Two, four,six, eight who do YOU appreciate?

2 4 6 8

who (what) do we...appreciate?

• The SPED teacher who sees our son as smart but needing some guidance.
• The OT that realizes how manipulative and yet how very smart Shane is !
• The classroom teacher who, gets that right now Shane needs to be caught being GOOD as often as possible.
• Jessica's teacher who doesn't mind that I constantly forget that it's Thursday-- and I should be in the classroom filing!
• The principal who is very patient with Shane when he says "I lost my mind, that's why I tried to trip the other student!"
• The weather here in Oregon, that often reflects my moods-- hail and then rain, then sunshine, then rain.
• I really appreciate that this year is less emotionally toxic than it was last year!

So, I found some material at Walmart that looks like a checkered flag-- and since Shane thinks that NASCAR and checkered flags are...."cool"

I thought I would see if I can sew up a weighted blanket~

I stopped by the classroom and looked at the blankets that they have for him-- one is quite large--about a yard or so-- and the other is small-- and made out of fleece. I think I am going to try to keep this blanket about 3/4 of a yard square-- so that it is big enough for his lap but also flexible enough to be over the shoulders.

When I stopped by the classroom, the teacher,the IA and the student teacher were having lunch-- The IA mentioned that Shane was not really interested in using the blanket... I have a feeling... that the IA is not invested in "selling" the use of the blanket as a tool to Shane. I sent off an email to the OT, and the SPED teacher to see if they could find a way to deal with this. I know that Shane does enjoy the pressure from the weighted blanket-- but I also know that if he can make things more difficult for the IA-- and get more one on one time then he is going to not...comply when the use of the blanket is suggested! The SPED teacher has used the blanket with him, and he really responded well to it.-- But then he REALLY likes his SPED teacher-- I think he even has a crush on her!

After school today the classroom teacher and I were talking -- she was telling about how Shane will do something and then look around as if to see -- {did anyone catch me doing that?} I kept nodding my head, yup-- he thrives on one on one interaction and he often doesn't mind if the attention is positive or negative-- his goal is attention--

I guess he gets that from his parents'?

After all Jerry LOVES to be the center of attention when he is singing karaoke, or when he sings with the band... I write this blog JUST to get attention from, you...my readers--.

I wonder if 7 is too young for military school?

oh... and by the way- Bye, bye to Sibohan(sp?) on American Idol...

your weird glasses and hair -- not to mention the piercings were a bit too much.,

I like Crystal,Big Mike and Lee--

although there are times when I wanna shout at the TV-

- Crystal just wash your hair already!

Our Ash Wednesday

• My computer is moving like it's a snail, on it's way to a meeting at a salt mine.
• Because of the Trains we live near by and our refusal to have cable TV-- our TV is periodically going digital-- so that you cannot view the program or hear the program-- but it seems to show the commercials just fine!
• My dear husband is trying to finish the bathroom -- but he is not as motivated as I would like..
• Tomorrow, Jerry is going fishing ALL DAY LONG.
• Getting a phone call from the school two days in a row-- does not make a Happy Mommy ~
• Getting a FREE cozy comfy t-shirt in the mail is AWESOME.
• The weather people were predicting sunshine... we have cold and no sun. One of the weather guys just "explained" that it's just because of where were are at-- that's why we didn't get the nice SUNNY weather -- we live in the VALLEY-- aw, Joy ! ?

I took some pictures of Shane... modelling his new shirt-- the pictures I took yesterday disappeared! My camera told me to reformat my memory card and when I did... I lost all the pictures on the camera

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/chivalry

Shane is trying his hand at being chivalrous-- today when another boy-- was being a bit friendly and physical-- with Shane's favorite girl-- Shane decided to hit the boy in the back and then he continued to be loud,disrespectful, and then he even escalated to throwing chairs.  :(

It is tough to raise your child to be helpful and considerate-- but also teach them about asking for help when they need it-- not to mention teach them about not being a tattle tail-- but telling the truth.

Clearly, Shane was thinking only about his favorite girl-- but his teachers and I are working hard at explaining that he does NOT have to be the behavior police for EVERYone...

I am not sure how this might tie into it being Ash Wednesday

American Idol was on last night and that made me happy-- :)

 but then this durn head cold is making sleep difficult!

at least American Idol will be on again tonight...

Haiti, Dinner, and American Idol

Haiti

Our thoughts and Prayers are with you~ if I had any ready cash I would send it to you~

Pop over to Rocks in my Dryer and read about her suggestion about how to help.

Pat Robertson, I am ashamed that you said what you did.

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Tonight for dinner, I took a can of stew and added some venison stew meat, along with more carrots-- to stretch the can a bit further. I also made some JIFFY brand drop biscuits with shredded cheese-- Jessica was so happy with dinner, she commented "Mommy dinner is 100million percent awesome!" -- Shane who can be a fickle eater--said "Mom this is the best dinner and I like the biscuits 95%!" Ah, Joy!


We are back to normal Oregon weather, a bit of rain, a bit of sun, and some grey skies to connect all the weather! One day I wish that a TV show would do a make-over for someone who lives in Oregon, complete with weather appropriate gear!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

American Idol

Pants on the Ground

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

While watching Jeopardy this evening, I was impressed that I knew a good portion of the Seven Deadly Sins... WOW!

Presents, and American Idol

If you don't read here often this post might not make sense-- but then if you do read here often, you might still be shaking your head thinking I have lost my mind!

This last weekend we had Christmas with my mom's side of the family-- The kids were only supposed to come home with two gifts, one from another cousin- and one from Pete,Sara and Miles. Aunt Sara really knows how to buy for my kids, she got Jessica a bunch of cute tops-- in just the right colors and more importantly the right sizes. Aunt Sara also found two transformer toys that transformed into a SUV and a truck-- Shane is SO HAPPY. Thanks!

At first when I saw the train going around and around I thought it was a toy that was too young for Shane, but then I saw the Mini scooter mania-- and all the little teeny, tiny pieces,
I now Like (err, LOVE) the train that only goes around and around.

Jessica came home with variety pack of black velvet posters to color-- and a little plastic purse with lots of variety's of lip gloss-- I just hope the kids do NOT decide to put the lip gloss on their feet... (I know little feet "need" to smell good, but not with the help of LIP GLOSS!)

The oatmeal finally got to where it needed to be, but there was still drama associated with the delivery.

Both of the kids got these new re-usable lunch bags and so Jessica has been making lunches for both her brother and herself. I thought for a moment about "letting" Shane help-- and then I decided that Shane with a knife and peanut butter and jam -- might not be a good idea. I have been having Shane help put things on the table, that way he helps, but safely!

Tonight,after tasting dinner ~
Shane tells me " Mom, bbq sauce with chicken is JUST RAD, Mom... RAD!"
Ah, Joy !

American Idol-- There were some people who were expirencing a different reality, and then there were some contestants that made the little hairs on my arm stand up! One of the people that sticks out in my mind, is the guy at close to the end of the show that wore a green shirt and skinny jeans, he sang-- somewhat okay-- but he was very bland, he seemed to be lacking ambition to show why he was ... the NEXT American Idol -- The judges were trying to get him to be assertive and tell Simon to "Shut,up..." he just couldn't say it-- he had to say please....
Oh, gee I think he might just get pushed around during Hollywood week.--

Next week Jerry goes back to working nights and I am SO not excited to make the change-- our house is very small. We have what is an open floor plan, so it's not like you can go down a hallway into a room and sleep-- all the rooms are off of the living room and the walls -- well they don't do much to keep the sounds seperate!

I must go, one child in the bath, and one "making" lunch... I need to supervise!

This week so far~

Today has been a busy day...
my neighbor,Pam is home from the hospital-- yahoo... Pam was nice enough to loan me her daughter Jessica-- who is a sweet & helpful 15 year old -- She stayed and listened to Shane, talk and talk and talk-- while my Jessica got her blood drawn and it only took one poke!
There is a PTO meeting,this evening-- to have nominations for all the officers-- who all quit right before Christmas break! (I'm not going,however~ I will help in the background--but-- I don't need the drama that I have had in the past.)
Yesterday, the school found out that a bunch of the laptops that the First-graders use were stolen! This also happened last year around Spring Break time-- the news crew found us in the parking lot ~ Shane's comment last year was cute,smart and to the point. They didn't use his clip this time-- they used the one of me...in my messy car, without make-up and a bit emotional -- 'cause I had only just received the text telling me about the stolen laptops.
I do hope that someone else will soon take my place as the face of a parent, at the kids' school!
But, there is a glimmer of another happy event-- AMERICAN IDOL!
yup, I'm a dedicated AI watcher-- I can't wait to see the new judges -- and to hear what people think... might just be the next "it" thing!

Mushy brains?

Yup, I think my brains have turned to mush~
Between the Classic Oregon Spring Weather-- sun,rain,clouds,cold,wind,sun,rain--- etc.
And things that are beyond my control -- I find myself happy and yet still frustrated with Life.
*my daughter (7 years old) finally figured out how to run her own bath-- (I found out why she wouldn't-- the water was too loud for her! -- I told her she could be in charge of how fast and loud the water was--- and that seemed to completely solve the issue! Yahoo...)
*My dear husband is gone fishin' --- he is searching for the elusive sturgeon that is just the right size. (I don't mind the fishing, but does he have to be gone the WHOLE day?? and when do I get a day without the kids?)
*A person from my past is back -- and although I want to be supportive and helpful-- her life is such a train wreck.-- She asked me to write a letter -- praising her parenting skills-- I can't do that and feel like I didn't lie-- and yet I don't have the guts to tell her that. (This is a friendship that might need to become an acquaintanceship..)
*The school wants to have yet another meeting about getting Shane more help-- via an IEP--- but there was mention of Autism, and/or emotionally disturbed child.
(In my opinion-- neither of these..."labels" fit Shane) [I DO HATE LABELS....]
It's nice that the school is finally aware that Shane needs some "more" support-- but they only see him at school -- in a classroom that is disorganized and noisy-- not in an space where he seems to do fine. [home and church]
And yet though all of Shane's behaviors' he is at the top of his class academically!
* I want to do some major cleaning in the house, but -- I need to get a sitter for the kids so that I can really focus and get things done! Getting a sitter that can manage Shane, will be a challenge.
* My cousin, Elizabeth is super cool -- and she and I are bartering-- I need a Pampered Chef can opener and she needs some Pj's for her son --so we will swap one for another---
ah, The Joy of getting what I want!
I was happy that Megan Joy is gone from American Idol-- her attitude just got on my nerves,plus I think that she really needs to be with her child.(This is not criticism -- just my opinion)
This Sunday is Palm Sunday, and I have many who I will be praying for,Bethany, Christopher and his mother-- and some in my family.
Ah, well I must run and get Shane from school---
edited to add .... Now I hear from the teacher that the date for the meeting will be changing-- too bad they can't bother to keep me in the loop!
Tomorrow, I also have an appointment with the Developmental Pediatrician -- I am going to bring the Direction Services person with me so that I can have another set of ears.-- The last time I spoke about what the Developmental Pediatrician had to say-- during a meeting-- it wasn't received with much respect. (At least that is my view...)
And we also planned a meeting with Shane and the Developmental Pediatrician so that she can see how Shane is now...
Oh, Lord, I need some positive imput...

my knee the owie...& my picks for AI

Okay-- so this is a rotten picture of my knee-- I didn't want a close up-- because I need a shave... but I did want to show that I do have an owie on my knee!

Recently,my grandmother passed away, and I was asked to post her car on Craigslist-- So, Shane and I went over to take pictures of the car-- we had to walk down the driveway and while I was walking... I fell down-- much like a baseball player steals home!

When I fell I didn't move right away, I was waiting to see how much it hurt, Shane stopped turned around and laughed at me!

I wanted to be mad at him since he laughed, but then he was so darn cute... I just smiled and got myself up.

Later when we got home I showed Shane my knee -- he looked at really closely -- and then he smiled and said, Mom---I'll pray for you... and he did!

I Love my son.... he really keeps me grounded! (as does the mud on driveways!)

American Idol is on tonight... here are my picks...

I know they are only picking three tonight, one guy,one girl and then the person with the most votes.

But I have picked 4 --

1. Allison-- she is only 16 -- she sang Alone, by Heart and was pretty darn awesome.
2. Megan Joy-- blond with a BIG smile,tattoos on her arm-from Salt Lake City--she sang Put your Records on.(strange dancer in a white dress, but the girl sounded good!)
3. Jesse -- single mom with Auburn hair she sang, Bette Davis eyes-- and although she needs to work on connecting with the audience a bit more --I liked her
4. Adam-- the last singer of the evening he reminded me of a young Elvis...without the gyrations

American Idol !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So... I took notes last night while watching American Idol--
my picks were the same as America's --
I was right...na na nana ...
Alexis Grace, Michael Saver and Danny Cokey (I am really sorry if I spelled their names wrong)
When the show got started the whole group sang "I'm your's--"
and although I liked most of the performance---
you could really see how young and inexperienced most of them were.

I am so glad that I won't be seeing any more of Tatiana -- the drama queen from Purto Rico-- she was too much -- like a extra on a Latina Soap Opera !
I liked Ricky Braddy, but he was too nervous to show how skilled he might of been.
I thought that Anoop-- was good but he needed more polish.
Jacqui the rock-star wanna be from NY who started off the show-- well, that girl belongs in VEGAS---

What do you think?

I'm working on my bridge!

*see below to find out about this bridge~*

blogger is playing with me --and not as nicely as it should!

I created a post and then I thought I published it -(it said I did)

- but blogger didn't follow through! Geez...

There is also a note again today that there will be a scheduled outage at 4pm PST today!

Go figure!

This Friday is a meeting with the school and the PH.D --- to re-create the Behavior Support Plan... any and all prayers would be wonderful..---

This week Shane has had two tough days...and so has his mom...(he has had to come home early -- because he couldn't complete his time out according to the school)

This morning when I dropped him off one of his classmates said to the adult she was with, "Oh,that's Shane he doesn't act like a regular kinder kid"

I didn't even respond-- I was stunned into silence.

Then -- I stopped by in the lunchroom to see what Jessica would be eating and I ran into a lady I met this summer, she knows the kids and I~ she asked if she would see Shane in the lunchroom --I had to explain that he doesn't get to eat lunch with his class.

I'm sad about both of these interactions-- not just as Shane's Mother-- but as a person who tries to see the good in everyone.

I have a sweet, sweet, child who is very smart--- he just has a tough time transitioning.

***To borrow an anaology from Barbara over at Therextras --- thanks for letting me?

I am going to be working on this bridge--

to see if I can get from my side(where extra consideration for others is KEY)

to the"other side" and then show the people on the other side -

-(people who just don't get me, and mine)

how to join my ...on "my side" of the bridge!

By the way... American Idol has been intresting I missed a little bit -- because I was watching our new president and his wife dance. But last night I heard a few people that were good!

High Hopes and new computer

Well -- The new computer is up and running--
Although I feel like it might take me a
really really really long time to figure out all the different features!
Recently, I went in and had "artificial nails" put on... this computer came with a new smaller flatter keyboard-- I haven't yet got my nails stuck in the board, but I've had a few close calls!
I even uploaded both of our digital camera's software(if that's what it is called)--anyway... now I just have to practice more to figure out how to move the pictures around, and I hope that today I will figure out how to view and hear my mini videos--
I have a few that I want to post here... if I ..."can" (I know I can, I know I can!)

Let's see---
American Idol---
I watched it both nights and I started to take notes, and then I ended up just focused on listening to the singers...!! I think I have about 4 favorites now... but I didn't remember to retain their names... ah, well I bet AI will do a flash back next week and I will attempt to write the names down!

Shane seems to be a little sweeter lately-- but I don't know if that is the meds, or my own personal response to him...
Our professional with the PH.d did get to observe Shane in class, and so hopefully we can meet face to face to talk over her opinions!

I have High Hopes for the future--
my worries are going to fade and only good positive things will come my way!

Happenings at the Harris House

Things are happening here at the Harris House!
first... the cheesy stuff...
I watched American Idol last night and I have two favorites so far, and one who I detest(the bikini girl needs to go and go quickly!)
My two favorites are the "girl" with the multi-colored hair and piercings-- and also the gentleman who was blind.-- I can't wait to watch again tonight, I think I might even start keeping notes! I like the new judge Kara --she seems to really hear with a professional song-writers' ear-.

Shane happened to have a really good day at school--however, getting him to school-- not so good.
I did find out today... that if need be I CAN send him to school in his PJ's-- and if I have to-- I think I will!
I met with the Developmental Pediatrician and we decided to stop Shane's OT services at Therapy Solutions for kids -- for about 3 months, (his regular OT is going on maternity leave and we didn't think that a transition to someone else would be a good thing at this time).
We are going to try a very small dose of some medication to see if that will help take the edge off of Shane's behaviors.
The OT for our school is going to be involved with Shane and helping to implement some suggestions for the teacher with a plan and a schedule--. There was talk about a weighted blanket, time in the Life Skills classroom in their sensory area and also a consideration for preferred seating for Shane.

As I sit here and type this--( which helps me to re-think all of what I heard and talked about today-)
I realize that Shane's big issues are transitions and power or control of the next task. I think that the teacher is letting Shane get away with some things in class that might be undermining his reactions to me--
Today, he told the teacher that he wanted to "get fired" from school so that he could just be at home with his trucks all day!

Hopefully, later this week I can connect with the Dr. with a PH.d to see what ideas she has -- She was supposed to visit the classroom today and observe Shane, but she got suck somewhere back East in an airport.

Oh, and by the way... GOD IS GREAT!!!
I was in the parking lot, trying to decide if I should eat my burger or just go inside to wait for the meeting, I ended up meeting a really nice lady-- who offered to pray for Shane and I !!
She was a substitute and she was also early for a meeting, we just looked at each other as if we knew one another- -and we started talking! (May God continue to bless my gift of gab! haha)

So often I feel personally responsible for Shane and all of his behaviors good and bad, it was really helpful to me and my spirit - to meet someone who wasn't judging me in any way-- she was just willing to encourage me. Ah, the Joy's !

Post #290, Just a bit of This and That

American Idol starts back tonight...
I am so super excited...
I bet I will be posting about it
-- check back and see-- and also
Rocks in my Dryer will be posting about it...

Yesterday was tough, Shane had a somewhat decent day at school, but when we went to Therapy-- he had to have about 3 time-outs and then we left early since he just wasn't willing to focus. Our therapist is also going to be taking time off in February to have her baby, and so we were trying to decide if we should take a break from therapy - or see if Shane would be willing to continue with a different therapist.
Then Jerry was working on the truck canopy, the kids were playing in the front yard, Shane threw a stick at a passing car, that just happened to be a Sheriff's car! The Sheriff, stopped his car and came to talk with Shane, Jerry tried to get Shane to focus-- Shane wouldn't even look up-- and then when Jerry and the kids came in the house Shane wouldn't talk to me-- He knows that when he makes a bad choice he needs to talk about it with Jerry and I. He ended up in his room on his bed for most of the night, I really don't know what is going on with him. This morning I had to put Shane's clothes on him, he had refused and I wasn't going to "let" him stay home--His class has a field trip today and I hope... and pray that things go well... When I dropped off Shane this morning I told the teacher in detail, that yesterday was really not a good day....
~ She called to say so far... he was just fine...

I have to wonder is, Shane being better behaved in class and now... just being a pill when he is not at school?

I have a bunch of pictures that I just need to share, of my sweet, sweet nephew-- and a few funny pictures that I took this weekend, however-
- I have to convince myself-- or my husband to switch the computers-- so that I can upload the pictures on the new computer that is still in the box, waiting for someone to plug it in.~

• I am learning how to use my new cookware, and that is GREAT fun
• I am learning that this new cell phone is super fun
• I am also typing with "fake nails" and I had forgotten how nails change how I do some things...
• I only just this weekend, drove in the truck, while using the cruise control(a first time for me)
  
• On Wednesday,Shane and I have an appointment with the Developmental Pediatrician to see if she can help in ...."any way" with Shane's behaviors--
• I also have the meeting to officially create the 504 plan.
• I can't meet with the professional with the PhD until Friday.
• I found out that if you put the batteries in my new camera backwards-- it works-- but if you put the batteries in the camera the way it shows-- it won't work! Huh?
  

Honestly ... I am just waiting to see if my head will explode !
check back to see what happens!

One hundred~

100

I am so amazed that I have gotten to 100 posts

-- Oh, the Joy!

I tried to cut and paste a pic of a hundred dollar bill-- but once again I didn't succeed! Either this computer is being difficult or I am missing something!

Last night as soon as I went to bed, I started to sneeze, and cough, Jerry and I couldn't figure out if I'm allergic to something in our room, or I have just stired up too much dust.

It feels good to be home and back to "normal" for a Saturday

• 
  
  I have dishes to do


• 
  
  I have blog posts to write


• 
  
  blogs to read


• 
  
  sewing shows on the TV via OPB


• 
  
  and planning meals for next week

Really my list should be about 100 items long,

but I do seem to do better only listing some, finishing and then making a new list!

By the way, I have been remiss-- I have yet to post about American Idol which is back...hurrah! So, stay tuned for my weekly posts about American Idol--

December 29, 2007
Join The Team - Be A Part Of The Success Of Eugene 08
The fast track to the Olympics runs through Eugene, and for ten days the eyes of the world will focus on Track Town, USA. Read more >>

The whole world is watching,American Idol!

Okay, so maybe the whole world isn't watching, American Idol, but they should be! --

Just a Public Service Announcement!

Watch Good Morning America on Tuesday, October 23rd~~~~

TUESDAY -- She's back! Carrie Underwood climbs Billboard charts with ease, rocked Bryant Park this summer and now she's live in Times Square to perform songs from her CD debuting today, "Carnival Ride," the follow up to her sextuple platinum debut, "Some Hearts." Watch her perform on Tuesday, Oct. 23 only on "Good Morning America" from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. EDT. After the show visit GMAConcerts.com to watch the performance, check our concert schedule, and read about the artists.

(I LOVE Carrie Underwood !)

Word World...and other assorted things...

http://wordworld.com/

Both Jessica and Shane love this show Word World, we watch it on PBS... and it really is very cool... The animals that are in the show, are created by the letters in their names! It is a very visual way of learning and having fun!

Jerry is home from hunting, and the kids are happy.~ Since he didn't bring home a deer, he will go out to-morrow and see if he can catch some Chinook salmon.{As I type salmon, I can't stop thinking of Kelli Pickler, from American Idol...LOL!}

He came home with a beard, and both the kids and I requested that he shave ... immediately! -- which he did!

Shane doesn't like banana pudding-- isn't that weird?--- I even gave him some Vanilla wafers to dip in the pudding and he wasn't interested! Go figure...!

Why are there three types of parentheses?...(_){}[]

I must go, time for The View.... adult conversation! whooo hoooo!