Down in the Mine

Like many 11 year olds, my son is obsessed with the game Minecraft. I will admit that I don’t quite get it. I first thought it was about mining, then building, then farming and now I am not quite sure what…but he and his friends all love to play it. They watch you tube videos on how to play it. They read articles and download apps to create new things in the game. It’s a huge part of his life.

Since Little Man was little, we have had a cake for his friend’s party that reflected what he was into at that juncture. Over the years we have had Spiderman, Toy Story, Hot Wheels, and more. This year, we needed a Minecraft cake. I decided since this was the last of the elementary school birthday party, we are going all out. I had heard about Sugar’s Baked Goods (http://www.sugarsbakedgoods.com) from a friend and I emailed to see if this was possible.

The stars were aligned because the owner’s husband played the game and she was completely familiar.

I can only describe my son’s cake as a work of art. Kari, the owner, created fondant characters so we had a creeper, Steve and a cow. The look on the Little Man’s face when he first saw the cake was absolute wonder.

 The rest of the kiddos were also in awe. Even better than the presentation was the fact that the cake was really, really good.

It had just the right balance of sweetness. Even the frosting rocked my socks. Both my husband and I agree that it was one of the best cakes we've ever had. 

Jump Around

My son recently turned 11

 and as I realize he’s growing up (way too fast!), typical kids parties are soon going to be a thing of the past. In this area, most kids stop having a big blowout birthday bash in 5^th grade. With that thinking, this was it. The Big Man and I decided we were going to go all out for the best birthday ever.

We decided to have his party at Sky Zone, which is a trampoline facility in Sioux Falls.

 Up until now, we have not had a party at a location other than the park, so this was brand new territory for me. 

The team was super helpful and I was pleasantly surprised that they did it all for us. All we had to do was show up.

The kids got to jump for an hour. They had several options to choose from. Boys being boys, they started on the dodge ball court. 

After a few hurt legs (and feelings), they moved to the free jump area. They were literally bouncing off the walls! In addition, there is a giant foam pit you could do flips and land in.

 My favorite was the basketball court, where you could channel your innerJordan and slam dunk.

In addition to the fun, Sky Zone will decorate your party room for you.

 The kids loved the pizza and were desperately thirsty for the punch and sprite. 

All the kiddos said that this was the best party, and I have to agree.

10 years gone

This weekend my son turned 10. Double digits.
He's officially a tween.
I'm not prepared.
He's definitely becoming independent and (more) opinionated about things-tv, clothing, and more.
Our tastes are maturing-gone are the nick jr shows, and in are Disney XD programs. Character shoes are gone, and in are skateboarder ones. He's growing up.
10 years ago, he was born early. He had some health complications, including respiratory distress, and had a NICU stay. He was small, and despite all that, he was a fighter. Today, he has no lingering complications from his early health issues. Im forever grateful to the staff that took care of him in those precious early days. That laid the groundwork for him being healthy today.
As a thank you, I became involved with the march of dimes. Part of their mission to help prevent NICU stays. If it does happen, they are there with support. Im grateful for that. I'm hoping that my little role can make a tough beginning for a family a little better.
Another organization I recently became involved with is Every Mother Counts. They help to educate women around the world on prenatal care, maternal health and family planning. The maternal death rates worldwide are appalling, despite advances in the first world. Something as simple as a hygiene kit to allow a woman to give birth in a sterile environment saves lives.
It's hard to believe that my little guy is growing up, and I'm treasuring each moment we have because he's only this age once.
10 years gone, like a flash.
Time flies.

Our March for Babies video, featuring the incredibly appropriate Hourglass by Mindy Gledhill:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afCHJMLWEK4&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Happy birthday

Today is my son's 9th birthday. I can't believe how fast he's growing up & how much he's changed. I wasn't the one who carried him for 8 months, who nourished him or gave him life. I am, however, the one who is raising him.
My little guy started life as a preemie, and spent some time in the NICU. He had some respiratory issues, that are finally getting resolved as he has gotten older.
Today, that inauspicious beginning has had little impact on who he is. I love proving the "experts" wrong, especially in what an aspie is capable of. Originally, he was placed much further down the spectrum, as he had more stereotypical behaviors. He was, in autism speak, non verbal. He rocked and walked on his toes. He flapped his arms and self injured. There were incredible tantrums that went on for hours.
We all were chronically exhausted.
His sleep pattern was disturbed.
First we got ear tubes, as he suffered from chronic ear infections. That eliminated many of the behaviors.
We did sensory integration therapy. We practiced yoga together. We explored the world together.
Our lives intertwined.
I savor every victory and grieve every loss. I work very hard to give my son every opportunity there is to be successful.
He wants to be a doctor when he grows up.
He wants to make the world a better place, and make a positive difference.
But that's in the future. right now, our life as a 9 year old is all about riding bikes and video games. Its about legos and hot wheels. We love our pets and hate homework.
It's pretty awesome to be 9.