After sending the this link out this morning to practically everyone on my email list, I received many compliments on the pictures, and many comments on what a good "photographer" I am. It's flattering really, and I will say, that I never give myself enough credit for actually being "skilled" in this area.
Admittedly, I tend to spend a lot of time looking for the right angle, the right lighting, and the right "everything" to make the picture come out perfect (just ask my kids who are probably sick of me saying to turn left, look up, look down and Ryun who probably stood for hours this weekend just watching me take pictures). I even seek out opportunities that I know will provide good "picture-taking" moments (like getting up at 5:30 in the morning on vacation just to get pictures of the sun rising over the mountains).
Still, I wonder how anyone could actually take a bad picture when presented with such beautiful opportunities as I have had in the past. I know it happens, and I know there are people who don't take the time that I do, but I am in such awe of the beauty that it is almost beyond my comprehension how someone could not take the time to get the picture, "just right." There is a difference between just going out and snapping a picture, and going out and paying close attention to the detail (the lighting, the camera angle, the timing etc). To each his own of course...I am only trying to point out how intensely I feel about this, how truly passionate I am about it.
Life and nature provide many, many opportunities to capture the beauty of it all, and I don't intend to let a single moment of it pass me by.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Weekend In The Mountains
There can't be anything more difficult than getting back to "real life" after a vacation. Not that there is anything wrong with "real life" but "real life?"
It's not this.
I wonder if people who live in areas like this for any length of time still appreciate the beauty that surrounds them every day. Myself, I find it hard to believe that I could ever, ever get sick of a view like this.
The sun set over the mountains, changing their color, making them look like some sort of a water color painting.
I got up at 5:30 in the morning with the intent of capturing the sun rising over the mountains. I had no idea how truly beautiful it would be.
This was taken just before darkness descended, giving the mountains and the water a purplish tint, which I am not sure was captured well in this picture.
I took 120 pictures in all, none of which could possibly capture the peace and beauty of the mountains. As I said to Ryun though, even if the Lodge was located in the middle of a barren wasteland, the service and kindness of the staff still would have made the trip worthwhile. It was exemplary, and really like nothing I have ever seen or experienced before. I let them know as much when I filled out the email survey we got upon our arrival home, asking about our stay.
It's not this.
I wonder if people who live in areas like this for any length of time still appreciate the beauty that surrounds them every day. Myself, I find it hard to believe that I could ever, ever get sick of a view like this.
The sun set over the mountains, changing their color, making them look like some sort of a water color painting.
I got up at 5:30 in the morning with the intent of capturing the sun rising over the mountains. I had no idea how truly beautiful it would be.
This was taken just before darkness descended, giving the mountains and the water a purplish tint, which I am not sure was captured well in this picture.
I took 120 pictures in all, none of which could possibly capture the peace and beauty of the mountains. As I said to Ryun though, even if the Lodge was located in the middle of a barren wasteland, the service and kindness of the staff still would have made the trip worthwhile. It was exemplary, and really like nothing I have ever seen or experienced before. I let them know as much when I filled out the email survey we got upon our arrival home, asking about our stay.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Gone, Baby Gone
For the weekend anyway. Tomorrow, Ryun and I will depart, sans kids, for a weekend getaway to Vermont, courtesy (well at least in part) of Mom and Dad. We will be married for 10 years tomorrow, and if memory serves, this is the first time that our anniversary falls on Memorial Day Weekend, as it did the year we were married. Our wedding was on a Sunday.
Ten years flies by like nothing. It seems impossible that it could really be that long, or that we could be 10 years older, or that Emily will be 11 next weekend.
Mother Nature has decided to bestow upon us the gift of good weather which was quite generous of her indeed. We will be staying at the Trapp Family Lodge, which we have visited in the past, but never stayed. It has been 9 years but I can remember being in awe of the beauty then. I am sure, with my newer and more mature appreciation of wildlife and nature, it will increase tenfold on this trip. Aside from the weekend away with Ryun, the part I am most looking forward to is soaking in (and of course taking many photos of) the beauty that will surround us.
Rejuvenation, here I come!
Ten years flies by like nothing. It seems impossible that it could really be that long, or that we could be 10 years older, or that Emily will be 11 next weekend.
Mother Nature has decided to bestow upon us the gift of good weather which was quite generous of her indeed. We will be staying at the Trapp Family Lodge, which we have visited in the past, but never stayed. It has been 9 years but I can remember being in awe of the beauty then. I am sure, with my newer and more mature appreciation of wildlife and nature, it will increase tenfold on this trip. Aside from the weekend away with Ryun, the part I am most looking forward to is soaking in (and of course taking many photos of) the beauty that will surround us.
Rejuvenation, here I come!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Most toddlers...
...would enjoy reading a story like this:
But when you're a toddler who has two older sisters that are *obsessed* with a tv show from the late 80's?
You read this instead.
And yes, Saved By The Bell replays on The N every night. My kids? Yeah, they totally think Slater is HOT.
The Saved By The Bell Scrapbook? Courtesy of my sister Heather, who found it my parents house a while back.
But when you're a toddler who has two older sisters that are *obsessed* with a tv show from the late 80's?
You read this instead.
And yes, Saved By The Bell replays on The N every night. My kids? Yeah, they totally think Slater is HOT.
The Saved By The Bell Scrapbook? Courtesy of my sister Heather, who found it my parents house a while back.
Why I Hardly Post Anymore (At Least Lately)
Check it:
I'm just a tiny bit busy.
| Sharon's Calendar | ( View All ) |
I'm just a tiny bit busy.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Does anyone know anything about...
...Hippotherapy (aka Therapeutic Horse Riding Therapy)? At Julia's IEP meeting the other day, her team recommended that she do "something" over the summer to keep up a consistent schedule (which was really my main concern for her over the summer and why I was hoping she might get in to the summer program). For some reason the idea of horseback riding popped in to my head today while I was pondering ideas. The basic idea I left with at the meeting was that she would benefit from keeping up with some sort of a once or twice a week activity that would keep her on a "getting out of the house and being social activity." One of the main concerns her team has was her lack of independence as compared to others her age, and her constant need for prompting. She is not the kind of kid to just "jump right in" but it goes beyond that with her. She needs much more direction socially and otherwise than the "average" almost 4 year old.
My understanding of Hippotherapy is that it is an individualized program that is tailored to the child's specific needs, using speech, physical, and occupational therapists, as well as the horse to address concerns. It seems like it could be a wonderful thing for Julia who has concerns in all three of these areas.
Does anyone have any experience with this, or have you heard anything good, bad or otherwise about it?
My understanding of Hippotherapy is that it is an individualized program that is tailored to the child's specific needs, using speech, physical, and occupational therapists, as well as the horse to address concerns. It seems like it could be a wonderful thing for Julia who has concerns in all three of these areas.
Does anyone have any experience with this, or have you heard anything good, bad or otherwise about it?
NCLB Etc.
When, I ask you, are the higher ups going to get off their high horse and do away with the stupid law?
This article caught my attention this morning.
There are a couple of things that really set me off, first and foremost of course, is the money. It's wrong to expect the state and town to come up with the money for something the feds hand down. Take some responsibility for your actions (what am I thinking...responsibility and government don't even belong in the same paragraph). If you can't fund it, kill it.
Something else? If the federal government is the one handing down these silly laws, then why is it up to the state to set the standards which need to be met? I have said before that I don't think the feds should be involved in any form, but, if they have to be, they could at least support and stand behind their initiatives.
Speaking on behalf of my own town, as it stands now, we are only level funded from last year. Last year we were functioning (barely) on a budget that was drastically reduced (as in more than 30 positions cut). So all of the "bad stuff" going on last year will continue this year. Great. It's certainly better than being cut again but still? When are the kids going to get the support they deserve and need? And how the heck are we supposed to come up with the money to fund programs that will help us make AYP and other goals when we can't even hire a librarian to staff the media center in the elementary schools? An override? Maybe but even I don't think that's a good idea. I'd support one again because when faced with no other options what else can you do? The kids shouldn't suffer.
I'm telling you, I'd support and extended school day before I'd support NCLB and federal involvement in education.
Ugh.
This article caught my attention this morning.
There are a couple of things that really set me off, first and foremost of course, is the money. It's wrong to expect the state and town to come up with the money for something the feds hand down. Take some responsibility for your actions (what am I thinking...responsibility and government don't even belong in the same paragraph). If you can't fund it, kill it.
Something else? If the federal government is the one handing down these silly laws, then why is it up to the state to set the standards which need to be met? I have said before that I don't think the feds should be involved in any form, but, if they have to be, they could at least support and stand behind their initiatives.
Speaking on behalf of my own town, as it stands now, we are only level funded from last year. Last year we were functioning (barely) on a budget that was drastically reduced (as in more than 30 positions cut). So all of the "bad stuff" going on last year will continue this year. Great. It's certainly better than being cut again but still? When are the kids going to get the support they deserve and need? And how the heck are we supposed to come up with the money to fund programs that will help us make AYP and other goals when we can't even hire a librarian to staff the media center in the elementary schools? An override? Maybe but even I don't think that's a good idea. I'd support one again because when faced with no other options what else can you do? The kids shouldn't suffer.
I'm telling you, I'd support and extended school day before I'd support NCLB and federal involvement in education.
Ugh.
Ok, I must confess...
...I am totally hooked on Days Of Our Lives. Like, in a "can't miss it or I might die" kind of way.
And really? I have watched for the better part of the past 20 years, so, it's not like this is shocking in any way. It's been so good lately though that I have actually been watching (or recording and watching it later) every day, as opposed to my usual once or twice a week.
So yeah. How's that for a confession?
And really? I have watched for the better part of the past 20 years, so, it's not like this is shocking in any way. It's been so good lately though that I have actually been watching (or recording and watching it later) every day, as opposed to my usual once or twice a week.
So yeah. How's that for a confession?
Monday, May 19, 2008
Re-Posting An Old Entry...Again
...for reasons which should be fairly obvious.
Annoying...when someone calls my house and doesn't leave a message. I have an answering machine for a reason. You called me so you must have something to say. So you know, say it. If I have a message, I will return it, but if you call and don't leave one, I am not going to bother calling you back. REPEAT: NO MESSAGE FROM YOU MEANS NO CALL BACK FROM ME.
Even more annoying...when someone calls once, doesn't get an answer, doesn't leave a message and then continues to call repeatedly...and still doesn't leave a message. Obviously I am either not here, busy, or plain and simple don't feel like talking on the phone. Again, I have a machine for a reason.
And just in case we're not clear on what the reason is...its purpose is to take messages, so that I can hear them and respond accordingly.
Annoying...when someone calls my house and doesn't leave a message. I have an answering machine for a reason. You called me so you must have something to say. So you know, say it. If I have a message, I will return it, but if you call and don't leave one, I am not going to bother calling you back. REPEAT: NO MESSAGE FROM YOU MEANS NO CALL BACK FROM ME.
Even more annoying...when someone calls once, doesn't get an answer, doesn't leave a message and then continues to call repeatedly...and still doesn't leave a message. Obviously I am either not here, busy, or plain and simple don't feel like talking on the phone. Again, I have a machine for a reason.
And just in case we're not clear on what the reason is...its purpose is to take messages, so that I can hear them and respond accordingly.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Our Trip To The Herring Run
Blue-eyed girl.
Follow the red brick road...
Some sort of gull. Big wing span.
Taking flight...
Taking a swim.
Putting Two and Two Together
On Friday night of last week, we took the girls to Brigham's for dinner, after eye doctor appointments for Katherine and I. Katherine had cheese quesadillas and an ice cream for dessert. In the middle of the night, she was on the toilet, literally crying in pain (yes, I know TMI but it's essential to the story). This is not the first time that something like this has happened and after thinking about it for a while, I realized that it only happens when we go out to a restaurant for a meal. It might have happened occasionally after eating at home, but these times were so far and few between, it's not worth considering. After further thought, I realized that it only happens when she has had both dinner and dessert (we rarely have dessert at home and if we do, it's not always ice cream).Katherine is pretty predictable when it comes to ordering. She almost always gets a grilled cheese sandwich or cheese quesadillas and some sort of ice cream type dessert. The one time recently that I can remember her ordering something different it was a hamburger, and, of course ice cream dessert. This is the only time in recent memory that I can remember her not ending up in the bathroom when all was said and done.
So, the point? I think she might be (or still be) lactose intolerant. She always was as an infant, and although lower fat milk does not mean lactose free milk, she has never been able to properly digest whole milk. We drink skim, because Emily, who also had a lactose free formula, also can't handle the whole milk(in fact Julia, who was also on a lactose-free formula is the only one of my children who went to whole milk at 1 year).
After coming to these conclusions, I decided to read up a bit on food intolerances and allergies and it turns out? There is a ton of research/stories of children who have stopped bed wetting after eliminating the offending food from the diet. There is also research/stories of children whose asthma and chronic cough were eradicated by eliminating the offending food. So, since she has obvious symptoms of lactose intolerance it seems to me that it would make sense to try a dairy-free diet with her to see if it helps with the bed wetting/asthma/cough as well as the intestinal issues.
I need to look at this a little further and read up on what foods might be forbidden (besides the obvious milk, cheese etc) and decide what I want to do but it all seems to be pretty clear to me. If we go ahead with it, we'll have to see if it works but on the surface, before even trying it? It seems like it may be the key.
So, the point? I think she might be (or still be) lactose intolerant. She always was as an infant, and although lower fat milk does not mean lactose free milk, she has never been able to properly digest whole milk. We drink skim, because Emily, who also had a lactose free formula, also can't handle the whole milk(in fact Julia, who was also on a lactose-free formula is the only one of my children who went to whole milk at 1 year).
After coming to these conclusions, I decided to read up a bit on food intolerances and allergies and it turns out? There is a ton of research/stories of children who have stopped bed wetting after eliminating the offending food from the diet. There is also research/stories of children whose asthma and chronic cough were eradicated by eliminating the offending food. So, since she has obvious symptoms of lactose intolerance it seems to me that it would make sense to try a dairy-free diet with her to see if it helps with the bed wetting/asthma/cough as well as the intestinal issues.
I need to look at this a little further and read up on what foods might be forbidden (besides the obvious milk, cheese etc) and decide what I want to do but it all seems to be pretty clear to me. If we go ahead with it, we'll have to see if it works but on the surface, before even trying it? It seems like it may be the key.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Remember
This entry?
On Friday night at the mall, I ran in to my third grade teacher.
This is just getting weird. I mean, I realize running in to people I know in this area is not weird in and of it self, but all of these random meetings in such a short period of time, as well as the coincidences with the name and the picture? All of it just seems to be pointing to something. I still have no idea what, but, something.
On Friday night at the mall, I ran in to my third grade teacher.
This is just getting weird. I mean, I realize running in to people I know in this area is not weird in and of it self, but all of these random meetings in such a short period of time, as well as the coincidences with the name and the picture? All of it just seems to be pointing to something. I still have no idea what, but, something.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Julia: Why I Think She Is My Best Eater
Really? Because she had to be taught to eat. That sounds silly but it's true. There was a day when Julia would eat yogurt and toast and that was it. Occasionally, we could sneak in something of the same textures (like maybe pudding or a crunchy food of some sort), but mostly, yogurt and toast were her tried and true favorites. She had issues with textures and anything in between the yogurt and toast she would either swallow whole, or spit out.
After talking about this with Early Intervention(which she was already taking part in for PT and Speech), we added Occupational Therapy to the mix through EI, as well as at Health South, where she was receiving "extra PT" services.
I learned more about how to feed a child than I ever knew before. It was strange to me that eating (and the how to of it) was actually, in some cases, not something that a child would just know, or that would come as a natural part of being a living, breathing human being. I remember actually saying to her OT, "I actually have to teach her how to eat?"
So, we had to do all kinds of things. We brushed her tongue, the roof of her mouth and the side of her mouth with a Nuk brush. We played "mouth games" with her (such as tapping her mouth and having say ahhh, as well as massaging her cheeks). We fed her cold things, spicy things, and sour things before her normal meals to wake her senses up. We had to teach her to use her front teeth only for the initial bite of food, and then switch to the side. We also had to teach her not to "mouth stuff" which she used to do because it was the only way she could actually even "feel" the food in her mouth.
After all of this? It turns out that the kid who wouldn't eat anything? Will pretty much eat everything. I don't think she has met a food she doesn't like/won't eat. It's nice, and in comparison to the Emily and Katherine (who certainly are not the pickiest eaters I have ever seen but aren't exactly the best eaters)? Julia is a World Champion or something.
After talking about this with Early Intervention(which she was already taking part in for PT and Speech), we added Occupational Therapy to the mix through EI, as well as at Health South, where she was receiving "extra PT" services.
I learned more about how to feed a child than I ever knew before. It was strange to me that eating (and the how to of it) was actually, in some cases, not something that a child would just know, or that would come as a natural part of being a living, breathing human being. I remember actually saying to her OT, "I actually have to teach her how to eat?"
So, we had to do all kinds of things. We brushed her tongue, the roof of her mouth and the side of her mouth with a Nuk brush. We played "mouth games" with her (such as tapping her mouth and having say ahhh, as well as massaging her cheeks). We fed her cold things, spicy things, and sour things before her normal meals to wake her senses up. We had to teach her to use her front teeth only for the initial bite of food, and then switch to the side. We also had to teach her not to "mouth stuff" which she used to do because it was the only way she could actually even "feel" the food in her mouth.
After all of this? It turns out that the kid who wouldn't eat anything? Will pretty much eat everything. I don't think she has met a food she doesn't like/won't eat. It's nice, and in comparison to the Emily and Katherine (who certainly are not the pickiest eaters I have ever seen but aren't exactly the best eaters)? Julia is a World Champion or something.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Friday, May 9, 2008
Hard to Tell
Which is the front and which is the back, isn't it? 
Katherine? Definitely got her father's hair. In these pictures, I have pulled some of her hair from the sides to cover her face, and left the back as is. I miss my thick (er) hair, but even at it's thickest? It was never Katherine's.
Katherine? Definitely got her father's hair. In these pictures, I have pulled some of her hair from the sides to cover her face, and left the back as is. I miss my thick (er) hair, but even at it's thickest? It was never Katherine's.
Happy Mother's Day...
...from Julia! This is what I love about school at these young ages. Cute, handmade gifts are just priceless!
Julia Update
Via both my sister Suzanne and the doctor (who I emailed the photos to), and my remembrance of chicken pox being raised bumps (which these are not), we have more or less confirmed that these are more than likely bites from a little bug called a "no see um." Of course, the doctor said to pay close attention to make sure that nothing further develops and recommended hydrocortisone cream to help relieve the itching. I didn't really think that it was chicken pox seeing as she has been vaccinated against them (not that the vaccine is a 100 % guarantee but it sure makes it unlikely).
Julia
The other day, Julia went out with Emily and Katherine to play in the yard. She came in with a couple of "bug bites" on the back of her neck, right at the hairline. They were small, with a dark red dot in the center, and a pink circle around. She had an other one, just a little further down on her back, but it looked more like a mosquito bite, as it did not have the red dot in the center. I thought nothing of this at first, but the next day she went out, and came back in with a few more spots on her back, one on her upper chest in the front, and one one her face, next to her left eye. The older girls were fine, not a single mark on them anywhere. They were all in the sandbox so I just thought it was weird that if it was bugs biting, they would only attack Julia. I was (am) beginning to wonder if it might be something else. Today will be a good test as I do not plan on sending her out (it's raining) and, after giving her a once over this morning, I do not see any new spots. They appear to be itchy, as she keeps asking me to scratch her back for her.
Anyway, just in case it did turn out to be something other than bug bites of some sort, I took pictures. Does anyone have any thoughts on what these could be?
(click to enlarge images)
These are the ones on her neck, taken shortly after she came in. the one below it was the one I was referring to that look more like a mosquito bite.
This one here is on her back, but is missing the pinkish ring that the others had.
This is the one near her eye, taken this morning.
Anyway, just in case it did turn out to be something other than bug bites of some sort, I took pictures. Does anyone have any thoughts on what these could be?
(click to enlarge images)
These are the ones on her neck, taken shortly after she came in. the one below it was the one I was referring to that look more like a mosquito bite.
This one here is on her back, but is missing the pinkish ring that the others had.
This is the one near her eye, taken this morning.
And this is what her back looks like this morning.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Now Entering The Twilight Zone
These paragraphs might seem disjointed and unconnected but as you will see at the end, they are not.
Last night, on the way home from errands, I decided on a whim to stop in at the Dollar Tree to get a couple of things. While there I ran in to my 4th grade math teacher! We chatted for a few minutes and then continued shopping.
This morning, while shopping at Shaws, I ran in to my elementary school art teacher.
Last night I had a dream that I was a cast member on LOST, except the cast, rather than the "real life" cast consisted of all people I knew. One of them was a boy I graduated high school with (someone that I was not friendly with at all (for no reason other than we ran in different circles). Anyway, I was trying desperately to remember his last name in the dream, and when I woke, I still couldn't remember it.
Today, on a another whim, I decided to run over to my parents house when Julia was at school and look for some old photos that Emily needs for a school project. While looking through photo albums, I came across the program for my high school graduation exercises, and there his name was, listed as the class Vice President. It was strange how that worked out, as if it was meant to happen or something.
As I continued looking through the albums, I found a picture of me with this boy that I had a major crush on when I was in 8th grade (ish) which is when the picture I saw was taken. I was wondering what I ever saw in him and was laughing at myself.
Today, while shopping in Shaws, I saw that boys father.
So I have no idea what to make of all this but here is what I am thinking.
1. Am I looking to travel back in time?
2. Are the powers that be trying to tell me something about Carver? Like should I move back there or something?
3. Am I being reminded of my youth for some reason? Maybe to remind me to always stay "young at heart?"
Last night, on the way home from errands, I decided on a whim to stop in at the Dollar Tree to get a couple of things. While there I ran in to my 4th grade math teacher! We chatted for a few minutes and then continued shopping.
This morning, while shopping at Shaws, I ran in to my elementary school art teacher.
Last night I had a dream that I was a cast member on LOST, except the cast, rather than the "real life" cast consisted of all people I knew. One of them was a boy I graduated high school with (someone that I was not friendly with at all (for no reason other than we ran in different circles). Anyway, I was trying desperately to remember his last name in the dream, and when I woke, I still couldn't remember it.
Today, on a another whim, I decided to run over to my parents house when Julia was at school and look for some old photos that Emily needs for a school project. While looking through photo albums, I came across the program for my high school graduation exercises, and there his name was, listed as the class Vice President. It was strange how that worked out, as if it was meant to happen or something.
As I continued looking through the albums, I found a picture of me with this boy that I had a major crush on when I was in 8th grade (ish) which is when the picture I saw was taken. I was wondering what I ever saw in him and was laughing at myself.
Today, while shopping in Shaws, I saw that boys father.
So I have no idea what to make of all this but here is what I am thinking.
1. Am I looking to travel back in time?
2. Are the powers that be trying to tell me something about Carver? Like should I move back there or something?
3. Am I being reminded of my youth for some reason? Maybe to remind me to always stay "young at heart?"
Monday, May 5, 2008
FYI
Adventures In Educationhas been updated, not with the post I had referred to in a previous entry here, but with the first ever bad thing I have had to say about Middleboro Schools.
*UPDATE* AIE has been updated again, with an update to this story.
*UPDATE* AIE has been updated again, with an update to this story.
I don't think...
...I have ever had a bad thing to say about the Middleboro Public School System but, I am appalled that I have not yet been officially informed that Emily has a long term (more than likely until the end of the year) sub in her classroom right now. Emily has informed me of this verbally but I think that it is crazy to expect a 10 year old to tell this to her parents and leave it at that. It is the school's job to inform parents for a major change in the classroom. I realize that there is only a month and a half of school left but it still seems like something I should be getting official word on.
Am I wrong here? I mean, maybe I am over reacting?
*UPDATE* Emily came home with a letter today! YAY! I knew the higher ups wouldn't disappoint!
Am I wrong here? I mean, maybe I am over reacting?
*UPDATE* Emily came home with a letter today! YAY! I knew the higher ups wouldn't disappoint!
In the near future...
...a post about food allergies/intolerances/specific diets for certain conditions/organic shopping and why I wish there was a Whole Foods closer.
...posts at all three "sub" blogs.
...an updated blogroll, including this awesome arts and crafts blog I found.
...posts at all three "sub" blogs.
...an updated blogroll, including this awesome arts and crafts blog I found.
Dude.
I am going to see New Kids On the Block. I am so cool.
Seriously, September 26th at the Garden. As much as I am laughing at myself, I am really excited!
Seriously, September 26th at the Garden. As much as I am laughing at myself, I am really excited!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Weekend In Review
Even though it is not officially over.
On Friday, I took all three girls in to Boston for Emily's 6 month checkup with the neurologist. Driving in was as frightening as usual, but, I did it again and I am proud. Emily put it in to words quite nicely when she said, "Mom, Boston is really cool but it's also very scary."
Anyway, her appointment? Was the BEST EVER. Emily has been seizure free now for 3 1/2 years and also had a normal EEG back in 06, so, the doctor thinks that it is time to think about having her go off of her medication. She has to have an ambulatory EEG which we have scheduled for the end of June. If that comes back clear, and, of course, if she remains seizure free between now and then, we will gradually decrease the Lamictal until it is no more. Just how fantastic is that? Of course, we are trying not to get too excited yet, because we won't really know until the above requirements are met, but even the possibility is exciting. Also? Even though I have never believed that the medicine was the only reason she hasn't had seizures (it's not often that seizures are that well-controlled with medicine for such a long time), it's a little nerve-wracking as well. Obviously, going off of her medicine could mean that she will have a seizure, and of course that will be more likely than if she was still on the medicine. Anyway, all in all, as far as trips to the neurologist go? It was great.
We continued north to visit my sister at her office and grab a key to her house. We spent the night there, ordering pizza, watching movies and finally crashing around 11:30ish. The next day, after much mulling over what we were going to do, we decided to at least go look at the castle (it was kind of crappy weather, although when we were there it wasn't raining).
This would be a really fun place to visit in nicer weather as there was a huge open field to run in, a playground, hiking trails, and bike trails. When we were done here, we took the kids to Fudruckers for lunch, and then to Snipits, where Jack and Emily got haircuts. After dropping my sisters back off to get their cars, the girls and I drove home. We got back here around 4 or so. I made chicken quesadillas for dinner and retired to the office for the evening, watch the Sox kick butt, and went to bed around 11.
Ryun is off bowling with Emily and Katherine right now. Chili is on the menu for tonight's dinner ( cold yucky day seems like the perfect day for chili).
On Friday, I took all three girls in to Boston for Emily's 6 month checkup with the neurologist. Driving in was as frightening as usual, but, I did it again and I am proud. Emily put it in to words quite nicely when she said, "Mom, Boston is really cool but it's also very scary."
Anyway, her appointment? Was the BEST EVER. Emily has been seizure free now for 3 1/2 years and also had a normal EEG back in 06, so, the doctor thinks that it is time to think about having her go off of her medication. She has to have an ambulatory EEG which we have scheduled for the end of June. If that comes back clear, and, of course, if she remains seizure free between now and then, we will gradually decrease the Lamictal until it is no more. Just how fantastic is that? Of course, we are trying not to get too excited yet, because we won't really know until the above requirements are met, but even the possibility is exciting. Also? Even though I have never believed that the medicine was the only reason she hasn't had seizures (it's not often that seizures are that well-controlled with medicine for such a long time), it's a little nerve-wracking as well. Obviously, going off of her medicine could mean that she will have a seizure, and of course that will be more likely than if she was still on the medicine. Anyway, all in all, as far as trips to the neurologist go? It was great.
We continued north to visit my sister at her office and grab a key to her house. We spent the night there, ordering pizza, watching movies and finally crashing around 11:30ish. The next day, after much mulling over what we were going to do, we decided to at least go look at the castle (it was kind of crappy weather, although when we were there it wasn't raining).
This would be a really fun place to visit in nicer weather as there was a huge open field to run in, a playground, hiking trails, and bike trails. When we were done here, we took the kids to Fudruckers for lunch, and then to Snipits, where Jack and Emily got haircuts. After dropping my sisters back off to get their cars, the girls and I drove home. We got back here around 4 or so. I made chicken quesadillas for dinner and retired to the office for the evening, watch the Sox kick butt, and went to bed around 11.Ryun is off bowling with Emily and Katherine right now. Chili is on the menu for tonight's dinner ( cold yucky day seems like the perfect day for chili).
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Tomorrow
A post with actual words.
Tonight?
A post with pictures of the cutest 3 year old on the planet!
Tonight?
A post with pictures of the cutest 3 year old on the planet!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Busy
Today: cleaning the house, laundry catch-up.
Tonight: Mall with Emily's GS troop.
Tomorrow: drive, with all three kids in tow to Boston for Emily's regular appointment with the neurologist. Try not to have a panic attack (not because of the appointment but dude. I am driving to Boston).
Tomorrow after the dreaded drive: heading to Haverhill to spend the night at my sisters house (which is why I am letting Katherine play hooky tomorrow...no way I am driving to Boston, back home and then back to Haverhill...not with the cost of gas).
Saturday: more than likely going to a public conservation area in Haverhill, that has a real castle built in the 1870's on the property, as well as a couple of ponds, hiking trails etc.
Sun day: family gathering at Ryun's grandparents house.
Tonight: Mall with Emily's GS troop.
Tomorrow: drive, with all three kids in tow to Boston for Emily's regular appointment with the neurologist. Try not to have a panic attack (not because of the appointment but dude. I am driving to Boston).
Tomorrow after the dreaded drive: heading to Haverhill to spend the night at my sisters house (which is why I am letting Katherine play hooky tomorrow...no way I am driving to Boston, back home and then back to Haverhill...not with the cost of gas).
Saturday: more than likely going to a public conservation area in Haverhill, that has a real castle built in the 1870's on the property, as well as a couple of ponds, hiking trails etc.
Sun day: family gathering at Ryun's grandparents house.
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