Congrats Kat & Jay

Today was another day filled with graduation parties. We started out at Kathleen's (Kat) graduation party. Kathleen graduated from Liverpool yesterday morning. We had a great time visiting with friends, eating good food, listening to our friend Johnny play the bagpipes (he self taught himself and it amazes me every time I listen to him play), and just celebrating Kathleen's big day. Its exciting for me because I'm taking the next step in her life with her (more to come on that in my next blog).

Next we headed to Jay's graduation party. Some of our crew followed us from Kathleen's to Jay's. Jay graduated from CNS on Friday night. There were also a bunch of other from CNS that we knew. It was nice to see them all again even though we saw them yesterday at Donald's party. By this time I was pretty much full but ate a piece of cake but of course Jaylin ate some meatballs and some cake. Most of the people that we were hanging out with were started to leave for another graduation party so Jaylin and I decided we should head home too since Jay was going to be attending the other party as well.

We are now done with the 5 kids that I worked with at the Y's graduation parties. I've known them all for 5 years now and I'm so proud of them. I've seen them all grow so much and can't wait to hear about their futures.

Congrats Donald & Danae

I picked Jaylin up at noon from Glenwood and we headed to Donald's graduation party. Donald graduated from CNS last night. On Thursday we went and got Donald a Mickey Mouse from the Disney store and then went to Build a Bear to get the cap & gown. All year Donald has asked me to get him a Mickey for his graduation. When we were at Magic Kingdom we looked but didnt find any. So I decided to just make my own. He loved it. He must of hugged me and thanked me 15 times. We had a great time with friends, dancing, and yummy food.

Danae graduated from Liverpool today. We left Donald's party at 4 and headed over to Danae's party. We ate cake and some snacks there. Danae was very excited to see us because she was thinking we werent coming. We got to see Katlyn who use to work Jaylin. We havent seen her in awhile and were excited to hear that she got married. David, her husband, was with her as well. David hung out with Jaylin and Katlyn a couple times. Jaylin really liked him and was excited to see them both.

We were supose to go to a baby shower today as well but didnt end up going because Jaylin was having so much fun at Donald's party with all his friends. Now we are home and p-o-o poop as Donald would say so we are just relaxing. Tomorrow we have another day filled with parties.

Glenwood

Last night Jaylin did his first overnight at Glenwood which is a respite house through Liberty Resources. Last week he went camping overnight so that was a good leadway for this weekend but it was easier for me last week because Molly (his helper) was with him. Molly brought him to Glenwood at 2:30 to hang out with him there for a bit so he could get comfortable. I stopped over to give him money and to say goodbye to him. He was a little off so I drove home very nervous. Molly texted me when she was leaving at 430 and said that he jumped on the trampoline and played some board games and seemed in a better mood. I called there at 7 just to check on him and was told he was doing well. I was asked if I wanted to talk to him and I said "no just have him call me before he goes to bed". I never got a call though. I was sad about that but whatever. I went and picked him up at 12 today. They said he did well. They gave me his money back so they didnt end up doing anything. Jaylin told me he ate meatball sub for dinner, dvds, books, ready for bed, and bacon, eggs, and something else for breakfast. He said he had a good time. They really didnt do too much so I'm hoping next time they go out and do something.

Goodbye Enable

Yesterday was my last day at my job. I'm starting a new job next week. We had a pot luck lunch yesterday because it was a staff meeting day. This cake was bought for me. It was from Biscotti's and it was delicious. Wednesday was my last day with the kids. I'm really going to miss my boys. It was hard saying goodbye to them. I'm going to visit over the summer but then 2 of my boys are going to kindergarten in the fall so I won't see them after summer time. I made some great friends this year. Two of them I know I will remain in contact with. I'm going to miss the craziness but I'm excited to start my new job.

Challengers Baseball

Last Tuesday Jaylin started Challengers Baseball. Its his 5th year playing and he loves it. This is his 3rd year on the red team and my 3rd year coaching. We look forward to baseball season all year long. Here are some pictures I took this past Tuesday. Running to 1st

Home run

GO RED

Good game, good game!!!

Camping

Last night Jaylin went on an overnight camping trip with his Liberty group. This was a big deal for us because he has never gone anywhere overnight without it being with my mom. I was nervous about it but knew it was going to be great for him. I'm bummed because I forgot to give Molly my camera to take pictures. She said there were some pictures taken of him and she was going to get copies for me. Jaylin called me at like 10 last night and told he what he ate for dinner and that he was having a good time. He came home today at 2. Molly said he did great. They had a carnival, talent show (Jaylin played the piano), ate smores, danced, and told ghost stories.

Jaylin sleeps with his tv on at night for the noise so I was concerned he wouldn't sleep well. They were in cabins so I was able to send his portable dvd player. Molly told me that he slept well, he woke up at 530, watched a movie for about half an hour, then went back to bed. They had a nice breakfast (pancakes, eggs, sausage, and bacon), hung out for a bit, had lunch, then headed home. I guess he was asking for me this morning and saying he was "ready to go home" but enjoyed himself before he came home. He was very happy to see me as I was to see him.

I'm glad things went okay. Jaylin has been put into the rotation for the respite house that is apart of his program through Liberty and his first time there is next Friday. So this was the perfect trial for us.

I'm just really proud of where he is at now. I never thought he would be able to do any of this stuff because he was having so many behavior issues. He has calmed down so much. I'm so proud of him. The program through Liberty has been great for him.

Last Day of School

Yesterday was Jaylin's last day of school. Monday I bought in Applebee's for Jaylin and his teachers to thank them for all they've done this year. This year was a huge transition for him. There is not a program at the junior high that he fits into. There always has been before. He's a middle functioning kid and theres only high or low functioning classrooms. There were a lot more expectations of him this year. It was rocky for awhile but he's been doing well. He's really grown this year and I'm proud of him. We were very lucky that he had Miss W again this year. I don't think he would have transitioned as well as he did without her. She knows him well and was able to guide him but also teach his new team about him. Right now we are not sure what next year is going to hold for him. I nervous about it, kinda crossing my fingers that we get Miss W again. If we do then all my worries will go away but if we don't he's in a new classroom, new TA, and I don't think the staff will work with him on controlling his behaviors as much as they have this year.

Now Jaylin is on break until July 6th when he starts summer school. Poor kid doesn't realize other kids get the whole summer off, he has gone to school year round since he was 2 years old. It's great for him, I couldn't imagine how September would be if he didn't go to summer school. I found out he is going to be in the same classroom as he was last summer. He did really well in that classroom so that takes some stress away.

Congrats Meghan

First, I have to say "yay I'm finally caught up with my blogs". On Sunday, we went to the first of many graduation parties. Jaylin's friend, Meghan, is graduating from Liverpool High School next Saturday. We attended her party and had a great time. Jaylin was loving that they had pizza and wings. He was in heaven. Meghan's dad made a great speech. I sat there and was thinking that before I know it we will be celebrating Jaylin's graduation.

New Car

Last Monday I bought a new car, well new to me we should say. My Neon wasn't worth putting anymore work into so my stepdad and I have been looking for a car for about two months now. He found me my 99 Stratus for a great price. The car is real nice, little rust on bottom that we are going to fix but it runs great. My stepdad told me he could have sold it for twice what I paid for it. I'm just glad that I have something reliable now. The air conditioner blows ice cold air which is exciting to me since none of my cars have ever had one that works well. I won't be sweating to death on those really hot summer days this summer.

Gold Medal

On the 6th, Jaylin competed in an track and field meet. He earned a bronze medal in standing long jump and a gold (his first one) in softball throw. The weather was nice (last year it was like 90 degrees) and Jaylin had a great time. We went to Friendly's for dinner afterwards to celebrate him getting his first gold medal. I was so proud of him.

Showing off his gold medal Standing long jump (he's so determined here)

His face in this one makes me laugh

Jaylin and "the crew"

Goodbye Marilyn, Hello Molly

About a week before we left for Florida, we found out that Marilyn was leaving us. She has worked with Jaylin since the end of January when he started the ISAF program through Liberty Resources. We were sad to see her go but very excited for the new opportunity she was presented with. The last week that Jaylin and Marilyn shared together was nice and Molly, his new helper, was shadowing Marilyn to learn all about him. Last Friday was Marilyn's last day and we were all very sad. We went to Tully's for a farewell dinner (Jaylin's choice of course). We hope that she will stay apart of our lives because she was very special to us.

We are excited to have Molly with us. Jaylin's first week with her went well. She's great with him and he seems to adore her. Soon Molly's face will make an appearance on here just like Marilyn's face has.

YMCA End of the Year BBQ

Jaylin's after school group had an end of the year BBQ last Friday. There was lots of yummy food and thanks to my friend, Lisa, I have some pics to share. This year five of Jaylin's friends from this group are graduating. So we will be attending lots of parties this year, something Jaylin loves to do. Enjoy the pictures.

Playing in the sand Sitting after lots of jumping in the bounce house

Paige and Jaylin

Goodbye Florida

Wednesday, May 27th, was our last day in Florida. We got up in the morning and went down to the pool so Jaylin could have one last swim then we grabbed lunch at CiCi's Pizza. After lunch we hit the Flea Markets where I bought souvenirs for my follow teacher assistants at work. At 430 we headed to the airport. We get there and find out our flight is delayed. My mom says to ask about our connecting flight. We had a layover in JFK. I was told we should be fine. So we finally start boarding the plane about 745. We never got in the air until about 830. I tell the flight attendent I was concerned about our connecting flight. She told me she would find out more when we got closer to New York City. She never did. So we are getting off the plane not knowing if we made our flight or if we were stuck in NYC for the night. No one was very helpful. I asked about the flight to Syracuse and they were talking about a Boston flight @@. So Jaylin, my brother, and I run to the gate. Jaylin is getting frustrated because he doesnt want to run but also sees that I'm frustrated. We get to the gate the guy takes our tickets. I get on the plane and I'm like "is this the Syracuse flight?". The pilots smiles and says "yes". I'm like "thank you someone who can give me an answer". We finally sit down. By this time Jaylin is whiny which eventually turns into small sobs. Between frustration and exhaustion he had enough. Poor guy. Luckily he got a second snack, drink, and the tvs were actually working (our seats were the only ones on the flight to Florida that weren't working, luckily my brother gave Jaylin his IPOD). We made it back to Syracuse safe and sound. We didnt walk into our apartment until after 1 am so I decided to keep Jaylin home the next day from school. The plan was to let him sleep in then bring him to school. I was going to go to work in the afternoon but knew that a veg day at home was going to be much more beneficial.

Magic Kingdom

We spent our last full day of vacation at Magic Kingdom. I have always wanted to go stay on Disney and do all the parks but we havent done that yet. We just do one park. The first year Jaylin picked MGM Studios (now Hollywood Studios) and last year was Universal Studios. This year it was a toss up between Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom. Well, Magic Kingdom won. We had a great time and I enjoy the quality time with Jaylin. It did start downpouring at 3 pm for awhile but that didn't stop us.

At the entrance of Magic Kingdom Walking down Main Street

In front of Cinderella's Castle

With Mickey and Minnie

On Splash Mountain. I'm not a fan of roller coasters because I get motion sickness but I did it for Jaylin. It wasn't bad at all but this picture was taken right at the beginning of the fall where the anticipation was the scary part lol.

Riding the carousel (one of our get out of the rain activities)

On the boat ride back. I asked Jaylin when we got there if he wanted to take the train (monorail) or the boat to Magic Kingdom. He tells me "train". So we get in line. Of course we are almost to the front of the line and he changes his mind and says "boat". So he was told "you already made the choice to take the train so we will take the boat back". As you can see he was very excited.

Us on the boat. As much as I hate pictures of myself, I love the ones of Jaylin and I.

Clearwater Beach

We spent our Memorial Day at Clearwater Beach. We went into the ocean for a bit and then headed to a sea screamer boat ride/dolphin watch. We went on the same boat ride like 5 years ago when we were at Clearwater Beach with my mom's cheerleading gym (they had a competition in Tampa). Anyways, this time the people attempting to get the dolphins to jump and be seen wasn't as good as the last time we had went. Before we were able to see the dolphins jumping around and stuff. We were able to see dolphins though. Waiting for the ride to start

I wasn't able to get too many shots. When we went last time we saw more of the actual dolphin. This time around we mainly saw what you see in the picture. We still had a great time though.

Medieval Times

Our first full day in Florida was Sunday the 24th. We spent most of day floating around in tubes in the lazy river. I didn't take any pictures because I was enjoying some quality time relaxing with my favorite guy. Every year we do a dinner show, the first year was Arabian Nights and last year was Pirates. No one could decide which one to do so Jaylin chose Medieval Times. My mom, stepdad, and brother really enjoyed the drinks that were being served. Jaylin liked the show and of course the food =).

We are cheering green on right, Mom?

Airplane Florida

On Saturday, May 23rd, Jaylin, my brother, and I flew to Florida (or as Jaylin says "airplane Florida"). My mom and stepdad own a timeshare in Kississimee so this is the 3rd year in a row that we have gone down to enjoy the timeshare. Jaylin loves to fly and talks about "airplane to Florida" all year long. He enjoys the airplane more than the trip itself. Last year Miss W taught him this little hand gesture to do when he talks about flying to Florida. He kinda flaps his hands and says "airplane" then he makes his hand fly like an airplane and says "Florida". Its really funny to watch. We got to Florida around 730 so we grabbed dinner and of course Jaylin needed to get some swim time in. Here are some pics of him hanging out in the pool for a night swim.

Testing the water Come on Mom

Dance to the music with Grandma and Nick

CNS Special Olympics

On Thursday, May 22nd, Jaylin participated in the Special Olympic Track and Field event at CNS. It's a great event that brings together special education programs all over the county. The kids participate in track and field events. Jaylin has done in for a couple years now and we look forward to it every year. Its such a great event for our kids. Its amazing to watch. It's always nice to see our friends from other school districts too. It was a beautiful day this year and Jaylin had a blast!

Jaylin and "his ladies" Alex and Miss W Marching in the parade

Standing long jump

Jaylin showing off his ribbons

CJ's House of Bounce

I have really been slacking on my blogging. We have been so busy lately. So anyways, on May 16th, Jaylin was invited to Michael, his friend/bowling team mates, birthday party. The party was at CJ's House of Bounce. I have just recently started hearing about this place and was interested to see what it was about. So we get there and its a really cool place. Theres a big bounce slide, a couple bounce houses, a maze thing, and a little toddler bounce area. Jaylin had a blast jumping in the houses and going down the big slide. It would be a great place to blow off some steam in the winter. When we were leaving I saw a sign that said it was $6 to come in and jump. I think thats a pretty good deal and would recommend people take their kids there.