Mmmmm.... cookies

I haven't been doing a lot of baking recently, other than Corey's sandwich bread. Something about triple digit temperatures to take the baking urge away for a while. Now that we are approaching (hopefully) fall, I am going to get back into the baking groove. Yesterday I came up with a new cookie recipe and they turned out so yummy! They are gluten free, casein free, soy free, as usual. Going to have to make note of this recipe - a keeper for sure.

First Day of Third Grade!

Today was Corey's first day of 3rd grade - how did that happen? Since he had finally decided to go on a summer vacation sleeping-in schedule the last week of summer, I wasn't sure how he would do with getting up for school. He has to be up early since his bus picks him up at 6:40am... But, the boy was great - got himself up a bit before 6am, played computer for a few minutes and then came downstairs to get dressed and ready for school. He was such a good boy, took his meds, ate his breakfast, and when he heard the bus was ready to head outside and hop on.

Corey has a new teacher this year, Ms. Ryan. He will continue with the same OT and speech therapists, and add Music Therapy to his curriculum this year. He will also get Adapted P.E. in additions to time in his regular ed classroom, and specials (PE, art, music), lunchtime and recess - all with his regular ed classmates.

TerraBurger Austin

A friend suggested that we try TerraBurger, the new North Hills location, so the kids and I decided to go check it out yesterday. What a great place! They use all natural, organic ingredients to make yummy burgers, fries, etc. and to make it even better - they have gluten free buns for folks like Corey that don't eat wheat, etc. Even the sodas are natural - sweetened with natural cane sugar or stevia instead of processed corn syrup, aspartame, etc. They also have non-dairy shakes made with coconut milk. A pretty awesome place for folks with food allergies and for everyone who is trying to eat healthier, with less processed foods, additives, etc.

Do check them out at:

www.terraburgeraustin.com

When you go, the kiddos can play on the playscape or the little sprinkler park area while mom and dad can relax at one of the shaded tables.

Here are some pics - one of Corey's rockin' lunch - all natural and gfcf, and a few of the kids hitting the playscape.

Fun around the house...

Sometimes the best way to beat the heat is to just goof off at home...

Advocacy

My continuing Autism Advocacy efforts... This month, I was thrilled to partner with Jungle Java as they celebrated their first year here in Round Rock - they were taking donations for my walk team, but they also had vendors set up displays and designated 20% of those proceeds to go to my walk, as well. Earlier in the month, I participated in the Greater Austin Walk Now for Autism Speaks kickoff luncheon at the Alamo Drafthouse. A fun, and inspiring time was had by all.

August Fun!

August has been a fun and busy month for the Webers! We have enjoyed lots of fun in the sun with trips to the swimming hole, pools and parks. Other times, we beat the heat with trips to indoor playplaces, etc.

Here are a few highlights from the month...

Time to go to war...

We were thrilled to receive approval and an out of network referral for Corey to receive ABA therapy, commencing in May, with insurance paying for 90%. This was so cool because it meant we could afford a meaningful number of hours, especially over the summer when school services are minimal. We want to keep our boy learning and growing and help him overcome the obstacles that autism puts before him. Sadly, we have been struggling getting the insurance company to reimburse us for this therapy all summer and how now been informed that they are cutting off approval entirely. So - not only are we upside down because we have been juggling while they drag their feet on reimbursing us all summer - now we have been forced to stop ABA therapy entirely - tomorrow will be Corey's last session. Yes - the big bad insurance company is dictating treatment decisions for my child. ABA therapy is a researched and proven treatment - the standard of care treatment for individuals on the autism spectrum - backed by the American Medical Association and the US Surgeon General. This is not a controversial therapy, it is simply an intensive therapy that is expensive - which leaves it out of the grasp of many, if not most, familes. Insurance companies do not want to pay for it, and use all sorts of fine print, loopholes and other excuses to deny coverage and/or for this important treatment. Legislation is already on the books in several states (including California, where our policy is written) to help force insurance companies to cover treatment for autism, but families still have to fight to receive it. I am studying up and beginning my fight. To the insurance company that is trying to keep my child from continuing treatment that is showing great benefit - here comes mama bear, and I don't give up when it comes to the welfare of my child.

OK, rant over. And now back to your regular programming...