Extraordinary Outdoors Has Moved!

Hi all! It's a new year, and that means it's time for some new adventures! And Mia and I are off to an exciting new adventure, as we've moved to Somerset County in Maine!

While we're here, we're going to explore what the surrounding area has to offer for hiking, camping, fishing and hunting. And we want you to join us!

If you're interested in having an Extraordinary Outdoors event near you, please email me at miasmomma06@gmail.com. Stay tuned for some great outdoor hikes and and outings in the very near future!

~Ashley

Revival

Time has slipped away from me. In the blink of an eye a couple of years has flown so quickly that I desperately long to pluck them from my memories and have them re materialize in hopes of a do over. Having made the move to better Mia's schooling, much has changed on the financial front. And while I would do it all over again and again for her benefit, work has consumed nearly all of my free time in an effort to keep up with the costs of every day living. Mia and I have not been able to enjoy our favorite things nearly as much as we would like to, and I feel as though we've become stuck in a rut. 

That is soon to change. 

In the midst of work, work, and more work, and old dream has revived itself. Since I can remember, I have dreamt of having a small house in the middle of nowhere. A place where Mia and I can truly connect with the natural world around us. Where we can live simply, live independently, and as sustainably as we possibly can. 

As a single mom in a unique financial situation, it seemed that the dream would have little chance of coming to fruition. And then five or so years ago I picked up on an article about a couple abandoning their materialistic way of life for a much smaller, simpler venture. They built their very own tiny house and away they went. 

Instantly, I was in love with this idea, and started daydreaming about being able to do the same for Mia and I. But again, I thought that finances would simply get in the way. I was barely scraping by, and coming up with money to buy land and build even a small house seems impossible. And, silly me, I worried about how others would perceive this idea of living in a tiny house with a child. Would I be seen as a crazy, reckless mom? A simplistic woman teacher her child a simpler way of life? A general weirdo in a world that revolves around material belongings and "net worth". 

Fast forward a few years, and (forgive the phrasing) my give a damn is completely busted. How I want to love really isn't anyone's business but my own. If my daughter and I are happy, and she has a safe, warm, Comfortable place to call home, does the size of the place we call home really matter? 

Not one damned bit. Working 24/7 to keep up with high rent payments, high mortgage payments, and high utility costs, holds little value to me. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not lazy, and I am certainly not afraid of some good old fashioned hard work (and many can attest to this). But in the grand scheme of things, is it really worth slaving your life away for so many material possessions that you simply can't enjoy because you have to work so much just to have them sitting around the house collecting dust? Not in my book. 

So today, I made the first step in moving Mia and I towards a more financially stable, independent way of living. I purchased a 19' camper from some dearly wonderful people. This camper is not usable as is. But what can be used is its frame. On this frame, I intend to build Mia and I the most comfortable, affordable, and (someday) energy independent little house. 

This house will be small, but what it will lack in size it will make up for in efficiency, and peace of mind. We will lack absolutely nothing in the way of comfort as we will have the amenities of any large house. What we will be forgoing is a high cost of living, and having to be completely dependent on grid living, debt, and having our home planted in one permanent place.  

It's going to be an adventure for us, and though it's small in scale, it's going to be one of the biggest adventures of our lives! We will be documenting our process here, I have created a tab above dedicated to our tiny home adventure. I have also started a fundraising page in hopes that a few kind souls might help us along our way to achieve our dream a little faster. My hope is to have the house completed and livable by the coming fall. 

Any left over proceeds from the fundraising page will be used to help another family start their tiny home dream, and future families as well. 

http://www.gofundme.com/mia-ashtinyhouse

The Start of Our Big, Tiny, Project!

Last week, I was finally able to get the base of our little house to our current residence. This little camper is going to be the start of our tiny house adventure. We're going to be demolishing what's left of the actual camper, cleaning and strengthening the frame, and extending it an additional 5 feet to make the base a total of 8.5 foot by 24.5 foot for the frame.

Now that the frame is here, it's time to start acquiring more materials to start the build. I'd like to use as many recycled pieces as possible, and pallet wood is going to play a big role in the finished product. I do, however, need to get some framing lumber. I've figured out that just the 2 by 6 studs for the walls only will run about $500.00 all said and done. Not including framing for the lofts, roofs, and main floor. If anyone has any building materials that they're looking to get of of their hands, Mia and I would be more than happy to take them off of your hands! Donations to our GoFundMe account would help greatly as well!

Now, it's time to tear things apart!

The start of our tiny house!

The slight mishap while in transit

I thought flat tires were going to be an issue during the haul home. We burned some rubber instead! 

Christmas from an Autism Aspect

Merry Christmas to all of our friends, family and followers! We wish you a bright holiday season and a Happy New Year.

I wanted to share Christmas from our aspect today. From the Autism Aspect. Mia’s first Christmas was a typical first. She was six months old, and wanted to play with nothing except for the wrapping paper that hid the wondrous play things beneath it.

As the years progressed, Mia showed little interest in unwrapping gifts. She does not do the whole “Santa” thing. And she could care less about an Elf on her shelf. In fact, to Mia, it’s just the time of year when there’s a tree in the house instead of out, with lights on it and things under it.

While many people will gasp at this stark contrast to how a kid would usually grow up loving Christmas and getting excited for the big guy in the red suit to show up, there are many out there that go through this holiday season much in the same way Mia and I do. Many are upset about it, and I can’t say that I wasn’t at first. But now, at our seventh year of Christmas together, I’ve got nothing but positives about it.

So, I decided to share some of my favorite parts of Christmas from our unique Autism Aspect.

Traditions are still traditions, even if they’re not the traditional kind. Every year, we drive around looking for the best Christmas light shows….in new Christmas jammies! We also visit “the big one” at the L.L. Bean store in Freeport. Mia gets more excited at the idea of looking for lights then she does about bringing in a Christmas tree!

Save the paper, hold the bows. Mia will peek under wrapping paper when she is shown how to unwrap a gift. But unless it’s fully available to her, she just thinks it’s something under there that she can’t play with. Unwrapped presents under the tree are her favorite. She immediately knows those toys are for her, instead of wondering what those brightly wrapped cubes are.

Big ticket items are usually the simplest. One year, as a stocking stuffer, I found Mia one of those toys that has all the pins in it that shows your hand print or whatever when you put it on something. It was at our local Walmart and I thought that it would make a great sensory toy for her. When she found it in her stocking, it was her most favored toy of the day. Best $5.00 I had spent all season!

Twenty toys, ten toys, two toys, ONE?! As a single mom, money is always tight. While most people are scrambling to put a pile of gifts under the tree for their kids, I don’t really have to uphold to all that pressure. With Mia, she could care less if there were one toy, or a hundred toys under that tree. She’s happy with anything that is given to her. (Of course, I try to spoil her as best as I can every year regardless!)

Bake those cookies, for MOM!! I don’t know when this started, or why Mia made the association, but we do bake cookies for Christmas just like most people do. We put them on a plate and set them on a table next to the tree. After a while, Mia started bringing the plate back to me. When I set it down, she started bringing the cookies to me, and then wouldn’t leave me alone until I started eating them. Now, we bake cookies, set them on the table along with a plate of Cheeze-it’s and skittles, and then Mia brings both plates to the couch and we sit and snack. Different? Yes. Adorable? Absolutely!

Let’s go pick out the toys! Most kids start circling things in ads or making wish lists shortly after Thanksgiving. But a kid who can’t talk or write, doesn’t have the ability to tell me what she want’s for Christmas. But, she sure can show me! Every year, we make a trip to local toy stores, and I let Mia show me what she really likes, and I interpret it as what she really wants. I take pictures with my phone and go back later to get them. I win by making sure she gets things she will really use, and she wins by getting things she picked out in her own unique Christmas list!

What can we fit into this year? Every year, Mia likes to cram herself into the tightest spaces she can find. The past few years, she has chosen to do the stocking dance. Next year, I’m going to have to make her a bigger stocking, because this year she couldn’t fit into it!

Mia gives the best gifts ever! Most kids either help pick out a gift, or make a gift for their parents for Christmas. Where Mia is so sensory based, she has a hard time constructing things, so handmade Mia gifts are hard to come by. But that’s ok. Mia fills my life with smiles, love, kisses, and cuddles, every day of the year. She is the best all around gift, and I couldn’t be happier with being blessed to have her in my life!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all! May you feel joy and happiness this season, and throughout your lives!

Need a Little Help From My Fellow Bloggers Please!!

Recently, I've noticed on my dashboard that I've got comments on some of my posts. BUT, the comment tab is now gone, and I can not see the comments that have been left, nor can I make them available to the public side of my blog! GGRRRRR!!!!!

Has anyone else had this problem at all, and could you please tell me how I can go about seeing these comments and make them available to the public?? Internet searches have turned up nothing useful.

Thanks!!!!! Also, please email me with your response since I can't see the comments here!! miasmomma06@gmail.com

It's Time To Hike!

November is fast approaching, and Mia and I would like to know where YOU want to hike!! Our last two group outings ended up being Mia and I outings, so we want to hear some feedback from our followers on where you'd like to hike, along with a time that works best for you and your little ones!

Feel free to email us at miasmomma06@gmail.com with your suggestions, or facebook us at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Extraordinary-Outdoors/219540621426350

We hope to put together a great hike for mid to late November, and hope to hear from you all soon! :)

First School Day Blues (For Mommy) and Brights: A Recount of the Last Year

Mia is seven years old. SEVEN!!! How on earth did this time go so quickly?!

Today in our area. It's the first day of school for many kids, but for Mia it's just another day of school. At age two, she started developmental therapy. And since that day she has been in school all year, every year, minus a week of "vacation" here and there.

I'm scrolling through my friends posts on Facebook, seeing all the pictures of their kids in their first day best outfits, bright and ready for the first day. And I break down into a sentimental mommy moment. I don't get to celebrate this mile stone.

Or do I?

In between my tears, I start to realize that while Mia and I may not get to share the typical mommy daughter moments, we do still have our moments. And those moments are wonderful and filled with so much joy, pride and love.

And even though this isn't her "first" day of the school year, it does mark a new adventure. She is technically a first grader this year. And in the previous year she's made so much progress.

She's learned to go potty like a big girl. She's learned to play appropriately with her peers. She's on the way to a solid form of communication, first using a picture exchange program that had small benefits, to signing for drink, eat, all done, and help!!

She's become more interested in the animal world. She now pets Molly and Camo, our yellow lab and black lab puppies. She pets our chickens earn I bring one to her. We went to the topsham fair where she freely petted sheep, goats, horses, and even a pot belly pig!

And, one accomplishment that I'm very proud of, Mia now waves and says hello to people, and waves goodbye, and almost always completely unprompted!! And yes, she even waves at all her animal friends too! :)

So even though I'm being sentimental mommy today, Mia and I have much to celebrate. We're on to
the next school year, and I can't wait to see what her accomplishments will be in the next 365 days!!

Checking the chicken coop for eggs!

 

 Feild day at school!

 

 Ferris wheel ride at the Topsham Fair!

 

 

Best buddies!! 

Eeek!!! It's Way Past Time For An Update!

It's been a bit (ok, a while) since our last post. We've had a lot of goings on since our last communication with you all, but finally it seems as though things are back on track.

As an update to the last post, Mia had a 24 hour EEG done to determine if her bouts of waking during the night were caused by seizure activity. The test came back clear, and she is not having any seizures at all. Good news in the battle of Epilepsy, but the result still left me with questions as to why she was having such a hard time sleeping.

I tried some different bed time routines, tried sleeping in every room of the house (thinking there might have been something she was hearing that was waking her up), and even refrained from letting her have any fluids after 7:00 at night. Nothing seemed to work.

And then, i found a "noise box". This little device has different settings for different sounds, the goal of them all being calming of the mind and nervous system. I tried a setting that I thought she would like, and she slept. SOUNDLY. Through the night! Hoping it wasn't a fluke, I used it again the next night. And again, Mia got a full nights sleep!

In just two nights time, I saw a huge difference in her daytime behavior. She woke with smiles and giggles, and ready to play. She was happy to do anything really. From playing outside, to going for a Jeep ride. Yes, full nights of sleep have gotten my girly back to her happy active self!

Mia's tantrums have subsided as well. I've implemented more sign language at home, have made bathroom trips more accesible when we're out and about, and have made more fun things for us to do during the day to keep her occupied. Little steps, huge successes.

I also have been going through a few things that had basically rendered me useless for a bit. I have dealt with chronic migraines for years, but in these last few months it seems as though they have gotten worse. I had tried everything, and then went to an O.M.T.

I found that part of the issue is that my left leg is over a quarter of an inch shorter than my right. Yes, that's right. I'm uneven! The doctor provided me with a lift to wear in my shoe, and some of the migraines have stopped now. I still get a few here and there, but they're not nearly as bad as they used to be.

The other problem I was having was a huge lack of energy. I was tired all the time, and Lacked the motivation to do any of the things I love, like writing, fishing and hiking. And for me to be unmotivated (and especially in the outdoors world) I knew there was something wrong.

Turns out, not only was I dealing with a slight anemic problem, I'm also having issues with keeping my blood sugar high enough, which were, for lack of better phrasing, making me feel like crap!

The solution: protein shakes, twice a day! I learned that protein helps to regulate blood sugar levels, and it has actually made quite a difference. So much so that if I miss one, I know it.

So slowly, we are getting back on our feet here. Mia is doing wonderfully with school still and continues to make great strides. I'm very proud of her accomplishments, and will post an update on where she is at right now. We've also been on a few easy outdoor trips (be careful not to break mommy!), that I will post about in the next few days or so.

We're also planning a group fishing trip in the near future, so be on the lookout for the post with that info!

Sorry about the inadvertent hyaidous, I hope all of our readers are doing well and have been able to enjoy the great outdoors!

Communication Break Downs

It’s Saturday morning, it’s early, and not too bright. The sun was just barely lighting the sky, but the cloud cover was blocking it’s light anyways. I was awakened by a very unhappy Mia. Not knowing exactly why she was waking in this state, we went through the motions. But her tantrum continued to accelerate into a meltdown. After several trips to the bathroom, several breakfast options, and sensory toys galore, it was clear that Mia was not going to come out of this anytime soon. Her meltdown status was clearly invoked by her inability to tell me what was wrong, and I felt like a horrible mother for not being able to figure it out.

Our plan for the day had been to meet up with a friend to do some ice fishing. I was in hopes that we would still be able to make the trip, even though we would now be slightly delayed. I plugged my ear buds into my phone and cranked the music, allowing Mia to holler as she needed to while I gathered our fishing gear. I was hoping once she saw the traps, she would realize what fun was in store for the day and it would help her calm down. But she carried on anyways.

I further gathered the necessities of the day, dressed, had my coffee and breakfast, and then helped Mia get dressed once she finally calmed down. She ate her breakfast when she was ready, and soon was in much better spirits. I was in hopes that the rest of the day would be filled with her smile and giggles. But either way, I decided to carry on with our plans. We packed up the vehicle and headed out.

The drive to our destination was a long one. Well over an hour. Once we hit the last stretch, I stopped at a store so Mia and I could use the restroom. Another tantrum ensued as she refused to sit on the public toilet. I can’t blame her, most restrooms smell funny, have odd lighting, and the flush is ridiculously loud. She did not appear to have to use the toilet at all. So we washed our hands on the way out, put some fuel into the truck, and continued on.

Almost big enough to drive!

It wasn't long before we reached the lake. A quick text to a friend who was already on the ice, ensured us a four wheeler ride to the shacks that he and his friends had set up. While we waited for his arrival, I helped Mia get into her snowsuit. She seemed agitated by this, but we continued on anyways. I was unclear of how Mia would react to being on a four wheeler, since this would be her first time. But I figured that because it had wheels and threw wind in her face, she would love it. And I was right.

Soon, we were heading down the lake, and Mia was giggling with delight. When we stopped, we all dismounted the wheeler, but Mia wanted more. Telling her that we would ride again later proved to do nothing in terms of deterrence. She started having a fit because she wanted to ride more.

I tried to get her mind off of the wheeler by walking around with her. My friend also tried to catch her attention to no avail. Another meltdown started to take place. Then my friend got the idea that we should go get the glorified “pee bucket”. Maybe Mia did have to go to the bathroom after all. We took another ride on the wheeler to get it, and then back again. The ride calmed Mia down, but the moment we stopped, she went right back into tantrum mode.

I again tried to get her mind off of things. She didn't have to go to the bathroom. My friend offered her some yummy snacks. But nothing worked. This was so unusual for Mia. Normally, even when she’s having a bad day, activities that she likes, such a ice fishing, are a happy time. And, with her sudden interest in the male gender (I've got a little flirt on my hands), you would've thought she would be even more ecstatic to be here. But, something else is going on in Mia’s world.

A dog came over to greet Mia, and she’s never been fond of dogs that like to get in her space, but she turned away to avoid him. And then, the dog did what dogs do when they want attention. He jumped on her. Mia fell to the ice, and in an instant her meltdown turned into one of the worst I've seen in a long time.

That was pretty much the end of our ice fishing trip. I tried for several minutes to get Mia to calm back down, but it was clear that she was completely upset. Our little adventure on the ice lasted merely an hour. The truck ride back home calmed Mia slightly, but she continued on this sequence for the remainder of the weekend.

Truth be told, this isn't the first time this has happened with one of our outings this winter. Mia has become increasingly aware of the world around her, and even more so with the fact that communication is the key to being heard. Her meltdowns these day are coming from complete frustration in not being able to communicate her thoughts. And I can’t blame her. I’d be upset too if I couldn't speak my mind.

So, I’m working on a new plan. Trying to find a way to help Mia communicate more effectively. PEC’s isn't working for her, so something new needs to happen. I've got an appointment set up with Mia’s teachers and speech therapist to give them my ideas on the situation, and to see what they have to offer for input. I've also set up some appointments for Mia to be seen by her neurologist  Because one of the anti-epileptics she is on could cause some changes in behavior, and some seizure activity could be in play here. I'm covering all the areas just to be sure.

Have any of my readers ever been in this communication break down with their kiddos? I’d love to hear how you overcame this hurdle with your little one!

Extraordinary Outdoors February Event!

It's time to get together to play outside! We've planned a sledding event in the town of Topsham on February 24th at the area's local "go to" for sledding. Come on out for some hot chocolate, coffee, snacks, social time, and most importantly, FUN!!!

RSVP to our event via Facebook, or just show up on the day of! The fun starts at 1:00 p.m., and the address is 86 Foreside Rd. in Topsham Maine!

Wear lots of warm, weather proof clothing, and bring the family! If you want to join but don't have any sleds, contact me an let me know. I am able to get some spares together so that everyone can join in the fun!

Hope to see you there!

https://www.facebook.com/events/487940287909274/

First Words Are Great, But First FUNCTIONAL Words Are Even Better!

Over the years, I've heard numerous noises form in Mia's beautiful little voice. Within the last six to eight months, these noises have become more used, elaborated, and she has increased the type of noises she makes ten fold. 

Though I posted Mia's first real word a while ago, this is Mia's first FUNCTIONAL word!

Why do I say functional? Because her first word, "action", though reciprocated, was only used at random times with no apparent meaning behind it. 

Here, Mia is imitating the elaborated "HI!" Greeting I have given to her at the end of every work/school day for the last six years! 

This word is functional not only because she says it back, but because she is using it to initiate a greeting and socialization with others around her! 

This moment marks a turning point in Mia's communication skills! Now that she knows that she can uses her voice to gain attention of others, I have a strong feeling that more functional words are coming in the very near future!!! 

Potty Training..........SUCCESS!!!!!!

We've been working on something pretty big in Mia's world. Something that makes her feel even more like she's just your average kid. And she's nearly mastered the skill.

We've been working on, POTTY TRAINING!!!
How did this breakthrough come about?! Potty training was something I'd been working on over the years. But, when it wasn't being done the same way in every place that she went, she never grasped the concept. As one of Mia's goals in her I.E.P., potty training was added as a skill for her to learn. When asked how I thought Mia would best learn this skill, you can bet I gave my input!

First, Mia went from wearing pull ups all the time, to only wearing them at night. Big girl underwear during the day meant that every time she had an accident, she would feel it. And since she hates the feeling of wet clothes against her skin, I knew without a doubt that this was the best method to get Mia on her way to toileting success.

The transition from one to the other took her a while to get used to. Because she's a very tactile being, the pull up was a comfort she had grown accustomed to. Underwear left her feeling odd, as though nothing was there. For a bit, it was hard to get her to keep her pants up! But after she realized that she had no other choice but to wear these thin monstrosities, she gave up and taking her pants down!

Then, her school started taking her to the bathroom in short intervals through out the day. Though, because they were seemingly spending more time in the bathroom than anywhere else, they lengthened the amount of time between bathroom visits. The pattern was continued at home as well, and Mia only wore a pull up at night to prevent her from wetting the bed.

Because Mia has always had a hard time figuring out what her body is telling her (i.e. pain means something is wrong, this sensation means you have to go to the bathroom), I assumed it would take a while for her to catch on to these signals the body sends. But, as usual, she surprised me! In just a short couple of months, Mia went from six or seven accidents a day, to NONE! Minus the number two issue, which she's now catching on to as well.

Now, Mia is wearing big girl underwear to bed as well. She has no night time accidents, though now she wakes up confused in the middle of the night when she has the sensation to pee. Cutting back on fluids in the early evening and making sure she goes pee before bed time help, but once in a while she still has to get up. Though she might be a bit cranky about it, I'm proud that she knows when she's got to go!

And, in most recent weeks, she's been going number two on the potty as well!! Well, Some of the time anyways! She still hasn't quite figured out when she actually needs to go, and sometimes her seizure medications bind her up, making it even more difficult for her. But she's getting there!

I'm so excited for Mia's progress in this area! And even more excited that when the weather warms up, I can start teaching her a new bathroom skill. HOW TO PEE IN THE WOODS!! (Yes, her teachers laughed when I exclaimed this notion!)

What, that's a normal motherly reaction, right?!

New Years Reflections

Well folks, we made it through the holiday season. Mia got lots of gifts from Santa. Her favorite being her new pink ice fishing tip ups! (Pictures of pink ice fishing escapades are coming soon!)

Now, a new year is upon us. While many people use this time of year to set resolutions, I use this time to reflect, and count my blessings. 2012 has been a busy and eventful year for us. And, an overall successful one as well.

The year began with a transition to a new living area, with a promise of better schooling to help Mia along in her battle against Autism. This move was planned for many months prior to the actual event. Mia flawlessly grew accustomed to our new surroundings. It was mom that had the harder of times. We now live in a city, with relatively few connections to nature. But, with some effort and searching, we've found that getting outdoors in the city is actually very manageable. And, it makes our further trips into the wild even more enjoyable.

After a few months, Mia transitioned to her new school. Again, flawlessly. She embraced this new setting and new people instantaneously, effortlessly, and courageously. She has made great progress in her new school, and continues to amaze me daily with new skills.

We also managed to get to some new outdoor places to adventure in, and accomplished some pretty great things. Mia experienced a bit of lobster boating when we boarded the Lucky Catch. We hiked to the top of Sabattus Mountain. We camped in White Mountain National Forest. We fished in many new lakes and streams, and visited several of the state parks.

Mia's progress is really what strikes me as astonishing though. This little girl takes triumph in jumping over some of her toughest hurdles. And once she's over them, she courageously takes on the next one. Potty training took her less time than I had assumed, with merely an accident a week at this point! And in the year of 2012, Mia has become increasingly interactive with not only adults and her favorite people, but with strangers we pass in the store, and with children of all ages. Just the other day, she walked up to a two year old boy sitting in the front of a grocery cart, and made her valiant attempt to say hello. She smiled at him, and gave him direct eye contact while doing so. His response of a smile and an outreached hand was more than accepted by little Mia, and she took his hand and giggled at him with pure joy in knowing that she was seen and accepted. This is truly an amazing feat in the world of Autism.

Now that 2012 has drawn to an end, we are looking forward to more adventures, and new experiences. We're setting our sights towards some upcoming ice fishing adventures, and planning our spring hikes.

2013 will be another year of progress and great adventure for Mia and I, and we wish you the happiest and most adventurous year of all!

Thanks for reading!

Christmas Light Spectaculars!

Mommy/daughter picture opp! 

Mia and I have Christmas traditions, just like most people do. But our most favorite thing to do during the Christmas season, is going out in search of Christmas lights! The other night, we headed down to Freeport to check out their light setup. 

Their tree is enormous, and lit with red and green lights. I tried to get a picture of Mia in front of it to depict it's gargantuan size, but she was having too much fun running around the cluster of small trees up on the wooden deck. The picture below should show it's size in relation to the building behind it. 

Next year, I think we should have a tree like this in OUR living room!

They also had some "Kid's Crooked Houses" set up for the kiddos to play around in. These things are so cute, and come in a ton of designs and sizes. 

Kids Crooked Houses! We want one, or two! 

Mia thought they were pretty neat also, and had fun playing around in them!

Mia in the Kids Crooked House!

The best part of the gigantic L.L. Bean tree, is that every hour on the hour, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the tree and surrounding lights become a light show with some great music playing along. Mia loved this, and loved the fact that we were outside watching instead of sitting in a car like some other light shows!

The video below is short, as I had to keep an eye on Miss Mia, but in total the show lasted about 20 minutes. 

What are some of your favorite holiday traditions?!

We’d Rather Be…….OUTSIDE!!!

Mia enjoys the cooler temps of the fall/winter seasons!

Hello all! I hope this finds you all in good spirits. It's been a bit since I've posted, and though I dislike excuses in general, mine for the lack of posting is simply that I'd rather be outside than stuck inside on the computer.

Further north in the state, we found some snow to play in!

The month long firearm season for deer hunting seemed to come and go in a flash. And though I spent much of the season walking and sitting in the woods, I had no luck in harvesting a deer. I even took out the muzzle loader for the two week loader season, to no avail. Oh well, a bad day (month) of hunting, is better than a day at work! And there’s always next year! :)

Ice fishing season is soon coming!

Mia and I have also been out bird hunting and rabbit hunting (searching) on our weekends together. And, we're gearing up for the soon coming ice fishing season!! We’ve had a lot of outdoor play time despite the cooling temps, and we’ve found a ton of cool things to see in the woods. Animal tracks, snow capped mushrooms growing on trees, and tons more!

Snow capped mushrooms!!!

Now, we’re just patiently awaiting the arrival of some snow so we can adventure out in our snowshoes!

Baby It's Cold Outside!: Keeping Kids Warm in Winter Wonderlands

The reading on the thermometer is dropping here in Maine. And while many people are setting up to enjoy a warm and toasty winter indoors, Mia and I have been preparing to spend our winter exploring all of the outdoor fun that the cold temperatures bring. Call us crazy, but snow, ice, and cold temps really gets our adventure engine running!

In preparing for an outdoor winter with a child, a checklist of necessary items always ensues to ensure comfort, warmth, safety and enjoyment in frigid weather. Proper clothing makes the difference between a fun day in the snow, and a freezing day that may lead to a dislike of playing in a glorious white wonderland.

In the past, since clothing is something kids outgrow faster than you can say "let's go ice fishing!", I had found it somewhat difficult to find pint sized outerwear that is not only effective, but also affordable. Luckily, over the years companies have begun realized this black hole in winter wear, and the search has become relatively easy. I've found some great sights that help bridge the gap in this area. No longer will I need to down size adult clothing to fit my little adventurer!

Let's get ready to layer! 

Layers work best for outdoor exploration. The right layers can keep your little one warm and toasty, even on the coldest of days.

The most important thing to look out for while purchasing these layers is the material used. If anything you are looking at involves cotton, DO NOT BUY IT! Cotton absorbs moisture (sweat), and is hard to dry out. If a warm body cools down with a moisture filled cotton layer on top of it, this can cause the body to lose warmth rapidly, increasing the chances not only of discomfort, but of hypothermia as well.

Layer One is the base layer. This layer of clothing should be made of a moisture wicking material. Keeping moisture away from the skin ultimately helps keep the body warm. This set found on LuckyBums.com is super affordable at $39.99 for the tops AND the bottoms!!!

Layer Two is the warmth layer. This layer further carries moisture away from the skin, while reflecting warmth back toward the body. This layer should consist of materials such as fleece, wool, flannel, or a blend of natural and synthetic materials. Backcountry.com has a ton of affordable fleece tops, as well as bottoms! (Don't forget those legs, they get cold too!) Be sure to get a top that has the ability to zip and unzip at the neck at least. This allows the ability to regulate body heat when moving or sitting. If you plan to sit for an extended amount of time, think about doubling this layer for added warmth.

Layer Three is the weather proofing layer. This layer should be waterproof, wind proof, AND breathable. Obviously, keeping the lower layers dry is extremely important. But keeping the wind from cutting through is just as important. We all know how a swift breeze can give us goosebumps, so we want to keep that chiller out! Picking an outer layer with added insulation is also a good idea. I really like this jacket from L.L. Bean. It's expensive, yes. But in my past experiences, you get what you pay for when it comes to this layer. (I usually buy jackets a tad larger than needed, gaining the ability to reuse it the following year!)

I also like the snow pants that L.L. Bean has to offer. They're water and wind proof, and insulated with Thinsulate for added warmth. They also have added protection in areas that need it most. So kids can play on without the worry of a knee or the butt of the snowsuit giving out! (More the parents worry than the child's I'm sure!)

Head, Hands, Neck and Feet need to be insulated as well! Remember, no cotton in this layer either!

For feet, be sure to use socks that are moisture wicking, like these from REI. Double if you think added warmth will be needed. Also, a good pair of boots is a must. L.L. Bean offers these boots at a decent price. The added height of the boot adds warmth to the leg, as well as decreasing the chance of snow falling into them. To further safe guard against that, they've added an adjustable draw string at the top to ensure a snug fit. Also, they come with an extra set of liners, which means the play can continue if the first set of liners does happen to get wet!

Hands should first be covered by a good moisture wicking glove, like these offered at REI. On top of these, should be a water and wind proof layer. L.L. Bean offers many affordable choices and styles of cold weather gloves to choose from.

For the neck, I like to use a good neck gaiter. This gaiter sold by REI is made of microfleece, which insulates even when wet, and dries quickly.

Last, and most importantly, keep the head under cover! Start with a good fleece hat, as it wicks moisture away while keeping heat in. I always double this layer on especially cold days with a polyester version or another fleece hat.

By planning ahead, and getting all of these layer options set and ready to go, you can ensure that your tots time outdoors will not only be comfortable, but memorable as well!

Extraordinary Outdoors December Event!

Hello all! I hope that this post finds you well.

I have decided on a simple get together for the group in the month of December. This time, the plan will be to meet at Pineland Farms in New Gloucester. The link below provides ample information about their abounding trail system, an address to map to, and other information about the farm! We will meet near the welcome center!

http://www.pinelandfarms.org/visitors/contacts.htm

If you plan to attend, please register using the form below. We'd like to keep a head count! If you have any further questions, feel free to contact me by email (miasmomma06@gmail.com) or by phone (207-408-0090).

Please dress warmly for the cool weather. Should the weather be too severe for travel or enjoyment, we will reschedule this event! We look forward to seeing you all there!




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Extraordinary Outdoors First Outing

It was a glorious fall day. You know the kind. The sun was shining, the wind was blowing. The smell of the turned leaves filled the air. And it was the perfect temperature for a stroll in the woods. Mia and I waited in the parking lot of the Mount Apatite Trail for people to arrive for our first outing. She occupied herself by running around, kicking up sand and leaves, and watching the militiary trucks pass us by. Mount Apatite is located near the Auburn military base, and today they had the gates open to move some of their equipment around.

Soon, people started to arrive for our first event, and not long after that, we were heading down the trail. We had a couple of families stay with us, while one large group walked through the trail system on their own. While we walked, we looked for leaves, acorns, and anything interesting that we happened upon.

It was great to talk to the families that attended. Building a community among parents is one of the many great things that will come out of Extraordinary Outdoors. Sometimes, families feel isolated because it can be hard to find other families that live life in similar situations. Getting together outdoors, in a neutral environment with people who understand, is so therapeutic for parents and kids alike.

Over all, we had a great time being out on the trail, getting to know each other. We stopped for a group photo before heading back down the trail. What a great time these families had exploring the outdoors! We can't wait for the next one!!

Some Changes Are Coming

In an effort to keep things as streamlined as possible, I am going to be combining two important parts of my life together here on the site.

As many of you know, I am in the process of starting a group called Extraordinary Outdoors. This is a group in which I will lead extraordinary children and families into nature in an effort to help children gain access to some useful therapeutic opportunities that nature has to offer, offer a new way for parents to interact with their child, and help create a solid support system among children and parents alike.

This venture is very near and dear to me, and so is sharing our story. So, in the very near future, this site will be changed to Extraordinary Outdoors, so that I can offer more information about the program and upcoming events. I will also continue to blog here as well.

I hope that during this transition, all of my valued readers will continue to follow along. Changes can sometimes be difficult, so I promise to make this as easy on you as possible!

If you have any concerns, thoughts or suggestions please let me know!

Finding The Small Details of Forest Life

I found a something for you mom! Deer poop!

Over the years, I have tried to engage Mia into as much of our natural surrounding as possible. One of the greatest ways to have her connect with all of this life, was to look for signs of life.

When Mia started hiking on her own two feet, she seemed to show little interest in paying attention to the small details of the outdoors. (She was actually paying attention to more than I had originally thought) She would explore as much as she could on foot, running down the path, never even entering into the taller grasses and ferns to the sides of the trails.

Throughout 2012, I have focused on getting Mia off of the trail and into the wild growth, which has helped her learn to pay more attention to her surroundings. It started early in the year with snowshoeing. It took her a bit to get comfortable in the overly large frames that were attached to her feet. But once she did, it was smooth sailing from there. When I tried to get her off of the trail, and into rabbit territory, she wanted no part of it, shoeing away from me further up on the trail.

Much of the same happened when the snow melted. I wanted her to explore the new growth that was offered to us in the woods, so we went on a fiddle heading adventure. She wanted to head up the trail in search of a bridge, a brook, or both, to watch before moving on. Oh, well, I knew it would take a bit to get her comfortable with off trail exploration. At least she is happy out here.

So over the course of the year, I continually but slowly hauled her off of the beaten path, and into the lush ferns, grasses, pines and birches of the woods. And slowly, she came into her own.

Forget the trail, it's much more interesting in here!

The greatest draw in getting Mia to want to explore the more intricate parts of the forest, was getting her to pay attention to the fine details. Every pile of deer droppings I came across, I brought Mia towards it to show her what it was, and told her why it was there. I did the same with animal tracks, and other animal droppings that we found. We pulled rocks away from the earth to search for bugs, watched fallen stumps for chipmunks, touched flowers and leaves, and fished to pull aquatic creatures into our realm.

I showed her everything. Even when I thought she wasn't paying attention, because over the years, I've learned that even though it might not seem like Mia is looking at what's going on around her, she is. Most kids with Autism do this also. They survey their surroundings without looking at everything head on, like most people do.

Earlier this fall, Mia did something that made me realize just how much she had been paying attention to mom's relentless banter in the woods. First, she started walking off of the trail, all on her own. Then, she grabbed my hand, and hauled me into the woods behind her. She walked through the woods like a woman on a mission. And what she did next surprised the heck out of me.

Right before my very eyes, Mia stopped, looking intently at the ground. She bent over, reaching her hand out to towards the cool earth floor. When she stood back up, she giggled, and walked to me with her hand formed into a fist, arm thrust in my direction. I instinctively put my hand out, ready to take the usual pine needle or a leaf that she had picked up. When she placed her hand in mine, and opened her fist, I found that she had picked up several pieces of deer droppings!

Mia is headed for the ridge! Could mom's deer hunting skills have be genetically instilled in this little trekker?!

This means that now while we're out in the woods, she's not just looking at random things, or waiting for mom to show her something. SHE is looking, REALLY looking, for things to show me!She stopped at deer tracks when they were plainly visible. When we camped in White Mountain National Forest, she found a coyote track in the sand by the river, and waited for me to investigate it with her! She is connecting to her environment, to her surroundings.

Mia is now navigating the woods almost completely on her own. She heads into the woods and leads the way, watching where she places her feet, making sure there's enough room for her head to clear, and pushes branches out of the way as she passes through the brush. She stops at brooks, and looks into the water watching for anything that will pass. She sits on the ground with me and listens to birds, scurrying rodents, and rustling leaves in the wind. And yes, she notices animal dropping and tracks!

It's the finer details in life that people miss out on most in the busy concrete world. Out here, among natures finest, it is almost impossible to ignore even the smallest of details. Mia has come a long way in paying attention to the world around her, and our involvement in the outdoors has obviously played a huge role in this success!

It's so much fun out here! Let's go this way!