more mommy musings

Peter -

Just a few thoughts about Peter today.
He spoke in sacrament meeting.  He looked so sharp in a gray linen sport coat, black slacks, and UTE tie and he did such a nice job.  He was so composed.  He spoke clearly and from the heart.  Sharing a message about keeping the commandments makes us happy.  It was short and sweet but especially sweet.  It was so special to experience that.  (ps. I might be prejudiced but James blessed the sacrament water and I'm sure he spoke the words more clearly and smoothly than any of the other priests. )

with his amazing teacher, Mike Leavitt

Some other Peter positives -

*He is going to graduate.  At least as long as he passes all his classes.  It's been hard for Peter to get all of his credits, partially due to the fact that when taking Seminary as release time, it gives you negative credits.  So he gave up a half year of lunch so that he could have enough credits and still take seminary.

*He is still willing to be forced to play piano.  We told him he can quit when he graduates.  He has such lovely long fingers and plays with feeling.  His repertoire includes many Star Wars numbers, Coldplay, Lord of the Rings, and now Jurassic Park.   We do wish he would learn songs in a little quicker time than 6 months but once he has them, watch out! I offered Peter a car if he learned every hymn in the hymn book in a year.  He said the car has to be a Camaro (aka. Bumble Bee Transformer).  And although he was willing to accept an older model Camaro, there was no deal struck :)

*He got his drivers permit.  Challenging as this is for any teenager, one on the autistic spectrum finds it especially difficult.  The first time he tried it, much closer to age 16, he didn't pass, as happens to many teenagers, but it really hurt his confidence.  He did great this time, and is now on the journey to driving independence.  I'm working on getting him all the way to laundry independence!  

Why we have a cat (there is much more than pet advice here)

99% of the population wouldn't even consider having a cat.  Not sure why this is.  When I was growing up we always had a cat or cats.  We adored having cats.  But I, as with the rest of the afore said population, has no desire to have one.

But . . .

James does desire to have one.  And that is why we now have an adorable little kitten, soon to be less than desirable adult cat.

So you are thinking, you have a cat because your kids are spoiled.  NO!  okay a little, but not really.
We have a cat because James is 16 and in a few moments he will be 17, then 18, then grown up.  And gone.

This reality at times is more than I can bear, which is so ironic because much of the time I can't bear raising these teenage boys.  They try me to limits I don't seem to endure very well.  But this is my life.  My miserably joyous life.  Mother of Peter, James, and Seth.  The most precious humans.  And I'm not ready for them to grow up all the way.
So time is short, together, with my boys in my home every day.  James has always wanted a kitty.

The other ironic part.  When he is gone I am stuck with a cat .  Oh dear.

p.s. We also got the cat so that our dog (who we got because Seth couldn't live without out a dog, and yes every family should have a dog even though you will regret it as much as you love it, but people you only live once and it's not supposed to be that convenient.  Get your kids a pet for heaven sake! We have 4 kinds right now.  2 Rats [long and somewhat similar story], 2 fish, who are the apples' of Peters eye and change names from Steve to Keith on a regular basis, 1 dog, Levi, and 1 kitten, Tobias aka Toby. )  could have a friend.  And its working.  Levi and Toby seem to be becoming friends.  Yay!