Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Spring...Right Around The Corner
It's a beautiful day in in good old New England...near 60 degrees, sunny, and a picture perfect clear, blue sky. I have been craving, in a big way some outdoor time...time to be outside in the elements, just taking it all in. I decided that today would be the perfect day to head south...to the Cape Cod Canal. I always forget how much I love that place until I return. It's just so peaceful...so beautiful...and just what I needed to lift me a little further out of the depths of the winter blues. Because let's just face it...I am a happier person when I am outside and not freezing...surrounded by nature...totally in tune with the world around me. Nothing speaks to me on a deeper level.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Another Conversation
Me: "Em, do you think you will do ok on your math test today?"
Emily: "Yes, Mom because I get proportions and ratios like I get Dad is not from this planet."
Emily: "Yes, Mom because I get proportions and ratios like I get Dad is not from this planet."
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Conversation
Ryun: "So, why are you in such a funk?"
Me: "It's March, oh and I hate school, hate homework, am sick of Mardi Gras, I hate the bleeping weather, I am a woman so I am a hormonal mess any way, and oh, did I mention that it is March?"
Cue Ryun's "God help me" look.
Poor guy.
Me: "It's March, oh and I hate school, hate homework, am sick of Mardi Gras, I hate the bleeping weather, I am a woman so I am a hormonal mess any way, and oh, did I mention that it is March?"
Cue Ryun's "God help me" look.
Poor guy.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Ugh
The other night? I had a dream that it was raining glass. We (my immediate and extended family) were at my parents house. We were all outside at the pool, on a beautifully sunny day, that changed suddenly and without warning. It was immediately dark and stormy. At first, it was small slivers of glass falling and we were not sure what it was. Suddenly we heard the motor of a plane that sounded like it was in trouble. We looked up at the tree tops and indeed saw a plane that was coming spiraling down. At that point, we realized it was glass falling from the sky and we ran in to the house and found the hallways and floors of the house were also covered in glass. For some reason, Julia was the only one without shoes on. We were all searching frantically for her shoes so that she wouldn't step on the shattered glass and cut her feet. It was me who realized that they were outside in the middle of the front yard. I told everyone that I had,to get them and that I didn't think it was dangerous for me to do so. The need to get her sneakers was very high, almost dire in nature, even though I knew that she cold have been held, or sat down in a chair. I went outside, feeling calmer than I should have been (or, in reality would have been if this was "real life"). The last clear image from the dream is of me, standing on the front stairs, looking down the hill of the front yard at her shoes. The shoes, despite it being dark and stormy, were standing out, practically glowing.
This was one of the most unsettling dreams I have ever had. I have looked up the most of the clear and obvious images from this dream and included them here.
To see broken glass in your dream, signifies a change in your life. Alternatively, it could be symbolic of an aspect of your life that is in pieces. You will find that a situation will come to an abrupt and untimely end. If you are walking on broken glass, then it suggests that you will be experiencing some heartache or pain.
To dream that a plane crashes, suggests that you have set overly high and unrealistic goals for yourself. Your goals may be too high and are impossible to realize. You are in danger of having it come crashing down. Alternatively, your lack of confidence, self-defeating attitude and self-doubt toward the goals you have set for yourself is represented by the crashing airplane; you do not believe in your ability to attain those goals. Loss of power and uncertainty in achieving your goals are also signified.
To hear the tapping of the rain on the roof, denotes spiritual ideas and blessings coming to mind. It may also suggests that you will receive much joy from your home life.
To see or wear sneakers in your dream, suggests that you are approaching through life with ease and little obstacles.
A couple of things strike me. Clearly the reason Julia had to have her sneakers, despite there being other options, is because I am concerned with the upcoming "obstacles" in her life...in particular, kindergarten. The sneakers represent ease and little obstacles, which is exactly what I am hoping for her. My willingness to go out in to a storm of raining glass is indicative how far I will go to make sure I am doing everything I can for her.
I am still trying to figure out the glass part. I don't quite feel like my life is in pieces, although there are some parts that could use, um, a little assembly. I am certainly hoping I am not going to be experiencing any heartache or pain any time soon.
I have made it perfectly clear here on a number of occasions that my self confidence is practically nil. Uncertainty? Self defeating thoughts? Yup, got those. The airplane imagery is as clear as day.
This was one of the most unsettling dreams I have ever had. I have looked up the most of the clear and obvious images from this dream and included them here.
To see broken glass in your dream, signifies a change in your life. Alternatively, it could be symbolic of an aspect of your life that is in pieces. You will find that a situation will come to an abrupt and untimely end. If you are walking on broken glass, then it suggests that you will be experiencing some heartache or pain.
To dream that a plane crashes, suggests that you have set overly high and unrealistic goals for yourself. Your goals may be too high and are impossible to realize. You are in danger of having it come crashing down. Alternatively, your lack of confidence, self-defeating attitude and self-doubt toward the goals you have set for yourself is represented by the crashing airplane; you do not believe in your ability to attain those goals. Loss of power and uncertainty in achieving your goals are also signified.
To hear the tapping of the rain on the roof, denotes spiritual ideas and blessings coming to mind. It may also suggests that you will receive much joy from your home life.
To see or wear sneakers in your dream, suggests that you are approaching through life with ease and little obstacles.
A couple of things strike me. Clearly the reason Julia had to have her sneakers, despite there being other options, is because I am concerned with the upcoming "obstacles" in her life...in particular, kindergarten. The sneakers represent ease and little obstacles, which is exactly what I am hoping for her. My willingness to go out in to a storm of raining glass is indicative how far I will go to make sure I am doing everything I can for her.
I am still trying to figure out the glass part. I don't quite feel like my life is in pieces, although there are some parts that could use, um, a little assembly. I am certainly hoping I am not going to be experiencing any heartache or pain any time soon.
I have made it perfectly clear here on a number of occasions that my self confidence is practically nil. Uncertainty? Self defeating thoughts? Yup, got those. The airplane imagery is as clear as day.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
What Kind Of Parent Are You?
One of my favorite columns ever is the Washington Post column called, "On Parenting." Today's article is titled, "What Kind Of Parent Are You," and it includes various descriptions/packages a parent usually falls in to.
While I think that my natural tendency would fall in to the "helicopter" parenting, I work hard to avoid hovering. While a certain amount is necessary, especially in the younger years when a parent's support is needed more, constant hovering, in my opinion, does more damage then good. It's an effort for me to let go a little, but I am doing it.
A better description for me would be this: The (occasionally) Helicopter, Soccer/Hockey, Traditionalist, Slacker Mom.
Watchful and involved (sometimes overly so)? Check.
Coordinated schedules/chauffeur? Check.
Stay at home with the kids? Check.
Somewhat organized...forget a permission slip, love my hoodies? Oh hell yeah.
While I think that my natural tendency would fall in to the "helicopter" parenting, I work hard to avoid hovering. While a certain amount is necessary, especially in the younger years when a parent's support is needed more, constant hovering, in my opinion, does more damage then good. It's an effort for me to let go a little, but I am doing it.
A better description for me would be this: The (occasionally) Helicopter, Soccer/Hockey, Traditionalist, Slacker Mom.
Watchful and involved (sometimes overly so)? Check.
Coordinated schedules/chauffeur? Check.
Stay at home with the kids? Check.
Somewhat organized...forget a permission slip, love my hoodies? Oh hell yeah.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Disney
What follows was originally written as an email to my parents and sisters. I have copied and pasted it here. It's a bit choppy and all over the place, but I didn't want to re-write the entire thing.
So…I have been doing a TON of reading about traveling to Disney with a special needs child. Of course, most of what I find is related to people with physical handicaps, but I did find one book that basically covers every special need imaginable…from ADHD to Asthma to Autism…and everything else you could imagine. Anyway, I thought it would be fun to share with you guys some of the stuff I have found!
One thing I found out about is called a “Guest Assistance Card.” It is something that is available at all four parks. Basically, it’s a card that might allow specific accommodations for your child…for example a child who has autism might have trouble waiting in long lines with people might be able to go in the handicap access entrance, which typically has shorter lines. It also allows you to use your carriage as a wheel chair, which also allows you access through the handicap line. I don’t know how much, if any of this applies to Julia, but if I decide to go forth with it, I will ask Dr. B to write a note that we can bring with us, and bring it to guest services when we enter the parks. I am still thinking about it because I am honestly not sure if these types of things will be for Julia, but it is something to consider anyway.
I don’t think we have any plans to eat at the following restaurants but this is interesting to know anyway: At the Biergarten in Germany, the table service restaurant in Japan, and the Spirit Of Aloha dinner at the Polynesian you may be seated with strangers.
Another idea which I could use book I am already making for Julia about what we will be doing each day, was to make a picture itinerary and put stickers on things that we have done. I think Julia will like that.
A suggestion from one of the mothers quoted in the book I bought was to bring a small pen light attached to a lanyard. It’s a small enough light that no one else would be bothered by it but just enough so a child would no be afraid in the dark of a scary ride. Along the same idea, have your child wear sunglasses if they are bothered by bright or flashing lights.
Some of the more popular rides in the parks offer something called, “Rider Switch.” If the whole group, minus one or two kids wants to go on a ride, the whole group waits together in line. Then one person stays behind with the kids that don’t go on. When the ride is over, the person waiting behind can go on and doesn’t have to wait in line all over again.
Regarding Julia’s birthday you can call the operator at the hotel and ask for Goofy’s special birthday message. There is also a number we can call to order a cake for her birthday if we want. I think that would be fun maybe for when we come back to the hotel in the afternoon to relax for a while before going back out that night. As you know, we can get her a gift card in place of free admission on her birthday. We can also go to Guest Relations at the park we are visiting and get a special button that says, “Today is my birthday.” Sometimes a cast member or character might do something special if they see that button. Another fun idea was to buy Disney themed birthday cards and sign them in the characters signature (how cool would it be to get a birthday card from Mickey Mouse?!?!). I will just copy and trace pictures of their signatures online if I do this.
This idea will be right up your alley Mom (just kidding!). Bring one of those pop up mesh hampers that folds down to store dirty laundry in for the week. I already bought mine for $1 in the Target dollar section.
One of the suggestions in the book I bought said to have a “sensory bag” available for your autistic child/child with sensory concerns. That way if they are having a “sensory overload” moment in the park, they can direct their sensory input elsewhere…by reaching in to the bag to feel something soft, hard, squishy etc. I have for Julia a small stuffed animal Mickey, a small Incredibles icepack (which I won’t freeze obviously but it will be good for the gooey squishy feeling), a rubbery ball with “fringe” on it, a package of erasers, a small Tinkerbell hard wand, and some small rubbery fish that stretch and pull back. Most of those were in the target dollar spot too…except for the wand which was in the regular toy section…still really cheap.
Someone that she is in dance class with recommended packing a surprise carryon bag for her that will have all kinds of small, entertaining things in it. The idea is not to let her open it until we are on the plane. I am doing this for Emily and Katherine too. For Julia’s bag I have a Cars dry erase board and marker, a Monster’s Inc box (small, like post card size) with notepaper in it, a “princess busy book” that has small magnetic Disney princess figurines in it to put in to the story, a small Incredibles snack container for pretzels or cheerios or other small snack in, Tinkerbell paper and stickers, a princess stationary pack that comes with a pencil, ruler and erasers, a package of crayons and a small Mickey Mouse board book.
For Emily and Katherine I have the following (2 of each) Cars Dry Erase boards, Disney playing cards, an Incredibles snack container (same as Julia’s), princess stationary set (same as Julia’s) a Toy Story box with notepaper in it (just like Julia’s Monsters Inc one) and a Disney Fan book…which is full of quizzes and tests about Disney Channel shows. I also got a book called “Cranium in a Book” which is the same as the game…just downsized, which could be fun in the hotel room for down time or at night or whatever.
Thanks to Michaels’ and Target’s dollar spots, and “Border’s Bargain Blowouts” I have done all of this for very little money over the past couple of months!
I am also going to do a “Disney count down” before we go. I have a few ideas for this. I am going to buy Disney paper plates that we will eat dinner off of that week. I am making little post card size cards for each night with a countdown number on it and Disney stickers/confetti (5 days til Disney etc). I am also going to go to this website (Mouse for Less) and print out free of charge a Disney countdown chain (similar to one you would make around Christmas but pre-printed with pics of the Disney character on it).
Whew. I think that’s it! Can you tell I am having so much fun with this?!?!?
So…I have been doing a TON of reading about traveling to Disney with a special needs child. Of course, most of what I find is related to people with physical handicaps, but I did find one book that basically covers every special need imaginable…from ADHD to Asthma to Autism…and everything else you could imagine. Anyway, I thought it would be fun to share with you guys some of the stuff I have found!
One thing I found out about is called a “Guest Assistance Card.” It is something that is available at all four parks. Basically, it’s a card that might allow specific accommodations for your child…for example a child who has autism might have trouble waiting in long lines with people might be able to go in the handicap access entrance, which typically has shorter lines. It also allows you to use your carriage as a wheel chair, which also allows you access through the handicap line. I don’t know how much, if any of this applies to Julia, but if I decide to go forth with it, I will ask Dr. B to write a note that we can bring with us, and bring it to guest services when we enter the parks. I am still thinking about it because I am honestly not sure if these types of things will be for Julia, but it is something to consider anyway.
I don’t think we have any plans to eat at the following restaurants but this is interesting to know anyway: At the Biergarten in Germany, the table service restaurant in Japan, and the Spirit Of Aloha dinner at the Polynesian you may be seated with strangers.
Another idea which I could use book I am already making for Julia about what we will be doing each day, was to make a picture itinerary and put stickers on things that we have done. I think Julia will like that.
A suggestion from one of the mothers quoted in the book I bought was to bring a small pen light attached to a lanyard. It’s a small enough light that no one else would be bothered by it but just enough so a child would no be afraid in the dark of a scary ride. Along the same idea, have your child wear sunglasses if they are bothered by bright or flashing lights.
Some of the more popular rides in the parks offer something called, “Rider Switch.” If the whole group, minus one or two kids wants to go on a ride, the whole group waits together in line. Then one person stays behind with the kids that don’t go on. When the ride is over, the person waiting behind can go on and doesn’t have to wait in line all over again.
Regarding Julia’s birthday you can call the operator at the hotel and ask for Goofy’s special birthday message. There is also a number we can call to order a cake for her birthday if we want. I think that would be fun maybe for when we come back to the hotel in the afternoon to relax for a while before going back out that night. As you know, we can get her a gift card in place of free admission on her birthday. We can also go to Guest Relations at the park we are visiting and get a special button that says, “Today is my birthday.” Sometimes a cast member or character might do something special if they see that button. Another fun idea was to buy Disney themed birthday cards and sign them in the characters signature (how cool would it be to get a birthday card from Mickey Mouse?!?!). I will just copy and trace pictures of their signatures online if I do this.
This idea will be right up your alley Mom (just kidding!). Bring one of those pop up mesh hampers that folds down to store dirty laundry in for the week. I already bought mine for $1 in the Target dollar section.
One of the suggestions in the book I bought said to have a “sensory bag” available for your autistic child/child with sensory concerns. That way if they are having a “sensory overload” moment in the park, they can direct their sensory input elsewhere…by reaching in to the bag to feel something soft, hard, squishy etc. I have for Julia a small stuffed animal Mickey, a small Incredibles icepack (which I won’t freeze obviously but it will be good for the gooey squishy feeling), a rubbery ball with “fringe” on it, a package of erasers, a small Tinkerbell hard wand, and some small rubbery fish that stretch and pull back. Most of those were in the target dollar spot too…except for the wand which was in the regular toy section…still really cheap.
Someone that she is in dance class with recommended packing a surprise carryon bag for her that will have all kinds of small, entertaining things in it. The idea is not to let her open it until we are on the plane. I am doing this for Emily and Katherine too. For Julia’s bag I have a Cars dry erase board and marker, a Monster’s Inc box (small, like post card size) with notepaper in it, a “princess busy book” that has small magnetic Disney princess figurines in it to put in to the story, a small Incredibles snack container for pretzels or cheerios or other small snack in, Tinkerbell paper and stickers, a princess stationary pack that comes with a pencil, ruler and erasers, a package of crayons and a small Mickey Mouse board book.
For Emily and Katherine I have the following (2 of each) Cars Dry Erase boards, Disney playing cards, an Incredibles snack container (same as Julia’s), princess stationary set (same as Julia’s) a Toy Story box with notepaper in it (just like Julia’s Monsters Inc one) and a Disney Fan book…which is full of quizzes and tests about Disney Channel shows. I also got a book called “Cranium in a Book” which is the same as the game…just downsized, which could be fun in the hotel room for down time or at night or whatever.
Thanks to Michaels’ and Target’s dollar spots, and “Border’s Bargain Blowouts” I have done all of this for very little money over the past couple of months!
I am also going to do a “Disney count down” before we go. I have a few ideas for this. I am going to buy Disney paper plates that we will eat dinner off of that week. I am making little post card size cards for each night with a countdown number on it and Disney stickers/confetti (5 days til Disney etc). I am also going to go to this website (Mouse for Less) and print out free of charge a Disney countdown chain (similar to one you would make around Christmas but pre-printed with pics of the Disney character on it).
Whew. I think that’s it! Can you tell I am having so much fun with this?!?!?
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Sometimes I wish...
...I could pick up and move my family...to a cabin in the woods/mountains in the middle of nowhere. No school, no people, no tvs, no computers, no...nothing. Just us...enjoying our own company.
This is why...if time travel were possible, I would go back.
This is why...if time travel were possible, I would go back.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Teaching Responsibility...The Hard Way
The kids are not enjoying the newly enforced, "absolutely no food in the living room" rule. I don't really understand why it is so difficult to actually pick up the wrappers off of the table, or return the cup to the sink, or pick up the cracker you can plainly see on the carpet. The hope of course is that if they are forced to eat all snacks in the kitchen, without their toys and without the tv, that they will learn the responsibility that surrounds, well, snacking. Even Julia, at the age of four, is old enough and capable enough to throw a wrapper away and put a cup in the sink (and actually, of the three kids, she is the most responsible about this type of thing, which, while I am not complaining, just seems...backwards).
It's these kinds of things that puzzle me when it comes to parenting. How, after years of my telling them to pick up, observing others do it, modeling the behavior myself (I may not be the most organized person in the world but I don't leave wrappers and dishes around the house)and just what seems common knowledge that wrappers go in the trash, do they not just know and do this?
Who knows. One of two things will happen...they will either hate the idea of eating in the kitchen and learn to clean up, or, they'll learn nothing and just get used to eating in the kitchen.
It's these kinds of things that puzzle me when it comes to parenting. How, after years of my telling them to pick up, observing others do it, modeling the behavior myself (I may not be the most organized person in the world but I don't leave wrappers and dishes around the house)and just what seems common knowledge that wrappers go in the trash, do they not just know and do this?
Who knows. One of two things will happen...they will either hate the idea of eating in the kitchen and learn to clean up, or, they'll learn nothing and just get used to eating in the kitchen.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Life
You know, this blog (and other incarnations of it) have been close to my heart for so long, I can't seem to it let it go, even if updates are so far and few between. Thanks to Facebook and Twitter, and the easier quick line or two updates, this blog has been neglected. I recently thought about how it has always been my intent for this blog to be a memoir of sorts, recording my family's history in one spot. The cute one liners I post on Twitter regarding the kids, or the brief updates on FB about my plans for the day are easily lost in the mix. Since I am able to file them here with labels, keeping track of them and going back through them is easier. All of this is basically to say, that while I will continue with Twitter and FB, I am really going to make a concerted effort to post here more frequently, even if it is just a quick one liner about the kids, or a brief update on what's going on in my life.
I miss it over here.
I miss it over here.
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