Autism from a Mom's Perspective: Part 4 - A Day in the Life of Paxton

This is just a small part of a typical day in our house.  I had my friend, Missy, of Missy Moore Photography, spend the afternoon with us so she could help me capture in pictures a day in the life of Paxton.  This is autism.  This is our story and no two stories are alike.  This is Autism from a Mom's Perspective.
 
Part 4 - A Day in the Life of Paxton
 
This is my son, Paxton, and this is our beautiful life together. 
 

Paxton loves to ride the bus!

 
I am so thankful for Paxton's school.  His teachers and therapists and aides alike are amazing and treat Paxton as an individual - not just another kid in the classroom. 
 
Every kid relies on a routine; so do many adults.  But person's with autism REALLY rely on routine. Daily rituals have to be orderly and predictable, or it can cause mega outbursts, meltdowns or other negative behavior.  Paxton has gotten way more flexible over the last year, but still needs to have as much predictability in his day as possible.  Sometimes we have to use a picture schedule at home to help him to know what we are doing now and what we will do next.  Example, "First we will brush our teeth, and then we will change our clothes."
 
We have rituals for getting on and off the bus.  We run to the bus and jump off the bus.  Everything is a game!  I love it!  When he gets home from school, we tell him to take his backpack and coat off and put them in the chair.  Then we go over what he learned at school.
 

Going over Paxton's daily school schedule

 
We use a lot of pictures in our house!  Pictures help bridge the gap between Paxton's communication issues of being able to speak and knowing what to speak.  His speech is rather delayed and he doesn't speak clearly for his age, but he understands a lot more than he is able say for right now. 
 
I will use lunchtime as an example.  "Paxton, what do you want for lunch?"  Sounds pretty simple, right?  Not in our house.  That is a pretty complex question for Paxton.  He understands his name and kind of understands the "what do you want" part.  Think of the word "lunch."  Lunch, breakfast, dinner, snack, food, meal, eat.  You don't realize how complex the English language is until you see how many words share the same meaning.  Think of the numerous ways you can answer that one so-called simple question.
 
This is where pictures come in handy.  I will lay out two or three pictures of options for meal time, along with a picture of a person saying "I want" beside the food pictures.  Instead of Paxton moaning "uuuuhh" or getting frustrated if I ask him what he wants for lunch, I will lay out these pictures, and then ask him what he wants for lunch and tell him to use all of his words.  "I want da-deggi!"  (spaghetti)  This gives him a choice, but not so many choices to overwhelm him.  And most importantly it gives him a voice!
 


Paxton chooses spaghetti for lunch! (and grapes)


There is so much to see in this picture below.  To the naked eye you see just a boy eating his food on the couch. (Don't ask. Every day I choose my battles and his eating at the couch is not one of them this day.)  But to me, I see my kid has used words to pick out his meal.  I see he is eating all fairly new foods, all in one meal, and he is eating a huge variety of textures and flavors!  This is a big, big deal to kiddos with sensory processing disorder.  Spaghetti with meat sauce and grapes.  We've got squishy, chewy, and saucy in one meal. Plus he is sprinkling parmesan cheese on top!  Like he's touching the cheese with his hands and not freaking out over the mess and EATING it!  Victory!  Do you know how many months it has taken us to get him to even try pasta or grapes? 
 

 
 
A lot of times is takes several months for Paxton to get the hang of a new food.  It takes a lot of practice and patience and bribing and cheering and applauding and high-fiving. 
 
This day I had Paxton try a slice of cheese.  No.  Not a slice. Just a tiny nibble of cheese.  We use pictures again to help him understand that there is a beginning and, more importantly to him, an end to the task we are asking him to do which is going to take him outside of his comfort zone. 
 

Mom says, "First cheese, then a fruit snack."

 

Pax is like, "I don't think so!"

How about if I just touch it to my chin?

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sometimes just getting him to touch a food to his chin is cause for celebration.  So I gave him one fruit snack for touching the cheese to his chin.  Then I made him touch it to his lips for another snack; then he had to touch it to his tongue for another snack; then put it all the way in his mouth and chomp it!
 

Closer...

Closer...

Nope!  I just can't do it, Mom!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I love when people try to tell me that if he gets hungry enough he will eat whatever I put in front of him.  I love how people turn their nose up at what is basically bribing him to try new foods.  When I say "love" I really mean "hate."  For a kid with severe sensory issues, your genius ideas are just not that genius!  Actually, he won't eat.  He will go without eating before you make him eat a whole slice of pizza without easing him into a new food.  Are we bribing him?  Technically, yes.  It's a lot more than that, though.  Using First/Then scenarios give him the structure that he needs to help him to know there is an end to this task and he can move on to something more desirable once he finishes.
 
"Paxton, are you done with your spaghetti?"  He says "all done" or "yes."  I take the plate away.  He squeals, "I want spaghetti!!"  I stand their confused why he told me he was all done and got upset that I took his plate away.  He stands their equally confused as to WHY I took his plate away when he wasn't even done!  It's like the Tower of Babel all over again.  I'm speaking Momish and he is speaking Paxtonese. 
 
If Paxton asks me a question and I answer "yes" or "no", he understands what I mean.  But if I ask him a question, for him to answer "yes" or "no" is quite a different story.  Here is where those pictures come in handy again. 
 
I have a bag of various small toys.  Toys that I know he will love and toys that I know he won't care for.  I have two cards: "YES" and "NO" with a smiling and frowning face respectively.   Here we practice on answering with a simple "yes" or "no."
 


"Do you want the airplane?"  "Yes!," he says!

 

'Do you want the ball?"  "NO!  NO!  NOOOO!  Bye-bye ball!"  I wait until he can calmly tell me just "no!"



You see, Paxton would eat the same breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day.  He would play with the same toy for long periods of time.  Psychologists say this is because he is getting stuck in these happy moments.  Oatmeal makes him happy.  Planes make him happy.  Jumping off high surfaces makes him happy.  Paxton gets caught up in these things that make his world happy and predictable and he doesn’t know how to bring himself out of the moment to explore other things of this world that could make him just as happy and comfortable.

I know my opinion is biased, but Paxton is extremely smart and so witty.  It is ironic to me that he has developmental delays, yet is so smart and learns very quickly.  How is that possible?  It is because he learns very, very differently than most.  The trick is figuring out how to teach him and how to communicate in a way he understands.  I can't say enough positive things about the therapists and teachers we have worked with over the last year and a half.  It is a very humbling experience to have to say that you need hired help to teach you how to communicate with your own child. 

These are the two most important things I'VE learned as an autism momma:

1. Autism isn’t necessarily a bad thing.  Autism does not mean there is something wrong with someone.  It means they’re different.  And that’s a good thing!  How boring this world would be if all of us were “normal” and “ideal.”  I don’t want my boy to be normal; I want him to be extraordinary! 
2. I do not let autism be a crutch or an excuse to not expect the best out of my boy.  He is not disabled.  He is not unable.  He is able to do all things through Christ who gives him strength. (Phil 4:13)

More than learning to love cheese or how to properly answer “yes” or “no” to my questions, my number one goal is to make sure Paxton knows the name of Jesus Christ.  I want Paxton to have Christ in his heart because without Him we are lost.  Without Him we are hopeless.

 

"I thank my God every time I remember you....being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Phil 1:3,6

 

This boy thrills his momma's heart!

---------------

 

If you are interested in learning more about autism on a personal level, read my previous blogs here.

Autism from a Mom's Perspective:
Part 1 - Defining Autism
Part 2 - Frequently Asked Questions
Part 3 - The World Through Paxton's Eyes



AUTISM FROM A MOM’S PERSPECTIVE: PART 3 – THE WORLD THROUGH PAXTON’S EYES

If you missed my first two blogs, "Autism from a Mom's Perspective," click here to read about what autism is from my point of view.  Click here to read frequently asked questions about autism.

Autism from a Mom's Perspective:  Part 3 - The World Through Paxton's Eyes
 

I want to show you, as best as I can, the world through Paxton's eyes.  I can't possibly know exactly what goes through his mind, but I do my best to understand and empathize with what my son feels and thinks. I hope that what I do know about the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and my daily experiences I am able to help YOU understand what persons with ASD and/or SPD are living with daily.  A reminder, this is MY story about my son.  There are no two people on the spectrum that are exactly alike.  In fact, you can have completely opposite symptoms, traits, or behaviors and still be under the same spectrum.  Crazy, huh?

Sensory Processing Disorder or SPD is a condition in which the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses.  Many times persons with autism have SPD, but sometimes a person can have one or the other.  Think about it.  You have five senses.  Think of what it must feel like to have something hurt your body, hurt your eyes, sound overwhelmingly loud, smell overpoweringly strong, and taste like a mouthful of ocean-water all at the same time. Talk about sensory overload!  That's not to say that all these things happen all at once.  I'm just trying to help you get a sense (no pun intended) for what it must feel like for someone with sensory sensitivities.

So here it is:  Life Through Paxton's Eyes. 

I had my friend, Missy, of Missy Moore Photography, follow us to the park to help me capture a day in the life of Paxton.

If you took your child to this park, what would he see?  What would be the first thing he’d run to?  Would he go straight for the slide?  The swing set?  How about that ladder over there you can climb up?  Or maybe he’d be drawn to the other children his age and do what they are doing.

 

My boy?  The very first thing he notices is the big circle with the spinning hand that looks much like a clock.  It's a legend for finding different objects around the park.  Do you see it?  I swear Paxton can spot fans and clocks from a mile away!  It's quite remarkable, really.

 

 

Paxton has always loved circles.  He especially loves fans. He loves to watch the fan blades spin.  He loves the sound a fan makes, white noise, if you will.  This boy can make ANYTHING spin.  Many kiddos on the autism spectrum love fans.  Sounds funny, I know.  So let me attempt to put this into perspective to help you understand.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?  The lake?  The mountains?  The beach?  When you were there, did you take a picture of the beach, let's say?  You can see the sand, the blue waves coming in, the clear sky above, the palm trees swaying in the breeze.  What did you do with that pic?  Is it on your phone?  Is it in a picture frame on your desk?   Why?  It makes you feel good, doesn’t it?  It is visually pleasing to you.  You can look at the picture and feel instantly relaxed as you remember that moment in time.

That is what fans, clocks, pinwheels and circular objects alike do for Paxton.  They make him feel good.  He loves the way they look.  They are visually pleasing to him.  Why?  I don’t know.  Why do you like to look at the ocean waves rushing in?  Same thing.  It's just that his love for fans is more obvious than your love for the beach and therefore he sticks out.

Take a look at this park again.  Think of what you might hear and feel. 

 

What would your child hear?  Would he hear the other children at the park laughing and talking?  Would he hear the birds chirping?  Would he hear the sound of a ball bouncing?  Maybe hear the swing-set squeaking?  He probably won't necessarily "hear" anything because he is so focused on running to that slide before anyone else gets there first!

What would Paxton hear?  He would hear the neighbor, several blocks down the street, mowing his lawn.  He would hear the airplane flying overhead LONG before you and I would hear or notice the plane.  His sense of hearing is amazing.  It’s that white noise thing again.  He loves the sound of fans or motors or engines.  Those sounds are very overpowering for him.

At home, we can have the TV going, his baby brother squealing, the phone ringing, and the sound of the dishes clanking together as I'm making dinner.  All these sounds.  All at once.  Paxton will hear the motor of the refrigerator humming louder over ALL those sounds.  He will come up to me and hum, with perfect pitch, the sound of the refrigerator.  

 

 

Paxton sees things differently and hears things differently.  He also feels things differently.  Going down this slide, we didn't see that it was wet.  He's got a big smile on his face before he goes down, but when he got to the bottom?  Whoa, man.  Not a happy camper to have his pants wet.  Your child may like to dig his hands in the mud or run his fingers through the mulch on the playground.  Paxton would go ape if he got his hands dirty and would immediately ask for a towel.  To put this into perspective, how would you react if I brought over a big bucket of slugs and asked you to bury your hand in the bottom of that bucket?  You know the slugs won't hurt you, right?  But would you want to do that?  Would that slimy, squishy, creepy, crawly feel good to you or would it make you feel uncomfortable?  That is what it is like for Paxton to get his hands dirty.

 

Heaven forbid the worst, let's say your child fell down and scraped his knee.  Would he limp to you and cry because it hurt?  Paxton maybe would come over to me and ask me to "kiss-kiss" his knee and then he'd be off. In fact, he may purposely fall again just to feel that pressure on his knee.  A lot of times people with sensory issues have a high tolerance for pain.  Then again, sometimes they are super sensitive to touch.

 

This I can't explain.  Things just feel different to him.  Everywhere.  His hands.  His feet. His mouth.  His whole body. 

 

 

 

I covered how Paxton sees, hears, and feels things differently.  As far as I can tell he doesn't have issues with scent, but in my next blog I will cover how Paxton tastes things differently.  I will show you how he plays and learns differently.  I will show you how we work with him at home and how we communicate with him in a way he understands.

 

It's hard to know if the silly things Paxton does is because of the autism, his sensory issues, or the fact that he's really just a typical 3 year old boy.  I don't know, but this I do know, God has a hopeful future for my little boy.  Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope."

 

Autism from a Mom's Perspective: Part 2 - Frequently Asked Questions

Autism from a Mom's Perspective: Part 2 - Frequently Asked Questions

If you missed the first part of my blog series, Autism from a Mom’s Perspective: Defining Autism, click here.

This second part I hope to answer YOUR questions.  These are questions that are commonly asked and again are answered in my own “Mandi” terms and based on my opinions, my research, and most importantly based on my daily observations in raising a son with autism.  I do not pretend to be an expert in anything except being the absolute best mommy I can be for Paxton. 

How did you know Paxton had autism?

I knew Paxton was different from the time he was an infant.  I can’t pinpoint when, but definitely way before he was one.  I didn’t know exactly what and certainly didn’t think autism, but I always knew he was different.

Paxton's First Birthday

As an infant, Paxton never put things in his mouth.  Ever. He was always a clean eater.  He was so clean that we never had to put bibs on him.  He licked his lips after every bite.  He never liked touching his food and smearing his hands in his food.  The classic one year birthday picture of the baby elbow-deep in chocolate cake with frosting in his hair, up his nose, and all over his torso?  Nope.  Not my boy.

As a toddler, Paxton played very differently.  He wasn’t much into toys.  The toys he did play with?  He could play with one toy for hours.  Literally, hours.  The same toy.

There was one precise moment for me.  I remember it so vividly.  It was the moment that I could actually see in his eyes that something wasn’t quite right.

When Paxton was just shy of turning 2, we used to take him to Gymboree Play & Music.  There was another child about his age that was holding a ball.  Paxton went up to her and took that ball right out of her hands.  Sounds like typical 2 year old behavior, right?  No.  This was different.  I could see in his eyes that Paxton did not even SEE that little girl.  He did not know she was there.  He did not know she existed.  He wasn’t being mean or vicious.  He wasn’t being possessive.  I could see that all he could see was that ball.  He saw that ball is if it was just sitting on a shelf.  I continued to watch him in the coming weeks and he really didn’t acknowledge that any other kids were around him playing.  He was in his own world.  He wasn’t shy, wasn’t rude, just completely in his own world.  It was that day I became concerned.

How do you feel about vaccines?

No.  Vaccines do not cause autism.  At least not in our case.  I recognized Paxton as being different long before he was vaccinated.  I know this is my opinion and I am entitled to mine just as you are entitled to yours so I will leave it at that.

I would appreciate if you not assume I am an uneducated idiot.  Before I had Paxton vaccinated I did my own research and I spoke with our pediatrician before vaccinating him.  Based on that, vaccines do not cause autism.  Since Paxton has been diagnosed I have done further research on vaccines and have spoken with more doctors, psychologists, and therapists and experts than most of you will ever meet in your lifetime.  They have all confirmed that vaccines do not cause autism.

How was he diagnosed so early? 

Paxton was diagnosed at the age of 2 years and 3 months.  Some kids are diagnosed at the age of 18 months and sometimes as early as 12 months.  Looking back now and knowing what I know now, I can see how kids can be diagnosed way earlier.  The earlier the diagnosis, the better.  Early intervention is so important when it comes to these kiddos. 

Friends and even some family thought I was nuts for having Paxton evaluated so young, but I am so glad I did.  With the help of therapy, Paxton is doing AMAZING!  He has come so far in the last year.

How did you know to get him evaluated?

At Paxton’s 2-year well child visit I expressed concerns to our pediatrician because Paxton did not talk.  He understood a lot, but only spoke about 10 words.  Based on that and some other behavioral concerns, like Paxton’s lack of interest in toys and food, the doctor suggested we get him evaluated so that IF Paxton had autism then we could get him help as soon as possible.  Again, early intervention is so crucial in the outlook of these kids’ lives!

What is his diagnosis/outlook?

When Paxton was diagnosed he was at a Level 2 – meaning some of his symptoms and behaviors were moderate, but some were pretty severe and if left “untreated,” per say, could have a very negative outcome in his adulthood.  Now if he was reevaluated I am sure he’d be Level  1 – very mild, high-functioning.

What is early intervention?

Early intervention is a gift from God.  Early intervention is EVERYTHING.  There are no big enough words that I can say to express just how wonderful and important early intervention is.  I could write a whole other blog on this! Paxton had two therapists from Missouri’s First Steps.  I owe those two angels everything I own.  One of his therapists specializes in working with kids with autism.  She came to our house twice a week.  She actually taught us how to communicate with Paxton.  She actually gave him a voice.  She helped him to work through his behaviors and helped him learn to learn.  That’s not a typo.  Learn to learn.  She helped him to know how to function in this world we call “normal.”  Paxton also worked with an occupational therapist.  She came out once every other week and helped Paxton with his issues mostly relating to sensory processing disorder.   She worked with him on eating and exploring different textures with his mouth, hands, and feet.  These two ladies are the most knowledgeable, amazing, patient people I’ve ever met.  

Have you heard/read/seen?  Do you know?

No. No. No. No.  Stop there.   I appreciate your trying to help and relate, but I don’t want to hear your stories of a youtube video you saw of a kid who has autism, blah blah blah.  Or the book you read about bluh, bluh, bluh.  I don’t need or want a support group.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with support groups.  I just don't need one.  We are getting through life just fine.  I am not letting autism define my son or my family. 

I’m really not trying to sound crass or harsh here.  Rather, I am trying to be honest and open about my personal experience with my son’s autism diagnosis.  Don’t be afraid to ask me questions.  I’m happy to share what I know and my experiences.  It’s the advice I didn’t ask for and the “support” that’s not supportive at all that gets me a little edgy.

The only support I need comes from Jesus Christ.  I try to take one day at a time, one moment at a time.  The support I need from you is your prayers.  Great things are to come for my little boy!  Philippians 1:6 says “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

 

Next week I am excited to share with you a day in the life of Paxton through pictures!  The Good, The Bad, and The Typical Toddler.

Autism from a Mom's Perspective: Part 1-Defining Autism

 

I’m not one for sharing my personals, especially something like this, but I feel confident that this is something I need to share.  Understand this is not something I try to hide.  I am not in denial.  I am certainly not ashamed.  I choose not to make a big spectacle about it because people are very ignorant and sometimes inconsiderate.  Not intentionally, of course.  Just ignorant, not knowing, unaware.  Their intentions are good, but their words, unwelcomed advice, and stares are hurtful.

This is my very personal story about my son, Paxton, my absolute joy of my heart!  Paxton was diagnosed with autism and sensory processing disorder at the young age of 2 on December 18, 2013.  April is Autism Awareness month.  I feel in my heart that I need to do my part this month to help raise awareness, not just for my son but for the other millions of children that have autism.  Would you please take the time to read my series of blogs this month about how autism affects my family and become autism aware? 

In this first blog, I will define autism.   Next week I will answer questions that are frequently asked to me like how I found out Paxton had autism and my thoughts on the great vaccine debate.  Then saving the best for last I will present “Autism through Pictures.”  My good friend, Missy, of Missy Moore Photography, is helping me show you the day in the life of Paxton and how autism affects his ways of learning, seeing, tasting, and living life. 

Thank you in advance for your support, and keeping an open mind.

AUTISM DEFINED SERIES 1 OF 3: WHAT IS IT?

Let me give you a short and to-the-point definition of what autism is and then I will go into depth what autism is for MY FAMILY in my own “Mandi” terms.

According to the Autism Society of the Heartland:

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause of autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today.

In Mandi terms, in my day-to-day experiences over the last year and a half, autism is defined as being a term for those that learn very differently and communicate differently than the majority of the population and are therefore given a label.

I will be 100% honest in saying I really didn’t have a clue what autism was until my son was diagnosed.  I was ignorant.  And I did not realize how ignorant most of society is about autism until my son was diagnosed.  To save you from your ignorance, the same ignorance I had, let me show you what autism is and tell you what it is not.  Although each person, autistic or not, is different and they all learn differently and at different speeds…

·         Autism does NOT mean one is mentally retarded.  Please do not use that word anymore.

·         Autism does NOT mean one is “slow” or “not all there.”  They may be delayed in certain developmental milestones, but hey!  What’s the rush?!  There is a difference, folks.  My son may not be able to communicate in a way you understand, but I assure you he understands a lot more than he is able to verbally communicate.

·        Autism does NOT necessarily mean one is disabled physically, mentally, and certainly not spiritually. 

·        Autism does NOT mean one needs a pity party.  My kid is not dying or suffering. Neither am I!  No need to give me big, googley eyes or try to find words. 

·        Autism does NOT mean one is weird.  You are weird.  I am weird.  We are all weird in our own way.  Just because someone is a little different or may have a unique quirk, don’t label them as having autism.

Read all the books you want, but you cannot even begin to comprehend autism unless you parent a child who has autism.  You cannot begin to comprehend autism unless you live with it daily. Understand I am Paxton’s advocate.  I will always stick up for my boy.  I will always speak for my boy until/if/when he has his own voice to speak up for himself.  Again, I know people’s intentions are kind, but their words and looks are hurtful. 

That being said, a little warning of things NOT to say to parents of autistic children:

·        Anything that has to do with essential oils – Your stupid oils will not help or treat the symptoms of autism.  Sorry to burst your oily bubble.

·        Your dietary advice – Although I truly believe in the gut-brain connection, your diet will not help or treat the symptoms of autism.  General mood or behavior?  Sure.  Maybe.  But not autism.

·        I do not want to hear about your friend’s cousin’s little boy that has autism.  I understand you are trying to relate, but please don’t categorize or label people with autism like they are a breed of dog.  There is a saying “If you’ve met one person with autism, that’s it.  You’ve just met one person with autism.”  In other words, people with autism are unique in their own way.  Just like non-autistic people are unique in their own way.

·        Please, please, please, I beg you.  Do NOT try to compare your normal-developing child’s behavior to my child’s behavior.  Every kid has their quirks.  Every kid has their ups and downs.  Every kid has their tantrums.  Do not try to make me feel better as if every kid has the meltdowns like my child.  Forgive me if I don’t feel sorry for you because your 2-3 year old isn’t potty trained yet.  It will be years before my son is potty trained.  Forgive me if I don’t feel sorry for you because your toddler won’t eat vegetables because I am going to celebrate the day I can get my kid to try a tiny bite of greasy, gluten-licious pizza without gagging and crying.

That is autism defined; what autism is and is not.  Let me liven up this mood by defining MY Paxton. 

Defining Paxton

 

Paxton is a ton of fun!  He is a hilarious, very silly little boy.  He makes me laugh until I cry.  His laugh is the most contagious and anyone will tell you the same.  He loves stickers, circles, fans, and the color green.  He loves music and likes to sing.  Two of his favorite books are Goodnight Moon and Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See.  His favorite movie is Disney’s “Planes.”  He loves to jump, swim, swing, slide, climb and be outside.  His most favoritest thing of all is airplanes!  Airplanes and helicopters.  He can’t get enough of them!  Paxton is an awesome big brother and loves to love on his little brother.

I love my little boy with my whole heart.  Some days, some weeks are very difficult.  Sometimes I just cry out to the Lord and ask him to please, please help my little boy overcome his frustrations.  I ask Him to help ME because I am at a loss.  You know what, though?  I love Paxton just as he is.  There is not one thing I would change about my little boy, quirks and all.  I do wish some of those frustrations would just go away, but every person on this earth has something they are dealing with.  It’s called life.  The God I serve does not make mistakes.  The God I serve made Paxton just the way he is for a reason.  The God I serve chose Paxton for me and me for Paxton.  And that is an honor in and of itself.

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14

Summer Challenge Wrap-Up

Meet Yvonne and Christie.  Have you ever seen two, such fine lookin’ grandmas?  These ladies were the winners of my Summer Challenge!

This week my Disciplined Life clients and CHANGE clients wrapped up our Summer Challenge.  The challenge was six weeks long and focused on setting six, small, weekly goals; goals that could be accomplished within just seven days.  The first week we focused on making over our breakfasts by adding a vegetable serving, limiting the standard cereals and breads, and even bumping up the calories.  The following week we got into the habit of planning out a week’s worth of breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.  Each week’s mini goal built upon the previous week’s goal.  Points were earned for exercising at home, sharing recipes and pictures of our healthy meals, and even food prepping for the week.  We kept a private Facebook group page where we could check in with each other for daily accountability.

Although the Summer Challenge was more of a self-challenge rather than a competition amongst each other, these ladies, Yvonne and Christie won Dick’s Sporting Good gift cards by losing the most body fat and earning the most points during the challenge.

Yvonne said of the challenge:  “…I have found that it [overall general health] boils down to a day-to-day decision with every day not being perfect.  But activity, exercise and managing your food is something I have to do every day….I love the Facebook page, the check-ins and the accountability…”

Christie said of the challenge:  “…The accountability was good for me.  I also liked the weekly challenges.  It gave me something to focus on weekly.  All of them were small steps in being a healthier me….It [the Facebook group page] was motivating to see where everyone was and a great way to encourage each other when [we are] not together….”

I love holding these challenges for my clients as a way to get everyone involved and motivated, to break out of a workout “slump.”  These challenges have a way of getting clients to re-think of where they are, where they want to be, and how they’re going to get to get there, just one step at a time.

Where do you want to be?  How can you be healthier in just seven days?  Should you add an extra workout to your week?  Get more sleep?  Eat more fruits and vegetables?  Write out a six-week plan for yourself.  Set some goals, and demolish them!