Akins Unplugged

Last week Akins put on a concert in the garage using the skateboard ramps as his stage. This is the outcome.

In Search of Big Foot

Tonight there was some documentary on TV about Big Foot, but more importantly about Big Foot sightings in Oklahoma (lots of them). Silly me I never knew. Any time Akins hears Oklahoma he gets very interested as he knows this is where we live. So he's fascinated, asking a million questions - "will he eat people", "why he running", "why he throwing rocks", "why they shooting at him". After it was over he runs off to his room and gets his cowboy guns - a pistol and a rifle. He hands me the rifle and says "let's look for him Mommy-O, come on outside". Out we go in search of Big Foot, shooting off into the trees and the sky, running low to the ground (you get the picture and yes I feel silly). Then we come back towards the house and I say "let's check the pool". This is the time of year when little creatures tend to fall into the pool. Why not right? Afterall, why would some poor little creature expect a gaping hole in the ground? So, I pull the lid of the skimmer and low and behold there he is Big Foot himself! Staring up at me, swimming for all he is worth! Yes - that's right it's true I held him in my own hands. A box turtle (big migration time just about to start). I pull him out and Akins named him what else "Big Foot". After a few laps across the rug in the living room we released him into a more safe territory... the front lawn where he quickly (as quick as turtles can) made his way over to hide under some leaves. Akins wanted to keep him and I almost relented until he showed me that he is not quite ready - turned him upside down, dropped him (not far but still). So, I told him he was not old enough to take care of him and he says "when I get bigger I want that turtle". I say "Okay, when you get older you can have a turtle". He says "No, I want THAT turtle". Oh, okay????

Challenges

It seems right now every one I talk to who has adopted an African Angel is questioning that whole "angel" piece.

On Tuesday Akins threw a fit at school so bad that he was kicking things, hitting things and the teachers said they were scared of him. All this because he did not want to go in the "little kids room". Akins is the youngest of a group of 3-4 year olds in his group so when someone has to move to another class it is usually him and they move him to a 2-3 year old group. He hates change and this typically is the thing that sets him off the most. If he had his way he would never leave the house and neither would we. I can only think that it is because this is the only place he truly feels safe.

For this type of behavior I take away things that Akins loves. I am the biggest take away - that means special time with Mommy-O and for us that is story time. So, on Tuesday no story. This leads to my punishment which is a further meltdown but usually after such an episode we can cruise pretty well for a week or so.

Many of my MUAA friends and families have similar struggles we all have our challenges and it seems like of late we are all especially struggling and even questioning our abilities to parent these children. Not sure why everyone has hit the wall right now as we are at different points in time home so I can't attribute it to any one thing. If it has anything to do with full moons I am ready for it to end!

I know Akins was brought to me a woman who NEVER WANTED CHILDREN for a very good reason I just hope I do not screw him up further out of my frustration with some of the things that go on. I try to offer extreme patience but at times it overwhelms me. Lorea has really hit the wall and she struggles daily to remain patient. People try to give advice or say "oh that is normal", but they also do not live it, see it or have to cope through any of it.

In general I am lucky. A couple of the other kids are have a much more difficult time adjusting, the outbursts are often and big and the parents are struggling. For this I worry for them and feel guilty when I feel grateful for the child I have.

Internet Down!

Sorry for the long pause. Our internet service seems to get blown out every time the wind blows or it rains. In this case we have been down since last Thursday. In any event we are up again and I have much to post. Some photos a few stories. As a teaser because I have little time right now let me just say Akins has a new word...Awesome". Weird!

Two Chickens and Two Colas

Okay, by now you should know that EVERYTHING relates to chicken. Most sentences go something like this:

Mommy "Tell the lady thank you".
Akins " Thank you chicken"

or

Mommy "What do you want to do with Grandma on Wednesday night for you second date"?
Akins " Ah, chicken"

You get the picture right?

This weekend we were out for swimming lessons and he starts in on the chicken things. He informs everyone that I am a chicken, Grandma is a chicken and he and Lorea are both Colas". Why Cola you ask? Because Lorea works for Coca COLA! Duh!

Almost all conversations especially questions include one or more of the following - chicken, donut, cola. The weird part...he seldom gets and pop/soda and I think he has only had donuts once or twice EVER. So, why??? I haven't a clue!

The Chicken Garage

Tonight at dinner Akins was eating an apple and I took a bite out of it. He has a fit and points at the refrigerator and says "Go and get your own apple out of the chicken garage"!

What??? I can't even tell you how hard I laughed!

Stings Like a Bee

We have a gym in the garage and today Akins showed off his boxing abilities which were quite good - except for when he was distracted by Madonna on the video. Pretty girls once again! What am I going to do???