Avon's Bath Finger Paints

Seems like whenever I give Ethan a bath, we end up doing some sort of messy play. It's just so easy to do sensory play in the bathtub! I have his full attention, he is calm, and clean up is a breeze! Recently, I have discovered how to make playing with shaving cream even MORE exciting & enticing for Ethan....my coloring it & making it bath paint! For more on that, visit here.

Well, for Easter, my mom bought all of her grand kids Avon's Natural Kids Bath Finger Paints. They came in 3 colors....pink, blue & orange. Ethan didn't seem all that excited when he opened his gift from my mom, but when he took his bath that night & saw what these guys could do....it was an instant hit! It was goodbye shaving cream & hello Avon paint!

Good Teachers Make All the Difference

This past week was Teacher Appreciation week, and I was very excited to be able to pamper Ethan's teachers a little bit. Each day Ethan would take his teachers a small gift, and Ethan LOVED doing this! Note cards, candy, drinking cups, etc.....very small things in comparison to what these amazing teachers have done for Ethan.

Last week, Ethan's classroom teacher told me that she caught him reading a book to another student.....sitting side by side together. That is amazing....both the actual sitting & the sitting NEXT to a child. She also told me that he sought her out & verbally asked for her help with something. She said that this was a first time. AWESOME! His speech therapist told me this week that she is working with Ethan on being quiet & LISTENING to others. This small statement almost had me in tears. It wasn't that long ago when I didn't think Ethan even HAD a voice....and now he is working on controlling it. AMAZING! His occupational therapist sent home several things from earlier in the school year, and the change from then to now regarding his penmanship is OUTSTANDING!

All of these things happening are because of Ethan's awesome teachers. They not only care for Ethan but they push him to do his best every day. I love that! They have told us that he is doing very well with transitions, he no longer fully relies on his support aids, his speech is better than ever before, his motor skills are becoming solid, and his social skills are growing a little each day. The word "thankful" just doesn't do justice to how I feel about Ethan's teachers. Grateful? Blessed? Who knows. But these 4 women are laying the ground work for Ethan's future success.....and they are doing a FANTASTIC job! We couldn't be happier!

I also am so thankful for Ethan's two Sunday school teachers. They, too, love & care for Ethan. They are teaching him about Jesus through crafts, singing, stories, play, and through their own lives. Awhile ago, I attended a Temple Grandin conference, and a woman asked this question: "How can we teach children with autism about Christianity? A very non-concrete concept?" Dr. Temple's answer? By living it out in your actions. Show them what it means to love your neighbor. Show them what it means to love like Christ. Show them how to follow the 10 commandments. Show them, show them, show them.....

Awesome.

And Ethan is blessed to have 2 teachers that show him & show him & show him. This week, after reading My Church Party, one of Ethan's teachers came to our house. Since we hadn't gone to church this Sunday due to our weekend road trip, we hadn't received any of our weekly Sunday school materials. So.....his teacher brought them to us. Are you crying? Because I am! Thank you, Ms. Randi!

Good teachers make all the difference in the lives of children. I knew that as a teacher, but now that I am a mom....I see it first hand. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to all of Ethan's teachers! We are so blessed to be under your care & knowledge. You have all impacted this family's life for the better in so many ways. We love you!!!!!

Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me

and do not forbid them for of such is the kingdom of Heaven." Amen!

LoveYoMug.com

Awhile ago, this blog received a facelift. Wanting to have a design that was unique & personal, I contacted my amazing artistic cousin, Jenny. And I LOVE the new look!!! Since that time, she has developed a website for others to receive this same kind of individualized & creative self portrait....in print OR in digital form!

If you submit a photo to her, she is able to create several types of looks.....depending on your preference! She can do a comic book look, an oil painting print or a sketch-up style (which is what I choose)! She can even take photos of several different people & create a group picture of all of them! IT'S AWESOME!!!! She is very easy to work with, too! She was able to create a design for me that was PERFECT....even though it was difficult for me to tell her exactly what I was thinking. She's that good!!!!

Check out her new website, LoveYoMug.com. Here are some sneak peeks!!! These would be great gifts! I'm already thinking about using her services for our next Christmas card!

Oil Painting

Comic Book

Sketch-Up Style

A New Look

Recently, I have been playing around with a new look for my blog. I was even all ready to contact someone to design it for me. And then.....

I contacted my amazingly talented cousin, Jenny (who is more like a sister). She is an amazing artist, and can pretty much do anything. Not only does she do graphic/media work as her career, but she is also currently working on illustrating a couple of children's book as well as many other projects. One of her books is about a goat who faints at loud sounds....remind you of anyone??? Jenny has been very proactive in learning about autism as well as sensory processing disorder, and is a regular reader of this blog. She really is an all around amazing person. Check out her many projects at her blog, http://jennycorleyillustration.blogspot.com/.

I asked her if she would like to be interested in designing an image for my blog, and she went all out! Here is her beautiful artwork!!!

In the next few days, some changes will be happening, design-wise, to this blog....built around this image. I am soooo thankful to my talented cousin for creating such a one of a kind piece. She is currently in the process of getting her own website up & running where she will provide personalized images, similar to this one. LoveYoMug.com won't be live for many many weeks, possibly around a month, so check it out soon!!!!

THANK YOU JENNY!

Day 7: Things I'm Thankful For - Autism Style

This is it! The last day of Things I'm Thankful For - Autism Style. And can you guess what the last one is????

ETHAN! 

I am so thankful that I am Ethan's mom. All of the emotions that have come & gone....from being told that I may never be a mother to being told that my only child has autism....it has all been overwhelming. And, it is very easy to look at the sad part of our story.

But.....then I look at that little boy that God has blessed me with......and the sadness instantly goes away. He is such a treasure from God, and I am so extremely blessed to not only know him....but to know him as his mom. He has taught me so much about how to love unconditionally.

He is joy. He is love. He is silly. He is funny. He is excited. He is smart. He is energy. He is curious. He is sweet. He is warm. He is unique. He is innocence. He is perfect.

I am often asked if I could take away Ethan's autism, would I do it? My answer is not at all. He is perfect just the way he is. God made Ethan just the way he wanted him to be, and I am very fortunate that God thought enough of me to select me as his mother......to bless me with this amazing opportunity to learn about my sweet little boy & his wonderfully, mysterious super power called autism.

Here is a video that I have never shared with anyone. This was recorded over a year ago. It is almost bedtime, and we are all in our jammies....and lookin' quite fabulous, I must say. However, this video best shows the bond & love that Ethan & I have with each other. This kid is my heart, and I love him so much. This world is a better place because Ethan is in it....and I am a better person because I know Ethan. Thank you, God, for my beautiful boy.

Day 6: Things I'm Thankful For - Autism Style

Although Thanksgiving is over, I am still continuing my week long Things I'm Thankful For - Autism Style. Today I am SO thankful for the man that I am fortunate to call my husband, Corey.

I am thankful for Corey in many ways. However, this is specifically in learning how to live with autism. So, I will be only talking about ways that I am grateful to have Corey as my spouse regarding this topic.

This man is amazing. Not only is he tolerant in dealing with his crazy wife (me), but he has strength & patience that I do not have. Every day, this man leaves for work before any of us are even awake so he can be home by 3pm. Being priviledged to have a great job, Corey is able to adjust his 8 hours....and he has chosen to work from 6am-2:30pm. This puts him home by 3pm. He does this every day in order to be home as much as he can with Ethan and me. Now, I know a lot of guys who would choose to sleep in later & be gone from the home as late as possible in order to avoid the craziness of raising kids. But not this man. And I am so thankful for this sacrifice.

Not only does he come home as early as he can, but EVERY DAY Corey starts playing with Ethan as soon as he comes home. Ethan knows that the moment Daddy walks in the door....it's wrestle time! And I am so thankful for that because this is something that Ethan's senses need (see sensory diet) yet I am unable to provide. I am not able to flip him, lift him, spin with him, etc. as much as Corey is able to do. And, to be honest, I do not have that innate wrestling ability that boys seem to have from birth. And this wrestling fun goes on for at least 1/2 an hour....more times than not, though, it goes longer....more like an hour. This also gives me a chance to clean up the house from the day & get dinner started. And because of this wrestle time, Ethan is usually able to sit at dinner table for longer periods of time.

Our evenings usually involve Corey helping someone in someway.....this is his nature. Either working on someone's car, working on a vinyl project, fixing a computer problem, helping a family member.....the list goes on & on. And Corey ALWAYS tries to involve Ethan as much as possible. He will think nothing of pausing his mowing to come do sidewalk chalk with Ethan or taking Ethan with him to run car related errands or playing cars while printing vinyl in his office. Corey is the king of inventing new games out of random things as well.....and Ethan LOVES it. Usually I have to continue the play the next morning while Corey is at work. It warms my heart that they have such a deep bond. I mean, you should see Ethan light up whenever Corey comes home. It's the most heart stirring thing I have ever seen.

And EVERY NIGHT, we have our bedtime routine. This has helped Ethan go to sleep quicker & have less meltdowns at bedtime....because he knows what to expect. So, our nightly routine is that Daddy does bath while I clean up the toys. Then I read books & sing with Ethan while Corey takes out the trash. Then Corey comes back in to pray & do a final good night kiss. EVERY NIGHT.

Corey is also learning all he can about autism as well. In January, he will be returning to school. One of his goals is to learn how to create iPad apps in order to develop more of them......for free. Currently, he is learning all he can about social stories and the pattern that has best helped children with autism. He is also volunteering at our church not only on the Mosaic Ministries Advisory Panel (special needs ministry), but he is also on the Children's Safety Committee. He is participating in a Men's Bible Study at work in order to keep his faith strong. He, too, has reached out to others in the autism community and is finding new ways to help Ethan. He created a online fundraising opportunity for others to donate funds to not only buy Ethan an iPad, but another boy who has autism as well. They raised enough money to buy 2 iPads, 2 stylus pens, and 2 protective frames. And in October, when he learned about Light It Up Blue, he immediately went out & bought a bunch of blue light bulbs.....even though the event isn't until April. He has also been very proactive in utilizing the resources provided to us by Easter Seals.

Corey is also VERY in tune to me & when I need a break. He is constantly encouraging me to take a break in the evenings.....go for a walk, go take a long bath, go get a cup of coffee with a friend, etc. And when I am so overwhelmed that I can't see straight, he is right there to take the reigns from me. (I am a bit of a control freak, so this is not an easy task for him.) He helps me with laundry, cleaning, dishes (ugh), finances/budgeting, planning, getting out the door on time, etc.

I am so thankful that not only do I have a spouse that I adore, but I have a true partner when it comes to parenting Ethan. He loves that little boy as much as I do, and we are both committed to raising him together. The divorce rate among couples with special needs children has been reported between 80% & 90%. When Ethan was 6 months old, we had him dedicated to the Lord in a ceremony at our church. Then, when Ethan was diagnosed with autism this May, we privately both recommitted ourselves to raising Ethan no matter what we faced as a family. I am so thankful that God brought this man into my life.....Ethan & I are so lucky to be his wife & child. Ethan would not be where he is....would not have made the progress he has made.....without Corey.

Oh yeah....one more thing. I am also thankful that my husband would prefer to stay home & play with Ethan on Black Friday. This way, me & my girl friends can go shopping for some great deals!!!!!! LOVE YOU, COREY!!!!!!!

Day 5: Things I'm Thankful For - Autism Style

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!! Since it's the actual day of thanks, I figured it was only right that I share what I am most thankful for as I am learning to live with autism.....my faith in Jesus Christ.

I was always raised in church. Both of my parents are Christians, and my dad is even a pastor. So, I have been attending church ever since I was a baby. As most kids do, I prayed for Jesus to come into my heart almost every Sunday. But something happened to me when I was a young child that changed my faith-life forever. When I was in 2nd grade, my parents separated and then officially divorced when I was in 3rd grade. Since I was at a very impressionable age, I was very acute to how my parents would deal with this heartbreak....and both of them relied on their faith. This was a very monumental point in my life....seeing my parents endure such a difficult time, but never turning on their faith & both of them always relying on God. Then, when I was in 5th grade, my mom took me & my sister to a Carman concert. During the song, The Champion, God got a hold of my heart. I remember sitting down in my chair & crying. When my mom leaned down & asked me what was wrong, I told her that I didn't know. She said, " I think that God is speaking to you." As I silently shook my head yes, she prayed with me & that night I truly accepted God as Savior of my life. I will never forget that moment.

Years passed and I continued to be involved in church & learn more about this God that I now knew personally. The summer before my sophomore year in high school, I participated in a Nazarene traveling youth choir called Destiny. One concert, I remember having that same feeling...God was speaking to me again. I remember during that outdoor concert telling God that not only did I love him with all of my heart, but I wanted him to really be Lord of all of my life....every part.....my language, my activities, my attitude, etc. I wanted to be completely His.

God & I had a great relationship. He was a constant companion...guiding me & leading me through every decision. In January 1999, God brought a wonderful guy into my life. In August 2002, God blessed our marriage, and together as a couple we begin to pray for God to use us for his ministry. A year later, God blessed us with a tremendous opportunity to leave IL and travel to TN for a wonderful career move for Corey. We were so excited and continually felt God leading us down this path. However, a week after we had moved, things went terribly wrong. Things were happening to Corey at work that caused us to doubt why God had brought us there. A very long month later, Corey could take no more & resigned. When the owners of the company got word of the happenings, they sent us an apology letter along with reimbursement for moving expenses. Eventually, the owners came in, cleaned house & took care of the situation.....but it was too late for Corey. He could endure no more, and our faith had been shattered. Why had God so clearly brought us to this place? to this situation? to this mess? We both felt that God had left us. After years of us both loving our God, we both turned our backs to Him. If this is what following God's will was like, we wanted nothing to do with it. We were both mad & hurt.

Thankfully, we have a Christian family & friends who were praying for us when we couldn't. They invited us to Bible studies, church activities, Sunday school, and so on. We participated....begrudgingly.....because we wanted to keep our families happy. I remember during one session of my Ladies' Bible Study, the question was posed....."What role of God do you need him to be in your life?" Examples were: Father, Comforter, Rock, etc. My answer was easy.....Friend. I felt like my dearest & closest friend had betrayed me, and I needed him to be a true friend.....the friend I remembered growing up. On the way home from that session that night, the song, Praise You in This Storm, came on the radio. I just sat in my driveway, and cried. Cried out all the hurt, cried out all the pain, cried out in forgiveness....and that's when the healing began. It wasn't like the next day I was all better, but it was the first step. And over time, God was able to heal our hurt & restore our relationship with Him. I had always believed that even though we may not understand the situation, God always has a plan for us. It wasn't until years later that Corey and I realized why God had led us to that situation. Corey & I have led a very "easy-ish" life.....nothing ever all that traumatic had ever happened to either of us. Not only did it cause us to "grow up", but this situation brought Corey & I extremely close to each other. No one else in this world knows what we went through & how it felt....only the two of us. And when Corey & I talk about that time in our life, we both agree that we wouldn't change a thing. The benefits far outweigh the scars. The bond that was created between Corey & I will never fade. We endured a horrible thing together, turned our back on God together, and found our way back to God together.

Now, fast forward to the day Ethan was diagnosed with autism. Because of what we have experienced in the past, Corey & I knew that, no matter what, God has a master plan. And because of our past, we were able to handle this news better than if we hadn't endured that period of time. Do I ever ask "why?" Absolutely. Will I blame God for this & turn my back on Him? Never. Do I lean on him EVERY DAY for strength? Always. And now I even think that we went through such a difficult time in order to prepare us for learning to live with autism. That God....He is always a step ahead of us, isn't He!

So, on this Thanksgiving Day, I am very thankful for having a personal relationship with my Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ.

"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

Day 4: Things I'm Thankful For - Autism Style

One of the most important parts of learning to live with autism is having a strong support system. And my family is extremely blessed to have a very large & very strong support system.

Although our little family is just the three of us, we are very fortunate to have a very large extended family. Living in our city alone, we have my mom, Corey's parents, all of our siblings & their families, a step-grandmother & her husband, and 3 out of 4 sets of Corey's aunts & uncles & their families....needless to say the birthday parties are quiet large! Most of my side of the family lives at least 2 hours away including my dad & step-mom, 2 cousins that are more like sisters, several aunt & uncles & their families, and both of our grandparents. Thank goodness for the internet!

ALL of our family is very encouraging & supportive. ALL of our family wants to have a relationship with Ethan and are continually wanting to learn more about how to make that possible. No one in our family has ever made Corey & I feel like we are bad parents due to Ethan's behavior or developmental delays. ALL of our family asks us questions about Ethan & are constantly encouraging us as Ethan's parents. ALL of our family genuinely loves Ethan, and wants to know how they can help us or him. Our siblings & their families always include Ethan in family activities. From Uncle Chris teaching him how to hit a baseball to Aunt Rachel always playing board games with him, this kid is surrounded by love. Not only from our siblings & their families, but our parents have been beyond amazing. For example, when I told our parents that we were able to attend a Dr. Temple Grandin conference, my mom immediately wanted to go too.....and Corey's parents offered to watch Ethan....which included Grandpa changing diapers.....which just doesn't happen. This is the kind of support our parents & family are giving us......they too are being stretched out of their comfort zone in order to better understand autism so they can better understand Ethan & have a relationship with him. Even his 8 cousins who are 10 years old or younger will play a game with Ethan over & over again. Through this repeated play, they are connecting with Ethan.....and whether they realize it or not......they are gently pulling Ethan out of his world & into ours. We are truly blessed to have such an amazing family that encourages & supports our little family.

We are also extremely thankful to have amazing friends that support us as well. I have read about families that have been excluded from activities because their child has autism & their behavior is unwelcome. Thankfully, we have not yet experienced this heartbreak. Our friends are very aware of Ethan & his quirks, but always include us in festivities & events. ALL of our friends are very encouraging....through emails, cards, hugs, and....the most important to me....loving & accepting Ethan as he is. And my girl friends are so amazing at letting me share.....sometimes obsessively so....all about Ethan & what we are dealing with.....good and bad. This support is great, not only as a mother of a child with autism, but as a mother of one child. All of this is new to me....the parenting part as well as the autism part. Some times I discover that Ethan's behavior is very typical and other times they provide excellent suggestions & tips. We are so blessed to have A-M-A-Z-I-N-G friends.

I will never forget the day that Ethan was officially diagnosed with autism. All day long I had been texting family & friends who were praying & waiting alongside with us. On the way home from the clinic, I texted everyone the results. And overwhelmingly our family & friends said this......"It doesn't matter that Ethan has this diagnosis. He is still Ethan, and we love him....now & always." Now how lucky are we to have so many people like this in our lives!? I really think we are the most fortunate people in the world to know love like this.....and how awesome for Ethan to know this love....not only from his parents but from his family & friends. And without these wonderful people in our lives, Ethan wouldn't have made the progress that he has made. Thank you to all of you. We are soooooo blessed to call you our family & friends.

Day 3: Things I'm Thankful For - Autism Style

On the third day of this countdown, I am extremely thankful for all of our support aids! And, yes, I did say OUR support aids.....they help Mommy & Daddy too!

1. Technology - We are so blessed to live in a time where we have the kind of technology that we have. Being able to reach across the world, and connect with other families learning to live with autism has been so amazing. Our family has learned so much from other families that have either been where we are or who are going through it as well. And being able to write this blog has been a sanity-saver. I am able to keep records, recall progress, share victories/frustrations, connect with other families, and share information about autism. Also, the technology "toys" that Ethan has access to is so awesome. He loves to play computer games. However, from my point-of-view, he isn't playing......he is learning. PBS & Sesame Street's online games are his favorite, and these are teaching him how to read, how to categorize, and even modeling the art of conversation. Ethan has also been blessed to receive an iPad. This has been an life-changing tool for our family. The social stories alone have helped Ethan in high anxiety situations such as going to the doctor. This has also been helping him with his handwriting, understanding emotions, as well as his speech. We do, however, limit Ethan's time on these electronics. Ethan could easily spend hours playing with them & withdraw back into his world. If he has spent a significant time playing computer games or watching TV, it is more difficult to communicate with him....so we limit his time for both. It has become a treat or reward, and I am so thankful for this extra support in his development.

2. Sensory Aids - From difficulty sleeping & eating to sensory overload, we use A LOT of sensory therapy aids around here. I am so thankful for all of the families that have gone through this before us and have been able to share their knowledge with us. I am also thankful for Ethan's Occupational Therapies for teaching us what specifically helps Ethan in certain situations. Both of these have, again, been life changers for us.

3. Conferences - From Easter Seals to Dr. Temple Grandin, there is a wide variety of information available to those who are interested in learning more about autism. And Corey & I are very blessed to be able to take advantage of as many of  them as we can. Recently, I was even able to participate in an on-line conference specifically about ministering to those with autism & other "hidden" disabilities. It was wonderful!

4. Coffee - Yes, coffee is a support aid.......to mommy! There are times when I need a "time-out".....a break from the craziness of the day.....and coffee is always there. As soon as I take a drink of that warm fresh cup of coffee, I am immediately soothed, comforted & calmed. Some days require only my morning cup, and other require a whole pot. So, thank you coffee pot, for keeping me calm & sane during those crazy days!

Day 2: Things I'm Thankful For - Autism Style

Currently, I am listing the Things I'm Thankful For - Autism Style. On the 2nd day of Thanksgiving Week, I am thankful for Ethan's Early Intervention. This includes Child and Family Connections, Easter Seals, and Preschool Family Educational Center.

We started this journey with Ethan in October 2010.....when he was 2 years old. Although we didn't have a diagnosis yet, we knew that Ethan was showing signs of developmental delay. Through the suggestion of a friend, we contacted the Child & Family Connections agency, and began our journey. He joined a 2 day, 2 hour a week developmental playgroup where he blossomed. He also started speech therapy and, later, occupational therapy. We also put his name on the waiting list to be tested for autism at Easter Seals. During our short time with this early intervention agency, Ethan grew leaps & bounds........and I will never forget those people & what they did for our Ethan. I truly am eternally grateful.

In May of 2011, just one month shy of 3 years old, Ethan received his official diagnosis of "classic autism." We then became an Easter Seals family. The resources that have been made available to us are astounding. There is a "resource" room that acts similar to a library. Instead of buying expensive therapy toys & aids that may or may not work with Ethan, we can check them out from the resource room. It really is an amazing resource for families learning to live with autism. They also provide therapy, training, and support to the entire family....not just the person with autism. They are a wonderful organization, and we have learned so much from them. In the future, we plan on Ethan participating in their swim classes, summer ASD preschool program, and possibly help us with toilet training. We are so blessed to have these resources available to Ethan.

In June of 2011, Ethan "aged out".....meaning he was too old for the Child and Family Connections program.....so we were then handed over to the public school system. Currently, Ethan is enrolled in a two hour, everyday preschool program where he also receives occupational therapy & speech therapy. He is a part of a typical classroom which includes a teacher and a teacher's aid. Ethan LOVES school. Although Ethan is very advanced in the academic world, he is still very delayed in several areas.....mainly his social skills. Last week we sat down with Ethan's teachers & his speech therapist, and we reviewed his progress & goals. One of his goals is to "initiate conversation with others." While this is a great goal for us to have for Ethan to have, I made comment that this goal will probably still be on his IEP in high school. Social skills will be a life-long mystery for Ethan.....but we will constantly be there to help him learn. And, not to brag on my child, but his teacher's told us that....on the skills they tested him on (colors, shapes, numbers, etc.)....he not only meets the end of the year goals for the 3 year olds.......he meets the end of the year goals for the 4 year olds! What a smart kid we have!!!!! So, we are already beginning to see his strengths & his weaknesses.

I just think about the past year of our journey with Ethan's Early Intervention Program, and I am in awe. If Ethan hadn't been a part of these amazing programs, where would he be today?! More frustrated, more silent, more withdrawn......I just can't even begin to imagine. The progress he has made in only a year is astounding. I honestly am eternally grateful for all of the people that have come into Ethan & our lives in order to help us learn to live with autism. It's been an awesome journey.

Things I'm Thankful For - Autism Style

During the weekend of Thanksgiving, I will be pretty busy....as most of us tend to be during the holidays. So, last week I wrote double-time, and I created Things I'm Thankful For - Autism Style. It's a tribute to the things that I am most thankful for specifically when it comes to living with autism. Some maybe fun & other things serious, but they are all honestly true.

The first thing I am thankful for is my van. I L-O-V-E my mini-van. This past summer, my sister & I talked about me taking care of her 2 kiddos while she was at work. This would include a lot of driving because her oldest is in all day preschool & my Ethan is in half-day preschool......at different schools. Plus, my last car wouldn't have been able to fit 3 car seats plus coats & book bags & snack/drinks. So....this last August we purchased a new-to-us minivan......and I adore it!

Because toting around 3 kiddos is not the easiest thing in the world, I rely a lot on my van. Her side doors will automatically open at the touch of a button on my key....LOVE! So, when the kids run past me going out the door in the morning, I simply push a button & the kids are already climbing in the van while I am closing the front door. It also helps when I'm running errands & need both of my hands for all the usual mom stuff.....holding kids hands, carrying purse/diaper bag/sacks of merchandise, etc. I can push the button & literally drop my load on the floor of the van....and then get things situated. On the inside of the van doors, there are also push buttons that allow the kids to push the buttons....if I choose to unlock this feature. The kids love taking turns pushing the button to close the doors....and it's one less thing for me to do with my already full hands. As the driver, I have the ability to open the side door of my choosing after parking the van. I love this because I can pick the safer side of the van to gather the kids....and they automatically know which side to exit.

We have gotten our morning school routine down pretty good, and the kids & I are like a well oiled machine. But if I didn't have this van, it would be 10 times harder for me.

Other things I love is that we have the stow & go option, so if we need extra space...I can do it myself & not wait for my husband to help me. I also love that each kid has their own space, their own cup holder, and their own air/heat vent. Initially, I wanted a van that had a DVD player installed overhead, but that would have increased the price of the van. Plus, we don't really let Ethan watch that much TV.....it makes him harder to communicate with because it increases his "withdrawn-ness." So, instead, we use a portable DVD player only for long trips. And the plug in for this is RIGHT beside Ethan's seat. It's a beautiful thing.

It also has a CD player. This means I am the kids personal DJ. On the way to the first school, the oldest get to pick the music. One the way to the second school, Ethan gets to pick the music. One the way home from the dropping the boys off at their schools, the youngest gets to pick the music. And, of course, they all like something different. Then we do the same, in reverse, when we pick the kids up from school. Basically, whomever school we are going to or leaving from gets to pick the music. And, honestly, I LOVE music.....so i don't mind being their DJ.....I would be doing it if I was alone anyway!

It also has........are you ready?.........a tape player! I was actually pretty excited about this! I went down to the basement & dug out the few tapes that I had managed to save. One of them was C&C Music Factory. And guess what??? Ethan LOVES the song Everybody Dance Now, and requests it often.....much to my joy & my husband's annoyance. HAHA!!!!!

So, today I am extremely thankful for my wonderful mini-van. I love her (yes, she is a her because she too can multitask), and she makes my day soooooooo much easier & a lot more fun!