I think I learned a lesson!

Yesterday -- Jerry the kids and I were at home waiting,waiting...
 to hear if a baby was born.-- finally it was
(a beautiful baby girl 7 pound 2 ounces and I think 21inches long!)
[Lynn and Debbie are now the proud grandparents to their 5th grandchild!]
 We hopped in the car to drive to the show/gig that Jerry's band Paradox was performing at.

We knew we were going to be at someones' house but we had no idea if it would be kid friendly or not. When we got to the house~ there were other kids that Jessica was happy to play with in the large backyard-- Shane played for a short time in the back yard, but then he found a playroom/bedroom and he was --- shall we say in thrall?   The room was at the back of the house, and the window was part way open ...so he got to hear the band but he didn't have to be outside with all the other people and kids. 

Part of me wanted Shane to come outside and interact with the other kids-- but part of me realized that he was very happy playing by himself.

Towards the very end of the evening, Jessica was able to convince Shane to come outside-- I think she used the lure of cake! -- Anyway -- Shane came outside -- The band was playing and Shane was singing along -- but he would let out a high pitched scream every so often-- complaining that the band was TOO loud.          I thought about getting our ear protection from the truck, but I knew the guys were almost done. Because of my foot being in the boot, I stayed sitting-- normally I would of gone over and tried to talk with Shane-- Eventually-- Shane came over and complained to me that it was too loud... I asked Shane if he wanted to "plug into the ipod"-- and he said yes...  I got him the ipod and it was SO AWESOME to see him ~ he was able to be apart of the gathering but he wasn't crashing or bashing into anyone, or anything! --

I wanted to get some pictures or video of the kids dancing-- but I didn't~ wah...wah...
I would of had to, borrow the keys from Jerry, then navigate the dark to the truck and find my camera --
The band was so loud that I don't know that the video would of been fun to watch anyway--

Ah, well... it was LOVELY to get out of the house and see other things and talk with other people-- Because all the guys and their wives in the band have other "real" jobs-- we all don't often get the opportunity to just talk. This birthday party was for Lynn's sister and so it was less of a show.... and more like a relaxed gathering/celebration.-- It really was a treat to just hang out and talk with the women, and even some of the men... :)      So, often Jerry's band is performs at a bar -- or where there is alot of intoxicated people-- .

My lesson I learned yesterday: bring ipod... and be happy! :)

Reading online...

Sent to my local professional...

.I was reading online, again and I came across this...


http://yourtherapysource.blogspot.com/2010/06/sensory-processing-disorders-and-social.html
and I was wondering what you thought-- cause I was stumped at what this article might mean or not mean...!


His REPLY….

You, online? No, tell me it isn't so! :-)



Actually, I would say it doesn't mean much - and not just because it is a very small sample size study with questionable research design. Since the term sensory processing disorder was created by the Occupational Therapy community (and is not referenced in the universally accepted diagnostic manuals), it is open to interpretation as to whether a student "has" or "doesn't" have SPD. At the least, they mention that (at the bottom). These studies are very limited with regard to us normal people trying to generalize or learn anything from the results.
Keep a lookin'!

:-)

JP
Justin Potts, MS NCSP
School Psychologist
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So anyway... I just wanted to share!

A sensory cartoon?

Do you know what Cookie Jar Tv is all about?
http://www.cookiejartv.com/noonbory.html
There is a show on Saturday mornings that makes my little heart warm--
It's called the Noonbory and the Super 7... hop over to here and read all about it.

Today we are off to visit my cousin who just returned from Haiti-I am excited to hear first hand what it was like to be in a place with such devastation, and yet the people are so positive.

Tomorrow is my grandson Irie's first birthday party and we were kindly invited by his mom! It's also church day so -- we might have to go to early service so that we aren't late for the party.

Monday, Shane will be home with me, because of his recent behaviors-- he lost the privilege of going on the all day field trip- to Mt.Pisgah- and the SPED teacher is unavailable to be with Shane for the school day so-- they asked that I keep him home. The rest of the week Shane will only be in school until 12:30., There is more testing that the SPED teacher needs to be available for and so Shane will not have a place to be.
I am a bit annoyed at this -- but I am trying hard to not be annoyed.
I know that we will have a meeting soon-- to talk about how things need to be tweaked-- I think that the IA is getting very distracted by the other kids-- and so Shane is getting away with a ton of manipulating.
May I just mention that even if you have an IEP, and accommodations for your child, you still need to be their advocate !

In twelve days, my daughter Jessica will be 9-- geesh! I am simply stunned at how quickly time has flown by!~ I am trying to figure out party ideas, we have a wide range of ages,and both girls and boys that Jessica wants to invite so -- I am going to have to be SUPER creative!

I googled 9 year old birthday party ideas and printed some out for Jessica-- now she needs to make a choice!

Let's Focus on the Positive!

Well, life is never boring at our house!
I am putting a positive spin on things,
because if I let ALL the negative get to me--
well, let's just move on shall we?
Movin' on.... :0)

First the Good things...
I have been able to exercise every day this week!!!!
thanks to my Aunt Sue,
who lives in a place that offers a pool and workout room.
[The weather has been very windy, rainy and dramatic -
- so having a place that we can exercise is AWESOME]
(We have been working out together, it's nice to have a partner in this journey to get healthier! )
The letter about my test results from the Dr. said that I am mostly normal !!!
My cholesterol is on the high side of normal,but I am not diabetic and my thyroid is fine!
So, really if I get my weight and my high blood pressure down then I might be somewhat...typical!!!!!! Typical yahoo.... Typical!
On a suggestion from a really cool chick...:)
Barbara @TherExtras, I purchased the book Autism and Alleluias , by Kathleen Deyer Bolduc
It may only be 140 pages, but I'm already at 114 and I have laughed and cried-- This book would be a GREAT gift to a caregiver of a special needs kiddo.-- My son Shane "only" has SPD, but sometimes it takes a book like this to see the light shining thru the trees. thanks Barbara for the suggestion!

Okay... now on to
the Not, so great things~
Today, Shane was aggressive and physical with two different adults. Although it is clear that he is remorseful, his disrespectful attitude and words are of concern. (and also the physical aggression) He now complains that he hates school and that he just wants to be home schooled. I have tried time and time again to explain that, I WILL not be homeschooling him-- that ship has sailed-- I know that I do not have the patience to teach my son-the way he learns best-. At this point I believe that he (and I) will achieve a better result if he is at school interacting with his peers. Tomorrow Shane's SPED teacher is going to be able to observe Shane in his regular classroom with his IA--. I think her plan is to observe without his knowledge-- Shane is so smart that he will often put on a show for adults--. He is such a seeker of attention!
The staff is working at having a meeting of his regular teacher,his SPED teacher,myself and some other specialists... that might have some new suggestions for us.
He clearly is respectful to his SPED teacher, and he is getting more and more respectful to the principal-- but -- when he is with his IA, it doesn't seem like a good fit. He is somewhat willing to behave for his classroom teacher-- but I think that with the IA-- in the same classroom-- things get lost in the chaos of the room.
I am not sure how to help my son-- in the past I always had an idea or some suggestions-- but now I am out of ideas-- Shane is talkative to the nth--degree (is that even a word?)-- about video games or whatever-- but if you ask Shane , "Why did you choose not to control your body at recess, or ask for help?" your answer is nothing.. and then a shoulder shrug.
I just want the key to unlock the secret of why Shane is like he is !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This year the school has been very flexible, and willing to see my comments as a part of the process-- I just hope that I can figure out something productive to come to the table with.
Any Suggestions?

Our Walk... part one

grr... I wanted this post to be
more organized, but that ship has sailed...

Shane at the half way point of our walk... finding out that he had lost some time, because he was complaining.

We stopped to read the signs, and Shane took a "sensory break?" he hit his golf club against the cable, and was happy to hear the twang and feel the vibration.


We are very near our local airport so we got to see three planes get ready to land-- They were so close we could see the name(Allegiant Air) on the side of the plane and the landing gear!

We saw some llamas...in their "natural habitat"

The weather is so nice, not super warm and not windy or cold , I wanted to go on a walk-- Jessica did also -- Shane, he wanted to stay and play video games. I made him a deal, he would quite complaining and go on the walk then after he could come home and play for 45 minutes, but if he continued to complain he would loose 5 minutes for each complaint! He ended up with 30 minutes.

we went to a wetland nesting and habitat area

This is how we started our walk... I told Shane he needed a hat-- he decided that he needed a metal bowl,a golf club and a yellow tennis ball. Jessica~ she followed directions and got a hat.

Jessica was bored, while I was trying to get Shane motivated to walk-- so she wrote out some homework on the sidewalk ~ am I raising a nerd? or just a really well behaved daughter?

Jessica made a "natural necklace" with daisy's from our front yard.

more pictures to follow in another post... that will hopefully say more organized. :)

How do YOU get positive reinforcement?

Today, I finally went to get a check-up with my Dr.-- I haven't had an official check up in many years.
{I know I should of gone much sooner, I even know the things I need to work on.}
I have many excuses for this, but the thought that come September I turn 40, has motivated me to get up offa my butt.
I took my husband with me to the Dr. visit, I needed someone to help me be accountable, and although my husband has high blood pressure and diabetes-
-ah, hem... I knew that having him there would help me -- to listen and really HEAR what the Dr. had to say.
The Dr was kind enough...cough,cough to suggest that I get a Tetnus shot-- I guess she took one look at Jerry and thought I needed it? ha ha ... :)
She also suggested that I fill out the form for a living will -- which sounded good-- I do like to be prepared.
But, while I was waiting for the lab coated vampire to take my blood
I thought about how and way most people (mom's) I know don't like the Dr.'s office
there isn't much reward in it.
you pay the co-pay
you hopefully go without your kids
you get scolded?....admonished to live healthier
you get a shot...oh, JOY!
you get blood drawn... now, wasn't that fun?
you get to go purchase meds...FUN!
you make another appointment to be seen again
and then the process starts all over again.
Unless you are super healthy ~
how are you getting positive reinforcement
to come back to the Dr.'s office???

It's kinda like when you get a ticket and the officer says, "Have a nice day!"? really???
who gets a ticket and then puts a smile on their face and has a "nice"day???

So, anyway... that all being said~
I am going to live healthier-- I am going to move more and eat less.
I am going to hope and pray that my next visit to the Dr.'s is less depressing!

Our version of Normal...

So, Shane, Jessica and I went to visit the developmental pediatrician today--

Shane and Jessica LOVE going there-- the Dr. has great toys... :) and she never pokes you for shots!  

This toy was magnetic ... and Shane created this-- he said it was his version of a church and then when it was time to leave and break it down, he said "I'm the devil and I'm breaking down the church"

I'd say those were pretty profound words for a 1st grader!

This visit was just a check-up visit... we talked about how Shane is doing at school and at home ... I even had the Dr. look at the rash on Shane's chest... and back-- she felt that it was a contact rash...

maybe the dog irritated Shane's skin... or maybe it was the laundry soap--  It hasn't gotten any worse and there are no new symptoms to report -- so we are taking a wait and see attitude about it.

The Dr asked  how things were going and I explained that things were mostly fine... she was very happy to hear that Shane seems to be learning how to self-manage his behaviors.

We talked about taking Shane off of his medication during the summer to see how he does--

Both Jerry and I have not been eager to have Shane on meds,

{Risperdol}

(although they have helped)  

so hearing that this summer would be a test run without meds-- sounds fine to me.

(feel free to remind me that I said this during the summer... :) )

The Dr and I talked about the things that I use to help Shane when we have to wait in line,

 or during transition's...

1. pipe cleaners...different colors,different sizes
2. sugarless gum or Tic Tac's
3. window clings
4. tinfoil.... (this is a new suggestion from,my FB friend Nicole!thanks!)
5. handheld games.. we have a math one from our book fair.

So, anyway it was nice to visit a Dr, have a good visit and then leave feeling like,

Shane is just his version of normal! 

Simple, and yet priceless Joy!

I am learning that our family is not perfect, 

 no ...really we aren't PERFECT! huh...? who would of thunk it? :)

 my personal Dr. wants me to loose weight, by making two lifestyle changes, I need to be more motivated to follow through with exercising and cutting back on portions. I am hoping that the Spring weather will help me stay focused on getting healthy.  Often when the kids are arguing I tell them to be kind to each other-- I tell the kids that we only have one Jessica and or one Shane-- we need to treat her with love and kindness--I think I might need to ask the kids to say this to me... Mommy needs praise and encouragement also!  

I hope that I can get the tape in my head changed to a postitive message...

 It's not the first step that is the hardest but it's the steps in the middle -- when the end is not yet in sight.

But, even as I type this I think that maybe it's not a race or an event,

it's a whole new way of looking at things-

It's funny to me how things with the kids aften mirror things with myself...

 I want the public to see my son as his version of normal and I want the public to understand that he is still learning to be skilled at self managing his behaviors.

Now, I need to apply that thinking to myself, and getting healthy, I need to NOT expect perfection-- I need to just stay motivated and focused on the task--

The small steps I take will keep me on a path to a better me...

See, don't I sound positive and focused? ...

I am sure I will make mistakes... but isn't that what life is all about ?

Learning how to learn life lessons the FIRST time?

So, if you are willing? 

 I would love to hear your input...

postive is good, but honesty-with love is also welcome!

Mommy, Mom, Mother

A good mom I know... Patty-(also known as "me" in comments..)- sent this to me-- it made tears well up in my eyes-- so I thought I would post it here-- just in case ya' all needed a cry! -- I only hope that my kids are able to ask me my opinion before they are 35...  and I hope... and pray that I might live to see my kids turn 65 .
MOTHERS
 Real Mothers don't eat quiche;
 They don't have time to make it.
 Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils
 Are probably in the sandbox.
 Real Mothers often have sticky floors,
Filthy ovens and happy kids.
Real Mothers know that dried play dough
Doesn't come out of carpets.
 Real Mothers don't want to know what
The vacuum just sucked up..
Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?'
And get their answer when a little
Voice says, 'Because I love you best.'
 Real Mothers know that a child's growth
Is not measured by height or years or grade...
 It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother.....
 The Images of Mother
 4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!
 8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!
12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't know everything!
 14 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother? She wouldn't have a clue.
 16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's so five minutes ago.
18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!
 25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it!
 35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.
 45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?
 65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.
 The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the
figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair.
 The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes,
 Because that is the doorway to her heart,
The place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole,
But true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.
 It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she
 Shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!
I'm still mommy to my kids,  I hope I can grow ...err gracefully into "Mother" .

More Coast Pictures

Were you waiting around for more pictures?  That's nice...    ~ glad I could fill a need!

:) I think I am SO funny...

This is a "classic" picture of the kids, I was trying to get the background all centered in and then I needed to have them doing something, so I asked them to wave... good thing..
 ahem...  I didn't want to see their faces!

The other day Shane came home with a Bionicle from his playdate, -- I let Shane bring it with us on the drive-- but Shane kept putting the bionicle in my hair... finally I took it away and since the kids had recently watched Short Circut-- the bionicle was "dissassembled..."  on the dashboard of the truck.
Today I was returned the Bionacle to Shane-- hopefully it will not need dissassemble today!

On our way back home, Jerry wanted to stop by one of his favorite fishing spots and show us the scenery-- Shane had been complaining that he just wanted to go home, but once he was outside and he found two sticks...
he was happy to just..."be"... a boy in the woods...with sticks...
I guess you could call this simple,priceless~ Joy?

coffee,homework,DUCKS,snow?

I found some great coffee in the freezer and a cyber hug also--:) but now I'm all out of creamer...where is our local cow, to steal some cream from... ??

Being at home with Shane was/is so many things

• emotional
• frustrating
• fun
• annoying
• lovely
• enjoyable

It took a while for Shane and I to create a "good work situation", he wanted a ton of help doing his homework, I wanted him to work more independently. Finally we came to a compromise-- I think. Shane is so smart and good at knowing what "gets" mommy -- I wonder if he parented me or I... by a slim chance~ parented him.

We picked up Jessica from school and then had to go back to school, she had forgotten her homework and her folder-- very unusual for Jessica-- and then this morning she decided to wear the same shirt and socks as yesterday--- she says it's to stay warm and comfy-- I worry that she was being lazy to find a new outfit...

It has been rather frosty here lately and there is "talk" via the weather uh--people-- that on Sunday we may have snow!

We happen to be in a valley

(home of the Eugene, Oregon Ducks that are ROSE BOWL BOUND!~)

and not very often do we really officially get snow... glorious,beautiful, annoying snow--. I like how the snow looks and I like how it makes me want to sit and watch it -- but I don't like cleaning up all the dripping clothes, or getting it in my face-- or how LONG it takes for my hands to warm up once they get cold.

Time to get started on today... coffee and homework ...here I come!

Parent Teacher conferences

I just want to take this post to brag about my kids,

Shane

• his reading fluency is at 98%
• his oral reading fluency is at 99%
• his math skills are in the 66th%

The teacher and the school counselor both were very pleased with all of Shane's progress-- They were both happy to report that although Shane still has his twitchy & twirly moments, he is getting better at being polite and asking for a break, or at least taking a break when suggested!

The teacher made sure to comment that since his reading scores are SO high that all we need to do is use his great reading skills to improve some of his other skills that are a bit behind.Writing is not something he enjoys, but that seems to be coming along.

Jessica~

• her reading scores exceed the standard 150 words per minute! (93%)
• her vocabulary is at 72%
• her comprehension 52%
• her spelling-- better than her Daddy...:) 13/14 !
• math needs a bit of help from Daddy-- cause mom doesn't do well with math!

Once again the teacher was happy to report that Jessica is a sweet, well mannered child and that her reading will help her with the few things that are a bit behind.

I feel SO BLESSED, I could not be prouder of my kids, and the school -- this year is going great and the staff is really focused on getting the kids to be well-rounded in their skills.

Aw, simple Joy!

I kept giving complements to the teachers and staff about how nice it was to go and hear GREAT things about my kids... even the few things that the kids are a bit behind were not talked about in a negative way, they were talked about as something to work on but, very achievable! Gosh, I love hearing about things in a positive way!

I still feel a bit sick, but between the Theraflu caplets and the large quantities of tea,and fruits-- I seem to be somewhat normal!

Purple bird poop, yuck....

Yesterday I got to spend some one on one time with my dear husband before he left to go hunting for 13 days--
There were so many places that we had to go, however...
getting hit with purple bird poop on the way into Walmart... NOT FUNNY!~
grrr.... at least there was a restroom right inside the door--Jerry had to wash his hands, since he was nice enough to show me what color the poop was--- and I had to try to rinse the poop out of my hair!
I think back now, how nice it was that Jerry didn't laugh at me... he just took the bird poop in stride...
later after I felt a lot less pooped on... LOL
Jerry and I laughed about the whole experience-- Jerry was SO happy to be going hunting, and I was happy that he was happy... I have plans while he is away, and the kids are at school, to rid our house of some stuff... and clutter, and since Jerry is away-- and as long as the kids don't know-- I can DO IT!
I told Jerry that it wouldn't bug me... for him to tell my brother-in-law Rick,my sister-in-law Danni and my nephew Jeff, about the bird poop-- I figure that by the time they get home from hunting my bird poop event will be far from their thoughts!

I tried to make a Rachael Ray recipe for the dinner-- it was a version of Monte Crisco's-- it didn't go over well-- the kids ended up having soup ! Last evening while Jessica was watching The Bridge to Terabithia, Shane and I made cupcakes from a box of cake mix I had.... and I was surprised and impressed that Shane stayed focused.
He has been a bit twisty and twirly lately-- I am trying to figure out if his behavior is sensory related or something else... where oh, where is that manual for How Best to Parent Shane?

I got to do some lovely reading at blogs I enjoy.--
check out Antique Mommy she really puts a different view on every day things...
also... today is race day... and I bet that the HennHouse will have a positive uplifting post...
Then my prayers are over at Slurping Life--their life is about trials right now, and so prayers are requested!
There are other blogs I went to, but these were the ones that really got my emotion,attention and prayers! :0)



Happy Saturday to you !

Big Weekend ahead~

So, tomorrow I will drop the kids off with my parents for the weekend ~
I do hope that I have all "me ducks in a row..."
quack... quack...swack...quack...
I created a letter that gives permission to my parents for the kids to receive Emergency care.
(After I called and begged my dear cousin Elizabeth to remind me what antibiotic Jessica and one of her sons' is allergic to...)
I listed the medication they are taking, and when. I listed their diagnosis--
Jessica already sent a letter of the things she likes to eat, and things she doesn't-- I included a letter about Shane's food likes and dislikes.
Later this evening I will have Shane help me choose and pack his clothes, Jessica has already packed her bag.
I hope they have fun,
I hope they behave,
I hope they make lovely memories,
I hope they don't get hurt or sick...
I bet my parents' think that I am over-reacting but-- I like to error on the side of caution.

I just hope I can get a little R&R in while they are away-
It's grocery day and I have sewing that I have promised to work on...
My dear husband will sleep during the days while the kids are gone...
I can have a party in the evenings.... but I bet I will just be happy to have the quiet~:)

Weekend things we did and didn't do~

First, I must say...SORRY to Patty---
I said something last night when I was leaving her show(karaoke) and not only is the thing I said not true, but it was wrong of me to say.... so here you go my official apology!

Okay now moving on....
Jessica and Shane spent most of the day yesterday playing with some paper dolls-- I found a site where you can print the dolls and some clothes out for free.. yahoooo...
Of course -- we ran out of paper-- and when I was trying to motivate the kids to the store for more paper, (Jessica was VERY eager...) Shane became-- shall we say resistant? So, I thought maybe, I would just ignore him, and move on.
I decided that I wanted to cut out Pj bottoms from some old sheets I have, but I couldn't find a table that was long enough.(crawling around on the floor is just not fun anymore!)My kitchen table is oval shaped and not really long enough.
I got the kids in the car and I was hoping... that I could create a make-shift table at my grandparents' house... They have a big building and I thought that maybe I could clear off a table use it and then put the stuff back... I was wrong... there was too much stuff... and it seemed that this "idea" was more work than good. I had planned ahead and brought the soccer ball -- the kids could play soccer in the BIG backyard while I happily cut out the fabric in the big cool shaded building...(I was hoping to get some great pictures) I gave Shane a small broom and the ball those -- were his only responsibilities---
I guess I shouldn't of "planned..."
The ball almost got left behind and Shane was more and more difficult to deal with--
I ended up calling Patty... to complain as usual...LOL and then I decided that maybe a night of karaoke would help me to be more patient with Shane....
Funny... ha ha ha ...
While Patty and I were talking about all of this .... I came to the conclusion that Shane is choosing not to listen to me the first time... he hears me -- instead he is attempting to control when and how he responds... (the little worm...)
Now, I will be creating a plan of immediate compliance from Shane... any ideas, ?
Meanwhile, Patty was nice enough to let me borrow her table so that I can cut out the material !
I still don't have any paper--- ah well..
My eyes are tired from watching all the "people" at karaoke last night...
I wonder if they really know how silly they looked ?
I wonder if I looked ...to be.... silly myself?

Prayer works...

I had such a tough time staying asleep this morning--
I woke up way early-- (before even Jerry's alarm clock 6amish)
I kept getting flashes-- of Shane's teacher and Shane....
I figured that I wouldn't get any rest until I asked for help, so instead of praying for the teacher to do what I want and how I want...
I decided to pray in a different way-- I prayed simply for God's will in this situation, that if my tongue needed to be held, fine-- if Shane needed to change his behaviors' -then fine, but all in all I prayed for God's guidance in all these things.
And...ladies and gentlemen...
GOD IS GREAT!
I picked Shane up from school and I didn't feel anger towards the teacher, I didn't feel frustration-- I even took a few moments to talk about random things! What a HUGE change... usually I go to pick Shane up and I feel like any little word or deed by the teacher will set me off... today I just felt, calm and peaceful when I picked him up!

And then... Shane had a GREAT day! he only had 2 time outs-- but he got 12 bonus points!
(I really don't know what the bonus points are for-- but I'll take them!)
I even took a few moments and made a certificate for Shane-- to show him that I was proud of him! [the teacher did do and say a few things that were annoying, however I chose to ignore them and just let it go....]
Shane was also very happy that today went well... he was complaining that he was tired, but I think that is because he had such a long weekend...

Later today, I get to see my step-son Brandon, the baby Irie, and Sorccia-- they need a ride to WIC and I am going to take them-- that means I get to see the baby... and maybe hold the baby... touch the baby... ah... the baby....



The sun is shining and I feel GREAT!
I guess I ought to pray differently more often? yup I think so!

Mom to Mom...

I was over at It's Almost Nap Time

and there was a question for Mom's to Mom's---

what is the best advise you have ever received?

I thought about it and here are a few things that I have gathered so far~

• pick your battles-- if you are going to make a stand about something-- then do make that stand and ...STICK WITH IT!
• Sleep when they sleep--
• Parenting is not about you--personally -- it is about training your kids to be good kids.
• If you want them to stop doing what annoys you-- then tell them what they can do!
• Be Flexible, and apologize when necessary --ask for forgiveness when needed!
• Allow them to have frustrating,sad, and upset feelings-- but show them how to think about those feelings differently.
• Pray to God for big things and small things, pray and say thank you to God.
• Think out of the box for things to entertain the kids-- a plastic cup lid can be a free toy to a small child in a pinch!
• You be the parent and the one in charge-- not the child.
• Catch them being good and GIVE PRAISE!

So, anyway--- what do you think? --- comments please!

Spam,Idol and field trips

Okay... here's the deal-- earlier this week I got a comment that I believed to be spam--- so after discussing the issue with a fellow blogger, and then trying to delete it and not being successful--

I decided to just monitor all comments---

and since I have such a huge...

and diverse readership...

(you have a title...honored readers-- that's YOU!)

you leave me a comment,

and it's not long as it's not spam...

I'll let it get published... !

I do love you non-spam commenter's !

and now ~ American Idol~
My favorites are...Lil' Rounds,Scott, and Felicia but I also liked Kendall and Ju'not--
and the people who got picked by.... the voting public are Lil' Rounds,Scott and Jorge.
Next week we the viewing masses... will once again have to suffer by seeing and hearing Tatiana... AGH! but we also get to hear from, Von Smith,Jasmine Murray,Ricky Brady,Megan, Matt G.,Jesse and An youp -- I think I spelled some names wrong sorry...

Tomorrow I will be "available" to take over for Shane's coach--- while at the Science Factory field trip, I have a feeling that this will be a huge blog topic tomorrow. I had to call and ask --- to come on the field trip-- that conversation was frustrating for me on so many levels--
I wish I knew what would help me (besides a sludge hammer) when I talk with the teacher, I always want to throw the phone at a wall when I get done "talking" with her. Planning ahead of time is not something that she enjoys, and so she just doesn't--- yahoo for her... sucks for me and Shane...
I talked with the staff person S. and she suggested a picture schedule of the different things that will be happening, and since my printer is working....(thanks to Patty!) I was able to create an un-professional picture schedule of Shane's day.We have gone over it a few times and Shane seems to be very excited to go on this field trip--- I hope that I can stay focused on Shane and his behaviors'... I do hope and pray that I can stay positive!
Friday the kid are both home from school and it's grocery day... (cue the mantra, this will be fun,this will be fun...) Saturday, we have to celebrate from afar--- my nephews' first birthday--I pray that his ear infection goes away soon, and that he isn't sick on his important day!
We have to change our clocks.. oh, joy!(I don't know about you but I delegate this task to my husband who likes numbers and buttons-- me--- not so much!)
Sunday we have a birthday party and church. Maybe, just to make the days go smoother we will attend Saturday evening church instead of Sunday late service. And since the 100 days of school is coming up, Shane has to find 100 things that will fit in a ziplock bag...--
(wouldn't 100 worms be funny????)
Well, anyway--- that's what is up with us... what about you?

Rain,naked boys and Rainbows!

All this week it has been really rainy--

It is nice to sit and type and listen to the rain fall on the skylight in the kitchen.

Because after the rain-- the sunshine and rainbows will come out for a quick view.

This morning Shane was up early in my room complaining about his tummy being upset-- I gave him some tums and let him curl up next to me-- then when the alarm went off I had to do some fast talking to convince Shane that he did in fact have to go to school.
When we got to school Shane was fascinated by a worm that was as long as his shoe... we watched it for a while--- and then I picked it up and put it in the grass. Shane didn't want to calm his body to go into the class, but after a short time he did manage to get focused enough to go into the classroom.
It was later than usual when I got the call to pick up Shane, he had gotten though the day~
but it had been a struggle to stay still--- it was like he knew what his body was doing -- but he couldn't stop it from being busy. I was at the door of the classroom trying to get Shane's homework and finish the conversation with his teacher and the staff. The next thing we know, Shane has tripped or fallen into the grass! He got his butt, and part of his shirt wet and muddy...
He was of course upset, but he wasn't crying or screaming so I tried to keep him moving to the car.-- I was so focused on getting him to the car that I didn't notice his pants were down my his feet... and he had begun to hop to the car... Both his teacher and the staff saw him they turned their heads and were laughing-- All the while Shane was complaining he just wanted to be naked,..mommy naked... ---
He got in the car and quickly stripped naked! I had a warm fleece jacket on that I wrapped Shane up in, just to get him home.

As I think back now it was kind of funny--

I guess I had a rainbow of my own--

Shane got over his cranky attitude and I

-- got flashed by my naked son...

Eating with a Herbst appliance

So, Jessica my dear, sweet 2nd grader just got a Herbst appliance in.

Poor thing, she says it doesn't hurt, and she doesn't seem to be in pain--

but eating is a huge challenge.

I have applesauce,jello,yogurt,bananas and smoothie makings on hand.

(I plan on sneaking in some wheat germ and possibly some baby rice cereal.)

She was such a good patient, calm and still-- the only comment --

was for her to stop talking so that the staff could explain stuff !



Shane did say focused on the MAC computer that had a game on it-- but so much so that I just had to barrel carry him out -- to the car.

However...Shane did have a good day at school today he got 112 points out of 120!!!!! he also earned a reward at school-- motor cross video- and then he came home and got to play Battleship on-line!



I knew Jessica was getting braces, and this appliance, but I really didn't know that I would be having to turn the thingamajig inside Jessica's mouth-- both on the top and the bottom--



But,then I read about so many of you Mom's and Dad's out there who have to do tube feedings,catheters, and so many other medical things.--- I c an do this... I c an!



Any suggestions?

Happenings at the Harris House!

Shane wrote me a lovely note-- without any help or prompting from me!
It says I love you Mom, I love you mom, Mom I love you Shane!
I was going to take a picture of it to share-- but he did it in pencil on pretty paper and I don't think I can get it to show up! (And when I asked him to sign it -- he added a race track to it-- and two stick figures-- That's just typical of ~ Shane-- a little over the top)

Late last night the kids decided that the calculator is a fun thing-- they have been taking turns adding and subtracting numbers on the calculator~!

I asked Shane what he wanted for breakfast-- he said Calculator soup!
(He got cereal and the calculator was left in the other room-- babysat by his sister!)