I don't want to forget....

Ok, a little background... In ABA therapy, they have been working on EK saying words appropriately instead of yelling/screaming them. I think it's a worthy goal, but it's been rather frustrating for her. She used to be rewarded regardless of HOW she said it, as long as she said the word. Now, she's only rewarded when she says it calmly or "nicely". In fact, I use the phrase, "Can you say it nicely?" to remind her that she can't yell it. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it causes a huge fit. I also am saying the phrase frequently to my almost 2 year old, who has gotten quite an attitude lately. She is demanding more than asking for things. Here's an example of some conversations we've had in recent days. AC: MOMMY! I NEED JUICE! (Can you hear the attitude?) Me: I'm sorry. What did you say? AC: I WANT JUICE! Me: Can you say it nicely? AC: nicely. (as sweet as can be) AC totally thinks that I'm asking her to say "nicely" rathe...

EK finished her first week at ERE! :) Her teacher, Ms. Sharla, is very excited about the progress she's made this week. Everyday Ms. Sharla finds more things that EK likes or ways to work with her. EK loves the wagon right now, so they are using that as a reward for good behavior (being quiet at group time, good eye contact, talking when appropriate, doing her work). I got to observe (from the storage closet) this morning for about 30 minutes. I was really impressed how well-behaved she was during "group time" or what I might call "circle time" (singing songs, calendar, reading a book). She didn't participate a lot with talking/singing, but she also wasn't disruptive. The other students are verbal, which I'm thankful for. The more models, the better. After I left, she worked on her seatwork with Ms. Cecilia. I think the last 3 mornings I've dropped her off, she's stopped crying before they get inside the building. They all ride in the wagon t...

This is EK when I picked her up from school with Ms. Colleen. I knew I wouldn't get a happy picture when I dropped her off. She was pretty upset with me, to say the least. I knew she'd calm down though and enjoy her day. There are 3 kids in the class and there are 3 teachers. WOW! I know this ratio won't remain the whole year. Ms. Sharla puts her 3 year olds in the AM so any kids that are diagnosed when they turn 3 will join EK and the others. Ms. Sharla said they found some things that EK likes (which helps to motivate her to work), she ate her snack (which she rarely did at summer school) and she was talking quite a bit. I'm hoping this is her year to blossom! Thanks for all the prayers today! I really had a peace about leaving her b/c I believe she's in great hands this year. It warmed my heart to see her so happy when I picked her up! Let's hope that she's not mad when I take her back tomorrow. ;)

Thursday morning we visited EK's new preschool. They had Meet the Teacher that evening, but I thought it would be a disaster to take her there with lots of other people there. After all, she couldn't handle going to Target Tuesday morning. :) We had visited the school playground 3 times before Thursday so when we pulled up to the school, AC started yelling "I see it. I see the playground." She's got good eyes. ;) I got out the double stroller and loaded it up with the girls and EK's supplies. We got to the room (which looks great!) and EK got pretty upset. I think she thought I was going to leave her. I also think she was confused to see Ms. Colleen at a new place. After a few minutes of crying and falling on the floor, Ms. Sharla thought it'd be a good idea for all the teachers to leave so that EK could explore. She did calm down and looked around. (AC was exploring the whole time too...finding the barn and animals, a baby doll, some blocks, etc.) Ms. Sha...

So, we're on the 2nd week of no preschool. It sure makes our days a lot longer. My house is a mess and I can only run errands when Keith is home to watch the girls. I know we'll get through this week, but I feel for EK. She REALLY likes routine and the non-structure is driving her crazy. She doesn't know what to do with free time except to roam the house. I intentionally sit and play with her through out the day, but I can't do it non-stop. Yesterday we went to the school playground to play and then I decided we'd run to Hobby Lobby just to see how she'd do. I had no purpose in going, other than to have EK practice being in public. Several months ago, I had to quit taking her places b/c she gets so upset. We loaded up the double stroller and walked around Hobby Lobby for 20 minutes. She did great!!! I was really pleased. This morning I realized I was out of diapers so I thought we'd make a quick run to Target. I purposefully drove an extra 15 minutes to one ...

This picture was taken 2 years ago today. I was very pregnant with AC at the time. This is EK with her cousin M. They were so little! EK and AC are very lucky to live close to their cousin. We just had a playdate yesterday at our house. We'll be adding another little girl cousin in a couple weeks. (Yeah Aunt Becky!!) Seems only girl grandkids are allowed in the Hoyer household. :)

AC is at that stage right now where she makes me laugh a lot, even when she's being disobedient. It's often hard to keep a straight face and discipline her. Her personality is coming through and it's a lot of fun! :) Here are a couple pictures to give you an idea... Always willing to give the cheesy grin and then asks to see the picture right after. This is how she entertained herself last Sunday morning while I was getting ready. Yes, that's a Mr. Potato head ear piece in her ear. Clever, huh? Sitting in her baby doll's stroller. Guess I'm thankful Graco makes a strong doll stroller! :) Here's one of my sweet EK just so I don't leave her out! :) Update on potty training: It's going really well. I still put her on the potty about every 30-45 minutes. Most of the time she's willing to do it and is ALWAYS very proud when she goes! :) I'm thinking we should be able to wear just panties in a week or so. YEAH!!

I've been wondering how I should prepare EK for preschool on the 24th. It's a new elementary school and 2 new teachers. The 3rd teacher is one she knows from PGE. I hate to just drop her off at 8am the first day and drive off. However, I've also wondered if I should keep preschool "mommy-free" so that she doesn't expect that I should be there. We saw Ms. Sharla at church on Sunday. She suggested that we visit her school playground a couple times before the first day of school to get her familiar. We went yesterday morning and again this morning. Ms. Sharla met us out there today. It was great to let her know some things about my sweet girl and to get some great ideas from her. I am SO thankful for a godly woman who's heart is for kids with autism. Not many teachers will give up an hour to stand outside in the heat when they could be working in their classroom. I am really excited about this coming school year! Here are some pictures of the girls at the pla...

Usually Keith is off on Fridays. Today, however, he had a funeral this morning and then a wedding this evening, so he took yesterday off. Since I had both girls on my own all day, we didn't do much. I figured it was a good time to start potty training AC. She totally gets the concept. She is very proud of herself when she goes and usually wants to sit and try. On the few times she didn't want to sit, I distracted her by singing songs or reading a book. I decided I'd have her sit every 30 minutes and almost every time. she went. There were a couple accidents, of course, but I was rather happy with day one. We'll see how tomorrow goes. So, to my friends who have gone before me, how do I get her to hold it longer than 30 minutes? Will she "get it" after a couple days? Any other hints for success? I'm hoping AC will be potty trained by her 2nd birthday(September 6th). Then perhaps she can motivate her sister to want to be potty trained. :)

Really?? It just seems like I was asking you all to pray for her (and me) as she started summer preschool. She started preschool the same week we had VBS. What a BUSY week that was! This summer has gone by so fast, as I'm sure my teacher friends can attest. :) We have the next two weeks off and then she'll start at ERES on August 24th. I'm already praying that the transition will occur quickly and that we will see big improvements this year. Sadly, I didn't get any pictures today. (I know, what a slacker mom!) Her main teacher, Ms. Jen, had her 9 month old triplets there to visit. They were precious! I don't think I ever mentioned "Coach" in any stories from summer school. Ms. Jen's husband taught summer school as well and is a coach. He thought EK was adorable (who doesn't??) and would come down to say hi to his wife and EK. EK thought he was great! Ms. Jen would tell me that EK would be upset when I dropped her off, but as soon as "Coach...

We've had a busy couple days! Keith has been working since last fall to put together our Summer Bible Conference. The theme was the Atonement of Christ. All the sermons that I heard were excellent! I have been challenged, encouraged, and convicted in my walk with Christ. I definitely have a greater appreciation of what Christ did on the cross for me and that's always a good thing! If you want to hear any of the sermons (and I highly recommend it!), you can listen here: http://www.fbckeller.org/site.cfm/Ministries/Pastoral-Ministry.cfm Three of Keith's good friends preached on Sunday morning. Keith has known these guys for many years and they have a lot of things in common: their love of Mississippi State University, sports, the west coast, discussing theology, and most importantly, their faith in Christ. :) I'm so thankful that Keith has been able to spend time with these men for the past couple days. I know it's been an encouragement to my husband. I also am very t...