Don't Leave Me Folks!

Very busy day; so busy, in fact I have nothing to write on account of being tired. Insha Allah, I'll write some important things down, and post it tomorrow. Night night.

Who Am I?

I woke up this morning feeling completely lost. My day started to screams in the hallway, of daily bickering. "Stop Fatboy! Momma!Momma!" (Other kid) "Shut up!". In my moment of trying to be awake, and take advantage of some unbothered time, I've realized: you just can't fake sleeping. The boys could have cared less if I were awake, in a coma, or road kill in the a.m.. It's either I better get up, or send out an S.O.S. for someone else to take the wheel. I broke out into a rage about the house not being what it use to be, and how I've completely lost it. Called up my Doc. and made an appointment to be seen on Tuesday. I rambled on partially incoherently about things I don't even remember right now, and while this is going on the boys are scattering like mad. Every thought completely annoyed me; like the fact that my cell phone has been missing around the house for a week now. It died while missing so there is no use calling it. The kids didn't like dinner tonight, and I didn't care; and telling them how fortunate they are didn't work, and I still didn't care. I'm on to their little plan: protest dinner and then I'll have child services to worry about. Well no sir you won't! I'll bribe,beg, and even disguise for you to eat those veggies! One little 7 year old ingrate protested, and when I told him he had no choice he said, "But mom, I'm completely broke!". Ya Allah! It is a cesspool of corruption in this house! Is there anyone in here on the straight and narrow, who doesn't bribe? I admit, I promise them things over a clean room, or finished school work, but I consider these rewards. Why in the world is my 7 year old trying to bribe me with cash for veggies? It's like a nightmare of some scene where he's slipping a crisp 1 dollar greenback under the table for some goods. Argh! What have we become! I'm so confused right now, I don't know whether to give rewards or make them do things on account of just because I said so. Kidnappers:10 Mom:5

Worth The Money

I'm on kindle! Just click those beautifully highlighted words. I must say, I think this blog is atleast worth $.99. Where else are you going to find such organised insanity? Come on people! Laugh with me, cry with me, pray with me, go crazy with me, but for the most part, raise some kids with me. LOL

One Fish, Two Fish, Dead Fish, Dead Turtle

Pardon if I am in the middle of a rant, but I bought my sons three fish today. They are a fish, a fish, and a fish (For lack of remembering their proper names), and the whole drive home I worried if our turtle Habil would like them. I didn't know that I should have been more concerned with tiny humans, who have an interesting way of showing they care. I would ponder on thoughts such as, "What was he thinking?", but that's exactly what he wants me to do. The diabolical mind games of these kids never cease. After coming and introducing pets to one another, "Turtle, fish; fish, turtle", I got a kick out of watching so much activity going on, that I stood there for a while smiling. Habil finally has friends to play with! Well it turns out that I am NOT the only one the kids are trying to kill in this house. I'd finished up some projects, shipped off an order, and closed a deal, when suddenly I found a mess in the kitchen. I yelled for my oldest to clean it up that instant, then told him to go to his room. While giving him a lecture of a life time, my eyes shifted suddenly to a tank that looked as though it were filled with pink water. To my horror, someone had dumped the whole bottle of fish food in! In a rage I threatend the kids with no toys, no t.v., no dessert, no reward stickers, no shoes, no shirt, no service. Yeah, I was that angry. Saying "no" just felt that good at the time. I still have a few "No's" up my sleeve, it just kind of comes out when they ask for things. LOL, what a rant. ‘Qadr Allahu wa Masha Fa’al’ (Allah has decreed it and what He willed has happened) Oh the emotional woman I am.

Worshipping Through Decor

The urge to redecorate has hit me, so I am on the hunt for more beneficial home decor. For a long time I have loved the whole natural look; plants, fruit, veggies, a nice coffee motif etc. Just natural things that represent me, with colors that are calming. Although these things represent how I like to relax, it does not represent how I worship.Insha Allah, this is about to change, I've been on the internet ordering and searching, and I feel moved already before anything gets here insha Allah. Out of everything, there is a piece of wall art that has the 99 attributes of Allah (SWT) on it. I think I love it so much, (besides the fact that the 99 attributes of my lord are on it) because there is not a lot going on in the art. It's sophisticatedly fashioned with the attributes hand written on the leather like material. I think it's just beautiful.Of course on my quest to redecorate, insha Allah, I will post more gems that I find along the net, and of course I am always open to ideas.

An Almost Forgotten Entry

On Dec. 1st, my eldest son turned 7 years old, so on the night of Nov. 30th I decided to explain to him he would be turning another year. Here is our conversation, in detail: Me: "Insha Allah son tomorrow you will be turning another year older. Insha Allah you'll be 7!" My son: "Tomorrow!" Me: "Insha Allah, yes!" My son: "I'll be 7?!" Me: "Insha Allah, yes!" My son: "I'm getting married!" Me: "Ye....wha....No! Turning 7 is a really big step, because it means you're older and you can make some decisions for yourself. When you're much older, and you have a job, you can find a wife and take care of your family." My son: "Oh." So the next morning, as I stared at my ceiling from bed, trying to muster the strength to get up, I heard a conversation out in the hall. It went something like this: My oldest son: "Ya know I'm 7 now. I'm about to get married, and have some kids, so I've got to find a job so I can take care of my family." My second son: "Oh." Ever since this day my oldest feels a strong urge to bark orders, and have been a bit more prideful. Insha Allah, the next time anyone meets any age milestones I will have to have an in depth conversation. Maybe something along the lines of; "Now you can get your own food when we go to the buffet."

Autism and Sensory Stimuli

While on the net looking for some great educational toys, I ran into an app that I use on my phone. Now I am not sure about other phone apps, but this is a great app for Android on teaching your children du'ah's (supplications to our lord). I must say this is The Best I've Tried Thus Far It doesn't get any easier for a child than this. My son has already began to learn some, Al-humdulillah (All praises are to God)

An All Time Boogeyman

Fear. On my quest in teaching my children about Shaytaan (Satan), I am also teaching them about correct fear. Time and time again, when they have done something they should not be doing, (such as talking back to their mother) I tell them to fear their lord. Now, in knowing my now 7 year old, I know this is something he is going to probably have a field day questioning me about. So here is my take on how to explain this to my son, who feels he should be informed of basically everything. When I was a little girl, I was picked on badly by my grandmothers next door neighbors daughter. She was a girl about the same age as I, but she was bigger than me. Not because she was a big girl; you see, I was just the size of a toothpick. Anyhow, she got a kick out scratching my face up, so much so, that I still have a scratch mark this very day under my left eye. One day while we were outside "playing", she started up again. I don't really remember how it started, the only thing I remember was my face feeling as if it were on fire. "Ahhhhhhh, grandmoooooooom! Ahhhhhh!", tears stung my face and made it hurt worse, which made me cry more, which made it hurt even more; and so on. When my grandmother had come to the door and saw my face, and already had an understanding of what was going on, she said, "You hit her back!" I forgot about the pain for a split second, because I thought grandmom had finally lost it. She wanted me to take on this "big" girl? She instantly, in her grandmotherly wisdom, knew that was something I did not want to do at all. So she then said, "If you don't hit her, I'm going to hit you!" Woah! What a predicament, I suddenly had to make a somewhat executive decision. So I took the lighter sentence and slapped her dead across her cheek. For "some reason" after that she didn't bother me anymore. It was a moment I didn't realize that I had stood up for myself. So, I tell this story, because we have to fight the shaytaan back for all of his evil deeds he has in mind, or suffer the consiquences of punishment from our Lord. From my own experience, it's better to defend yourself rather than conform to what is wrong. If we remember that shaytaan has someone to answer to also, then we will find no reason to listen to the wispers of his calling. Why be afraid of a middle man, right?

On A Treadmill With No Results

I'm running constantly, and though it feels like I am on a treadmill, my metaphoric fat isn't going anywhere. I see my destination, and what is put forth in my path, but my body is feeling a little weary lately. Allahu Ailum, (God knows best) things are in order, I am ultimately more blessed by the day, and I know it. So now I just need to make this run count, insha Allah (God willing). I have been blessed with three boys who do things differently than most boys, and sometimes the things they do seem like cruel and unusual punishment, but it's never a dull moment here. Al-humdulillah, (All praises are to God). Most people think that kids/adults on the spectrum "just don't get it", but what if it's us that just don't get it. I broke down my kids lives to it's simplest of forms, and found that the equation matches every single human being. Autistics are not too caught up on what if's and possibly's; things are far more important to that stare them in the face everyday. It makes me question myself and every other "programmed" adult on things that are uncommonly common sense. Like, why are there silent letters? Is it a spy? Why is it in a word in the first place? I found my son becoming very confused with the word "know"; why in the world does "common" knowledge have to make mommy look like a liar!? Ya Allah! (Oh God) The look of absolute discust was in his eyes, like, "Come on lady, you just said that this letter makes a completely different sound, and now you're telling me it can be quiet." Yes son, I failed you because society likes to make things more interesting. Things like this, are hard for them to grasp; if he can't see it and it's not what he was taught, he needs thorough explaining done. I have to say, it's beautiful though. How beautiful is a mind that questions everything and hold dear to the answers it's given. A brain that works off of logical proof and understands what's right. I guess you can call me a spectrum fan. In fact, you can call me the spectrums #1 fan. Please enjoy the rest of the blog, and don't be shy to check out other entries; and please feed the blog pets. Right side, scroll down a bit.->->

Oh The Insanity!

I have no idea where the medical community is heading. I got a call from my mother, letting me know that one of the lovely LPN at the doctors office I attended as a child, remembered me. She told my mother that it would be a great idea if I and the children would come by to see her. While leaving, my mother ran into my old pediatrician, and the meeting wasn't nice. She informs him that the sweet LPN wanted to see us, he unprofessionally says, " Oh no! No,no. Last time she was here she didn't have control of her children." His idea of no control, is because my AUTISTIC sons (2) were stimming and ran away from over stimulation. In my defenses, my mother says, "No, she has very good control over them, and they are doing very well." He rudely says, "Oh so she's matured?" The worse part about this behavior, is that he is considered a medical "professional"; in what way is downing the mother of three Autistic boys, trying to find her way, professional? Another bad factor of this incident, is that the pediatrician hadn't seen myself , nor my children, in about a good 3 almost 4 years. So with that being said, he unprofessionally made an assumption. And this is the man intrusted with, not only the welfare of most of the children in south Philadelphia, Pa, but the dignity and integrity of his patience also. So Dr. Maurice Daniels of south Philadelphia Health Associates, you ought to be ashamed of yourself.

Writers Block

There are so many things I want to write, but right now they're so bunched together, it's hard to put them into to words. So, insha Allah (God willing), I'll save it for another day. Just remind me I have somethings to tell you. (bad memory, yeah the kids stole that too.)

Darn You Autism!!!!

I've had an emotional 24 hrs., I've hated myself, I've hated Autism, I've hated my ex, I've even hated bleach. I think I've gone through just about every emotion in the last 24 hrs. The story started yesterday afternoon, that turned out to kick me in the butt later in the evening. You see, ever since the power outages, I've allowed the kids to keep the potty in their room so they could go through the night. Eureka! It worked, even Isma'eel didn't wet the bed. So back to earlier yesterday; I helped Meatball on to the potty and when he was done I poured water from a container to cleanse him. The water splashed everywhere because he wouldn't sit still, all I could do was breath a sigh of frustration and decided that since it's just water, it'll evaporate. Well that splash of mines stuck around for awhile, after cleaning out the pale and putting about an inch of water and bleach in it, I attached it back on the potty. Now here's the moment when you hold your hands over your eyes and wait for the scary part to be over. Later that evening, as I was making decorations for the coming Eid Festival, I heard thumping in the boys room. I got up to investigate what the heck was going on that was interrupting my supermom moment. As I opened the door I could tell that Isma'eel and Meatball were out of the bed, so I told them that they knew better and had better get back in the bed. Upon saying this, I noticed a wet spot on the floor and the smell of bleach. It didn't dawn on me that a cap full of bleach in water could still be smelled from across the room. I became outraged; the only thing that crossed my mind, was my landlord flipping out. I asked Isma'eel, (seeing as he was the oldest in the room at the time), if he'd knocked it over, and he said yes. I asked him was he climbing on his bed again, and he answered in the affirmative. I then began yelling like a mad woman telling him that when I put him in the bed, he is to stay there. I made him look at what "he" had done to the carpet, and how he doesn't behave. As I am having this hissy-fit, I am shaking when I shout and pretty much scaring the poor boy. I calm down enough to detach the potty pale and empty it and clean it out, and think to myself it may not be such a great idea after all. I came back in the room and told him that from now on he'd have to get up and walk the hall at night and go to the bathroom. As I am leaving the room, I get a thought (and this is totally spiritual, Allahu Ailum (God knows best)), I go into the room and smell the spot. I get in there feel the spot and the floor is soaked, but it doesn't smell like bleach. I felt horrible, like something was crushing my chest that very moment. It was the spot from earlier. I turned to Isma'eel in his bed and asked him to come to me; he was very hesitant, but he came over. I wrapped my arms around him and I cried like a baby. I cried, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!", and it didn't feel like it was enough. I felt like I took some sort of innocence from him by yelling at him so harshly for something he didn't even do. But what I mostly cried about, was how he accepted blame so easily and so willingly even in fear. These are those times when reality hits, and even though you play "the normal game", this is your anchor back to reality. I beat myself with the thought of, "What's going to happen to them when I'm not here?", or "What if I'm not around when things happen to investigate?". It's happened before with my other sons also, it's painful to think that, Insha Allah (God willing), someday they will be men, and the possibility of being locked up for a crime they didn't commit, could more than likely happen to them than an average man. Ya Allah, please continue your mercy on us; make me able to not only take care of them, but give them the tools mentally to carry on healthy if they ever have to live without me. Ameen, Allahuma Ameen

BLACK OUT!!

The weekend was crappy! That is until Sunday, today was just ok. I found out I am addicted to coffee, which is something that is a complete surprise to me, had it not been for the headache in the back of my head I would still be in the dark. Anyhow, the weekend was horrible because we suffered two blackouts in the span of two days in a row. The first time was friday evening at around 9:30pm or 10:00pm, we didn't reagin power until 11:30 am the next morning. That was a short lived victory; at about 5:45pm the electric went back out. The power, this time, wasn't restored until the middle of the night; I don't know, I was in a coma by then. All I know is that PECO energy has some serious explaining to do, I am sick of losing power! In all of the places I have lived, I have never experienced so many black outs. Angry? Yes. Optimistic? Absolutely not, I have no faith in my energy company what so ever. Can't keep the electric on, and quick to make threats if you're running a little late on payment. Ya know what really grinds my gears, is that I pay my bill every month, which is considered reliable, and I still get threats. Well forget you PECO! (Yes, another vent night, sorry.)

Looooonnnnnnnng Day

Sorry blog....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....feed blog pets please.

I Have My Super Mom Badge Back!

I am proud to annouce, that I not only cooked a full meal, (not a chef-boyardi night), but I attended a twitter party for homeschoolers! Can someone say, "Super MOM!". Woo-Hoo!! Things like this make me feel like I can really do it. Homeschooling my boys feels so natural to me; sure at times I feel like school may be better, but when I see those grades and the therapist say they've noticed improvements since homeschooling, it's worth it. The freedom we have is priceless, and that is something no school building can provide. Free learning seems so new, yet it's the oldest form of education there is. Talk about having to get back to your roots! Now to my twitter party, I have to say a huge thank you to Hip Homeschool Mom! I had no idea what to expect, let's face it I am your typical abscent minded professor with things. Another thing that struck me, was the fact that, here I am a muslim, and a whole party of mothers of different religions, treated me like I was a human being. Al-humdulillah. I think what brings us together, is the yearning for bringing morality into our childrens lives, before this cold, cold world teaches them something different. We all pretty much want the same things: for our children to worship our creater, be well mannered, help the needy, understand brotherhood/sisterhood, be kind to all with no reservations, and to get married someday to continue the cycle. Amazing, some people say diferences seperate us, but I say "For you is your religion, and for me is my religion."- Last Ayat of Surah Al Khafirun

Out Numbered, and Sometimes Outdone

Every now and again, I just want to retaliate against insensitive adults by causing them bodily harm. A friend of mines was expressing herself about the nerve of some adults, asking what's "wrong" with your child. I can definitely relate, there were times when I wanted scream, "THIS IS SPARTA!", and then "BOOM", give them a leg upper cut they wouldn't believe. Let's try to keep in mind folks, that I am usually a non-violent person, who just want to be understood,but when it comes to my childrens emotional well being, then I have to MAKE people understand. You can either try to be understanding of what's going on, or you can be a factor removed from our lives for good. Let's be honest, most people have those friends who are around just for gaining information's sake. You can tell these friends by certain things they say; sarcasm with a side of annoyance in their voice. I once was friends with someone, who through our friendship, was seriously annoyed with the fact that we debated a lot. It was only in hind sight did I remember some of the things she use to say to me, like "I feel like you look down on me" or " I sit back and listen to you complain all of the time, and there are people with nothing". That last statement came on the day that my second born was going to live with his father, and I was broken up about it. I could have very well complained that her timing was terrible, and me asking her is she ok, was not looking down on her. The truth is, some people really don't want to be your friend. Maybe your just who is available in that time in their life; just someone to help them pass the time. One thing I have had to learn to do, is accept people how they are, and treat them accordingly. My friend who was venting about people asking her is something wrong with her son, has to understand who is around just to gain information. Then she will have eliminated those kinds of questions being asked. I myself am not perfect, and I am also not a "yes man", and I don't hold anything against anyone. I'll remember things said and done but I pretty much don't take things personal. Doing that burns bridges.

My Boy's Passion

Skateboard day 9/11/2011

Giving the thumbs up to show that he's ready!

Going for the platform and getting photographed. A real celebrity.

Walking up the hill looking a little disappointed.

Getting a pep talk from his little brother: "You can do it Phatboi!"

Skateboard Day 9/11/2010 A clear sign he was getting too big for his old board.

Yeah....Isma'eel didn't like it too much last year. So, that's my boy's passion, my oldest anyway. Al-humdulillah, (english: all praises to God) my boys always proves the "professionals" wrong. When I first found out my boys were on the spectrum, I didn't expect much out of them. There were days when I felt completely defeated, and wanted nothing more than to just medicate them. But I sat back and thought about it, and I said to myself, "That's not the answer you idiot!". The answer was something that Allah (SWT) put naturally in me. A bunch of drugs that just makes the issues bearable, is not the answer. I am so thankful to Allah (SWT) that I never put them on the drugs. When the topic use to come up, I remember responding apologetically, but I had to really knock myself in the head and think, "Wait a minute Doc., so what you're saying is, my kids are going to be drugged AND have Autism?" *Cricket Cricket* "I'll take the drug free Autism, thank you very much." Hey what can I say, facts are facts. Feed the pets please!

Meatball In The Morning

The title of this post in no way at all have anything to do with eating. My three year old has started assuming that school is every single day of the week. If he were old enough to wake himself up, I'd have no problem with this if I'd had a nanny, but he isn't and I don't have one. Ironically today is Monday, and he wanted to sleep in. They never fail to prove to me just how right I am about them; they're trying to kill me. Well think about it, it's the perfect crime; no finger prints, no flat out motive, and the sweet innocent faces with mouths that just say, "I'm just a kid." Yeah I'm on to them, even the shady remarks. Lately my oldest son has been walking around saying, "This house is filled with booby traps at night!" Now I don't know if it's a heads up or something, or his usual sarcastic way of saying pick up things on the floor, but I know there is a meaning behind it. But even the "stuff" on the floor isn't mines, it's theirs. It's their toy cars, their action figures, and their clothes, and lately my sanity. You know it's insanity, when your hubby lifts a produce bag full of peppers and garlic, out of the kitchen utensil drawer. Did I WANT them to go bad, heck no, but my brain told me to put it in there because I was putting groceries away, and storing dishes. If I could find out for the life of me, what the heck some mothers are taking to keep everything so nice and neat while parenting and homeschooling, I'd start selling stuff in the house just to get a hit. I've had dreams of being a t.v. show mom, but when the kids were younger and I had breast milk stained t-shirts as apparel, I wanted to sue t.v. itself for false advertisement. (Is that possible? Hmmmmm....) T.v. never told me, that everything I buy should be insured, it never gave warning that I would suffer with losing so much sleep, and where was the heads up that I would start to shop for comfort and not style? I think that all mothers should be able to have, a national meltdown day. It's only fair right? I want to kick and scream sometimes. I want to make demands in a whiney and annoying voice; dang nabbit I want to jump on their prized possessions. I'm just dreaming, I know that's probably not going to happen, I'd sooner get an all expense paid vacation before that happens. I guess now I'll just continue to suffer "silently", and have late night butter almond ice cream. Feed the pets please, it's not their fault their owner's insane.

An Old Friend Found

In my mission to create a more organised life, I've decided to find an old friend who made a huge difference in my life. This friend probably had/has no idea what she really means to me. A true friend holds many definitions in the eyes of the beholder. Some people are considered a close or special friends because when the chips were down, they were there for you. You have your friend who saved your life, and there for you feel thankful for them. But what about the friend who took part in you being the exact person you needed to be. And I say needed to be because, some of us just "are". Our potential could be so much greater, but our lack of understanding what we are capable of, is our down fall. Sure, I could have sailed through life being just the charming person that I am, but I'm more then charming. How can you pay back the person who took your beliefe system higher? Where do you began to say "thank you for the lift", because that boost brought you to a new level. I don't feel true friends are made through a time of distress, but from a time of growth. Because let's face it, who we are shapes the adults our children will be, insha Allah (english: God willing). I guess what I am trying to say is, you need a friend who is going to make you a better you. Not even the friend that saved your life is guaranteed to make you a better you. Or the friend that was there when the chips were down. In fact, some "friends" who are present during these ordeals, have their own hidden agenda. So hold dear the friends who teach you, help you, and pass no judgement while doing it, for they are the friend with no court room to penalise you. To my friend Jenine Carroll, thanks for all of the times you didn't scream out, "You're doing it all wrong dumby!". It sure was fun.

A Circus Act I Didn't Sign Up For

All my life I have admited to not being able to juggle; I don't know if I should consider myself a liar or being truthful. I took on multiple tasks when I made the decision to have children, and I try my best to fulfill the needs of all of them. But I am beginning to see the juggling pins fall on my head. (I was going to write balls, but I could not have anyone picturing balls falling on my head) Though i must say, that in this juggling act, I have been known to amazingly scoop things from the floor that fell. Ha! Take that Cirque! I can also do a balancing act you wouldn't believe. Ta-Da, one baby on my head, and kid on my right arm, and a big kid on my left arm! All while walking a strand of thread. Sorry folks no refunds, I made no promises, and claimed no training. But what I can guarantee, is pure comedy and flavor on a dish served hot. So let the side show begin, hurry-hurry step right on in. (Yeah it was another wild day, I've officially lost my mind. When I get it back....you'll know.) Feed the pets!

If At First You Don't Succeed, Why,Why, Again?

I'm going out on a limb here, but I am going to attempt to finally be a grown up. "Amazing!", I know, I had a great talk with my son's therapist, and I am begining to think it may be working for me also. I even felt a little guilty at the end of the conversation, that I may be stealing her away from him. Hey, what can I say, she's great to talk to. So far what I've realised is: A) I need to slow down and take things step by step. B) Organise; every part of my life could seriously use this. C) Don't bite off more than I can chew. and finally D) Procrastination leads to constipation. (Ok not literally, but when things get jammed up, it's pretty hard to recover after that). So welcome to my new "to do" list. It's nice and simple just like we talked about. Feeling good a little.

The Two Halves Of My Brain

If the world were a super market, I would be that kid in the cereal aisle, kicking and screaming that I want "that" cereal. I am at odds with myself lately, and I'm not too sure I like myself right now. Sure I had a burst of creative energy, but when things slow down and you wake up from the coma, you realize you are the only one really buying this crap. I am really starting to wonder if Yummy Cute is meant to be a hobby. I've got great ideas, and they don't seem to be coming out fast enough. I've even notice the blog counter going up, but no one's interested enough to even comment. My quirky personality got me no where, and worse yet, i really thought the clothes would really reach a lot of people and they would like it. Silly me. Please feed the blog pets. :-(

I've Got A Model!

Finished "Crayola" and Jean

Done! :-D

Yummy Cute's "Crayola" Inspired Kimar Set

Would You Like An Autism Awareness Bracelet?

I am making Autism Awareness bracelet's, to make people think. What may start out as a conversational piece, can turn into a lesson on Autism. I picture wearer's of my bracelet's riding on a bus, or eating at a restaurant, or some other sort of public environment; and someone asking: "Hey whats this bracelet about". My joy is in the wearer spreading the word. The more Autism Awareness there is, the easier it will be for people with Autism and their families. I know the pain of wanting to always be around to protect and guide our loved ones with Autism. So let's spread the word, so that more people are emotionally and mentally equipped to care for people with different forms of Autism. So spread the word; and feed the blog pets! (right hand side, down a bit)

Izar Sets

I have projects in the making, but so far I am confident to sell something I have made quite a few times for a few friends of mines children. They are called Izar Sets; Izar's are bottom piece islamic attire for males. I not only make islamic attire, as of right now, the Izar is the most easy thing to make for right now. So with out any further ado: two Izar sets I have made

For Kids

I would like to also make a note that I have been full of ideas. My next Idea is a children clothing line called "Yummy Cute". Yes, you heard it here first, Yummy cute, I checked for it and did not come up with anything. So anyone thinking of using that name for a clothing line, I've already mailed myself the contract. Just waiting on it to get back for postage dating.

For Records Sake

This is an informal record of my new clothing line. I would like to proudly announce that I am starting the Sybil Louise clothing line, proceeds will got towards the help of Autism Awareness and studies. I can only pray that this takes off beautifully. So that's me claiming copyright of the name of the clothing line. I have searched the net for any companies with this name and found none. My first job should be done soon, I will post pics insha Allah (god willing). So please stay tuned, and feed the pets! (scroll down a bit, and they're to your right.)

Please Be Alright

Oh Allah, please bring back little John Burton Jr, Ameen. It hurts my heart to see children in danger or suffering, they are so helpless. There is a literal pain in my chest when it involves the mentally impaired. People who are on the more severe spectrum of Autism should not just be left to roam; even with the family dog. How many more children have to turn up missing, before we understand that they should not be left to go as they please. If you are all for your children exploring, then explore with them.
That's about all I have to say right now; I am truly emotional over this. Please remember to feed the blog pets.

Just Thought You Might Want To Know....

Oh yeah!! Whoo-hoo!! I am an official Customer Service Consultant That's about it, I'll post something meaningful to everyone else later. P.S. Feed the pets on the side bar. (just scroll down a bit)

Parents Facing Autism

"Join us as we present our monthly ABC's of Autism Meeting today from 6:30-8pm. http://fb.me/RWMMcodp"

According To Wikipedia

PDD-NOS
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Not to be confused with PDNOS.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder—Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) is a pervasive developmental disorder (PDD)/autism spectrum disorder (ASD). PDD-NOS is one of five forms of Autism Spectrum Disorders. PDD-NOS is often referred to as atypical autism.[1]
Contents


History

Swiss psychologist Eugen Bleuler first used Autism about 100 years ago[when?] while defining signs of schizophrenia. Autism comes from the Greek word αὐτός (autós), meaning self.[2] Because the word refers to egocentric thinking, Bleuler defined autism as "autistic withdrawal of the patient to his fantasies, against which any influence from outside becomes an intolerable disturbance."[3] This definition would manifest as characteristics of autism such as obsession with small details, or an inability to stray from a routine. In the United States, researchers first used the word Autism in the 1940s “to describe children with emotional or social problems.”[4] This definition still holds true, as the main characteristics of Autism disorders are difficulties socializing and communicating. In the 1960s, the benefits of early intervention and parent therapy began to gain importance as well. Early on, no link between genetics and autism existed, while now, autism is seen as “one of the most heritable of all psychiatric conditions.” Today, 1 out of every 110 children born is diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.[5]
Diagnosis

PDD-NOS is typically diagnosed by psychologists and Pediatric Neurologists.[6] No singular specific test can be administered to determine whether or not a child is on the spectrum. Diagnosis is made through observations, questionnaires, and tests. A parent will usually initiate the quest into the diagnosis with questions for their child's pediatrician about their child's development after noticing abnormalities. From there, doctors will ask questions to gauge the child’s development in comparison to age-appropriate milestones. One test that measures this is the Modified Checklist of Autism in Toddlers (MCHAT). This is a list of questions whose answers will determine whether or not the child should be referred to a specialist such as a Developmental pediatrician, a neurologist, a psychiatrist, or a psychologist. Another checklist, the DSM-IV is a series of characteristics and criteria to qualify for an autism diagnosis.[7]
Characteristics

Because PDD-NOS is a spectrum disorder, not every child shows the same signs. The two main characteristics of the disorder are difficulties with social interaction skills and communication.[8] Signs are often visible in babies but a diagnosis is usually not made until around age 4.[9] Even though PDD-NOS is considered milder than typical autism, this is not always true. While some characteristics may be milder, others may be more severe.[10]
Social Functioning Skills

Once a child with PDD-NOS enters school, he or she will often be very eager to interact with classmates, but may act socially different than peers and are unable to make genuine connections. As they age, the closest connections they make are typically with their parents. Children with PDD-NOS have difficulty reading facial expressions and relating to feelings of others. They do not know how to respond when someone is laughing or crying. Literal thinking is also characteristic of PDD-NOS. They are unable to understand figurative speech and sarcasm.[11]
Communication Skills

Inhibited communication skills are a sign of PDD-NOS that begins immediately after birth. As an infant, they will not babble, and as they age, they do not speak when age appropriate. Once verbal communication begins, their vocabulary is often limited.[12] Some characteristics of language-based patterns are: repetitive or rigid language, narrow interests, uneven language development, and poor nonverbal communication.[13] A very common characteristic of PDD-NOS is severe difficulty grasping the difference between pronouns, particularly between “you” and “me” when conversing. Difficulty with this would look something like this: Parent: “Do you want to color this or do you want me to?” Child: “me” This “me” response would be because the parent spoke the word me, the child thinks that label still applied to the parent. The child with Autism cannot grasp, without intervention, that the pronoun assignment of “me” to refer to the speaker, and not to whoever spoke it first.[14] This difficulty is one that takes a lot of teacher and parent intervention to overcome.
Treatment

“Treatment for autism is a very intensive, comprehensive undertaking that involves the child's entire family and a team of professionals. Some programs may take place in the child's home with professionals and trained therapists and may include Parent Training for the child under supervision of a professional. Some programs are delivered in a specialized center, classroom or preschool.”[15] Families usually decide upon one plan of intervention that works best for them. Typical types of intervention are Applied behavior analysis (ABA), Pivotal response therapy (PRT), The P.L.A.Y. Project, Verbal Therapy, Floortime, Relationship Development Intervention (RDI), and The Son-Rise Program.[16]

"Mr. T.V." Himself

PDD?

Back to our regularly scheduled program: So far, I have been explained to by my son's Psychologist, that he has PDD. As I understand, this is in between Aspergers syndrome and high functioning Autism. Why are there so many different names for Autism? I am so confused right now, as I feel my son has been acknowledged as having a developmental delay, but he's still a mystery. I don't even know where to go to for support, there are Aspie web groups, Autism web groups and in huge numbers. Where are the PDD web groups?

Ok, I'm just bitter. I'm venting again on my blog. SMH Al-humdulillah, (All praises to God) He is healthy and intelligent, so I am going to have faith that we are going to beat this thing, Insha Allah (God willing). Please feed the blog pets!

P.S. Holly the Hamster is Allergic to peanuts. Please don't feed the Hamster peanuts, Thanks!

Trying To Start A Business?

In my search for free things, (because I'm just that cheap) I came across a pretty cool website. If you are trying to get your business off of the ground, a good website to get your name out there is: www.vistaprint.com Above is a picture of my new awesome, "feel important", super sophisticated, FREE, personal stamp. Yes, free, this website offers so many free things, it's ridiculous! There are of course things on the website to buy, but I guess once the business of your choice is started, you can purchase more things. That's my tip of the day!

By the way, we should be back to our originally schedule program soon, insha Allah (God willing). Just as soon as I am over my "deal high".

Utter Disappointment!

I have been robbed! "Of what?", you ask, my coupons. I received my sunday newspaper, and to my dismay, there were no coupons. (Cue psycho shower scene music) I am so hurt, I don't like to jump to conclusions but my new found passion has been interrupted. I want to call the newspaper and complain, but it's a holiday, so I'll just have to sit around and wait. I'll just make Du'ah, (pray) about it, and insha Allah (God willing), everything will turn out alright. If not, I'll just have to become very close friends with the people down at the recycling plant. Because let's face it not everyone coupon's.

My only hope is that, because of extreme couponing episodes, everyone else hasn't been getting the same idea. But come on, it's a hot new show, everyone is probably clipping away. Even the thief/thieves who stole mines. *sniff sniff*

HGTV Sweepstakes!!!!

Alright, I know I've been bit by the deal bug, but here's a sweepstake: http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv-green-home-2011-giveaway/package/index.html

Just Checking In

Ok, I'll admit it, I have been a busy bee, but it's all for a good cause. I a have been having ball deal hunting. I'm not sure if there should be some sort of rehab for deal hunting, but if there is one, I may get turned in by the kids. I should probably compile a list and then post them, but my attention span is the size of an atom, so I should just post em' as I find em'. Here's is a survey site that I've been apart of and didn't remember:https://www.acop.com/Members/Members_Login.aspx?L=1&PID= Really fun, no cost, pay, checked it out and it checked out. I search around for any bad reviews and didn't find any; in fact there were all good reviews.

The Coupon Hunter (Crikey!)

Hello world I am on the hunt for coupons, and deals. Just so you know, I have won a cruise, a $100 gift certificate, a mail in $1,000 grocery gift certificate, (Al-Humdulillah) and of course I have entered some sweep stakes. So yes, I have been busy, but it's for a good cause. Now I know a lot of professional bloggers will consider everything I'm finding out as old news, but hey I'm new.

Hunting for bargains are great for the kids also, by participating in a lot of these surveys and offers, there have been some really sweet deals on toys and clothes. Of course, I am not sure about some,as I am still waiting on a response from them; and others, I am waiting for my reward. So when it all comes together, insha Allah, I may have a lot of adventures to write about.

So here are some: http://www.valueplusonline.com/ (for about $25.00 a month, the savings are well worth it); https://www.globalopinionpanels.com/home (Yes, it's another survey site, but they don't want any money, just a lot of patience); http://www.grocerycouponnetwork.com/ (Who doesn't want a few coupons?); http://www.couponmountain.com/ (I find using different coupon sites in the end really pay off); http://www.freecycle.org/ (It's like putting a magnifying glass to the free section of craigslist.); http://www.freenapkin.com/cgi-bin/auction/auction.pl (Second verse, same as first); Well, that's what I've got for now!

Free Things Make Mommies Happy!

I am in a sharing mood tonight, so I thought I'd post a link to free things.

He Wanted A Beard, I Gave Him A Bubble Bath!

Going Through Adult Puberty

I am woman enough to admit that I am going through adult puberty. I have no shame in this, the fact that I can acknowledge that I am not developed as a full grown adult, is a start. Now to explain myself a little better, I will just start by saying that in no way am I under the influence. This is not an alcohol induced confession session. This is my official start to therapy. Blog therapy;so I'll be counseling myself for very cheap. And I mean cheap, my payment to myself will be late night butter pecan ice cream on a waffle cone. (Note to self, start diet after therapy trial.)
So,basically I am preparing anyone who reads this blog, (if that's possible) that it's going to be a bumpy ride! I'm not kidding folks, the main reason I don't get to write all of the time is because of the insanity of motherhood. But I am going to change all of this insha Allah. I am going to pour all of whats going on into here. So please don't be alarmed, this is going to help.

Our School House Rock!

Don't worry folks, he's not eating the crayon, he's exploring. By the way I took it from him, so he's fine. My kids have to smell, taste, listen, touch, and see everything. They're like your senior citizen next door neighbor who can always tell ya who came past while you were out.

"Terrible,Horrible,No Good, Very Bad Day"

That's right, you read correctly. The day started off bad; I log on to my sons homeschooling website and check the mail to discover horror. The E-mail was from our family support coordinator informing me of my "neglect". There were two days that I forgot to log-on to the site, but we had school anyway. My other two sons had appointments and my homeschooling son had an appointment with his psychologist. All-in-all, she has the mentality of, "It's your problem, not mines so I don't truly care". I realized in the same conversation that I had forgotten to call the dentist office to let them know that they sent the bill to the school, instead of the school form. It is the end Of the school year and I feel that I have failed miserably.
On a good note, his virtual teacher explained to me, that first year parents usually have a hard time. This was reassuring and uplifting. It made me feel like supermom again. I got my terry cloth towel and tied it around my neck; turned the fan on, and let it flap in the wind. (Yeah, I've got a pretty strong fan) Don't forget to feed the fish!

Itching For Summer

If there is anyone out there, and by out there I mean anyone who cares to keep up with my blog, you will notice my blog theme is summer already. Yes I know, the insanity of this blog just keeps piling up. In my defense, I would like to say that time has been moving faster, so before you know it, my blog theme will be appropriate. Plus, the colors are really cool. I don't know what it is about primary colors that makes me want to be a kid again. The thought of arts and crafts run through my brain, along with a little shabby chic.
Summer also has a tendency to make bad news easier to bare, and hard times easier to cope with. There is a goldmine of entertainment for the kids, and you can bet your bottom dollar they sleep better in the summer time. When you have a mixture of exhaustion, dirt, sweat, and a hot bath; you're looking at the recipe for a coma at the end of the day. During colder months, I still try to get the boys outside, I also believe fresh air is a good sleep aid.
The only thing I have to remind myself during all of this summer fun, is to refrain from running right along with the kids. My energy level and ability to be a big kid is a curse and a blessing at the same time. I see a huge slide and I just have to go down it a few times. Not to mention, sometimes I have the urge to "save" my kids. My family and friends call it babying, but I call it saving my sanity. (what I have left anyway)
The only downside for me with going to the parks and outings, is watching my boys with other kids. The other kids kind of feel awkward about them after a while, and with that awkwardness, comes my sons nervous ticks. My eldest kid says phrases he hears on television, even if it has nothing to do with the situation. He also may began to talk to himself, out of nervousness, and make little hand gestures I can't explain. My second son's speech is not always comprehensible, so kids don't always understand him. He may began to pace and hum, do inappropriate interaction (poking other kids) and like to do things repetitively.
My youngest son is by far the worse for me to watch. The only thing he is interested in, when visiting the park, are the wood chips on the ground. He stands completely oblivious of anyone else's existence, and just watch the wood chips fall between his fingers. When I see him doing this, I take his hand and kind of guide him around the park for him to have fun. Where ever he is locked away in that brain of his, I just pray that someday he'll be let out. Because I have seen his charming personality. If he would just stay in our world long enough to understand vocabulary, and communicate, the more secure I would feel.
Every mother has a worse nightmare, my worse nightmare is not being able to care for my children. I am their interpreter and advocate, who's going to understand them when they do not comprehend things well? At this point, I can only leave it to my faith. There are sometimes when a person has to understand that they are not meant to fix everything, and in knowing that, need to accept things they can not fix. Sadly I am not there yet. That is advice I will gladly give, but can not take.
Insha Allah, (God willing) I will get that peace someday. But until then.... please feed the blogpets on the lower left hand side. ;-)

Tragedy or Psycosis?

Of course as a mother my heart aches upon hearing about the death of a child, but there is the case of little 6 year old Camden Pierce Hughs. The internet has been lit a fire about this beautiful little boy, and his murder. I have found confusing information, that it was an accident of too much cough syrup, but if so, then why wasn't he taken to a hospital? I personally feel, that even if this terrible occurrence was in fact an accident, a mother would never desecrate her child's body in the likes. This scenario does not sit well with me; it's cold and has so much of the mother distancing herself emotionally from the child. It's like late postpartum depression at it's sickest.
There are mothers who have done the unthinkable, but this is usually the work of a madman. Mothers don't wrap their children in blankets, on an open road, to be devoured by beasts and exposed to the elements. Dead or alive, we would rather see our babies gently placed in the earth, and covered. My point is, this is so "unmotherly like", it's even inhuman. What have we become? Why is it, that I practically have a heart attack if my kid gets a splinter and they could kill theirs? What chemicals are these women missing? There are those of us walking around with low serotonin levels, and still we have a fight in us that is specifically for our children.
Oh Camden, my heart aches for you honey. Not because I have a son your age, but because the one person who was suppose to protect you from the boogey man, was the boogey man. Your natural trust,left you naturally vulnerable, and a true innocent you were. I only pray that I will meet you in paradise, insha Allah. (If God wills it) Ameen

Another One Bites The Dust

In the midst of chaos, I have possibly lost yet another brain cell today. The heat of the weather made things oh so "fun". (sarcasm)The day started off with the average screams and whining of a mid 19th century insane asylum. I stumbled out of bed as I heard my 5 year old pacing and humming, which was my cue that he had to go to the bathroom. As i walked partially blind down the hall from not fully being awake, I had to appreciate the fact that it wasn't 4 o'clock in the morning. Al-humdulillah. :-D He squirmed all the way to the bathroom and danced until he sat on the toilet.

Although this process may seem strange to some folks, but my son has quirks about going to the bathroom alone. It's not always an issue, there are times he actually braves the trip to the bathroom alone, and then normally he just won't do it. I have seen him wet himself out of not wanting to go to the bathroom. So consider "The Case Of The Bathroom Quirk", unsolved.

While standing sleepily at the bathroom door, a 3 year old whines and screeches for me to pick him up and take him where there is food. Vocabulary is limited, so I make out "juice juice" and "eat eat" and head for the kitchen. The screeching side tracked me from my bathroom frightened son, and i realized he was running down the hall with his briefs on backwards. (I didn't switch them; I won't lie. I was happy the kid remembered to put them back on this time.) Upon entering the kitchen, I found a "looter".

"Mom, I'll make my own cereal", hearing this sent mixed emotions through my head. "Why?" you ask, because this is coming from my first born, loving son. The man is a master at mind games. I don't know if I should be happy because here is an independent kid finally in the house,or look at it as a future topic while on a visit to my mothers house. "Mommy wouldn't make my cereal so I made it all by myself." Yet the tone in his voice said, "Gosh I'll make it since your too zombified to do anything meaningful". I'm definitly leaning towards the latter.

Needless to say, it was rocky; and I don't mean Sylvester Stallone came in and saved the day. Oh no, I felt like the victim of a forced Trepanning, and everyone got a turn to take pokes at my brain. I survived because prayer works.

After getting through breakfast, I marched the children into the bathroom for a thorough brushing. My 6 year old "senior citizen", once again announced his independence and brushed his own teeth. The 5 year old just kind of moaned and groaned the whole time, and my three year old had to practically be put into a body lock. (I survived teeth brushing because I had a will to live.)


By now it is time for school, and because I don't want the older children distracted, I send my 3 year old into the bedroom to watch a movie. We started school wonderfully; everything fell into place. I had almost convinced myself that not only was I a super mom, I was THE supermom. The empowering moment came to a halt when my 3 year old found it hilarious to interrupt school time. But on this particular day, the older kids didn't find it funny. So what does my ingenious 6 year old do? He takes his little brother back to the bedroom and closes the door. I was so proud of him, I felt he had just saved the day. My smile soon faded when he proudly declared, "Yes mommy, I locked Meatball in the room!". With this discovery, I remembered I had no idea where the skeleton keys was to open it. On cue, my 3 year old begins screaming,crying, and kicking the door. By now the events of the morning had left me strangely calm, and I don't know who I am anymore. Finally the skeleton key was found after an eternity, (30 minutes), and we returned to our regularly scheduled program. Only to later find out that our regularly scheduled program doesn't start until tomorrow. Yes, you read it right, school on an off day.

I survived because....I'm taller than they are. (For now)