More cowbell.

I was just prepping to write about the less-than-fabulous year we are having at this new school this year, but then everything took a turn and it seems things are magically working themselves out.  Hmm.  Kind of tweaks me out when things just fall into place like that. 

I find out that my son doesn't really have a teacher.
Sure, he has a teacher....but only for fire drills. 
Whaaaaa.....
Okay, well his homeroom teacher is only for fire drills. 
Somebody better start 'splaining....

Turns out that he really doesn't have a homeroom teacher for all intents and purposes.
Jaysen requires significant support in reading comprehension and math.
Due to scheduling conflicts (yeah...I know), he is in the Resource Room for this support, while the other kids in his "class" are in their homeroom learning these subjects. 
He is, however, in GenEd for Social Studies, Science, and everything else.
Okay...I will stop clenching my teeth.

And now for The Good.
Jaysen has been having difficulty with the viola.
He's doing very well with the classwork (got an A on his first test), begrudgingly practices, and has never once complained about lugging that thing to and from school.
He just can't "get" the mechanics of it.

So.

I suggested he be allowed to switch, because the drive and interest is there- he wants to play something, and is open to suggestion.  He wanted to play trombone.  I talked him into maybe trying trumpet first.  He agreed. 
After some minor friction with the Team about allowing him to change from orchestra to band, we just had a trial with the band teacher. 
The trumpet and cornet were very difficult for Jaysen.  Think blowing-the-ass-out-of-your-pants difficult.  The teacher left the room and came back with a different instrument.  He noted that Jaysen had more instant success with this one, and if he were to recommend an instrument, this would be it. 


Ladies and Gentlemen...The Baritone.

 After the hysterical laughter subsided....he looks kinda good with that, doesn't he?  And I'd imagine the sheer size and weight may have a grounding affect for him.  Interesting.
He will need private lessons for a bit to catch up with the rest of the class, but it's all kinds of awesome.

Happy 10th Birthday!

Happy 10th Birthday, Jaysen!!!
We traveled far and wide to celebrate this monumental birthday, to Jaysen's favorite place in the whole world, where he declared this was the Best Birthday Ever.  I'm thinking it was a combo of the unexpected trip, and the acquisition of the much coveted Nintendo 3DS.

O hai!  A personalized birthday sign on the door to the hotel upon our arrival!

And horseback riding!

                          

And of course CAKE!

 

Jaysen's vegan Aunt passed on chocolate cake, but apparently eating the Birthday Boy's head is PETA-approved.

HAPPY 10th Birthday Jaysen!!!

Double digits

Dear Jaysen,

Please stop turning 10.  I'm not sure I'm ready for this just yet.  You're kind of growing up too fast. 
I mean, ten?  Seriously?  So how's about we just wake up tomorrow and pretend it's just a regular day.  Cool?

Thanks,
Mom

Lookout Ron Popeil!

 Yes!  You can now own a little bit of The Quirk Factor for your very own! 
This Zazzle-store-thing was hilariously fun.  You should try it too.

Granted, they pulled a bunch of stuff I made like this...

Something about not having Samuel L Jackson's permission to use his image....grumblegrumble.  Samuel L Jackson would totally support this, yo.  Me and Sam are *likethis*.  Kind of.  Okay, whatever.

Anyway.... Click here to go to The Quirk Factory

That's mah store.  The Quirk Factory.  Get it?  Bwahaha...sometimes I kill myself with cleverness.
There's a bunch more hilarity there, and if you're a longtime follower here, you may even think it's hilarious too.   Including, but not limited to: Autism humor, blog quotes, artwork, and shameless self promotion.

You know you want an ornament designed by Jaysen, hanging from your tree this year!
And even if you don't, someone else probably does.  They make great presents. 
And I'll even take requests.

I may not be as good a marketer as Vince Offer:

But I'm also not going to beat up any hookers, either. 

So there you have it. 

No hookers were harmed in the making of my products.  

Go check it out and let me know whatcha think.

Mah kids are weird.

It's been awhile, so...

You all know Jaysen:

Awww!



Holy bubbles, Batman!



Kitty love.

And Rylan:


I can haz mohawk?







Look!  Mom gave me liberties!





 



Scariest clown evar.








I wear my sunglasses at night...



Pimpin'.



This be his dance moves, y'all.

And most people think my special needs kid is my handful?

Oy. 

*Keep your eyes open for a special announcement coming soon here at Chez Quirk!