To the tired MOM

Today is Friday moms and I am so glad this week is over. It has been a long and emotional week for me. July 3rd I prepared myself mentally and physically to say good bye to my husband for three weeks. He has taken an interim job with the company that he works for. It's August 26 and he is still there and will be for another two more weeks. 3 weeks has turned into eternity.

On the weekends my husband comes home to spend it with us. The weekends are just not long enough. It's not enough time to catch up on sleep that I have not got all week, spend meaningful time with my husband, and take time for me. I need time to be by myself to not think about anything. I have to have time to disconnect. You know, if you are a mom or parent of kids with special needs, you are plugged in 24/7. We don't sleep even when our eyes are closed. I'm not sure I every reach REM unless I know that I can count on my husband to be on watch so that I can turn off. It is easy to see how we develop such things as PTSD keeping this kind of schedule.

I have not been very good at developing a good support team for myself. I like to maintain this 'I can do it all' image. The thing is, I can't do it all. I have went into survival mode more than once during these last several weeks. I have dropped everything. Therapies, and all other appointments just to survive. This is exhausting. I'm not sure that I have articulated what my needs are to my family so that they can be a support to me during this time. God knows that I have tried. I have said everything except, "Get over here right now before I lose my sanity." The thing is during "crises" mode if all that you have at the end is your dignity, then by all means keep your dignity. Bahaha!

I laugh it off, but in times like these I do turn to God and trust him more than ever before. He has been the constant. When you can't trust anyone else, even your family, you can trust God. His strength is perfect. There is a song that I have played over and over during this time in my life. I'll leave the link here https://youtu.be/pSUu3H3rFQQ This song is sang by the Indiana Bible College, "Lord, I am broken. My life is in pieces, but your strength is perfect in all of my weakness." These are just a few of the words. It has really been a great source of strength for me. The words, the repetition of the name of Jesus was such a great reminder to me. He is my best friend. When no one shows up, God always will show up. All we have to do is call on his name. The strength that I have found during this time in my life will be a constant reminder that when my strength is gone, I can always count on God for his strength to get me through. I will look back even with this being one of the most difficult times in my life and say that I was truly blessed. God came through for me.

Maybe next time we will talk about what survival mode looks like. I might share a few pics as proof of the disaster that is my house right now. Oh my... maybe not. Remember I still have my dignity to protect. My dignity and my silly pride. Shaking my head (SMH)

I hope that you all get what you need out of your weekends. Get some rest. Enjoy some time to just unplug.  Just breathe...

Praying for you mom. Hang in there.

Shelli Allen, That Autism MOM

I Pledge Allegiance

School is starting next week in our home. Not a whole lot will change from our daily routine because really, we do school year round. I am always trying to engage my children in some type of learning all year round. It works best with our need for "sameness" and gives us a consistency that helps my children thrive.

These are two of the three pledges that we do as apart of our morning routine. It may seem silly to quote the pledges as apart of a home education, but its a simple tradition that I wanted to give my children. My poster with the America pledge on it got damaged so I've got to get a new one before next Monday. My kids look forward to doing the pledge. When we first started this last year, I would have to hold both my kids hands over their heart as I would say the pledge. Talking about awkward!! But I kept with it and both kids now will place their hands over their heart for the pledges by themselves. It is really cute to watch them.

The Bible Pledge goes like this:

"I pledge allegiance to the Bible, God's holy word.

I will make it a lamp unto my path and

will hide it's words in my heart that I might not sin against God."

The Christian Flag Pledge goes like this:

"I pledge allegiance to the Christian flag, and to the

Savior for whose Kingdom it stands,

one Savior, crucified, risen, and

coming again, with life and liberty to all who believe."

I assume you all know the Pledge to the American Flag. So I wont include it here. We also do a morning calendar. I can truthfully say I need this probably more than the kids do. I would never know what the date was if I didn't do this. It is easy for me to get lost in the routines and never think of today is the eighth  and it's Monday. So we do a daily calendar as well the weather. We will also be tracking the first 100 days of school just for the fun of it. :)

Part of our morning routine is our morning chores. Josh, my oldest, loves to work. He is really a determined little worker in our house. He is usually up before anyone vacuuming his room and living area. This wakes us all up usually before the alarm would go off. We don't typically set an alarm. We never know how sleep is going to happen at night. This is such a great perk for us. Sleep has always been hit and miss. So this works out great.

Learning happens in so many shapes and forms. This is Izzy tall kneeling, which is great, doing some drawing. She started out writing her name then moved on. I am so thankful to witness these joyous moments with my kids.

The last thing I want to share in this scattered post is our daily schedule. It is right by our clock and like the calendar, it really helps me and the kids stay on task. I would probably forget to feed the kids if I didn't have these posted throughout the house. :O)

Let me know how you do your home education. I'd love to read how you all do school at home with your kids. What are your goals for this school year?

Hope you enjoyed a little glimpse into our little world.

Shelli Allen, That Autism Mom

Day 31: Prayer Journey for the New School Year.

We set out on this journey 31 days ago. So much has been going on here at home. I'm really surprised that I was able to get through this without too many glitches. I am really glad this is the last day. It is a commitment to post once a day and the planning that goes on is a commitment as well. That is why this is a journey right? Thank you to everyone that has joined me on this journey. I pray it has benefited you as much as it has me.

Today's verse is 2 Corinthians 4: 16-18

"For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18. While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."

Dear Lord,

This year is exciting and new. There will be new challenges and new victories. Help us Lord to not get so caught up in life that we fail to work on the things that can' t be seen by man. Help us work even more diligently for Godly character. Help our daily desires to be focused on you Lord. Guide our home, and guide our hearts.

In Jesus Name. Amen.

Have a great school year! Good luck moms. Stock up on coffee.

Check out my blog for more stories and resources. You are apart of the family now. :O)

Shelli Allen, That Autism MOM

Day 30: Prayer Journey for the New School Year.

Good morning! Welcome to day 30! I'm so excited that we have made this journey together. I have enjoyed taking this journey. I believe our kids are going to see many victories this year because of our investments made these past several days.

Today's verse is Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV
"Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."

Dear Lord,

I pray your hand of protection on every family going into this school year. Help us to all be strong and of good courage to do what is right.

In Jesus Name. Amen.

Shelli Allen, That Autism MOM

Day 29: Prayer Journey for the New School Year.

Hello! It's Monday again! :O) Monday's are rough, so here is your to do list. First, get your coffee and take a few sips. 2. Grab your bible 3. Prayer journal 4. now go to your spot where you pray.

It's Day 29! Our verse for today is Ephesians 3:20

"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,"

I chuckled a little bit here. This couldn't be a more perfect verse for our Monday blues. :0) God is always provided me with the strength that I needed on my especially hard days. I am so thankful that God can provide us with the little things that we fail sometimes to even ask him for.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for being present and answering our needs that are even so small that we don't even think of to ask you for. We know you are there for our kids. You are working in us. I praise you Lord for being that kind of friend.

In Jesus Name. Amen.

Shelli Allen, That Autism Mom

Day 28: Prayer Journey for the New School Year

Good Morning! GOOD MORNING!! GooooD MORNING!!! It's Sunday! It's a church day for us so I'll make this one short for all of us. Rushing around to get our families ready.

Day 28's verse is Philippians 4:19

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

I love this verse! For our homeschool families living on one income, we pray this verse in our sleep. lol! We know that God will supply for all our needs. We put our trust in him.

My prayer:

Dear Lord,

I have prayed this verse many times when our finances got tight and we did not know what we were going to do or how we were going to make. I've also prayed this verse Lord when I did not know how I was going to teach my children a particular subject or lesson. You have always provided. Go with us this school year, like in all the previous school years and be with us. Provide for the needs of every family. Give wisdom to the teachers and staff working with our kids as well as the momas at home teaching their kids at home.

In Jesus Name. Amen.

Shelli Allen, That Autism MOM

Day 27: Prayer Journey for the New School Year

Good Morning! Saturdays always call for coffee. Well, everyday really. Especially true for  Autism moms out there. I remember a time years ago when Saturday mornings were for sleeping in late. It was awesome!!! The memory is so faint that it brings tears to my eyes. :(

Well moving on... Today is Day 27 of our prayer journey. If you are just starting and would like to start on day one feel free to go to the website at www.thatautismmom.com and access the 31 day prayer journey. Each day has it's own special tab click on the day that you wish to go to and  your there! Yay!!

Today's verse is Proverbs 9:9.

" Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning."

NIV: "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning."

Dear Lord,

I want to raise kids who have a thirst for learning. I want them to enjoy the process of learning and the adventure of it all. Lord, help me to nurture their interest and encourage their love for discovery.

In Jesus Name. Amen.

See you back here tomorrow for Day 28!

Shelli Allen, That Autism MOM

Day 26: Prayer Journey for the New School Year.

Hello! Good Morning! Today is Friday!!!! I am really looking forward to the weekend. My husband has been working out of State and I haven't seen him all week. He is coming home and we will throw a party!! He!he!!

Okay so todays verse is in Psalms. My favorite book. Psalms 119:66

"Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments."

Here is the thing, We have to teach our children what is good behavior and what is not. On the other hand, parents, this is not easy for any of us. I believe that no matter how hard it is, it still has to be taught. So as we go about our days and passing instruction to our children let's pray this verse for them. That as we teach them they begin to believe and apply what is right in their own lives.

Dear Lord,
 I pray that my children fall in love with your word. I also pray that they apply its truths in their lives. As we go about each day help us as parents have the patience and the strength to teach what is right to our children. Lord, this is parenting thing is not for wimps. Lord, help me not be a wimp. :)

In Jesus Name. Amen.

See you back here tomorrow for day 27!!

Shelli Allen, That Autism MOM

Day 25: Prayer Journey for the New School Year

Hello and good morning. Do you have your coffee in hand? I have mine ready to go. Today is day 25! We have a little less than a week to go. I'm excited about nearing the end. I is a definite commitment to do a daily post like this. However, I feel like this is totally worth it.

So today's verse is Ephesians 6: 11-18 I really like this verse too. The whole armor of God is important to live a Christian life.

Here is the verse:

"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13.Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Dear Lord,

Help us to teach our kids what they need to be successful. What ever they set their heart to do, I want them to do it as unto you. I want them to know how to put on the whole armor of God. I want them to know what each piece represented and why it is important for them. I am training my kids for the world that they will soon be on their own in. I want to prepare them for the day that I will launch them like arrows into this world. So that they will be able to live the way that would be pleasing to you.

In Jesus Name. Amen.

I look forward to seeing you all back here tomorrow for day 26!!

See you soon!

Shelli Allen, That Autism Mom

Day 24: Prayer Journey for the New School Year.

Good Morning friends! Let's get started with day 24! I'm really excited about our verse for today.

Galatians 5: 22-23

"22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23. Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. "

This is another verse that I print off and hang around the house as a reminder about how we are supposed to act. It's a reminder for the kids as well as a reminder for me. :O)

Dear Lord,

Help us to daily take inventory of the type of fruit we are displaying. Not only for others, but for those that are closest to us. Help me Lord to teach these values to my children on a daily bases, not only by word, but by my actions.

In Jesus Name. Amen.

I'll see you back here tomorrow for day 25.

Shelli Allen, That Autism Mom

Day 23: Prayer Journey for the new school year!!

Good Morning and welcome to day 23 of our prayer journey.

Today's verse is Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."

God has amazing plans for our kids. He wants them to do good. God wants them to be great. God desires our kids to find their purpose.

Dear Lord,

Throughout this year and the years to come. Help us to find our kids interest and help our kids develop purpose around those interest. As we teach our kids, help us lead them to you.

I know that you Lord have great plans for our children. As we go about our year help us to show our children the plans you have for them.

In Jesus Name. Amen.

See you back here tomorrow for day 24.

Shelli Allen, That Autism MOM

Day 22: Prayer Journey for the New School Year.

Good morning!! How are you all doing? Today is the first day of August. Many students will be starting back to school soon. I am so thankful that we have invested this time in prayer. Preparing for the new school year has been the single most important part of preparation for this upcoming year. Let's get this Monday started off right.

Our verse for today is Philippians 4:13

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

My prayer for today is...

Dear Lord,
I want to push my kids to accomplish as much as they possibly can within this school year. I have established my goals for this year for them. There are going to be days that they are going to feel like they just won't be able to get through it. I want them to know that they can do all things with the strength that you provide. There are also going to be days that I need to remember this truth as well. We long for you to be with us each and every day.

In Jesus Name. Amen.

See you back here tomorrow for Day 23!!

Shelli Allen, That Autism Mom.