I wanted to share some amazing artwork done by Elliott. He brought this home from school after working on it for quite awhile. I think it's really cool. I like the geometric shapes and the way he colored it. ☺ Hopefully, you take as much pleasure in looking at this as I do.. ☺
I've never been into these challenges before but I want to change that now. For the next thirty days, I'm going to share one thing I'm thankful for from that particular day. My goal is to better focus on the positive things in my life and inspire others to do the same with theirs. For today, I'm thankful for my family. It's Thanksgiving day and for me personally, it's all about family. As a family, we've been through so much and have been able to weather the storm, coming out stronger on the other side. I'm so thankful for my beautiful wife. She's the most amazing person I've ever met and I'm thankful for each day I have with her. Our marriage isn't always easy but we've learned that the…
It was a weird night and I can't say what it was specifically but it was weird. I don't think anyone besides Gavin, slept well. Maybe it was the anticipation of Thanksgiving or just something in the air but everyone Semmes to be on edge. The boys were up at the ass crack of dawn but Gavin slept in. Gavin never sleeps in and it's strange when he does. Lizze had a really difficult time sleeping and staying asleep as well. She's been in a ton of pain lately and that makes life exceptionally challenging. Between Lizze struggling to sleep and the boys wandering around the second floor, I didn't sleep well at all. We're all excited for Thanksgiving dinner and cannot wait for 3:00 PM.
Awhile back, I received an email from someone representing The Georgia Public Safety Training Center. They had found my YouTube channel and began watching the videos I've uploaded over the years. There was one in particular that they were very interested in and it was one of Gavin having a total meltdown/tantrum. The video was a lengthy one and showed me interacting with Gavin as we worked through this particular episode. It is important to note that this particular video was more of a tantrum and less of a meltdown. The video shows Gavin experiencing one of these episodes and me dealing with it. The GPSTC wanted to utilize the video to help train the police, fire and EMS in Georgia, how to interact with people on the Autism Spectrum.…
Gavin has something to look forward to this afternoon. He's going to be joining my parents as they venture about an hour and a half outside of town, to retrieve my Grandmother and bring her back for Thanksgiving. He's so excited to surprise her with his presence. lol They'll be leaving this afternoon and returning in the evening. I hope he has fun and enjoys the time with his Great Grandmother. ☺
Good news is that Gavin seems to be having a better day, at least so far. As I mentioned before, yesterday was rather difficult for him and subsequently us as well. The poor kid struggled with simple things, like managing the front door lock, washing a pot we needed for dinner, self awareness, and remembering just about anything we told him. It was frustrating for him because he kept making mistakes and he doesn't like making mistakes. This morning however, he seems to be firing on all cylinders, at least for him. He also appears to be in a much better mood. I'm totally okay with this and I'm grateful he's found some peace today. ☺
Gavin really struggled today. I'd be hard pressed to narrow down a specific area that he struggled in because it was pretty much everything. Maybe he was just having an off day but it was a rough one. The most obvious thing about the last 24 hours is that Gavin seemed unable to remember how to do a great many things. As an example, he couldn't figure out how to open the front door and that's pretty straightforward. I'm going to get more into this in the morning but right now, I'm completely exhausted and the kids are home for the next five days. I need to try and get some sleep.
The boys had a pretty awesome morning. Minimal drama and high levels of cooperation, made for a far less stressful morning than yesterday. Nevertheless, it's a chaotic morning because there's so much that needs done. The kids got to school on time and at present, I'm waiting for Gavin to finish his bloodwork. We only have a small window for that to get accomplished because I also have to have Lizze on the other side of town for a doctor's appointment. At some point, I have to hit the grocery store, swing back to pick Lizze up and head home to get some work done. The kids need picked up from school and we have family therapy. I'm one of those people who very much dislikes chaos be a use…