If I had to choose my favorite show of all time, it would be...LOST.
New question: If someone did something, something really big to betray your trust, how long would it take you to trust them again? Say the event happened close to a year ago and the person has done done numerous things in an attempt to earn your trust back.
Yes, I am asking for a specific reason, which I probably won't elaborate on, for those who are curious.
Friday, March 31, 2006
Kids
I love this picture...it looks so....photographer-like.
This was taken through the glass and screen, looking out on to the deck.
Yes, they do actually love each other!
Ahh, the innocence.
Hammin' it up in the carseat.
Yeah, I know I'm cute.
Give Mama a kiss.
I'm mad, and I'm not gonna take it anymore!
Not only can I walk, but I can dance too!
Mama pretending to sneeze really is funny you know.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Idol
So, Lisa's gone. She was good overall, and a nice kid, but I didn't see her winning.
Next week: Country music and Kenny Rogers.
Sweet.
Kellie and Bucky should pretty much rule that one.
Next week: Country music and Kenny Rogers.
Sweet.
Kellie and Bucky should pretty much rule that one.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Tonight
Dinner and Pete and Marie's for my sister Heather's birthday.
Homework with Emily.
Bones.
LOST.
American Idol.
Bed.
Homework with Emily.
Bones.
LOST.
American Idol.
Bed.
Sensory Issues?
One of the big things with Julia walking, that both Deb at Health South and Vida at EI recommend, is having her walk on different and perhaps uneven surfaces.
Today, with it being so nice outside, I decided to take her out to walk around on the pavement, on the rocky path leading out to the backyard, and on the grass itself.
She did pretty well all in all. The only thing that was of note was that everytime she would lose her balance and fall, she refused to touch the ground and use it as a means to push herself back up. She touched the ground and immediately began brushing at her hands in disgust. She did this a number of times, basically everytime she would lose her balance and fall.
She would sit there and cry until I helped her get back into a standing position.
I have mentioned before here that she only seems to like softer foods. She will eat a very limited amount of solid foods (as in things that actually need to be chewed).
So, I am wondering if things that are rough or hard in texture bother her?
Sensory Integration seems to be a bit extreme but maybe she has a low sensory threshold?
Basically, I am just going to increase her contact with these types of things...encourage more eating of rougher type foods...and walking/falling outside. Basically, this is about all an OT would do anyway.
I am also wondering about her motor planning. She still at times will sit and look at a toy she wants that is across the room and appear to "forget" that she can actually crawl or walk over to it. She will sit there and have a fit until she either moves on to something else or someone gets it for her. This was a slight concern when she had her OT eval through EI. It seems like it might have gotten a little bit better but, I am not sure.
I really think that part of Julia's "problem" is confidence. It's almost like she doesn't realize that she can do all of these things which is why I think encouragement and exposure will work wonders with her.
Today, with it being so nice outside, I decided to take her out to walk around on the pavement, on the rocky path leading out to the backyard, and on the grass itself.
She did pretty well all in all. The only thing that was of note was that everytime she would lose her balance and fall, she refused to touch the ground and use it as a means to push herself back up. She touched the ground and immediately began brushing at her hands in disgust. She did this a number of times, basically everytime she would lose her balance and fall.
She would sit there and cry until I helped her get back into a standing position.
I have mentioned before here that she only seems to like softer foods. She will eat a very limited amount of solid foods (as in things that actually need to be chewed).
So, I am wondering if things that are rough or hard in texture bother her?
Sensory Integration seems to be a bit extreme but maybe she has a low sensory threshold?
Basically, I am just going to increase her contact with these types of things...encourage more eating of rougher type foods...and walking/falling outside. Basically, this is about all an OT would do anyway.
I am also wondering about her motor planning. She still at times will sit and look at a toy she wants that is across the room and appear to "forget" that she can actually crawl or walk over to it. She will sit there and have a fit until she either moves on to something else or someone gets it for her. This was a slight concern when she had her OT eval through EI. It seems like it might have gotten a little bit better but, I am not sure.
I really think that part of Julia's "problem" is confidence. It's almost like she doesn't realize that she can do all of these things which is why I think encouragement and exposure will work wonders with her.
MA
Besides being my sister's birthday, it is also the 15 year anniversary of my paternal grandmother's passing.
My grandmother came home from the hospital to our house to spend her last days with us. She was sick with lung cancer.
That year, March 29 was also Good Friday so, it's kind of like we have two anniversaries to remember.
There are a lot of things that stand out in my mind about that time but perhaps the one thing most embedded in my mind was that it was the first (and the last) time I ever saw my father cry. I remember him getting teary eyed at his sisters wake/funeral a few years later, but not actually crying.
It's kind of a weird thing to see your father cry. I remember it so vividly too, and it was actually before she came home that it happened.
For some reason, it was just him and I home (I think it was a school day and being 14 at the time, I got out earlier than my younger sisters). He was home early from work and the phone rang. He answered it and I could tell by the tone of his voice that it wasn't good. He got of the phone and I asked what was wrong. He put his hands over his face and broke down saying, "Ma might die."
I don't think I will ever forget that moment for as long as I live, and it brings tears to my eyes right now, just remembering it.
Anyway, I still think of Ma often. Oddly, whenever I pray (which admittedly isn't often) I think of her and wonder if she is somehow looking down on me. I wonder if she's proud of me and how my life has turned out.
My grandmother came home from the hospital to our house to spend her last days with us. She was sick with lung cancer.
That year, March 29 was also Good Friday so, it's kind of like we have two anniversaries to remember.
There are a lot of things that stand out in my mind about that time but perhaps the one thing most embedded in my mind was that it was the first (and the last) time I ever saw my father cry. I remember him getting teary eyed at his sisters wake/funeral a few years later, but not actually crying.
It's kind of a weird thing to see your father cry. I remember it so vividly too, and it was actually before she came home that it happened.
For some reason, it was just him and I home (I think it was a school day and being 14 at the time, I got out earlier than my younger sisters). He was home early from work and the phone rang. He answered it and I could tell by the tone of his voice that it wasn't good. He got of the phone and I asked what was wrong. He put his hands over his face and broke down saying, "Ma might die."
I don't think I will ever forget that moment for as long as I live, and it brings tears to my eyes right now, just remembering it.
Anyway, I still think of Ma often. Oddly, whenever I pray (which admittedly isn't often) I think of her and wonder if she is somehow looking down on me. I wonder if she's proud of me and how my life has turned out.
Idol
My Bottom Three: Kellie, Katharine, and Lisa.
Bucky, Taylor, and Elliot did a great job I thought. Taylor has always been in my top three, and I 've always kind of liked Bucky(he doesn't have the best voice but there's something about him), but I had no thoughts one way or the other about Elliot. He really did well last night though.
Everyone else was just ok.
It really wasn't my favorite episode ever to be honest. No one really impressed me.
Bucky, Taylor, and Elliot did a great job I thought. Taylor has always been in my top three, and I 've always kind of liked Bucky(he doesn't have the best voice but there's something about him), but I had no thoughts one way or the other about Elliot. He really did well last night though.
Everyone else was just ok.
It really wasn't my favorite episode ever to be honest. No one really impressed me.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
I Think I know...
...what I want to be when I grow up!
As I have mentioned, I have been doing tons of research in the areas of special education, ADHD, executive functions, and psychology. I started out with the goal of understanding more how Emily specifically functions in her every day life.
The more I get in to it though, the more I see how my research is benefiting me in ways that I didn't anticipate.
Perhaps the most beneficial part of all of this, aside from the obvious benefits of better understanding?
I feel like I am actually using my brain.
Hard to explain really, but it feels good to sit down and research something, learn all I can about it, and make a decision about what I now know.
I sort of feel like, um, I don't know, scholarly or something.
Perhaps, even better than all of that?
I like it, as in really, really like it. I find it all to be so interesting, and I have an actual need to learn more.
I never felt that way in college, or high school for that matter. I just went and did whatever because I was supposed to. It's probably why I left Merrimack after 2 years (one of the reasons anyway).
I have been thinking for a long time about what I want to do after the kids are all in school etc.
I think I know.
I want to be a combination of the following professions:
Child Psychologist
Special Education Teacher
Advocate
I have no idea what that would be called officially, but that's what I want to do.
As I have mentioned, I have been doing tons of research in the areas of special education, ADHD, executive functions, and psychology. I started out with the goal of understanding more how Emily specifically functions in her every day life.
The more I get in to it though, the more I see how my research is benefiting me in ways that I didn't anticipate.
Perhaps the most beneficial part of all of this, aside from the obvious benefits of better understanding?
I feel like I am actually using my brain.
Hard to explain really, but it feels good to sit down and research something, learn all I can about it, and make a decision about what I now know.
I sort of feel like, um, I don't know, scholarly or something.
Perhaps, even better than all of that?
I like it, as in really, really like it. I find it all to be so interesting, and I have an actual need to learn more.
I never felt that way in college, or high school for that matter. I just went and did whatever because I was supposed to. It's probably why I left Merrimack after 2 years (one of the reasons anyway).
I have been thinking for a long time about what I want to do after the kids are all in school etc.
I think I know.
I want to be a combination of the following professions:
Child Psychologist
Special Education Teacher
Advocate
I have no idea what that would be called officially, but that's what I want to do.
Spring!
So, my plan for today was to start going through spring/summer clothes, seeing what will fit who, and putting the winter clothes away (well, at least the heavy winter clothes...sweaters, courdoroys, hats, mittens, gloves etc).
I am afraid though, that if I do, it will snow out.
This is New England, and it is only March 28th.
So, I think I may wait another week or so.
I am afraid though, that if I do, it will snow out.
This is New England, and it is only March 28th.
So, I think I may wait another week or so.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Today was...
...Julia's first PT appointment at Health South without me. I mean, of course I was there, but in the waiting room.
At our appointment last week, Debbie and I discussed this possibility. Both of us felt that Julia might do better if I wasn't there. We were right.
I was kind of sad that I missed it, but Julia actually took a step down over a little ledge and didn't lose her balance. She walked all over the squishy gym mats with ease, and did a great job transitioning her weight from one foot to the other when reaching.
So, even though I missed it, I am glad she did well!
At our appointment last week, Debbie and I discussed this possibility. Both of us felt that Julia might do better if I wasn't there. We were right.
I was kind of sad that I missed it, but Julia actually took a step down over a little ledge and didn't lose her balance. She walked all over the squishy gym mats with ease, and did a great job transitioning her weight from one foot to the other when reaching.
So, even though I missed it, I am glad she did well!
Executive Functions...Just What The Heck Are Those?
Or, "Figuring Emily Out, Part 2". Whatever you want to call it.
Executive Functions, as defined by Lehigh Psychological Services, are a collection of related, yet distinct abilities that provide for intentional, goal-directed, problem-solving action.
For someone who has executive function deficits, things such as planning, organizing, and shifting from one activity to the next, are often difficult.
To give you a better idea of exactly how executive functions are defined, and an idea of what someone who has an executive function deficit may operate, I am going to give a number of examples that are very specific to Emily.
The first area is inhibition. This would be defined as not acting on impulse or appropriately stopping one's own activity at the proper time. Someone who has a deficit in this area difficulty "putting the brakes" on behavior and acts without thinking.
The second is shifting. This refers to the ability to move freely from one situation or activity to another, as the situation demands. Someone with a deficit here may have difficulty transitioning.
Next we have organization. Someone who has a deficit in this area has a scattered and disorganized approach to problem solving and may be overwhelmed by large assignments.
Self monitoring is the ability check in on one's own actions. Someone with a deficit here is unaware of their own behavior and it's impact on others.
Emotional control is the ability to control one's own emotions. Deficits is this area mean that a person is too easily upset and explosive.
Finally, working memory is the ability to hold information in the mind for the purpose of completing a specific and related task. Someone with a deficit in this area is sent to go get something and forgets what he or she is supposed to get.
Most research suggests that these functions are performed by the prefrontal lobes of the brain.
For people who have any damage to or disorder in this part of the brain, deficits in executive functions are pretty likely.
I don't suppose I have to tell y'all where the abnormalities in Emily's MRI were, or where most of her seizure activity originates.
Hence, the medical science I was talking about in my last post.
Next: Explosive Behavior and Emily
Executive Functions, as defined by Lehigh Psychological Services, are a collection of related, yet distinct abilities that provide for intentional, goal-directed, problem-solving action.
For someone who has executive function deficits, things such as planning, organizing, and shifting from one activity to the next, are often difficult.
To give you a better idea of exactly how executive functions are defined, and an idea of what someone who has an executive function deficit may operate, I am going to give a number of examples that are very specific to Emily.
The first area is inhibition. This would be defined as not acting on impulse or appropriately stopping one's own activity at the proper time. Someone who has a deficit in this area difficulty "putting the brakes" on behavior and acts without thinking.
The second is shifting. This refers to the ability to move freely from one situation or activity to another, as the situation demands. Someone with a deficit here may have difficulty transitioning.
Next we have organization. Someone who has a deficit in this area has a scattered and disorganized approach to problem solving and may be overwhelmed by large assignments.
Self monitoring is the ability check in on one's own actions. Someone with a deficit here is unaware of their own behavior and it's impact on others.
Emotional control is the ability to control one's own emotions. Deficits is this area mean that a person is too easily upset and explosive.
Finally, working memory is the ability to hold information in the mind for the purpose of completing a specific and related task. Someone with a deficit in this area is sent to go get something and forgets what he or she is supposed to get.
Most research suggests that these functions are performed by the prefrontal lobes of the brain.
For people who have any damage to or disorder in this part of the brain, deficits in executive functions are pretty likely.
I don't suppose I have to tell y'all where the abnormalities in Emily's MRI were, or where most of her seizure activity originates.
Hence, the medical science I was talking about in my last post.
Next: Explosive Behavior and Emily
All Around
All-Around Smart You are all-around smart. Essentially, that means that you are a good combination of your own knowledge and experience, along with having learned through instruction - and you are equally as good with theoretical things as you are with real-world, applied things. You have a well-rounded brain. 20% applied intelligence 40% learned intelligence | ||||
| ||||
Take this quiz at QuizGalaxy.com |
Greek Ethics
Ancient Greek Ethics Aristotle's Golden Mean is the principal of this ethical school of thought. Essentially everyone must find balance in ethical decisions. Since it is often difficult to come to a decision one way or the other, Aristotle suggests comprimising between two extremes and doing what would fall into 'the Golden Mean' in the situation.
'What ethical system do you fit in with?' at QuizGalaxy.com | |
Well then...
...this seems a bit extreme!
You are not a geek You are not into anything typically considered geeky. In fact, you probably make fun of every geek you see. Come to think of it, you're probably that serial killer who has been killing all of those nerds. Take this quiz at QuizGalaxy.com |
How Appropriate!
You should have grown up during the eighties A very different decade for very different people. You like to challenge the norms, and try to be original at all costs. Plus the music was definitely cool. Go Retro Night. Take this quiz at QuizGalaxy.com |
Celebrity Similarities
You most resemble Marlon Brando You are very smart, and very talented, although you donÂ’t really enjoy social company. You prefer to live alone, go to movies alone, cry alone in the corner... Take this quiz at QuizGalaxy.com |
Answer And New ?
I don't think there is an appropriate age to start a blog. Like most responders said, it depends on the person and the parental involvement.
New question: If you had to name only one television show as your absolute favorite of all time, which show would you pick?
New question: If you had to name only one television show as your absolute favorite of all time, which show would you pick?
MCAS and Redemption
Emily's teacher plays this game in the classroom where they take a soft, squishy type ball and throw it to each other. You throw it and then have to say something nice about the person you throw it to.
Yesterday, Emily's teacher started the game by throwing it to Emily and saying, "Emily, I think you're an awesome reader and you are going to soar right through the MCAS."
So, I think she redeemed herself a little bit after the nasty comment she made a few weeks back about turning in garbage and failing etc.
She starts the MCAS this morning. I sent her off to school with a little note in her bag (that she was instructed not to open until she sits down at her desk) that says "Good luck on the MCAS Emily! We know you can do it! Love Mom and Dad."
I am sure she will do fine. This is the reading portion afterall.
Yesterday, Emily's teacher started the game by throwing it to Emily and saying, "Emily, I think you're an awesome reader and you are going to soar right through the MCAS."
So, I think she redeemed herself a little bit after the nasty comment she made a few weeks back about turning in garbage and failing etc.
She starts the MCAS this morning. I sent her off to school with a little note in her bag (that she was instructed not to open until she sits down at her desk) that says "Good luck on the MCAS Emily! We know you can do it! Love Mom and Dad."
I am sure she will do fine. This is the reading portion afterall.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
MCAS Mornings On The Move
I forgot to mention this very cool event being sponsored by the Physical Education Department at Emily's school.
Every morning this week, from 8:30-8:50, the gym teachers will be hosting students in the gymnasium to teach team problem solving skills and Yoga techniques that are designed just for kids. They have the days divided up by houses (the school is divided in to three houses, A, B, and C) and Emily's day is Wednesday.
Just another thing to add to the "Why Middleboro is awesome" list!
Every morning this week, from 8:30-8:50, the gym teachers will be hosting students in the gymnasium to teach team problem solving skills and Yoga techniques that are designed just for kids. They have the days divided up by houses (the school is divided in to three houses, A, B, and C) and Emily's day is Wednesday.
Just another thing to add to the "Why Middleboro is awesome" list!
Just So You All Know...
...what I have to deal with on a daily basis.
This is a direct quote from Ryun.
"Ahh, there's nothing finer than sitting around on a Sunday afternoon watching Blue Collar Comedy with subtitles."
You know, he's crazy, but I love him.
This is a direct quote from Ryun.
"Ahh, there's nothing finer than sitting around on a Sunday afternoon watching Blue Collar Comedy with subtitles."
You know, he's crazy, but I love him.
Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras went very well.
As you know, I ran the food committee. I was able to get every single thing donated and didn't spend a single dime of PTA money to buy what we needed. We sold almost 500 hotdogs, six 3 feet tall bags worth of popcorn, water bottles, juice, and countless numbers of Brownies.
I was busy all day long...I think I may have stopped once only and that was just to use the bathroom. IT was just crazy.
Crazy but fun!
Ryun came with the kids and walked around with them. At one point Emily even helped out painting faces!
All in all, it was a successful event and I am definitely going to do it next year!
As you know, I ran the food committee. I was able to get every single thing donated and didn't spend a single dime of PTA money to buy what we needed. We sold almost 500 hotdogs, six 3 feet tall bags worth of popcorn, water bottles, juice, and countless numbers of Brownies.
I was busy all day long...I think I may have stopped once only and that was just to use the bathroom. IT was just crazy.
Crazy but fun!
Ryun came with the kids and walked around with them. At one point Emily even helped out painting faces!
All in all, it was a successful event and I am definitely going to do it next year!
How Well They Know Each Other
Katherine just came in and was looking out the window. Ryun asked her what she was doing and she said, "Im looking outside to make sure Emily didn't tell Stephanie to hide."
Katherine had just come in, after looking out the window earlier to see Steph and Emily playing in the yard, and going out to find that by the time she got out, Stephanie had left.
She wanted to make sure she was really gone and that Emily hadn't told her to hide.
It was kind of funny how well she knew her sister (Hate to say it, but that is something Emily would do...not necessarily to be mean but because she would think it was funny...Katherine of course is hyper sensitive and would freak regardless of Emily's actual intentions).
Katherine had just come in, after looking out the window earlier to see Steph and Emily playing in the yard, and going out to find that by the time she got out, Stephanie had left.
She wanted to make sure she was really gone and that Emily hadn't told her to hide.
It was kind of funny how well she knew her sister (Hate to say it, but that is something Emily would do...not necessarily to be mean but because she would think it was funny...Katherine of course is hyper sensitive and would freak regardless of Emily's actual intentions).
Julia At PT
I forgot to blog about Julia's PT appointment at Health South.
This was the first time that Deb had seen her walking. She was very excited of course and Julia did a wonderful job. She walked on all different kinds of surfaces (rug, gym mats, hard wooden stairs etc).
When we were getting ready to leave, Deb said that if Julia kept up at this pace, we might no be seeing much more of her (her being Deb).
YAY!
Next steps (literally): Getting Julia comfortable with stepping up and down over things (like stairs or whatever).
This was the first time that Deb had seen her walking. She was very excited of course and Julia did a wonderful job. She walked on all different kinds of surfaces (rug, gym mats, hard wooden stairs etc).
When we were getting ready to leave, Deb said that if Julia kept up at this pace, we might no be seeing much more of her (her being Deb).
YAY!
Next steps (literally): Getting Julia comfortable with stepping up and down over things (like stairs or whatever).
Labeling
Food shopping with Julia has become both funny and a pain in the ass.
Here's why.
She has started labeling all the food. For example, we walk through the produce section and she says, "Nana" and "Apple". Then we head down the snack aisle and I hear her saying, "Cacka" and "ookie". When we go down the baby aisle I hear, "pampa" and "poopie." She's so darn cute!
The "pain in the ass but cute at the same time" part? When she turns in to a contortionist and and twists her body around to grab the Golfish crackers of the top of the pile in the carriage, and looks at me with those adorable eyes and says, "Peasa Mama."
And I have the nerve to say no.
Yikes.
Thank God I had a back up snack in the diaper bag!
Here's why.
She has started labeling all the food. For example, we walk through the produce section and she says, "Nana" and "Apple". Then we head down the snack aisle and I hear her saying, "Cacka" and "ookie". When we go down the baby aisle I hear, "pampa" and "poopie." She's so darn cute!
The "pain in the ass but cute at the same time" part? When she turns in to a contortionist and and twists her body around to grab the Golfish crackers of the top of the pile in the carriage, and looks at me with those adorable eyes and says, "Peasa Mama."
And I have the nerve to say no.
Yikes.
Thank God I had a back up snack in the diaper bag!
Reason Number...I Lost Count!
Hello Burkland Third, Fourth, and Fifth Graders!
MCAS starts next week and YOU ARE READY!
Burkland students know their stuff!
We see it in the classrooms!
We see it in the hallways!
We see it on the "Can Do" wall!
We see it in our Students Of The Month!
We hear it in our House Assemblies!
MCAS IS HERE FOR YOU TO SHOW YOUR STUFF!
GO GET 'EM!!!
Your teacher's and I are very proud of you!
Sincerely,
Mr. M
Emily brought this home the other day.
Then, when I was at the school on Friday night and again Saturday for Mardi Gras, I saw these signs all over the school.
Middleboro
Children
Are
Special
There was another sign that said that Mr. M would die his hair, whatever color the students choose if they did a few things:
Come to school well rested and ready to test.
Try their absolute best on the tests.
Wear their MCAS ribbons.
You know, I really have nothing to compare it to I suppose but, I have a hard time believing that there are many other schools that inspire the level of confidence that Middleboro does for it's students. I just think it's fabulous how involved the administration is. I thinks it's great too that both Emily and Katherine have principals and vice principals that know them by name, and it's not because they are in trouble alot and have to go to the office!
They even know Julia for god sake. Yesterday at Mardi Gras, Julia was walking in the cafeteria and Katherine's principal said, "I can't believe how big she's getting!" I mean that's just awesome.
MCAS starts next week and YOU ARE READY!
Burkland students know their stuff!
We see it in the classrooms!
We see it in the hallways!
We see it on the "Can Do" wall!
We see it in our Students Of The Month!
We hear it in our House Assemblies!
MCAS IS HERE FOR YOU TO SHOW YOUR STUFF!
GO GET 'EM!!!
Your teacher's and I are very proud of you!
Sincerely,
Mr. M
Emily brought this home the other day.
Then, when I was at the school on Friday night and again Saturday for Mardi Gras, I saw these signs all over the school.
Middleboro
Children
Are
Special
There was another sign that said that Mr. M would die his hair, whatever color the students choose if they did a few things:
Come to school well rested and ready to test.
Try their absolute best on the tests.
Wear their MCAS ribbons.
You know, I really have nothing to compare it to I suppose but, I have a hard time believing that there are many other schools that inspire the level of confidence that Middleboro does for it's students. I just think it's fabulous how involved the administration is. I thinks it's great too that both Emily and Katherine have principals and vice principals that know them by name, and it's not because they are in trouble alot and have to go to the office!
They even know Julia for god sake. Yesterday at Mardi Gras, Julia was walking in the cafeteria and Katherine's principal said, "I can't believe how big she's getting!" I mean that's just awesome.
And I Didn't Even Know It
| You Should Be A Poet |
 You craft words well, in creative and unexpected ways. And you have a great talent for evoking beautiful imagery... Or describing the most intense heartbreak ever. You're already naturally a poet, even if you've never written a poem. |
Via Jay.
The New Plan
Emily's 504 plan was recently reviewed and reinstated.
Here it is in it's entirety, for anyone interested in what it might look like:
1. Describe the nature of the concern: Emily's diagnosed disability does, on occasion, limit her ability to complete work and perform tasks.
2. Describe the basis for determinations of handicap (if any) please attach documentation: Emily has been diagnosed with ADHD through an independent evaluation by Dr. C of Children's Hospital, Boston.
3. Describe how the handicap affects a major life activity: Emily's disability affects her ability to complete classroom assignments which may affects her academic achievements. She is, at times, inattentive and impulsive. Emily needs reminders to organize her belongings and is frequently redirected throughout the day.
4. Describe the reasonable accommodations to be made:
* Preferential seating.
* Parent/teacher communication as needed.
* Reminders to bring home important papers at the end of each day.
* Frequent verbal cues prior to giving directions and transitioning.
* Rules and expectations should be clear, explicit, and consistently reviewed for understanding.
Review/Reassessment Date: June 2007
Here it is in it's entirety, for anyone interested in what it might look like:
1. Describe the nature of the concern: Emily's diagnosed disability does, on occasion, limit her ability to complete work and perform tasks.
2. Describe the basis for determinations of handicap (if any) please attach documentation: Emily has been diagnosed with ADHD through an independent evaluation by Dr. C of Children's Hospital, Boston.
3. Describe how the handicap affects a major life activity: Emily's disability affects her ability to complete classroom assignments which may affects her academic achievements. She is, at times, inattentive and impulsive. Emily needs reminders to organize her belongings and is frequently redirected throughout the day.
4. Describe the reasonable accommodations to be made:
* Preferential seating.
* Parent/teacher communication as needed.
* Reminders to bring home important papers at the end of each day.
* Frequent verbal cues prior to giving directions and transitioning.
* Rules and expectations should be clear, explicit, and consistently reviewed for understanding.
Review/Reassessment Date: June 2007
Report Cards
Emily and Katherine both got report cards on Friday. I meant to blog about how they did then, but my life was taken over by a mysterious force now known as "Mardi Gras" for both Friday and Saturday. I am finally back to normal.
Middleboro recently changed the way report cards are done. Basically, each grade is now a number. The breakdown is as follows:
1=Slow progress
2=Average progress
3=Better than average progress
4=Excellent Progress
We'll start with Emily. Basically, she went up or stayed the same in everything.
She got: seven 2's
twenty four 3's
five 4's
Her 4's were in History and Social Studies (no big surprise there) Music (again, not a shocker)accepts responsibility for choices and consequences, follows rules, and completes and returns home work on time (in the latter three areas a four actually stands for "consistently demonstrates this behavior").
Her teacher's comments: "Emily has continued to do well academically. Keep up a strong effort!"
Katherine did well too. She stayed the same across the board except for "Follows Directions" and "Listens Attentively" which went from 3's to 4's. She moved up in her actual reading level from preconventional to emerging which was awesome. She also went from a 2 to a 3 in Science.
Katherine's breakdown: twelve 2's
twelve 3's
two 4's
Her teachers comments: Good job this term Katherine! Just practice those sight words; I know you can do it!
So obviously, they both did very well!
YAY!
Middleboro recently changed the way report cards are done. Basically, each grade is now a number. The breakdown is as follows:
1=Slow progress
2=Average progress
3=Better than average progress
4=Excellent Progress
We'll start with Emily. Basically, she went up or stayed the same in everything.
She got: seven 2's
twenty four 3's
five 4's
Her 4's were in History and Social Studies (no big surprise there) Music (again, not a shocker)accepts responsibility for choices and consequences, follows rules, and completes and returns home work on time (in the latter three areas a four actually stands for "consistently demonstrates this behavior").
Her teacher's comments: "Emily has continued to do well academically. Keep up a strong effort!"
Katherine did well too. She stayed the same across the board except for "Follows Directions" and "Listens Attentively" which went from 3's to 4's. She moved up in her actual reading level from preconventional to emerging which was awesome. She also went from a 2 to a 3 in Science.
Katherine's breakdown: twelve 2's
twelve 3's
two 4's
Her teachers comments: Good job this term Katherine! Just practice those sight words; I know you can do it!
So obviously, they both did very well!
YAY!
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Things I Have To Blog About...
...tomorrow...when I can actually see the computer screen and type at a somewhat decent speed.
Mardi Gras.
Middleboro Schools (yes, again!).
Report Cards (specifically Emily and Katherine's which they brought home Friday).
How Awesome I Am (no but really).
And probably about a million other things that I can't think of right now.
So, I'll be back, after I sleep for like, ever.
Mardi Gras.
Middleboro Schools (yes, again!).
Report Cards (specifically Emily and Katherine's which they brought home Friday).
How Awesome I Am (no but really).
And probably about a million other things that I can't think of right now.
So, I'll be back, after I sleep for like, ever.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Busy
This Saturday is the PTA sponsored Mardi Gras event. As mentioned previously, I am chairing the food committee and, as a result, I have about a million and a half things to do over the next few days.
Here's the list:
Go to BJ's to pick up gift card and use it to buy condiments and water.
Go to do regular food shopping.
Go to Market Basket and use donated giftcard to purchase plasticware and random other supplies.
Go to school and drop off water bottles, papergoods etc.
Cut and bag brownies for event.
Get up Saturday and go to Cirelli's, Shaw's, and Stop and Shop to purchase (with donated giftcards) the hotdog and roll orders I placed last week.
Go to McDonald's to pick up multi-gallon container and orange drink mix for event.
Go to event.
Return rented hotdog machines.
Go home!
So, you know, obviously, I'll be busy!
I might be back around these parts tomorrow briefly but if not, don't plan on hearing from me until Saturday night or Sunday morning!
Here's the list:
Go to BJ's to pick up gift card and use it to buy condiments and water.
Go to do regular food shopping.
Go to Market Basket and use donated giftcard to purchase plasticware and random other supplies.
Go to school and drop off water bottles, papergoods etc.
Cut and bag brownies for event.
Get up Saturday and go to Cirelli's, Shaw's, and Stop and Shop to purchase (with donated giftcards) the hotdog and roll orders I placed last week.
Go to McDonald's to pick up multi-gallon container and orange drink mix for event.
Go to event.
Return rented hotdog machines.
Go home!
So, you know, obviously, I'll be busy!
I might be back around these parts tomorrow briefly but if not, don't plan on hearing from me until Saturday night or Sunday morning!
Answer And New ?
My favorite thing about spring is being able to go outside without freezing my ass off! That, along with the flowers and greenery make spring my favorite season!
New Question: At what age do you think it is appropriate to start a blog?
New Question: At what age do you think it is appropriate to start a blog?
ADHD, Executive Functions And Attempting To Figure Out How Emily "Works"
That's quite the title huh?
This BTW, is the entry I have been talking about, the thing that has been on my mind that I have yet to officially blog about.
Due to my driving need to get a better understanding of Emily, so that I can nurture her appropriately, attempt to structure the environment in a way that would be beneficial to her, and plain and simple, understand her "internal wiring," I have recently immersed my self in huge amounts of reading and research on ADHD and the role that the "executive functions of the brain" play in her diagnosis.
I am still researching, so this post more than likely will end up in more one part...perhaps a sort of series of posts, addressing the various areas of concern I have.
This is the first post, and will be sort of general in nature, discussing my overall impressions and thoughts I have had while researching as well as providing some basic information on Emily's specific situation.
First, let me just say, when you have a child that has special needs, whether they be severe or not, there is a wealth of information out there to take hold of. It's almost overwhelming. When you have two kids with two very different needs, the amount of information consequently doubles. It's hard to decide what to believe and what not to. In the end, you have to take what you think applies best to your situation and use it to help make the best decisions possible for your child. One thing I have learned through all of my research and just my experiences over the past couple of years is that there isn't anyone in this world that knows what your child's needs are better than you.
It's funny. Having a child (or children) with special needs puts you on a whole different plain than the rest of the world. You have things in common with people that you otherwise may not have. For example, I was visiting my mother's office this morning (she happens to be the secretary for the Special Needs Office of the Carver School Department) and I was talking to another parent there, who's daughter had Down Syndrome. We were talking about Early Intervention and Health South, Speech Therapy, and just the ups and downs of it all. She even showed Julia how to sign "cracker." Would I have found something else to talk about with this stranger had it not been for my mother mentioning that Julia was just learning to walk at 20 months (not in a derogatory way, just as a conversation starter)? Maybe. Maybe not.
I find myself, at times, wondering if people know how much "work" it is to have a child that needs extra appointments and tests, specialists, and doctor's appointments above and beyond the regular well checks. It's not like I could ever imagine not going to the Physical Therapist or the Neurologist or whatever else comes up. These people help me to help my child succeed. I need them as much as my children do. No matter how you look at it though, it is above and beyond what any "normal" family would have to endure...and yes, sometimes it's hard. Sometimes you wish that you didn't have to and yes, sometimes you envy those who don't. Most of the time though, at least for me, you do whatever you need to do, whatever it takes, to help your child succeed.
Which brings me to Emily.
Emily...my "difficult child." The one that "pushes every button." The one that is most assuredly "too smart for her own good." The one that misbehaves to "get attention."
I put these terms in quotations because,I used to think that these terms were okay to use to describe her. I thought that she knew exactly what she was doing, and yes, I thought that some of the time, she was doing it on purpose.
I thought I was a bad mother too. That I didn't enforce the rules enough, or spent more time with her sisters than her, and that because of this, they were not showing any signs of deficits in executive functioning and/or ADHD, and she was.
You know, I even thought that despite the statistics showing that a lot of children with Epilepsy and/or Tuberous Sclerosis have ADHD, and the fact that there is actual medical science behind it (I will get to that in a subsequent post) that all of this was, well, was a crock of you know what.
Then, I started reading. Really reading. And researching. And lo and behold, I found out...that I was wrong. Wrong about almost every thought I had prior to my research. Wrong about almost every notion I had regarding why Emily is the way she is.
This BTW, is the entry I have been talking about, the thing that has been on my mind that I have yet to officially blog about.
Due to my driving need to get a better understanding of Emily, so that I can nurture her appropriately, attempt to structure the environment in a way that would be beneficial to her, and plain and simple, understand her "internal wiring," I have recently immersed my self in huge amounts of reading and research on ADHD and the role that the "executive functions of the brain" play in her diagnosis.
I am still researching, so this post more than likely will end up in more one part...perhaps a sort of series of posts, addressing the various areas of concern I have.
This is the first post, and will be sort of general in nature, discussing my overall impressions and thoughts I have had while researching as well as providing some basic information on Emily's specific situation.
First, let me just say, when you have a child that has special needs, whether they be severe or not, there is a wealth of information out there to take hold of. It's almost overwhelming. When you have two kids with two very different needs, the amount of information consequently doubles. It's hard to decide what to believe and what not to. In the end, you have to take what you think applies best to your situation and use it to help make the best decisions possible for your child. One thing I have learned through all of my research and just my experiences over the past couple of years is that there isn't anyone in this world that knows what your child's needs are better than you.
It's funny. Having a child (or children) with special needs puts you on a whole different plain than the rest of the world. You have things in common with people that you otherwise may not have. For example, I was visiting my mother's office this morning (she happens to be the secretary for the Special Needs Office of the Carver School Department) and I was talking to another parent there, who's daughter had Down Syndrome. We were talking about Early Intervention and Health South, Speech Therapy, and just the ups and downs of it all. She even showed Julia how to sign "cracker." Would I have found something else to talk about with this stranger had it not been for my mother mentioning that Julia was just learning to walk at 20 months (not in a derogatory way, just as a conversation starter)? Maybe. Maybe not.
I find myself, at times, wondering if people know how much "work" it is to have a child that needs extra appointments and tests, specialists, and doctor's appointments above and beyond the regular well checks. It's not like I could ever imagine not going to the Physical Therapist or the Neurologist or whatever else comes up. These people help me to help my child succeed. I need them as much as my children do. No matter how you look at it though, it is above and beyond what any "normal" family would have to endure...and yes, sometimes it's hard. Sometimes you wish that you didn't have to and yes, sometimes you envy those who don't. Most of the time though, at least for me, you do whatever you need to do, whatever it takes, to help your child succeed.
Which brings me to Emily.
Emily...my "difficult child." The one that "pushes every button." The one that is most assuredly "too smart for her own good." The one that misbehaves to "get attention."
I put these terms in quotations because,I used to think that these terms were okay to use to describe her. I thought that she knew exactly what she was doing, and yes, I thought that some of the time, she was doing it on purpose.
I thought I was a bad mother too. That I didn't enforce the rules enough, or spent more time with her sisters than her, and that because of this, they were not showing any signs of deficits in executive functioning and/or ADHD, and she was.
You know, I even thought that despite the statistics showing that a lot of children with Epilepsy and/or Tuberous Sclerosis have ADHD, and the fact that there is actual medical science behind it (I will get to that in a subsequent post) that all of this was, well, was a crock of you know what.
Then, I started reading. Really reading. And researching. And lo and behold, I found out...that I was wrong. Wrong about almost every thought I had prior to my research. Wrong about almost every notion I had regarding why Emily is the way she is.
So...
...did I pick the bottom three or what?
I was a little sad to see Kevin go, just for his "I'm so stinkin adorable" cuteness, but, let's face it.
He's no Chris.
Or Taylor.
Or Paris.
Or Mandisa.
I have to admit, I was impressed with his audition though. He did do an incredible job with Josh Groban's, "You Raise Me Up." There's not many people who can sing a Josh Groban song and actually sound good.
He's young...and American Idol was a wonderful start for him. I am sure he will go places.
I was a little sad to see Kevin go, just for his "I'm so stinkin adorable" cuteness, but, let's face it.
He's no Chris.
Or Taylor.
Or Paris.
Or Mandisa.
I have to admit, I was impressed with his audition though. He did do an incredible job with Josh Groban's, "You Raise Me Up." There's not many people who can sing a Josh Groban song and actually sound good.
He's young...and American Idol was a wonderful start for him. I am sure he will go places.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Julia...
...is 20 months old today!
There's quite a bit going on with her lately!
As you all already know, she is walking. She's getting quite good at it too. She's probably still at about 50-50 as far as walking and crawling go, but as soon as I tell her to stand up and walk, she does. She has even tried to go down over the little ledge between the kitchen and the hallway, which she hasn't quite gotten the hang of yet, but she's almost there!
Her new thing which puts her right in the category of drama queen if you ask me: Dropping to the floor in lifeless type manner upon hearing the dreaded word "no". Yeah it's fun.
She is (finally) getting back to enjoying food again, although she still prefers eating the softer type foods to anything with texture of anything that requires chewing. All in all, I am not too worried about this though...at least she's eating again!
She will imitate (or at least make an effort) to repeat anything I say. It doesn't always come out sounding like it should, but she's only 20 months so that's to be expected.
Jen came from EI today and saw Julia walk for the first time! She was very excited and Julia was quite the little showoff.
Anyway, YAY for progress...and for a happy, healthy, walking toddler!
There's quite a bit going on with her lately!
As you all already know, she is walking. She's getting quite good at it too. She's probably still at about 50-50 as far as walking and crawling go, but as soon as I tell her to stand up and walk, she does. She has even tried to go down over the little ledge between the kitchen and the hallway, which she hasn't quite gotten the hang of yet, but she's almost there!
Her new thing which puts her right in the category of drama queen if you ask me: Dropping to the floor in lifeless type manner upon hearing the dreaded word "no". Yeah it's fun.
She is (finally) getting back to enjoying food again, although she still prefers eating the softer type foods to anything with texture of anything that requires chewing. All in all, I am not too worried about this though...at least she's eating again!
She will imitate (or at least make an effort) to repeat anything I say. It doesn't always come out sounding like it should, but she's only 20 months so that's to be expected.
Jen came from EI today and saw Julia walk for the first time! She was very excited and Julia was quite the little showoff.
Anyway, YAY for progress...and for a happy, healthy, walking toddler!
Look...
its contagious!
My sister Suzanne has started a blog!
Make sure to check it out, if not just for the cute pictures of my nephew!
My sister Suzanne has started a blog!
Make sure to check it out, if not just for the cute pictures of my nephew!
Barry And AI: A Great Combination
And y'all wonder why I am a hard core Fanilow.
If last night wasn't the best American Idol ever, I don't know what was. Honestly, I think everyone did well.
If I have to pick a bottom 3, I guess it would be Lisa, Bucky, and Kevin.
If I was forced to pick an overall winner, having only seen what we have so far, I would pick Chris. The man's got some serious skills. I loved his version of Higher Ground and Walk The Line. He brings it every week.
And he's not too hard on the eyes if I do say so myself.
If last night wasn't the best American Idol ever, I don't know what was. Honestly, I think everyone did well.
If I have to pick a bottom 3, I guess it would be Lisa, Bucky, and Kevin.
If I was forced to pick an overall winner, having only seen what we have so far, I would pick Chris. The man's got some serious skills. I loved his version of Higher Ground and Walk The Line. He brings it every week.
And he's not too hard on the eyes if I do say so myself.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
You Know I Am Not Feeling Up To Par...
...when I actually go to bed halfway through American Idol.
I am recording the rest and I'll just watch it tomorrow but, before I go to bed let me just say...
Chris and Taylor...you've got my vote!
I am recording the rest and I'll just watch it tomorrow but, before I go to bed let me just say...
Chris and Taylor...you've got my vote!
Better...But Not Great
What a difference a day makes. I am feeling much, much better...still not completely back to my old self but definitely on the way.
I am still going to try and take it easy today...both food and rest wise. I went one day without cleaning my house (yesterday) and it already looks like a hurricane blew through so I might have to do some cleaning. I don't know what happened to me. I used to be able to deal with clutter...now even the slightest bit gets to me. So, other than that anyway, I don't plan on doing much.
I have an appointment tonight which I am still unsure about going to...I will have to see as the day goes on how I feel.
This thing that I have on my mind that I have been talking about blogging about will come at some point. It's nothing big really...I just don't have the energy to do it right now.
Anyway, that's all. I am going to go straighten out the kitchen and chill for the day.
I am still going to try and take it easy today...both food and rest wise. I went one day without cleaning my house (yesterday) and it already looks like a hurricane blew through so I might have to do some cleaning. I don't know what happened to me. I used to be able to deal with clutter...now even the slightest bit gets to me. So, other than that anyway, I don't plan on doing much.
I have an appointment tonight which I am still unsure about going to...I will have to see as the day goes on how I feel.
This thing that I have on my mind that I have been talking about blogging about will come at some point. It's nothing big really...I just don't have the energy to do it right now.
Anyway, that's all. I am going to go straighten out the kitchen and chill for the day.
Monday, March 20, 2006
That Bad Thing I was Talking About?
It happened.
The nausea, butterflies, tension thingy?
It's manifested in to the stomach bug that I swear to God has come straight from the fire pits of hell (and yes, I do mean that quite literally).
Usually, the bad thing is something completely unrelated to my actual body (like say bad news, or a fight with a loved on or something), so this is most unusual.
So this was my day:
I felt OK during scrapbooking. My stomach was a little blah, but manageable. Kelly and Tracey took off at about 11:30 or so. I made Julia something to eat and put her in for a quick nap before we were supposed to head out for PT.
Then, sort of out of the blue, it struck.
The rest of the day went like this:
Lie down in bed while Julia naps: 10 minutes.
Run to the bathroom: 10 minutes.
Go back to bed: 10 minutes.
Run to the bathroom:10 minutes.
Hear Julia waking: 5 minutes.
Get her, change her, shut all doors downstairs, gate stairs, put her on the floor to play, lie on couch.
Go to bathroom...
Get back on couch...
Go to bathroom...
get back on couch...
etc etc etc
You get the drift.
At 3:50, I managed to get up, and head to the door to wait for Emily and Katherine to get home.
Just as the bus was pulling up to the house, what previously had been coming at one only end, came out the other. Julia was kneeling at the doorway watching the girls get off the bus, and I was praying to the porcelain God.
Poor Emily came in, saw me puking my guts out (I think literally) and started crying. I think she was just worried (Mom doesn't get sick so this must be bad type thing) so I told her in between heaving that I would be fine, I just needed to rest.
She helped me out in a big way by putting Julia into her jumpy thingy, pouring some Goldfish pretzels on the tray for her, and setting up a snack for her and Katherine.
Ryun came home shortly after that and I have basically spent the rest of the day/night in bed. He brought me home Jello and Pepto per my request and I have been taking it like it's going out of style.
I am starting to feel just a little bit better, but I am still far from normal.
You know, usually when that time of month arrives, I get a cold. This is completely unacceptable. So you know, God, Mother Nature, Old Man Winter, or whoever it is thought that this would be somehow ok to inflict me with, just for future reference, if I have to get anything in addition to my fucking period, I prefer a cold.
Thankyouverymuch.
The nausea, butterflies, tension thingy?
It's manifested in to the stomach bug that I swear to God has come straight from the fire pits of hell (and yes, I do mean that quite literally).
Usually, the bad thing is something completely unrelated to my actual body (like say bad news, or a fight with a loved on or something), so this is most unusual.
So this was my day:
I felt OK during scrapbooking. My stomach was a little blah, but manageable. Kelly and Tracey took off at about 11:30 or so. I made Julia something to eat and put her in for a quick nap before we were supposed to head out for PT.
Then, sort of out of the blue, it struck.
The rest of the day went like this:
Lie down in bed while Julia naps: 10 minutes.
Run to the bathroom: 10 minutes.
Go back to bed: 10 minutes.
Run to the bathroom:10 minutes.
Hear Julia waking: 5 minutes.
Get her, change her, shut all doors downstairs, gate stairs, put her on the floor to play, lie on couch.
Go to bathroom...
Get back on couch...
Go to bathroom...
get back on couch...
etc etc etc
You get the drift.
At 3:50, I managed to get up, and head to the door to wait for Emily and Katherine to get home.
Just as the bus was pulling up to the house, what previously had been coming at one only end, came out the other. Julia was kneeling at the doorway watching the girls get off the bus, and I was praying to the porcelain God.
Poor Emily came in, saw me puking my guts out (I think literally) and started crying. I think she was just worried (Mom doesn't get sick so this must be bad type thing) so I told her in between heaving that I would be fine, I just needed to rest.
She helped me out in a big way by putting Julia into her jumpy thingy, pouring some Goldfish pretzels on the tray for her, and setting up a snack for her and Katherine.
Ryun came home shortly after that and I have basically spent the rest of the day/night in bed. He brought me home Jello and Pepto per my request and I have been taking it like it's going out of style.
I am starting to feel just a little bit better, but I am still far from normal.
You know, usually when that time of month arrives, I get a cold. This is completely unacceptable. So you know, God, Mother Nature, Old Man Winter, or whoever it is thought that this would be somehow ok to inflict me with, just for future reference, if I have to get anything in addition to my fucking period, I prefer a cold.
Thankyouverymuch.
Forgot to mention...
I have that "feeling" in my stomach. What feeling? The one that feels sort of like nausea but more like butterflies and kind of like a tension bubble about to burst.
I hate when I get this feeling. It's uncomfortable physically and emotionally, and it usually means something bad (or at least something not good) is about to happen.
Everytime I this occurs, something happens, usually within the next week or so of getting the feeling. I see no reason why this time will be any different, but, I hope it is.
Because bad things happening just sucks.
I hate when I get this feeling. It's uncomfortable physically and emotionally, and it usually means something bad (or at least something not good) is about to happen.
Everytime I this occurs, something happens, usually within the next week or so of getting the feeling. I see no reason why this time will be any different, but, I hope it is.
Because bad things happening just sucks.
Today
The usual: Monday morning scrap at my house, lunch, quick nap for Julia, PT at Health South at 1:30.
Tonight: Wildfire
In between: perhaps a little blogging about something that has been on my mind.
Later.
Tonight: Wildfire
In between: perhaps a little blogging about something that has been on my mind.
Later.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Plans
My father took the kids (all three of them!) over night last night. We are going over there later on today to cook a ham dinner for my father and sister (Mom is in Cali so someone needs to cook for them!).
So, Ryun and I have managed to get an entire night and most of an entire day kid-free. Which is weird, but nice at the same time. We went to dinner at The Olive Garden and went to Michael's to get the Sizzix. Ryun is on his way outside to do some "spring cleaning" in the yard, which reminds me, I have to remind him to call my brother in law to find out how much it would cost for him to go do a complete overhaul of the back yard...clean it up, rake it out etc. When we rented the house, the person we rented from didn't keep up with the backyard and there was probably two or three years worth of overgrowth. Ryun did some of it but it really needs to be done professionally.
As for me, I am going to go through and organize all my scrapbooking stickers into a binder with clear plastic sheets so that I can easily find what I am looking for (AWESOME IDEA TRACE!). Right now, they are in an expandable file which is nice, but harldy makes it easy to find what I need.
I have to make the mashed potatoes for dinner tonight which I will probably do right before I head out.
My sister Heather and I are going to see the movie, "Failure to Launch" tonight. Matthew McConaughey...ahhh...
So, Ryun and I have managed to get an entire night and most of an entire day kid-free. Which is weird, but nice at the same time. We went to dinner at The Olive Garden and went to Michael's to get the Sizzix. Ryun is on his way outside to do some "spring cleaning" in the yard, which reminds me, I have to remind him to call my brother in law to find out how much it would cost for him to go do a complete overhaul of the back yard...clean it up, rake it out etc. When we rented the house, the person we rented from didn't keep up with the backyard and there was probably two or three years worth of overgrowth. Ryun did some of it but it really needs to be done professionally.
As for me, I am going to go through and organize all my scrapbooking stickers into a binder with clear plastic sheets so that I can easily find what I am looking for (AWESOME IDEA TRACE!). Right now, they are in an expandable file which is nice, but harldy makes it easy to find what I need.
I have to make the mashed potatoes for dinner tonight which I will probably do right before I head out.
My sister Heather and I are going to see the movie, "Failure to Launch" tonight. Matthew McConaughey...ahhh...
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Guess what...
...my husband bought me for an early Mother's Day/Anniversary present?
This.
And, this.
Some one please tell me, just how awesome is he?
Seriously, I have wanted these for soooo long.
Obviously, when you look at the price of those two items, you can see why I couldn't just go out and buy them.
The new Michael's just opened in Taunton and I got a bunch of coupons in the mail the other day. So, we didn't pay nearly full price which was very cool. I think we saved a total of $30 or so on the whole thing.
Anyway, I wasn't sure how the Sidekick was different from the original. When we got to the store though I asked. Basically, the only difference is that it is smaller and can only do one die cut at a time. That's fine by me, and either way, it will be one hell of a lot faster than using a goddamn Exacto knife to cut out letters!
YAY!
P.S. Kelly and Tracey...don't hate me! LOL...
This.
And, this.
Some one please tell me, just how awesome is he?
Seriously, I have wanted these for soooo long.
Obviously, when you look at the price of those two items, you can see why I couldn't just go out and buy them.
The new Michael's just opened in Taunton and I got a bunch of coupons in the mail the other day. So, we didn't pay nearly full price which was very cool. I think we saved a total of $30 or so on the whole thing.
Anyway, I wasn't sure how the Sidekick was different from the original. When we got to the store though I asked. Basically, the only difference is that it is smaller and can only do one die cut at a time. That's fine by me, and either way, it will be one hell of a lot faster than using a goddamn Exacto knife to cut out letters!
YAY!
P.S. Kelly and Tracey...don't hate me! LOL...
Friday, March 17, 2006
Poor Julia...
...is sick. She has a pretty bad cold and is totally blah.
She has been doing this weird new sleeping thing which involves staying up waaayyy past bedtime and waking up all night long. We usually put her in her crib at about 7 or so and she sleeps right through until 7 the next morning. Her new thing over the past couple of days has been to scream bloody murder if we have the nerve to put her in as usual. One of us goes to get her after a bit of time, and she goes back in at 10:30 or so. She was ok sleeping last night but the couple of nights before she was up all night off and on.
I am hoping that this isn't a permanent thing. I am hoping it's just because she isn't feeling well.
This morning she got up, at breakfast and fell asleep on the living room rug for two hours. She was tired again after lunch so she is currently sleeping in her crib right now.
Anyway, this is how I found her in the livingroom this morning:
She has been doing this weird new sleeping thing which involves staying up waaayyy past bedtime and waking up all night long. We usually put her in her crib at about 7 or so and she sleeps right through until 7 the next morning. Her new thing over the past couple of days has been to scream bloody murder if we have the nerve to put her in as usual. One of us goes to get her after a bit of time, and she goes back in at 10:30 or so. She was ok sleeping last night but the couple of nights before she was up all night off and on.
I am hoping that this isn't a permanent thing. I am hoping it's just because she isn't feeling well.
This morning she got up, at breakfast and fell asleep on the living room rug for two hours. She was tired again after lunch so she is currently sleeping in her crib right now.
Anyway, this is how I found her in the livingroom this morning:
Pictures
I meant to take one of Emily and Katherine before they left. They are both wearing their homemade St Patrick's Day t shirts I created last year.
I did take pictures of their breakfast this morning though.
I did take pictures of their breakfast this morning though.
Corned Beef and Cabbage
Happy Saint Patrick's Day!
In true Irish tradtion, I am cooking a boiled dinner tonight. My father will be joining us (my mother is in Cali visiting her sister).
Anwyay, I will be busy all day so I leave you with this humorous Irish poem:
The Mouse on the Barroom Floor
Some Guinness was spilled on the barroom floor
when the pub was shut for the night.
Out of his hole crept a wee brown mouse
and stood in the pale moonlight.
He lapped up the frothy brew from the floor,
then back on his haunches he sat.
And all night long you could hear him roar,
'Bring on the goddam cat!'
In true Irish tradtion, I am cooking a boiled dinner tonight. My father will be joining us (my mother is in Cali visiting her sister).
Anwyay, I will be busy all day so I leave you with this humorous Irish poem:
The Mouse on the Barroom Floor
Some Guinness was spilled on the barroom floor
when the pub was shut for the night.
Out of his hole crept a wee brown mouse
and stood in the pale moonlight.
He lapped up the frothy brew from the floor,
then back on his haunches he sat.
And all night long you could hear him roar,
'Bring on the goddam cat!'
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Answer And New ?
My answer...with pictures!
Tulips! I love tulips! The above pictures were of the vase full of them which was the centerpiece at my nephew's christening.
New Question: What is your favorite thing about spring?
Tulips! I love tulips! The above pictures were of the vase full of them which was the centerpiece at my nephew's christening.
New Question: What is your favorite thing about spring?
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Julia's First "Sentence"
"Up please Mama."
It comes out sounding like "Uppa peasa Mama" but it still counts!
For some strange reason, she adds an "a" to the end of some of her words.
She also says "Please Mama" when she wants something (for example a snack or a book).
Yay for new word cominations!
It comes out sounding like "Uppa peasa Mama" but it still counts!
For some strange reason, she adds an "a" to the end of some of her words.
She also says "Please Mama" when she wants something (for example a snack or a book).
Yay for new word cominations!
Today
For all you parents out there...
Today I said, "Clean Your room right now!"
I failed to say, "Thanks for doing a neat job."
Today I said, "You're late, hurry up!"
I failed to say, "I enjoy having you around."
Today I said, "How in the world did you tear your jeans?"
I failed to say, "You're more important than things to me."
Today I said, " Look at this mess!"
I failed to say, "I like the way you share with your friends."
Today I said, "Don't talk so loud!"
I failed to say, "You're ideas are important to me."
Today I said, "Don't forget to empty the trash."
I forgot to say, "You accept responsibility well."
Today I said, "I wish you'd stop that silly giggling."
I failed to say, "I'm glad you're happy today."
Today I said, "Have you finished your homework?'
I failed to say, "I'm glad you did your best."
Today I said, "I'm too busy."
I failed to say, "Let's do something together."
Today I said, "I need some peace and quite."
I failed to say, "I'm glad you're my child."
Today I said, "Don't ever do that again."
I failed to say, "I love you."
Today I said, "Clean Your room right now!"
I failed to say, "Thanks for doing a neat job."
Today I said, "You're late, hurry up!"
I failed to say, "I enjoy having you around."
Today I said, "How in the world did you tear your jeans?"
I failed to say, "You're more important than things to me."
Today I said, " Look at this mess!"
I failed to say, "I like the way you share with your friends."
Today I said, "Don't talk so loud!"
I failed to say, "You're ideas are important to me."
Today I said, "Don't forget to empty the trash."
I forgot to say, "You accept responsibility well."
Today I said, "I wish you'd stop that silly giggling."
I failed to say, "I'm glad you're happy today."
Today I said, "Have you finished your homework?'
I failed to say, "I'm glad you did your best."
Today I said, "I'm too busy."
I failed to say, "Let's do something together."
Today I said, "I need some peace and quite."
I failed to say, "I'm glad you're my child."
Today I said, "Don't ever do that again."
I failed to say, "I love you."
A.S.P.I.R.E and The 48 Hour Film Project
A.S.P.I.R.E is an acronym for "After School Program Inspiring Rewarding Enrichment." This is a program sponsored by the PTA that runs in 6 week sessions. It's for kids in grades 3-5, and runs for an hour or so after school. Emily is taking part in the upcoming session and will be either doing Arts And Crafts or Knitting. The cost is only $10.00 per kid which is very reasonable if you ask me. She is very excited about this.
Something else that she is taking part in through the Burtwood School Of Performing Arts is called The 48 Hour Film Project. Teams have 48 hours to create a short film. If they finish on time, the film will be shown at the Kendall Square Cinema in Cambridge and the Herring Run Arts Festival in Middleboro. If they win, it would be eligible for the national competition. Actors won't know what part they will play until they arrive to make the film. The cost for this is $20, and includes a DVD of the finished film.
I think she is most excited about the movie. It sounds pretty cool to me too!
Something else that she is taking part in through the Burtwood School Of Performing Arts is called The 48 Hour Film Project. Teams have 48 hours to create a short film. If they finish on time, the film will be shown at the Kendall Square Cinema in Cambridge and the Herring Run Arts Festival in Middleboro. If they win, it would be eligible for the national competition. Actors won't know what part they will play until they arrive to make the film. The cost for this is $20, and includes a DVD of the finished film.
I think she is most excited about the movie. It sounds pretty cool to me too!
Answer And New ?
I would say the single most important duty of a parent is to make sure that there children know and feel that they are loved everyday.
New question(trying to get in to spring mode here, in hopes that it will actually arrive (and stay) soon): If you could fill a vase with the same kind of flowers everyday, which kind of flowers would you choose?
New question(trying to get in to spring mode here, in hopes that it will actually arrive (and stay) soon): If you could fill a vase with the same kind of flowers everyday, which kind of flowers would you choose?
New "Feature"
You may have noticed the scrolling quote across the top of the screen. I am going to try and change it every week.
I collect quotes (I love to use them in my scrapbooks) so I have a ton that I can use.
I collect quotes (I love to use them in my scrapbooks) so I have a ton that I can use.
Electronic Issues
So, weird things have been happening with my car.
My power windows roll down when the keys are not in the ignition. It only happens for a minute or so after I have removed the key and the, if you haven't rolled the windows back up quickly enough, you're stuck with them down until you put the key in and turn it again.
Then, the other day, I changed the radio station and my windshield wipers turned on for a second. This happened once before but I passed it off thinking I may have hit the lever on the way to change the station or something. This time I know I didn't.
The last bit of weirdness: When I shut my car off,the led's for the radio and clock stay on for about 20 seconds afterward. They also take about that same amount of time to come on when I start my car.
Apparently, there is something screwy going on with the electronics.
My power windows roll down when the keys are not in the ignition. It only happens for a minute or so after I have removed the key and the, if you haven't rolled the windows back up quickly enough, you're stuck with them down until you put the key in and turn it again.
Then, the other day, I changed the radio station and my windshield wipers turned on for a second. This happened once before but I passed it off thinking I may have hit the lever on the way to change the station or something. This time I know I didn't.
The last bit of weirdness: When I shut my car off,the led's for the radio and clock stay on for about 20 seconds afterward. They also take about that same amount of time to come on when I start my car.
Apparently, there is something screwy going on with the electronics.
Kids and Idol
Katherine, who apparently has come down with some sort of stomach bug is home with me today. It's only a half day of school so it's not like she's going to miss much.
Emily almost missed the bus(thank God the driver has to turn around to head back up town otherwise she would have). It was just one of those mornings.
Oh yeah, and Julia was up for almost three hours in the middle of the night. I couldn't figure out what the heck was wrong but she was mad. The only thing I can think of is that she was up until 10 last night (my sister came over last so we kept her up til she arrived, and then she stayed awake for the 2 hour Idol show). I think her sleep pattern was all screwed up. She is usually in bed and asleep for the night by 7. So, I have made a decision (sorry Heath!). Unless someone is coming over that she hasn't seen in ages, or isn't going to see again for ages, she is going to bed on time. I just can't to these three hours in the middle of the night things and still be functional and chipper in the morning. The same thing happened over the weekend when we had my sister in law and her husband over for dinner. Julia was up until 10, and then up for a few hours in the middle of the night.
I feel kind of bad because I was a cranky witch this morning.
Speaking of Idol though, how awesome was Chris? And Taylor?
They are definitely my top 2!
Emily almost missed the bus(thank God the driver has to turn around to head back up town otherwise she would have). It was just one of those mornings.
Oh yeah, and Julia was up for almost three hours in the middle of the night. I couldn't figure out what the heck was wrong but she was mad. The only thing I can think of is that she was up until 10 last night (my sister came over last so we kept her up til she arrived, and then she stayed awake for the 2 hour Idol show). I think her sleep pattern was all screwed up. She is usually in bed and asleep for the night by 7. So, I have made a decision (sorry Heath!). Unless someone is coming over that she hasn't seen in ages, or isn't going to see again for ages, she is going to bed on time. I just can't to these three hours in the middle of the night things and still be functional and chipper in the morning. The same thing happened over the weekend when we had my sister in law and her husband over for dinner. Julia was up until 10, and then up for a few hours in the middle of the night.
I feel kind of bad because I was a cranky witch this morning.
Speaking of Idol though, how awesome was Chris? And Taylor?
They are definitely my top 2!
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Just to give you and idea...
...of what I am up against with Emily.
This morning, she was looking for her sneakers. I told her to look upstairs. She went up for all of a minute, came back down and siad she couldn't find them. I said to her, "Emily, if you go up there and really, really look, I bet you $5.00 you'll find them."
She goes up, spends a little more time looking. In the mean time, Katherine comes in and I tell her it is time to get her hair done for school. She said, "I thought Emily was going first with her hair." I explained to her that Emily was looking for her sneakers and that she was ready so she would have to go. Katherine's response? "Emily found her sneakers before and made me hide them under the couch so you would give her the bucks."
Emily went up, found her sneakers and hid them thinking that if she didn't find them upstairs, I would give her $5.00.
I was of course not serious about the money but that is not even the point. I don't even know what the word is to describe that whole thing. Smart? Sneaky? Sly?
Honest to God, if this is how she is going to be when she's 8, let's not even think about 16.
Holy crap.
This morning, she was looking for her sneakers. I told her to look upstairs. She went up for all of a minute, came back down and siad she couldn't find them. I said to her, "Emily, if you go up there and really, really look, I bet you $5.00 you'll find them."
She goes up, spends a little more time looking. In the mean time, Katherine comes in and I tell her it is time to get her hair done for school. She said, "I thought Emily was going first with her hair." I explained to her that Emily was looking for her sneakers and that she was ready so she would have to go. Katherine's response? "Emily found her sneakers before and made me hide them under the couch so you would give her the bucks."
Emily went up, found her sneakers and hid them thinking that if she didn't find them upstairs, I would give her $5.00.
I was of course not serious about the money but that is not even the point. I don't even know what the word is to describe that whole thing. Smart? Sneaky? Sly?
Honest to God, if this is how she is going to be when she's 8, let's not even think about 16.
Holy crap.
Math And Headaches
I have been busy figuring out what I am going to get where as far as food for the Mardi Gras Carnival, sponsored by the PTA. I was able to secure $345 worth of cash donations (well in the form of giftcards to such stores as Stop and Shop, Cirelli's, Hannaford etc). Now, I am busy calling the stores and saying things like, "Ok, I have a $50 giftcard to your store. How many hotdogs and rolls can I get for that amount of money?" I generally say it a bit more professionally than that, but you get my drift.
So, this means I have been doing math. Y'all know how I feel about math, right? Yeah, I hate it. I was getting a headache so I stopped.
Speaking of headaches, I had the worst one ever the other day. It took a combination of Ibuprofen, head massage (yes, Emily massaged my forhead for a 1/2 hour...how awesome is she?), classical music, and sleep for it to go away. It was a doozy.
Plans for the rest of the day include scrapping, picking up the kids for their acting class, cooking dinner and watching Idol.
So, this means I have been doing math. Y'all know how I feel about math, right? Yeah, I hate it. I was getting a headache so I stopped.
Speaking of headaches, I had the worst one ever the other day. It took a combination of Ibuprofen, head massage (yes, Emily massaged my forhead for a 1/2 hour...how awesome is she?), classical music, and sleep for it to go away. It was a doozy.
Plans for the rest of the day include scrapping, picking up the kids for their acting class, cooking dinner and watching Idol.
She's Got The Look
Below, the look we get after telling Julia, "No!"
These taken after she poked me in the eye (on purpose the little devil) with a crayon.
She's got quite the little temper lately!
Still, isn't her mad look the best? Even pissed at the world, she's cute!
These taken after she poked me in the eye (on purpose the little devil) with a crayon.
She's got quite the little temper lately!
Still, isn't her mad look the best? Even pissed at the world, she's cute!
Monday, March 13, 2006
Monday
Monday morning scrapping went well. It took me about 45 minutes to figure out how to reassemble the cover of a book, but other than that!
Julia's PT appointment at Health South was cancelled because the PT was out sick! It figures the one time I really wanted to go (to show off her mad walking skills...LOL), we can't. Oh well. She has PT on Thursday through Early Intervention so we will just have to show Vida instead. She will be much more practiced by then too, so it will be good.
So, I am going to be using the afternoon to make phone calls and get some other random things done. I may even go back to scrapping for awhile now while Julia naps.
Julia's PT appointment at Health South was cancelled because the PT was out sick! It figures the one time I really wanted to go (to show off her mad walking skills...LOL), we can't. Oh well. She has PT on Thursday through Early Intervention so we will just have to show Vida instead. She will be much more practiced by then too, so it will be good.
So, I am going to be using the afternoon to make phone calls and get some other random things done. I may even go back to scrapping for awhile now while Julia naps.
Technical Question
Does anyone know if I can actually upload a video to blogger? I don't think it's possible but I thought I would check and see if anyone out there knew for sure.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Pics From Today
Jack..isn't he freakin' adorable? Emily and Katherine actually had him laughing outloud today...so cute!
Beautiful girl!
I love this picture. Have I ever mentioned how much Julia loves Katherine (or as Julia calls her, Dee Dee)? Julia thinks that Katherine is the best thing since sliced bread...really.
Emily, the social butterfly was too busy visiting to stop for anyone's camera!
It's Official!
I just have the best news to share with y'all.
Today at my nephew's christening party, Julia...(INSERT DRUMROLL)...walked! Like really, really walked, without holding on, one foot in front of the other, 7 or 8 steps at a time!
The first time she did it, she thought no one was looking. I was standing right next to her, talking to someone and I just happened to catch her out of the corner of my eye. It was a single step I think, kind of one of those "if you blink, you'll miss kinda thing." I looked over at Ryun to confirm, and he said, "Yeah, I think so."
Then, she just did it. She walked...and kept walking. She'd occasionally sit on purpose, or lose her balance and fall forward putting her hands out to catch herself, but she got right back up and walked.
She had quite the audience too. Most people there knew about her delay, so when everyone saw her walk, they all clapped and cheered.
So, you know, I cried. I cried because I was so proud...and so happy...and so glad to see all of the hard work finally pay off.
Today at my nephew's christening party, Julia...(INSERT DRUMROLL)...walked! Like really, really walked, without holding on, one foot in front of the other, 7 or 8 steps at a time!
The first time she did it, she thought no one was looking. I was standing right next to her, talking to someone and I just happened to catch her out of the corner of my eye. It was a single step I think, kind of one of those "if you blink, you'll miss kinda thing." I looked over at Ryun to confirm, and he said, "Yeah, I think so."
Then, she just did it. She walked...and kept walking. She'd occasionally sit on purpose, or lose her balance and fall forward putting her hands out to catch herself, but she got right back up and walked.
She had quite the audience too. Most people there knew about her delay, so when everyone saw her walk, they all clapped and cheered.
So, you know, I cried. I cried because I was so proud...and so happy...and so glad to see all of the hard work finally pay off.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Olive anyone?
| You Are Olive Green |
 You are the most real of all the green shades. You're always true to yourself. For you, authenticity and honesty are very important... both in others and yourself. You are grounded and secure. It takes a lot to shake you. People see you as dependable, probably the most dependable person they know. |
Pretty apt description if you ask me!
Via Jay.
Friday, March 10, 2006
Meltdown
So, I broke the news to Emily about the dance...and she was completely fine. She didn't go in to meltdown mode which was totally what I was thinking was going to happen. I explained to her that I thought she was too young and that we could save things like dances for when she was just a little older.
The fact that she didn't lose it is a huge thing. I really think that she is starting to mature a little...both physically and emotionally. Not that we still don't have our days where absolutely nothing works for her or with her, and we have multiple meltdowns. Those days appear to be getting further and further apart though, which is really, really good...for the whole family.
Anyway, I am taking her to see a movie tonight (Aquamarine). She is excited and I think a little one on one attention will do her good.
I did the food shopping and some other errands today and have been doing laundry like it's the only thing left in the world to do.
We have dinner company coming tomorrow and my nephew Jack's christening Sunday. So, a busy weekend, which probably means little or no blogging.
The fact that she didn't lose it is a huge thing. I really think that she is starting to mature a little...both physically and emotionally. Not that we still don't have our days where absolutely nothing works for her or with her, and we have multiple meltdowns. Those days appear to be getting further and further apart though, which is really, really good...for the whole family.
Anyway, I am taking her to see a movie tonight (Aquamarine). She is excited and I think a little one on one attention will do her good.
I did the food shopping and some other errands today and have been doing laundry like it's the only thing left in the world to do.
We have dinner company coming tomorrow and my nephew Jack's christening Sunday. So, a busy weekend, which probably means little or no blogging.
Thursday, March 9, 2006
Like Oh MY GOD
"Yeah, like I can't believe Miranda is only in the 3rd grade and she already has a date to the dance. That's unbelievable."
~Emily~
on the phone with her friend.
Also, the other day, she got a boy's phone number from her friend (not that I will be letting her call but still).
Yup, we're in big freakin' trouble.
~Emily~
on the phone with her friend.
Also, the other day, she got a boy's phone number from her friend (not that I will be letting her call but still).
Yup, we're in big freakin' trouble.
Decisions About Summer Camp
Yes, already. You have to think about these things in March for two reasons:
1. Camps book quickly. For the best chance of getting in to the camp you want, you must reserve early!
2. Thinking about summer camp in March helps you to remember that yes, summer is actually going to arrive, at some point.
So anyway, here are the options for Emily and Katherine this year.
The first, and most expensive option is the YMCA Summer Camp. It is held right down the street at Camp Yomechas. There are a number of different specialized camp programs, including one for beginner campers (Katherine) and one called, "Drama Camp" which I was thinking would be perfect for Emily. Along with the individual components of these two camps, they include regular camp activities such as boating, archery, arts and crafts, ropes course and swimming. Emily went a few summers ago (when we first moved to Middleboro) and loved it. The cost has risen dramatically though (Emily's camp would be $370 for a two week session and Katherine's would be $359 for a two week session. I think I paid $250 for Emily to go last time).
Pros: It's right down the street.
Emily loved it last time.
Cons: It might just cost us an arm...and a leg!
The next option would be Girl Scout Camp. I believe Katherine would be able to attend, seeing as she will be joining a Brownie Troop in September. There is a 2 week session of a day camp, and then what they call mini-camps where the girls actually go and spend two nights there. The cost is much more reasonable (I think $230 for the two week day camp session and $125 for the overnight one).
Pros: It's way less expensive!
I went to this same Girl Scout Camp as a kid and had a blast
(Girl Scouts is one of my favorite memories as a child).
Cons: Camp Wind In The Pines is in the middle of East youknowwhat. The road to get there is unpaved and pothole ridden (somewhere in my archives there is a story about my trip there last year for a day program Emily was doing...I ended up with a flat tire, on the side of the highway with all three kids due to the condition of that road).
The third and final option is the full day, two week summer camp session offered by the Middleboro Parks Department. The cost is $250 per session and includes swimming, sports, arts and crafts.
Pros: It's in Middleboro, not too far from home.
Chances are, they will know someone that they are there with because only
Middleboro kids can participate.
Chances are, I might know someone who is helping out as a camp counselor or
swimming instructor or whatever.
Cons: We would have to be up, fed, dressed, and out of the house by 8:30
every morning during the two week session (not a big deal really but just thought I would mention it).
So, Ryun and I have some decisions to make. I really think I am leaning toward the Middleboro Summer At The Park option. It seems like the most practical and beneficial for the kids.
1. Camps book quickly. For the best chance of getting in to the camp you want, you must reserve early!
2. Thinking about summer camp in March helps you to remember that yes, summer is actually going to arrive, at some point.
So anyway, here are the options for Emily and Katherine this year.
The first, and most expensive option is the YMCA Summer Camp. It is held right down the street at Camp Yomechas. There are a number of different specialized camp programs, including one for beginner campers (Katherine) and one called, "Drama Camp" which I was thinking would be perfect for Emily. Along with the individual components of these two camps, they include regular camp activities such as boating, archery, arts and crafts, ropes course and swimming. Emily went a few summers ago (when we first moved to Middleboro) and loved it. The cost has risen dramatically though (Emily's camp would be $370 for a two week session and Katherine's would be $359 for a two week session. I think I paid $250 for Emily to go last time).
Pros: It's right down the street.
Emily loved it last time.
Cons: It might just cost us an arm...and a leg!
The next option would be Girl Scout Camp. I believe Katherine would be able to attend, seeing as she will be joining a Brownie Troop in September. There is a 2 week session of a day camp, and then what they call mini-camps where the girls actually go and spend two nights there. The cost is much more reasonable (I think $230 for the two week day camp session and $125 for the overnight one).
Pros: It's way less expensive!
I went to this same Girl Scout Camp as a kid and had a blast
(Girl Scouts is one of my favorite memories as a child).
Cons: Camp Wind In The Pines is in the middle of East youknowwhat. The road to get there is unpaved and pothole ridden (somewhere in my archives there is a story about my trip there last year for a day program Emily was doing...I ended up with a flat tire, on the side of the highway with all three kids due to the condition of that road).
The third and final option is the full day, two week summer camp session offered by the Middleboro Parks Department. The cost is $250 per session and includes swimming, sports, arts and crafts.
Pros: It's in Middleboro, not too far from home.
Chances are, they will know someone that they are there with because only
Middleboro kids can participate.
Chances are, I might know someone who is helping out as a camp counselor or
swimming instructor or whatever.
Cons: We would have to be up, fed, dressed, and out of the house by 8:30
every morning during the two week session (not a big deal really but just thought I would mention it).
So, Ryun and I have some decisions to make. I really think I am leaning toward the Middleboro Summer At The Park option. It seems like the most practical and beneficial for the kids.
Going With My Gut
I have decided not to let Emily go to the dance. Obviously, if I was posting about it to begin with, I had some reservations. I just think 3rd grade is too young to be dropped off at a dance. It's different than the kindergarten family dance, in which the parents stayed and we sang and danced to such songs as, "The Hokey Pokey" and "The Chicken Dance." That was a family night out. If it was say bowling or going rollerskating or something, it would be different.
As for the sleepover, I have decided to have her first one at my house. That way I can at least get to know the friend a little bit and then maybe, before the next one get to know the parents. So, it won't be this weekend because we have kind of a lot going on, but maybe the next weekend.
I sort of feel bad for saying no about the dance but, as my mother pointed out, this is only the beginning. There are going to be many times that she is going to really want to do something that I will disagree with and will have to say no. It's part of being a parent...and not giving in is part of being a good parent, if you ask me.
As for the sleepover, I have decided to have her first one at my house. That way I can at least get to know the friend a little bit and then maybe, before the next one get to know the parents. So, it won't be this weekend because we have kind of a lot going on, but maybe the next weekend.
I sort of feel bad for saying no about the dance but, as my mother pointed out, this is only the beginning. There are going to be many times that she is going to really want to do something that I will disagree with and will have to say no. It's part of being a parent...and not giving in is part of being a good parent, if you ask me.
Answer And New ?
The one thing I fear about growing old is Alzheimer's. Not that it is a given when you get old, but just the possibility of it scares me. I just don't want to ever forget who my family is, what they mean to me.
I could care less about vanity type issues. Yes, my hair will probably turn white(at least white is the way most red heads go, as opposed to gray) and I will get wrinkles. Maybe my vision and hearing won't be the same, maybe I won't be able to walk as well as I do now. As long as my mind doesn't go, I will be able to handle the rest just fine.
New question: If you had to name the single most important duty of a parent, what would you say it is?
I could care less about vanity type issues. Yes, my hair will probably turn white(at least white is the way most red heads go, as opposed to gray) and I will get wrinkles. Maybe my vision and hearing won't be the same, maybe I won't be able to walk as well as I do now. As long as my mind doesn't go, I will be able to handle the rest just fine.
New question: If you had to name the single most important duty of a parent, what would you say it is?
Wednesday, March 8, 2006
Today
Julia has EI coming today at 12:45. The appointment is normally at 10:15 but for some reason, she had to change the time for this week.
I have spent the morning cleaning the house and doing laundry. I am going to sit down and scrap for a while before I wake Julia to give her lunch before Jen comes.
We have a wake (Ryun's great Aunt) and I have PTA this evening, so I doubt I'll be back much.
That's all...just wanted to let you know I was still around!
I have spent the morning cleaning the house and doing laundry. I am going to sit down and scrap for a while before I wake Julia to give her lunch before Jen comes.
We have a wake (Ryun's great Aunt) and I have PTA this evening, so I doubt I'll be back much.
That's all...just wanted to let you know I was still around!
Tuesday, March 7, 2006
Ever Hear Of Positive Reinforcement?
Everyone who is a regular reader here knows that Emily has ADHD, inattentive type, and that she is on a 504 Plan at school.
Most of the time (at least this year) I have felt that the school and her teacher were doing everything they could to help Emily succeed. A couple of things, with her teacher specifically, have happened over the past month or so that have me very concerned.
A few weeks ago, Emily's class was in the Media Center. The librarian was working with the students while Emily's classroom teacher sat in the back, correcting papers. She called Emily to the back of the room, showed her a reading comp page that she had gotten 65% on and said, "If you keep turning in garbage like this, I bet you'll fail the MCAS(the MCAS is a standardized test administered to children in grades 3-10 in MA)."
I'm sorry, what? Did you really just tell my kid that your betting she'll fail the MCAS? What the hell kind of teacher says something like that?
Just to give a little background: Emily went through this phase about a month ago in which she would pass in reading papers that were not up to her usual standards...she was getting 65-70 % on all of them, and it was fairly obvious, at least to me that she wasnt paying attention, and as a result didn't do her best work. She appears to be going along fine again...and is back to getting all A's on her reading papers.
The most recent thing happened today. Someone told on Emily for turning around when she was supposed to be looking at the front of the classroom. The girl said something like, "Emily needs to stop turning around." The teacher's response (said in front of the whole classroom), "That would be an impossible task for Emily to complete (as in it would be impossible for Emily not to turn around)."
Ok, first let's start with how she humiliated my daughter in front of the whole classroom. Seriously, was that neccesary? And talk about having little or no fatih in Emily...if Emily thinks that her teacher feels she couldn't do it, does anyone really think Emily will think she can? I'm sorry but you know what, her teacher was wrong...BIGTIME.
I plan on scheduling a meeting. I am not going to go in there acting like Emily's an angel and the teacher sucks. I know damn well Emily wasn't paying attention when it came to those reasing assignments, and I have no doubt she was turning around when she wasn't supposed to. I just think the teacher handled both situations completelly wrong.
I think I have said here before that Emily is not the kind of student that can just sit in a classroom, do what she is supposed to do and leave. She is a lot of work. You need to be right on top of her so that she'll stay on task, remind her to bring her stuff home, transition her from one activity to the next, etc. So, I am thinking her teacher may be getting tired of her and all of the extra things Emily needs.
I am not justifying her behavior in any way. She was wrong and I have no doubt about that. I am hoping that a meeting with her will pull her back in and get her to act and speak in a more appropriate way when dealing with Emily.
Conveniently, Emily's 504 is up for review at the end of March. I am thinking that I should include something like, "When Emily isn't paying attention, or is behaving inappropriately in the classroom, please remind her in a gentle yet firm manner that she needs to pay attention and follow the classroom rules."
Ugh...
I hate confrontation...actually I dread it. I am such a "Don't rock the boat" kinda gal, but, when your a messing with my child, you'd better believe I'll get over my fears pretty quick.
Most of the time (at least this year) I have felt that the school and her teacher were doing everything they could to help Emily succeed. A couple of things, with her teacher specifically, have happened over the past month or so that have me very concerned.
A few weeks ago, Emily's class was in the Media Center. The librarian was working with the students while Emily's classroom teacher sat in the back, correcting papers. She called Emily to the back of the room, showed her a reading comp page that she had gotten 65% on and said, "If you keep turning in garbage like this, I bet you'll fail the MCAS(the MCAS is a standardized test administered to children in grades 3-10 in MA)."
I'm sorry, what? Did you really just tell my kid that your betting she'll fail the MCAS? What the hell kind of teacher says something like that?
Just to give a little background: Emily went through this phase about a month ago in which she would pass in reading papers that were not up to her usual standards...she was getting 65-70 % on all of them, and it was fairly obvious, at least to me that she wasnt paying attention, and as a result didn't do her best work. She appears to be going along fine again...and is back to getting all A's on her reading papers.
The most recent thing happened today. Someone told on Emily for turning around when she was supposed to be looking at the front of the classroom. The girl said something like, "Emily needs to stop turning around." The teacher's response (said in front of the whole classroom), "That would be an impossible task for Emily to complete (as in it would be impossible for Emily not to turn around)."
Ok, first let's start with how she humiliated my daughter in front of the whole classroom. Seriously, was that neccesary? And talk about having little or no fatih in Emily...if Emily thinks that her teacher feels she couldn't do it, does anyone really think Emily will think she can? I'm sorry but you know what, her teacher was wrong...BIGTIME.
I plan on scheduling a meeting. I am not going to go in there acting like Emily's an angel and the teacher sucks. I know damn well Emily wasn't paying attention when it came to those reasing assignments, and I have no doubt she was turning around when she wasn't supposed to. I just think the teacher handled both situations completelly wrong.
I think I have said here before that Emily is not the kind of student that can just sit in a classroom, do what she is supposed to do and leave. She is a lot of work. You need to be right on top of her so that she'll stay on task, remind her to bring her stuff home, transition her from one activity to the next, etc. So, I am thinking her teacher may be getting tired of her and all of the extra things Emily needs.
I am not justifying her behavior in any way. She was wrong and I have no doubt about that. I am hoping that a meeting with her will pull her back in and get her to act and speak in a more appropriate way when dealing with Emily.
Conveniently, Emily's 504 is up for review at the end of March. I am thinking that I should include something like, "When Emily isn't paying attention, or is behaving inappropriately in the classroom, please remind her in a gentle yet firm manner that she needs to pay attention and follow the classroom rules."
Ugh...
I hate confrontation...actually I dread it. I am such a "Don't rock the boat" kinda gal, but, when your a messing with my child, you'd better believe I'll get over my fears pretty quick.
Answer And New ?
If I could ask one yes or no question about my death, I would probably ask if I would die a happy person (as in happy with the life I have lead, the decisions I have made etc).
Although, if the answer was no, it might be rather upsetting to hear!
Anyway, new question, sort of on the same subject: If you had to name the one thing that most frightens you about growing old, what would it be?
Although, if the answer was no, it might be rather upsetting to hear!
Anyway, new question, sort of on the same subject: If you had to name the one thing that most frightens you about growing old, what would it be?
All About Me...The Independent Architect
Monday, March 6, 2006
Having a "Mom" Moment
So...Emily is trying to plan a sleepover with a friend. This would be her first one, that is, her first one staying at the house of people that I don't really know. Her only other sleepovers have been at my parents or my sister's or whatever.
I talked to the girl's Mom on the phone today and she sounds nice. Emily is constantly talking about this girl Megan and how she wants to have her over etc. The plan they are trying to make is for them to go to the Middleboro Youth Softball Dance on Friday night (for grades 3-5) and then have Megan's mom pick them up and bring them back to their house. I am not even sure about the whole dance thing, let alone the sleepover itself. I mean 3rd grade seems a bit young for a dance. It is only for a couple of hours though so I guess it's not that bad.
Ok, so as if the sleepover and dance weren't enough, I am worried about having to tell Megan's parents about the seizure thing. I am also worried about having someone else give her her medicine (2 at night, 2 in the morning). What if they forget? What if they are uncomfortable having someone with Epilepsy sleepover? I mean, the fact of the matter is, Emily has been seizure free (as far as we know anyway) since October of 2004, but you know, seizures are just one of those things that can come up out of the blue, especially with all of the changes she's going through right now (the puberty post is in my head, just haven't gotten around to posting it yet). So, it worries me.
Does anyone who has been through any of this have any thoughts? Or, even if you haven't been through it, what do you think?
Is it ok for a 3rd grader to go to a dance?
Should I let her sleepover at someone's house who I have only ever talked with on the phone?
Am I being overly concerned about the Epilepsy thing?
Am I being the world's most overprotective Mom?
I talked to the girl's Mom on the phone today and she sounds nice. Emily is constantly talking about this girl Megan and how she wants to have her over etc. The plan they are trying to make is for them to go to the Middleboro Youth Softball Dance on Friday night (for grades 3-5) and then have Megan's mom pick them up and bring them back to their house. I am not even sure about the whole dance thing, let alone the sleepover itself. I mean 3rd grade seems a bit young for a dance. It is only for a couple of hours though so I guess it's not that bad.
Ok, so as if the sleepover and dance weren't enough, I am worried about having to tell Megan's parents about the seizure thing. I am also worried about having someone else give her her medicine (2 at night, 2 in the morning). What if they forget? What if they are uncomfortable having someone with Epilepsy sleepover? I mean, the fact of the matter is, Emily has been seizure free (as far as we know anyway) since October of 2004, but you know, seizures are just one of those things that can come up out of the blue, especially with all of the changes she's going through right now (the puberty post is in my head, just haven't gotten around to posting it yet). So, it worries me.
Does anyone who has been through any of this have any thoughts? Or, even if you haven't been through it, what do you think?
Is it ok for a 3rd grader to go to a dance?
Should I let her sleepover at someone's house who I have only ever talked with on the phone?
Am I being overly concerned about the Epilepsy thing?
Am I being the world's most overprotective Mom?
Conference Post # 1: Early Literacy Skills
This was the first of three workshops I attended. I was going, mainly because I had some slight concerns about Katherine, and her lack of interest (or at least not a heck of a lot of interest) in reading. I thought that I might get some ideas of different things I could do to encourage her etc.
I left there with quite a few ideas, as well as quite a few concerns.
I also found out, while there, that I apparently should have some concerns about Julia (Slight if at all) as well.
First...let me point out the statistics.
There is an 88% chance that a child with difficulty reading in grade 1 will still have difficulty in grade 4 (Juel, 1988).
The student is not a moderately skilled reader by the end of 3rd grade in unlikely to graduate from highschool (Snow, Burns, and Griffin, 1998).
28-75% of children with early language delays present with language and literacy difficulties during the later years, even if the delay had been remedaited by five or six years of age (Scarborough and Dobrich, 1990).
Those are some scary stats if you ask me.
I hadn't really thought about how Julia's language delay (which she has basically overcome) could affect her in the future. Granted the range is kind of wide (28-75%) but it's still rather interesting.
I did leave there with a good basis of ideas to try with Katherine to get her motivated to read. One thing I came away with was a link to this website. The Dolch List is a list of the 220 most commonly used words in print and this website offers different printable activities as well as charts to track progress. I plan on printing some of those out and working with her on a more daily basis with these types of things.
I have also decided to start "labeling" more with her...saying things like, "Look at the pretty white clouds" or "Please don't touch the hot stove". Another thing that I will be working on with her...having her understand the difference between a word and a sentence and a paragraph. I hope that some of this works, and I think it will. She responds well to me.
I left there with quite a few ideas, as well as quite a few concerns.
I also found out, while there, that I apparently should have some concerns about Julia (Slight if at all) as well.
First...let me point out the statistics.
There is an 88% chance that a child with difficulty reading in grade 1 will still have difficulty in grade 4 (Juel, 1988).
The student is not a moderately skilled reader by the end of 3rd grade in unlikely to graduate from highschool (Snow, Burns, and Griffin, 1998).
28-75% of children with early language delays present with language and literacy difficulties during the later years, even if the delay had been remedaited by five or six years of age (Scarborough and Dobrich, 1990).
Those are some scary stats if you ask me.
I hadn't really thought about how Julia's language delay (which she has basically overcome) could affect her in the future. Granted the range is kind of wide (28-75%) but it's still rather interesting.
I did leave there with a good basis of ideas to try with Katherine to get her motivated to read. One thing I came away with was a link to this website. The Dolch List is a list of the 220 most commonly used words in print and this website offers different printable activities as well as charts to track progress. I plan on printing some of those out and working with her on a more daily basis with these types of things.
I have also decided to start "labeling" more with her...saying things like, "Look at the pretty white clouds" or "Please don't touch the hot stove". Another thing that I will be working on with her...having her understand the difference between a word and a sentence and a paragraph. I hope that some of this works, and I think it will. She responds well to me.
Answer And New ?
If I could have a lifetime 50% discount at any store I would pick...Michael's Arts And Crafts. The practical side would probably pick Walmart, but who's being practical?!?!
New Question: If you could ask one yes or no question about your death right now, what would it be?
New Question: If you could ask one yes or no question about your death right now, what would it be?
Saturday, March 4, 2006
Back
The Conference was unbelievable. I learned more there about so many things than I ever thought possible.
I plan on a more detailed entry but i just wanted to point out a couple of quick highlights.
The first thing was a realization on my part. Someone said something at the conference that for some reason, made me have, in Oprah terminology, an "Aha" moment. For the first time ever, I realized, despite how "non-severe" their needs might be, that I am the mother of 2 special needs children. Not every parent has to take their child to PT twice a week, or have a specialist come to their home bi-weekly. Not every parent has a child on 504 plan, or a child who has to be medicated every day to control seizures. Not every parent has to take their children for MRI's or EEG's or to a neurologist. It was kind of a profound moment for me, and one that I am not likely to ever forget.
The other highlight: I had the opportunity to meet and talk with Magi Bish. Magi Bish is the mother of Molly Bish, a life guard from Warren, MA who disappeared off of the beach she was working at, almost 6 years ago. My conversation with her moved me to tears. It wasn't really what we were talking about that moved me (although when she said in the years since Molly died (they found some of her remains a couple of years ago) she has realized that there is more goodness in the world than bad, I wondered how someone who has gone through the worst hell I can even imagine could have such a positive attitude), it was how she said what she said that brought me to tears. Her positive attitude, the work she and her husband are doing through the Molly Bish Foundation, and her amazing ability to turn such a horrible tragedy in to such a n amazing foundation were what did it. She was inspiring. And I hugged her and told her that she was. I wasn't the only one either.
Anyway, much more to follow in the days to come. I have so much I want to share but, for now, I am going to have something to eat and go to bed. I was up at 5:30 am today, and out of the house by 6, so I am tired.
I plan on a more detailed entry but i just wanted to point out a couple of quick highlights.
The first thing was a realization on my part. Someone said something at the conference that for some reason, made me have, in Oprah terminology, an "Aha" moment. For the first time ever, I realized, despite how "non-severe" their needs might be, that I am the mother of 2 special needs children. Not every parent has to take their child to PT twice a week, or have a specialist come to their home bi-weekly. Not every parent has a child on 504 plan, or a child who has to be medicated every day to control seizures. Not every parent has to take their children for MRI's or EEG's or to a neurologist. It was kind of a profound moment for me, and one that I am not likely to ever forget.
The other highlight: I had the opportunity to meet and talk with Magi Bish. Magi Bish is the mother of Molly Bish, a life guard from Warren, MA who disappeared off of the beach she was working at, almost 6 years ago. My conversation with her moved me to tears. It wasn't really what we were talking about that moved me (although when she said in the years since Molly died (they found some of her remains a couple of years ago) she has realized that there is more goodness in the world than bad, I wondered how someone who has gone through the worst hell I can even imagine could have such a positive attitude), it was how she said what she said that brought me to tears. Her positive attitude, the work she and her husband are doing through the Molly Bish Foundation, and her amazing ability to turn such a horrible tragedy in to such a n amazing foundation were what did it. She was inspiring. And I hugged her and told her that she was. I wasn't the only one either.
Anyway, much more to follow in the days to come. I have so much I want to share but, for now, I am going to have something to eat and go to bed. I was up at 5:30 am today, and out of the house by 6, so I am tired.
Friday, March 3, 2006
Official Results
I got the report from Athena in the mail today, regarding Julia's TS testing.
Here's what it said:
This individual does not possess detectable abnormal DNA variants in the TSC1 or TSC2 gene coding sequence. Therefore, this individual is unlikely to be affected with, or predisposed to developing, Tuberous Sclerosis due to mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes. Nonetheless, while methodologically accurate, this analysis does not definitively rule out TS due to mutations in another gene identified or not yet discovered, mutations in regions of the TSC1 or TSC2 not tested in this analysis or mutations that are not detectable by the technology used in this assay.
Don't ya just love how they cover their asses by saying that this testing does not rule out the possibility of TS?
Anyway, YAY for a negative result!
Also, on a related note, I found out that Julia's EEG will not be on April 10th with her MRI. It will be on April 18th instead, as they were not able to coordinate the scheduling. So, that means sedation twice but it all seems to be really low key so I am not too worried about it.
Anyway, off to bed as I have to be at the bus for the conference tomorrow at 7:00 am. I will be back around 6:30-7 or so , and will try and update tomorrow to give you all the details!
Here's what it said:
This individual does not possess detectable abnormal DNA variants in the TSC1 or TSC2 gene coding sequence. Therefore, this individual is unlikely to be affected with, or predisposed to developing, Tuberous Sclerosis due to mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes. Nonetheless, while methodologically accurate, this analysis does not definitively rule out TS due to mutations in another gene identified or not yet discovered, mutations in regions of the TSC1 or TSC2 not tested in this analysis or mutations that are not detectable by the technology used in this assay.
Don't ya just love how they cover their asses by saying that this testing does not rule out the possibility of TS?
Anyway, YAY for a negative result!
Also, on a related note, I found out that Julia's EEG will not be on April 10th with her MRI. It will be on April 18th instead, as they were not able to coordinate the scheduling. So, that means sedation twice but it all seems to be really low key so I am not too worried about it.
Anyway, off to bed as I have to be at the bus for the conference tomorrow at 7:00 am. I will be back around 6:30-7 or so , and will try and update tomorrow to give you all the details!
I Know I Know...I Can't Help It Though!
For those who who didn't know yesterday was Read Across America Day and, conincidentally, Dr. Seuss' Birthday..
Katherine brought a Dr. Seuss book to school to share with her class (at her teacher's request). They also had 7th grade students come from the middle school. Each 7th grade student was paired with a kindergarten student to read a story to them. Katherine came home with a brand new book.
She also came home with the March school calendar which has on it a cultural perfomance (Susan Adie a nature storyteller sponsored by the PTA) and a "coffee With The Principal" date.
Coffee With The Principal is a program that was introduced last year. Parents are invited (usually once a month) to get togther with the principal to voice concerns or just get an "inside track" as to what is going on at the schools.
For the millionth time, let me just say, MIddleboro Public Schools ROCK!
Katherine brought a Dr. Seuss book to school to share with her class (at her teacher's request). They also had 7th grade students come from the middle school. Each 7th grade student was paired with a kindergarten student to read a story to them. Katherine came home with a brand new book.
She also came home with the March school calendar which has on it a cultural perfomance (Susan Adie a nature storyteller sponsored by the PTA) and a "coffee With The Principal" date.
Coffee With The Principal is a program that was introduced last year. Parents are invited (usually once a month) to get togther with the principal to voice concerns or just get an "inside track" as to what is going on at the schools.
For the millionth time, let me just say, MIddleboro Public Schools ROCK!
Answer and New ?
Well, sorry to be a disappointment, but I had a rather tame youth. About the craziest thing I ever did was get drunk and skinny dip with a bunch of friends in a public pond. That was of course in my younger and skinnier days. There are a couple of other things that came to mind as I was typing this but this is a family blog, yo. Even at that, I still think the drunk skinny dipping thing was the craziest.
An-y-way, next riveting question:
If you could have a lifetime 50% off discount at any store, which store would you choose?
An-y-way, next riveting question:
If you could have a lifetime 50% off discount at any store, which store would you choose?
Happy Birthday...
...to my father, who turns 56 today (and no, he won't mind me announcing it to the world)!
As Emily pointed out the other day, "Even though my Mimi and Papa are like 50 years old or something, they still look young."
Having someone like Emily around is good for the soul, let me tell you!
Anyway, Happy Birthday Dad/Papa/Peter!
As Emily pointed out the other day, "Even though my Mimi and Papa are like 50 years old or something, they still look young."
Having someone like Emily around is good for the soul, let me tell you!
Anyway, Happy Birthday Dad/Papa/Peter!
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