Merry Christmas - Christmas Crafts

I had planned to share about the many ornaments and other Christmas things we make during the season but we have ended up sick. 
We still managed to have some Christmas fun and sneak in some crafts during the good moments.
I don't have the time to do a post for each craft but will share a bit here. 

One of our favorite crafts was this Christmas tree.  We found these giant felt shapes at the dollar store.  There was a Christmas tree as well as a giant ornament shape.  We used glue to add glitter and pom pom balls.  The candy canes and stars have sticky on the back.  

We also found these foam ornament shapes with glitter on one side.  These came in a 5 pack in the Target dollar section.  Junior really enjoyed adding foam stickers to these along with the date and his name.  He also did one that says Merry Christmas.  I don't have a picture but he made one for his teacher that we put a magnet on.

  
We discovered these clear plastic Christmas ornament balls last year and they are so much fun to decorate.  There are some other great decorating ideas for these at the blog Play at Home Mom.
For the one in the picture we painted the ball with clear glue then added the very fine blue glitter.  We then added a foam sticker that said let it snow and a couple snowflakes.  We also put a finger light inside but once it was on the tree it didn't need the light. 

On this ornament we painted it with glue then added small squares of tissue paper.  We then added the cutout of an angel silhouette. You could do any other shape as well.  We added a finger light which looks very cool but once on the tree we left it off. 

 

On this one we used little gems with sticky on the back.  He thought it was cool to use a sharpie to add his name and the year. 

 Christmas sun catcher.  We placed a large piece of contact paper on Junior's light board with the sticky side up.  I went online and found a silhouette of the nativity which I printed and cut out.  Place it with the black side down on top of the sticky side of the contact paper.  Then sprinkle on small squares of tissue paper.  Fold the contact paper so everything is now enclosed between sheets of contact paper.  We made ours quite large and wrote on it but you could make it smaller as well as use other silhouettes. For better instructions on making suncatchers you can visit this past post.  

  We still have not made our yearly handprint Christmas tree but I will be sure to add pictures once we do.  Here is a link for the tree Junior made 2 years ago.  Here is a post from Junior's regular blog of last years tree, this was one of my favorites.

Portable North Pole

We don't really do the Santa thing around here but Junior gets the biggest kick out of the Portable North Pole's personalized video from Santa.  Simple to make and such fun.  Junior loved hearing his name and seeing Santa looking at his picture in the video.  Here is the link for the Portable North Pole so you can make your own video and also the link to Junior's personalized video so you can see a sample of one of the videos.  

Junior is not feeling well so I haven't had a chance to post lately, hopefully back to posting very soon. 

Can't Live Without - Suction Machine

I can't believe that I did not put our suction machine in one of our "can't live without" posts.  I think we use it so often that it is just part of things so I didn't even think to add it.

Junior has a lot of excess secretions in  his lungs so a suction machine is a necessary and very important piece of medical equipment in our home.  When he coughs he may have trouble clearing the mucous on his own so needs to be suctioned.

Today our supply company sent out a new machine since Junior's old one is barely holding a charge anymore.  I was surprised when I opened the box to find one that looked quite different from our old one.  It is the newer model of the Devillbiss called the Devillbiss Vacuaide QSU  . I decided I would share them both and compare them a bit.
The grey one in the picture is his old machine and we have had it for many years, it has worked well with rarely a problem.  The newer one is larger and a bit heavier but also has more power.  The suction power max on the old machine is 550 and the max on the new machine is 750.  The old machine has a non disposable canister which can be put in the dishwasher and we get replacements every 6 months.  The new machine has disposable canisters that are changed at least monthly(we will be attempting to get insurance to auth enough for a weekly change since they can be emptied and washed but not disinfected as well as the old style canister).  So far I like the new machine but have only used it for one day so will update this post in a few weeks after we have really used it.  So far the only thing I don't care for with this machine is the carry case.  The machine fits in it nicely but there is absolutely no room for anything else.  We will be using a different bag so we can put extra supplies and other things we need while out in it. 
The two machines side by side

 A close up of the new machine.  The pressure gauge is also the nob to adjust the pressure setting of the machine. 

  

This video shows the difference in noise level of the machines.  We have had the new one for just one day and I have already accidentally left it on because it was so quiet.  This will make a big difference when Junior is ill.  When he is ill a sudden noise can set off seizures or startles which make suctioning a challenge. 

Another Adaptable "Big Kid" Toy

Junior received a light saber for Christmas from one of his aunts.  Before wrapping it and putting it under the tree I decided to try adapting it.  The typical battery adapter would not work so I went on the hunt online to figure out how to do the push button adaptions.  Something I have wanted to learn but had never tried, I thought they would be far more difficult then they are.  I found this tutorial which was simple and easy to follow.
I do not have a soldering iron or the other parts needed at the moment so had to do a little variation on things(used electrical tape and cut the disk off the end of a battery interrupter).  This post is just to show another "big kid" adaptable toy and once I have a soldering iron I will do a step by step on how I adapted this.    I still can't believe I took a brand new toy and took it apart, and it actually still works(electrician I am not).  This is what his light saber looked like as I worked on it. 

Once I had it done and had tested it multiple times with the switch I put the light saber back together. 
I took a long piece of elastic and added velcro to each end so each end had a loop.  I then attached it to Junior's lift and used that to hang the light saber up so Junior could see it.  It also allows the light saber to move which Junior thought was extremely cool.  This is going under the Christmas tree but I couldn't help but let him test it out first.

 

 

A short video of it in action.  It makes the buzzing sound like in the movies as well as lighting up and making the crashing battle sound(not sure if you can hear it in the video).

I have the most awesome parents, they are getting me a soldering iron for Christmas so I will soon be able to redo this toy and will share all about it.  Now that I learned how I can't wait to try adapting more of the more difficult toys.  If you can't tell I totally love doing stuff like this, especially when Junior's face lights up when he tries it out. 

Caring Santa

A friend of mine shared the link for Caring Santa and I wanted to share it as well.  Such a neat idea and I wish one were happening near us. 
Junior has only been to see Santa once and that was because Santa was visiting his doctors office a few years ago.  It is just too risky for Junior to stand in line for so long with his weak immune system.  This program takes care of that problem and makes it easier for those with special needs. 

Updating and Revisiting

I have been looking back over some of the very first posts on this blog and noticed that we have changed and adjusted things quite a bit over the past few years.  I decided to add updates to these posts and will continue to revisit and update posts over the next few weeks. 

Today I added updates to the first 2 posts on this blog. Click either one to go to the original post with the added update. 
1. Learning to read the Junior way
2. Reading Comprehension: How much is he really understanding

Switch Adapted Foam Dart Gun

As Junior has gotten older it has become very hard to find appropriate switch adapted toys that he does not think are "baby".  His wonderful teacher gave him a gift card back at his birthday and we have been on the hunt for something "big kid" that is adaptable.
Today a box arrived with what we had picked out and hoped would turn out to be adaptable.

I messed with it and tried some different things to try and ensure it was adaptable before I actually did any changes to the gun. I didn't want to realize it couldn't be adapted at a point when I could also no longer return it.  Most nerf type guns require a trigger press each time you fire and in that case there is no way to switch adapt it(at least not that I have worked out).  This is the only gun I found that is "automatic" so will fire with the trigger continually pressed.  This is not as high quality as a real nerf gun but it could be adapted which is what mattered(Junior is not running around with it or dropping it so it should hold up for him just fine).

I started with a battery interrupter- the style for AA batteries, a screw driver, small knife, and velcro.  A switch to test it out as you go along is also needed.

Here is the foam dart gun we got.  The darts are soft with a suction cup tip so will stick to smooth surfaces(also will not hurt anyone or break things).  I am going to make a target for Junior out of foam board and they should stick easily to it.  

 Open the battery pack and slide in the disc attached to the battery interrupter.  With this gun I had to keep playing with it to get it working.  Which battery it was against made a difference and even the angle.  I just kept messing with it and testing it with the switch until it worked.  (remember you will need to press the trigger while hitting the switch to get the gun to activate at this point in the adapting).  I then cut a notch in the battery door for the battery interrupter cord. 

 I put a small piece of industrial strength velcro on the back of the handle behind the trigger. 

 I then used a piece of sew on velcro(so there is no adhesive on the back) to wrap aroud the trigger and hold it down.  This allows you to just open the velcro if you need to release the trigger for some reason. 

 When I was initially shooting the gun with the switch it kept jamming and then just stopping.  I messed with it and tried different things and was getting a bit frustrated.  I then discovered that if I put a foam dart in every other slot instead of every slot I no longer had the problem.  Also when playing with this with the switch the switch needs to be pressed for at least a couple seconds to get good shots.   If you just touch and release the internal motor doesn't get enough power to shoot the dart out very far if at all.  Not a problem for Junior since he loves to hold down the switch on his adapted squirt gun so he can really spray down his target.  

 I set it in this plastic shoe box to keep it from tipping but need to find a more secure way to hold it on Junior's tray.  Even in the box it tips to the side a bit when fired.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.  I am considering a strap across the top with velcro but not sure if that will work very well. 

Now a short video of it in action, I was trying to film and operate it.  Junior hasn't seen it yet but I know he is going to be one excited kid. Not perfect but it works and thats what matters.

 

I would love any other ideas for "big kid" switch adapted items.  He does have a power link so can use his switch for his tape player, radio, lights, mixer, etc. but he still likes to be able to play with some toys and most of the ones he has he considers too "baby" for him(still can't believe his favorite switch adapted dino was moved to his memory box because he decided it was now a baby toy, it was his very first ever switch toy).  

**Update**  I have since found a gun that works much better for this adaption.  Please see my switch adapted foam dart gun revisited for the update.   This new gun does not get jammed and functions more smoothly and easily for Junior.

AFO Shoes

Junior has wide feet and when you add his AFOs finding shoes to fit is nearly impossible.  Usually we can hunt down a pair of shoes that will work but that has not been the case with his most recent AFOs.  Nothing has worked and we have tried many, many different shoes(in many sizes).
Since Junior needs to be in his AFOs as often as possible I really needed something that he could wear over them when we go out(his feet get cold).
 
I decided to see if I could find slippers that might work and found these .  There was no way his AFOs were going to be able to slide into the slippers in the normal fashion so I did a little adapting.

One of his AFOs and one of the slippers.  This one had already been cut up the back which is why the top looks so wide.   

I cut all the way down the back of the slipper/boot and then did a zig zag stitch along each side where I had cut. 

 

 I then sewed a small piece of velcro to a strip of elastic and sewed the elastic to the back of the boot. 

  

  

Now he can look like he is wearing shoes and keep his feet warm while we are out.  Junior thinks his  "boots" are very cool.

Adapted Sweatshirt/Jacket revisited

This week Junior got a nice, heavy hooded sweatshirt in the mail from grandma and papa.  We rarely need anything heavier than this in our area of the country so this is perfect as his winter jacket.   Tonight I got it out and adapted it like I do all his jackets. It is so much easier to put a jacket/sweatshirt on from the front with Junior.  I don't have to fight to get his arms in if they are tight and it can easily be put on while Junior is in any of his equipment. 

I did a previous post about jacket adapting but decided to revisit it since I have made a few changes over the years and also took more step by step pics this time. 
The hooded sweatshirt

 I cut up the center of the back from the bottom to about an inch from the hood.  I then did a zig zag stitch along each side to keep the material from unraveling.

 Stitch all the way to the seam for the hood on each side.

 Pin velcro into place on each side.  I always put the rough side of the velcro on the outside so if it is not fastened there is no way for the scratchy velcro to end up against the skin.  The soft side of the velcro goes to the underside of the shirt on the opposite side.

 Stitch the velcro in place and thats all there is to it. 

    

I put the hood over Junior's head first and then slide his arms in. 

Standing Sling

Junior loves his standing sling and it is great for standing in front of the tv and playing the wii.  An awesome way to do some stretching and therapy but he just thinks it is fun.  I finally took some time to hunt down the website that has the sling and wanted to share it.  It is called the Activity Sling and is from Human Care.  Click Here for the website.
Here are some pics of Junior in his sling it is attached to his overhead lift.

 

Can't Live Without - EZ on Car Harness

Much of the time Junior rides in my small car and it is too difficult to lift him into a carseat(he had the britax special traveler).  A few years ago our local Regional Center did an evaluation and purchased the EZ-On Car Harness for him.  We love it and it allows him to sit right on the regular seat of the car and still be secure.  It is so much easier to transfer him from his chair to the car now. It does not have a headrest so we just took one off of one of his old car seats and attached it to the reg cars headrest.  There is a hook for a tether strap behind my back seat so that is where I attach the one for the harness.  I run it to my front seat and between the headrest and seat.
 

Each of these hooks goes to the shoulder pieces on the harness.   

 

 The harness is put on from the front and I lean Junior forward to zip it.  There are three zippers to allow for different sizes.  Junior still has lots of growth in his. 
There are two straps that go between the legs and snap to the hip snap.  You then put the seat belt across like you typically would.  I run ours under Junior's arm and use a seat belt strap I picked up at Babies R Us to hold it in place so it doesn't run under his arm. 

 

 Ready to roll, the seat is not really reclined as much as the pic appears.  I am taking it from a funny angle.  Depending on how Junior is feeling we sometimes have the seat quite reclined and other times sitting up fairly straight.  The yellow tube you see is a noodle pillow and it is great to support his arms and make it more comfortable. 
 

Learning About Cells

In school Junior has been learning about cells.  Actually we started this unit a couple months ago but he got ill and we were never able to do some of the activities. 

Yesterday we finally got time to decorate cell cookies.  After Junior answered some questioned on his ipad and learned some more things about cells  we decorated cookies to look like cells. 

 I decided to just make round cookies instead of going for the cell shape.  We frosted them then for the cell membrane we cut a strip of fruit roll up.  The cell nucleus is a slice of a gum drop and the mitochondria is little liquorice pieces(the candy coated kind). 

We will be starting a new science unit next week so I am now working on activities for that. 

Pumpkin Fun

Life has been very busy and finding time to post has just not happened.  Junior had croup, we had some wonderful friends visit for a week, and of course the typical life craziness.

Junior loves to decorate pumpkins but has never liked carving them.  This year we painted one and did another one with glitter.  He already wants to do another glitter one so we will likely do one this weekend. 

Junior decided he wanted to paint a pumpkin this year and had so much fun.  We started out with a paint brush but soon learned it was much more fun to use his feeding/med syringes and squirt the paint on.  Oh yes, the many uses for medical supplies.  (within a few days the paint was peeling off the pumpkin so though it is fun this one won't last)

 A glitter pumpkin is something that Junior does every year and is a favorite.  We use a paint brush to paint on glue and then sprinkle on the glitter.  This year he wanted gold glitter on his pumpkin but we have done many different colored glitters over the years. 

Fall Sensory Fun

A couple weeks ago I shared about our Sensory Ocean project.  This is the same thing so feel free to click the link for directions. 
This time Junior chose to add green coloring to the hair gel as well as pumpkin and bat confetti. We added some foam leaf stickers to the outside of the bag as well as his name. 
Junior really likes doing these so I can't want to make a Christmas one. 
Oops almost forgot to add that the clear circles you can see in the bag are the flat marble type pieces that are used in decorating.  They are smooth so won't tear the bad and Junior likes feeling them in the bag.  I had hoped to find some small rubber pumpkins for inside the bag but had no luck.  The confetti works fine but you can't feel it in the bag.  For Christmas I will order some foam beads in Christmas shapes to put in the bag.