It's such a rainy day here, I really feel for the kids and adults at Outdoor School today.  I started a load of coats, etc. that came home with Kris yesterday....at least I thought I started the load, but when I got up this morning, it hadn't run.  It was really rushing it to get things mostly dry to go with her today.  I'm not sure what she did yesterday, but it may have involved rolling in the muddy sand near the river from all the debris ground into her clothing and caked into the boots. She has very chapped lips and is rubbing them an sniffing alot, so I hope she's not catching a cold...guess it wouldn't be too surprising.  She's not acting sick at all, so hopefully she's enjoying her day.

She's such an interesting kid....she is rather quick to make her observations about people (remember...looks like Donald Duck at Disneyland,  looks like Mickey Mouse (the little guy with big ears at the pool), etc. etc.) so here's Wish with midnight blue hair and a pierced eye brown and Tofu with 50 dreadlocks going in different directions and a pierced lip and Kristin says....absolutely NOTHING.  Perhaps the key to understanding this is that in her previous observations, it has been analogies (this reminds me of....) whereas Tofu and Wish don't remind her of anything/anyone she's seen before.  I'm alittle concerned that next time we're on the MAX, and Krissy sees some gangsta with dreadlocks that she will loudly announce "Looks like Tofu" which may not be well received.  

David is celebrating his 18th birthday (Oct 20) tonight with some of his friends.  His Uncle Ray and Aunt Linda gifted him with a Lazer Tag party for his birthday, so he's very excited.  His sisters (not Kris!) are working hard still to win an invitation from him, but he's pretty definite that his party is closed to girls.  I think this may get me off the hook for being the designated driver clear down to McLaughlin in Milwaukie tonight...Thanks, Larry!  Will try and get Dad to take some pictures.  We're doing pizza and dessert here before they go, so it will be fun!

Just a brief p.s. on our Wednesday...Krissy reportedly had a great day.  Here she is at the end of it with her assistant , Tofu~

Wednesday~

Tofu and Wish reported a much better day at Outdoor School yesterday.  They didn't appear to be consoling each other as I drove off, a noteable improvement over Monday.  I ended up driving Kris out yesterday morning as the bus showed up and there were no seatbelts on it.  We have been very firm and consistent that she always wear her seatbelt and I felt it was important not only for her safety, but for her (and the bus company) to realize that we don't make exceptions for convenience.  If she's not seatbelted in, it would be very easy for her to make the jump that it's ok to get up and move around on the bus.  

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Benjamin continues to be healthy and bored.  I want to keep him home another week or so to make sure his flu shot has ample opportunity to kick in.  We know a large family here who have 10 out of 12 sick with the Swine flu including the mom who's pregnant.

In the photo above, Benjamin's not really dancing on the deck, but he was happy to get outside for short while today.  Hope this finds you all well~ 

Happy Tuesday...Well, it's a nicer day here in Gresham and I'm sure they are especially happy out on the Sandy River at Outdoor School.  Kristin's first day was somewhat shorter than we hoped...they called me and said they thought she had just had enough.  I think it was her run into the kitchen to snag some cupcakes that put Tofu over the edge.  Jamie and I drove out and got her.  I talked with Wish and Tofu and they were very gracious...I offered them an out, saying if it just didn't seem like it was going to work, I could send her to school.  But, they really seemed to think alot of the day was positive (she apparently really enjoyed the fish dissection, part of the field study) and wanted her to come back.  The new game plan is to pick her up  prior to dinner, so we'll see how that works out.  I packed so many clothes today, she should have a wide variety to choose from.  We started out in her snow bibs...they have the added advantage of making her very easy to spot out in the woods.  I'll put up 2 pictures....she was trying her cheesy look in one and her somber look in the other, neither of which is how she looks most of the time. Here's hoping for a calm, warm day for all~ Janelle

Above, listening to Daddy's Ipod on the MAX... Krissy is ready for ODS this morning~

                                                          Hope she can stay warm and dry today.........

It's an extremely wet and blustery morning here in Gresham...what a day to send Kristin off to Outdoor School.  The bus was over an hour late to pick her up, so while I know it was unavoidable (I think alot of their drivers are out sick) it makes it hard on her to be all bundled up and standing by the door waiting and waiting.  Anyway, during the wait, it started raining buckets, so the benefit to that was my deciding I should give Krissy my rain parka.  It's totally waterproof, so if she can stay somewhat dry at least on top, she'll likely be able to stay warm.  I understand the 'field projects' don't stop for the weather, so the kids will be out in whatever weather happens today.  I'll drive out this evening after dinner to pick her up.

Yesterday afternoon we (Kristin, Jamie and I) went to the Rose Quarter to see Disney's Fantasy on Ice.  We had carefully prepared her...this wasn't the regular Disney on Ice, so no Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, etc.  The lights went down and first out on the ice...(drumroll) Mickey and Minnie followed by Goofy and Donald.  She probably won't believe us next time.  They also came out at the end of the show and their appearance was of course the highlight for her. Thankfully we have no crisis to report~

The project director for her room called this morning and is re-ordering wall and trim.  He cautiously asked what had happened since Saturday and was relieved I'm sure to hear that she's taken a break from her demolition project.

Enjoy your week...be careful out there with all this rain on the roads (people who have been ER nurses feel compelled to give out unasked for saftey information :o)

Thankfully warm and cozy inside today,

Janelle

Indestructable?

So...yesterday they came to put the finishing touches on Kristin's room...and the pictures are what was left        of it this morning.  I was quickly taken back to the morning where the State of Oregon Housing Specialist sat at our table with Jim Seymour and us as we contemplated what might be best for someone with Krissy's 'skill level'.  Jim and we had agreed that wood walls would probably work great, but we were told "we don't do that....we use FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) because it is indestructable".  Ok, so....I'm thinking of giving Jim a call to see if we are of one mind that perhaps that knotty pine-cabin-look wouldn't have beeen a better choice after all.  I did hear Krissy up at 4:30 this morning...I am not familiar with what it sounds like to rip FRP off the wall, but I didn't hear any sounds that led me to believe that was what was happening.  Those large un-identifyable objects in the photo  used to be her walls.  You can see the exposed plywood around her door.

I really like the company that has done the work and I hate to ruin the project manager's weekend...I'mjust thinking he may need to see this to tell us what to do before Monday.  She's really just getting started and could have the entire room de-frp'd by Monday morning.  We were skeptical beforehand and told them, and then again as we saw the walls going up with the edging glued on, that she wouldn't pull something off....Anyway, Larry just got home and he hasn't seen it yet...Reflecting back on marriage101 I think you're always supposed to feed the husband before breaking bad news, so perhaps I should let him have breakfast before breaking the news...

Safe!

Thank you to those who've written wondering how our night went!  She did settle down, but was awake around 5am.  Other than shutting the water off to the house (the knob is up high in her closet, but one has time to explore when you're up before the sun) both  her room and her door lock survived the night.  I think the change in lock just threw her for a loop (change in routine is typically a difficult challenge for kids with autism)....the knob feels like it's unlocked but a new bolt overrides it.  She'll adjust as time goes on I think, so I'm optomistically expecting less of an issue tonight :o)  

Hope it's a nice Friday for you. If you have enough sunshine inside your home, you won't think so much about what's happening outside :o)

Krissy sees 'Red'

It was an exciting afternoon for Kristin.  Finally....she got to meet 'Red'!!  He's only in Gresham on Thursday evenings, so after her swim, it was time.  He was right there at the door like he was waiting for her.  Molly, Jamie and Anne had gone to the gym with her, so David and I drove from home to Gresham Station where we met up.

We ordered some fries and soon Red made the rounds to tables to see kids  while his helper gave out balloons.  We stopped on the way out for numerous hugs again between the 2 of them.  We saw our friend from Sunday, Manager Michelle, who was amazingly happy to see us again...said next time we're in she'll sit down and have fries with us.  Very nice to have them act like they want us to come back :o)  

She's been pretty unhappy this evening.  The workers were here today to install the electronic door locking system on her room.  She definitely had escape plans brewing (I'm sure she was hoping to return for some more time with Red).  She told Molly to leave and Daddy to go to bed and she wanted her door left unlocked.  Right, Krissy.  She was yelling and carrying on so much, I wrote her a note and put it under her door.  Besides telling her to stop it :o), I told her that Red is going home to sleep, that he does NOT sleep at Red Robin, but at his very own house and that if she doesn't quit yelling, we will not be going to see him next week.  It's quieter down there now, so hopefully she's readjusted her vision for the night and will get to sleep before long.  It's challenging to keep her expectations within reason.  She seems to set herself up for disappointments quite often.  If you read this tonight (Thursday) we would welcome your prayers for a peaceful and safe night ahead.  Love janelle

So far, there is far less drama this morning than how our day began yesterday.  Some of you have asked me "how did she get out?"  So have we.  Her new door was installed on Saturday with the locking knob that we've been using.  Larry thinks the door is not quite clicking all the way when it feel like it is and we've noticed the lock is sticky too.  Jamie tried locking herself in and was able to escape once and then was unsucessful after that (we wondered where you were all afternoon, Jamie :o)) Kidding.

Kristin talked with Jamie and I a little further about her travels when we were driving to the pool yesterday afternoon.  She talked about walking and walking and the policeman.  It's hard to actually put together the story from her hit and miss account, so I may go to the station in a couple days and get a copy of their report.  That has proven very enlightening in the past.  

After swimming yesterday, we stopped by Red Robin for a snack.  They seated us in a nice corner booth and we ordered soup for Jamie and fries for Kristin and I to share.  We got chatting with the waitress and told her about Krissy's fascination (Jamie and I both said 'obscession' nearly simulateously to her) with Red Robin and about the escape.  She was very interested and so nice.  She brought our food quickly.  A few minutes later, another woman arrived at our table and introduced herself as the manager and welcomed us to Red Robin.  She said she heard about what had happened and talked about how scary this must have been, saying "we're all mom's".  She had 2 big Oreo milkshakes with her and gave them to us and also asked Krissy if she'd like more french fries ("aaallllllll done")   We visited some with her, learning that the robin visits there on Thursday evenings 6-8pm, so we'll try and drop in for that.  Soon she came back with some Red Robin lapel pins for Kris and told us she had taken care of our bill.  Now THAT"S customer service.  Seriously, what a really really unexpected and nice experience.  Makes me want to go back, however don't quote me until I see how it goes on Thursday evening.  If you get to Gresham Station Red Robin, tell Michelle the manager that you've heard a rumor that she's wonderful!  

I'm about to put her on the bus...hope it's a good day for everyone!

Hello again...I'm sitting here at the computer this morning, taking some deep breaths and trying to get my heart rate back to normal.  You may wonder, "why on earth would Janelle need to calm down when it's so early, it's still dark out"  Actually several of us are very awake...Larry, Anne, KRISTIN and me.  

Though the day (apparently) started much earlier for Kristin, Larry and Anne heard the phone ring just before 6:30.  We normally wouldn't see Anne very early, but she had suddenly woke up 5 minutes before the phone rang, puzzled herself as to why, so she figured God had awakened her and began praying for her friends (next time pray for your sister! :o))  Larry didn't get to the phone in time, but saw that it was a blocked call,  so thought it might be our neighbor (which would immediately cause us to think at that time of the day, that it wasn't a social call).  Larry called me and I ran downstairs to find the front door open.  Anne arrived in time to wonder why I was doing the 'trip and recover' maneuver repeatedly on the steps (apparently I don't do well running up the stairs when I'm frantic, though I think if I'd had my coffee I possibly would have been more coordinated) Larry and Anne took to the street (the neighbor didn't appear to be up so we didn't go there) while I ran back in the house and grabbed the cell phone and one of Krissy's AWOL sheets.  I called 911 while Larry & Anne got in the car.  Towards the end of the 911 conversation, the dispatcher said, "it looks like a Tri-Met (bus) driver has called".  I was walking out the front door at this point and saw 2 police cars, one of which had Krissy in the back, out in front.  She was very calm, and got out with her hands full of her toys she had packed along with her.  She also had thought to put shoes on, a first for her in her escape history, and they were the ones that have flashing lights in the sole.  The bus driver had called the police when she (Kris says it was a young woman!) spotted her on Powell Blvd.  The police said she was out in the middle of the road (in her purple sleeper, in the dark).  She did tell them her name and when they asked her what her mommy's name was, she said "Janelle".  They said she would only tell them once and they almost didn't catch it.  Larry doesn't love it that she calls us by our first names, but I think it did pay off this morning...it wouldn't have been too helpful if she had answered "Mom" but her (extreme) familiarity and frequent usage of my first name in recent months was probably good in this case.  They put my name into the computer and it pulled up our demographic info, so they were the blocked call.  It's so wonderful when the system works...they said I was probably in there from calling before when this has happened.  They thought she had traveled about 2 miles and felt from what she told them, she was going to Red Robin.  This is a very recent interest and I have no idea why.  She's never been there and I really don't think it would be of much interest.  However I will plan to get her there SOON (not as a reward for this morning) but I think she'll lose interest once she sees it.  The officers took her AWOL sheet and said they'll post it in the records room so others will see it.  We told them it was her first night back in her 12k remodeled room that was suppose to be Krissy-proof.  There is no evidence for how she pulled it off.  I plan to take her down later (after sufficient caffeine to trust myself on stairs, Anne) and we'll both go inside and I'll have her try and get out.  I really need to know before Larry goes to work tonight if she can do this again.  

So, this must have been therapeutic journaling as I'm pretty calm now....thank you!  I'm so thankful for God watching over us even while we sleep (and she's awake) and for Him assigning a 'top squad' of guardian angels that doesn't mind the night shift,  to travel with Krissy.  We're so aware that when this happens that there could be a very different and tragic outcome.  We're thankful for the kindness and understanding of the Gresham Police Department, who consistently treat Kristin with respect and our family with dignity.  While at times we feel responsible and even aghast at her behavior, they never make us feel like losers.  And thank the Lord for the alert bus driver who spotted either Krissy or her flashing shoes and took the time to investigate.

On another note, we feel like Benjamin is showing some improvement and we're now very hopeful that we'll get thru this without a hospitalizaton.   There are so many kids in the hospital with influenza right now, I would hate to have to go in and risk that exposure.

Thanks for your prayers for us and our family~

Progress

Good Morning...As you can see, Krissy  has her red floor...she was quite insistent and consistent in that request and we're really happy with how it looks.  The scent and look of the current plywood up on the walls makes us wish that we could have put up pine....would have made it a cozy mountain cabin, but I'm sure it's going to be a beautiful room when it's done.  How did we sleep??? Um...I would have to say 'pretty well between 10pm and 3:46am' (Janelle speaking here...I'll address Larry's night momentarily) She then began her non stop chatter alternated with singing.  I think this went on pretty much 'til 5 or so, when she seemed to drop back to sleep until 6.  Somewhere along the line I realized Larry was NOT in bed.  He ended up deciding to stay downstairs because Benjamin has again become ill with what seems to be the same sort of illness that put him in the hospital twice last month.  Labs yesterday indicated him beginning to get dehydrated.  Thankfully our pediatrician ordered the needed antibiotic.  Unfortunately, Walgreens, being ever true to their predictable commitment to customer service, told me 3 hrs later that they wouldn't have time to prepare it until tomorrow (it's a compounded prescription and apparently takes about 45 minutes).  This was even with the plea that we were hoping to get this going in time to avoid a hospitalization.  I might as well have been talking to a machine.  I'm hoping to call Lloyd Center Pharmacy early this morning to see if they can do it for us before the estimated 11 am that Walgreens thought they might get to it.  (I am now done venting about Walgreens and would like to point out that my experience may be unique to the Portland area as I found the Walgreens in Ohio amazingly helpful)  Anyway Larry stayed downstairs with Benjamin who ended up sleeping well, though Larry's hearing is good enough that he was aware of Krissy being awake up with me.  

SO....today, the floor seem gets welded first, followed by the walls/trim going up...It's going to be exciting.  They think it may be totally done today, and plan to have the door up tonight.  If they need to, they will return for the final touches in the morning.  We'll see, she may even be able to move back in this evening and disappointing as that would be for me not to have another slumber party tonight, I think I can adjust.   

Although I can't seem to arrange these in the way I'd like in the blog, here are some pictures of her 'home away from home'...her happily settled in after Daddy hauled her mattress up from the basement (I would have just put a blanket on the floor, but this was really special for her), giving him a kiss goodnight after bedtime prayer and then just before 11pm.  

Thanks for your prayers for Benjamin...we'll need to make a decision about hospitalization before too long if he isn't able to take enough fluids....prayers too that we can get his prescription soon today.  Thanks!

Janelle

Kristin's Bedroom Makeover

It's happening!  I hear intermittent pounding and crashes as I type!  The crew began arriving before 8am and Krissy assisted Jamie and I in transferring approximately 50 million stuffed animals, etc. from her room to Jamie's (Thanks sister!)

I've included a 'before' picture as well as a 'during' photo, taken today.  The plan is that they will have the room ready by tonight for her to sleep in.  They have taken out the sheetrock and are in the process of installing plywood now.  Tomorrow will be phase one of the flooring installation with it needing to perk 24 hrs. before it can be walked on.  The heat welding of the seam will follow and then the vinyl walls will go in.  They tell me everything will be done on Saturday and with her new window and fiberglass door, she will be able to stay  in there that night.  

You may want to pray for Larry & I....we get to have Krissy with us for a slumber party Thursday and Friday nights, which may involve one of us attempting to get some sleep on the floor in front of the door.  I'm optomistic...she really did quite well on the California trip, particularly with knowing that Disneyland was just out the door and down the block.  I think getting her to sleep will be challenging, but once she's out we have hope for a few good hours anyway!

Good Evening,

Well, it was cold cold day to go and visit the Outdoor School site.  Krissy and I (sort of) braved the elements (which included moving parts of a fallen tree out of the road ).  The ODS folks were very nice and thought we'd really enjoy a comprehensive tour of the grounds...which would have been nice maybe if the wind chill factor hadn't have been below 20 degrees...It was just way too cold to be able to appreciate the place.  We went 'over to the river and thru the woods', not to mention out on the bluff where there is a major drop off of a cliff.  I suggested they keep her way away from that.  We toured the cabin, where I observed there was 2 doors, both of which must remain unlocked.  That solidified the decision that we would have Kris come home each evening and sleep in her own room.  Larry and I had talked and felt like this was the best option anyway, but this put an exclamation point at the end of that decision! How would I know the counselor would wake up if she slipped out?...how would they find her in the dark?....actually she would be singing or talking, so they probably would, but I just don't want to take any chances of her running off in the dark, perhaps toward the bluff.  We did come away realizing that she needs lots of warm clothes...it's out towards the Columbia Gorge where bitter winds are common.  The kids spend all day out on field expeditions and the like. We met the camp leadership...well sort of anyway.  I remember a man who was introduced as Snake, and 3 women named Lorax, Wish and Tofu.  Tofu will be Krissy's 1:1 shadow I think along with her  yet to be re-named classroom assistant.   I can hardly wait to hear what she wants us to call her when she comes home. 

Jamie and I took Krissy to the pool yesterday.  The first 30 minutes, Jamie went and worked out so I was on my own.  She first wanted to go in the large hot tub, so we did.  She immediately was fascinated with an elderly man across the pond, the only other occupant.  He looked about 90 and had a (for lack of a better description) turkey chin sort of thing going, which absolutely riveted Kris.  She sat stroking her chin as she studied him.  Then she started towards him, and I intervened and said, "stay over here". She said "give a kiss?".  I said "no, we don't kiss people we don't know"...I knew she was going over to check out the chin.  A few minutes later a 30-something guy got in and was planning to relax I would guess.  Nope.  She was about 3 feet in front of him and all of the sudden hit the water with both hands totally nailing the guy in the face with a spray of water (Think "SeaWorld" where Shamu disappears and then all of the sudden you just see his tail  prior to the tidal wave of water drenching you) I was completely surprised...no warning, apparently she just thought of it and decided to go for it. She seemed rather bent on plastering people yesterday as a bit later she also repeatedly splashed at an employee who had come into the pool area (not intending to get wet, judging from the full athletic suit she was wearing).  So I have written up pool rules that she and Molly took with them today and I'm hoping for a better report when they return.  Praying for you Molly!

We've been enjoying the beautiful fall weather and colors, but certainly the no-jacket days are quickly coming to an end.  Nothing catastrophic happening for us, thankfully.   One of the things the state program has provided for Krissy is a membership at our local athletic club.  The outdoor water park has closed for the season, but Krissy has been getting in the indoor pool several times a week.  They have one pool that is much warmer where she spends the majority of her time.  We continue to enjoy having Molly work for us and she's so good with Krissy, they have been going alone to the pool the past few days.  We got her in for a shorter haircut that makes the post-pool chlorinated hair much easier to deal with.

Tuesday morning, Kristin and I are scheduled to go and visit the Outdoor School site where she is scheduled to go October 25th.  Her classroom assistant has volunteered to accompany her that week and the district will also be sending an assistant, so she'll be closely monitored.  Still I am thankful for this welcome opportunity to visit the site ahead of time to see where she'll be and visit with the staff.  Outdoor School happens at different locations, but this particular one has alot of experience with special needs kids.  

On Wednesday of this coming week, the demolition phase of Krissy's room remodel begins.  I'm sure she would love to help with this, but alas, she will be at school.  They are removing all of the (remaining) sheetrock and replacing that with plywood before they put up the vinyl walls.  The flooring will go down on Thursday and has to be left untrodden on :o) for 24 hrs...then the walls go up (pictures to follow!) Kris wanted a red floor, so I hope she loves it since it will be with her for many years to come....I hope it will last, anyway.  It's more of a cranberry color, so it should work with her taste now (Mickey, etc.) as well as later when she (hopefully) will like florals?? I don't usually have much trouble making decisions, but the options were very limited.  Trying to find things that would coordinate proved challenging using the materials the state (who's paying for this) would allow as they want this all to be as Krissy-proof as possible.  Probably the biggest challenge is that she won't be able to be in her room at all for 2 nights, and that's the only really secure place in the house for her to sleep.  I intentionally scheduled this while Larry is off, so we will have her up with us.  If I were here alone, I would be nervous that I might not hear her slip out, but Larry is a light sleeper and we'll put a stop sign on the bedroom door :o) We tried to schedule this while she was at ODS, but the contractor really needed to start sooner.  It will be wonderful to have it done and we're so grateful for it.  

Most of you know our 3 older kids are cast in 2 separate shows this season, so it's quite the juggling act to make sure they all get where they need to be, as well as my having double parent committee responsibilities.  David is really enjoying being part of High School Musical-2, while the girls just had their first Pocahontas rehearsal last night.  The show performances are back to back, so David's show ends the same day the girls move in to the theater with their show beginning that next weekend.  We continue to be thankful for this community of friends that has come to mean alot to all of us.

Well, I better close....Catch us up on your news when you can thru our regular e-mail.

Love janelle