The Perry Crew: December 2011

Friday, December 16, 2011

Flash Mob Link

This was on Face Book- I really liked it so thought I would share it here as well!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vnt7euRF5Pg&sns=fb

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

I am not the kind of person who likes to create Christmas Wish Lists because I feel like it is rude and presumptuous. However, there have been a couple of people who have asked about what to get Caelan for Christmas and because of the changes which have occurred this year we DO want to make suggestions of things to get- or more importantly- to NOT get for him.

The BIG NO's-
No cars- this includes books and videos about cars as well
No trains
No balls
No toys that involve simply pushing a button

We don't need/have plenty of-
paint, play-doh, crayons, markers, etc, or legos or wooden blocks

Sentimental or symbolic things are special but he doesn't understand the underlying meaning of them. We cherish these things but would prefer he receives something he needs right now.

He still loves Curious George and recently discovered Veggie Tales and Word World.

Suggestions-
beanbags (the kind you sit on- 2 of them, nothing fancy- it meets some sensory needs)
Nerf pump action guns (2 of them- the ones that shoot discs, not balls- for my own sanity!)
BIG magnadoodle- he has a little one to take places but a larger one will allow him to draw bigger pictures at his own leisure, without the risk of crayons on walls.
Toys that involve any kind of sequencing.... things he has to think about, process, problem solving, etc
Toys that are part-whole, whole-part (think puzzles)
Anything for sensory seeking and processing
CHEWIES- these are rubber things designed specifically for him to chew on; they are usually shaped as P, Q, or T. They come in smooth and knobby textures. They run about $7-$10 each but they are really great for him and we would love to have several more of them.

There are websites around that are geared specifically for kids with Sensory Processing Disorders and Autism (although I still refuse to use the "A" word); just do a general search online. I have included a link at the bottom of this post to one of them- I have ordered from them before and am very pleased with the company in general; it is headed up by a mother who is also a Christian.

These things have all been suggested by his therapists and I am sure there is more that I am not remembering!!

If you prefer to buy clothes or something instead... he could use mittens (apparently these get lost very easily at school), and some thicker socks.

Please forgive me if this post comes across as rude; that is not my intent. We are excited about Christmas and have been having fun getting ready- Caelan has been introduced to Charlie Brown Christmas and asks DAILY to watch it now! He has also enjoyed opening Christmas cards from the mail.

http://www.nationalautismresources.com/toys-for-autism.html

Friday, December 9, 2011

Wrong Side of the Tub

Hmmm.... I'm thinking that all of that stuff on the floor is supposed to be IN the tub.

He looks so proud of himself!

The Turtle Sunglasses

I bought these sunglasses several years ago- they are yellow with turtles bordering the lenses. The lenses also flip open. Yes, I wore them. Yes, in public. I love them! Samuel used to wear them when he was young and would come over to hang out with his Amanda Banana. I have some cute pictures of him in them. And now... Caelan has also discovered them. And has enjoyed them just as much!!

Now "you put on dad!!"

You're turn Daddy!!!

I don't know how I didn't get a picture of Matt with them on... unless these were taken BY Matt.

Family Picture Time

So about this time every year we all get together for family pictures. This can turn into quite an ordeal with 6 kids- trying to get ALL of them to sit still and look at the camera and smile ALL at the same time takes a lot of effort. This year turned out pretty good! I think Bailey has been coaching the girls, and Caelan was shockingly very cooperative... I think he learned something from the school photographer? Anyway- it is also a rare occasion to have Kathy here for the pictures as well.... so this year's pics turned out good!

Of course, as I am posting this I suddenly realized that there are several that are not on our camera- they are all on Grandpa's. I have a disc, I will just have to upload them differently and therefore... not right this minute. I am missing the ones of the grandparents with the kiddos .... and then most importantly.... the ones of EVERYBODY together. I do like the ones of our family- me, Matt and Caelan. even if there is a little blur in some.

So here is Lee and Pat and their kids-

Keaton, Samuel, Bailey

Erin and Grace

ALL the grandkids together-
Keaton, Samuel, Bailey
Erin, Caelan, Grace

and US!

I like this one of Matt and me- I think we were just "testing" the position of the camera or something but it turned out cute- I want to zoom in and crop it and frame it!

Then we added Caelan!

The first one is good.... but I like all three because it is sooo us. Being silly with the boy and trying to get him to look up. Fun stuff!

And then.....

Matt, Kathy and Pat!

Cute picture... and Matt isn't goofing off! (Mark that on the calendar!)

I will try to get the other ones of the whole family posted too....

KMP

It's Aunt Kathy!!

Kathy (aka KMP) came to town over Thanksgiving weekend for about 10 days. She hasn't been here for two years and it was nice to spend so much time with her. We celebrated her birthday, went to see Twilight at the theater, did a little shopping, watched movies and just hung out. We really enjoyed it. She is leaving Hawaii to go live in Germany for a couple of years.... so we likely won't see her again for another two years.