Looking for a Dog for Caleb

Caleb's convinced us that we need to revisit the idea of getting a dog soon. Everywhere we go he gravitates towards the dogs (and them to him) and he finds everything they do so fun and amusing! Yesterday at a graduation party he was feeding the big dog cookies and fruit. He's even taken to trying to elicit the same dog responses out of our cats, only to rush in saying "I need a band-aid". Cats just don't like to play rough :) So, here we go on our search for the "perfect dog"....

On a side note, I couldn't believe the changes I saw in comparing last years' grad parties to this year's parties. Caleb now rarely gets a second glance from being "different". He now blends in more and more with the other kids. Now, I think he may just pass for "quirky". It's kind of nice to be able to just let him play, and not have to worry that he's into something, bothering someone, or throwing a big fit. Thank you God for the little blessings!

*Pics are from fishing and the carousel ride a week ago.** We're already into full summer mode!

Summertime..when the living is easy?

Not a lot new and exciting. Summer's winding down, and we're beginning to think about school. Caleb's summer school went very well at his new autism classroom. He'll be doing 3 days in this class and 2 days at our local school. The goal is that this asd teacher will help guide our school district on how to plan for him, as well as handle any behavior. The asd classroom is about an hour away (a 2 hour bus ride), otherwise we'd just do that every day. I love what I've seen so far though! He comes home saying, "If you get angry...take a time out." I smile when I hear that :) So many times I've said the same thing, but it takes a teacher to get it to stick! We also have adopted the asd teacher's tactic of taking his hat (which he MUST wear at all times...a bit of an ocd/sensory thing) when he screams. He avoids screaming now, so we won't take his hat. Now, why didn't I think of that before?! Anyhow...still sometimes a bit of a rollercoaster ride this autism, but we're getting somewhere.

Hope all are having a fun summer! Oh...the pic is of Caleb catching a fish. Afterwards, he got bored and just kept casting his line into the weeds and trees :) But...he caught his first fish!

July 4th Fireworks

We had a great 4th of July! Caleb had a few mood issues due to late nights, but overall it was a fun time. Our own fireworks were on the 4th, and city fireworks on the 5th.

We've been having great success with a few mood rna products by Amy Yasko. Her products are VERY pricey, but so far they've been WONDERFUL for mood. We're using Nerve Calm and Mood focus. Her websites are : www.ch3nutrigenomics.com (her discussion group), and www.holisticheal.com / www.holistichealth.com (her products & program). I've read that they are homeopathic products, but not sure if that's true. They are helping mood though! So far so good :)

Summer Vacation AT LAST!!

Well this summer has thus far been a great relaxation time for Caleb. He's in much better spirits just from relaxing! We also have implemented selenium (the methionine kind) and valerian root sprinkles (since it doesn't make Caleb tired), and both have been helping with mood. We're also S--L--O--W--L--Y adding in some yeast support. He's responding well to this as long as we also give OLE for bacteria when we give yeast stuff (and vice versa). However, all in all it's starting to look like another good summer with lots of good improvements. If only we could get it to stop raining.....! (**Caleb's the one squinting in the background **)