Camping and Summertime Life

 So, I guess I need to explain a bit about this camping trip... we do it every year and --we seem to have a need to "do it better" each time. :) There is about 35 or so people that are officially family~ But we always have people come and join us-- we have foster kids, and people who plan to marry one of our crazy members! We are  a hard working bunch.   Often a small comment, or request for help will involve the whole family.

 Our Uncle Bob... who happens to be a builder... (Bob the builder) had a trailer that was wired incorrectly-- Since we were all able,willing and happy-- the guys tipped the trailer on it's side and proceeded to rewire it ... by taking an extension cord apart!  Yup, we are the Get 'er done type of family! :)
I thought it was funny that almost every guy that was with our group came by during the rewiring to give their opinion, and or supervise!
                                                                             

Here are Shane and two other boys enjoying the sand and rocks by one of the fire pits... These boys were dirty from sun up to sun down... we did make them shower... but you couldn't tell.

 This guy being a daredevil on our new tube is our newest members and he fits right in!  He is in the Air force and  will be deployed in a few weeks... Jerry, the kids and I took him and his wife out on our boat... we squeezed as much fun into that boat ride as we possibly could.  Poor guy ended up with some rub marks on his knuckles and his feet.-- But the smile on his face was well worth the discomfort.

 This is my Aunt Sue,-- all week long we had a jokes going about the nuts... we ate them, we put them on the ground, we kicked them around, we fed the squirrels with them... It was all so much fun !

 This is our kitchen area... we have a master cook... Jason, who will let you help... but only if you follow his instructions. :) If you aren't able to help  prepare or cook then you are provided an opportunity to wash dishes or put away things.
We had some REALLY good food camping...  We had people stop by and ask if we were professional campers... I guess you could say we are wanna be professional campers... but we haven't found someone to pay us...yet! :)

 Jessica and Shane on the tubes out in the water... Shane wanted to slow down and Jessica wanted to speed up... (typical siblings)

Yup... there's some more of the guys workin' on the trailer.   People were driving by looking for a campsite, they would stop and ask what was going on... our.."men" were happy enough to explain just... what they were doing! ?


I am happy to report that there was only a few meltdowns... and not all of them were Shane's! :)

Can I get an AMEN?

AMEN!

Church was GREAT today....
I saw a friend and missionary Sally who is home from China... trying to fill her spirit with some positive love.
Shane had a GREAT interaction with one of the ladies who leads worship at church-- It was lovely to see him initiate a hug with this lady, and then have a short conversation with her that was positive and complementary.... WOW...  seriously this was SO AWESOME... I almost had tears in my eyes.
So, often we go to church and I pray that he will see other adults and kids interacting and he will learn some of those social cues that aren't so black and white.... Today-- I saw HOPE... I saw Shane getting the love and fellowship part of church! yipppeeeee ...
Jessica has been hooked on reading about Greek Mythology and Shane is interested also-- so on the way to church-- Shane was doubting that GOD was -- all the things HE is ... and I was trying to explain that our GOD performs miracles everyday... but that we don't see -- if we don't believe.  I imagine that I will have to have many more conversations about this topic ... but it was great to see that at least for today-- he gained a new appreciation for why church is GOOD for us. 

Simply put.... GOD is GREAT, even better than a cup of coffee on a cold rainy day!

Lessons that I have been learning!

I have been learning lessons... left and right. :)
I have always thought that if you have a family connection with someone then-- you relate to them in that correct relationship title.   If I have a cousin I have a cousin type of relationship--  I am now learning that this is wrong. And that I can have a relationship with someone that doesn't match the name... or title of the official relationship.  I am also finding out that I can have a relationship with non-family members that fill a need for a family relationship.   I'd like to know why it took me till I was 40 to figure that out!
It's been kinda busy around her lately and it seems that, will be status quo for a while.
I am currently fighting off a cold that gave me the ability to cough often and in fits of agony, it also left me without a voice, -- Oh-- what Joy.   I blame my recent visits to the Dr.'s office... I was not sick with a cold until I went to that germ factory !

Shane and Jessica are home from school today, because it is a furlough day-- I had asked them to let me sleep in ... they tried-- but alas I woke up at my regular time!  I stumbled to the coffee pot and then back to bed-- finally the coffee was ready and I made myself a cup and camped out on my bed to wait for the coffee to work. After a while I felt motivated to check emails, and of course Facebook. 
Shane loves to be helpful and so I had him turn on the computer and get me on-line...  I walked in and set my coffee cup down -- the next thing I know Shane is trying to show me a penny he found and then-- the coffee cup spilled all over Shane from his chest to his knees!  It was amazing to see how calm he was about being wet and sticky... What progress he has made!    I sent him off to shower and I cleaned up my coffee.  Later he asked Jessica to play hairdresser and comb his hair... she was happy to do this-- the final look was "Just like Justin Beiber except naked"--- (Shane loves to be and say the word naked--- although when he said this he was in his underwear.)   A while later the kids were "playing" and Jessica scratched and pinched Shane on his side---
 I took some time and medicated the scratch and then when I saw how deep it was I requested that Jessica write an apology letter.
This is what she wrote    "Dear Shane, I am sorry for giving you a bobo. And yes I will play video games with you.As soon as I give you this letter I hope we can play video games.  With dearest apology Jessica!"

I am so impressed with both of the kids, not only did Shane graciously accept the apology letter but he was very sweet when they played the video games-- he and Jessica are still playing together and they are taking turns-- and sharing... WOWOWWWW. I am so very happy!

Next week the school board is having a final public meeting to talk about the funding short falls for our district and I am planning on going and getting up and speaking. I am a bit nervous but I am feeling like this is a thing I should do.

I also have the Scholastic book fair coming up and so I am going to be busy planning and begging for volunteers-- I hope that I can do a good job of being motivating and encouraging.

One of the teachers at our church also asked if I would be willing to teach a Sunday School class... they already have a great curriculum but they need an adult to teach the class and keep the kids on task. I feel honored that they asked~ but a bit nervous that I won't be as skilled as they think I am. prayer, Lot's of prayer.

In late February, Jessica will be performing (playing her violin) as apart of her first Strings Concert.-- I am proud,excited and nervous for her--. note to self: remind her to practice every day. :)


Meanwhile I have been walking,every other day or so- with Aunt to try and get fit. I am also working on a rag quilt that I have created from scraps-- I don't think it's going to turn out like my original idea-- but I want to get it done. 
Jessica has been a crocheting machine.-- I think every skein of yarn she has, is part of a project that she has started!  Shane has been spending time with Jerry working on his cars that he made with the Erector set -- It is lovely to see Shane tell Jerry his plans-- and then Jerry show him how to implement those plans.

Yikes, I just noticed it's time for lunch-- I must go and feed the kids-- and myself!

Hope you all have a great weekend and enjoy celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. day.

Patience,carrots

Yesterday, God wanted me to learn a lesson-- and when I tried to ignore him-- he just kept giving me more of the lesson. 
ya ~Gotta love the persistence of the Father?
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes+7:8&version=NIV  The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+3:12&version=NIV  Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+6:12&version=NIV  We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

I went to visit my surgeon -- the one who fixed my foot-- I was expecting to tell him that I did not want a second surgery. But instead, I had to wait, and wait-- then when he did come to see me-- he really didn't talk about the surgery. He asked for xrays of my foot and said, "I want to see you again in a month!" I then waited and waited -- finally the nurse came in and ordered the xrays--. I was allowed to go get the xrays and then make my new appointment. Finally, I left the building-- the original appointment was for 10:45, when I looked at the clock in my car it was 12:10.

Hopefully, I was patient -- hopefully I won't have to learn this lesson again too soon.
Of course, by just writing those words, I should be prepared --huh?

 Let me get my knee pads and get some prayers going!

~~~~~~
So, on another topic-- Shane went overboard last night and ate a ton of carrots-- this morning his bathroom expirence was ... shall we say colored orange?   -- Cue the morning conversation about how much is ENOUGH toliet paper-- and yes your butt is clean and dry here... look in the mirror! ("But, Mom ~the inside doesn't feel clean"--   I said "Shane it's the inside-- don't worry about it-- you are fine.")

Showers.... rain and baby

I love giving things to others....  Yesterday, I went to a baby shower-- and I got to give away some gifts that I had spent a bunch of time and love working on.  Jessica's teacher from last year is due to have a baby girl in December, and I made her a changing pad, some burp cloths,a small baby quilt and some baby toys.
It was weird and fun all at the same time.... Because I knew the mom to be, thru school there was a lot of the ladies from school there-- however I was the only parent (of one of her students) -- there were teachers, a secretary and an IA, there was also some family and then a wife of the husbands' co-worker.
The school people all knew me and who I was, but I was reluctant to sit with them--- I didn't want to end up talking about the kids and school --when clearly they were at this shower for the baby...  So , I sat with the lady who was connected to the father to be-- she had her daughter with her and so we all talked it was nice.
After a bit the some of the teachers came and sat at our table-- It was fun to hear the conversations -- they are a fun group of ladies...  I do hope that I was well-behaved :) 
There was a moment or two when I overheard a comment that made me think of my family--- and the baby showers I have had...

the picture of the "girl" holding the baby--- that happens to be a third grade teacher who is single and looking-- she sat and held that baby for quite a while during the shower... at first I thought it was just to be funny-- but then I think we all realized she was ENJOYING holding the baby!  I can't wait to see her in the future as a married mom....
I completely forgot to get any pictures of me with the mom to be and my gifts on my camera.... but I know the grandmother to be did get some-- so maybe I can borrow a picture from her...

The family of the mom to be--- was very creative-- and also skilled ~she got a heirloom handkerchief that had been made into a bonnet for the baby-- some really special quilts-- and even some quilts from when she was a baby-- It was lovely to see things given that had such meaning and love attached.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~``
On another topic, Shane told me the other night at bedtime/tuck in time.... that he wanted to be like all the other kids at school-- I told him, he was and then he went on to say that he "wanted to have no rewards at school for good behavior,  only at home!"  Shane usually gets rewarded during the school day with some free time on the lap-top-- apparently the other kids have noticed-- The teacher has been really good about helping the other kids see Shane as needing a bit extra-- but not so that he looked WAY different. Now there is a new classmate that does NEED a lot of EXTRA and I guess Shane is being motivated by his peers to look more normal...  WOW--  His teacher and I talked about it and she was very impressed-- we agreed that if,on Monday it was still what Shane wanted~ then we would go with Shane's idea! 
I am very pleased with my son... yup!
 I think it's a combination of peer pressure, maturity and not being on the meds ~
seems to have changed how Shane behaves.  I also think that his teacher has been really clear about how she interacts with him-- and that helps Shane be able to predict her response to him.

My only complaint... the rainy season has begun... and I haven't gotten our family picture taken yet-- darn...
We are planning an outdoor picture with some really fun casual poses-- I guess we may have to rethink that -- or make plans to have an inside picture. 

Have a GREAT day !

Lately...

Things have been really good at our house... 
We have had moments that weren't our best--
(Monday morning wasn't good, but by 10amish... things were all better!)
 Meltdowns don't seem to be as emotionally draining-- or exhausting....  I keep thinking that this is the calm before the storm.... but then I think-- no... the storm WILL NOT COME.  I am really working on only focusing on the positive.
Normally, Shane has a point card and he gets points every few minutes for good behavior-- when he miss behaves he gets a red point which cancels out a green point.  He tries each day for a certain amount of green points... if he gets what he is trying for ... he gets his reward. Yesterday, his teacher forgot about the point card,  oops,  and so she and Shane decided to skip it for that day.  There was part of the day when Shane was out of line... the teacher had him go and put his behavior card to yellow-- he did and then shortly after he was asked to put the card back at green.  HE IS LEARNING.... and I am SO PROUD.
He knows what is appropriate and what isn't -- by keeping him in the classroom he is seeing how his peers react or ignore his behaviors.

He is no longer on his medication, he is in a regular classroom most of the day --- and he's doing a really great job of looking.... dare I say it.... typical! 

I have also learned a new trick... trying to get Shane to
respond to his name is difficult...
 so instead I say his name... and if I don't get a response then I say something like PIZZA, WATERMELON,FRENCH FRY-- anything that is good food related and totally random.-- It has REALLY increased his response time and willingness to PAY attention to what I have to say!
 Plus... it is SO MUCH more socially acceptable to say with .... vigor? enthusiasm? Glee?.... Impatience...?

I wonder if it will work on husbands.... hummmm I'll have to try that...:)

They were good until...dinner

Yesterday~  the kids played almost all day long together in the house, with very little fighting and really no crying, or whining -- I thought that I had won the mommy lottery! 
 But, then... Daddy came home and he took us to get gas in the KIA and dinner at KFC...
(I don't think that the behavior that followed was because of Daddy... but instead that we were in the car, and thus being held hostage....)
Shane was SUPER talkative the whole ride... it was all about the cars around us-- look there's a ford, look there's a PT cruiser--- WOw does that car really have an awesome spoiler!  
 Honestly, I am glad that he is taking an interest in the things around us.... but does he have to TELL me EVERYTHING he sees?  He is also very insistent that either Jerry or I reply to him,--
I have got to figure a way to stop this behavior --it's driving me nuts!
When we were at KFC, he was not doing a great job of staying seated while eating, I kept repeating the command, sit while you eat.-- But I think that I need to find a better way of dealing with his behavior-- My command/statement isn't working... I need to find a statement and maybe a consequence that will work. Maybe I need to go back and use a first, then statement-- Shane first you eat your dinner then you can ?  I don't have a clue what I am willing to "let" him do that would make both him and I happy.  hummm.... any suggestions?
Then, when it was time to walk out Shane was not paying attention to me at all-- it was like the lights were on but no one was home... I asked him to open the door for me-- but he didn't even seem to realize I was talking to him... I had my crutches with me and my purse-- so I really couldn't get down to his level to repeat my words...  hummmm...

I just got a call from a friend from high school...with an invite to a picnic get-to gether and I'd love to go... but I can't drive and Jerry is working so I had to say no... darn it... (If the gathering was closer I'd call and ask someone to drop, me and the kids off-- but since it is out of the way a bit-- I'd have to ask someone to be a chaperon for most of the afternoon!)
This foot had better serve me well when it's finally fixed, cause I am really tired of having to say no.... just because of my foot!

The week ahead~

Sometimes I wish that Friday was a lot closer, but today I am a bit uneasy for Friday--
I am going to have my foot fixed on Friday~Then, on Saturday my husband is taking the kids to our church for his Uncles' funeral--I wish I would go and pay my respects, but I think I will be convalescing at my Aunt's-- I don't think I'll be ready to be out and about yet.
Today, I have plans to go to the library and stock up on some books.Yesterday, my neighbor Jessica played with Shane and my Jessica at a park across from the hospital while I had my SUPER long check in appointment for the surgery. I think the worse part of the appointment is when they told me how much they expected me to pay on Friday.... $2300.00!  I was so shocked.... nope... no one called to tell me this ahead of time.... and yup-- Jerry was very upset-- I text-ed him the amount at work and he immediately went to Human Resources to vent. I hope that today brings new,different answers !

So, we are 8 days into no medication for Shane... Things seems to be going okay-- While we were camping there were a few meltdowns-- but nothing that was really scary. So, I am feeling pretty good about taking him off the meds.
We used a combination of strategies to deal with meltdowns--

• When all the kids were asked to move the wood pile~ Shane got real loud and complained that he "always has to do Everything... " I explained very clearly to Shane that this task was a have-to and that if he didn't start helping that he would have a consequence.  He reluctantly helped out-- I used some cross talk to help him do more-- (Shane look at Mandy, she's a girl and she has three pieces of wood! -- Hey, look at Little Tony he has a whole stack I bet you can do more than him!, let's try !)It also helped that all the parents and family members around were GREAT about heaping the praise on once Shane was following directions!  
• In the evening. Shane was getting very crashy-- he was on super fast speed and we decided that it was time for a break-- so Jerry and I worked together we took Shane to our tent, and told him he could snuggle under his heavy blanket and read, or he could go to sleep- Shane choose to read! He did poke his head out the tent a few times, but it was great to have him decompress somewhere safely and calmly!
• The kids had all planned on learning how to be a Junior Ranger-- when it came time to go and hear the lesson-- Shane... threw a fit... :(   I took Shane off to the side and tried to explain to him, what was going to happen-- but Shane was past the reasoning point -- The decision was made to keep Shane at camp with me...  And although I like Shane to have to follow thru with things, this time avoidance worked for us! ... Shane and I ended up going on a "hike/walk" in the woods...
• We also brought my ipod and that was SUCH a blessing -- I had put They Might Be Giants, Here Comes Science -- on it and for about an hour Shane was happily listening, calm and still! Joy!

While at the library today I got complemented on the kids... Jessica was sitting nicely in a chair, and Shane was on  the floor without his sandals-- about 8 books spread out around him happily laying on his tummy reading a book-- about motor cross!  These are the moments that I strive for ! yahooo!

Anyway... it's time to get dinner started !

Sunny Happy Great Wonderful Monday!

Although both Jerry and didn't sleep well last night-- we were both awake at about 3am.--
 (there is a dog that keeps getting into our trash...grrrrr...)
 The morning turned out marvelous!   
The sun was shining and I checked my email first thing to find out that my sister-in-law Sara went to the hospital at about...3am last night(err this morning). She was past due to have my niece-- and finally at 8:57am  Georgia Jeanne Hutcheson was born! she weighed 7pounds 15ounces and she measured 20.5 inches long!
I am so flipping happy! A while back I had a strange dream about this baby and her name... part of my dream came true! How weird is that?

Anyway... on to regular news posting... :)

We had the IEP for Shane today, and also a gathering :Thanking of parent volunteers--
 Both events were SPECTACULAR!
I am feeling so special and appreciated, now if I could just beam myself down to California  to hug and hold that beautiful baby-- well-- then I would have nothing to wish for! :)

This was the first IEP meeting that I have had where-- all of the people at the table were finishing each others' sentences-- I didn't have to suggest hardly anything! I did take some notes before the meeting and brought copies for some-- my printer decided to not follow directions,. But it was a smooth meeting, his new teacher is eager and willing to have Shane in her class. What a pure and simple blessing! 

Then the kids and I went to the gathering to thank the parent volunteers--  It was so lovely I almost cried-- I got a picture of all the third graders, with letters from them--handwritten thanking me for helping out! awwww..... and then Shane's teacher gave me a certificate and some chocolates . 
They really like me.... really they do!   p.s. ~ I like them also!

Hope your Monday was MARVELOUS!
oh... and my favorite commenter...."Me" is now on FB.... yip yip hurray!

Head Colds,sharing, and Carnival

Jessica had a head cold this week and she ended up staying home two days from school, Shane was being a loving and sweet brother -- First she helped him practice for his upcoming play-- and then he read her some 5 minute bedtime stories-- Such a lovely sight I am SO GLAD I have this picture.  Jessica ended up missing the field trip to the Enchanted Forrest-- she had a slight fever and so I kept her home. Jessica was nice enough to share her cold with me -- so I took a nap! Part way thru the day Jessica ended up feeling much better-- and she convinced her Daddy to take her fishing-- so that I could get some rest- ?  It worked out fine they went fishing and I took a nap--   Then we borrowed our neighbors' teen aged daughter and went to the Carnival! 

This year at the Carnival we had a slide and a bounce house-- Shane spent a good portion of his time,energy and tickets at both... He even got complemented by the Teacher who is a Special Needs teacher, for doing such a GREAT job of waiting in line EACH time...  I am SO PROUD of my son! 

Shane even tried cotton candy for the very first time-- he was with Jerry so I missed the picture but Shane... like a true child that loves sweet things-- Liked the cotton candy! Jerry explained that it was just spun sugar and so Shane was happy enough to tell me

 "Mom, I ate the cotton candy and it just disolved on my tongue...-- cool huh?"

I just smiled and said yup--!

 Kudos go out to Jerry who did NOT let Shane eat the WHOLE bag of cotton candy-- he instead handed the last quater bit of it to the neighbors daughter who was helping us. :)

One of Jessica's favorite things is to get her face painted-- last night at the Carnival, she got a Monarch Butterfly on her face! It's still on her face this morning!  If you look in the back ground of this picture you can see Shane in a blue camo jacket... playing putt putt golf!

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

This is one of the fun things that we had at the carnival last night... putt putt golf-- Shane had a lot of fun-- thank you to the lady who was nice enough to fetch the golf ball when it got hit to hard.





It did rain at the Carnival and a lot of people got wet... but I had brought along our POP-up and so we stayed mostly dry... although the wind did make me cold a couple of times!
In years past Carnival has been a huge stressful event-- this year I volunteered only to do certain things, of course I ended up doing more-- but I didn't feel so used and abused -- as I had in previous years!
It was a great evening... and now today is grocery day and both the kids are home with me...
I asked Shane last night if he would help me remember the grocery list-- he kept saying, mom we have to have ice cream!  I am buying that child of mine some ice cream ! I bet he will do fine today!

Our hump day... was~

Shane made his own...homemade fishing pole-- with a jump rope a stick and a noodle for swimming. odd -- but creative!

This week has been interesting for us-- It's the first week without the IA... and Jerry has been dropping and picking up the kids, while I have been busy elsewhere. Monday and Tuesday were okay days for Shane, he did have to be told to stop singing while at his desk on Monday-- and then on Tuesday he needed some re-direction at recess.But overall it had been an okay week.

Today-- well it was a harder day for Shane-- he didn't want to wake up, and then when he got to school he wasn't really in control of his body.(He crashed into another student in the hallway) The weather has been very weird, sunny, really rainy, and strong winds... sometimes I wonder if the weather does affect Shane's moods-- or at least his sensory needs?

He was really emotionally spent when I got him from school-- he was whimpering and didn't want to walk-- I bent down to talk with him and he just begged for me to carry him. Carrying a 7 year old is not easy-- so as soon as we were outside I put him down and made him walk to the car. We came home and he was VERY hungry --- he ate a bowl of cereal and a bag of popcorn!

He started his homework, but he was struggling with it. There were scrambled words to a sentence and you had to put them in the correct order and write out the sentence-- I went ahead and modified the homework-- I printed out the words, then I had Shane cut them out and then we figured out the order-- we then numbered the words so that when he glued them on the paper he didn't get more upset. It took him a while to get centered to do the work but once he saw that the writing part was gone-- he was quick about getting the job done. :)

Meanwhile Jessica has been working on creating all her thank you cards-- I am having her write them out and we will be sending them in the mail-- it's a lot of work for her-- but she is happy to put the stamp on the envelope.

Shane had been having a hard time waiting for Jessica to be done with her cards--

so he decided to do some heavy work-- by bringing kitchen chairs to his room for a fort.

I was so impressed that he realized that he needed to do some heavy work and he just got busy !

WOW! Super AWESOME!

Jessica's many purchases

Jessica spent her birthday money--
We found her ...very first pair of high heeled shoes~
We also found this sweet swimsuit at Old Navy for $9.00!

She also spent $23.99 at Barnes & Noble--

She purchased Poppy by AVI

The Sisters Grimm by Michael Buckley

She also purchased Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

She also found a book mark that is ECO friendly it has a removeable leaf shape that you can plant!

And I don't think she could be any happier!

Happy Mother's Day

I don't have much to post today ... but I found this from a previous post.
http://frogparenting.blogspot.com/2009/05/little-things.html

or this from Feburary 2nd 2008
http://frogparenting.blogspot.com/2008/02/in-honor-of-erma-bombeckand-another.html


The kids have had breakfast, I have had a cup of coffee-- later we will go to church.
The kids did give me hugs and wish me Happy Mother's Day, but since we are broke-- we might just have a different version of Mother's Day, a cheap or free one! :)


Happy Mother's Day~

My version of the weighted blanket

I finished the blanket!!!!
... this is the back of the blanket... I used a denim material that had some Lycra in it-- so that it would be durable but also flexible~

This is the top of the finished blanket... Shane Loves to compete, and NASCAR is a great topic---so when I saw this checkered flag material at WALmart... I was VERY happy--- it also made sewing the columns for the poly beads easy...
The poly beads I found at Joann's they were $6.99 I think... I used three bags--


This is Shane last night, he said "Mom, some see how much I love you.... " He put his sisters' blue boa/scarf on the blanket in the shape of a heart!
awwwwwwwwwwwwwww .... It's nice when he shows me love like this-- it doesn't happen very often but when it does.. I get all emotional! :)

Later today the kids and I have to go to school for a meeting with the IEP team... we are going to see if our collective minds can create some new ideas to keep Shane on track!

Science Fair

I am so proud of Jessica... she took the OAKS test for reading-(as all of the thrid graders had to )- and she exceeded the standard-- so she (and some of her classmates) got to create this really cool presentation for the Science Fair... she won the bubble thing on the table as a door prize...

Go ahead ask her about BREAD MOLD... if you dare! :)

N ot April Fools

This was Shane last night finally sleeping with such peace...
Awwww -- I love seeing him  so calm and still.
He  suggested that if I wanted to be energy efficient, I could collect like 300 lightening bugs in a jar and then use them for  a night light...  It really is amazing how much random information he collects when I am not paying attention. (and yes that is a blue boa on his bed, it's Jessica's --but Shane likes how it feels-- so Jessica is nice enough to let him "borrow" it often!)

Jessica went fishing with Daddy... and she caught her limit... They were using a special bait that they had got from another fisherman.... When they were getting ready to come home and eat dinner-- they gave away... and sold their bait to others' !

Jerry cooked the fish last night and so that was part of his lunch for today at work!

My son happens to have a strange fashion sense,        or really none at all,           He LOVES to wear Jessica's pink boots-- With EVERYthing... He is also wearing the liner of a coat that used to be Jessica's -- 

This morning I got the best present that a mom can get,

(in my honest opinion)

 I heard the alarm go off and I got up and walked to the kids' rooms to wake them up--

When I opened Shane's door-- he was COMPLETELY dressed--

 he had on a  SMILE, a shirt,pants,SOCKS, and SHOES! 

Normally getting Shane dressed--especially the shoes and socks is the most difficult part of my day....

 I was so happy I kept hugging and complementing him...

I even went to school and told many there how awesome it was to see up and dressed for his day!

What a wonderful wondrous day of motherhood!

Happy April Fools Day... I didn't get fooled yet...I hope I can stay fool-free today!

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" .

Friday was good.

The kids were having a race at the park today-- and even with Shane's new shoes... the long legs of Jessica won.

pretty trees at the far side of the park~

Jessica wanted to show that she could climb all the way to the top-- I remember when she was not yet able...

-- notice Shane is at the top... egging her on! 

 gotta love the sibling love !

I am not sure what Shane was trying to pose as-- but he was very focused and happy when I snapped this picture.

Friday was a good day...

I won a t-shirt for Shane from http://www.knowledgesafari.com/

Esther-Faith from the Hennhouse-  is home from the hospital...yahooo...

Travis is also home from his trip to the hospital....yahooo...

Now if the situation in Haiti could get better... I would be REALLY EXCITED! :0)

However, one thing at a time! .... and God is GOOD all the TIME--

I don't usually leave posts with teasers... but --

 hopefully,tomorrow--    I will have a cool post up,

with a fun cheap project -- that might be considered a sensory project. :)

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!