ABILITY!!!!!

Today was my six year old's IEP (Individual Educational Plan/Program) meeting. An IEP is mandated by the Individuals with Disability Education Act (IDEA). Basically, an IEP is a plan to assist educators, parents, and state and local agencies in implementing the requirements for children with disabilities (I hate that word!).

So today, my daughter's teacher (who has been wonderful) and her speech teacher met with me to go over what she has achieved this last year and what goals we were going to have for next year and her new first grade teacher.

 My daughter officially has been given the title of: Communication Disorder. While she has made great progress in her speech ability, communicating her needs with the teacher and us, standing up for herself and being more outgoing, she still has many issues that she/we need to work on.

This meeting was hard for me because I have seen so much progress with her in the last year that I was hoping they would tell me all good news-although I know, as her mother, that this is not the case :(. It is hard to admit that your child might struggle for the rest of her life in school and will always need some sort of assistance. But you have to stay positive, focus on the good and have faith that with a lot of hard work, you can make a difference in this little ones life.

So basically, this is what is going on:

• Maddie NEVER initiates play at school, not once-socially she is struggling, although she has many friends and is popular-Thank Goodness!

• She is showing NO ability to process and retrieve information. For example, if you ask her to tell you about a picture in a story, she cannot do it. She cannot produce sentences of varying length and complexity about pictured stories or how-to sequences. She cannot relate information with appropriate sequencing and enough detail to be understood by the listener by retelling four events from a story she heard, or describe in detail about daily activities. This is major. They are really concerned with this because starting next year and as she gets older, this is crucial for her to function as a student and later in life as an adult. They said it was shocking how behind she is (basically she is on the level of a 2-3 year old).

• She has NEVER joined in social interactions with peers and only does so if asked by a peer :(

This is not new news to me. Often times I have read her a story or asked her to tell me about something she has drawn and she cannot tell me anything but simple things such as who she drew.

They are very concerned for her in this inability to process and retrieve information-obviously this is a critical skill in both school and life and they have seen NO improvement over the course of 9 months...not one single improvement.

She has many strengths-she is a wiz at math, is participating in gym and music (something she never did before) and is reading (although she cannot tell you what is happening in the pictures of the stories like most kids do to figure out what the words are).

I am trying to keep positive and of course will work with her endlessly this summer to help her be the best she can be. I love my little girl and believe in miracles. She was born with a left cerebral infarct (stroke) that caused extensive brain damage (over the language part of her brain-the other side will either compensate or it won't...only time will tell) and considering that, I am so blessed and grateful at all of her ABILITIES.

They gave me some ideas of games to play with her and how to get her to talk with more detail and so forth. I know with the great community of friends and family that we have, if we all work together to help Maddie and encourage her....she will succeed :)

I will never be able to thank enough all the adults that are a part of Maddie's life. The relationships she has with you are so critical to her maturing and growing little mind. I love that she loves all of you and feels safe in your homes and with your children :) I know part of her progress is because of these relationships. xoxoxoxox

~S

Burn :(

The other day we were roasting marshmallows in the backyard around our fire pit-something we do quite often.  We had some neighbor kids over and one of them stuck the metal roasting stick in the fire to melt the marshmallow off-but she stuck it in half way up the pole and let it stay in there until the prongs were bent together. I took it out of the fire and put my hand about half way on the pole and burned two of my fingers.

Some of you know that my left ring finger has a big red scar from being burned when I was three. Needless to say, I hate being burned. I'm not sure if it's the memory of when I was a child, or just the fact that when you get a bad burn it literally burns for hours and hours.

I ended up trying various methods (mustard, milk, ice water, Kava) and ended up staying up until 4 am soaking my hand in ice water until Finally it calmed down enough for me to sleep. Maddie had a sleepover and I was up early making breakfast for the kids-sucky.

I am tired today, my hand is sore and of course there are no bandages in the house to speak of. Oh well...guess I will be careful next time :)

Luckily, my son is the only one who has ever been burned (once from a baseboard heater when he was one and again two weeks ago from a can). He thought it was pretty cool that I got burned-probably so we could each share the pain. LOL. He was fascinated by his blisters-me on the other hand, am not :(

~S

Multiple Questions Monday

Multiple Questions Monday

1.        Do you wear contacts?

  No. I am lucky to have never needed glasses or contacts.

2.       What is your favorite month?

 I have two-October (for Halloween of course) and December (Christmas!)

3.       Last movie you watched…

The SpongeBob Movie (Not my choice, but rather the kids) J

4.       Hugs or kisses?

Kisses (only from my husband though!) because I am not a hugging type of person

5.       What books are you reading?

Tomorrow River by Kagen, The Ten Year Nap by Wolitzer & The Best American Essays by Wallace

6.       Piercings?

Just my ears, although I used to have my belly button pierced back in the days

7.       Have you ever fired a gun?

Yes, many times. My husband taught me how to shoot and my favorite gun is his revolver. I hope someday he will buy me my own J

8.       One pillow or two?

I have to sleep with two pillows! I like to be propped up.

9.       Left or right handed?

Right handed. My husband is ambidextrous-lucky.

10.   Pie or cake?

I like both J My favorite pie is either cherry or strawberry rhubarb. My favorite cake is cheesecake (but only if I make it). I have been known to favor German chocolate or carrot though :). Tee Hee Hee 

Update

Here's a little update on how things are going so far...

My medicine is great. My itching has been reduced some, the side effects are gone and overall I am glad I went on it.

The bidet is awesome! I cannot imagine not having one for the rest of my life. Seriously, everyone should have one :)

After doing the diet for a few weeks, I quit. I didn't notice any changes in my symptoms and the only positive about it was that I was more aware of things I was allergic to and will try to avoid those foods in the future.

Work is going great. It's hard to get used to working when you've been a stay-at-home mom for so long. My freelance job keeps me busy. I have been going to the office to pick-up work and do data entry that has to be done on-site. I love the people I work with and they are really flexible and understanding. They even said if I need to, I can bring Ash with me when I go in. I can work as little or as much as I want and so far, they have been keeping me busy.

Teaching for the University has been a challenge. Basically just getting through all of the training and so forth. I have a break right now and start my first class (officially) on June 21st after my family vacation. It will be interesting to balance both jobs.

Some days are so busy with the freelance job, volunteering and being a mom and wife that making dinner has been a challenge. Luckily I have a great husband who loves to cook and helps me out with the house and kid duty. My friends have been great too. I worked in the morning from home then went to the office yesterday until the evening and was happy to end the day with a free meal and good company at my friends house last night. This morning, my other friend made me and the girls breakfast before the boys returned from their father-son camp-out and this afternoon I am going to a friends house for appetizers and drinks :)

I am truly blessed to have friends that are so helpful. I love the fact that I have the ability to still stay home with the kids, avoid daycare, work from home and that my hubby can watch the kids the days I do have to go to the office.

I am excited for this chapter in my life. I worked a lot of years in college to have a career and I am finally glad that I can balance it with life, friends and family :) It's busy, but I know I can handle all that comes with it. Friends, family and charity are the most important parts of my life. They bring me joy and I love serving others. Despite how busy life can get,  I will always put them first before work.

~S

Diary

I may have peaked at my son's diary. Okay, I confess, I did read some pages and was glad I did. My son is turning ten in a matter of weeks and I am so glad that he is in my life. Out of all three of my kids, my son is the quiet one. He is like me.

He only shares certain things, is past the age of cuddles, kisses and hugs (although I still force them on him) and is very responsible for his age.

The book I peaked at is a diary called, "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Do-It-Yourself Book." I'm sure most of you recognize the title as the popular children's books and films. Basically, it asks you questions and you fill it in and there are some blank pages in the back to write a journal.

I bought it for him about a year ago in the hopes that he would write in it. I wish I had a journal to document my childhood.

I flipped through it when I was cleaning his room the other day. Yes, my son cleans his own room (according to his standards) but sometimes I go in there and tidy it up a bit according to mine (about once every month just so I can at least vacuum..LOL). Here are some cute things he wrote that I thought would be fun to share and document-especially because they are all new to me:

1.  His favorite animal is a snake

2.  He once had a dream that a 1,000 pound man was chasing him and going to eat him.

3.  He thinks parents should be banned from dancing within twenty feet of him (hmmmm...does this mean   I dance bad?!)

4.  He wants to live in the mountains, have two kids, a cat and own a helicopter.

5.  His house will include: a bowling alley, rollerskating rink, room full of gold, arcade, indoor pool, hot tub, and a giant refrigerator.

6.  He has drawn a picture so scary it gave him nightmares. Hee Hee

Too cute. I am glad he is still so innocent. Kids grow up way too fast. Pretty soon he will be in junior high, dating, driving and then moving away. I am so glad that I had the chance to have a son. Boys are so special and I am so proud of him :)
 
~S

Bidet!!!!

Ever since I got diagnosed with LS my doctor advised me to get a bidet. Because I tear when I wipe, a bidet eliminates the need for toilet paper. I have not gotten one in the past because of cost, but always wanted one. I knew someday I would buy one though. A few days ago we saw that Costco got one in and was selling it for more than half off the price of other retailers-we could not pass it up. It just replaces your old toilet seat, so there is no major construction involved.

The cool thing is, it washes (you can control the temperature of the water and spray feature), has a heated seat and a blower to dry you. I am so excited to use it. I hope it will cut down on the tearing I get from using the bathroom and make my showering less and less.

Here is a pic of it for your viewing pleasure. I seriously think it's going to change my life. ~S

HaPpY mOtHeRs DaY!

My Mother

Who fed me from her gentle breast
And hushed me in her arms to rest, 
And on my cheek sweet kisses prest?
My mother. 
When sleep forsook my open eye, 
Who was it sung sweet lullaby 
And rocked me that I should not cry?
My mother. 
Who sat and watched my infant head 
When sleeping in my cradle bed, 
And tears of sweet affection shed?
My mother. 
When pain and sickness made me cry, 
Who gazed upon my heavy eye 
And wept, for fear that I should die?
My mother. 
Who ran to help me when I fell 
And would some pretty story tell, 
Or kiss the part to make it well?
My mother. 
Who taught my infant lips to pray, 
To love God's holy word and day, 
And walk in wisdom's pleasant way?
My mother. 
And can I ever cease to be
Affectionate and kind to thee
Who wast so very kind to me,-
My mother 
Oh no, the thought I cannot bear; 
And if God please my life to spare 
I hope I shall reward thy care,
My mother. 
When thou art feeble, old and gray, 
My healthy arm shall be thy stay, 
And I will soothe thy pains away,
My mother 
Ans when I see thee hang thy head, 
'Twill be my turn to watch thy bed, 
And tears of sweet affection shed,-
My mother.

by Jane Taylor

Undiminished

Once again, today is a pain day. I do not blog about all my pain days, but the ones that are really bad, I do. 

I have multiple splits. They are in the raw stage (stinging and burning) and I am miserable. It hurts to walk, sit and even shower. On days like this I have two choices, sit and wallow or get up and face the day. Today, I am choosing to face the day. It's my husband's day off and I am determined to go through some baby clothes in the attic and purge them. Luckily, it is not a hot day, so sweat will not be a contributing factor to my misery.

I always sport yoga pants on my pain days or very baggy jeans. It's not that I feel attractive or even look good in them, but it is the only thing I can wear to feel somewhat comfortable. So don't judge me. LOL!

My splits are so bad, that if there was an option to go get a pain shot or go to the ER to get some relief, I would. But alas, there is not. So I will just deal.

I think it's important to not say anything to my kids about my disease. They know I have one, but I do not make it a point to let them know when I am having a bad day. Sometimes if I do not feel like going out of the house and just want to relax and heal, I will play games inside with them or invite their friends over. I never tell them no to having friends over if I am not feeling good and I never tell them how much pain I am in. I do not want them having the stress and worry of having a parent with an illness at their age. I experienced that with both my parents and I do not wish that on my kids. Although in my parents defense, their diseases were not ones they could hide. :)

I hope that whatever challenges you are facing at this time, you will face the day and make the best of what life gives you.

"Unendurable pain brings its own end with it. Chronic pain is always endurable: the intelligence maintains serenity by cutting itself off from the body, the mind remains undiminished. And the parts that pain affects - let them speak for themselves, if they can."  Marcus Aurelius

~S

The Hang-Out House

Having older kids is so much different than younger ones. My oldest is almost ten and one of my daughters is six. There is not a day that goes by (at least six days a week, sometimes seven) where one or both of their friends hang-out at our house. This makes me the mother of five kids each day. Ha! Ha!

Gone are the days of my older kids wanting to hang out with Mom & Dad and I am okay with that. My daughter prefers to have her friends at our house, but she does go to her friend's house quite a bit too. I am glad that our place is the hang-out house because that way I know what my kids are up to. But it does make the noise level go up considerably. I am scared for summer!!!!!!

Working from home is sometimes a challenge with so many kids around, but on some days it is a blessing. If the kids are occupied, then I am more productive. My kids lives would change considerably if I was not home. I also have to make sure my errands are done before 2:30 because as soon as my son walks in the door he calls his friend. I am grateful that they are outside getting exercise. That is my only rule. My son has to play outside from 3-6 if it is not raining. On weekends though, he is allowed to play video games inside. Those of you who have boys understand-they are loud!!!!!  Speaking of outside, our trampoline was one of the best investments we ever made :)

I love having a house full of kids and laughter. I think it is helping my three year old come out of her shell and be more social. Luckily I shuffle them all out by the time the boss gets home. LOL! I guess it says something about the way we have raised our kids and made a home if kids feel comfortable spending their afternoons here.

Hopefully we will be out of this house by the time they are teenagers! I cannot imagine having a house full of teenage boys and girls without some more space :)

~S

May Goals

Today is a glorious day. It's 70 degrees, sunny and I had to unpack the summer clothes for the kids. The sun makes me happy, so I am excited for summer.

 I wanted to post some goals for May. I have found that if I take baby steps each month to improve my life, I am more likely to accomplish them.

GOALS:

1.  Get a pedicure (silly I know, but I have only done this less than 5 times my whole life and feel like I need to be pampered)

2.  Eat less sugar

3.  Exercise at least three times a week

4.  Go to bed by eleven (I am known to stay up until 1 or 2 am, but I have been getting better lately)

5.  Find another online teaching job (currently I am teaching writing)

I think that is a good start. I could do more, but why overwhelm myself! Happy May Everyone!!!!! ~S