Tuesday, March 22, 2011
The Floor is Open
I've been thinking about what kinds of things I'm going to highlight in my different posts about Cameron and autism and it just occurred to me tonight....is there anything that you would like me to talk about? Whether it be about Cameron specifically or autism in general, is there anything you'd like to know? I've had friends ask me questions before, after much deliberation as to whether they should because they were worried they might upset me, or thought it was a stupid question. I assure you, there is no question concerning autism and/or Cameron that I am not happy to talk about, nor do I think there is any such thing as a stupid question. So, if there's something you'd like answered or discussed, please feel free to post it in the comments section of this post. You can even do it anonymously if you feel the need, but I hope you proudly attach your name to it! :)
Monday, March 21, 2011
More Fundraising!
I am blown away by the amount of generous people in our lives! My cousin, Jes, has offered once again to do a fundraiser through her Etsy Shop, Yarn and Rumors, as she did last year. However, she's added some different things to her shop than she had last year. She's got some beautiful necklaces and earrings that she's made. Here are some photos of the set she made for me:
I LOVE them!!! There are puzzle piece designs but she is giving 20% of each sale to our walk team no matter what you purchase! I've added a link to her shop, as well as Sarah's Scentsy site, on the sidebar to the right. Please share both links with anyone you think might be interested and be sure to check it out yourself! Thanks!
I LOVE them!!! There are puzzle piece designs but she is giving 20% of each sale to our walk team no matter what you purchase! I've added a link to her shop, as well as Sarah's Scentsy site, on the sidebar to the right. Please share both links with anyone you think might be interested and be sure to check it out yourself! Thanks!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Doing My Part
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
I saw this quote the other day and it really got me thinking. In the last year, I have done a lot of contemplation. I have always said that I was never cut out to be the mother of a child with special needs, even before I had one. I'll never forget the moment it started to sink in with me that Cameron had bigger things going on than just an unwillingness to do things according to a doctor's timeline. I had a complete breakdown. Cody was with me and all I could keep telling him was that I couldn't do it. I didn't have the strength to do it.
After months of contemplation and soul searching, I realized a few things. The first one was that I didn't have a choice as to whether I wanted to "do this." When I chose to bring my children into the world, I made a committment to be there for them, no matter the circumstance. So, I pulled myself together and started showing up for Cameron, because it was my job. In doing that, I was able to see him in a whole new light. I started to see that my reluctance to accept his autism meant that I didn't accept him. As parents, it is our job to love every part of our children, even the most difficult parts. I never want my children to feel like I don't love them for exactly who they are. And autism is who Cameron is. It is, of course, not all that he is, but it is a big part of him. And it is a part that I love wholeheartedly.
In the midst of all this soul searching, I also came to realize that I can do this. And as much as I thought I was never cut out to be a special needs mom, I now see that it's exactly what I was meant to be. I've reached an entirely new level of patience and understanding in the last year. And that's all because of Cameron. He has taught me so much in his short life. So much more than I will ever teach him. If there is ever a time that I am frustrated with him or stressed out over a situation, I just remind myself that as difficult as it is for me, it is 10 times more difficult for him.
I've also realized that as his mother, it is my job to be his voice for him. It's my job to help the world see and accept him for the wonderful little boy that he is. I've always said that I never wanted this to become an "autism blog." I want it to continue to be a blog about our family's journey. But, our journey includes autism. So, in light of April being Autism Awareness month, I want to do a number of posts about Cameron and our everyday life with him. I want to open the door to life with autism and show people what it's really like, even if it's just here on my little blog. This is not in order to gain pity in any way, but to raise awareness. I mean, let's face it, autism is growing in epidemic proportions. There's a good chance that Cameron isn't the only child you know or will meet with autism. I am always amazed when I tell different people about certain things that Cameron does and they are completely surprised. They generally have no idea what autism entails. And if those of us who live it everyday don't share our story, how can we expect anyone to understand what we go through? So, I'm doing my part and refusing to be silent, because autism matters. Cameron, and the million others like him, matter. And it's my job to show you why.
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
I saw this quote the other day and it really got me thinking. In the last year, I have done a lot of contemplation. I have always said that I was never cut out to be the mother of a child with special needs, even before I had one. I'll never forget the moment it started to sink in with me that Cameron had bigger things going on than just an unwillingness to do things according to a doctor's timeline. I had a complete breakdown. Cody was with me and all I could keep telling him was that I couldn't do it. I didn't have the strength to do it.
After months of contemplation and soul searching, I realized a few things. The first one was that I didn't have a choice as to whether I wanted to "do this." When I chose to bring my children into the world, I made a committment to be there for them, no matter the circumstance. So, I pulled myself together and started showing up for Cameron, because it was my job. In doing that, I was able to see him in a whole new light. I started to see that my reluctance to accept his autism meant that I didn't accept him. As parents, it is our job to love every part of our children, even the most difficult parts. I never want my children to feel like I don't love them for exactly who they are. And autism is who Cameron is. It is, of course, not all that he is, but it is a big part of him. And it is a part that I love wholeheartedly.
In the midst of all this soul searching, I also came to realize that I can do this. And as much as I thought I was never cut out to be a special needs mom, I now see that it's exactly what I was meant to be. I've reached an entirely new level of patience and understanding in the last year. And that's all because of Cameron. He has taught me so much in his short life. So much more than I will ever teach him. If there is ever a time that I am frustrated with him or stressed out over a situation, I just remind myself that as difficult as it is for me, it is 10 times more difficult for him.
I've also realized that as his mother, it is my job to be his voice for him. It's my job to help the world see and accept him for the wonderful little boy that he is. I've always said that I never wanted this to become an "autism blog." I want it to continue to be a blog about our family's journey. But, our journey includes autism. So, in light of April being Autism Awareness month, I want to do a number of posts about Cameron and our everyday life with him. I want to open the door to life with autism and show people what it's really like, even if it's just here on my little blog. This is not in order to gain pity in any way, but to raise awareness. I mean, let's face it, autism is growing in epidemic proportions. There's a good chance that Cameron isn't the only child you know or will meet with autism. I am always amazed when I tell different people about certain things that Cameron does and they are completely surprised. They generally have no idea what autism entails. And if those of us who live it everyday don't share our story, how can we expect anyone to understand what we go through? So, I'm doing my part and refusing to be silent, because autism matters. Cameron, and the million others like him, matter. And it's my job to show you why.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
It's That Time of Year Again!
We are fast approaching June 11th, the date for Walk Now for Autism Speaks. Our team, Cameron's Crusaders, will be partcipating again this year. We are currently working on recruiting team members for the walk. If you'd like to join us, go to our Team Page, and click on the "Join Our Team" link. Once you register, you can choose a URL for your own donation page to which you can direct your friends and family to donate.
Can't walk with us but still feel compelled to help? That's ok! You can still join our team and help us raise funds, or you could donate to our team, help us come up with fundraising ideas, or just cheer us on! We are grateful for any and all support we get, no matter how big or small you might think it is. We have a few fundraising ideas in the works, which will require help from team members, but I'll post more about that later. For now, I wanted to share with you a fundraiser that an old friend of mine, Sarah (Will) Davenport, is doing for us. Sarah is a Scentsy Consultant. Scentsy is kinda like scented candles, but there are no flames or wicks. They have warmers that melt bars and fill your home with lots of different yummy fragrances!
So here are the details. Scentsy is selling a Full-Size Warmer called Piece by Piece.
$5 of each sale of the Piece by Piece warmer goes directly to Autism Speaks. But that's just the beginning! Sarah is donating 25% of each sale, no matter what you buy, directly to Cameron's Crusaders! So check out our party and see if there's anything you'd like to buy! Just make sure it says that you're shopping the Muhs Autism Fundraiser party!
If you have any questions about the Scentsy fundraiser, the walk, or want to let me know you want to join our team, please email me at semuhs@yahoo.com.
Also, April is Autism Awareness month. I've decided I'm going to do a few posts about our life with autism throughout the month in order to do my part in raising awareness. And I can't wait to show you the awesome video I made!
Can't walk with us but still feel compelled to help? That's ok! You can still join our team and help us raise funds, or you could donate to our team, help us come up with fundraising ideas, or just cheer us on! We are grateful for any and all support we get, no matter how big or small you might think it is. We have a few fundraising ideas in the works, which will require help from team members, but I'll post more about that later. For now, I wanted to share with you a fundraiser that an old friend of mine, Sarah (Will) Davenport, is doing for us. Sarah is a Scentsy Consultant. Scentsy is kinda like scented candles, but there are no flames or wicks. They have warmers that melt bars and fill your home with lots of different yummy fragrances!
So here are the details. Scentsy is selling a Full-Size Warmer called Piece by Piece.
If you have any questions about the Scentsy fundraiser, the walk, or want to let me know you want to join our team, please email me at semuhs@yahoo.com.
Also, April is Autism Awareness month. I've decided I'm going to do a few posts about our life with autism throughout the month in order to do my part in raising awareness. And I can't wait to show you the awesome video I made!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Owen Turns 6!
Today, at exactly 6:23pm, my baby boy will be 6 years old. It just doesn't seem possible. In that short 6 years, he has grown into such a loving, caring, funny, smart, thoughtful little guy. He amazes me everyday with the stuff going on in that little head of his. We decided to do his birthday up big this year. He's had family parties back in Murphysboro but he's never had a big party where he could invite his friends. He picked Monkey Joe's, which is an inflatables place. He was SO excited to have a day that was all about him. So, on Saturday, we celebrated the awesome kid that is Owen William Muhs.
He requested Mommy make him a Buzz cake. Of course, I couldn't say no to that!
What's a cake without cookies to match? We have rockets, sixes, cowboy hats, aliens, Rex, and Hamm. As you can see, it was a Toy Story theme!
Staring longingly at the cookie platter while waiting for his guests to arrive.
Our neighbor, Harlee, one of Owen's best buddies.
My friend (and Cody's co-worker) Laura's little girl, Kodi. (Yes, it does get confusing with Cody and Kodi.)
Chrissy and Claire going down the slide
My friend Ellen and her son, Bryce. (Side note: adults were not allowed on the inflatables. I am still giving my friends a hard time for being rule-breakers. :) )
Chrissy and Ben
The kids ate pizza while were there. Owen thought his special throne was so cool!
The kids getting excited because Monkey Joe came in!
This is most of the kids at the party, though some were a little shy to get in the photo.
Owen and our friend, Colin. Colin is in 1st grade and Owen thinks he's the coolest!
Alas, Cameron was sick with a bad cold/cough and couldn't come to the party. But it was probably a blessing in disguise because it would have been a lot for him to handle. A big thank you to all our friends who made the drive to Des Moines to come to the party! Owen loved seeing everyone and thoroughly enjoys all his gifts!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Back By Popular Demand
Ok, so maybe not "popular" demand. More like, I saw the sad look my dear mother-in-law gave me when she expressed how upset she was that I was no longer posting photos of her grandchildren and she missed it so much. That, coupled with the fact that I really have missed blogging and I do want to continue to document our family's journey, has brought me back to this old blog. I was gone so long dust was starting to collect around here!
I can't really give a specific reason as to why I haven't been blogging. I think I just got caught up in the chaos that is life and just stopped doing it. Having two young children, especially one with special needs, maintaining a home, and being able to find time to fit everything else in that I want to do has been a bit of a challenge for me in the last year. Time management is not one of my strong suits. But I'm hoping to make a concerted effort to add some weekly blogging into my busy schedule.
Before we get to that, I'll give you the Reader's Digest version of what we've all been up to lately.
Cody has been working hard at work. He's also been trying to finish up some of those 95% projects around the house. You know, the ones that get about 95% done and then you move on to something else without ever finishing it for whatever reason. He's gotten back into his running schedule after taking a bit of a break at the end of last year due to an injury and lack of time. He's hoping to run a couple of 5k's this year so he's very excited about that!
I've been keeping busy shuttling the kids to and from their various appointments and activities. I'm a PTA member, which I actually really enjoy. I think my biggest chunks of free time these days are spent baking and decorating sugar cookies and cakes. I've always loved it (as I'm sure most of you know) but I've taken it to a whole new level in the last year. The cookies are becoming a strong favorite over cakes so I've been doing a lot with those. I make them for friends, the kids' birthdays, holidays, and for Owen's class whenever they have a party. It's time consuming but I love it!
Owen is having a blast in Kindergarten. He's adjusted well to the change and is really enjoying it to the fullest extent. Last fall he started Tae Kwon Do and he loves it. He's in Tiny Tigers, which is for kids aged 4-6. His friend, Ben (my good friend, Chrissy's son) is in it with him, along with a boy from his class. He's tested twice since he started and moved up to Tiny Tiger Yellow Belt. He's also gearing up to start Tee Ball for the first time this Spring. We're apprehensive about how that will go since he's never really enjoyed team sports all that much but we're hopeful that he'll have fun with it.
Cameron now has a very full therapy schedule. We are driving to Des Moines to Child Serve, a therapy center made just for kids, 3 days a week now. He gets speech and occupational therapy at the same time, 45 minutes each time. We're also going to be adding a feeding therapy session there soon to help with his limited diet, which is due largely in part to his sensory defensiveness. We have really discovered in the last year just how complex his disorder is and how everyday is such a struggle for him. But he is progressing everyday! He's also receiving therapy at home through a great place called The Homestead. They do ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy, which is an essential part of autism therapy. It is intense, but if done correctly can really produce some awesome results. They are coming to the house 4 days a week for 2 1/2 hours each time. It's been an adjustment for him but he's doing well so far. He LOVES the water so we are expecting to log a lot of hours at the pool this summer!
So that's us in a nutshell. We just had Owen's birthday party this past weekend so I'll be sharing photos of that soon! I can't believe my baby is turning SIX tomorrow! Where does the time go?
I can't really give a specific reason as to why I haven't been blogging. I think I just got caught up in the chaos that is life and just stopped doing it. Having two young children, especially one with special needs, maintaining a home, and being able to find time to fit everything else in that I want to do has been a bit of a challenge for me in the last year. Time management is not one of my strong suits. But I'm hoping to make a concerted effort to add some weekly blogging into my busy schedule.
Before we get to that, I'll give you the Reader's Digest version of what we've all been up to lately.
Cody has been working hard at work. He's also been trying to finish up some of those 95% projects around the house. You know, the ones that get about 95% done and then you move on to something else without ever finishing it for whatever reason. He's gotten back into his running schedule after taking a bit of a break at the end of last year due to an injury and lack of time. He's hoping to run a couple of 5k's this year so he's very excited about that!
I've been keeping busy shuttling the kids to and from their various appointments and activities. I'm a PTA member, which I actually really enjoy. I think my biggest chunks of free time these days are spent baking and decorating sugar cookies and cakes. I've always loved it (as I'm sure most of you know) but I've taken it to a whole new level in the last year. The cookies are becoming a strong favorite over cakes so I've been doing a lot with those. I make them for friends, the kids' birthdays, holidays, and for Owen's class whenever they have a party. It's time consuming but I love it!
Owen is having a blast in Kindergarten. He's adjusted well to the change and is really enjoying it to the fullest extent. Last fall he started Tae Kwon Do and he loves it. He's in Tiny Tigers, which is for kids aged 4-6. His friend, Ben (my good friend, Chrissy's son) is in it with him, along with a boy from his class. He's tested twice since he started and moved up to Tiny Tiger Yellow Belt. He's also gearing up to start Tee Ball for the first time this Spring. We're apprehensive about how that will go since he's never really enjoyed team sports all that much but we're hopeful that he'll have fun with it.
Cameron now has a very full therapy schedule. We are driving to Des Moines to Child Serve, a therapy center made just for kids, 3 days a week now. He gets speech and occupational therapy at the same time, 45 minutes each time. We're also going to be adding a feeding therapy session there soon to help with his limited diet, which is due largely in part to his sensory defensiveness. We have really discovered in the last year just how complex his disorder is and how everyday is such a struggle for him. But he is progressing everyday! He's also receiving therapy at home through a great place called The Homestead. They do ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy, which is an essential part of autism therapy. It is intense, but if done correctly can really produce some awesome results. They are coming to the house 4 days a week for 2 1/2 hours each time. It's been an adjustment for him but he's doing well so far. He LOVES the water so we are expecting to log a lot of hours at the pool this summer!
So that's us in a nutshell. We just had Owen's birthday party this past weekend so I'll be sharing photos of that soon! I can't believe my baby is turning SIX tomorrow! Where does the time go?
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