I just have to brag on my kids, and maybe encourage some of you. Just a brief reminder, I’ve got 3, all on the spectrum. My 12 yr old has Asperger’s Syndrome, Dsygraphia, & ADHD. My 10 yr old has High Functioning Autism, and some sort of processing delay – it take her longer to catch on to things than the others. My 8 yr walks the line between Aspeger’s & HFA, and also has Sensory Processing disorder, & ADHD. I myself am an Aspie with Dysgraphia & maybe some ADD.
Some of you know, I am HEAVILY involved in my city’s politics. I was brought into the local tea party in October to be their social media person. I’ve since been named Vice-Chair. Our city is nearing the end of the yearly budget battle. I’ve been actively fighting a tax increase & a water fee raise, by writing articles for the local paper & organizing our little group as best I can. This past week has been the final push to do anything about these increases.
In the past week, I met with the city’s budget director & spent about 3 hours going over the budget with her & my Tea Party chairman on Monday. On Tuesday, I spent several hours at a TP meeting, grilling the Asst. Superintendent of the school system on his budget, & putting out the results of our meeting with the Budget Director. Then last night, from 6 to midnight, I was out at the city’s public hearing, and talking to people about the budget.
All that to say this: I could NOT have done any of this a year ago. This week, for the first time since we started homeschooling 7 years ago — all three of my kids have done their schoolwork everyday this week, without being prompted, without having me sit over them, constantly reminding them what was next. They didn’t give their father a hard time about anything on the days he was subbing for me. Just woke up, did their school work, and went on about their day.
Then last night, there was a 2 hour window between when I had to leave for the council meeting, and when my DH would get home from work. Not only was I able to leave the kids at home, and trust they would feed the dog & not kill each other — My 12 year old cooked dinner for the other two – Kraft Mac & Cheese, Scrambled Eggs, Hot Dogs, & Toast. *S* I’m so proud of him! And so proud of my littlest guy, who for years has struggled with separation anxiety that was near crippling, but was able to kiss me good bye last night, and has not freaked out about any of this. Also, I’m proud of my Diva, for holding her ‘tude in check & not fighting with her brothers over stuff while I was gone.
Last year, none of this would have been possible. We still have our issues. But I’m so proud of my kids.
