Lizze is in so much pain today that she's been getting sick, on and off, all day long. I can't get her to drink much of anything.  I'm probably going to have to figure out a way to sneak out and get her some gatorade.  I wish we could catch a friggin break. This week is going to be exceptionally rough because Gavin will be coming home after school because my parents car is in the shop and with the recent death in the family, they will likely be spending some time out of town, with family. All completely understandable. However, having Gavin back in the house is really going to cause significant disruption for Lizze and the boys. This is going to be a very, very long week.

I was teaching Emmett about how the Tortoise needs to be able to take a bath. I explained that even though she doesn't live in the water, she still needs moisture. Emmett help in giving Turtle Turtle a bath this afternoon.  We found a small container and put an inch or so of room temperature water into it.  Apparently, Turtle Turtle needed stickers on the container as well. She really enjoyed her soak and Emmett made sure she was able to get her shell wet as well. He was very gentle and did a great job. I think I'm going to make a responsibility chart for Turtle Turtle's needs. This will help get the boys into a routine and ensure that her needs are met.  I'm really proud of my…

The things we do for our kids.  Have you ever noticed how we do things for our kids because it makes them happy, even if it doesn't make sense. The boys have been wanting a turtle for the longest time.  We have been playing the redirection game since earlier this year.  However, it's always been in the back of my mind and I've quietly kept my eyes open. Well the other day, I came across one, looking for a new home. The boys have been struggling a lot more lately and I wanted to do something to make them happy.  I realize that it may not have been the most logical move in the world but there are many things about parenting that aren't logical. Having released the fully recovered…

Last night and this morning has been pretty rough.  It could definitely be worse but it could also be better. After Gavin's brief return home yesterday - because he had nowhere to go after school- Emmett was afraid to go to bed last night. That hasn't happened since Gavin's last tantrum.  Maybe it's just a coincidence but I don't believe it is.  Emmett’s been difficult all morning long, as has Elliott.  Lizze is having a nonfunctional day.  When I say that, I mean she can barely get out of bed, let alone help me with the boys.  To say that I'm just a bit overwhelmed would be an understatement.  I'm building the Autism Help Forum app, big thanks to Tapatalk for that. I've got an article deadline to meet this…

Shortly after Lizze and I got married we bought a new Queen size mattress set from Value City furniture.  This turned out to be a huge mistake. Within a few weeks, the mattress began falling apart, literally. They came out twice to stitch it back together. We even bought the extra insurance but that turned out to be a mistake as well. Shortly after it was fixed, Gavin spilled grape juice and stained the pillow top.  This shouldn't have mattered because of the extra insurance. However, apparently there was a clause that said the stain had to be reported within something like 24 hours and we didn't know, so we didn't report it in time. Because of the stain not being reported right away, the warranty has been voided. Fast…