Delight Santa And The Kids With Wonder Forge!

It's that time of year again.. letters to Santa, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday.... it all gets so confusing, when you're fighting complete strangers in public, on the floor, with your pajama pants sliding down and monstrous coffee breath, for the latest and greatest things all the little monsters in the world are begging for.

For the Monster House, though, we are clinging to our family time. We've all but boycotted the iPad for anything that isn't educational, and we're going back to basics with Santa Claus. This is where Wonder Forge comes in, with quality games that are sure to please parents, kids, and Santa alike. I have to say... the checkbook won't be offended, either. Wait. What?! Fabulous games everyone will love without having to take out a second mortgage? Win/win! You just can't go wrong!

We were delighted when the email came this year, asking us to review this season's newest games from Wonder Forge, so we could tell you how much we love them. I have to admit, though, we were right about to start (yet another) move, and everything was beginning to be packed and after I replied enthusiastically to the email, I thought to myself, "Am I NUTS?!" and then I reminded myself how much I love Wonder Forge, and I was fine again. So, let's get down to business!

I have a house full of boys, and they were in heaven when the newest Wonder Forge box arrived. Absolute male bonding heaven. Didn't matter how old they are.... they were all hyper and ready to play. First up was the Star Wars Force Grab Game. And seriously... anything Star Wars in this house is instantly awesome. Available in stores and online at Toys R Us for $14.99, the price is sure to make parents smile. This is a matching game, where you match pictures of game pieces to the matching game card. Be quick! You have to be faster than your opponent, and the competition is fierce! This game is great for dexterity, memory, and reflexes, and teaches good sportsmanship as well. Suggested ages for this game are ages 8-14. I have to say, though.. this Momma is 40, the Daddy is 52, and we had a rockin' good time, just like our 9 year old. Because of the nature of this game, if younger players want to be included, it may be necessary to adjust the rules, or even toss out the rules entirely, focusing only on matching, to accommodate them. It was pretty cut throat at the Monster House, but it was all in good fun and no game pieces were harmed in the making of this review.

Next, we reviewed Star Wars Rebel Missions. This game is rated for children ages 6-12 and retails for $16.99 at Toys R Us, in stores and online. Each player picks a profile, rolls dice, and completes tasks. Once tasks are completed, codes are entered into the Imperial Timer, but some of them are decoys.  I have to admit, this game was rather confusing at first, and the Imperial Timer was very distracting. It was difficult to distinguish between "good" code chimes and "decoy" code chimes at times, and the music that plays on the timer throughout was a bit much to take in the first few times we played. However, the game is fun once you know what you are doing, and I am sure we will play it again and again for family game night- especially now that we are all moved and will quickly be getting back in to our regular routine. (Now where did that box of games get put....?)

If you loved Yahtzee as a kid, this next game is sure to please and bring back memories, while creating new ones with your child. Star Wars Face Off Dice Game is recommended for children from 8-15 years, and is available for through Amazon for $9.99. This game includes a dice cup with the face of Darth Vader on one side and the face of Luke Skywalker on the other. It comes with 5 game dice, a lid for the dice cup so it can be transported without losing game dice, and a copy of the rules. This is portable entertainment at it's best. You will need pen and paper to keep score, as you did with the other game I mentioned. But my monsters loved being able to be the hero or the villain, bluffing, and had a great time rolling the dice and getting points. Because of the small pieces of the game, this product is not recommended for smaller children age 3 and younger, and children on the younger end of the recommended age spectrum may need help from an adult to play. This game promotes strategic thinking and imaginative play.

If  Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker don't float your monsters' boat, but Spidey does.... check this out! The Marvel version of the Face Off game! Marvel Ultimate Spider-Man Face Off is also available on Amazon for $9.99, and recommended for children ages 8-15 years. The dice cup has the face of Spider-Man on one side, and Rhino on the other, and includes cup lid, game dice, and rules. I can't help envisioning a rainy day at Summer camp, and some brilliant child yanking the Face Off games out of his pack, and suddenly turning into the hero of the tent. I'm funny that way.. vivid mental images. This game would also be wonderful for chasing away the winter storm doldrums that inevitably occur during Christmas break, forcing our monsters to stay inside.

Lastly, we got to mess around with the Marvel Avengers Assemble Slide Strike Game. This game is available online at Amazon for $9.99, and is recommended for children ages 7-15. This game encourages strategic thinking and deductive reasoning, as players conceal their true identity and slide across the battlefield for surprise attacks. With each character combination, a different outcome to the game is possible.  Whoever outlasts their opponent, wins! It just doesn't get much better than that.










If you are looking to bring your family out of the screen time stupor just like we were, games the whole family can enjoy are the perfect solution. Wonder Forge has been a favorite of the Monster House for quite a while now, and their games have held up to moves, hysterical episodes of weeping and wailing when someone didn't win, and stealth trips to school in back packs for show and tell. The quality of the Wonder Forge product line is second to none, and sure to please both giver and recipient. So.. if you're looking for something special for the boys in your life that has nothing to do with screen time, you can't go wrong by choosing Wonder Forge. They are absolutely Monster House approved, with a rating of 18 thumbs up!

I was provided with free product from Wonder Forge in exchange for honest opinions and reviews. I was not compensated monetarily for my opinion or review.

Chore Time Is Quick & Easy With #SwifferEffect! #rafflecopter

At the Monster House we use the "divide and conquer" method to tackle household chores. Otherwise, it would be me doing everything, and I just have to say, one person cleaning up after nine people just doesn't work out so well.

From picking up to doing dishes, to vacuuming and dusting, everyone pitches in - even the twinnies. But not everyone has 8 other family members to help get things done, like Lee and Morty, a 90 year old couple  living in New York. You can imagine how lugging around a heavy mop bucket or stretching on a rickety step stool to get the dusting done could be both difficult and dangerous for Lee, who does all the housekeeping in their home. Check out their story, and fall in love with them like I did:



Everyone has problem areas in their own home, or chores that are difficult to accomplish because of the contortions you have to do or cleaning supplies you have to heft around. Well, Swiffer has all kinds of products to help make your chore time shorter, more effective, and more enjoyable! And you'll feel better knowing that your home is really clean, and safe for your family. If you're anything lke me, and have a child or family member with allergies or sensitivities, cleanliness is a big, BIG deal. And for homes with pets and/or small children, Swiffer products are amazing for quick clean up of those pesky perpetual spills and messes.

But wait, there's more! (Lookit me all sounding like and infomercial...) One lucky Living with Logan reader living in the United States will WIN a #SwifferEffect kit ($20 value) of their very own to make cleaning faster and easier! Enter by using the super simple entries within the rafflecopter form below. Though I love love LOVE blog comments, those entries will not be valid, or counted. But always feel free drop me a comment to let me know how much you love me and the monsters. It makes me feel all gooey and get the warm fuzzies...

Remember: only entrants from the US are eligible to win. Good luck, and happy cleaning with #SwifferEffects!

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**disclaimer** I was provided with a #SwifferEffects kit in exchange for this post, including the provided video. Opinions and views stated within the body of the post are mine alone and were not compensated beyond free product. #SwifferEffect, Swiffer, and Swiffer Wet Jet are products of Proctor and Gamble, and copyrighted by same. Referenced here, for purposes of this post, with permission.

Chicken Soup for the Soul for ASD parents! review and #giveaway

We all know, as parents of kids "on the spectrum", the feeling of being alone, not having anyone around us that understands what it's like day to day with these amazing, incredible, wonderful kids of ours. It can be frustrating, exhilarating, exhausting, hilarious, and heartbreaking to parent these unique little people of ours. Most days, I'm convinced that Logan teaches me far more than I have ever taught him.

As Autism and Asperger's diagnosis' increase, and as awareness increases, the number of parents looking for support and understanding increases as well. Chicken Soup for the Soul has come out with a book of 101 stories written by parents of children with Autism and Asperger's, and I was impressed! In keeping with the high standards of other Chicken Soup books, this book will offer comfort and support and understanding apart from support groups online.

Covering such topics as therapies and tips, funny moments, getting the diagnosis, school and camp, family and siblings, hopes, expectations, and leaving the nest, this CSS book will be appropriate for every ASD parent.

Some authors may be familiar, like Big Daddy Stark, Dawn Hentrich , and Leigh Merryday. But regardless of whether I was familiar with the writer or not, each and every story in this book touched me in some way, and left me feeling a little lighter. Advertised as "A portable support group for families with children on the spectrum- with inspirational stories, useful tips, and solid advice from other parents!", this book is right on.

Though I read it from cover to cover, it's formatted in a way that going from story to story in no particular order would be just as satisfying. I have to say... CSS, you get 18 thumbs up! I love this book, and think that every parent should have one, whether they have a child with ASD or not. It's that good.

This quote from co-author Nancy Burrows says it all:

"I remember when my son was first diagnosed. It was like I was staring into the abyss, and I felt this need to turn somewhere for information...

"...I would have loved to have this book to turn to for support, guidance and tips. There's a big difference between Googling 'autism' on the internet and reading 101 stories from parents who have already been there."

And, the great news is, one of my lucky lucky US readers will get to win one of these books of their very own! How completely cool is that?! Enter to win by using the rafflecopter form below. Entries made in blog comments below the post will not be counted. Please read all terms and conditions within the rafflecopter form before entering. Giveaway ends 6/12 at 12am EST.

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Chicken Soup for the Soul, CSS, and cover art are property of Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, LLC and are used here with permission for purposes of this review.

I was provided a free copy of this book in return for my honest review. My opinion may vary from yours.
This giveaway is not affiliated with facebook or twitter in any way.

Bounty DuraTowel Review and Giveaway!

If you're anything like me, when the winter weather gives way to sunny days and warm breezes, I get the urge to purge. I go through the monsters' clothing, I sort through toys. And... much to the shock and horror of the entire fam, I start cleaning everything. Yes, folks, I have been bitten by that evil little Spring cleaning bug. Spring has sprung, even though Mother Nature wasn't all that cooperative for the first little while.

Now, here at the Monster House, we make messes. Lots and lots of messes. Some of them are easy to take care of, and some of them aren't. And with Logan's allergies and sensitivities, I have had to become really aware of things that could pose a potential hazard to him. I don't just mean chemicals, though I am starting to shift to chemical free cleaners.

One major change that I have made is that I have stopped using the traditional dish rag. That little scrap of fabric is a breeding ground for bacteria, and something I don't even want to think about seeing under a blacklight or microscope. But, it's tradition, right? The dishrag folded over the partition between the sinks after the dishes are done and the sinks wiped out. The same dishrag that I just used on the counters, rinsed, used on the stove top, rinsed, used on the coffee pot, rinsed, used on the cabinet doors, rinsed, washed dishes with, and wiped sinks with. And, because of all that, I effectively spread bacteria and germs evenly all over my kitchen. Yummy, right? Who could ask for anything more?

Well, Bounty has come up with a much better alternative. Bounty's DuraTowel is my new favorite cleaning tool in the kitchen. The disposable dishcloth. The cloth-like texture and weight of this paper towel makes it a worthy opponent to any kitchen clean up task. And using disposable dishcloths can leave surfaces up to three times cleaner than your traditional dishrag.*

Now, you know me. I have seven monsters running around. I cook from scratch every day. We have sit down dinners together every evening. I bake a lot. I do a lot.. a LOT... of dishes. There are fingerprints on everything, and pretty much anything that can be spilled usually is. So I was skeptical. Very skeptical. Because you just have to know that things that work for smaller families with fewer disasters usually are not up to the task of the Monster House.

Scary stove

So, I decided I would use DuraTowel on the meanest kitchen job I had available. Scrubbing the stove. And people? This was not just a few spatters of tomato sauce. This was after Sunday dinner, with the pot roast and the real mashed potatoes and the gravy and the honey glazed carrots and the dinner rolls and the veggie sides. You should know that anything that could boil over, splatter, spill onto the burner and cremate itself that day, did. And it scared even me. So I thought to myself, "Self, let's see how this....(little snicker in my head).. paper towel... does on my stove." I have pictures as evidence. You won't believe this. *I* didn't believe it. And I was there! Check this out. Look to the right. Observe the scariness. Usually? I have a routine where I use a razor blade, rinse, use scotch brite pad with powdered cleanser, rinse, use a spritz of my favorite liquid cleaner, and do a little polish with a dishrag. But this time.. I didn't.

I did the spritz with the kitchen cleaner. And I used a shake or two of powdered cleanser. But I didn't used a razor blade. I didn't use a scotch brite pad. I didn't use anything except 2 DuraTowels, certain that they would be in shreds within the first 34 seconds of cleaning. And then I would get out the trusty razor.

PRETTY STOVE!

It was not in shreds in 34 seconds. Or even in 5 minutes. Or 10. In fact...well.. the pictures speak for themselves. So here's another one. People? It held up. It held up as well as the scary bacteria breeding dishrag. It didn't shred. And though I have to admit that by the time I was done with it, the layers had separated, there was not one hole in those paper towels! I'm not a gentle cleaning person. I hate to do the dirty cleaning at the end of the night. I put major elbow grease into it. And I am so impressed, I can't even tell you.

To be completely fair, I took a picture of the before and after, side by side,  DuraTowel. The two sheets on the left are after scrubbing my stove, the oven door, the control panel, the knobs and the part under the knobs (yes, I have more than one knob. But I have to hide them, because the monsterlettes can turn on my stove if I don't.).

Dirty. Greasy. But NOT SHREDDED! WOW!

Bounty DuraTowel can be found at your favorite grocery or mass merchandise store for the MSRP of $3.19. AND.... you can enter here to be one of three, yes THREE, lucky winners of Bounty DuraTowel by using the rafflecopter form below. It just doesn't get much better than that!


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*based on a secure P&G demonstration comparing a used dishtowel to DuraTowel under a blacklight after cleaning up 1tsp. spaghetti sauce, 10 mls coffee, and 1/8 tsp creamer on a laminate countertop.

Bounty and DuraTowel are property of Proctor and Gamble, and images and references are used here with permission for purposes of this review and giveaway only.

I was given free product for purposes of review. I was not compensated monetarily, or otherwise, for my honest opinion on this product.

The Day The Tears Showed Up

The Monster House sends love and prayers to Boston

Today, I have a post up on Special Happens, (I'll wait on ya, so you can know what I'm referencing, if you want to click over and read before you continue here.) because I specifically did not want my monsters to see it here. I don't let them watch the coverage in Boston on CNN, and I won't let them read the post I wrote for SH. Yet, as I listen to the monsterlettes play in the other room with #1, I feel the need to write a little more. I'm still... just too raw.

I'm still wondering. And I'm still reflecting. And today...today is the day the tears showed up. As I listen to the monsterlettes, I cry. I cry and I ache for the family that lost their son. I ache for the families that lost their daughters. I have vivid video in my head of the mother, sobbing as she tried to have a press conference, trying to tell the world about her daughter. And the only thing she said that I can remember with clarity is, "This doesn't make any sense!"

She said this through sobs that wracked her body, the anguish apparent, her soul screaming because her baby was taken from her with the type of violence that no one understands. And the tears keep coming.

I'm just a small town Momma with a mouth way too big for my own good. And that's okay. But the truth remains. I am scared for my monsters. I am terrified to know that my monsters are growing up in a world  where children are shot and killed at school, and bombs go off at a family event. I am horrified that I am having to create explanations that my little monsters will understand, for things that even adults don't understand.

Early yesterday morning, by accident, #5 saw coverage of a bomb dog working. He wanted to know what was going on. I had to think fast. So I did. "Well! Did you know that even dogs are superheroes sometimes? There are special dogs with super powers that work with policemen and firemen and other heroes for our country, and they can actually *smell*  bombs or drugs or other bad things and show their human partners where to find the bad stuff! How cool is that! So, that dog you see? He's showing people how he does his job!" #5 was properly awed and half whispered, "Cooooool!"

And I hated every minute of it.  I had to explain a bomb dog to my 7 year old. My seven. year. old. I could go into the inevitable comparisons now, with the "when I was 7, I was only traumatized by the fact that my cousins had all the Strawberry Shortcake figures and I had none!". But I won't. Because the fact of the matter is.. there is no comparison.

I don't know how to deal with this. I just don't. Give me an autism meltdown. Give me a sensory overload. Give me an allergic reaction. Give me a significantly overtired 4 year old that wants to eat ice cream for dinner. Give me a poop-splosion. Give me...anything... instead of having to explain what a bomb dog is to my seven year old son. Granted, he thought this was some nifty televised show and tell.  But that's not the point.

There was another 7 year old. He put it better in four words than I can in four thousand. "No more hurting people". And that's all that needs to be said, though the tears are flowing again. Now, we just need everyone to.... listen to the four words and take them to heart.

Wake Up To Wonder Forge on Easter Sunday!

As you know, I'm posting  non-food Easter basket ideas this week and  next week. So, our non-food Easter basket filler feature (whew! Try saying that five times fast!) today is Wonder Forge! I do so love this company!

Their new Spring games are sure to tickle the fancy of your monsters, just as they did for mine. For all the little monsterlettes out there, Disney Easter Matching Game is a great way to spend some quality time together while playing a game that even a 3 year old can understand. All your favorite Disney characters, decked out in fun Easter outfits, ready to play!

There will be all kinds of silliness as matches are found. If your family is anything like the monster fam, you'll be screaming "DONALD DUCK! WOO HOOOOO!" when a match is successfully made. Okay, if it's Phineas and Ferb or Tinkerbell, you won't shriek Donald Duck, but you know what I mean. And the pride of finding those matches creates the most awesome smiles on little faces! Check out *my* monsterlettes as they found their first matches! Yes, I am painfully aware of the state of nakedness. Sensory issues. What can I say?

Judging from the reaction of my monsters from preschooler to high schooler, I'd have to give this game my Momma smile of approval. It's good, clean fun, with the familiarity of characters that Disney brings to even the youngest of children. This is one game that is an Easter basket must have. Appropriate for players age 3 and up, each game includes 72 picture tiles and one game rules manual. With the low, low MSRP of $7.99, you can't lose! Disney Easter Matching is available now at your favorite Target store. Head on over, people!!

If your monsters are a little older, and want more of a challenge, Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Clash Alley Strategy Board Game might be just what they're looking for! All the cool of a 3D board game, with the added attraction of strategic thinking, cooperation and teamwork, and physical dexterity as the turtles race through a warehouse on important missions like rescuing April, recovering objects, and the most important mission to any ninja turtle.... picking up a pizza!

You'll battle Shredder, mutants, and Kraang, as you make your way through the warehouse and complete your mission. This game is appropriate for players age 6 and up, and comes with 1 game board, 4 movers, 4 mover bases,  4 mission tiles, 12 villain tiles, 3 dice, 13 platforms, 44 action cards, 4 mission cards, and 1 game rules manual. Some assembly is required, but it's worth it! Check out my little ninja turtles!

Reasonably priced at the MSRP of $16.99, it's sure to be a hit with the monsters and your wallet! What could be better? Well... this game is also available at your favorite local Target store, and it won't cause a sugar high, sticky hands or faces, or purple tongues during family pictures. It's Easter basket nirvana for parents! Thank you Wonder Forge! You've done it again, and earned the highest honor the monster house has to offer: 18 thumbs up. Keep up the good work!

Disclaimer: I was provided with free product for purposes of this review. All views and opinions are my own. I was not compensated monetarily for my opinion. Product images property of Wonder Forge and used here with permission. Images of nearly naked monsters and game playing monsters are my own. 

New DVDs from Lionsgate Home Entertainment as Easter Basket Fillers!

With every holiday, we are faced with the dilemma of food allergies and candy. There is very little in the way of candy that Logan can have, so we try to make sure that the candy kept to a minimum, while still allowing the children to have their Christmas stockings, Easter baskets, Halloween buckets, etc.

Just in time for Easter, and much to the delight of the monsters, all new Care Bears and Power Rangers DVDs are now available from Lionsgate Home Entertainment!! This brings back pieces of my childhood, when Care Bears was popular (the first time!), and my teen years, when Power Rangers was a big hit (the first time!). Ok. I'm dating myself, I know.

Get to know the Care Bears again in Care Bears: Totally Sweet Adventures! This all new CGI animated film shows the bears as they go on all new adventures, with new music, a  new look, and a new attitude! Take a trip back to Care-A-Lot and revisit your childhood with your children. This DVD includes 4 new episodes: Emerald Bridge, Jealous Tea, Sad About You, and Lazy Susan. You'll watch Grumpy get unstuck from "Stick-'Til- You're-Stuck sand, see the bears teach a new friend how to find her courage against the sneaky Beastly, and see them bringing sweetness back to Sweet Dreams' Bear's bad dreams. And you'll LOVE the bake off bonanza that happens when Share Bear gets jealous of Grumpy's delicious cookies at her potluck!

This DVD runs 88 minutes, and is available now for the SRP of $14.98. Also available via digital download and Video On Demand beginning March 5, 2013.

If you've got a house full of boys that think the Care Bears are a little too tame, check out the other DVD available on DVD and digital download March 5th from Lionsgate Home Entertainment! Power Rangers: Clash of the Red Rangers - The Movie. 2013 marks 20 years of global success for Power Rangers as the #1 kids' live action series. How cool is that?! This new Power Rangers movie is loaded with high energy entertainment and action packed, as the Samurai Rangers team up with the mysterious RPM Red Ranger to fight off dual threats from Master Zandred's Mooger army and a robotic super villain from the RPM Ranger's dimension.

This feature runs 45 minutes, and is available now for the SRP of $14.98.

So if you're looking for something to fill those Easter baskets that won't cause an allergic reaction, rot teeth, stain the carpet, or cause a sugar high, pick up one or both of these DVDs and watch the eyes of your monsters light up with surprise and delight!

Program Content and Package artwork:™ and © 2013 SCG Power Rangers LLC. Power Rangers and all related logos, characters, names, and distinctive likenesses thereof are the exclusive property of SCG Power Rangers LLC. All Rights Reserved, Used under authorization. Package design and summary: © 2013 Lions Gate Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved

Video courtesy Lionsgate via youtube, and used with permission

Sacred Family Saturday!

How to Make Calvin and Hobbes Snowmen 

Okay, people. See that thing up there ^^ in the big bold print? Click it already!

Seriously, click it! This is what we're going to screw up slave over attempt today! We say we're going to have a Calvin and Hobbes front yard every year, and never manage it. Even if I have to steal other peoples' snow, we WILL have Calvin and Hobbes snowmen. We WILL!!

Snow Day! image by d10watch.blogspot.com via Google images

Calvin and Hobbes walking by movie-posters.fedio.net via Google images

Prophets of doom by onceuponageek.livejournal.com via google images

Momma's Hit the Wall

I have hit the wall. And hit it and hit it and hit it, and recovery is not going well. I really am past the point where I can back up and regroup. There is so much going on, all the time, and I just don't have the elasticity anymore. This Momma is having a little moment.

You know how people say, "I don't know how you do it!"? Well, I want to grab their faces in both hands, and say, "I don't know, either! Please find a new role model. Please. I beg you." I am cranky. I am sad.. a lot. I cry more now than I ever have in my life. Spare me the insta-diagnosis of depression. Little pills won't fix the trouble my #5 has in school, the freakish massive allergic reactions Logan has been having even while on meds, the perpetual anger and drama with my teens, and a multitude of other things pertaining to my family that I don't know how to deal with.

Here's the thing: I'm no different than anyone else. Certainly I'm no different than any other parent of special needs children. I'm no different than any other mother of a large family. The problem is, I forget. When I see other mothers, other families, out in public, I forget that we're out in public. I see well mannered children, smiling mothers, clean cars, creased khakis, combed hair. And I wonder, "Why? What is wrong with me, that I can't be like that and do all that, too? Why?! Why am I not Donna Reed?!?!"

Ok. Let's take a breath here. Donna Reed? Really? I want to be Donna Reed, and wear high heels while vacuuming, have facial muscle cramps from smiling all the time, remove an earring to talk on the phone, and apply makeup and style my hair as though I'd just walked out of the salon by no later than 5am? That's what I want? Don't let's be silly now.... I am far, far too in love with my yoga pants and hair clips to be able to embrace that nonsense!

But it's easy to feel inferior, inadequate, and ineffective. It's soooo easy to walk around feeling like I'm just spinning my wheels in this rut I've dug for myself. What's that line from Pretty Woman? "The bad stuff is easier to believe." And there's that one other issue; I feel like a hypocrite.

I have a blog (obviously). I write on this blog. I talk about my special needs son. And all the monsters. But, I created this blog specifically to find and share resources that would be helpful to other families with special needs kids. Here's the problem. Logan is doing great now. I mean, he's doing really, really great. And I feel like a hypocrite.

Now, in my rational mind, I know that he isn't "cured" (because there is no such thing). And I know that he still has struggles. And I know that his medical issues will never, ever go away. But it's hard to know all that in the Momma part of my mind, while sitting in a meeting discussing test results with the school, and having them tell me that he no longer qualifies for any services because clearly, none of his "issues" are affecting his ability to learn. I struggle with this every day. Am I a hypocrite? Is this all some wonky, ongoing bad dream? Are Logan's PDD, SPD, seizures, fine motor struggles, and allergies really figments of my imagination, as the Daddy insists? Realistically, no. They are not figments of my imagination. But I second guess myself every. single. day.

I have hit the wall. So where do I go from here? Online support is amazing. I love knowing that I'm not the only one. But I have to tell ya... I'd give about anything at this point for a hen party, friendly voice, some good news, a night off. Something.

hitting the wall by onsconnect.org via the google images

donna reed and fam by dvdtalk.com via the google images
confused woman by nannanormasgranddaughters.blogspot.com

Bad Teacher

Teachers have a rough job. 30-ish kids in a class, all with different needs, all in different areas of academic success or failure, all with their own little personalities. Parents constantly questioning them. Constant scrutiny from administration, parents, and others. Lesson plans. Making learning fun. Talk talk talking all day long without losing their voices. Meetings, meetings, and more meetings. I couldn't do it. I have the utmost respect for teachers, and am very careful to make sure that every one of my monsters' teachers know that I am there for them any time, any day, for anything they might need. Always. Because that is *my* job when I have monsters in their classes. To be there to help them help my student.

That being said, I have a problem with a teacher. It's a little bit stupid to have a problem with this teacher, because none of my monsters are in her class. Never have been. Definitely never will be. But I have a problem with her just the same.

I have the good fortune to be able to volunteer each morning in our elementary's SpEd room. I love it. I work with several children, and have learned a lot. With that, I also see a lot of the teachers while I am there. As silly as it sounds, I have started to have little lists in my head that go something like this: Oh! Love love LOVE so and so's approach to this! Oh, goodness. I don't think that would be appropriate for my child. Wow, that teacher really knows how to do such and such well.

A couple of weeks ago, after walking my #5 to his classroom and then making my way down the hall to the resource room, I overheard a conversation between a teacher and a couple of students that was so disturbing to me, I don't think I will ever forget it. This teacher had two students out in the hall in front of the closed door to her classroom. The students were upset, one of them crying. The teacher said, "I'm mad at (_insert name here_). Now, tell me who else I'm mad at today." and, those little students proceeded to name names. This is something that has clearly been done before with these students. And I was saddened to know that a teacher would behave in this way toward her class, encouraging one student to throw another under the bus, so to speak. 

And then, a few days ago, another incident. This teacher all but ran down the hallway from another room, back to her classroom, where once again, two (different) distraught students were standing outside her closed classroom door. She sharply asked the children what happened. And before they could answer, she snapped, "You're lying. And let me tell you why." and proceeded to rake them over the coals.

I don't know the whole story with either incident. Frankly, I don't care. She teaches second grade. And this is unacceptable. So what do I do? Do I go to administration and tell them what I witnessed? Do I keep my big mouth shut? Do I notify the district? Do I just let nature take it's course, since I know that the teacher will not be here next year since she is moving away? 

There are times that this teacher is in charge of both second grade classes, during recess, and other activities. And I can tell you that months ago, before she even knew who I was, she pulled me aside on the playground and told me what an instigator my #5 is. That he's always causing problems. She had absolutely no idea that I was his mother. And it bothers me that she would say such things to a complete stranger about a child.

This woman is clearly not a good teacher, not a good example, not a good fit. Indeed, I find her manner to be abrasive and harmful at best. But all my experience with her has been outside her classroom. Is it possible that her behavior is different behind closed doors? To be honest, I shudder to think. The a-word has crossed my mind more than once. No no no... not that a-word, though it is appropriate. The a-word I'm speaking of is abuse. I can't just stand and do nothing, knowing what I know.... but at the same time, what can I do?

That brings to mind a whole other subject. What nightmare-ish things would occur if she has special needs children in her class? Would they be belittled, labeled, and harassed simply because of their differences? The NT children in her class already are belittled, labeled, and harassed. In public. And most likely in class as well. I ache for her class. It could be so much better for them! It could be a great experience to be in second grade! But she clearly won't allow it.

 images via Google images

Back To School

The shootings in Connecticut this weekend have impacted the entire nation, indeed, the entire world. Every parent feels acutely the loss of so many young, innocent lives. I am no different. I have been a bundle of emotion, from overwhelming grief, anger, disgust, disbelief, and back to grief again. Sometimes, all of it, all at once.

But as the news reports continued throughout the weekend, there arose a different issue, one that I never saw coming. And perhaps, I should have. There are rumors which were fueled by news reports that the shooter had mental illness and Asperger's Syndrome. The problem being that, well, the world was ready to accept that Asperger's is a mental illness, a valid reason behind this tragedy of immeasurable proportions, this unspeakable, overwhelming crime against children and teachers. That Asperger's could justifiably explain this kind of violence. This is patently untrue.

Because so many people know little to nothing about autism spectrum disorders, even our school administrators, teachers, and districts, it is vital that we as a special needs community take this opportunity to educate. My friend Jill, over at Yeah. Good Times. has written a beautiful letter to her children's school board, district Superintendant, and school board which eloquently explains the facts about Asperger's and developmental disability, and points out the flaws in the rumors that autism spectrum disorders are mental illness.

Please take the time to visit Jill's site and read her letter. And, if you are inclined to do so, feel free to copy her letter and send it to YOUR school administrators (making sure to insert your own name where hers is! ;) ) with her blessing.

Today is back to school day. Not only for our children, because the weekend is over.. but for the world. The time has come to teach and learn. Who better to teach than those of us that know it so well, who have researched and lived developmental disability right along with our children? Take the opportunity that is handed to us, and help educate those that don't know, but fear it all the same.

My love and prayers to all the families in  Newtown, Connecticut. We will remember your children, whether small or grown. And we will never, ever, ever forget December 14,2012. Ever. May you feel love and support now and always, and come to know peace and healing. Our hearts are with you.

Wonder Forge Game Review

Last month, I was asked if I'd like to review some of the top new games for Holiday 2012 from a company called Wonder Forge. After reading about the company, and learning more about them, I was so impressed, I simply HAD to say yes! I'm always on the hunt for new games for family game night that can be played and enjoyed by the whole family. Let me share a little bit about Wonder Forge with you, right from their website.

Wonder Forge, and their preschool sub brand, I Can Do That! Games, was created in 2007 when a small group of creative types came together to develop extraordinarily fun, original play experiences for kids and families.

 The Wonder Forge takes an innovative approach to licensing, bringing cherished literary classics and award-winning television shows to life in a whole new way, through dynamic and inventive game play. 

 Wonder Forge family games provide brain challenging fun for all, while bridging  generation gaps and building family bonds....

I received a selection of games, ironically enough, on Halloween.  It's ironic because, well, the twinnies dressed up as The Cat in The Hat's Thing 1 and Thing 2 for Halloween, and my little #6 was not in the mood to have turquoise hair until we pulled this out of the box and could show him pictures! Dr. Seuss' Fun Machine App-Play game was an instant hit, and we had to play a quick game of memory with the tiles before preschool.. with turquoise hair.  Though this particular game is an App-Play game, we have enjoyed it both with and without the Daddy's iPad.

The fun from Wonder Forge is not only geared toward boys. Disney Princess addicts, have no fear! Disney Princess Enchanted Cupcake Party and Disney Princess Dazzling Princess are perfect for your own little princess. Racing to crown cupcakes, dressing up, pretend play... it doesn't get much better than this! There's no way to avoid embracing your inner princess while playing these darling Disney Princess games.

Who Shook Hook is my personal favorite. I realize that I'm oozing praise from my pores at this point, but I have to share this. While this may not have been the intention of Wonder Forge, my little guys have been using Who Shook Hook as part of their fine motor practice, and loving every minute of it. Logan's hands shake when doing any type of fine motor skill, so having a game like this has really helped to make his practice a fun time rather than one of drudgery. Way to go, Wonder Forge! Very cool. Very.

Jake and the Neverland Pirates Neverland Challenge game was another instantaneous hit at the monster house, bringing out each monster's inner pirate with sword action, a cannon ball, treasure, and lots of giggling and silliness while trying to keep balance and crab walk. This is our favorite game for right before bed time to get all the wiggles out. Even the teenage monsters like to get in on the action. But shhhhh! That's supposed to be a secret! *wink wink, nudge nudge* It gets better! This game has been nominated for the Toy of the Year (TOTY) award by the Toy Industry Association (TIA). This is so completely fabulous, I'm providing a clickable link HERE, because Wonder Forge would love your support. Please vote for them by checking the box right at the top for Disney Jake and the Neverland Pirates, then scrolling down and clicking submit.

Whether it's family game night, entertaining a sick child, having a play date, or just spending some quality time together, Wonder Forge has definitely figured out how to make games that will surprise and delight. We may not be Siskel and Ebert here at the monster house, but we DO know games and family time, so we have 18 thumbs up (7 monsters, 2 parents... 18 thumbs up. Do the math, people! ) for the good people of Wonder Forge. Keep up the good work, and best of luck for TOTY!

Official game images property of Wonder Forge, and used with permission

Images of children and children playing games are mine

Very special thanks to G. and S. Bosshardt for contributing to this post

No Talking Allowed!

One of the first things we learn as children in school is that there are rules. Rules, that presumably will keep us safe, encourage us to be kind to our friends, to share, to show respect by being quiet while others are speaking. These are all good and necessary things for a child to learn.

On Friday, I was making the rounds to three different teachers at our elementary school for various reasons - not the least of which being my monsters- and I stopped in to the Pre-K classroom on my way out, hoping to be able to speak with that teacher as well. Fridays are no school days for preschool. I was happy to find the teacher there, working on the next week's lessons, and able to talk with me for a few minutes.

During the course of our impromptu meeting about my little Logan monster, who has suddenly begun hating school to the point of begging to stay home, tears and sobbing, and screaming meltdowns every. single. day., she asked if I knew that I wasn't supposed to be talking to our para. Apparently, the para showed our beloved Miss P some paperwork she received during her training that  states parents are only to talk to the teacher, never the para. The teacher will then let the para know of any changes in meds, routine, therapies, or strategies. I was floored. Absolutely stunned. Flummoxed, even. (Flummox: transitive verb, meaning confused, according to Merriam-Webster.) And I wasn't the only one. Miss P was just as confused by it all as I was, and still am.

Here's the deal. Miss P teaches three pre-k classes Monday through Thursday, back to back. Literally. They are scheduled so close together, that one class is leaving through the back door while the next class is coming in. There is so much going on during drop-off (and the previous class leaving at the same time), that I never, and I do mean never, ever get the chance to speak to her. I have to talk to the para, or there would be no updating possible. And yet, according to the training our para received, that's a BIG no-no.

What. The. $%&* ?!?!?! So, basically, last week when I told the para about Logan's new seizure status, that was a no-no. When I told her that I was watching a welt on his face because I wasn't sure it was an allergic reaction, or that yes, he has had meds today, that was a no-no. When I brought my twinnies in late last Thursday because Logan was having a meltdown when school started, I wasn't supposed to tell her that, either. When he came to school with a black eye because he ran into #2's elbow, and I told her about it, WRONG thing to do. Ditto any talk of lack of the twinnies' sleep, pottying issues, or emotional distress. Don't ask how she's doing, don't say you like her hair, earrings, or shoes. And for the love of little green apples, do NOT approach her to tell her thank you for the great job she is doing.

In this case, it isn't the children that should be seen and not heard, it's the parents. Someone explain this to me, please. I have never, ever, EVER been told this before. Not last year while working with our previous para, not this year while the para was being trained, not during any of the many meetings we had with the school district, title 1, the district nurse, and the principal between this year and last year. Not  by any other special needs parent I have ever spoken to. So. How did this come to be? How does this even make sense? And why was I just told about it? Well... I can answer that last one.  We were talking about Logan, and the teacher explained that the para may appear to be stand-offish from now on, and this is why.

NOT OKAY, people with power! NOT OKAY! Think about it. How much will be forgotten before it is passed on to a para? How much will be lost in translation? How many kids who have severe needs will wind up having avoidable incidents, because the parent isn't allowed to speak to the para directly? I am ranting, yes. This is stupid, stupid, STUPID.

So really.. someone explain it to me. I need to know why this is even an issue. I need to know why I now I have to call yet another meeting to raise yet another nine kinds of hell this year so that our team is all on the same page and actually acting like.... a team. This is getting tiresome. I just want to be able to communicate with the para that works directly with my special needs children, rather than expecting an already harried teacher to remember everything I tell her, and/or pass notes to someone who is standing right there but "not allowed" to speak to me. Is that so FREAKING much to ask?

Rules image via the Google by  North Forest Independent School District

No talking sign via the Google by Ninja Novelty Signs
Parents seen and not heard via the Google by Flickr

Welcome, Fall!

One of the best things I have ever done without realizing that what a good thing it was going to turn out to be, is to sign up for Education.com 's weekly newsletter by email. Y'all may know that I just love love LOVE to spend time and do things with my monsters, such as simple crafts (because, darn it, I am not a crafter at heart), baking, and simple science experiments (because, darn it, I am also not a scientist at heart. But I really get into Mythbusters, every episode of Magic School Bus ever made, and How It's Made. Does that count?).

When I opened this week's newsletter, I was thrilled with all the fun Autumn projects listed there and had to sing praises. From making leaf pattern prints for Pre-k aged monsters, to making pumpkin pasta (yummmm!!) for high school aged monsters, and more crafts and experiments for every age in between, this site has got it going on! This takes all the headache out of figuring out what fun things I can do with the monsters each weekend. And I'm all for less headache!

Exploring all the changes in nature as the weather turns is one of my favorite things to do with the monsters, no matter what the season. The air feels almost electric with change and anticipation of things to come. A day spent making cookies, jumping into leaf piles, visiting a pumpkin patch to choose the perfect one for a jack o'lantern, or playing with gingerbread scented homemade playdough is heaven this time of year. Reading books while snuggled up together in a quilt, or watching "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!" makes me smile.

Grab the chance to make memories with your monsters, and have a lot of fun doing it! Happy Saturday, y'all!

Image of tree and leaves by firehow.com. It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! clip via youtube.com

This post was unsolicited, and uncompensated, and is purely my own view and opinion. Views and opinions of others may differ.

Attack of the Screaming MeeMees

The past few days have been a cacophony of sound here at the Monster House. There has been screaming and crying and yelling, throwing of toys, and much use of the time out. Yes, people, it is the end of summer. And the monsters have had enough.

The twinnies especially are noticeably more irritable, craving the routine that comes with school days. It doesn't matter that our days are the same thing over and over again. It doesn't matter that bed time, dinner, bath, nap time, lunch, snack, and play time all happen at the same time every day. They crave more structure. The slightest thing will set off a meltdown that will last not minutes, not hours, but the entire day... and into the night. And, sometimes, more than one day. This can be caused by something as minimal as stopping for a snow cone on a hot day instead of going directly from lunch to nap. Or, on another day, a snow cone is a great idea, but going to the market to pick up something for dinner was the worst choice I could have made. Or, even worse.. staying home all day because I didn't want to cause upset. But because we didn't go out... they're.. upset!

As the Momma of the monsters, I try  understand that the twinnies are not "throwing a fit" just for the sake of throwing a fit. I know that Logan is not typically aggressive, and only becomes so after he is so overwhelmed he literally cannot cope. I know that #6 will become a crying, screaming, irrational monster if he is over tired. Ditto that with #5. And there is no relief until sleep comes. Did I mention that the twinnies are trying to stop taking naps? Saints preserve us!!

When all the monsterlettes have a complete come apart at once, it can get to be a little too much for the Momma to cope with ,too. This is what my mother used to call "The Screaming MeeMees". I don't know why. That's just what they were called, and that's what I call them now. There is no dealing with a child who is having a screaming meemee. It just has to run it's course. Now. We all know that I'm not good with waiting. I don't care what it is. Waiting in lines, waiting for a package in the mail, waiting for Christmas morning, waiting for screaming meemees to stop. I just can't do it. I must be missing the genetic inclination to leave things alone. And so, I invariably don't wait it out, but instead try to calm which ever monster is beyond calming, and invariably... make it worse.

I cannot stand to see my children cry. I cannot stand to know that they are so over stimulated they cannot calm down and regroup. I cannot stand to watch #6 cover his ears and rock and scream and cry until he wears himself out. It feels abusive to me, to just stand there and do nothing when my monsterlette is so upset. It feels like I should know what to do, like I should know how to see the meltdowns coming. Sometimes I can see it coming, and sometimes I can prevent it. But most times I can't. And I can't stop myself from trying to calm and soothe and "make better".

I've got a little too much of the "protect the cubs" gene. (<---How about them cubs?!?! I just love love LOVE pictures of seven babies of..ANYTHING!) Is this a character flaw? Wanting so badly to fix something I can't fix, because it's my monsters?

Where are the answers? Where is the manual? Where is the how- to guide? Can it be found on Wikipedia? At this point, I'd be happy with a nice, thick, obnoxiously yellow "Idiot's Guide to Parenting". Someone, somewhere, please tell me I'm not the only one....

Images in this post by Google, quickmeme.com, and gregdutoitblog.com, respectively.

Is It Labeling, Or Is It Giving My Child A Chance?

There is a difference of opinion in the Monster House between myself and The Daddy. I am going to do my best to be impartial while representing each side. Though I know you will immediately be aware of which side is mine.

One of us is under the impression that allowing our child to have any kind of special needs diagnosis is simply labeling that child for life, placing him in an undesirable minority,  giving up as a parent, and setting the child up for failure forever after. The belief is that children should be encouraged to rise above their 'weaknesses' and learn to excel in spite of the hand you were dealt. There is no such thing as a meltdown and our child doesn't really have allergies. Kids outgrow allergies all the time. One of us attended one session of therapy with Early Intervention and called it hooey. One of us said that when we were growing up, kids didn't get coddled like this. We learned to be survivors. And everyone was treated the same, no special attention. That's what's wrong with the world today. Kids with labels are disposable to society. And our child is not disposable! There should be total inclusion in school no matter what. There should not be time spent in a special ed room, with a therapist, or with a Para. Kids can't grow and learn that way. You should never try to cram a kid into a category, thereby limited their potential.

The other one of us is under the impression that without at least a partial diagnosis, services and therapies (Para, OT, PT, SLP, IEP modifications to curriculum) and assistance in school, "rising above" would not have been even a remote possibility for our child. Without the allergist, we would not have an epi-pen for his severe allergies, which we now know were a large contributing cause to his seizures. One of us interrogated our OT when we started Early Intervention. And one of us learned how important it was. Without it, we would not know how to ride the meltdown wave. We would have had no idea how important deep pressure is for both of the twinnies when they just can't self-regulate. One of us thinks our child doesn't need to learn to be a survivor. He already is one. One of us believes that this is an ongoing process that requires constant tweaking and fine tuning to give our child the best possible opportunities in life. One of us does not feel as though this qualifies as hindering our child, or cramming him in to a category, or limiting his potential. In fact, quite the opposite.

Now. Take a little minute. If your blood pressure has spiked in any way, please take some cleansing breaths and sit back, and try to relax.

Here is the reason I am posting this. The disagreement in my home is the same disagreement in many homes. We are not unique in this. And yet, in millions of homes, in millions of families, this is a never ending source of conflict. I can't speak for millions of families. I can only speak for me. For me, having this perpetual conflict wears on me. I am doing everything I know to do. The Daddy feels the same. Is this really a fight about "you're wrong and I'm right"? Is it really necessary to perpetually play "I'm the better parent"? Both of us feel validation in our position.

Why is it so hard to agree to disagree, and appreciate the efforts both are making? I don't have any answers. The best I can come up with is, both parents are so invested in their child, so close to the situation, that when anyone (including the other parent) interferes or questions their methods, it feels like a direct attack. Clearly, both parents love the child enough to intervene on their behalf. The problem lies in the execution.

Should one of us really be trying to ram research, thoughts, experiences, successes and failures down the other's throat? Should one of us really be insisting that the other is always harming instead of helping?

The conflict itself is the problem. I always feel attacked, and the Daddy always feels ignored. Well.. that, and we both have trigger tempers. And foul mouths. And neither one of us is stupid, and both of us have elephant memories. But I'll tell ya, it frustrates both of us that we can't figure out a solution. We can't find answers to please us both. Is there ever a time when we'll be able to get along and respect the other in regard to our child?

images via the Google

Paper Jackson

Jackson has been home from the hospital since July 10! This is so phenomenal, and so fast, it still boggles the minds of those of us following his story. His recovery and recuperation time has been nothing short of miraculous, and warms the hearts of everyone working with their family. There are still some things Jackson is not able to do while he further recovers, such as not being able to swim for two weeks, and not being able to jump on the trampoline (one of his favorite things!!) until his follow up appointment with his neurologist at the end of August.

So, knowing that he is restricted, we (the online community helping the St. Aubin family) all got together and figured out something EVERYONE could do, no matter where in the world you live! It's my great pleasure to introduce to you... Paper Jackson!

How this works is: visit the Paper Jackson page by clicking >>HERE<<. Choose which Paper Jackson you'd like... either the full color image like you see here on my post, or the outline image that is perfect for kids to color however they like! Then, download it, and print it out. Color it, cut it out and you're ready to go! Take Paper Jackson with you on all your adventures this summer and take digital pictures of him with you! Then, upload the pictures of you and Paper Jackson on the Paper Jackson page you got the image from! There are already a few pictures up there, so you can see where he's been, and add your adventures to the gallery!

The goal is to see how many places around the world Paper Jackson will "travel". My #4 actually took Paper Jackson to Girls' Camp with her last week, and took pictures of Paper Jackson with the girls. He went with us to see the aerial fireworks display on the fourth of July, and will be attending the 24th of July parade here as well! He has been busy in other places as well; gardening, going to visit Plymouth Rock, and even visited the University of Wisconsin La Crosse!

Here are a few helpful hints that we have figured out through trial and error:

• If you are going to color Paper Jackson, use markers. Crayons and colored pencils are not vibrant enough to show up in some pictures. It will just look like a white paper doll cutout.
• If you plan to take him on more than a day trip, consider gluing Paper Jackson to cardboard so he will survive the trip
• If you adventure includes water, laminate Paper Jackson, or stick him in a ziplock bag for picture taking.

Can't wait to see all the places Paper Jackson visits! On your mark... get set.... GO!

The Morning After

Good morning, my lovelies! I have NEWS. I have GREAT news.  I have the BEST news ever! After being up with one monster or another all night last night, and finally getting to sleep at 5am, I woke up at 930 to find this text from Jackson's mother waiting for me:

"We Didn't sleep last night. He can't even take a sip of water without dry heaving. Problem (besides that) is that when he sits up the pressure in his brain changes and and the drainage of the spinal fluid changes and puts pressure on his brain. Poor kid! He hasn't needed Dilantin yet but using regular pain meds. Dilantin could make him nauseated so we're hoping to not have to do it. He has zofran and Benadryl on board for nausea. He has moved both legs and hands / arms, and has spoken so we think everything migrated to the right hemisphere which is all we could have hoped for!!!! He's asked for presents. Asked of he did a good job. Asked to watch toy story... His face is swollen, head swollen, and he's sleepy So, generally good."

Now remember, he's only 12 hours post op at the time of this text. And people?  HAPPY DANCE!!!!!!

It would appear we have been given our marching orders, straight from Jackson himself.  The boy wants presents! I have to admit that I had a little giggle fit with that part.

Keep those drawings, cards, letters, care packages, and pictures coming! Our guy is kicking butt and taking names!

If you need the address for sending something to Jackson or the family, or for other ways to help while Jackson is in the hospital for the next 4-6 weeks, please click HERE

And, as I write, I just got a pic message from Jackson's Momma. He's....sleeping! For the first time in four days. *MORE Happy Dance* and, just like that, my heart melts.

Have a good day, everyone. I'm going to go and snuggle some monsters, and color with them.

Today Is Surgery Day

First and foremost, if you haven't done so already, you need to read last night's update from Jackson's site. You can do that by clicking right HERE. After you've finished crying like I have been doing since yesterday, blow your nose and read on. But please... step away from the computer to do so. I have a thing about snot. Sorry, but them's the rules.

Today, at noon MST, Jackson will check in to the hospital for his hemispherectomy. At 2pm MST, surgery is scheduled to begin and is estimated to take between 4 and 6 hours. The family will be updated hourly throughout.

I love this family. I have grown close to Gina (Jackson's mother) over the last 2 years. I have worked with her online, talked with her for hours on the phone, laughed at things her monsters have done, whined with her about the amount of poop we clean up, the amount of sleep we don't get. I have talked to her daughter when she just wouldn't leave Momma alone, and Momma was ready to lose it. That was so. freakin. fun!! I love it when I hear a little tiny voice in the background asking if Mom is talking to Miss Caryn. Totally do. I've heard screaming in the car amidst promises of "We're going to find a train. We're going to find a train! Oh, look, Jackson! There's one!"

And I wish I had words. But I find that tears have replaced words, and emotions have replaced thoughts, as surgery looms ever closer with each hour that passes, and I try to imagine what's going through the minds and hearts of Jackson's parents. And I just can't wrap my mind around something of that enormity. I'm trying. I'm really trying. But I just can't begin to imagine it. And I hate that I live so far away from the St. Aubin family that I can't be there to hold their hands while they wait.

So, instead of holding their hands, I'm writing for you. So that I can feel like I'm helping, even though it's not nearly enough. I'll tell you about the mail flurry again via video (that will make you cry). I will show you a video of ecards for Jackson that people from all over the world sent to another friend friend of mine, who turned it into a movie for Jackson to see before surgery (that will make you cry). And I will tell you the other ways you can help, which are just as desperately needed as the flurry.

So, wipe your eyes (again), and blow your nose (away from your computer, please and thank you), set up those speakers, and prepare to view. Here we go.

Mail Flurry for Jackson **courtesy Beth Wilde**

Jackson's eCard movie **courtesy Deanne Shoyer**

And now, we're going to talk about those other ways to help I mentioned before. You can send gift cards for gas, groceries, and restaurants, because food at home and hospital, and transportation are not optional. So, you'll find a list below, that are actually clickable links (and I tested every. single. link.) which will take you to online sites for ordering gift cards, if you choose to help in that way. However, if you'd simply like to make a donation to the family, you can do that through rally.org by clicking HERE.

The address for mailing gift cards, drawings, letters and care packages is:

Special Happens / St. Aubin Family
9609 S. University Blvd. #630303
Littleton, CO 80163-0303

Gift Cards for local gas stations:

Diamond Shamrock

Texaco

Amoco

7-Eleven

Circle K

Gift Cards for local grocery and department stores:

King Soopers

Safeway

Walmart/Sams Club

Costco

Target

Gift Cards for restaurants close to home and hospital:

Applebee's

Burger King

Chili's

Corner Bakery

Five Guys Burgers

Jamba Juice

Noodles & Company

Olive Garden

Outback Steakhouse

Panera Bread

Papa Murphy's Take-N-Bake Pizza

Pizza Hut

Quizno's

Red Robin

Ruby Tuesday

Starbucks

Subway

Wendy's

The St. Aubin family has told me over and over again how touched they are with the enormous outpouring of support they have seen over the last week. That's because of you all, the online special needs community, and others who have made it their purpose in life to show the family that they are not alone. Please help me continue in this effort of love and support, and help the St. Aubin family by choosing one of the options above.

Hands and help wanted images via the Google images

And Now... The News

Happy Monday, all my dedicated Monster House addicts! There is SO much to tell you today. Firstly, though... a HUMONGOUS standing ovation to everyone who is participating in Jackson's Mail Flurry! Bombdiggity!!! I have heard several times from Gina, Jackson's mother, how touched and truly thankful the family is for all the love and support they feel with each envelope and package they receive. My cup runneth over, y'all. I'm proud of ya!! Keep those cards and letters coming. And, if you need a flier about the mail flurry to post on your church bulletin board, at a daycare, a library, your pediatrician's office, OT's office, whatever... shoot me an email and I'll be happy to send you the PDF.

Speaking of the mail flurry.. there is a completely awesome giveaway being hosted by my friend Deanne over at Small But Kinda Mighty. Here's all the info. What you do is, click on over to her site using the "completely awesome giveaway" link above. Create an ecard for Jackson using any iOS app, and then email it to babyomum@live.com .If you do not have an iOS device, no worries! Create a paper card, and scan it or take a digital picture of it, and email the pic to the email address above. Now, the cool part about doing this is, THEN you can enter some of her giveaways and gain extra entry points for emailing her the card! What could you win?? 

• $10 gift card to iTunes, Target, or Amazon
• One app of your choice from KidsAndBeyond, and a copy each of 123 Kids Fun All In One and 123 Kids Fun Alphabet.
• Copy of 123 Kids Fun All In One and 123 Kids Fun Alphabet

Seriously.. how cool is THAT?? So, when you're done reading the news report from the Monster House, click on over people!! Deanne wants to collate all the cards that are emailed to her and get them to Jackson so he can see them before his surgery. And people? Surgery is this Friday. Get on it!!!

Next in the news, and just as important, is a need that became known to me late last week. Jackson needs a weighted blanket. And he needs it now.  Any of you that have little monsters, or even big monsters, with sensory issues know how helpful a weighted blanket can be. And you also know how seriously expensive they are.  Carl from Why Not Fathers has posted about this and has a great idea for getting them the blanket they need. Check it out by clicking the "great idea" link above. In case his idea doesn't work(and it might not), we are running a little fundraiser. We need to raise $300 pretty dang quick. It's not a lot of money, and it will purchase the weighted blanket Jackson needs. Please help, whether you donate $2 or $20, your contribution is enormous. Your help in promoting this fundraiser is greatly appreciated. We need to get the word out, and we need to do it quickly, so I'll ask you to please share this to facebook, twitter, google +, whatever social media you use, please post. Donations can be made through rally.org, and the info can be found in the next paragraph.

This brings me to the last bit of news for today. Sober up, y'all. And pay close attention. This part isn't going to be all fun and glitter. Here we go. Jackson's surgery is this Friday. As in, four days from now. That's quite a reality check, isn't it? On Friday afternoon, the halves of Jackson's brain will be separated. And no one is really quite sure what the outcome will be until they see it. And this is where it gets real. On Jackson's official site, there are not only daily updates, but also links for donations to the family through rally.org, and a page full of resources for those of you who would like to send gift cards for gas, meals, or groceries. Addresses for care packages and other resources can be found there as well. Remember, these needs start happening this weekend. THIS WEEKEND. The hospital is 30 miles away, which will make their gas costs soar. Gina and Hubs will be spending all the time they can at the hospital with Jackson, and will need to eat. The sibs will be tended while Gina and Hubs are at hospital, and there will HAVE to be groceries in the house. I think of it like this: if it were one of MY monsters having this surgery, I know Gina would be posting things like I am. I can't do any less for her, Jackson, and her fam.

I am continuously astounded at your generosity. I am regularly brought to tears with all you do for others. I know it's a lot that I'm asking. But, I'm asking. Because you would do it for me.

Broadway standing ovation image via The Producer's Perspective