Remember a few days after 9/11 and all you saw everywhere was USA stuff. Flags on people's cars, houses, etc. Well, that's what you see here - only with Bear stuff. All other news seems unimportant. All the talk is Bears. Not that I'm complaining. This morning they were talking about what women who hate football should do this weekend. I say do whatever you want ladies - the town will be ALL yours. Kind of like Jewish people on Christmas day - the city will belong to you.
I helped Ms K this morning - took over while she went to the Dr. It was a lot of fun. Got my baby fix - she has a 3 month. Got my toddler fix - she has a 1.5 and 2 year old and got my "school children are a real pain" fix. :-) They're all so cute. I got to play all morning and then when she came home they had to do all the running and feeding and all the ick jobs - while I skated off to a nice quiet office. Could my life be any better???? :-)
We swim tonight. Oh Boy - dang - forgot to sign them up too. Ugghh. Be right back.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Sunday, January 28, 2007
He's Got Scale!
Everyone is dry skinned here. The boy has a big problem with it - to the point of psoriasis. So here we go with bulk Vaseline.
The Snowflake Dance was a success. S danced with Q and all her buddies from school. J danced with all his classmates. S danced for about a half hour till she had sensory overload. Then we stayed in the snack room and left a little early. But hey - they both had a nice time.
Our brain patient, K is doing very well. I'm so excited for them. God willing this surgery will get rid of his seizures and he will be able to hold a job, drive, enjoy life to the fullest. The whole family is so faithful and so brave. They are a living testament to God's grace.
Talked to Aunt J yesterday - it's extremely icy there. To the point that Tiny slips and all 4 feet go out from under him. I would really like to see that. :-) We got a little more snow last night - but now a lot.
We're talking about brunch today and of course the normal laundry. Then back at it tomorrow.
GO BEARS!!
The Snowflake Dance was a success. S danced with Q and all her buddies from school. J danced with all his classmates. S danced for about a half hour till she had sensory overload. Then we stayed in the snack room and left a little early. But hey - they both had a nice time.
Our brain patient, K is doing very well. I'm so excited for them. God willing this surgery will get rid of his seizures and he will be able to hold a job, drive, enjoy life to the fullest. The whole family is so faithful and so brave. They are a living testament to God's grace.
Talked to Aunt J yesterday - it's extremely icy there. To the point that Tiny slips and all 4 feet go out from under him. I would really like to see that. :-) We got a little more snow last night - but now a lot.
We're talking about brunch today and of course the normal laundry. Then back at it tomorrow.
GO BEARS!!
Friday, January 26, 2007
I'm not ready for breakfast - wait for me.
This is what we heard from S this morning when as she was picking out books to take to school. Made me laugh out loud.
We got report cards the other day - the boy - got many E's (exceeds)! And S - she got 4 M's (meets)!!!!!!!! Can you believe it?! Those Ms are HUGE! She's doing so well in school. I know I've said it before - but I LOVE Salk!!
Yesterday at group I couldn't believe all the bad things I was hearing about other school dists that are MUCH more affluent! SO much money and still do really nothing for Special Needs. Nancy doesn't even have what I call a Special Ed coordinator. Last year her team was only meeting once a year! That's crazy! I'm just SO proud of my school. They talked about how their kids are included - but not really - that they don't have friends - pfffft - we can't go anywhere that someone doesn't say hello to S. And her teachers treat her pretty much like anyone else. She's not the autistic kid in class - she's just S, and I'm S's mom and J is S's brother. School is really her domain. :-)
GO BEARS!
We got report cards the other day - the boy - got many E's (exceeds)! And S - she got 4 M's (meets)!!!!!!!! Can you believe it?! Those Ms are HUGE! She's doing so well in school. I know I've said it before - but I LOVE Salk!!
Yesterday at group I couldn't believe all the bad things I was hearing about other school dists that are MUCH more affluent! SO much money and still do really nothing for Special Needs. Nancy doesn't even have what I call a Special Ed coordinator. Last year her team was only meeting once a year! That's crazy! I'm just SO proud of my school. They talked about how their kids are included - but not really - that they don't have friends - pfffft - we can't go anywhere that someone doesn't say hello to S. And her teachers treat her pretty much like anyone else. She's not the autistic kid in class - she's just S, and I'm S's mom and J is S's brother. School is really her domain. :-)
GO BEARS!
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Death and Good News
Our dear friend, Bar-b-que has gone to the big pond in the sky along with one of the Ralfs. We found BBQ this morning - his tank all yucky and his poor little limp body at the bottom over a rock. He will surely be missed.
Good news from the "team". I can't get out of there without crying lately. Seems our gal is really improving. Just going like gangbusters. If we could get a year round school year this girl could possibly make it to a Jr College. She really seems to hit her stride come the 3rd quarter. She is reading, I'm told she has a better grasp of words and uses them better than most children her age. Seems she is really *gifted* we just can't get to it. Those low tone muscles seem to be standing in the way. Her team is certainly entertained by her. Have I mentioned how much I love the people that work with S?? I'm serious, it seems that everyone she comes into contact with is a very caring, giving, and great person. She is being taught every second of the day.
After taking the lunch money to the box she asked if she could go into the office. She wanted to say hi to everyone and to comment about their shirts (Bear Day). Wonder where she gets that socialness? :-)
Last night at swimming, I let her and J get in about 5 minutes early. He of course went right to the deep end to jump off. Guess who followed along? She's a jumper now!!!! That brother can push her to do stuff without the knowledge that he's even pushing her. And she in turn is teaching him things early. Because of her he is exposed to things at a much early age than others. He's doing great with all of his words. Wouldn't be surprised if he reads by the end of the year.
Oh, and we lost a tooth last night. Tooth Fairy brought $2. It was so funny. I had seen him wiggling it last night while eating, it was just barely holding on. And when I went in to kiss him goodnight and ask him if he knew who the luckiest Mommy was - he got all goosey and it came right out. Man, he looks like a 12er now. Put that cami hat on top of it with the barn coat - it's Gomer!
He had a great time at daycare in the mornings. And swimming seems to be fitting into school fine. So looks like we'll sign up for the rest of the year.
I need to write a letter to the insurance about all of this. I do believe group has really helped us with her vocabulary and her ability to conversate. They were saying that *that* is really picking up. It's everyone working together. I just get chills when I think of how good we are doing. How lucky we are to have such really FANTASTIC people working with her.
They also complimented B and I that we have exposed her to so much and it's evident that we work with her and that in their experience we are one of very few that do. I was proud but yet sad for the other children who don't have this. I mean, B and I try (and fail - a LOT) but we certainly aren't perfect nor do we get it all done or even handle things correctly all the time. But we do believe school to be important - and I feel mostly for the social aspect of it. S is a perfect example - she has all this knowledge up there - knowledge of the 3rd grader - she picks up everything - but she's reduced to a Kindergartner because of her social skills. Sometimes we need to take a good look at what is REALLY important.
GO BEARS!
Good news from the "team". I can't get out of there without crying lately. Seems our gal is really improving. Just going like gangbusters. If we could get a year round school year this girl could possibly make it to a Jr College. She really seems to hit her stride come the 3rd quarter. She is reading, I'm told she has a better grasp of words and uses them better than most children her age. Seems she is really *gifted* we just can't get to it. Those low tone muscles seem to be standing in the way. Her team is certainly entertained by her. Have I mentioned how much I love the people that work with S?? I'm serious, it seems that everyone she comes into contact with is a very caring, giving, and great person. She is being taught every second of the day.
After taking the lunch money to the box she asked if she could go into the office. She wanted to say hi to everyone and to comment about their shirts (Bear Day). Wonder where she gets that socialness? :-)
Last night at swimming, I let her and J get in about 5 minutes early. He of course went right to the deep end to jump off. Guess who followed along? She's a jumper now!!!! That brother can push her to do stuff without the knowledge that he's even pushing her. And she in turn is teaching him things early. Because of her he is exposed to things at a much early age than others. He's doing great with all of his words. Wouldn't be surprised if he reads by the end of the year.
Oh, and we lost a tooth last night. Tooth Fairy brought $2. It was so funny. I had seen him wiggling it last night while eating, it was just barely holding on. And when I went in to kiss him goodnight and ask him if he knew who the luckiest Mommy was - he got all goosey and it came right out. Man, he looks like a 12er now. Put that cami hat on top of it with the barn coat - it's Gomer!
He had a great time at daycare in the mornings. And swimming seems to be fitting into school fine. So looks like we'll sign up for the rest of the year.
I need to write a letter to the insurance about all of this. I do believe group has really helped us with her vocabulary and her ability to conversate. They were saying that *that* is really picking up. It's everyone working together. I just get chills when I think of how good we are doing. How lucky we are to have such really FANTASTIC people working with her.
They also complimented B and I that we have exposed her to so much and it's evident that we work with her and that in their experience we are one of very few that do. I was proud but yet sad for the other children who don't have this. I mean, B and I try (and fail - a LOT) but we certainly aren't perfect nor do we get it all done or even handle things correctly all the time. But we do believe school to be important - and I feel mostly for the social aspect of it. S is a perfect example - she has all this knowledge up there - knowledge of the 3rd grader - she picks up everything - but she's reduced to a Kindergartner because of her social skills. Sometimes we need to take a good look at what is REALLY important.
GO BEARS!
Monday, January 22, 2007
Back with CS
Well, I'm back with my buddy, CS. Another good one. The thing that scares me is that no one in the group seems to identify with the "patients". Strange.
S had a very good day today. Got all of her marbles. Even when watching a movie with all of the 3rd grade. I told her how proud I was of her.
GO BEARS! That's right - the Superbowl. S knew it last week before we even beat the Sea hawks. That girl has a sixth sense.
J goes back to daycare tomorrow morning - he's all excited about it. But he is praying that they don't have chicken nuggets or creamed corn. Don't blame him on the corn.
S had a very good day today. Got all of her marbles. Even when watching a movie with all of the 3rd grade. I told her how proud I was of her.
GO BEARS! That's right - the Superbowl. S knew it last week before we even beat the Sea hawks. That girl has a sixth sense.
J goes back to daycare tomorrow morning - he's all excited about it. But he is praying that they don't have chicken nuggets or creamed corn. Don't blame him on the corn.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Christmas is Done, Man!
Oh, thank God, we finally got all the Christmas stuff down and put away! I was so sick of that tree I wanted to puke! Pretty productive day, for us. Christmas stuff down - reg stuff back up, some laundry going and groceries. Tonight we're going to watch Flubber. Not sure if it will be a hit or not. We have been into the Sat night movies with all animals, so this will be a change.
Game tomorrow. Can I just tell you how very nervous I am. It's worse than if I were playing. I don't know, when you're on a team you feel more in control of what's going to happen then you do if you're just watching. The tension puts me over the edge. Plus, it's like you have all this energy and you can't do anything with it. Someone suggested that you should run the treadmill and watch the game. WHAT - and give up guac and chips. Not on your life! :-)
S is really chatting it up lately. My father would say if you tape her mouth shut, the top of her head would blow off. :-)
It's suppose to snow like a son of a gun tomorrow. Good Bear weather! :-) My Mom and Dad have been staying in due to such bad roads down south. The ice has them pretty 'fraid. Which is fine. Bones break too easy when you're that age.
They had a pilot come into group on Thursdsay. I guess all of our guys imparted all *their* knowledge *to* him. :-) He was YOUNG. Like Nancy said - If I saw him getting on my plane I'd ask him where his Mommy was going to meet him. :-) She is such a neat person. I love talking to her. Her Sam is a neat kid, too. He informed me that there is a website where you can perform virtual surgery! Now, that I'd like to see!
S is hoping for snow tonight. I think she's ready to sled. We haven't gotten to do that this year. Just not enough snow. She assures me that she's going to behave tomorrow at church. We'll have to see.
GO BEARS!!!!
Game tomorrow. Can I just tell you how very nervous I am. It's worse than if I were playing. I don't know, when you're on a team you feel more in control of what's going to happen then you do if you're just watching. The tension puts me over the edge. Plus, it's like you have all this energy and you can't do anything with it. Someone suggested that you should run the treadmill and watch the game. WHAT - and give up guac and chips. Not on your life! :-)
S is really chatting it up lately. My father would say if you tape her mouth shut, the top of her head would blow off. :-)
It's suppose to snow like a son of a gun tomorrow. Good Bear weather! :-) My Mom and Dad have been staying in due to such bad roads down south. The ice has them pretty 'fraid. Which is fine. Bones break too easy when you're that age.
They had a pilot come into group on Thursdsay. I guess all of our guys imparted all *their* knowledge *to* him. :-) He was YOUNG. Like Nancy said - If I saw him getting on my plane I'd ask him where his Mommy was going to meet him. :-) She is such a neat person. I love talking to her. Her Sam is a neat kid, too. He informed me that there is a website where you can perform virtual surgery! Now, that I'd like to see!
S is hoping for snow tonight. I think she's ready to sled. We haven't gotten to do that this year. Just not enough snow. She assures me that she's going to behave tomorrow at church. We'll have to see.
GO BEARS!!!!
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Medicated Dreams
It's so strange when you have dreams after taking medication - sometimes I feel that they are null and void because they're the result of medication - but then sometimes they seem to fit so well in your life. I had Rosie O over to my house last night and we discussed the whole Donald vs Rosie thing. I'm on Rosie's side. And I'm not sure why everyone else seems to hate her. Ok, she says what's on her mind - she's not out to win popularity on some of her statements. And no, I don't agree with her on all points - but when did being outspoken become a crime in this country? I agree with her that the Christianity taken to the extreme can be as horrible as Muslim taken to the extreme. I think most people would have to agree with that when we look in history. There have been so many deaths so much torture in the name of Christianity. And personally, I don't think that's what the Savior had in mind. We shouldn't be so righteous to think that we know all and have the right to judge others. I also think she has a right to her opinion about the Miss whatever not getting a second chance. It's her OPINION! Well, anyway - we had a fabulous time last night. We swapped stories of our kids and talked about the political scene and just laughed our butts off. She's very funny. :-)
Haircut yesterday. Was really nice to talk to L. I don't feel so all alone in my comparing of children. Little did I realize that mothers to "neuro-typical" children do too. ;-) Motherhood is SO sucky sometimes! :-)
S is all excited about getting her hair done by Harriet next time. She keeps talking about the "girls' day out". She is a character.
Haircut yesterday. Was really nice to talk to L. I don't feel so all alone in my comparing of children. Little did I realize that mothers to "neuro-typical" children do too. ;-) Motherhood is SO sucky sometimes! :-)
S is all excited about getting her hair done by Harriet next time. She keeps talking about the "girls' day out". She is a character.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Play with me and I will learn...
by James D MacDonald
Oh-oh! I did something wrong again.
I can see it in your face.
I'm sorry I disappoint you so much.
Maybe if I play by myself
I won't make as many mistakes
And then you will like me more.
I really want to play with you,
But when you want me to do things I cannot do,
A war starts and no one has fun.
I wish you knew how much I learn
When we just have fun together.
When you are funny, I remember everything you do.
Believe me, I am doing what I can do
You can teach me more
But only in little steps that are possible for me.
When I see that you think I am wrong,
I have to get away,
And then I don't learn with you.
Cool it, I will learn much more if you just play with me,
You're not supposed to be my teacher,
I will learn more when you are a playful parent.
Your job is not to make me perfect.
Your job is to make me confident and optimistic,
And then I will be as smart as I can be.
When you look sad and scared, I feel that way too
I can't be your "perfect" but I'm learning.
Trust me and we will do it together.
All I need to learn and grow
Is to be happy with you
Le me in and let's do it together.
Oh-oh! I did something wrong again.
I can see it in your face.
I'm sorry I disappoint you so much.
Maybe if I play by myself
I won't make as many mistakes
And then you will like me more.
I really want to play with you,
But when you want me to do things I cannot do,
A war starts and no one has fun.
I wish you knew how much I learn
When we just have fun together.
When you are funny, I remember everything you do.
Believe me, I am doing what I can do
You can teach me more
But only in little steps that are possible for me.
When I see that you think I am wrong,
I have to get away,
And then I don't learn with you.
Cool it, I will learn much more if you just play with me,
You're not supposed to be my teacher,
I will learn more when you are a playful parent.
Your job is not to make me perfect.
Your job is to make me confident and optimistic,
And then I will be as smart as I can be.
When you look sad and scared, I feel that way too
I can't be your "perfect" but I'm learning.
Trust me and we will do it together.
All I need to learn and grow
Is to be happy with you
Le me in and let's do it together.
Marty Murphy
Some things from Marty Murphy I find particularly interesting. :
Words to Remember:
1. Please remember when I try to do something and fail, it only means I am trying. I wasn't to succeed just as much as you want me to.
2. If I turn away or act like I don't care about you, don't think it means I don't love you. I do. Look closely. I might just have a different way of showing it.
3. When I act out or tantrum, I am not trying to be bad. I just get frustrated sometimes and this is the only way I have to show it.
4. Please try not to yell or scream at me. I know I must test your patience sometimes but it confuses me when you yell or scream and then my confusion can make me act worse.
5. Don't think because I might not communicate like everyone else that I don't have opinions or ideas about things. I do. I just can't make them understood. Being autistic and having an opinion of things some people might call "skewed", does not make my opinion any less relevant than anyone else's. It also does not make it more relevant. Don't forget my brothers and sisters as you work to help me.
6. If I get upset in a large group, a noisy place, a place that's too quiet or with too many things happening, please know that I wish I could join in and I am sad that I can't. I wish I did not do strange things in public at these times, but I can't help it. It's the only way I know how to cope.
7. Please don't spend time feeling sorry for me or sorry for yourself. I will only be a child for a short time, and we don't have much time to spend on feeling sorry for ourselves.
8. Don't think you can just ignore my problem and it will go away. I may have known I had a problem long before you did. Ignoring my problem will not make it go away. I need you to understand me and help me, now more than ever.
9. You must believe in me. Most of the time I will have trouble believing in myself! Please don't cast me aside or consider me just another "handicapped person" and limit or ignore my potential before we even know what it is. Remember, if people had cast aside Thomas Jefferson we might never have had the Declaration of Independence. If they had ignored Einstein or Edison, the world might never have benefited from their inventions or brilliance. If everyone had decided that Bill Gates was of limited potential, then the struggle that we have before us would be much greater, for he has given us the ability to connect to the world.
10. Help me navigate the world. It seems so big, scary and confusing. I know people make fun of me and it hurts. I know I am different but I don't know why. Don't hide me from the world. Help me conquer it the best way I can.
Words to Remember:
1. Please remember when I try to do something and fail, it only means I am trying. I wasn't to succeed just as much as you want me to.
2. If I turn away or act like I don't care about you, don't think it means I don't love you. I do. Look closely. I might just have a different way of showing it.
3. When I act out or tantrum, I am not trying to be bad. I just get frustrated sometimes and this is the only way I have to show it.
4. Please try not to yell or scream at me. I know I must test your patience sometimes but it confuses me when you yell or scream and then my confusion can make me act worse.
5. Don't think because I might not communicate like everyone else that I don't have opinions or ideas about things. I do. I just can't make them understood. Being autistic and having an opinion of things some people might call "skewed", does not make my opinion any less relevant than anyone else's. It also does not make it more relevant. Don't forget my brothers and sisters as you work to help me.
6. If I get upset in a large group, a noisy place, a place that's too quiet or with too many things happening, please know that I wish I could join in and I am sad that I can't. I wish I did not do strange things in public at these times, but I can't help it. It's the only way I know how to cope.
7. Please don't spend time feeling sorry for me or sorry for yourself. I will only be a child for a short time, and we don't have much time to spend on feeling sorry for ourselves.
8. Don't think you can just ignore my problem and it will go away. I may have known I had a problem long before you did. Ignoring my problem will not make it go away. I need you to understand me and help me, now more than ever.
9. You must believe in me. Most of the time I will have trouble believing in myself! Please don't cast me aside or consider me just another "handicapped person" and limit or ignore my potential before we even know what it is. Remember, if people had cast aside Thomas Jefferson we might never have had the Declaration of Independence. If they had ignored Einstein or Edison, the world might never have benefited from their inventions or brilliance. If everyone had decided that Bill Gates was of limited potential, then the struggle that we have before us would be much greater, for he has given us the ability to connect to the world.
10. Help me navigate the world. It seems so big, scary and confusing. I know people make fun of me and it hurts. I know I am different but I don't know why. Don't hide me from the world. Help me conquer it the best way I can.
So Torn - So Depressed - So Happy
What a complex life I live. Emotions all over the place in one moment. It SO sucks. I tested J yesterday, at school. He's way above the norm. Only him and 2 others out of 24 were able to identify numbers over 20 and count to 100. See I always knew he'd read early - he's always sat with S and I when we did her homework - but we never did math and I just didn't see it coming this quick. Yeah, I'm happy and proud but I'm also very depressed. Why couldn't S have some of that? Just a little make J average and bring S up to average. I know, it's evil to think like that in a way. I mean I never asked why me when God chose to bless me with J or to give me a roof over my head, plenty of food to eat, enough money, a good husband.
It's just like when J was "reading" (you know when you read the story over and over and over again - they memorize it and then "read" it to you) when he was like 3 and seeing the joy on his face, feeling proud but also seeing S over J's shoulder and knowing that she never did that and that she may NEVER do that. *I* know the true meaning of bitter sweet. And somewhere though crying about all this last night I actually uttered the words - why couldn't I have 2 like J!!!!! I swear I must be doing the crack while I'm sleeping!!! It's just so crazy!
It's just like when J was "reading" (you know when you read the story over and over and over again - they memorize it and then "read" it to you) when he was like 3 and seeing the joy on his face, feeling proud but also seeing S over J's shoulder and knowing that she never did that and that she may NEVER do that. *I* know the true meaning of bitter sweet. And somewhere though crying about all this last night I actually uttered the words - why couldn't I have 2 like J!!!!! I swear I must be doing the crack while I'm sleeping!!! It's just so crazy!
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Sad, Sad, News...
Our very favorite Dr - Dr. W. is no longer going to be practicing. :-( Now who are we going to see??? S will be very sad - she thinks Dr W walks on water. Makes you feel like one of the family has died or something. It's just so sad. We're really going to miss him.
Swim, little fishy.......
Swimming lessons went well. At least J's did. I'm not sure about S. LOTS of people there. Ivan was in S's class!!! That made me feel better. Either way, it was decided by the two that I should go and get goggles for Thursday. S would like black and J would like blue. "Black is better" was heard from the back seat. :-)
J's up to his old tricks. Sunday night he pulled a little pouty thing and told us he didn't want to go to school - and just a coincidence (pffttt) it was right at bedtime. Thinking that we would have a "talk" about it - he tried it on both of us. He was told that he could say anything he liked as he walked his butt back to his room and went to bed. His face was priceless. "um, *that* didn't go like I planned". The next day I picked him up from school and got the same pouty face and a "ughh, man - I don't want to go home". He just sucks the joy right out of life. :-)
He's got the other front tooth loose and is on a very soft diet - so it doesn't hurt his tooth. LGMS.
S has returned to school in full force. Asking for words every morning, reading her reader every night, but we're still having trouble with talking out. I have no clue lately.
J's up to his old tricks. Sunday night he pulled a little pouty thing and told us he didn't want to go to school - and just a coincidence (pffttt) it was right at bedtime. Thinking that we would have a "talk" about it - he tried it on both of us. He was told that he could say anything he liked as he walked his butt back to his room and went to bed. His face was priceless. "um, *that* didn't go like I planned". The next day I picked him up from school and got the same pouty face and a "ughh, man - I don't want to go home". He just sucks the joy right out of life. :-)
He's got the other front tooth loose and is on a very soft diet - so it doesn't hurt his tooth. LGMS.
S has returned to school in full force. Asking for words every morning, reading her reader every night, but we're still having trouble with talking out. I have no clue lately.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Bloody Blood
Gave blood yesterday. AND - wait for it...... NO passing out!!!! I managed to get my blood pressure up to a decent number, asked to lay down, and bled out in less than 10 minutes with no discomfort, dizziness, I was fine!!!! YAY!!! I've had the last two times be horrible because my blood pressure was so low and I bled too fast that my body shut down. :-/ So, I'm quite proud of myself.
The monsters are just that - monsters. No happy faces for S today. She wouldn't leave J alone AND she gave me problems when it was time to get dressed. Ugghh. They both got a time out because of wrestling and bickering today. Lord, give me the strength.
We have decided now that all the transferring of computers last weekend might have to be redone!!! We can't make up our minds as to what will work best where. :-/ I'm very happy with our "library" though. It works perfectly for the kids.
Tonight is our first swim lesson at night AND our first in a "reg" class. I'm anxious to see how it goes. I think it might be a nice time to treat them out to eat before. We'll see
The monsters are just that - monsters. No happy faces for S today. She wouldn't leave J alone AND she gave me problems when it was time to get dressed. Ugghh. They both got a time out because of wrestling and bickering today. Lord, give me the strength.
We have decided now that all the transferring of computers last weekend might have to be redone!!! We can't make up our minds as to what will work best where. :-/ I'm very happy with our "library" though. It works perfectly for the kids.
Tonight is our first swim lesson at night AND our first in a "reg" class. I'm anxious to see how it goes. I think it might be a nice time to treat them out to eat before. We'll see
Monday, January 08, 2007
Why?
Why do people borrow trouble? And do we all do it in a way? Do we make problems out of things that aren't really problems - and for what? Attention? Our society now seems to almost make up things that are wrong - where as we used to hide it - to make people think things were "normal". We always go from one extreme to another.
This morn I listened to a debate about mandatory preschool and full day kindergarten. I personally think both are a very good idea. Reasons: Other countries that do this and spend more money in Early Childhood related services are able then to spend a considerable amount LESS on prisons, courts, etc. Also - visit a kindergarten room someday - see how HUGE the gap is between those who know and those who don't. Now, try and teach them ALL. Granted - maybe the government shouldn't be in charge of this - God knows they are messing it now. But who should? And how can we make sure it's fair to all children - regardless of income level? Why is it our country is so very advanced yet so very behind??? Our priorities are SO messed up!!! Why does a teacher make SO much less than someone in a film?? I think we've seen that even animals can act. Yes, some people are better at it than others - but are they really worth what they're paid? And aren't the people who are in the trenches of teaching and shaping and molding our most precious things worth the most??? Makes my head hurt about how screwed up things are.
I LOVE being in the classroom but there's no way in heck I'd teach. Too many idiot parents. Too much crap you have to do to please the lunatic (State of IL) - too sad to see kids whose parents just don't GET it. And they come from ALL backgrounds. Breaks my heart - you can tell who gets attention and who doesn't. You can tell who needs more from Mom and Dad. And God knows, it's the hardest job you'll ever have - but you just CAN'T put in whatever's "left over".
This morn I listened to a debate about mandatory preschool and full day kindergarten. I personally think both are a very good idea. Reasons: Other countries that do this and spend more money in Early Childhood related services are able then to spend a considerable amount LESS on prisons, courts, etc. Also - visit a kindergarten room someday - see how HUGE the gap is between those who know and those who don't. Now, try and teach them ALL. Granted - maybe the government shouldn't be in charge of this - God knows they are messing it now. But who should? And how can we make sure it's fair to all children - regardless of income level? Why is it our country is so very advanced yet so very behind??? Our priorities are SO messed up!!! Why does a teacher make SO much less than someone in a film?? I think we've seen that even animals can act. Yes, some people are better at it than others - but are they really worth what they're paid? And aren't the people who are in the trenches of teaching and shaping and molding our most precious things worth the most??? Makes my head hurt about how screwed up things are.
I LOVE being in the classroom but there's no way in heck I'd teach. Too many idiot parents. Too much crap you have to do to please the lunatic (State of IL) - too sad to see kids whose parents just don't GET it. And they come from ALL backgrounds. Breaks my heart - you can tell who gets attention and who doesn't. You can tell who needs more from Mom and Dad. And God knows, it's the hardest job you'll ever have - but you just CAN'T put in whatever's "left over".
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Rough, Rough Day
Church was very bad again. S and I went home the second service. Grrr. What is it with her??? It's getting so much worse as she gets older. :-( I really lost it today. I actually said the words. The wish. I've NEVER done that before. Am I getting selfish or are things just so beyond my ability??? It didn't last long - I realize I can't afford too much time - there's too much to be done.
We're in the midst of finding homes for everything and re-arranging. Trying to set up something where we can all work at the same time. The kids now have their own computer/homework room/library. Complete with fish tank - where we have now lost all the Normans and Goldie passed this morning. So we are left with Cocoa, 3 Ralfs, and 5 Henrys. The tank is too darned big for that small amount of fish.
Tears tonight from the boy at bedtime - doesn't want to go to school tomorrow. Personally , I think it was a ploy to stay up later. First time in over two weeks that they had to shut the lights off and go to bed - instead of doing whatever in their rooms with the lights on.
S was glad to go - she plays hard and is SO ready for school. She was all a babble about library tomorrow and having her books all ready and what was for breakfast and then what she would have for lunch. That's my family - gotta know the menu.
We're in the midst of finding homes for everything and re-arranging. Trying to set up something where we can all work at the same time. The kids now have their own computer/homework room/library. Complete with fish tank - where we have now lost all the Normans and Goldie passed this morning. So we are left with Cocoa, 3 Ralfs, and 5 Henrys. The tank is too darned big for that small amount of fish.
Tears tonight from the boy at bedtime - doesn't want to go to school tomorrow. Personally , I think it was a ploy to stay up later. First time in over two weeks that they had to shut the lights off and go to bed - instead of doing whatever in their rooms with the lights on.
S was glad to go - she plays hard and is SO ready for school. She was all a babble about library tomorrow and having her books all ready and what was for breakfast and then what she would have for lunch. That's my family - gotta know the menu.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Fantastic Time
Just got home from a really GREAT time with L&E. The girls all went to get S's ears pierced today. Not one tear! She is a real trooper. When the lady put a dot on her ear with a marker there was a big freaky look on S's face and I started thinking "maybe this wasn't the best idea". But heck - she went through the actual piercing without a flinch. Sometimes that low tone really comes in handy. We (the girls) decided that it's time to girl up S. So we decided that she and Little L would go with us to our hair appt next time and then go shopping for some earrings. Our next appt will be about 6 weeks away and by that time there should be a fair amount of hair for Harriet to do something with.
The boys all met us for dinner at McD's. We had the BEST time. I laugh so much when I'm with L. She makes everything so fun. We talked and talked and pretty soon - it was 5 hours later. We have made an itinerary for the next couple of outings. The boys came up with sledding and then White Fence Farm. What a fun time.
So my tiny little baby girl now has pierced ears. Emerald green stones is what we chose. She really does look cute. Of course even the piercing lady thought she was a boy. Next step - dump the Spiderman stocking hat. :-)
The boys all met us for dinner at McD's. We had the BEST time. I laugh so much when I'm with L. She makes everything so fun. We talked and talked and pretty soon - it was 5 hours later. We have made an itinerary for the next couple of outings. The boys came up with sledding and then White Fence Farm. What a fun time.
So my tiny little baby girl now has pierced ears. Emerald green stones is what we chose. She really does look cute. Of course even the piercing lady thought she was a boy. Next step - dump the Spiderman stocking hat. :-)
Friday, January 05, 2007
Should I Be Worried
Should I be worried that my son likes to take his pants and shirt off and then tie his shirt around his waist so it looks like a skirt? He reminds me of Braveheart. He's so funny. He loves nothing better than to be naked. Granted it seems more like Spring lately but it is still Winter.
Last day of camp today. I think we're all ready for school and a 'normal' schedule. It's been hard keeping stuff picked up in the house lately. Too many toys - too much.
I'm so close to being caught up at work. Just trying to figure out when I'll need to start full time. The end of the year with payroll and W2s can get hairy for part time hours. Not to mention that the phones will be picking up shortly. Still having problems keeping the Els straight. I don't know how M does it. And what's kind of goofy is he kind of expects me to know them by heart. I just haven't worked with them enough. Heck when there's 22 of them - what ya gonna do. :-/
Last day of camp today. I think we're all ready for school and a 'normal' schedule. It's been hard keeping stuff picked up in the house lately. Too many toys - too much.
I'm so close to being caught up at work. Just trying to figure out when I'll need to start full time. The end of the year with payroll and W2s can get hairy for part time hours. Not to mention that the phones will be picking up shortly. Still having problems keeping the Els straight. I don't know how M does it. And what's kind of goofy is he kind of expects me to know them by heart. I just haven't worked with them enough. Heck when there's 22 of them - what ya gonna do. :-/
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Only a couple of days left
Monday starts school again. Thank GOD! Back to a "normal" schedule. The house still reaks of Christmas. Bah. I'm always glad to see it go.
The kids' are loving camp. Swimming every day - I'd love it too. :-) J has become addicted to Game boy. He plays it while he's on the toilet! It's too funny.
B is all excited about his new toy. I have to say I'm enjoying it too. Nothing like sitting on the couch and blogging! ;-)
I just about got caught up on work this week. It makes such a difference coming in the mornings istead of just afternoons. I'm looking forward to my hours in the summer. Of course need to get through full time tax season before that can happen.
Got my W2 today! Where does all that money go??? It just doesn't seem possible. If my parents only knew how much we bring down together. They'd be shocked. I remember the stories of them making so little that they didn't have to pay taxes. If every generation does better - I'll be anxious to see what J makes.
Looking forward to the weekend. The girls are going out to get S's ears pierced. She seems pretty excited. Then we're doing our annual Christmas thingie. Do the presents ever end???
The kids' are loving camp. Swimming every day - I'd love it too. :-) J has become addicted to Game boy. He plays it while he's on the toilet! It's too funny.
B is all excited about his new toy. I have to say I'm enjoying it too. Nothing like sitting on the couch and blogging! ;-)
I just about got caught up on work this week. It makes such a difference coming in the mornings istead of just afternoons. I'm looking forward to my hours in the summer. Of course need to get through full time tax season before that can happen.
Got my W2 today! Where does all that money go??? It just doesn't seem possible. If my parents only knew how much we bring down together. They'd be shocked. I remember the stories of them making so little that they didn't have to pay taxes. If every generation does better - I'll be anxious to see what J makes.
Looking forward to the weekend. The girls are going out to get S's ears pierced. She seems pretty excited. Then we're doing our annual Christmas thingie. Do the presents ever end???
Only a couple of days left
Monday starts school again. Thank GOD! Back to a "normal" schedule. The house still reaks of Christmas. Bah. I'm always glad to see it go.
The kids' are loving camp. Swimming every day - I'd love it too. :-) J has become addicted to Game boy. He plays it while he's on the toilet! It's too funny.
B is all excited about his new toy. I have to say I'm enjoying it too. Nothing like sitting on the couch and blogging! ;-)
I just about got caught up on work this week. It makes such a difference coming in the mornings istead of just afternoons. I'm looking forward to my hours in the summer. Of course need to get through full time tax season before that can happen.
Got my W2 today! Where does all that money go??? It just doesn't seem possible. If my parents only knew how much we bring down together. They'd be shocked. I remember the stories of them making so little that they didn't have to pay taxes. If every generation does better - I'll be anxious to see what J makes.
Looking forward to the weekend. The girls are going out to get S's ears pierced. She seems pretty excited. Then we're doing our annual Christmas thingie. Do the presents ever end???
The kids' are loving camp. Swimming every day - I'd love it too. :-) J has become addicted to Game boy. He plays it while he's on the toilet! It's too funny.
B is all excited about his new toy. I have to say I'm enjoying it too. Nothing like sitting on the couch and blogging! ;-)
I just about got caught up on work this week. It makes such a difference coming in the mornings istead of just afternoons. I'm looking forward to my hours in the summer. Of course need to get through full time tax season before that can happen.
Got my W2 today! Where does all that money go??? It just doesn't seem possible. If my parents only knew how much we bring down together. They'd be shocked. I remember the stories of them making so little that they didn't have to pay taxes. If every generation does better - I'll be anxious to see what J makes.
Looking forward to the weekend. The girls are going out to get S's ears pierced. She seems pretty excited. Then we're doing our annual Christmas thingie. Do the presents ever end???
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