I recently had to attend a "workshop" at IDES on how to get employed. When I explained to the kids where I was going because I got all this "you look nice, Mom, where are you going?"..... I told them that I was going to a meeting where people would help me decide what I wanted to be when I grew up. Since this conversation, Sally has come up with everything from Science Teacher to Doctor to Garbage Lady for me "to be". Seriously, she must have talked for an hour about what I should be. "You work at Chuckee Cheese, Mom"...... "You be a Police, Mom" . It was quite comical.
Because of the insurance that we bought to fund Sally's Special Needs trust - neither one of us is allowed to ride a motorcycle. This has never been a problem till Jeremy entered our lives. :-) He's a big biker and now Bill has the bug. Jeremy, knowing that Bill wants to ride but can't had a brilliant idea to buy a Dune Buggy for Bill! Can I just say - they got it - they went out in it and came back COVERED in mud and the BIGGEST smiles!!!! So their goal is to get it street ready and take trips around here.
Jack has become one of the gang down at Jer and Jen's. All 6 kids treat him like the brother they have. :-) He LOVES being with them. I think he really likes having siblings that don't have so many "problems". It's a nice break for him. Sal and I get some quality time then too. :-) Sally loves to go over and hang in the hot tub. Jeremy dials it down for the kids and they hop in and out of it and jump on the trampoline, swing on the swing set, generally run amok. :-) They're so good to Sal. Jeremy always tells her that she is his best friend. ;-)
I have decided to write a book (or books) about Mabel. The October list has badgered me about it and now friends on facebook say the same thing. From talking to the girls who have had books published the advice is that I should set up a time each day and write. Set a timer and do it. I'm gonna give it a shot. I've been taking a bunch of pictures of her to illustrate the book. God knows she's given me enough data. :-)
We're all looking forward to vacation. We'll be truckstering downstate again, to Aunt Jill's and the Adams County Fair and Brown County Fair (horse racing). There's several people we'd like to get in touch with. Tod and Rachel top the list. Can't wait to see the kids.
Back to my job search. I'm really not looking so much - I've decided to be a SAHM. (Stay At Home Mom). I figure I can volunteer at school, and always be there for Sally's stuff - which is getting more and more. The girl has a social calender that rivals the Queen. :-) I am thinking of going back to school ......again. I don't know.
It's been a little tougher here lately. You know how "great" (pfffttt) I am with transitions and Sal's been having bathroom problems more and more. :-/ I'm hoping we can be on some sort of level ground by the start of school.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
The 4th and All
Whoa - this weekend was a blur. We started Sat morning at 7 am and left for Darien parade. We helped Jeremy with his Prince Patios entry. On the way to the parade ALL children rode with Jen in the van. Bill and were left ALONE to drive the dump truck. It was the most PEACEFUL ride I've had in a LONG time. :-)
The kids all piled in the back of the dump truck at the parade and proceeded to bean people with dum-dums and tootsie rolls through the parade. We had a BLAST! We then retired to THE Shag and had a bar-b-que. The kids ran through the sprinkler, jumped in the water on the trampoline, in and out of the spa, and basically ran amok. :-)
We were ALL tired when we tucked in that night. Sunday we slept in and returned to Jeremy's to participate in Lisle's parade. *I* got to drive the Prince Patio's Explorer and Sal rode with and we both threw out candy. Driving and throwing is no easy task. ;-) Plus, at Lisle, the crowd is VERY close to the vehicles. It was a lot of fun.
Jeremy has a motorcycle with side car on it - Sadie (age 3) rode in there and threw candy. It was SO cute. Jer led the way then Jen, in the "fire van" , me in the Explorer, and Bill in the dump truck. I realized that afternoon that my kids had been accepted into the Fox family when Katelynn gave Jack AND her brother flack in the same tone. :-) Makes me very happy.
We all went to watch fireworks together. Jen took Jack and we took Katelynn. It was really nice to have a teenager in the car . I think it's so great for Jack to be around the Fox kids - to see what it's like to be a little brother (and big brother) to "typical" kids. They actually came looking for the kids on Monday afternoon! Katelynn and Andrew rode their bikes over and asked if Sal and Jack could come to their house. THAT is nice.
Anyway the fireworks were ok. Not worth a public service job - but ok. We managed to sit in the crying baby area of the village. DANG. There was a reason Sal never saw fireworks till she was like 8. It's just too much for some kids. By that time, they're tired and sun beat and just nasty. Don't try and comfort them through it - TAKE THEM HOME! They'll get to see fireworks ALL their life. But this particular family felt it their duty to make sure EVERYONE got to hear their precious scream at the top of his lungs - over and over and over and over. Ughhh.
On the way home, we stopped and got the traditional Frostee . Little Sadie had the best time , there were so many fireworks going off all around that she couldn't stop looking everywhere with her eyes wide open. She is a cutie.
Mabel made it through the night and didn't seem to be TOO affected. At one point in the night Sally asked if there was someone at the door (the booms sounded like knocks to her) ;-)
Mabel has a new trick of getting the pantry door open and getting into the garbage. She brings the whole bag out and goes through one by one while dining under the kitchen table - until you get home and as soon as she hears "oh, Mabel" you hear scampering and then sliding under the couch.
The kids all piled in the back of the dump truck at the parade and proceeded to bean people with dum-dums and tootsie rolls through the parade. We had a BLAST! We then retired to THE Shag and had a bar-b-que. The kids ran through the sprinkler, jumped in the water on the trampoline, in and out of the spa, and basically ran amok. :-)
We were ALL tired when we tucked in that night. Sunday we slept in and returned to Jeremy's to participate in Lisle's parade. *I* got to drive the Prince Patio's Explorer and Sal rode with and we both threw out candy. Driving and throwing is no easy task. ;-) Plus, at Lisle, the crowd is VERY close to the vehicles. It was a lot of fun.
Jeremy has a motorcycle with side car on it - Sadie (age 3) rode in there and threw candy. It was SO cute. Jer led the way then Jen, in the "fire van" , me in the Explorer, and Bill in the dump truck. I realized that afternoon that my kids had been accepted into the Fox family when Katelynn gave Jack AND her brother flack in the same tone. :-) Makes me very happy.
We all went to watch fireworks together. Jen took Jack and we took Katelynn. It was really nice to have a teenager in the car . I think it's so great for Jack to be around the Fox kids - to see what it's like to be a little brother (and big brother) to "typical" kids. They actually came looking for the kids on Monday afternoon! Katelynn and Andrew rode their bikes over and asked if Sal and Jack could come to their house. THAT is nice.
Anyway the fireworks were ok. Not worth a public service job - but ok. We managed to sit in the crying baby area of the village. DANG. There was a reason Sal never saw fireworks till she was like 8. It's just too much for some kids. By that time, they're tired and sun beat and just nasty. Don't try and comfort them through it - TAKE THEM HOME! They'll get to see fireworks ALL their life. But this particular family felt it their duty to make sure EVERYONE got to hear their precious scream at the top of his lungs - over and over and over and over. Ughhh.
On the way home, we stopped and got the traditional Frostee . Little Sadie had the best time , there were so many fireworks going off all around that she couldn't stop looking everywhere with her eyes wide open. She is a cutie.
Mabel made it through the night and didn't seem to be TOO affected. At one point in the night Sally asked if there was someone at the door (the booms sounded like knocks to her) ;-)
Mabel has a new trick of getting the pantry door open and getting into the garbage. She brings the whole bag out and goes through one by one while dining under the kitchen table - until you get home and as soon as she hears "oh, Mabel" you hear scampering and then sliding under the couch.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Catch Up
So, it's been a while again. Sometimes life gets a little too fast for me. The transition between school and camp is one of those times. I'm never quite prepared, plus this year, they threw in Summer school for Sal. So far it's working quite well. She gets on the bus around 7:10 and then I take Jack to camp around 8:30.
Oh yeah - I was laid off. I had to take too much time for Sally and it resulted in me being let go. Just as well. I really need a lot of time off this summer because of Summer school. Strange, but the older Sal gets the more I'm needed. Kind of the other way around from a "typical" child.
Speaking of typical child. He's done with baseball - we think. We thought he was done last week but the Hot Rods had other ideas. :-) We had dentist appointments on Saturday and after we were done I suggested we stop by the ball field on the way home and see how the Hot Rods were doing in the play offs. As we got out of the car Karen yelled over for Jack to get his glove - they needed a 9th player. Brought back memories of stories of Swisegood that tooled around the tri-state area with his glove and bat looking for a game. :-) So, we bribed him and I ran home and got a cup and pants and cleats and he took the field. :-) They lost so now it's the Aeros and the Blue Claws to play for the title. The two nastiest teams. Well, not the kids - but the coaches. Seems they really get their identity from how many times their teams can win. Sad. Adults really ruin a LOT of fun things for kids because they put THEIR agenda into it.
Sally is having bathroom issues again. It's SO frustrating! I'm trying VERY hard to keep it together and not get upset and put stress on her.
We've had a lot of storms lately and Mabel has spent the majority of time under the couch. She is hardly small enough to get under there. She has to slide in on her side and when she moves even a little you can feel it when you're on the couch. She's also figured out how to open the pantry door, and get into the trash. We keep (we used to) old empty grocery plastics hung on the door and she figured out that if the door isn't closed tight a Mabel can pull on those bags and the door will pop open. :-) Sometimes I see such glimmers of intelligence but most of the time she just seems dumb as dirt. :-)
My sister is up to her eyeballs in stress, as usual. The Nursing Home, in all their "wisdom" has decided - I have a feeling it's a state thing - that Mike should "go home". He still can't open the door to get out in case of fire - but that doesn't seem to matter. There's a lot of things that make no sense in this decision. He now is across the street from his Dr's office - he can - and has literally rolled his chair across the street for appointments. When he has his UTI's - which are darned near every month - it's MUCH easier for an ambulance to get to the Nursing Home (on County roads) than down a one lane dirt road to Missy's. Not to mention he has a whole bunch of people to talk to now. And if he doesn't care for one of the staff members he has 4 others to choose from. If he doesn't care for a particular at home nurse - he's stuck. I don't know. Like most everything - it's CRAZY. So anyway, it's up to my sister to get equipment brought in to move him and then hire 24 hour care and then see to him at home too - not to mention the insurance and finance etc - that has been almost a 40 hr a week job - oh and yeah - she has a full time job also. Which is the one thing keeping her sane - and that ain't saying much. I wish I could help - but how?
I'm really enjoying being home full time. I don't get as much accomplished as I thought I would - but I'm getting there.
Oh yeah - I was laid off. I had to take too much time for Sally and it resulted in me being let go. Just as well. I really need a lot of time off this summer because of Summer school. Strange, but the older Sal gets the more I'm needed. Kind of the other way around from a "typical" child.
Speaking of typical child. He's done with baseball - we think. We thought he was done last week but the Hot Rods had other ideas. :-) We had dentist appointments on Saturday and after we were done I suggested we stop by the ball field on the way home and see how the Hot Rods were doing in the play offs. As we got out of the car Karen yelled over for Jack to get his glove - they needed a 9th player. Brought back memories of stories of Swisegood that tooled around the tri-state area with his glove and bat looking for a game. :-) So, we bribed him and I ran home and got a cup and pants and cleats and he took the field. :-) They lost so now it's the Aeros and the Blue Claws to play for the title. The two nastiest teams. Well, not the kids - but the coaches. Seems they really get their identity from how many times their teams can win. Sad. Adults really ruin a LOT of fun things for kids because they put THEIR agenda into it.
Sally is having bathroom issues again. It's SO frustrating! I'm trying VERY hard to keep it together and not get upset and put stress on her.
We've had a lot of storms lately and Mabel has spent the majority of time under the couch. She is hardly small enough to get under there. She has to slide in on her side and when she moves even a little you can feel it when you're on the couch. She's also figured out how to open the pantry door, and get into the trash. We keep (we used to) old empty grocery plastics hung on the door and she figured out that if the door isn't closed tight a Mabel can pull on those bags and the door will pop open. :-) Sometimes I see such glimmers of intelligence but most of the time she just seems dumb as dirt. :-)
My sister is up to her eyeballs in stress, as usual. The Nursing Home, in all their "wisdom" has decided - I have a feeling it's a state thing - that Mike should "go home". He still can't open the door to get out in case of fire - but that doesn't seem to matter. There's a lot of things that make no sense in this decision. He now is across the street from his Dr's office - he can - and has literally rolled his chair across the street for appointments. When he has his UTI's - which are darned near every month - it's MUCH easier for an ambulance to get to the Nursing Home (on County roads) than down a one lane dirt road to Missy's. Not to mention he has a whole bunch of people to talk to now. And if he doesn't care for one of the staff members he has 4 others to choose from. If he doesn't care for a particular at home nurse - he's stuck. I don't know. Like most everything - it's CRAZY. So anyway, it's up to my sister to get equipment brought in to move him and then hire 24 hour care and then see to him at home too - not to mention the insurance and finance etc - that has been almost a 40 hr a week job - oh and yeah - she has a full time job also. Which is the one thing keeping her sane - and that ain't saying much. I wish I could help - but how?
I'm really enjoying being home full time. I don't get as much accomplished as I thought I would - but I'm getting there.
Saturday, June 05, 2010
Blah......
It's been a little tough here lately. Seems I'm just a little stuck. You know how you kind of get in a funk - for really no reason - just kind of zone out of life for a while. I think I tend to do this more than most.
I worry about Sal. Almost every transition brings these kinds of feelings. I *know* she's going to be ok - but I'm always wondering what I could have done better, different.
So, school's out and Sal starts summer school on Tuesday. They both go to camp on Monday. I think both Sal and I are a little anxious about summer school. It's the whole school - camp thing. Once we do it a couple times we'll be ok.
Our baseball team is now 2-10. That sure doesn't show the progress of this team and their heart. They are really starting to play well and they've always been SO good at helping each other through tears and celebrating the success'. They are a really cool bunch of kids. They really crack me up while we sit in the dug out together.
Mabel has been extra crazy lately. She refuses to believe that she cannot chew gum. I find her with some every once in a while and then plying it out of her mouth is a real joke. She tried to hang herself outside one night. We came home from baseball and found she had somehow wound herself around things, jumped down through the deck and when she tried to jump back she got hung up. Her little feet just BARELY hitting the ground. Ugghh - she had me really worried that night - until we all started to get ready for bed and she beat me into mine. Until then she was all panty and laying down and howling if you picked her up. ughh - what a pain.
We have acquired a hot tub - or should I say hot pool. The thing is HUGE. Jeremy found it and we were #3 on the hot tub list. :-) We're getting elec hooked up today. Jeremy's guys made a very nice brick patio for it and we also bricked up the front hill. Things are *starting* to look nice around here - but it's a slow process. When all is done we hope to have a FLAT backyard too. Jeremy is gong to use our yard to dump dirt he doesn't need or can't sell and then we'll buy bricks to make a retaining wall back there. By the time it's done - maybe we can roll our wheelchairs back there . :-) It really would be nice to play horse shoes or something back there.
I worry about Sal. Almost every transition brings these kinds of feelings. I *know* she's going to be ok - but I'm always wondering what I could have done better, different.
So, school's out and Sal starts summer school on Tuesday. They both go to camp on Monday. I think both Sal and I are a little anxious about summer school. It's the whole school - camp thing. Once we do it a couple times we'll be ok.
Our baseball team is now 2-10. That sure doesn't show the progress of this team and their heart. They are really starting to play well and they've always been SO good at helping each other through tears and celebrating the success'. They are a really cool bunch of kids. They really crack me up while we sit in the dug out together.
Mabel has been extra crazy lately. She refuses to believe that she cannot chew gum. I find her with some every once in a while and then plying it out of her mouth is a real joke. She tried to hang herself outside one night. We came home from baseball and found she had somehow wound herself around things, jumped down through the deck and when she tried to jump back she got hung up. Her little feet just BARELY hitting the ground. Ugghh - she had me really worried that night - until we all started to get ready for bed and she beat me into mine. Until then she was all panty and laying down and howling if you picked her up. ughh - what a pain.
We have acquired a hot tub - or should I say hot pool. The thing is HUGE. Jeremy found it and we were #3 on the hot tub list. :-) We're getting elec hooked up today. Jeremy's guys made a very nice brick patio for it and we also bricked up the front hill. Things are *starting* to look nice around here - but it's a slow process. When all is done we hope to have a FLAT backyard too. Jeremy is gong to use our yard to dump dirt he doesn't need or can't sell and then we'll buy bricks to make a retaining wall back there. By the time it's done - maybe we can roll our wheelchairs back there . :-) It really would be nice to play horse shoes or something back there.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
THE Boy's Birthday
The Boy turned 9 this weekend. He loves to hear his birth story - I recounted all that happened leading up to his birth and then after. I think he just loves hearing how, just as now, he was the center of attention.
We played baseball on Saturday. We lost. Go figure. But again, we were only down one run. AND we only had 9 kids. Attendence is a big problem for us. Jack and Tommy got to go to Chuck E Cheese on Sat night and then Jack stayed over at Tommy's house overnight. (Tommy doesn't like to stay over anywhere - he gets scared still)
:-) Aunt Jill came up and we went shopping and garage saling. We always have a good time.
Bill's gearing up for his yearly garage sale. I'm getting rid of a lot of furniture and clutter. LOVING *that* feeling - HATING my garage looking SO bad.
I was home on Friday and Mabel and I were hanging out in the living room when we heard this HUGE bang outside. *I* went to the window and looked outside - *Mabel* howled once and scooted her big body under the couch. I could be killed and she wouldn't care as long as she could get under the couch. Sadie would have been right next to me looking for what made the noise. Oh, Mabel.
Sally's been having more problems in the bathroom. She didn't go to CCheese because she pooped in her pants. We have noticed that she can tell us exactly where she was when she pooped so we have decided that she is ABLE to control this and thus we have started to punish her. The tricky part is finding something that you CAN withhold AND that means something to her. School is a great thing - BUT - I have to be able to call in to work IF she does poop. It's a fine-line game, that's for sure.
We played baseball on Saturday. We lost. Go figure. But again, we were only down one run. AND we only had 9 kids. Attendence is a big problem for us. Jack and Tommy got to go to Chuck E Cheese on Sat night and then Jack stayed over at Tommy's house overnight. (Tommy doesn't like to stay over anywhere - he gets scared still)
:-) Aunt Jill came up and we went shopping and garage saling. We always have a good time.
Bill's gearing up for his yearly garage sale. I'm getting rid of a lot of furniture and clutter. LOVING *that* feeling - HATING my garage looking SO bad.
I was home on Friday and Mabel and I were hanging out in the living room when we heard this HUGE bang outside. *I* went to the window and looked outside - *Mabel* howled once and scooted her big body under the couch. I could be killed and she wouldn't care as long as she could get under the couch. Sadie would have been right next to me looking for what made the noise. Oh, Mabel.
Sally's been having more problems in the bathroom. She didn't go to CCheese because she pooped in her pants. We have noticed that she can tell us exactly where she was when she pooped so we have decided that she is ABLE to control this and thus we have started to punish her. The tricky part is finding something that you CAN withhold AND that means something to her. School is a great thing - BUT - I have to be able to call in to work IF she does poop. It's a fine-line game, that's for sure.
Friday, May 07, 2010
Humor
Humor, like many things is held in the eye of the beholder - it's relative. And for the most part nothing is off-limits when it comes to humor. Well, nothings off-limits to some people. And here is my point: I've recently been criticized for my "crass" humor about my children and husband on face-book. If you're not familial with my work - well, then you prob don't know me and what the heck are you doing reading this if you don't know me??? :-)
My life is CRAZY - yeah, I hear ya - yours is too. But, do you have a 12 year old that still poops in her pants? Do you have to go to yearly meetings to *decide* what route to take in your daughter's education? Do you *pray* that your daughter will one day be able to live alone? On and on and on I could go. So maybe crazy isn't the word - but CHALLENGING!
For the most part, we've done well. My family seems "relatively" normal (and you should meet my relatives) <--- get it, relatively.... :-) I think we've done a pretty good job of grieving in private. So anyway I was told that I should be GRATEFUL for all I have!!! And before you people that know me ask - the person is still alive - for now. :-)
There's a certain kind of "dark" humor that I have found to be of comfort. It's the kind of humor that laughs at the fact that I was ELATED when my daughter UN-buckled herself in the bus. The bus driver was not. But see, *I* was seeing that her hand strength had progressed to where she *could* do that! So, you see I AM grateful. Probably more than *some* people. I'm grateful for the hundreds of things that many take for granted. Eye contact, reading, singing (WAY off key - but singing), speaking so that clerks can understand you, strangers that treat my daughter like a PERSON, soft bowel movements. Ok, you've prob got the idea - I'll stop there. :-)
My sister has a para-pelagic husband now. I guess she should be *grateful* he's not dead. And she is - but I'd NEVER tell her that. Her humor, like mine is a little on the dark side. You have to laugh - believe me - you'd do nothing but cry. And like me she's grateful for the help she's received and all the good things - but she's just as PISSED that she has to go through it at all. We ALL have that kind of something. And even though we probably wouldn't trade our cross that we bear for someone else's, we still have the right to joke about it. It just fascinates me that people think they have the right to criticize how you're living your life when they, in fact, have NEVER even come close to living you life. This person is divorced, I'm not. This person didn't live with their children as they were growing up, they have grand kids, I do not. SO many things that are different - not to mention they have NEVER had a special needs child. So.... to you, the person who told me that I should be grateful..... BITE ME!
:-)
My life is CRAZY - yeah, I hear ya - yours is too. But, do you have a 12 year old that still poops in her pants? Do you have to go to yearly meetings to *decide* what route to take in your daughter's education? Do you *pray* that your daughter will one day be able to live alone? On and on and on I could go. So maybe crazy isn't the word - but CHALLENGING!
For the most part, we've done well. My family seems "relatively" normal (and you should meet my relatives) <--- get it, relatively.... :-) I think we've done a pretty good job of grieving in private. So anyway I was told that I should be GRATEFUL for all I have!!! And before you people that know me ask - the person is still alive - for now. :-)
There's a certain kind of "dark" humor that I have found to be of comfort. It's the kind of humor that laughs at the fact that I was ELATED when my daughter UN-buckled herself in the bus. The bus driver was not. But see, *I* was seeing that her hand strength had progressed to where she *could* do that! So, you see I AM grateful. Probably more than *some* people. I'm grateful for the hundreds of things that many take for granted. Eye contact, reading, singing (WAY off key - but singing), speaking so that clerks can understand you, strangers that treat my daughter like a PERSON, soft bowel movements. Ok, you've prob got the idea - I'll stop there. :-)
My sister has a para-pelagic husband now. I guess she should be *grateful* he's not dead. And she is - but I'd NEVER tell her that. Her humor, like mine is a little on the dark side. You have to laugh - believe me - you'd do nothing but cry. And like me she's grateful for the help she's received and all the good things - but she's just as PISSED that she has to go through it at all. We ALL have that kind of something. And even though we probably wouldn't trade our cross that we bear for someone else's, we still have the right to joke about it. It just fascinates me that people think they have the right to criticize how you're living your life when they, in fact, have NEVER even come close to living you life. This person is divorced, I'm not. This person didn't live with their children as they were growing up, they have grand kids, I do not. SO many things that are different - not to mention they have NEVER had a special needs child. So.... to you, the person who told me that I should be grateful..... BITE ME!
:-)
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
The Junk Yard
Yes, Jeremy and Bill are gearing up for another garage sale and my garage is getting packed to the gills with "stuff". I'm attempting to go through the kids' stuff and get rid of some of *their* "stuff". :-) It's easier said than done, with Sal.
Sal is going to summer school AND she couldn't be happier! She told Gma and Aunt Jill all about it and that she was taking her backpack and all. It's too funny. We still aren't sure where school is - but we have had clearance from HHH. My team this year is another unbelieable one!!! They fight for stuff I don't even realize I want. ;-) If only people would realize how very much above and beyond MOST teachers, aides, directors, etc go.
Bill attended a Village Board meeting last week where the budget was voted on. Public Works got cut AGAIN and so did Fire and Police this time. All 3 Union reps were up Roger's butt explaining to the public how Roger has been lying about the Unions. The really crazy thing is - NO management cuts - AGAIN. So seriously, there's like 14 guys running 9. Does that make sense???? Wouldn't it be common sense that after the last cuts which were ALL blue collar - couldn't you cut down on management? I mean the population of Bolingbrook is not going down much - so you're going to need more blue collars to cover the last cut and now you do it again - when it's said and done will the Foreman run ANYONE? Or just sit in their office?
The real kicker was that *just* after the Public Works people were notified that they lost their jobs - Roger hired the contractors (landscape, etc) back. That's just sad. I guess I'm surprised that there are really those people out there - that their only motivation is greed. I really am green sometimes.
Bill and I have become coaches of Jack's Little League team. It happened something like this: Lisa (board member) called Bill to see if he'd be head coach - Bill said no because he doesn't get off till 5:30 and games start by then but that he would be assistant. Ok. The "Head" coach calls Bill and tells him he can't make the coaches meeting where they draft the kids. Ok, Bill goes. Then Bill finds out that this guy has been to NO coaches meetings and no he can't make practice either. Bill calls Lisa and tells her - he'll be the Head Coach and I will be his assistant. He then comes to me and tells me this. Gotta love that boy. :-/ No, really, it's been a lot of fun. Ok,some parents suck - but the kids are GREAT! We are now
0-5. :-) No, we're not very good. When Jack is one of the BEST players - you know we're in trouble. Don't get me wrong - Jack is ok - he loves to play - but he doesn't love to practice and he's always goofing off.
We have 3 little guys that are the same size, same color of hair, same build and at one point I asked one if I could call him Sal instead of Salvador and he replied "No, um... I'm Andy". :-) We also have another pair that look a lot a like (esp in hats and unifor) and they KNOW I have problems telling them apart and they PLAY me!!!! Saying "No, I'm not Brenden" when in fact, he is! :-)
But like I said - we - the coaches are having a ball. Don't know about the kids.
:-)
Brother-in-law has been in and out of the hosp again and again. The usual - UTI. They have *finally* put a stint in his arm so they can administer the antibiotic at the Nursing Home. I know Aunt Jill was happy to have that done. Trips to the ER in the middle of the night are NOT fun.
My Dad has taken emense joy in teasing the heck out of me about coaching. Asked if I wanted Swisegood's number. If I would make the papers for Winningest Coach. I really would LOVE to see him take Jack for a week and teach him how to pitch - but I'm not sure with Jack's attitude how long he'd last. ;-)
Jack has his spacer in and has done VERY well with it. The gap between his front teeth is getting so big you really could put a couple more teeth in thre but that's what we're working for and then the braces will push the teeth back. Mr Drama hasn't even cried with the teeth thing. Silly boy - if he only knew - he could really get me with this - I'm a real whimp when it comes to the dentist. But no, he takes that cranking 2 times a day like nothing - but a ball just brushes him and he's flopping like a fish. Dennis Rodman. We've even taken to calling him "The Worm". ;-)
The Brick (Sally) is now able to back float with NO floating devices. Ok, so barges move quicker in the Mississsippi - but hey, she's floating!!!!! She just LOVES swimming. When she found out there was no "swim team" in the summer she asked me if she could take swimming lessons. God, I love her. :-)
Jack has taken to getting a baseball game going between our house and Mr Chads. There's not a lot of room there AND he WAS using a league ball. We immedeately went to the store and purchased wiffle balls. My stress level was at tilt. So there's usually 3-9 kids in our yard now. I do like that they're always outside playing.
Mabel has been banished to the garage now, in her cage. She did a lot of chewing and dumpster diving and we scolded and warned so now she's been punished. She doesn't learn. But she's Mabel - what are ya gonna do.
Sal is going to summer school AND she couldn't be happier! She told Gma and Aunt Jill all about it and that she was taking her backpack and all. It's too funny. We still aren't sure where school is - but we have had clearance from HHH. My team this year is another unbelieable one!!! They fight for stuff I don't even realize I want. ;-) If only people would realize how very much above and beyond MOST teachers, aides, directors, etc go.
Bill attended a Village Board meeting last week where the budget was voted on. Public Works got cut AGAIN and so did Fire and Police this time. All 3 Union reps were up Roger's butt explaining to the public how Roger has been lying about the Unions. The really crazy thing is - NO management cuts - AGAIN. So seriously, there's like 14 guys running 9. Does that make sense???? Wouldn't it be common sense that after the last cuts which were ALL blue collar - couldn't you cut down on management? I mean the population of Bolingbrook is not going down much - so you're going to need more blue collars to cover the last cut and now you do it again - when it's said and done will the Foreman run ANYONE? Or just sit in their office?
The real kicker was that *just* after the Public Works people were notified that they lost their jobs - Roger hired the contractors (landscape, etc) back. That's just sad. I guess I'm surprised that there are really those people out there - that their only motivation is greed. I really am green sometimes.
Bill and I have become coaches of Jack's Little League team. It happened something like this: Lisa (board member) called Bill to see if he'd be head coach - Bill said no because he doesn't get off till 5:30 and games start by then but that he would be assistant. Ok. The "Head" coach calls Bill and tells him he can't make the coaches meeting where they draft the kids. Ok, Bill goes. Then Bill finds out that this guy has been to NO coaches meetings and no he can't make practice either. Bill calls Lisa and tells her - he'll be the Head Coach and I will be his assistant. He then comes to me and tells me this. Gotta love that boy. :-/ No, really, it's been a lot of fun. Ok,some parents suck - but the kids are GREAT! We are now
0-5. :-) No, we're not very good. When Jack is one of the BEST players - you know we're in trouble. Don't get me wrong - Jack is ok - he loves to play - but he doesn't love to practice and he's always goofing off.
We have 3 little guys that are the same size, same color of hair, same build and at one point I asked one if I could call him Sal instead of Salvador and he replied "No, um... I'm Andy". :-) We also have another pair that look a lot a like (esp in hats and unifor) and they KNOW I have problems telling them apart and they PLAY me!!!! Saying "No, I'm not Brenden" when in fact, he is! :-)
But like I said - we - the coaches are having a ball. Don't know about the kids.
:-)
Brother-in-law has been in and out of the hosp again and again. The usual - UTI. They have *finally* put a stint in his arm so they can administer the antibiotic at the Nursing Home. I know Aunt Jill was happy to have that done. Trips to the ER in the middle of the night are NOT fun.
My Dad has taken emense joy in teasing the heck out of me about coaching. Asked if I wanted Swisegood's number. If I would make the papers for Winningest Coach. I really would LOVE to see him take Jack for a week and teach him how to pitch - but I'm not sure with Jack's attitude how long he'd last. ;-)
Jack has his spacer in and has done VERY well with it. The gap between his front teeth is getting so big you really could put a couple more teeth in thre but that's what we're working for and then the braces will push the teeth back. Mr Drama hasn't even cried with the teeth thing. Silly boy - if he only knew - he could really get me with this - I'm a real whimp when it comes to the dentist. But no, he takes that cranking 2 times a day like nothing - but a ball just brushes him and he's flopping like a fish. Dennis Rodman. We've even taken to calling him "The Worm". ;-)
The Brick (Sally) is now able to back float with NO floating devices. Ok, so barges move quicker in the Mississsippi - but hey, she's floating!!!!! She just LOVES swimming. When she found out there was no "swim team" in the summer she asked me if she could take swimming lessons. God, I love her. :-)
Jack has taken to getting a baseball game going between our house and Mr Chads. There's not a lot of room there AND he WAS using a league ball. We immedeately went to the store and purchased wiffle balls. My stress level was at tilt. So there's usually 3-9 kids in our yard now. I do like that they're always outside playing.
Mabel has been banished to the garage now, in her cage. She did a lot of chewing and dumpster diving and we scolded and warned so now she's been punished. She doesn't learn. But she's Mabel - what are ya gonna do.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Sally's in Print!
Sally is portrayed in an article under the heading "The Road Less Traveled"
http://projectchoices.org/resources/newsletters.aspx
A Family’s Perspective
Sally began her inclusion experience by attending Developmental Kindergarten in the morning, coming home by bus to eat lunch and then getting on a bus and going to her “home school” for the afternoon kindergarten class. She was age 5, turning 6 that September. She spoke no words. She made very little eye contact and was very content to stay in her own little world.
Our want for an “all-day” home school experience for Sally was met with some resistance. However, we continued to push and explained that if it didn’t work we would simply stop. It was the best decision we’ve made for Sally. Since we began, she has flourished. She has many friends and in third grade was actually voted Vice-President of the class.
Fast forward now to 5th grade: she has participated in every school project. She is now a Patrol after school and has been using a laptop computer furnished by the district. She speaks well enough to communicate her needs, though we are still pursuing speech mastery. Sally can carry on a conversation, she jokes and looks people in the eye. She absolutely loves school. Every year brings more growth. We know we still have a long way to go; Sally is probably 3-4 years behind her peers in her curriculum, but we still rejoice at all the progress she has made.
We are positive that her success is ALL about relationships and the teachers, aides, therapists who have come into her life. EVERYONE who has touched our lives has made a difference and we are very grateful for it. There have been stumbles along the way, but I don’t know of a journey that doesn’t have some of those. Overall, we have received many more positive results than negative.
By Kelly Davidek, Sally’s mom
http://projectchoices.org/resources/newsletters.aspx
A Family’s Perspective
Sally began her inclusion experience by attending Developmental Kindergarten in the morning, coming home by bus to eat lunch and then getting on a bus and going to her “home school” for the afternoon kindergarten class. She was age 5, turning 6 that September. She spoke no words. She made very little eye contact and was very content to stay in her own little world.
Our want for an “all-day” home school experience for Sally was met with some resistance. However, we continued to push and explained that if it didn’t work we would simply stop. It was the best decision we’ve made for Sally. Since we began, she has flourished. She has many friends and in third grade was actually voted Vice-President of the class.
Fast forward now to 5th grade: she has participated in every school project. She is now a Patrol after school and has been using a laptop computer furnished by the district. She speaks well enough to communicate her needs, though we are still pursuing speech mastery. Sally can carry on a conversation, she jokes and looks people in the eye. She absolutely loves school. Every year brings more growth. We know we still have a long way to go; Sally is probably 3-4 years behind her peers in her curriculum, but we still rejoice at all the progress she has made.
We are positive that her success is ALL about relationships and the teachers, aides, therapists who have come into her life. EVERYONE who has touched our lives has made a difference and we are very grateful for it. There have been stumbles along the way, but I don’t know of a journey that doesn’t have some of those. Overall, we have received many more positive results than negative.
By Kelly Davidek, Sally’s mom
Easter With US
We had Easter here this year due to the timing of seeing the Follies. It was really nice. The kids got up a 4 A.M.!!!!! BUT - after finding the eggs and seeing the goodies that were left they hunkered down on the couch and fell asleep watching cartoons.
We had ham, potatoes, corn, rolls, dev. eggs and strawberries. It was a really easy going day. We played Jack's gross out card game and then we set up his gross out experiments. Aunt Jill gave him a "Gross Out" science experiments project/thing for Christmas and we made the gelatin, put it in the petri dish and then swabbed his underarms, toe jam and mouth and then rubbed it on the gelatin and now we're waiting to see what "grows". :-) Jack is in heaven. It's SUCH a boy thing to see what disgusting stuff could grow between your toes. :-)
We had ham, potatoes, corn, rolls, dev. eggs and strawberries. It was a really easy going day. We played Jack's gross out card game and then we set up his gross out experiments. Aunt Jill gave him a "Gross Out" science experiments project/thing for Christmas and we made the gelatin, put it in the petri dish and then swabbed his underarms, toe jam and mouth and then rubbed it on the gelatin and now we're waiting to see what "grows". :-) Jack is in heaven. It's SUCH a boy thing to see what disgusting stuff could grow between your toes. :-)
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Easter on the West Side
So we went to my brother's house for dinner last night. They have 3 kids - all who are grown and out of college. Jamie, the youngest, is student teaching right now and will graduate from UI in like 2 months. She was there and Jack had brought his report card to show off (mostly because he was SO surprised that he didn't have any B's = below district standards). On the comments of his report it said "tends to be a little chatty". I asked Jame if they teach that in Teacher Talk 101. Because the real world reads that as "this kid won't shut up". ;-)
She's going to make a good teacher - she's really excited and energized. Her "favorite" kid is someone who struggles SO hard, she says, but still has a great bubbly personality. It's cool how Jamie can see kids who don't "get it" so easy - when she was a kid who DID get it pretty easy. Good grades came easily for her than some and I think she's seeing it.
Dick and Laurena SWEAR they *miss* the bickering and the fighting (of which my kids gave out freely last night). I don't believe it. We had a really nice time. Even though my brother can't do chicken like my Dad (no one can) :-) It was pretty good. :-)
The FUNNIEST thing that happened was as all of us were sitting around the kitchen counter and the kids were playing Lego's in the living room, this HUGE black dog appeared at their back patio door. Then there appeared their neighbor. They opened the door and the dog went STORMING through the house - as if looking for something. When he came to the living room and saw the kids on the rug playing he "jumped" in surprise and barked. Come to find out - he was looking for Peyton. Peyton is my nephew's dog. I guess these two play together ALL the time - for hours! Peyton was just "visiting" last week because Peyton lives with Bob in Bloomington while Bob goes to school. (ISU) So when this dog encountered children on *their* play rug - he was just beside himself. It was SO funny! He was SERIOUSLY looking for Peyton and their neighbor had said that as they went for their walk - he had bounded out and come over - and he's so big she couldn't hold him. I can only imagine the fun those two must have.
Speaking of dogs. Mabel got to be outside while we were gone. She has to be on a chain but her chewed up cage is out on the deck and we put out some food and water and left her out (it was SO nice yesterday). She was HAPPY to see us return and she was TIRED - so some of that nice fresh air kind of tires her out *a little*.
Bill and I have been elected to be Little League coaches this year. He's head and I'm assistant. :-) We got our uniforms yesterday. We are the River Bandits. I've got a phone call in to Swisegood to tell him to make room on that "Winning est Coach in IL" trophy for my name! :-) We sat down and made out practice schedules and what we were doing at practices - and since we're concentrating much more on throwing and catching than on plays - we'll probably be in last place - BUT I DO think they will come out with GOOD habits and a lot of fun - and personally, I think that's what it's about.
Jack has shown he can get it over the plate pretty good. I'd really like for him to spend some time with my Dad and soak up some of his advice - but since Jack is Jack and life is crazy - that probably won't happen.
A big Happy Easter. Jack woke me at 3am to tell me what had been left in his basket and that the eggs were gone and hidden all around. We held him off till 4am when Sal got up and he told her all about it and so I got up and watched as they found all but 2 of the eggs and dove into their baskets. I kept thinking "there's NO way Dick and Laurena really MISS this!"
She's going to make a good teacher - she's really excited and energized. Her "favorite" kid is someone who struggles SO hard, she says, but still has a great bubbly personality. It's cool how Jamie can see kids who don't "get it" so easy - when she was a kid who DID get it pretty easy. Good grades came easily for her than some and I think she's seeing it.
Dick and Laurena SWEAR they *miss* the bickering and the fighting (of which my kids gave out freely last night). I don't believe it. We had a really nice time. Even though my brother can't do chicken like my Dad (no one can) :-) It was pretty good. :-)
The FUNNIEST thing that happened was as all of us were sitting around the kitchen counter and the kids were playing Lego's in the living room, this HUGE black dog appeared at their back patio door. Then there appeared their neighbor. They opened the door and the dog went STORMING through the house - as if looking for something. When he came to the living room and saw the kids on the rug playing he "jumped" in surprise and barked. Come to find out - he was looking for Peyton. Peyton is my nephew's dog. I guess these two play together ALL the time - for hours! Peyton was just "visiting" last week because Peyton lives with Bob in Bloomington while Bob goes to school. (ISU) So when this dog encountered children on *their* play rug - he was just beside himself. It was SO funny! He was SERIOUSLY looking for Peyton and their neighbor had said that as they went for their walk - he had bounded out and come over - and he's so big she couldn't hold him. I can only imagine the fun those two must have.
Speaking of dogs. Mabel got to be outside while we were gone. She has to be on a chain but her chewed up cage is out on the deck and we put out some food and water and left her out (it was SO nice yesterday). She was HAPPY to see us return and she was TIRED - so some of that nice fresh air kind of tires her out *a little*.
Bill and I have been elected to be Little League coaches this year. He's head and I'm assistant. :-) We got our uniforms yesterday. We are the River Bandits. I've got a phone call in to Swisegood to tell him to make room on that "Winning est Coach in IL" trophy for my name! :-) We sat down and made out practice schedules and what we were doing at practices - and since we're concentrating much more on throwing and catching than on plays - we'll probably be in last place - BUT I DO think they will come out with GOOD habits and a lot of fun - and personally, I think that's what it's about.
Jack has shown he can get it over the plate pretty good. I'd really like for him to spend some time with my Dad and soak up some of his advice - but since Jack is Jack and life is crazy - that probably won't happen.
A big Happy Easter. Jack woke me at 3am to tell me what had been left in his basket and that the eggs were gone and hidden all around. We held him off till 4am when Sal got up and he told her all about it and so I got up and watched as they found all but 2 of the eggs and dove into their baskets. I kept thinking "there's NO way Dick and Laurena really MISS this!"
Monday, March 29, 2010
Natalie Needs a Nightie
The Girls went on a road trip last weekend. Sally, Mabel and I all truckstered down to Aunt Jill's to watch her in the Windmill Follies production of Natalie Needs a Nightie. It was HYSTERICAL! My sister is amazing as an actress. It's so neat to see her up there - I don't see my sister - I see the character. She really does become the character and not just someone standing there delivering lines.
Sally enjoyed it too and was a little concerned when in the play they talk about the chamber maid, Rosebud (Aunt Jill), going to jail for stealing babies. After hearing *that* Sal sat up straighter and said "Aunt Jill can't go jail". I don't think anyone but our table heard it - but it was funny.
Aunt Jill left early - she had to get Uncle Mike from the Home and then go early to the play so Sal and I decided we'd go visit Grandpa. As we were getting ready to go Aunt Jill came tearing back through the lane - she had forgotten something. As she saw me putting Tiny (St Bernard) on the rope she said "you know, just leave him." (Tiny likes to go visiting. "Are you sure?" I questioned.
"Yeah, because Tiny won't go unless a cat goes and Mabel is keeping the cats away." (Mabel tends to howl at the cats - they ignore her and give her that *do you have a death wish* look) I had to laugh. That is by far the most common sense reason to why a dog won't go running off. Leave it to my sister.
And, when we returned home at around 10 pm - there they were - all 3 dogs and cats were out in the barn. I guess Mabel IS good for something.
I *got* to feed Uncle Mike at the play. :-) He can't hold a utensil anymore. He shakes SO bad that all the food falls off. One thing - he's pretty fast at eating. I could hardly spoon it in fast enough. It is like having a kid. He comes complete with his own clothing protector (bib) and water bottle and silverware. I'm not sure Aunt Jill had planned on having a child in her 50s. But he's still Uncle Mike and I still raz him just like I did when he could walk - and he dishes it out too. But it made me thankful for *my* little Special Needs one.
Granpa was glad to see Sally. She had brought her silver medal from basketball and I brought the book that Jack had written. We always try to bring presents. :-)
As usual we had dinner with Gpa and Gma on Sunday before we left (dinner=lunch in the "south") :-) Aunt Jill came along too - she had to do one more performance on Sunday for the Home residents. Dad gave her the business about when she was going to move to Hollywood. The local grocery store owner was in the play too - Keith Wilson. He's the son of a guy who went to school with my brother and OH my the stories that can be told about his silliness - anyway - their last name is Wilson so when my Dad goes up to the store he always yells "Hey Mr Wilson" at the meat counter (their office). He told Keith a joke that Keith used in his monologue before the play started. My Dad just beams when he tells jokes. :-)
The sad part of the journey was when Dad said he wasn't sure he was going to play golf this year. My Dad will be 82 this year and I realize things will be changing - but it's still sad. He said the biggest reason was because Squirty had died. Squirty was always at the golf course and would ALWAYS play - no matter what, and now with him not there Dad doesn't have someone to play with ALL the time. And "golf's no fun by yourself". Now mind you neither him or Squirt could hear worth a tinkers damn so it's not like they chatted up a storm as they played, but Dad just isn't sure he wants to play anymore.
Sally enjoyed it too and was a little concerned when in the play they talk about the chamber maid, Rosebud (Aunt Jill), going to jail for stealing babies. After hearing *that* Sal sat up straighter and said "Aunt Jill can't go jail". I don't think anyone but our table heard it - but it was funny.
Aunt Jill left early - she had to get Uncle Mike from the Home and then go early to the play so Sal and I decided we'd go visit Grandpa. As we were getting ready to go Aunt Jill came tearing back through the lane - she had forgotten something. As she saw me putting Tiny (St Bernard) on the rope she said "you know, just leave him." (Tiny likes to go visiting. "Are you sure?" I questioned.
"Yeah, because Tiny won't go unless a cat goes and Mabel is keeping the cats away." (Mabel tends to howl at the cats - they ignore her and give her that *do you have a death wish* look) I had to laugh. That is by far the most common sense reason to why a dog won't go running off. Leave it to my sister.
And, when we returned home at around 10 pm - there they were - all 3 dogs and cats were out in the barn. I guess Mabel IS good for something.
I *got* to feed Uncle Mike at the play. :-) He can't hold a utensil anymore. He shakes SO bad that all the food falls off. One thing - he's pretty fast at eating. I could hardly spoon it in fast enough. It is like having a kid. He comes complete with his own clothing protector (bib) and water bottle and silverware. I'm not sure Aunt Jill had planned on having a child in her 50s. But he's still Uncle Mike and I still raz him just like I did when he could walk - and he dishes it out too. But it made me thankful for *my* little Special Needs one.
Granpa was glad to see Sally. She had brought her silver medal from basketball and I brought the book that Jack had written. We always try to bring presents. :-)
As usual we had dinner with Gpa and Gma on Sunday before we left (dinner=lunch in the "south") :-) Aunt Jill came along too - she had to do one more performance on Sunday for the Home residents. Dad gave her the business about when she was going to move to Hollywood. The local grocery store owner was in the play too - Keith Wilson. He's the son of a guy who went to school with my brother and OH my the stories that can be told about his silliness - anyway - their last name is Wilson so when my Dad goes up to the store he always yells "Hey Mr Wilson" at the meat counter (their office). He told Keith a joke that Keith used in his monologue before the play started. My Dad just beams when he tells jokes. :-)
The sad part of the journey was when Dad said he wasn't sure he was going to play golf this year. My Dad will be 82 this year and I realize things will be changing - but it's still sad. He said the biggest reason was because Squirty had died. Squirty was always at the golf course and would ALWAYS play - no matter what, and now with him not there Dad doesn't have someone to play with ALL the time. And "golf's no fun by yourself". Now mind you neither him or Squirt could hear worth a tinkers damn so it's not like they chatted up a storm as they played, but Dad just isn't sure he wants to play anymore.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Stuffed Head
Jack has been to the Orthodontist recently and the Dr has literally rubbed his hands together in anticipation of the new Summer home, boat, and trip to Italy that Jack represents. :-) Seriously - the child has a TINY mouth. It's very hard to believe that something that's used THAT much and can be THAT loud is actually very small compared to the rest of us. He has TONS of teeth pushed up there in his skull that can't get out and we have to start with a spacer to make room for all of this.
As I was putting Jack to bed the other night he complained of a headache again. Jack has headaches pretty much since he started talking. Nothing severe - but I've never heard of children having *a* headache - let alone one every couple of days--- but that's Jack. And since Jack is knowing for his 'distortion' of the truth we don't pay it a big deal. BUT after seeing his x-rays I kind of wondered aloud to him that night that maybe his headaches have been because of all those teeth up there that are so crowded together.
'No, Mom." he said in that 'you're so stupid old woman' tone "It's because I have so many things stuffed up there."
"What?" I asked - thinking he may have shoved something up his nose or ears - this is Jack, after all.
"You know, like Math and Writing and Grammar and stuff" he said - totally serious. "that stuff is all crammed in there and it makes my head hurt sometimes."
I am SO amazed that I can hold my composure as much as I do with this child. He comes up with the most comical things. God love him. It's stuff like that - that saves his butt when I find my OLD books (as in NOT replaceable) all over my floor after he's been in there. Oh Jack Jack you are a treasure. :-)
As I was putting Jack to bed the other night he complained of a headache again. Jack has headaches pretty much since he started talking. Nothing severe - but I've never heard of children having *a* headache - let alone one every couple of days--- but that's Jack. And since Jack is knowing for his 'distortion' of the truth we don't pay it a big deal. BUT after seeing his x-rays I kind of wondered aloud to him that night that maybe his headaches have been because of all those teeth up there that are so crowded together.
'No, Mom." he said in that 'you're so stupid old woman' tone "It's because I have so many things stuffed up there."
"What?" I asked - thinking he may have shoved something up his nose or ears - this is Jack, after all.
"You know, like Math and Writing and Grammar and stuff" he said - totally serious. "that stuff is all crammed in there and it makes my head hurt sometimes."
I am SO amazed that I can hold my composure as much as I do with this child. He comes up with the most comical things. God love him. It's stuff like that - that saves his butt when I find my OLD books (as in NOT replaceable) all over my floor after he's been in there. Oh Jack Jack you are a treasure. :-)
Thursday, March 11, 2010
On the Run, Run, Run
So it's been crazy since we got back from Aunt Jill's. We had a GREAT time. Jack got to spend the night with my friend from H School's kids. Who would have ever thunk that when we were hanging out in HS. :-) Sally got to bum with her daddy and help set up and be in on all the behind the scenes.
Aunt Jill and I got there around 12 and walked around and saw ALL the stuff for raffle. If it wasn't there - you didn't need it - that's for sure. Seed for fields, gravel, fertilizer, tvs, spa packages, basketballs, you name it - and one that I thought was really cool: A baseball signed by Swisegood - the winning est baseball coach in IL. :-)
So after we got all settled in - Jill went to get Mike. Melissa and I sat at the table and tried to hold spaces. When Jill came back (she had taken Maddux and Sal) we got in line to get Sal something to eat. Dick and Laurena and Mom and Jackie were all out in the cafeteria and Sal saw them - but still got in line - didn't pay much attention--- until she saw Grandpa. "Hi There, Granpa!" She ran over to him and gave him a hug. Too cute.
It's now several weeks later and there are STILL checks coming in. So far they've raised over $64,000. In an area where $35,000 is a GOOD yearly income - that says a LOT! Not to mention that times are tough down there. I'd say the majority of our unemployment is in areas like that.
So, on to the next event. Swimming. Sally competed in the Special Olympic swim meet in Palos Heights. She won bronze. It was SO cool. I think she likes swimming the best. When she came back up to the stands with her coach after her heat she said "I swim again?" :-) I'm just SO proud of her on this. I also noticed that Jack was no place to be found most of the day - he was with a friend playing DSI and hardly saw him at all - UNTIL Sal swam. I then noticed that he was right up front at the rail, squatting down and cheering her on - with no prompting from us. He talks a big game about not wanting to be around her and how she bugs him so much (which is true) but I can tell there's a soft spot for her still. I'll never forget when he was smaller he called her his "big hero". :-)
Fast forward to last weekend. We all truckstered down to ISU in Bloomington for the STATE Special Olympics in which Sally's team (Jr Jaguars) played and the older group(Sr Jaguars) played. We went down Friday after work and checked in and watched the kids discover the hotel room. This was their first hotel stay ever. We got two queen beds and decided we'd each sleep with a child. With Sal and her "sleep alone and away" I was a little nervous.
The kids immediately got changed and headed for the pool. Where we met Tommy and his mom - a player on Sal's team. We stayed in for a while and then Sal and I headed upstairs to watch "Naughty Kids" (Supernanny to most of you). Figured I'd wind her down a little and get a grasp on how the night was to go. Jack and Daddy hung out in the lobby. Jack fascinated with the room key (credit card key) and was constantly visiting the coaches on the 3rd floor and coming in and out. He also enjoyed giving his key to the lady at the cafe and telling her to "charge it to the room". :-)
Had to play the bad a$$ on Friday night when Jack and Bill neglected to come back to the room in a timely manner. :-) We *played* at 8 a.m. on Sat which meant if we were following the bus we needed to be up early and it was obvious that Sal was NOT going to sleep until Daddy and Jack were safely tucked into bed. But as much as they grumbled they were seeing that the next morning the people they were "partying" with were nowhere to be seen. My Dad always says: If you stay up late with the Turkeys you can't soar with the Eagles in the morning. :-)
Saturday's game was a joke. I do believe the refs had never called a special needs game. They called "illegal screen" on us! Our kids don't even know what a screen is let alone an illegal one. Ugghh. So we lost - and Tony came very close to fouling out (NEVER have had even close to fouling out in the past). After the game
we went back to the room and got some lunch and just hung out. I was the mean Mom again who wouldn't let them go swimming. We had to play again at 12:30 and I felt like they would tire out too much.
Our 12:30 game was a LOT better - AND we had the same refs. But they had settled down and were obviously schooled about exactly what Special Needs ball is like. Our team took silver medals home. Sally was ALL smiles getting that silver medal hung on her neck as she stood on the podium. It was cute.
The next day we went to Wesleyan and watched the Senior team take gold. Aaron thanked the ref for calling a foul on him and was apologizing all over himself. They are a very quick and entertaining team to watch. Sally got to see Mark play. Mark and her have the same number - 21. They're a lot alike too.
And now to tell about what *I* think was the best part: The Opening Ceremony. All the teams from the state were marched in and introduced. They stood together in their areas (IL has 17 areas. Sally wore her jersey and her gold medal. She looked SO proud of herself. Mark sang the National Anthem. I do believe that was the first time I cried at that song. It was BEAUTIFUL! The Bloomington mayor welcomed us and the Pres of the Olympics gave a speech. Then the lights went out. In the far corner there was a policeman with THE TORCH! He brought it down the arena and gave it to one of the Athletes who brought it around the arena and through the tunnel and then up the stage and lit the cauldron. GOOSE BUMPS!!! HUGE lump in my throat. It was amazing! The cheering was deafening!
I can't explain just how energetic these kids are. The excitement from them hung in the air like stripes of gold. Even Jack was taken in by it. I think his mouth was in a permanent O for a while. After the ceremony there was a dance for all the kids but we decided we'd go back to the hotel and swim. Getting through the crowd was no easy task but they are the kindest and most polite kids. It was just a FANTASTIC experience. Our coaches Danielle, Heather and Oscar are just the BEST! What a fun group. They're always up for anything and they have the patience of Job.
We all had "favorites" from the weekend. Sally's was: Sleeping. I'd say because she didn't sleep alone like usual. Jack's was: Swimming (of course) Bill's was: the games Mine was the torch (and maybe how the beds were made when we came back to the motel - why can't that happen at home) :-)
Aunt Jill and I got there around 12 and walked around and saw ALL the stuff for raffle. If it wasn't there - you didn't need it - that's for sure. Seed for fields, gravel, fertilizer, tvs, spa packages, basketballs, you name it - and one that I thought was really cool: A baseball signed by Swisegood - the winning est baseball coach in IL. :-)
So after we got all settled in - Jill went to get Mike. Melissa and I sat at the table and tried to hold spaces. When Jill came back (she had taken Maddux and Sal) we got in line to get Sal something to eat. Dick and Laurena and Mom and Jackie were all out in the cafeteria and Sal saw them - but still got in line - didn't pay much attention--- until she saw Grandpa. "Hi There, Granpa!" She ran over to him and gave him a hug. Too cute.
It's now several weeks later and there are STILL checks coming in. So far they've raised over $64,000. In an area where $35,000 is a GOOD yearly income - that says a LOT! Not to mention that times are tough down there. I'd say the majority of our unemployment is in areas like that.
So, on to the next event. Swimming. Sally competed in the Special Olympic swim meet in Palos Heights. She won bronze. It was SO cool. I think she likes swimming the best. When she came back up to the stands with her coach after her heat she said "I swim again?" :-) I'm just SO proud of her on this. I also noticed that Jack was no place to be found most of the day - he was with a friend playing DSI and hardly saw him at all - UNTIL Sal swam. I then noticed that he was right up front at the rail, squatting down and cheering her on - with no prompting from us. He talks a big game about not wanting to be around her and how she bugs him so much (which is true) but I can tell there's a soft spot for her still. I'll never forget when he was smaller he called her his "big hero". :-)
Fast forward to last weekend. We all truckstered down to ISU in Bloomington for the STATE Special Olympics in which Sally's team (Jr Jaguars) played and the older group(Sr Jaguars) played. We went down Friday after work and checked in and watched the kids discover the hotel room. This was their first hotel stay ever. We got two queen beds and decided we'd each sleep with a child. With Sal and her "sleep alone and away" I was a little nervous.
The kids immediately got changed and headed for the pool. Where we met Tommy and his mom - a player on Sal's team. We stayed in for a while and then Sal and I headed upstairs to watch "Naughty Kids" (Supernanny to most of you). Figured I'd wind her down a little and get a grasp on how the night was to go. Jack and Daddy hung out in the lobby. Jack fascinated with the room key (credit card key) and was constantly visiting the coaches on the 3rd floor and coming in and out. He also enjoyed giving his key to the lady at the cafe and telling her to "charge it to the room". :-)
Had to play the bad a$$ on Friday night when Jack and Bill neglected to come back to the room in a timely manner. :-) We *played* at 8 a.m. on Sat which meant if we were following the bus we needed to be up early and it was obvious that Sal was NOT going to sleep until Daddy and Jack were safely tucked into bed. But as much as they grumbled they were seeing that the next morning the people they were "partying" with were nowhere to be seen. My Dad always says: If you stay up late with the Turkeys you can't soar with the Eagles in the morning. :-)
Saturday's game was a joke. I do believe the refs had never called a special needs game. They called "illegal screen" on us! Our kids don't even know what a screen is let alone an illegal one. Ugghh. So we lost - and Tony came very close to fouling out (NEVER have had even close to fouling out in the past). After the game
we went back to the room and got some lunch and just hung out. I was the mean Mom again who wouldn't let them go swimming. We had to play again at 12:30 and I felt like they would tire out too much.
Our 12:30 game was a LOT better - AND we had the same refs. But they had settled down and were obviously schooled about exactly what Special Needs ball is like. Our team took silver medals home. Sally was ALL smiles getting that silver medal hung on her neck as she stood on the podium. It was cute.
The next day we went to Wesleyan and watched the Senior team take gold. Aaron thanked the ref for calling a foul on him and was apologizing all over himself. They are a very quick and entertaining team to watch. Sally got to see Mark play. Mark and her have the same number - 21. They're a lot alike too.
And now to tell about what *I* think was the best part: The Opening Ceremony. All the teams from the state were marched in and introduced. They stood together in their areas (IL has 17 areas. Sally wore her jersey and her gold medal. She looked SO proud of herself. Mark sang the National Anthem. I do believe that was the first time I cried at that song. It was BEAUTIFUL! The Bloomington mayor welcomed us and the Pres of the Olympics gave a speech. Then the lights went out. In the far corner there was a policeman with THE TORCH! He brought it down the arena and gave it to one of the Athletes who brought it around the arena and through the tunnel and then up the stage and lit the cauldron. GOOSE BUMPS!!! HUGE lump in my throat. It was amazing! The cheering was deafening!
I can't explain just how energetic these kids are. The excitement from them hung in the air like stripes of gold. Even Jack was taken in by it. I think his mouth was in a permanent O for a while. After the ceremony there was a dance for all the kids but we decided we'd go back to the hotel and swim. Getting through the crowd was no easy task but they are the kindest and most polite kids. It was just a FANTASTIC experience. Our coaches Danielle, Heather and Oscar are just the BEST! What a fun group. They're always up for anything and they have the patience of Job.
We all had "favorites" from the weekend. Sally's was: Sleeping. I'd say because she didn't sleep alone like usual. Jack's was: Swimming (of course) Bill's was: the games Mine was the torch (and maybe how the beds were made when we came back to the motel - why can't that happen at home) :-)
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
We were on Channel 10 News!
BOWEN, Ill. (WGEM) -- Mike Gooding fell from his roof last May and ended up paralyzed from the waist down. He is restricted to a wheelchair and is living in a nursing home. The medical bills from surgeries keep piling up.
On Saturday afternoon, hundreds of Gooding's family and friends turned out for a benefit to help him through the most difficult time of his life.
"There are people from everywhere here. I don't know how far they have come for the benefit, but it's great," said longtime friend Ron Smith.
The Southeastern Elementary auditorium in Bowen, Illinois was packed with people, there to help a loyal friend. It was the first step, they hope, in getting Gooding back on his feet.
"With this crowd here, it's nothing like I expected. I knew there would be lots of people but maybe not this many," said Anne Goudschall, Gooding's friend.
Gooding is thankful for all the support from the community. "It's just amazing. It's a lot of people I haven't seen in eight months," said Gooding.
Gooding may be in a wheelchair now, but he says just wait a little while.
"I'm planning on walking again, though it may be a year or two," said Gooding. "I'll walk one way or another."
The benefit raised almost $25,000, which will go towards medical expenses.
"It's fantastic. I just can't thank people enough. I don't know how I could ever repay all these people," Gooding said.
On Saturday afternoon, hundreds of Gooding's family and friends turned out for a benefit to help him through the most difficult time of his life.
"There are people from everywhere here. I don't know how far they have come for the benefit, but it's great," said longtime friend Ron Smith.
The Southeastern Elementary auditorium in Bowen, Illinois was packed with people, there to help a loyal friend. It was the first step, they hope, in getting Gooding back on his feet.
"With this crowd here, it's nothing like I expected. I knew there would be lots of people but maybe not this many," said Anne Goudschall, Gooding's friend.
Gooding is thankful for all the support from the community. "It's just amazing. It's a lot of people I haven't seen in eight months," said Gooding.
Gooding may be in a wheelchair now, but he says just wait a little while.
"I'm planning on walking again, though it may be a year or two," said Gooding. "I'll walk one way or another."
The benefit raised almost $25,000, which will go towards medical expenses.
"It's fantastic. I just can't thank people enough. I don't know how I could ever repay all these people," Gooding said.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Saturday was a DAY
Mabel greeted us at the door yesterday. We went upstairs to find her cage in the above state. Houdini chewed her way out. But first she pulled the area rug into the cage and it being balled up (think making paper snowflakes when you fold the paper and cut)her chewing created little holes all over the rug.
It was a ROUGH day yesterday. We left here at 8:30 for a Special Olympics basketball game that started at 10:30. Sally was in RARE form. Or should I say the Autism was. Crying, whining, pooping her pants - it wasn't pretty. But as soon as the game started she was in heaven. Now, Sal doesn't actually play - she runs up and down the court and stands at either basket - trying hard not to come in contact with the ball. She also stands in the middle of the court and waves to us. :-) But she is one of only 7 and has to be put in for the other kids to have a break. Plus, she provides comedy. :-) But to the family yesterday she was a miserable little brat (and I HATE that word).
So by the time we arrived home *I* had had it! I have some kind of swollen gland thing in my neck - it's not awful - just annoying - so Mabel's little trick was just what was needed to put me over the edge. I just had to laugh. Bill and I collapsed on the couch and watched our new addiction: "House" and just let the day pass by.
JBSRA won one and lost one yesterday. We play at the State Finals in March, down in Bloomington - which means we will be staying overnight in a hotel. Sally and ANYONE in a room with her - NOT a good match. It will prove to be VERY interesting - I'm SURE! :-)
Jack and I sat on the bleachers yesterday - waiting of Bill to bring a drink and popcorn and Sal was warming up. I talked to him about Sally (she's been riding him pretty good lately) and I commented "She's really on your last nerve lately, huh? I know it's hard, Jack. It's hard for me too, but we have to keep trying together as a team." I said
"Mom, you don't even know," he replied "I have 20 at school and 1 at home, that's 21 people on my back,"
It took EVERY ounce of strength I had to not bust out laughing. It was SO funny - but I knew he was serious and would not have appreciated his Mom laughing in his face. That boy can make SO much drama out of nothing. I swear he'll be a politician, lawyer or actor (if he doesn't end up in jail) the way he can deliver a line of bs is unbelievable. :-)
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Mabel Goes To Jail
Wednesday morning Mabel got out the front door as Sally was waiting for her bus. Of course, being Mabel, she ran as fast as she could down the sidewalk and out of sight. I have given up chasing her - esp since we now have inches of snow covering the ground and the fact that I have a very time sensitive morning schedule.
So,as you would guess, she wound up in Animal Control doggie jail. I got a call at work around 2:00 telling me that they had Mabel and kind of "scolded" me about letting her out. Ughhh. Telling me that she could get eaten by a coyote - oh if only..... Now don't go giving me grief about that - I love Mabel and I'm just joking - but just like my kids she is very good at pushing my buttons and can rub that last nerve of mine off the scale. And besides, no coyote in his right mind would go after Mabel. Ewww - Mabel germs. So, after telling them that I would indeed retrieve her after work I hung up.
When I got to Animal Control I heard no barking - so that would mean that Mabel was ALL alone. "Good," I thought, "maybe she will have learned her lesson if she didn't have fun this time, playing with all the other doggies."
Oh, what we Americans do when we give a little power AND a badge to a teenager. This monster size, pimply faced man cub let me in and showed me Mabel's "file". Yes, Mabel has a rap sheet AND a mug shot. Seriously - they have a picture of her and all thees papers of the times when they have caught her. Again, I get the dripping water on the head and the light bulb in my eyes about how Mabel keeps getting out. I would have LOVED to confess that I am so attracted to this little man child that I keep letting the dog out just so I can rondevu with him. :-) Let's get a little perspective here, Sparkie - she's a dog - a beagle at that and they are best known for letting their noses get the best of them. So I hung my head and played all sorry like and picked up Mabel and lectured her all the way home.
Of course I got the eyes this morning - you know those eyes from a dog laying in your bed that say "I'm SO tired, I just want to sleep here all day, I won't make a mess or destroy the house, I'll be good - I'll just sleep in this bed all day. You don't need to put me in the cage." Oh, she's good at the eyes. If only she'd use her power for good instead of evil.
So,as you would guess, she wound up in Animal Control doggie jail. I got a call at work around 2:00 telling me that they had Mabel and kind of "scolded" me about letting her out. Ughhh. Telling me that she could get eaten by a coyote - oh if only..... Now don't go giving me grief about that - I love Mabel and I'm just joking - but just like my kids she is very good at pushing my buttons and can rub that last nerve of mine off the scale. And besides, no coyote in his right mind would go after Mabel. Ewww - Mabel germs. So, after telling them that I would indeed retrieve her after work I hung up.
When I got to Animal Control I heard no barking - so that would mean that Mabel was ALL alone. "Good," I thought, "maybe she will have learned her lesson if she didn't have fun this time, playing with all the other doggies."
Oh, what we Americans do when we give a little power AND a badge to a teenager. This monster size, pimply faced man cub let me in and showed me Mabel's "file". Yes, Mabel has a rap sheet AND a mug shot. Seriously - they have a picture of her and all thees papers of the times when they have caught her. Again, I get the dripping water on the head and the light bulb in my eyes about how Mabel keeps getting out. I would have LOVED to confess that I am so attracted to this little man child that I keep letting the dog out just so I can rondevu with him. :-) Let's get a little perspective here, Sparkie - she's a dog - a beagle at that and they are best known for letting their noses get the best of them. So I hung my head and played all sorry like and picked up Mabel and lectured her all the way home.
Of course I got the eyes this morning - you know those eyes from a dog laying in your bed that say "I'm SO tired, I just want to sleep here all day, I won't make a mess or destroy the house, I'll be good - I'll just sleep in this bed all day. You don't need to put me in the cage." Oh, she's good at the eyes. If only she'd use her power for good instead of evil.
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Mike Gooding Benefit
www.mikegooding.com
Date: Saturday, 27 February 2010
Time: 2:00 - 10:00
Location: Southeastern Elementary School - Bowen IL
Description: My brother-in-law, Mike worked for Alexander Lumber Co for 38 years. Last May he fell from his roof and is now paralyzed from the chest down. Mike and his wife, Jill (my sister) live in rural LaPrarie.
A meal will begin at 2 pm to include soups, sandwiches, deserts and drinks for a Free Will Offering. There will be a 50/50 drawing and three raffle items to include a 50" flat screen plasma TV, a $500 gift card from Game Masters in Quincy and a Nintendo Wii. You need not be present to win.
Tickets are available for $1.00 each or $5.00 for six. The Hancock County Piecemakers Quitling Guild are now selling tickets and will be on hand that day to raffle off a handmade quilt. There will be an auction beginning at 4 pm and music throughout the day by DJ Danny Veach.
For questions or to hlep with donating auction or raffle items, please call Teresa Wood at (217) 842-5884 or Anita Marlow at (217) 392-2323. Matching funds from the benefit will be provided by Thrivent Financial Lutherans Chapter 30630.
Date: Saturday, 27 February 2010
Time: 2:00 - 10:00
Location: Southeastern Elementary School - Bowen IL
Description: My brother-in-law, Mike worked for Alexander Lumber Co for 38 years. Last May he fell from his roof and is now paralyzed from the chest down. Mike and his wife, Jill (my sister) live in rural LaPrarie.
A meal will begin at 2 pm to include soups, sandwiches, deserts and drinks for a Free Will Offering. There will be a 50/50 drawing and three raffle items to include a 50" flat screen plasma TV, a $500 gift card from Game Masters in Quincy and a Nintendo Wii. You need not be present to win.
Tickets are available for $1.00 each or $5.00 for six. The Hancock County Piecemakers Quitling Guild are now selling tickets and will be on hand that day to raffle off a handmade quilt. There will be an auction beginning at 4 pm and music throughout the day by DJ Danny Veach.
For questions or to hlep with donating auction or raffle items, please call Teresa Wood at (217) 842-5884 or Anita Marlow at (217) 392-2323. Matching funds from the benefit will be provided by Thrivent Financial Lutherans Chapter 30630.
Monday, February 01, 2010
Mike Gooding Benefit!
Type: Causes - Fundraiser
Date: Saturday, 27 February 2010
Time: 2:00 - 10:00
Location: Southeastern Elementary School - Bowen IL
Description My brother-in-law, Mike worked for Alexander Lumber Co for 38 years. Last May he fell from his roof and is now paralyzed from the chest down. Mike and his wife, Jill (my sister) live in rural LaPrarie.
A meal will begin at 2 pm to include soups, sandwiches, deserts and drinks for a Free Will Offering. There will be a 50/50 drawing and three raffle items to include a 50" flat screen plasma TV, a $500 gift card from Game Masters in Quincy and a Nintendo Wii. You need not be present to win.
Tickets are available for $1.00 each or $5.00 for six. The Hancock County Piecemakers Quilting Guild are now selling tickets and will be on hand that day to raffle off a handmade quilt. There will be an auction beginning at 4 pm and music throughout the day by DJ Danny Veach.
For questions or to help with donating auction or raffle items, please call Teresa Wood at (217) 842-5884 or Anita Marlow at (217) 392-2323. Matching funds from the benefit will be provided by Thrivent Financial Lutherans Chapter 30630.
If you would like to send a donation, please make check payable to The Mike Gooding Benefit, c/ Marine Bank and Trust - PO Box 216, August IL 62311.
Date: Saturday, 27 February 2010
Time: 2:00 - 10:00
Location: Southeastern Elementary School - Bowen IL
Description My brother-in-law, Mike worked for Alexander Lumber Co for 38 years. Last May he fell from his roof and is now paralyzed from the chest down. Mike and his wife, Jill (my sister) live in rural LaPrarie.
A meal will begin at 2 pm to include soups, sandwiches, deserts and drinks for a Free Will Offering. There will be a 50/50 drawing and three raffle items to include a 50" flat screen plasma TV, a $500 gift card from Game Masters in Quincy and a Nintendo Wii. You need not be present to win.
Tickets are available for $1.00 each or $5.00 for six. The Hancock County Piecemakers Quilting Guild are now selling tickets and will be on hand that day to raffle off a handmade quilt. There will be an auction beginning at 4 pm and music throughout the day by DJ Danny Veach.
For questions or to help with donating auction or raffle items, please call Teresa Wood at (217) 842-5884 or Anita Marlow at (217) 392-2323. Matching funds from the benefit will be provided by Thrivent Financial Lutherans Chapter 30630.
If you would like to send a donation, please make check payable to The Mike Gooding Benefit, c/ Marine Bank and Trust - PO Box 216, August IL 62311.
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