This is more of a question really but also a sharing of my experience. Do any of your kids collect. Little treasures? I ask because of our 3 boys on the Autism Spectrum,  both Gavin and Elliott have a history of collecting.  Well actually,  in Gavin's case,  it's more like hoarding. Gavin will hoard all the Lego's, Hot Wheels and stuffed animals. In Elliott's case, he collects these little treasures.  These little treasures are usually,  odd little trinkets that have broken off of other toys.  From what I understand,  this is a way of him exerting control over his life,  and to be completely honest,  he has very little control over his life otherwise. I was just wondering if anyone else sees this type of behavior?  He's not stealing or…

Despite all the heartache and struggle, I wouldn't trade my wife and kids for anything in the world. Lizze shared her favorite song with me last night. I found the video on YouTube and thought I would share it with you all. It's a beautiful song by Christina Perri call A Thousand Years. It's from the soundtrack of Breaking Dawn Part 1. The words seem to cut a chord with my amazing wife. This is one of the most beautiful songs I have heard in a long time. I thought I would dedicate this to my beautiful family. I love you all and I'll love you for a thousand years :-) Thank you for sharing this song with me Lizze. I love learning new things about my best friend. :-)   [youtube…

This weather is taking its toll on Lizze. I have never seen her in so much pain.. When I say this, but I mean it literally. Every inch of her body is in excruciating pain.. She showed me her tremors last night and they are really getting bad.. The medication she is taking, I no longer seems to be working. The only thing it does is make her sleep. We have so much coming up this month and I have no idea how I'm gonna pull it off on my own. In Monday, my Mom is going to watch Elliott and Lizze's Dad is going to take Gavin to his antibody infusion. We have to be with Emmett at the Rheumatologist the same time Gavin has to be in Oncology.…

Lizze's parents have provided a much needed reprieve today. They have taken Elliott and Gavin for the and tonight. :-) Elliott has been driving everyone crazy with his anxiety. Gavin has been doing as well can realistically be expected. We needed this break because we have an unbelievable amount of appointments beginning this we and lasting through the end of the month. We will basically be moving into Akron Children's Hospital for the rest of the month, beginning with 5 appointments next week. Between Elliott, Emmett and Gavin, we have several appointments with the neurologist for seizure concerns. We're also hoping maybe we can get some more insight into Gavin's other neurological issues. We will also be seeing the Rheumatologist because of Emmett's rheumatological issues and Elliott's joints and tendons. Gavin…

Gavin wanted me to post a picture of his new Lego creation.  I was happy to oblige and help him share with you,  the fruits of his labor. This is Gavin's natural smile.  It always seems forced and a bit strange. This is Gavin's smile after I get him to relax and bit and just have fun with it.  Great job Gavin.....

I'm not overly religious but I do have faith.  I was raised Catholic and went to Catholic school all the way through college. I believe in God and I pray from time to time. I know that many people don't like the idea of questioning God.  Having said that,  as a father of three special needs boys,  I been known to question God from time to time. As things get more and more difficult,  I'm finding myself wondering something.  It's a question that is burning and so I just have to ask it. Did God make a mistake? I guess what I mean is,  did God make a mistake when he decided I was strong enough to be a special needs parent?  I wonder sometimes,  well,  actually more than sometimes,…

One of the things I love the most about my boys is their endless curiosity,  especially Emmett. Emmett loves to investigate how things work. He is always carrying around this magnifying glass with him. One of his most favorite things to do is look at his fish through the magnifying glass,  as you can see in the pictures below. We had to replace one of his fish yesterday as it had died a little while ago.  I don't remember what this new one is called,  but it's orange and Emmett named him Nemo.  That just to precious,  right? We also picked up some Ghost Shrimp,  cause they were like $. 25 each.  He's just fascinated by these little guys....and girls.  Well,  at least one girl anyway.  We have a very,…