it was important to share this because it's really cool. Gavin spent some time working with my Dad today and when he came home, he proclaimed that he wants to get a job. This isn't something I've ignored but it's just not been something that…

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December 15, 2019
Read more about the article Can I squeeze any more stress into my life? Don’t answer that.
My thoughts

Can I squeeze any more stress into my life? Don’t answer that.

I haven't written in a day or so because I'm feeling buried alive at the moment. I'm wrapping up season 2 of the podcast and finalizing the last few scheduled interviews, while planning season 3. This is actually very time consuming but every episode is a profit and it helps feed the kids, I keep doing them. I'm also trying to finish up Christmas preparations. Not all of the kids are excited about Christmas this year. The events that have transpired are weighing heavy on us and Christmas without their mom living with us is very difficult. While this is going on, I'm also trying to plan for our trip to Florida early next year. It's a huge opportunity for us and it's important to the kids. All else aside,…

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December 13, 2019
Read more about the article A fun little project my kids and I are doing over the winter
My thoughts / Sponsored Post

A fun little project my kids and I are doing over the winter

Something I haven't talked much about is the fact the boys and I are growing plants in the house this winter. I've not been avoiding it. I just keep forgetting. I was thinking about it tonight and thought I'd close the day off with a quick update. We aren't super gifted in the art of botany or gardening for that matter but we're growing some simple things like fresh mint and some other herbs that A) smell good and B) I can use in cooking. I use the mint in my smoothies because I like mint and it's really good for you. We wanted to start growing edible plants and figured it would be a cool little project for over the winter. The boys really want to grow a lemon…

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December 11, 2019
Read more about the article Creative ways my kids avoid talking during therapy
Elliott / Emmett John / My thoughts

Creative ways my kids avoid talking during therapy

The boys had an emotional therapy session last night. Gavin didn't participate outside of briefing us on his rather bizarre missions he's been going on lately. Frankly, it was weird and kind of uncomfortable to listen to. Elliott and Emmett had some things that were upsetting them. These were things that I couldn't help with because I don't have any control over other people's actions. They didn't want to talk about it but they eventually did and I'm very proud of them for doing so. Mr. Emmett went and found a blue bucket, cut out facial expressions, and taped them to the outside of the bucket before putting it over his head in an attempt to avoid talking about these things. He evertually opened up but it took some time.…

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December 11, 2019