1. Tuesdays Won’t be the Same
We have been blessed to be part of an equine therapy program since August. Unfortunately, the program closed it’s doors this month and Jackson took his final ride. There was nothing better than seeing Jackson on top of a horse. I will never forget his first session. He hopped on the horse without an ounce of fear and said the word orange for the first time. From that day on he could say every single one of his colors.
He was super excited to receive a trophy during his last session. He kept saying, horse trophy, horse trophy, Jackson’s room. It sits proudly on a shelf in his bedroom. We will miss the staff and the horses; but we’re so thankful for the amazing memories we made during the past ten months.
2. 21 Day Fix
I completed my first round of 21 Day Fix this month (the exercises anyway) and I really and truly love it! I didn’t follow the food plan or drink the shakes because I’m honestly a very picky eater and purchasing the shakes just isn’t in the budget right now. I decided I would make healthier food choices and drink a few less Dr Peppers. The number on the scale isn’t a whole lot different, but my body is changing. I’m toning up and slimming down. But the best part? I’m getting stronger. When I started the program I had to do the plank exercises on my knees; now I can do them on my toes! I’m learning it’s all about progress, not perfection. Each day as I sweat, I’m telling myself these ten things!
3. The Best Mother’s Day Gifts Can’t Be Bought
Mother’s Day was filled with a sweet message from Jackson’s birth mother, a free family portrait (that Jackson sat still for) at church and Jackson talking my ear off. Not a single one of these gifts cost a dime; but they are gifts I will cherish forever. So very valuable in my eyes. And the best gift of the day? Jackson decided Mother’s Day was the perfect time to start taking himself to the potty! Hallelujah and Amen!
4. IEP Meetings Are For Advocating
What do you do when your IEP meeting is the Friday before Apraxia Awareness Day? You take goody bags for each member of the team – filled with information about Apraxia. You also take a huge cookie cake to celebrate the progress your son has made this year – because so many words, y’all! He’s talking up a storm.
5. My Worth Isn’t Found In What I Write or What I Weigh
6. Even Though It’s Difficult, Leave Him With Pop and Lolli
When you have a child with special needs there are very few people you feel comfortable leaving your kid with. My parent’s are the only ones who watch Jackson for extended periods of time. This month he went to Pop and Lolli’s house for a few days so we could meet up with our friends in Boston and road trip to Montreal.
This mama was nervous. It’s not because I don’t trust my parents. I do. I was just worried about the things they aren’t used to dealing with because they don’t see Jackson on a daily basis. There’s the meltdowns, lots and lots of words that can’t always be understood, sensory issues and the exhaustion that comes from keeping up with a sensory seeker. I was worried because my mom happened to mention a few weeks ago that Jackson gets sad and calls my name at bedtime (Why did she tell me that??) My sister reassured me that everything would be okay and she’d be there to help my parents out.
I was nervous but I also needed a break. So despite how difficult it was, we left him with Pop and Lolli and enjoyed some much needed adult time. While we made our way through Montreal, Jackson took on Texas! I’m sure there was plenty of Dairy Queen ice-cream, rides in Pop’s truck and trips to Whataburger. It doesn’t take much to make the kid happy!
7. I’m Lovin’ My New Summer Hair
