Having some upgrades to our @VivintHome system today

I'm pretty excited because we're having so equipment upgrades to our Vivint Smarthome. My house gets automatic upgrades when updated equipment comes out so I can both test, review and then share my experience. Today, we're being upgraded to the Nest thermostat and Amazon Echo integration. The boys are excited about the Echo and I'm excited about both. Once I've had a chance to play with these upgrades, I'll share some pictures and thoughts. In the grand scheme of things, it's not a huge deal but I'm really proud of this partnership and since I love tech, it's something I really look forward to. ☺

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Why I’m so proud of Gavin this morning

Gavin's bloodwork went we this morning, not that it ever doesn't anymore. We went to the lab after dropping the boys off at school today because Gavin was due for his Clozapine refill and that can't happen without current bloodwork.  As usual, I dropped him off at the front door and he signed himself in. I waited in the car while he did what he had to do.  I don't worry too much about him being in there alone because everyone knows Gavin and looks after him while he's there. Besides, he would have to come through one of two doors to leave and I could see both.   When he came out, he explained that everything went great and then we discussed the suckered he picked out for himself,…

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A very frustrating ADHD morning

It was a rough morning. We were all planning on a second snowday and it didn't happen. Elliott was very uncooperative and bouncing off if every service he came into contact with.  Lizze and I were trying to keep everyone moving but Elliott was frustratingly difficult to the point that's he's lost some screen time to when he gets home from school today.  Emmett did pretty well but unfortunately, everything was overshadowed by the chaos left in Elliott's wake. 

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Desensitization and helping our son with #Autism wear shoes and socks (video) 

Sensory processing disorder has creeped its way into almost every aspect of our lives. Elliott, Emmett and Lizze all struggle with sensory related challenges. Gavin's doing much better as he gets older.   One of the most impactful issues revolves around Emmett and wearing clothes, in particular shoes and socks.   We've been trying a great many things for many years and have received mixed results at best.  I wanted to share a quick video of a new approach I've taken to help Emmett become more comfortable in his shoes and socks. The key here is for him not to realize what we're doing and disguise my efforts in something fun.  He loves walking on the treadmill but can't unless he's wearing shoes and socks. It's a safety thing and…

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Sometimes I feel like everyone in my family is speaking a different language

Sometimes I feel like a sane person locked inside a looney bin. I've privately made this statement many times over the years and while it may sound insensitive, it's simply how I feel sometimes.  Let me put this into perspective for you.   There are five people living in our house and four of those five people have special needs. I suffer from depression but I'm largely able to function. There are times however, where that level of function is much more difficult for me to maintain.  Here's the thing that I've been known to struggle with.  Every person I coexist with in our home has physical or emotional needs that require me to modify the way I address things in our life.   Gavin requires me to sit and…

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How our child with#Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder reacts to shoes and socks (Audio) 

I'm sharing this with my readers for one singular purpose. I want to help raise awareness for kids/people with invisible challenges, such as sensory processing disorder, as well as what their parents/caregivers experience.  I've spoken countless times about how we struggle when it comes to getting Emmett dressed and ready for school. I've provided direct insight, so you can experience for yourself what this is like for us as parents.   Before you listen to this recording, please keep in mind that this is in no way an attempt to keep from having to go to school. One of the reasons Emmett gets so frustrated is because he desperately wants to be at school but can't tolerate the clothes required for him to leave the house sometimes, especially in the…

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Yay…. It’s a snow day

As we predicted, the schools across North East Ohio are closed today because of the dangerously cold temperatures. I have a feeling that this snow day will extend into tomorrow as well because it's not supposed to get any warmer.  To be honest, as crazy as it may sound considering how difficult the kids are, I'm glad they're home.  If you're  stuck in this same polar vortex that we are, please stay safe and warm...  ☺ 

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Emmett had a rough time falling asleep 

Emmett had a tough time falling asleep last night. He came downstairs and sat with us for a little bit before Lizze took him back to bed.  We weren't sure if he was going to fall asleep in his own bed or move to ours at some point.   When Lizze and I went to bed, we found him fast asleep in his own bed. Awesome sauce...... ☺  I wouldn't be surprised if we we learn that he stayed in his bed because our room was too dark but who cares. This is major progress and what makes this so awesome is that he was able to work through this..  Great job Mr. Emmett..... ☺ 💙 

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