American Rugby???? Are there really people playing rugby in the states????

I'm an American and I love watching rugby now that I live in New Zealand. But when I found this promotional video on YouTube about the American rugby team called the Eagles it just made me laugh out loud and quite loudly as well. I had to show it to my huband - he actually gave it an encouraging thumbs up and hopes that the American Eagles do their very best to beat the NZ All Blacks one day. I don't think I'll still be alive at that point - but okay - Go the EAGLES!

The not so nice and mostly naughty boys at school.

It's not easy being a mum of a child with autism. We know our son has difficulty identifying who is friend and foe on the playground. Yet, even when kids are mean to him he still tries to engage them and to play with them. He simply believes that everyone is suppose to be nice. So, we have wonderful Kelsie starting work with him on the playground during recess tomorrow. She'll be there to teach him who is nice and not so nice. And try her best to educate him for the future so he will stay away from the 'not so nice' kids. I'm not trying to give excuses for 'meanies' out there. Yes, I believe instances when identified are addressed at the school. But it's not helpful if my son continues to engage these boys on the playground. So, guess we'll have to make a naughty and nice list - put the names on a piece of paper to help give him guidelines of who to approach and who to stay away from.

It breaks my heart that my son has to endure this. He is sweet natured and without malice. Oh, alright, he may act a bit odd at times, but that's not a good reason to target him. Shouldn't all parents take time to teach their kids that differences are good. Differences make the world an interesting place. Sameness is boring!

This is all compounded by the fact tht my son wants his mum to think that everything is good - that no problems exist and that I'm not to worry. He doesn't tell me anything!!!! It's so hard to help him when he won't talk with me about what is wrong. Well, it does take a village to raise a child. Sometimes someone other than a parent has to teach their child - and be there for them to talk about hard issues in their lives. All I can do is help put those people I trust in his life to give him someone to talk things over. I'll give him lots of cuddles and words of encouragement and love. It just goes to show you - sometimes being a parent means standing back and watching and being there when they are ready to talk to you.

Evan on Small Blacks TV in New Zealand

Evan loves playing rugby and his team was featured on Small Blacks TV over the weekend here in New Zealand. I've pasted together a shortened version to share with everyone. He's doing pretty well for someone with ASD. We are very proud of him!!! Of course we know there is always a challenge in store for him, but Evan is always keen and happy to take on these challenges.

Just in case people want to know - the national rugby team is called the All Blacks. So for the kiddies television show about rugby is called Small Blacks TV. And of course the cricket team is called the Black Caps, the basketball team is called the Tall Blacks, the field hockey team is called the Black Sticks and so on. You get the idea!

ANZAC Day in New Zealand

It's ANZAC day today in New Zealand - basically NZ's version of Memorial Day. Everythings stops for the morning and people go to ANZAC parades and presentations all over the country. Even on TV they are playing tributes and stories about war veterens all morning. Then the shops will open up again in the afternoon. And since it's ANZAC day our son's rugby game will be on Sunday at 9am. Whew! As long as there is coffee I'll be there!

I love massage day!

Just got back from my biweekly massage. I love it. Now if I can only keep this feeling of serenity with me for the whole day. Yes, it's Friday and that means rugby practice for my son and his 3rd game this Sunday. Hope to have a relaxing weekend for all three of us - although there is much that needs to be done around this messy house. Cheers!

Weeknight Wii

Here I am on the computer typing away while my son plays Rayman Raving Rabbids2 on Wii. A lot of toilet humor is involved in this game - so you can imagine the noises coming from the living room. I'm so proud of my son. He tries and he works really hard to fit in with others and is happy while doing so. He's been attending a 'mainstream' holiday program and is doing well there - meaning no complaints. I just hope that he continues at school that things continue to do well there too. As one mother once said to me though...."It's always something!" And I do believe she was right!

Starting another week

Well, it's late at night and have finally gotten our son off to bed.  Phew!  Now if I could only get over this stomach flu I might be happier.  I've been searching for freeware over the weekend in hopes of finding something to help me organize.  Also, been looking at Wii software that will be released soon.  I want to use my blog and twitter to help record my process of weight loss.  That's the plan anyway.  I plan on buying EA Sports Active and other games - something about working out in the privacy of your own home that makes me feel most comfortable and even positive that I can make this process work.  Well, if anyone reads this then send a silent wish of luck my way.  Cheers!

Well, it's Sunday and Bunny Day for everyone here in New Zealand. My son, husband and I have started our day with a power breakfast of ....yes.... you guessed it....CHOCOLATE!!! Wow, what good parents we are! My son is bouncing off the walls and it's not even 11am yet. I've put him on the Wii playing Animal Crossing looking for all his eggs to take to Bunny T. Zipper to exchange for egg furniture. Now, that's a goal I can really sink my teeth into.

On the morrow I begin again that quest to shed pounds - if only there was a way to shed them as easily as it is to gain them. I'm waiting for EA Sports Active and other Wii games to hopefully help me drop the weight. Lately it's been hard to exercise with twisting my knee and hurting my hip. But, I'll just suffer through it - with the help of codeine of course!

Introduction - First Blog Ever!

Just to introduce myself - I'm an American living in New Zealand. Yes, I was kidnapped by my husband (was then boyfriend in 1996) and dragged kicking and screaming (okay I got on the plane of my own volition) to New Zealand. I've been here since October 1996 and haven't been back to the states since. Why? Well, I was boycotting American waiting for a Democrat President before I could return. Thank you Obama!!! Now, it's nice to know I can go home. It's been a scarey 8 years. I don't have anything nice to say about the %*!# that was president before. But, that's probably best left to another blog. So, hi and let the blogging begin!!!