Monday, February 28, 2011
Elder Dallin H. Oaks speech at Chapman University School of Law
I enjoyed this speech given by Elder Dallin H. Oaks. In my mind, religious freedom in a pluralistic society is fundamental. More specifically, it is our country's foundation. Suppression or imposition on religious expressions because they are inconsistent with the non-religious practices of others will inevitably lead to the moral decay of societies.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Apostolic Visit
In a couple of weeks (March 19-20th) our stake will have the opportunity to hear from Elder Neil. L. Andersen. Elder Andersen is one of the Twelve Apostles. Our family is preparing to hear his message and we are so excited for this special visit. We know how blessed we are. In such a large world, it is a very special occassion to hear from one of these special witnesses of Christ.
I know there is additional adversity surrounding our area prior to his visit. We've been trying to stay spiritually focused for this event by reading scriptures and praying. It will be a great opportunity I'm sure!
I know there is additional adversity surrounding our area prior to his visit. We've been trying to stay spiritually focused for this event by reading scriptures and praying. It will be a great opportunity I'm sure!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Neuro and Little Lady
Our long-awaited neurology appointment for John is on Friday! We've been waiting for this one for 3 months now. Both the eye surgeon and psychologist thought it would be a good idea to visit the neurologist to see if John is having migraines or seizures.
I'm a bit nervous for the appointment and we hope to have some answers for these staring spells. I hope to catch one on camera. John has been working really hard in school and with his routines. Life just keeps on going and we have high expectations for this little guy.
Ella has a cold so I kept her home today...garlic oil in the ears and vitamins! She's such a good girl and she's been learning more about John's autism lately. She is developing excellent sister-skills, watching for John's symptoms, talking with him, and saying "Hands Off!" Her reading skills are excellent and she's one of the smarties in her class. Still, I think her busy life is wearing on her a bit so she should relax with cartoons and pleasantries for the day.
Adam and I are plowing through school (sometimes barely passing classes, but getting the work done and moving forward). We're up late every night zoned into our assignments learning as fast as we can. I don't feel like any moments of our days are wasted. We're trying to make each minute count towards a happy, successful, spiritual family.
I'm trying to keep the Good Life blog going, hoping to meet some people with similar life experiences. It's been a great/fun project. Some videos I don't post because I haven't had time to edit. I'm trying to prioritize each day.
I'm a bit nervous for the appointment and we hope to have some answers for these staring spells. I hope to catch one on camera. John has been working really hard in school and with his routines. Life just keeps on going and we have high expectations for this little guy.
Ella has a cold so I kept her home today...garlic oil in the ears and vitamins! She's such a good girl and she's been learning more about John's autism lately. She is developing excellent sister-skills, watching for John's symptoms, talking with him, and saying "Hands Off!" Her reading skills are excellent and she's one of the smarties in her class. Still, I think her busy life is wearing on her a bit so she should relax with cartoons and pleasantries for the day.
Adam and I are plowing through school (sometimes barely passing classes, but getting the work done and moving forward). We're up late every night zoned into our assignments learning as fast as we can. I don't feel like any moments of our days are wasted. We're trying to make each minute count towards a happy, successful, spiritual family.
I'm trying to keep the Good Life blog going, hoping to meet some people with similar life experiences. It's been a great/fun project. Some videos I don't post because I haven't had time to edit. I'm trying to prioritize each day.
P.S. - We have a new hamster named Junior, but we keep forgetting his name so we call him "Hammy". He is a very naughty hamster, biting fingers and such. But the kids love him and he seems happy to have escaped the pet store.
That's all folks!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Blog...no Facebook
I love checking all the family blogs out there! I check on my friends and family member blogs - some of them daily. Sometimes I find friends through other blogs too and catch up by reading what everyone is up to.
There are a few blogs that I love the MOST because they always have cute ideas or great things to say...so I visit these blogs more to get new ideas, whatever.
I haven't set up the "follower" gadget so I just go to my blog and click on all the little blog links on the right side.
I have to say, NOT having Facebook has been one of the best decisions Adam and I made. Not to be a downer but...that program was chaotic to get rid of. Facebook would email us every day asking if we wanted to come back, sending us spam, and emailing us saying our friends miss us. UGH. I guess the extensive efforts to delete the account (after over a whole month of trying) wasn't a clue for the Facebook employees. They actually tried to lure us back on. Needless to say, Facebook is out of my life now and my time is refocused on self and family improvement...not "one-upping" my friends' comments. Come on, you know you do it. :) Don't even get me started on Twitter.
Instead, my personal GoodLifeAnya blog has been sufficient to air out my thoughts quickly using goofy videos without being so distracted by the latest gossip, political debates, complaints, and dare I say...potential ex-boyfriend friendship requests. Who needs that? Is that rude? Ah well. Just keepin it real.
Sorry for the bashing. I know I'm more out of touch with the world now. I know there are great things about FB. I also realize social networking and gaming is where our society is moving. But I'm "all set" with my blog and our family blog for now. What are your thoughts?
There are a few blogs that I love the MOST because they always have cute ideas or great things to say...so I visit these blogs more to get new ideas, whatever.
I haven't set up the "follower" gadget so I just go to my blog and click on all the little blog links on the right side.
I have to say, NOT having Facebook has been one of the best decisions Adam and I made. Not to be a downer but...that program was chaotic to get rid of. Facebook would email us every day asking if we wanted to come back, sending us spam, and emailing us saying our friends miss us. UGH. I guess the extensive efforts to delete the account (after over a whole month of trying) wasn't a clue for the Facebook employees. They actually tried to lure us back on. Needless to say, Facebook is out of my life now and my time is refocused on self and family improvement...not "one-upping" my friends' comments. Come on, you know you do it. :) Don't even get me started on Twitter.
Instead, my personal GoodLifeAnya blog has been sufficient to air out my thoughts quickly using goofy videos without being so distracted by the latest gossip, political debates, complaints, and dare I say...potential ex-boyfriend friendship requests. Who needs that? Is that rude? Ah well. Just keepin it real.
Sorry for the bashing. I know I'm more out of touch with the world now. I know there are great things about FB. I also realize social networking and gaming is where our society is moving. But I'm "all set" with my blog and our family blog for now. What are your thoughts?
Monday, January 24, 2011
Good Life Anya
I closed down my autism blog for a while to update it and I added a few new things. Instead of just talking about autism in the blog, I wanted to discuss all the things that make my life so good!
Feel free to visit GoodLifeAnya or my new YouTube page. It's a nerdy new video hobby, much faster than writing lengthy articles. Back to homework and cleaning!
Feel free to visit GoodLifeAnya or my new YouTube page. It's a nerdy new video hobby, much faster than writing lengthy articles. Back to homework and cleaning!
Friday, January 7, 2011
How to Cope with Parenting an Autistic Child
This is an article I whipped up the other day.
Parenting an autistic child is a very stressful responsibility. The boom of autism diagnoses has prompted many families to seek professional help for their children. Therapists and specialists are not the only solutions in caring for a child with special needs. It is imperative that parents also take care of themselves.
It is often said that good parenting means sacrificing for the child. This might be true in some areas of life, but basic necessities need not be overlooked. Parents who neglect their own sleep routines, food choices, and financial obligations are cumulatively worsening their anxiety. Finding balance is critical when caregiving for a child with special needs.
1. Establish a bedtime habit. Autistic children love rigid schedules and parents can benefit from a consistent nightly routine too. Parents should establish a regular bedtime not only for their children, but for themselves. A warm bath, relaxing music, candles, and herbal teas are just a few ways to truly enjoy the evening.
2. Eat foods that support wellness. Many autistic children require special diets because of allergies or food intolerances. This is an opportunity for parents to assess their own eating habits and adapt their diets to fit their own needs. Skipping meals, overeating, and indulging in unhealthy substances decrease energy and can cause illness.
3. Balance the checkbook. Medical expenses can escalate when a family member is disabled. Organizing paperwork, keeping track of bills, and paying down debt are daily tasks which eliminate some of the stress. Most of all, parents should save a little money regularly. Financial management books or courses are wise when caretaking for an autistic child and planning is essential.
4. Avoid compulsion. Continuously researching autism and the latest findings is beneficial to an extent. However, lengthy amounts of time reading about or talking about autism might increase anxiety. Finding hobbies, exercising, or taking time alone are a few helpful ideas when parents experience “information overload” from caring for their disabled children.
5. Go on a date. Having an autistic child causes a great deal of stress on a marriage. Scheduled date nights and time together bonds couples during times of uncertainty. Weekly or bimonthly dates build marital relationships and promote healthy parenting. For single parents, date nights with friends are beneficial in order to have interaction with other emotionally mature adults.
6. Find a social network. Social groups can be found within communities, school districts, church organizations, or the internet. When parents actively participate in an autism network, they are better able to cope with symptoms and set obtainable goals. More important, parents can communicate openly with other families who struggle with similar issues. They are not alone in their struggles. (See National Geographic: Stress: Portrait of a Killer)
7. Have fun. Becoming a recluse is obviously not ideal. Going to the movies, the park, and the zoo are nice places for kids. However, autistic children truly benefit from a wide variety of exposure. Touring museums, visiting historical sights, camping, boating, travelling, having pillow fights, or visiting local shelters are just a few things to do aside from the mundane. With a little planning and a positive attitude, autistic children can have a wonderful time doing things that their parents can enjoy too. Parents who laugh, play, and have fun will teach their children by example to find joy in the atmosphere around them.
8. Breathe in times of turmoil. When an autistic child’s overstimulation sets in, it is comparable to having a newborn baby again. Not knowing what to do or how to help the child often makes parents feel defeated. Learning to breathe in times of high stress is a simple, fast-acting remedy in times of escalating frustration. Yogic breathing techniques (also known as Pranayama) bring peace and clarity when it seems like the whole world is caving in. Parents who practice conscious breathing are better able to make safe, beneficial decisions when their autistic children cannot communicate their needs.
For more information about stress on parents/relatives of autism, please visit the following:
For LDS Mothers:
http://disabilities.lds.org/disabilities/eng/disability-resources/family-resources/helps-for-mothers
For LDS Fathers:
http://disabilities.lds.org/disabilities/eng/disability-resources/family-resources/helps-for-fathers
For Grandparents:
http://disabilities.lds.org/disabilities/eng/disability-resources/family-resources/helps-for-grandparents
For all:
http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=life_fam_stress
Parenting an autistic child is a very stressful responsibility. The boom of autism diagnoses has prompted many families to seek professional help for their children. Therapists and specialists are not the only solutions in caring for a child with special needs. It is imperative that parents also take care of themselves.
It is often said that good parenting means sacrificing for the child. This might be true in some areas of life, but basic necessities need not be overlooked. Parents who neglect their own sleep routines, food choices, and financial obligations are cumulatively worsening their anxiety. Finding balance is critical when caregiving for a child with special needs.
1. Establish a bedtime habit. Autistic children love rigid schedules and parents can benefit from a consistent nightly routine too. Parents should establish a regular bedtime not only for their children, but for themselves. A warm bath, relaxing music, candles, and herbal teas are just a few ways to truly enjoy the evening.
2. Eat foods that support wellness. Many autistic children require special diets because of allergies or food intolerances. This is an opportunity for parents to assess their own eating habits and adapt their diets to fit their own needs. Skipping meals, overeating, and indulging in unhealthy substances decrease energy and can cause illness.
3. Balance the checkbook. Medical expenses can escalate when a family member is disabled. Organizing paperwork, keeping track of bills, and paying down debt are daily tasks which eliminate some of the stress. Most of all, parents should save a little money regularly. Financial management books or courses are wise when caretaking for an autistic child and planning is essential.
4. Avoid compulsion. Continuously researching autism and the latest findings is beneficial to an extent. However, lengthy amounts of time reading about or talking about autism might increase anxiety. Finding hobbies, exercising, or taking time alone are a few helpful ideas when parents experience “information overload” from caring for their disabled children.
5. Go on a date. Having an autistic child causes a great deal of stress on a marriage. Scheduled date nights and time together bonds couples during times of uncertainty. Weekly or bimonthly dates build marital relationships and promote healthy parenting. For single parents, date nights with friends are beneficial in order to have interaction with other emotionally mature adults.
6. Find a social network. Social groups can be found within communities, school districts, church organizations, or the internet. When parents actively participate in an autism network, they are better able to cope with symptoms and set obtainable goals. More important, parents can communicate openly with other families who struggle with similar issues. They are not alone in their struggles. (See National Geographic: Stress: Portrait of a Killer)
7. Have fun. Becoming a recluse is obviously not ideal. Going to the movies, the park, and the zoo are nice places for kids. However, autistic children truly benefit from a wide variety of exposure. Touring museums, visiting historical sights, camping, boating, travelling, having pillow fights, or visiting local shelters are just a few things to do aside from the mundane. With a little planning and a positive attitude, autistic children can have a wonderful time doing things that their parents can enjoy too. Parents who laugh, play, and have fun will teach their children by example to find joy in the atmosphere around them.
8. Breathe in times of turmoil. When an autistic child’s overstimulation sets in, it is comparable to having a newborn baby again. Not knowing what to do or how to help the child often makes parents feel defeated. Learning to breathe in times of high stress is a simple, fast-acting remedy in times of escalating frustration. Yogic breathing techniques (also known as Pranayama) bring peace and clarity when it seems like the whole world is caving in. Parents who practice conscious breathing are better able to make safe, beneficial decisions when their autistic children cannot communicate their needs.
For more information about stress on parents/relatives of autism, please visit the following:
For LDS Mothers:
http://disabilities.lds.org/disabilities/eng/disability-resources/family-resources/helps-for-mothers
For LDS Fathers:
http://disabilities.lds.org/disabilities/eng/disability-resources/family-resources/helps-for-fathers
For Grandparents:
http://disabilities.lds.org/disabilities/eng/disability-resources/family-resources/helps-for-grandparents
For all:
http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=life_fam_stress
Fear Ye Not
I'm taking a bit of a sick day today because I woke up with a sore throat. I came across this video to share. It is true that as we face our own trials, the Lord will fight for us if we just exercise the faith in Him. If we attempt to take matters into our own hands, we will not only deny ourselves the blessings of joy and love from Heaven...we find it is a much more difficult and lonely path. This continuous cycle throughout the day gives us an opportunity to exercise our faith and trust in God.
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