Well Im back-did ya miss me??????:)
I took a little vacation over the Christmas Holidays.
We had a WONDERFUL Christmas-just wonderful and Im again sad as I always am to see the season go:(
I told dh Im not taking down the treee until this next weekend-LOLOLOL-yes it's still plugged up and everything.....LOLOLOL-Im milking it thats for sure.....but I see neighbors still have their lights glowing-so Im safe-I might just wait until I see no lights on at night down the street-sounds good-LOLOLOL
Well I hope you all had a wonderful New Year. Ive thought of some resolutions and Im going to post them as I saw this posting and I said yep-these are mine. I'll come back soon and post all about Christmas.....
Okay so heres mine-whats yours??????
A Mother's Love
By Kimberly Eddy
Adapted from 1 Corinthians 13
If I speak truths from God’s Word and train my children in the Lord, but have not God’s love flowing from me to them, the words I teach are as noisy as a barking dog, a broken muffler, or a colicky baby at 2 a.m.
And if I have all manner of wisdom and knowledge in the latest child-rearing techniques, if I have an understanding of child psychology, and if I have subscriptions to every parenting magazine on the market but don’t have God’s love flowing from me, I am nothing.If I have all the faith I could ever need, so that I could move mountains, keep the house clean, or potty-train a two year old, but do not do it in love, I am nothing.
Even if I leave behind my own dreams and ambitions to raise my children, and even if I stay up for nights on end with sick children, sleepless babies, and mountains of laundry, but complain and murmur about lack of sleep, God’s love is not in me, and I am accomplishing nothing.
A loving mother is patient enough to wait for a child who insists on tying her own shoes and buttoning her own coat. A loving mother is kind to her children even on three hour’s of sleep and is never rude to them. A loving mother is not jealous or envious of everyone else’s children nor will she boastfully exalt her own children above others.
A loving mother models true Christian behavior even when no other adults are watching. A mother full of God’s love doesn’t seek her own rights, but demonstrates the servant hood of Christ as she serves her family.Such a mother doesn’t resent cutting corners to live on one income, but is grateful to raise her own children.
A loving mother forgets her children’s sins as soon as the discipline is over, and never reminds them of their imperfections but encourages her children in good works. A loving mother doesn’t look at her children’s rebelliousness as a cute phase but rejoices in seeing her offspring grow in godliness.
Only a mother with God’s love can bear the day to day tasks of managing a family with zest and joy. She is able to see the potential hidden deep within each of her children and prays that God will shine through them into a dark world. With such a vision clear in her mind, a mother can endure anything.
A loving mother’s influence will never fade away. Oh, the children may forget a spotlessly clean house, or perfectly pressed clothes, or even freshly baked cookies, but her children will always carry with them the legacy of God’s perfect love.
Though all you may see now are stacks of dirty dishes, diapers to change, noses to wipe, and wild toddlers to tame, the spirit in which you tackle these tasks is laying the foundation for your children that has eternal consequences.
There are three things your children will always remember about you:Your faith and zeal in how you serve the Lord.Your hope in the promises of God’s word and how you waited and watched for His return.And the Love of God that flowed through you to others.
It is these three that will remain in their minds forever, and the greatest of these is their mother’s love.
Copyright 2000, Kimberly Eddy, www.joyfulmomma.org.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Thanks Secret Sis :)
Well I feel sooo incredibly bad..........I went out to the garage to our deep freeze to get our ham for Christmas and I see a box in there on the floor. Im not even sure when it was put in there by the mail man......sigh....I cant believe it-I have been home as the weather has been so bad all week and Ive been not feeling too hot... but he didnt leave a note on the door letting me know it was in there or rang the bell...SOMETHING......Sheesh.....but he didnt. So I had no idea.
So I apoligize secret sis if this is soo late of a thankyou:(
It was so plum full of tasty things and treats and a really nice blanket-my kids say its like laying on a cloud and we all end up fighting over it-LOLOLOL. Its really nice :) and I really like the Christmas tree decoration. Thank you so much you are so sweet and generous.
You went way and beyond{{HUGS}}
So I apoligize secret sis if this is soo late of a thankyou:(
It was so plum full of tasty things and treats and a really nice blanket-my kids say its like laying on a cloud and we all end up fighting over it-LOLOLOL. Its really nice :) and I really like the Christmas tree decoration. Thank you so much you are so sweet and generous.
You went way and beyond{{HUGS}}
Monday, December 17, 2007
The Yuck Bug....
WEll.......
Seams I have picked up a nice little friend...LOLOLOL. Thought I had gotten over it, but its baaaaaaaaccccckkkkkkkkk! LOLOLOL
Gunna do wonders for not putting on the old Christmas pounds-but thats the only good in it I see.;)
I cant keep anything down-food wise, but I can still drink liquids-so Ill be fine-LOLOLOL
As you know-Moms arent allowed to get sick.....LOLOLOL
uggh.....I dont feel like eating anything-let alone cooking any Christmas treats...:( Boy...that puts a damper on things......
hopefully it will just pass by tomorrow etc....
School is going good. We got a light timer from Papa and Nana and we are just loving it!!!! Its been helping sooo much! Its just like a stop light and each section of light has noises you can pick. The boys really love it and its keeping us on task alot better :)
One more week until Flamingo is out for the Christmas break. She is so excited and I am too to have her home :)
Everyone is giddy with excitement as on Sunday we will be going to our Grandparents to have a Christmas celebration with Papa and Nana. Im excited-its going to be like an early Christmas with the ones we love-what could be better-eh? I cant believe how this month has just flown by. Christmas season is just wayyyy to short :(
Seams I have picked up a nice little friend...LOLOLOL. Thought I had gotten over it, but its baaaaaaaaccccckkkkkkkkk! LOLOLOL
Gunna do wonders for not putting on the old Christmas pounds-but thats the only good in it I see.;)
I cant keep anything down-food wise, but I can still drink liquids-so Ill be fine-LOLOLOL
As you know-Moms arent allowed to get sick.....LOLOLOL
uggh.....I dont feel like eating anything-let alone cooking any Christmas treats...:( Boy...that puts a damper on things......
hopefully it will just pass by tomorrow etc....
School is going good. We got a light timer from Papa and Nana and we are just loving it!!!! Its been helping sooo much! Its just like a stop light and each section of light has noises you can pick. The boys really love it and its keeping us on task alot better :)
One more week until Flamingo is out for the Christmas break. She is so excited and I am too to have her home :)
Everyone is giddy with excitement as on Sunday we will be going to our Grandparents to have a Christmas celebration with Papa and Nana. Im excited-its going to be like an early Christmas with the ones we love-what could be better-eh? I cant believe how this month has just flown by. Christmas season is just wayyyy to short :(
A Remarkeable Woman I know...
This was written by a woman I hold dear to my heart.
She has been my inspiration so many times-someone I lean on and have reached out to when things were just not right. She has a way of writing that just seams to touch my heart and make it melt. She is remarkeable and is truly a HERO in my book......each day her words keep me pressing on. I know you will be touched and will understand as you read this:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Teachings of Ethan
From the very minute, I learned of Ethan's existence... my lifechanged in ways I couldn't even even conceived of. I was so overjoyed. So excited. I knew things this go round, that I didn't knowbefore. I was older, more mature. More aware. I could do thingsdifferently. I would have a beautiful nursery. I procured everythingnew. I would have time with this baby. I would make time. I couldchange every little mistake I'd done before, and rectify all myparental misgivings.
That is hilarious to me now.
When Ethan's birth, was such a catastrophe, and my whole world turnedpear shape, even then I didn't have a real idea about the years thatwould come after. About the changes that would take place with in me,and even in the family.
I think one of the first lessons that Ethan taught me, was trust andfaith. I learned in the first three months of Ethan's life while hewas at Primary Children's Medical Center, to trust my spiritualconvictions. Not just to pray, and expect the answers that I wanted,but to recognize that no matter what happens, that life isn't in ourhands.
After the hospital, and things calmed down I was somewhat at a loss asto what to do with this new life I was in charge of. I gainedknowledge. I learned and re-learned and re-learned again- medicalterms, I gained the understanding of communication. How do speak tomedical personal, and how to listen. I learned over the course of thefirst year, about the substantial effects, that would effect Ethan forhis lifetime.
With this, came confusion and concern. Worry andheartache. Pain and anguish and once again, the reminders of our firstlessons in trust and faith.
Unconditional love- ranks right up there at the top of the list. I'velearned to love, despite the obsticals. I thought that unconditionallove was a given. It isn't. It comes with challenges and curve balls.I've been amazed, with how much love Ethan has to give. I'm constantly- surprised and delighted with Ethan's genuine acceptance and love-ofeveryone. He has no barriers. Everyone who is kind to him is rewardedhis trust, smile, and love with out effort.
Another lesson is perspective. This is one I keep having to re-learn.Perspective. Understanding that every family has their own challenges.Private and more open. That driving down the road, wishing you couldbe like this family or that family is simply foolish. Each familystruggles. We can't possibly- compare. That has been a big one for me.Learning that NO matter what challenges we have, so does everyoneelse, those that might seem simple and easy to me.. are NOT simple andeasy to others. I've learned this in spades.
I've learned to look beyond. I see things differently. I see specialneeds kids in every corner and crevis of this planet. Everywhere I go,it's like I have a unique set of spectacles that can help me searchthem out. They used to be invisible. I used to briskly walk amongstthe masses, and never take a minute to reach out to people. That is nolonger the case. Ethan has given me the gift of Awareness. The worldthat I live in now, is bright and beautiful. Filled with all flowersof the earth. Colors and textures and beauty that I didn't see before.
Patience. Ethan has taught me patience. In every sense of the word.Patience with my fellow men. With my family members. With members ofmy community. It has not been a pretty lesson, and I am stillchallenged with it, and probably always will be.
I've learned Passion from Ethan. That might sound strange, but it isvery true. I've learned to advocate and educate other's about myexperience with Ethan. I've learned to help other's find answers totheir queries. I've learned to challenge local, state and federalgovernment agencies, when I think there is something unfair. I havetestified to congress about gaps in service, and the needs thatfamilies face. I have educated myself on the way our State functions,and what it takes to get policy amended. This again, is a newexperience for me, and I have found it fascinating.
The most important thing that Ethan has taught us, has beenConsciousness. I'm very aware of each tiny tiny thing that Ethan does.Things that I did not even notice with my other children, are hugemilestones to be marked, with Ethan. I take NOTHING for granted. Everytime Ethan rolls over, moves his legs, drinks his bottle. Every timehe does something new for the first time, is marked with awe andcelebration. Each bottle of pears he eats, bath he takes, mess hemakes, stereo speaker he destroys are things that I am ardently awareof. They are the fuel that keeps us going. They are the results of allthe efforts. They are beautiful testaments to all I believe in andhold dear.Ethan has taught us, that everything in life that we used to value, ismeaningless- and that the things we took for granted- are really themost important.
These are remarkable lessons to learn. All from a little boy, who Iwas told would never be successful in life- if he lived at all.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beautiful-makes my eyes tear up.
She has been my inspiration so many times-someone I lean on and have reached out to when things were just not right. She has a way of writing that just seams to touch my heart and make it melt. She is remarkeable and is truly a HERO in my book......each day her words keep me pressing on. I know you will be touched and will understand as you read this:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Teachings of Ethan
From the very minute, I learned of Ethan's existence... my lifechanged in ways I couldn't even even conceived of. I was so overjoyed. So excited. I knew things this go round, that I didn't knowbefore. I was older, more mature. More aware. I could do thingsdifferently. I would have a beautiful nursery. I procured everythingnew. I would have time with this baby. I would make time. I couldchange every little mistake I'd done before, and rectify all myparental misgivings.
That is hilarious to me now.
When Ethan's birth, was such a catastrophe, and my whole world turnedpear shape, even then I didn't have a real idea about the years thatwould come after. About the changes that would take place with in me,and even in the family.
I think one of the first lessons that Ethan taught me, was trust andfaith. I learned in the first three months of Ethan's life while hewas at Primary Children's Medical Center, to trust my spiritualconvictions. Not just to pray, and expect the answers that I wanted,but to recognize that no matter what happens, that life isn't in ourhands.
After the hospital, and things calmed down I was somewhat at a loss asto what to do with this new life I was in charge of. I gainedknowledge. I learned and re-learned and re-learned again- medicalterms, I gained the understanding of communication. How do speak tomedical personal, and how to listen. I learned over the course of thefirst year, about the substantial effects, that would effect Ethan forhis lifetime.
With this, came confusion and concern. Worry andheartache. Pain and anguish and once again, the reminders of our firstlessons in trust and faith.
Unconditional love- ranks right up there at the top of the list. I'velearned to love, despite the obsticals. I thought that unconditionallove was a given. It isn't. It comes with challenges and curve balls.I've been amazed, with how much love Ethan has to give. I'm constantly- surprised and delighted with Ethan's genuine acceptance and love-ofeveryone. He has no barriers. Everyone who is kind to him is rewardedhis trust, smile, and love with out effort.
Another lesson is perspective. This is one I keep having to re-learn.Perspective. Understanding that every family has their own challenges.Private and more open. That driving down the road, wishing you couldbe like this family or that family is simply foolish. Each familystruggles. We can't possibly- compare. That has been a big one for me.Learning that NO matter what challenges we have, so does everyoneelse, those that might seem simple and easy to me.. are NOT simple andeasy to others. I've learned this in spades.
I've learned to look beyond. I see things differently. I see specialneeds kids in every corner and crevis of this planet. Everywhere I go,it's like I have a unique set of spectacles that can help me searchthem out. They used to be invisible. I used to briskly walk amongstthe masses, and never take a minute to reach out to people. That is nolonger the case. Ethan has given me the gift of Awareness. The worldthat I live in now, is bright and beautiful. Filled with all flowersof the earth. Colors and textures and beauty that I didn't see before.
Patience. Ethan has taught me patience. In every sense of the word.Patience with my fellow men. With my family members. With members ofmy community. It has not been a pretty lesson, and I am stillchallenged with it, and probably always will be.
I've learned Passion from Ethan. That might sound strange, but it isvery true. I've learned to advocate and educate other's about myexperience with Ethan. I've learned to help other's find answers totheir queries. I've learned to challenge local, state and federalgovernment agencies, when I think there is something unfair. I havetestified to congress about gaps in service, and the needs thatfamilies face. I have educated myself on the way our State functions,and what it takes to get policy amended. This again, is a newexperience for me, and I have found it fascinating.
The most important thing that Ethan has taught us, has beenConsciousness. I'm very aware of each tiny tiny thing that Ethan does.Things that I did not even notice with my other children, are hugemilestones to be marked, with Ethan. I take NOTHING for granted. Everytime Ethan rolls over, moves his legs, drinks his bottle. Every timehe does something new for the first time, is marked with awe andcelebration. Each bottle of pears he eats, bath he takes, mess hemakes, stereo speaker he destroys are things that I am ardently awareof. They are the fuel that keeps us going. They are the results of allthe efforts. They are beautiful testaments to all I believe in andhold dear.Ethan has taught us, that everything in life that we used to value, ismeaningless- and that the things we took for granted- are really themost important.
These are remarkable lessons to learn. All from a little boy, who Iwas told would never be successful in life- if he lived at all.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beautiful-makes my eyes tear up.
12 days of Christmas with a Twist-eh?
On the first day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me: a child with a disability.
On the second day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me: a heart full of love for my child with a disability.
On the third day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me: an ache in my heart and a heart full of love for my child with a disability.
On the fourth day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me: a tear in my eyes, an ache in my heart, and a heart full of love for my child with a disability.
On the fifth day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me: an unsuspected strength for the tear in my eyes and the ache in my heart and my heart full of love for my child with a disability.
On the sixth day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me: a ray of hope, an unsuspected strength for the tear in my eyes and the ache in my heart and my heart full of love for my child with a disability.
On the seventh day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me: a sense of humor, a ray of hope, an unsuspected strength for the tear in my eyes and the ache in my heart and my heart full of love for my child with a disability.
On the eighth day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me: supportive friends, a sense of humor, a ray of hope, an unsuspected strength for the tear in my eyes and the ache in my heart and my heart full of love for my child with a disability.
On the ninth day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me: remarkable doctors, supportive friends, a sense of humor, a ray of hop e, an unsuspected strength for the tear in my eyes and the ache in my heart and my heart full of love for my child with a disability.
On the tenth day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me: an appreciation of small accomplishments, remarkable doctors, supportive friends, a sense of humor, a ray of hope, an unsuspected strength for the tear in my eyes and the ache in my heart and my heart full of love for my child with disability.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me: a sense of pride, an appreciation of small accomplishments, remarkable doctors, supportive friends, a sense of humor, a ray of hope, an unsuspected strength for the tear in my eyes and the ache in my heart and my heart full of love for my child with a disability.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, the good Lord said to me: Reach out and SHARE your sense of pride, your appreciation of small accomplishments, your remarkable doctors, your supportive friends, your sense of humor, your ray of hope, your unsuspected strength for the tear in your eyes and the ache in your heart and your heart full of love for you child with a disability.
On the second day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me: a heart full of love for my child with a disability.
On the third day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me: an ache in my heart and a heart full of love for my child with a disability.
On the fourth day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me: a tear in my eyes, an ache in my heart, and a heart full of love for my child with a disability.
On the fifth day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me: an unsuspected strength for the tear in my eyes and the ache in my heart and my heart full of love for my child with a disability.
On the sixth day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me: a ray of hope, an unsuspected strength for the tear in my eyes and the ache in my heart and my heart full of love for my child with a disability.
On the seventh day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me: a sense of humor, a ray of hope, an unsuspected strength for the tear in my eyes and the ache in my heart and my heart full of love for my child with a disability.
On the eighth day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me: supportive friends, a sense of humor, a ray of hope, an unsuspected strength for the tear in my eyes and the ache in my heart and my heart full of love for my child with a disability.
On the ninth day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me: remarkable doctors, supportive friends, a sense of humor, a ray of hop e, an unsuspected strength for the tear in my eyes and the ache in my heart and my heart full of love for my child with a disability.
On the tenth day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me: an appreciation of small accomplishments, remarkable doctors, supportive friends, a sense of humor, a ray of hope, an unsuspected strength for the tear in my eyes and the ache in my heart and my heart full of love for my child with disability.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, the good Lord gave to me: a sense of pride, an appreciation of small accomplishments, remarkable doctors, supportive friends, a sense of humor, a ray of hope, an unsuspected strength for the tear in my eyes and the ache in my heart and my heart full of love for my child with a disability.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, the good Lord said to me: Reach out and SHARE your sense of pride, your appreciation of small accomplishments, your remarkable doctors, your supportive friends, your sense of humor, your ray of hope, your unsuspected strength for the tear in your eyes and the ache in your heart and your heart full of love for you child with a disability.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Dear Santa......
Dear Santa,
I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled mychildren on demand, visited their doctor's office more than my doctorand sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground.
I was hoping you could spread my list outover several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my son'sred crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, andwho knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years.
Here are my Christmas wishes:
I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (in any color, except purple,which I already have) and arms that don't hurt or flap in the breeze;but are strong enough to pull my screaming child out of the candy aisle inthe grocery store.
I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the third month ofmy last pregnancy.
If you're hauling big ticket items this year I'd like fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music;
a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals; and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.
On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, 'Yes, Mommy' to boost my parental confidence,
along with two kids who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of powertools.
I could use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting don't eat in the livingroom' and 'Take your hands off your brother,' because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.
If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury ofeating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.
If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season.
Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable?It will clear my conscience immensely.
It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family.
Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back.
Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the door and come in and dry off so you don't catch cold.
Help yourself to cookies on the table butdon't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.
Yours Always, MOM...!
P.S. One more thing...you can cancel all my requests if you can keep my children young enough to believe in Santa.
Santa has asked that this gets passed on to all the Mommy's you know*
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!!
I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled mychildren on demand, visited their doctor's office more than my doctorand sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground.
I was hoping you could spread my list outover several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my son'sred crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, andwho knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years.
Here are my Christmas wishes:
I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (in any color, except purple,which I already have) and arms that don't hurt or flap in the breeze;but are strong enough to pull my screaming child out of the candy aisle inthe grocery store.
I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the third month ofmy last pregnancy.
If you're hauling big ticket items this year I'd like fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music;
a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals; and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.
On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, 'Yes, Mommy' to boost my parental confidence,
along with two kids who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of powertools.
I could use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting don't eat in the livingroom' and 'Take your hands off your brother,' because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.
If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury ofeating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.
If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season.
Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable?It will clear my conscience immensely.
It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family.
Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back.
Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the door and come in and dry off so you don't catch cold.
Help yourself to cookies on the table butdon't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.
Yours Always, MOM...!
P.S. One more thing...you can cancel all my requests if you can keep my children young enough to believe in Santa.
Santa has asked that this gets passed on to all the Mommy's you know*
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!!
Friday, December 14, 2007
A Smile in the Mail :)
Thanks Secret Sis {{HUGS}}
I got your note yesterday and I have read and re-read it at least a dozen times. LOLOLOL
Talk about making my day!!!!!It really made my heart smile as it was filled with such love and encouragement-THANKS!!!! :)
I got your note yesterday and I have read and re-read it at least a dozen times. LOLOLOL
Talk about making my day!!!!!It really made my heart smile as it was filled with such love and encouragement-THANKS!!!! :)
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Tis the Season....
Well last night was our last play practise. One family has strep *knocking on wood that it passes us*(they have three boys), many othe rlittel ones are getting sick-with stomach bugs and what not....sigh...tis the season eh?
Before practice started the Pastors wife ordered us all hamburgers and we had cake and chips and punch. It was really nice of her. Monkey Boy was in Heaven having his double cheese-and Flamingo with her nuggets. Stingers hamburger sat on the table not even touched. Seams he had a problem with everyone touching the wrapper when they were handing them out and refused to even look at his burger let alone eat it. He wouldnt even have any Pringles-which are his ultimate favorite chips :(
We had discussed the issue of him eating with everyone before we went which resulted in a meltdown and him hiding in the pantry just crying and crying.....I told him that i understood that these thinsg were hard,that he didndt have to like being ard other kids or people, but he needed to learn to tolerate it-to think it was OKay. He procedded to tell me in tears how hard it was and how everyone looked at him etc. I stressed that all I was asking him to do was try and sit with everyone, to sit with me etc. He finally through teras said okay and off we went.
So he ended up not eating, but he sat there at the table with me and I was very proud of him for that and for trying and tolerating being in a very uncomforteable situation for him and handling it so well :) So that was all I asked of him and he did it :)
Things like this which should be such a fun time are just misery for him....I get sad becuse I tend to forget that and think he is missing out on having fun...but to him its just not fun in no such fashion.
He's content to just play with his siblings at home and woudl do so and never leave the house I am sure if he had any say abt it. He would be in Heaven to be able and allowed to stay at home and not have to be put in social situations.....but I cant do that . I can shelter him and hide him and protect him...but how is that preparing him for a life on his own? Which again makes me feel bad wishing I could just let him be-let him be alone-as that is how he is happy being....sigh....I feel bad as a Mother anyway I look at it...any way you look at it...its just hard :(
Well enough of my festering.......
Im going to start Christmas baking tonight-Stinger is anxiously awaiting FUDGE-LOLOLOL, and is asking me every morning if I have made it yet...LOLOLOL
So I had better get a move on........
He's still sleeping-every since we took him off of his med he doesnt sleep so well-he just isnt tired at night like he used to be, which makes for a rough morning as of late......but hes doing really well otherwise.
Well I had better go and start our day :)
Hey-have I mentioned Christmas is right ard the corner and Im LOVIN IT!!!!!LOLOLOL-That cheered me up-eh? LOLOLOL :)
Before practice started the Pastors wife ordered us all hamburgers and we had cake and chips and punch. It was really nice of her. Monkey Boy was in Heaven having his double cheese-and Flamingo with her nuggets. Stingers hamburger sat on the table not even touched. Seams he had a problem with everyone touching the wrapper when they were handing them out and refused to even look at his burger let alone eat it. He wouldnt even have any Pringles-which are his ultimate favorite chips :(
We had discussed the issue of him eating with everyone before we went which resulted in a meltdown and him hiding in the pantry just crying and crying.....I told him that i understood that these thinsg were hard,that he didndt have to like being ard other kids or people, but he needed to learn to tolerate it-to think it was OKay. He procedded to tell me in tears how hard it was and how everyone looked at him etc. I stressed that all I was asking him to do was try and sit with everyone, to sit with me etc. He finally through teras said okay and off we went.
So he ended up not eating, but he sat there at the table with me and I was very proud of him for that and for trying and tolerating being in a very uncomforteable situation for him and handling it so well :) So that was all I asked of him and he did it :)
Things like this which should be such a fun time are just misery for him....I get sad becuse I tend to forget that and think he is missing out on having fun...but to him its just not fun in no such fashion.
He's content to just play with his siblings at home and woudl do so and never leave the house I am sure if he had any say abt it. He would be in Heaven to be able and allowed to stay at home and not have to be put in social situations.....but I cant do that . I can shelter him and hide him and protect him...but how is that preparing him for a life on his own? Which again makes me feel bad wishing I could just let him be-let him be alone-as that is how he is happy being....sigh....I feel bad as a Mother anyway I look at it...any way you look at it...its just hard :(
Well enough of my festering.......
Im going to start Christmas baking tonight-Stinger is anxiously awaiting FUDGE-LOLOLOL, and is asking me every morning if I have made it yet...LOLOLOL
So I had better get a move on........
He's still sleeping-every since we took him off of his med he doesnt sleep so well-he just isnt tired at night like he used to be, which makes for a rough morning as of late......but hes doing really well otherwise.
Well I had better go and start our day :)
Hey-have I mentioned Christmas is right ard the corner and Im LOVIN IT!!!!!LOLOLOL-That cheered me up-eh? LOLOLOL :)
Monday, December 03, 2007
Gutenburg.....
We learned abt the Gutenburg Press today.
We cut potatoes in half and carved out designs-like they did with metal letters and painted them then stamped them. THIS finally sank in to Stinger as to what a wonderful invention this was and how hard and long it took to wright books before it etc.
But it was alot of fun too ;)
I have finally figured out how to keep Stingers interest in history...WHOOT!!!
We do a timeline for each and every thing we need to cover. Ive set up a binder and we make a page for each topic, event, or person on each page with the time period. Stinger seams to really understand this ALOT better. Its not just a bunch of confusing facts anymore-kwim? Hmmm-thinking how much this would have helped me, and yes-I am VERY History challenged and Ive been getting frustrated with it until now as well-LOLOL
So its helped me and its helped him to actually see when all these events were taking place.
We are still struggling with "WHY is this important MOM??? It happend SOOOOOOOOO long ago"but its somewhat easier to understand now anyway...LOLOLOL
Ive been trying to teach him mistakes people made, and how we can look back and see these mistakes and that maybee we can prevent them from happening again to us, taht we can learn from past mistakes etc...but ist not really meaning alot to a 8 yr old who is so in the here and now-kwim? LOLOLOL
But we are plugging along.
Today we finished abt 12: 30-it was incredible-LOLOLOL, Stinger worked so well and Monkey Boy played quietly when his lessons were done. Today I kinda did it different. Monkey boy math then Stinger math. Monkey boy Alphabet and Phonics then Stinger Phonics and Language etc. It ran much smoother from how it usually goes with interuptions - "Mom Im done" a zillion times with Monkey Boy etc. I worked with each one seperatly instead of together and it went MUCH better. So we'll see abt doing that from now on-eh?
Flamingo-sigh........I found out some distressing news from her this weekend. Seams her teacher is only allowing the kids( 1st grade-sheesh)to use the restroom at morning break, lunch and afternoon break, and if they need to go again-they are punished by making up the time at their breaks-sigh.....she actually writes down the time and then that time is owed. So little sweet Flamingo-who never wants to get in to trouble by asking to use the restroom when she really just HAS to go-instead has been having accidents secretly at school.
I could NOT believe this-boy it had me hot-not only are they 1st graders for goodness sake, but being in wet undies all day long is just screaming of wonderful infections going on and that sort etc. UGH-I was torked. So off went a note-I was nice;), abt letting Flamingo please take restroom breaks when she needs to go!!!!!!and not to recieve punishments for it good grief-as I am not liking what has been going on.
Flamingo reported back to me today that the reason the teacher does this is because kids mess ard in the hall-but Flamingo doesnt so she is free to go when needed-so says Mrs Teacher. BROTHER-okay so if she knows this abt Flamingo why hasnt she just let her go all this time...sigh...ugh......
Man-I feel like I have been here before...knock on wood! LOLOLOLOL
Tonight she told me she doesnt want to go to school tomorrow and wants to be home with us :(I said well what abt all your friends and of course she responds back "Well I dont have any" which i KNOW isnt true...or is it????hmmmmmm........sheeesh......
Yep-I'll be festering abt this for sure-LOLOLOLOL
We cut potatoes in half and carved out designs-like they did with metal letters and painted them then stamped them. THIS finally sank in to Stinger as to what a wonderful invention this was and how hard and long it took to wright books before it etc.
But it was alot of fun too ;)
I have finally figured out how to keep Stingers interest in history...WHOOT!!!
We do a timeline for each and every thing we need to cover. Ive set up a binder and we make a page for each topic, event, or person on each page with the time period. Stinger seams to really understand this ALOT better. Its not just a bunch of confusing facts anymore-kwim? Hmmm-thinking how much this would have helped me, and yes-I am VERY History challenged and Ive been getting frustrated with it until now as well-LOLOL
So its helped me and its helped him to actually see when all these events were taking place.
We are still struggling with "WHY is this important MOM??? It happend SOOOOOOOOO long ago"but its somewhat easier to understand now anyway...LOLOLOL
Ive been trying to teach him mistakes people made, and how we can look back and see these mistakes and that maybee we can prevent them from happening again to us, taht we can learn from past mistakes etc...but ist not really meaning alot to a 8 yr old who is so in the here and now-kwim? LOLOLOL
But we are plugging along.
Today we finished abt 12: 30-it was incredible-LOLOLOL, Stinger worked so well and Monkey Boy played quietly when his lessons were done. Today I kinda did it different. Monkey boy math then Stinger math. Monkey boy Alphabet and Phonics then Stinger Phonics and Language etc. It ran much smoother from how it usually goes with interuptions - "Mom Im done" a zillion times with Monkey Boy etc. I worked with each one seperatly instead of together and it went MUCH better. So we'll see abt doing that from now on-eh?
Flamingo-sigh........I found out some distressing news from her this weekend. Seams her teacher is only allowing the kids( 1st grade-sheesh)to use the restroom at morning break, lunch and afternoon break, and if they need to go again-they are punished by making up the time at their breaks-sigh.....she actually writes down the time and then that time is owed. So little sweet Flamingo-who never wants to get in to trouble by asking to use the restroom when she really just HAS to go-instead has been having accidents secretly at school.
I could NOT believe this-boy it had me hot-not only are they 1st graders for goodness sake, but being in wet undies all day long is just screaming of wonderful infections going on and that sort etc. UGH-I was torked. So off went a note-I was nice;), abt letting Flamingo please take restroom breaks when she needs to go!!!!!!and not to recieve punishments for it good grief-as I am not liking what has been going on.
Flamingo reported back to me today that the reason the teacher does this is because kids mess ard in the hall-but Flamingo doesnt so she is free to go when needed-so says Mrs Teacher. BROTHER-okay so if she knows this abt Flamingo why hasnt she just let her go all this time...sigh...ugh......
Man-I feel like I have been here before...knock on wood! LOLOLOLOL
Tonight she told me she doesnt want to go to school tomorrow and wants to be home with us :(I said well what abt all your friends and of course she responds back "Well I dont have any" which i KNOW isnt true...or is it????hmmmmmm........sheeesh......
Yep-I'll be festering abt this for sure-LOLOLOLOL
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
Found a photo sight :)
Okay-Im going to be experimenting here with this new sight I found-its called Photobucket-and its REALLY neat!!!!!
K-so here's some of Stingers art work...LOLOL
K-so here's some of Stingers art work...LOLOL
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
MY PRECIOUS JOY-poem
okay-this hit me deep.....
MY PRECIOUS JOY (AUTISM)
Author: Unknown
Sweet Father in Heaven whose love is divine,
Thank-you so much for the son that is mine.
To others he'd be a burden to bear,
But to me he's a joy to which none can compare.
I know that he's different from most girls and boys,
He speaks kind of funny and plays strange with toys.
For him, change is hard, he can get so upset,
He must seem so odd to those he has met.
Sometimes his anger gets out of control
And he has a huge meltdown which torments my soul.
Yet as I look into those precious blue eyes,
I know that you, Lord, gave me this surprise.
For life doesn't always turn out like we hope,
You know what is best, and it's through you I cope.
You help me to see as others do stare
That this is My precious boy, not a burden to bear.
Although he is different than some other kid,
I'm so glad that you did what you did.
When others comment "I don't know how you do it!"
It feels as arrows in my shoulder they have hit.
How could they not see what I see?
I just can't believe they don't envy me!
And then it occurs as if from above,
You knew that I was the one for this love.
You knew I'd rejoice in his triumphs though small they might be,
And urge him to greatness despite what they see.
I'd find joy and laughter where there could be tears,
I'd see his limits and proceed without fears.
You knew I'd be best for this special boy,
So, thank you Dear Lord, for my precious joy.
MY PRECIOUS JOY (AUTISM)
Author: Unknown
Sweet Father in Heaven whose love is divine,
Thank-you so much for the son that is mine.
To others he'd be a burden to bear,
But to me he's a joy to which none can compare.
I know that he's different from most girls and boys,
He speaks kind of funny and plays strange with toys.
For him, change is hard, he can get so upset,
He must seem so odd to those he has met.
Sometimes his anger gets out of control
And he has a huge meltdown which torments my soul.
Yet as I look into those precious blue eyes,
I know that you, Lord, gave me this surprise.
For life doesn't always turn out like we hope,
You know what is best, and it's through you I cope.
You help me to see as others do stare
That this is My precious boy, not a burden to bear.
Although he is different than some other kid,
I'm so glad that you did what you did.
When others comment "I don't know how you do it!"
It feels as arrows in my shoulder they have hit.
How could they not see what I see?
I just can't believe they don't envy me!
And then it occurs as if from above,
You knew that I was the one for this love.
You knew I'd rejoice in his triumphs though small they might be,
And urge him to greatness despite what they see.
I'd find joy and laughter where there could be tears,
I'd see his limits and proceed without fears.
You knew I'd be best for this special boy,
So, thank you Dear Lord, for my precious joy.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Im a Secret Sister....but dont tell anyone......:)
I found the greatest sight last week-its called Training Hearts. Its all about motivating homeschooling Moms and this secret sister is just the way to motivate us all :) Sometimes I feel Im all alone in doing this.
WHOOT!!!!!! Im so excited to start-only 4 days left-so there is still time if ya wanna join too :)
WHOOT!!!!!! Im so excited to start-only 4 days left-so there is still time if ya wanna join too :)
Thursday, November 08, 2007
"Meanest Mom on Earth"
Okay- so aparrantly I have won this title tonight-LOLOLOL
There was a new playground put up behind the library. We noticed it yesterday when we were at the Library. I told the kids I would take them today. So when Flamingo comes home we have to go.
Flamingo and Monkey boy hop out of the car and hit the toys as fast as they can. Stinger isnt so fast.....he notices some kids and wont get out of the car. I try and coax him out for abt a 1/2 hr as he repeated to me that he would go as soon as ALL the kids left......yeah-not going to happen at a new cool playground-kwim? But he proceeds to wait patiently for this to happen....
I notice that there are some toys and kids are sitting on them aparently digging with them. AH-HA moment here! THIS is it- This is what will get him out of the car. I tell him-"WOW-look at what those kids are doing-they are digging with something!" Stingers ears perk up. " Oh my gosh Stinger! There are toys you can sit on and make them dig-how cool is that?" Stinger presses his nose to the window and looks. Flamingo and Monkey boy are now on them. I tell Stinger "Doesnt Monkey Boy look like he is having sooo much fun? He's got a big smile on his face and I bet he'd let you have a turn if you asked nicely Stinger"
So he got out of the car-TA DA! -going all the way ard the playground to avoid the other kids there. But he was in Heaven and Monkey Boy hoped right off-what a nice bro-eh? After abt 2 hours...sigh...LOLOL we needed to go so I could come home and get baths going and dinner made.
Can you say fits GALORE from all 3! LOLOLOL They want to go tomorrow as well-but I cant run into town every day-sheesh.....
Now Im the Meanest Mom on Earth -per Stinger-I NEVER do what they want to do-If Its all messed up when they go again-you guessed it-its MY fault-LOLOLOL. "Can we go???-waits 5-10 min-can we go????-wait -can we go...... "
Oh they have the hardest life........LOLOLOL Im soooo mean.
ANYWAY..........
School is going good. We are learning abt Ecosystems and today we were studying the Borial Forest. Abt 5 minutes into it we were suddenly talking abt Big Foot-LOLOLOL, how we got there I can only imagine-but for the rest of the lesson thats all he could focus on-truly stuck. "Where do they live? I bet they live in these forests.....Do they have kids? What do they look like?-do they smell? eh-yiyi ;) Okay-so I didnt know ALL the answers to his questions.....so sue me. LOLOL "But Mom-you need to find this stuff out-I NEED to know this stuff!!!!" LOLOLOL-too funny-so anyone want to guess what Ill be looking up tonight and what we will be discussing tomorrow? LOLOLOLOL Anyone have or know of any sights out there? Guess Ill just be googling it as I have NO idea-LOLOLOL;)
But it was fun-I made sure I somehow got in all the objectives-but Im going with things he interupts with and letting him lead me sometimes-and it is SOOO much more stressless( is that a word? ) I got some homeschool books at Borders last weekend and Im learning alot from them and surprise surprise-they are actually HELPING and he's learning like they say-even if its not in the "curriculum" seams the more questions I answer the more he gets into it-he gets this big smile on his face and just goes and goes and goes, and gets more in depth etc.....they say be as interested in the things and questions they ask and they will naturally learn and want to learn more. Had my doubts-but its true it looks like.
Anyway-its going good ard here :)
There was a new playground put up behind the library. We noticed it yesterday when we were at the Library. I told the kids I would take them today. So when Flamingo comes home we have to go.
Flamingo and Monkey boy hop out of the car and hit the toys as fast as they can. Stinger isnt so fast.....he notices some kids and wont get out of the car. I try and coax him out for abt a 1/2 hr as he repeated to me that he would go as soon as ALL the kids left......yeah-not going to happen at a new cool playground-kwim? But he proceeds to wait patiently for this to happen....
I notice that there are some toys and kids are sitting on them aparently digging with them. AH-HA moment here! THIS is it- This is what will get him out of the car. I tell him-"WOW-look at what those kids are doing-they are digging with something!" Stingers ears perk up. " Oh my gosh Stinger! There are toys you can sit on and make them dig-how cool is that?" Stinger presses his nose to the window and looks. Flamingo and Monkey boy are now on them. I tell Stinger "Doesnt Monkey Boy look like he is having sooo much fun? He's got a big smile on his face and I bet he'd let you have a turn if you asked nicely Stinger"
So he got out of the car-TA DA! -going all the way ard the playground to avoid the other kids there. But he was in Heaven and Monkey Boy hoped right off-what a nice bro-eh? After abt 2 hours...sigh...LOLOL we needed to go so I could come home and get baths going and dinner made.
Can you say fits GALORE from all 3! LOLOLOL They want to go tomorrow as well-but I cant run into town every day-sheesh.....
Now Im the Meanest Mom on Earth -per Stinger-I NEVER do what they want to do-If Its all messed up when they go again-you guessed it-its MY fault-LOLOLOL. "Can we go???-waits 5-10 min-can we go????-wait -can we go...... "
Oh they have the hardest life........LOLOLOL Im soooo mean.
ANYWAY..........
School is going good. We are learning abt Ecosystems and today we were studying the Borial Forest. Abt 5 minutes into it we were suddenly talking abt Big Foot-LOLOLOL, how we got there I can only imagine-but for the rest of the lesson thats all he could focus on-truly stuck. "Where do they live? I bet they live in these forests.....Do they have kids? What do they look like?-do they smell? eh-yiyi ;) Okay-so I didnt know ALL the answers to his questions.....so sue me. LOLOL "But Mom-you need to find this stuff out-I NEED to know this stuff!!!!" LOLOLOL-too funny-so anyone want to guess what Ill be looking up tonight and what we will be discussing tomorrow? LOLOLOLOL Anyone have or know of any sights out there? Guess Ill just be googling it as I have NO idea-LOLOLOL;)
But it was fun-I made sure I somehow got in all the objectives-but Im going with things he interupts with and letting him lead me sometimes-and it is SOOO much more stressless( is that a word? ) I got some homeschool books at Borders last weekend and Im learning alot from them and surprise surprise-they are actually HELPING and he's learning like they say-even if its not in the "curriculum" seams the more questions I answer the more he gets into it-he gets this big smile on his face and just goes and goes and goes, and gets more in depth etc.....they say be as interested in the things and questions they ask and they will naturally learn and want to learn more. Had my doubts-but its true it looks like.
Anyway-its going good ard here :)
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
What IS Your Story??????????
Okay this is my 1st LAMP training assignment:
I had to explain to the group tonight( its a training thing I got nominated for at the Utah Parent Training Center-they deal with helping parents with disabilities and the school etc)what our "story " was. I get to do teh conference online as I live so far out here :)
This is what I shared with the group:
I had to explain to the group tonight( its a training thing I got nominated for at the Utah Parent Training Center-they deal with helping parents with disabilities and the school etc)what our "story " was. I get to do teh conference online as I live so far out here :)
This is what I shared with the group:
My Story.........
I guess you could say my "story" began with the birth of my son Stinger.
To say he was a high needs baby simply doesnt do justice. I still to this day remember crying night after night as he cried and cried trying anything under the sun-what every book said to do
to soothe him. He had to be constantly bounced, juggled, and swaddled up really tight each and every night. Touchy to noises, sunlight. Not responding to his name-running away.....
to soothe him. He had to be constantly bounced, juggled, and swaddled up really tight each and every night. Touchy to noises, sunlight. Not responding to his name-running away.....
Stinger being my first child, I think I missed alot of signs. Limited imagination play, eye contact, lining up toys, walking on tip-toes, aggressive play with others and objects, banging head,spitting. Things like this I must have just dismissed -after all he was my first child-my baby and he couldnt have been more PERFECT. :)
I'd say he was abt 2 1/2 when my mommy gut started telling me something was off. He had such a temper and I never knew what was the matter.
I called Early Intervention and he started a 1:1 play therapy where they signed and sang songs. He showed improvement and he was moved up to EI pre-school. They then recommended Head Start where he again did fairly well. My fears subsided as I quickly dismissed his behaviors as a maturity issue he was just growing out of.
Kindergarden started out well, but day after day the phone calls started coming in. "Stinger is hitting, Stinger wont share, Stinger cant learn his alphabet or his numbers, Stinger wont participate in class." Again I dismissd it blaming the teacher as she was known to have favorites and she well..she just hated my son....LOLOLOL But as the year went on I realized it was more than that.
1st grade we started the process of evaluating for special education. It took more than a year-yes, I wasnt familiar with the time frame laws then- for the school and I to agree on what the issues were-in the meantime they just decided to do nothing abt anything...sigh....
It was at this time that the word Autism became known to me. I started living at the computer. I just could not believe how the signs of ASD( Autism Spectrum Disorder) fit my son. I fought with the school all year abt which evals and testing scores-they had no idea and wouldnt even accept their own test eval results. They wanted to classify him as ED(Emotional Disturbance) I knew it went much deeper than that. I even had some advocates go to bat for us at some of the meetings-nothing changed.
During all of this nothing was being done. Stinger was getting suspended, I was getting calls every other day to come and pick him up etc. He was smacking, running away, kicking throwing things-his behaviors were just getting worse and worse.
I finally went outside the school to get him evaluated at a Childrens Hospital. There they diagnosed him with Pdd-Nos, Anxiety-Nos, and adhd tendancies, SID( sensory). I went back to the school with these papers in hand and he was finally classified as if by magic.
By the end of 1st grade everyone was overwhelmed and had no idea what to do. Stinger was getting Speech therapy, group therapy at mental Health, 1: 1 with some academics and things were just getting worse. I guess in my mind I thought their magical "system" was going to be able to fix everything-yes, I was very naive and way too trusting.
They incorporated a time out room just for Stinger which only served to escalate his behaviors-he was running every day now-afraid to be put into the timeout room. So they would use it more and more and not tell me about it.
The school at the middle of 2nd grade basically told me they could no longer handle my son-even though the aide I requested had helped tremendously and it was charted. We ended up talking about a change of placement.
About this time last year he was transferred to a self contained classroom. Having been lied to by the homeschool abt the time they had my son in the timeout room I was alread having trust issues and when NO phone calls came from this new school and visiting rights were denied I was starting to have doubts as to what exactly they were doing there. Stinger also started having accidents at school.
I guess the last straw came when Stinger got off the bus, with no note or phone call, all scratched up-his face, back and chest, raw red marks under his arms where they had been forcing him to stand, bruising ard both his wrists where he had been dragged to the timeout room. And Stinger explained to me abt a "box" he was placed in that they locked.
We immediately had an emergency meeting and they procedded to brush me off simply stating that they had all just had a "rough" day.
Later I found out that they had put him in that box frequently, covered the little window, locked the door, and he was not allowed to use the restroom while he was doing his "time" in there. They also had him in there for numerous hours where he would miss his lunch and wet himself and was required to clean this up himself.
THIS was when I said ENOUGH-I GIVE.
This past summer I pulled him out of the "program" if thats what youd call it.....
Trust has been broken, my sons spirit was broken and he and I will never get over what these individuals did in the name of " treatment."
I was done.
Done with the fighting, done with the retaliation whenever I said something was unjust. They treated him worse when I fought for his right to an education. Due Process was the only next step and even then I had no desire to even be in the same room with these people, let alone fight in court only to have him placed right back into their evil arms.
This summer I decided to Homeschool Stinger. Its as if he has been reborn-the once happy boy I once knew-the once happy smiling boy has come back. Behaviors arent an issue now that understanding, love and patience have been introduced to his learning. Its been wonderful and Im seeing growth each and every day. He is so far behind academically as the schools seamed to think his punishments were more important that his education. And we have our days. But everyday he is learning more, becoming more confident and growing into the young man I am so proud of.
One day I hope to try Public School again. I let the schools intimidate me and my son as I lacked the courage and known every law( which is basically what you need) to really stand up to them.
I am still studying every day and will continue to learn all that I can so that when and if we do decided to go back we will be able to stand strong and get the supports he needs and we will NOT stop fighting until my son gets a fair and appropriate education.
I look forward to getting to know you all and am looking forward to this training.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Its Finally Out :)
Well today is the long awaited premier of THE BEE MOVIE. Yes, we are all ready set to go out and see it on Saturday-LOLOLOL
For anyone who does not know Stinger-BEES are his "thing." Bees-what they do, how many different kinds, their homes, their colors-yes they all are different;), their work orders and routines, where they live, what they eat, how long they live, how the colonies are set up, what flowers they like, whatthey do during teh winter, their life cycles. Yes-we here are all very familiar with Bees-like it or not we have all had to hear the how and whys of every detail concerning them.
Bees in teh house are not uncommon-and if you should happen to venture into that room of his-you will find bee nests-empty-sometimes;)LOLOL), stuffed bees, bee pictures, bee books, bee plastic toys, bee kites, bee magnetic toys you can assemble-you name it.
So tomorrow is the BIG day. :) WHOOT!!! The movie actually looks really cute-so Im even looking forward to it.
School is going VERY well-his reading is getting better and better each week-amazing!!!!!We have had fun this past week with Halloween and doing crafts and learning abt the History of Halloween.
Haloween went well-Stinger wanted nothing to do with the trick or treat ard town as it wasnt in his regular routine set up. We ususally just go to the parking lot and not ard town. He refused to get out of the car and after many minutes of coaxing he finally agreed if he didnt have to go into the shops or talk to anyone.But we had fun going to the parking lot and eating chilli and cinnamon rolls:)
Then we all came home and looked at the loot- No candy needed ard here for awhile-at least till Christmas anyway-LOLOLOL:)
For anyone who does not know Stinger-BEES are his "thing." Bees-what they do, how many different kinds, their homes, their colors-yes they all are different;), their work orders and routines, where they live, what they eat, how long they live, how the colonies are set up, what flowers they like, whatthey do during teh winter, their life cycles. Yes-we here are all very familiar with Bees-like it or not we have all had to hear the how and whys of every detail concerning them.
Bees in teh house are not uncommon-and if you should happen to venture into that room of his-you will find bee nests-empty-sometimes;)LOLOL), stuffed bees, bee pictures, bee books, bee plastic toys, bee kites, bee magnetic toys you can assemble-you name it.
So tomorrow is the BIG day. :) WHOOT!!! The movie actually looks really cute-so Im even looking forward to it.
School is going VERY well-his reading is getting better and better each week-amazing!!!!!We have had fun this past week with Halloween and doing crafts and learning abt the History of Halloween.
Haloween went well-Stinger wanted nothing to do with the trick or treat ard town as it wasnt in his regular routine set up. We ususally just go to the parking lot and not ard town. He refused to get out of the car and after many minutes of coaxing he finally agreed if he didnt have to go into the shops or talk to anyone.But we had fun going to the parking lot and eating chilli and cinnamon rolls:)
Then we all came home and looked at the loot- No candy needed ard here for awhile-at least till Christmas anyway-LOLOLOL:)
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Have a Few.....
Minutes-LOLOLOL
Well we just finsished our Birds study and what do ya know-Happy Feet is on-so Ive got a little break today it seams.....
Ive been explaining things throughout the movie and Stinger and Monkey Boy are enjoying it -LOLOLOL. We've discussed Nothern Lights, the nesting period of the penguins( the dad sitting on the egg instead of the Momma and how he has to wait all winter for her to return and the feeding process when the Momma returns( she regurgitates the food)-Stinger said" oh gross!"LOLOLOL
Stinger says "Mom-its a funny movie-you sure we can watch it during school time?"I say " yeah Stinger-thats the great thing abt doing school at home-it CAN be fun!!!!" LOLOLOLHe just smiled so big-it was too cute :)
Happy Feet looks really cute-its about a penguin who cant find his heart song:( His father dropped him during the nesting which is why they say he is so "different" Its quiet sad-brings to mind of all the intolerance I have seen in this world. How "different" is so called "bad" hmpft! Is all I want say!
Since we have been not reviewing so much-no more busy work-things have been going GREAT!!!!!He's so much more attentive and we have been finishing all objectives and hes understanding and not getting frustrated.
Hes still having trouble counting-still insists things are too hard for him not to count on his finagers-he wont group etc.
Ive looked into a TouchMath curriculumn-which looks really cool. It uses dots on the numbers and the kids memorize the dots and then can use them when they see a number. We tried a sample sheet and Stinger likes it alot better. I ordered a free teacher sample kit and DVD etc-so we shall see when it gets here. I think it should help.
Reading.......were do I start? Stinger is doing soooo awesome!!!!!I can really see him improving! So I got some First reading chapter books and hes started reading one- My Big Ball Of String. Totally sounds like a Stinger book-eh? :)
Anyway-I was just thrilled when I brought them home and he said "YES" So we are starting slow-reading one page a day-but hes so happy and excited he can actually read a book he WANTS to read! WHOOT!!!!!
So things are going great! He did tell me hes not interested in doing the BookIt program-as he doesnt want to go in and talk to the guys at Pizza Hut.......he is adamant abt this. So we are still working on this.....LOLOLOLwe'll get there.......
We have started Christmas Pageant rehearsals again this year. Flamingo is thrilled and has two speaking parts and will be an angel. Monkey Boy is going to be a shepard and is excited abt it too. Stinger says everything is even more complicated than last year and doesnt want to be in it. I guess in his eyes it is-its abt a story, but has The Nativity written in the story sort of thing-so yeah...its more complicated. I can see where he is coming from. We arent pushing him this year to be in it. You could see the relief in his eyes when we told him he didnt have to be in it if he didnt want to.
But things are going good here :)
Well we just finsished our Birds study and what do ya know-Happy Feet is on-so Ive got a little break today it seams.....
Ive been explaining things throughout the movie and Stinger and Monkey Boy are enjoying it -LOLOLOL. We've discussed Nothern Lights, the nesting period of the penguins( the dad sitting on the egg instead of the Momma and how he has to wait all winter for her to return and the feeding process when the Momma returns( she regurgitates the food)-Stinger said" oh gross!"LOLOLOL
Stinger says "Mom-its a funny movie-you sure we can watch it during school time?"I say " yeah Stinger-thats the great thing abt doing school at home-it CAN be fun!!!!" LOLOLOLHe just smiled so big-it was too cute :)
Happy Feet looks really cute-its about a penguin who cant find his heart song:( His father dropped him during the nesting which is why they say he is so "different" Its quiet sad-brings to mind of all the intolerance I have seen in this world. How "different" is so called "bad" hmpft! Is all I want say!
Since we have been not reviewing so much-no more busy work-things have been going GREAT!!!!!He's so much more attentive and we have been finishing all objectives and hes understanding and not getting frustrated.
Hes still having trouble counting-still insists things are too hard for him not to count on his finagers-he wont group etc.
Ive looked into a TouchMath curriculumn-which looks really cool. It uses dots on the numbers and the kids memorize the dots and then can use them when they see a number. We tried a sample sheet and Stinger likes it alot better. I ordered a free teacher sample kit and DVD etc-so we shall see when it gets here. I think it should help.
Reading.......were do I start? Stinger is doing soooo awesome!!!!!I can really see him improving! So I got some First reading chapter books and hes started reading one- My Big Ball Of String. Totally sounds like a Stinger book-eh? :)
Anyway-I was just thrilled when I brought them home and he said "YES" So we are starting slow-reading one page a day-but hes so happy and excited he can actually read a book he WANTS to read! WHOOT!!!!!
So things are going great! He did tell me hes not interested in doing the BookIt program-as he doesnt want to go in and talk to the guys at Pizza Hut.......he is adamant abt this. So we are still working on this.....LOLOLOLwe'll get there.......
We have started Christmas Pageant rehearsals again this year. Flamingo is thrilled and has two speaking parts and will be an angel. Monkey Boy is going to be a shepard and is excited abt it too. Stinger says everything is even more complicated than last year and doesnt want to be in it. I guess in his eyes it is-its abt a story, but has The Nativity written in the story sort of thing-so yeah...its more complicated. I can see where he is coming from. We arent pushing him this year to be in it. You could see the relief in his eyes when we told him he didnt have to be in it if he didnt want to.
But things are going good here :)
Sunday, October 21, 2007
I Am......
Okay-THIS is it-the one poem that says it all-MY FAVORITE I have found out there-was send today and made me smile :)
- *I Am... for Mothers of Special Needs Children ~*~ By Michelle Guppy>>>> http://www.frommyheart.org/view/?pageID=151167>>>>
I am the little engine that did.
When on my journey in life, my tracks led me to a mountain - a diagnosis of (Autism, CP, MR, ...) - I looked at it with defeat - thinking there was no way I could climb over it. I then
pondered the obstacle before me, and I then said to myself over and over, "I think I can, I think I can...," then I slowly started climbing the mountain saying to myself over and over, "I know I can, I know I can,...." and then I made it over that ominous diagnosis and continued my journey. I am the little engine that did.
I am more devoted than Noah's wife. I sometimes feel overwhelmed in my "houseboat" -- 365 days and 365 nights a year, constantly working with and teaching my child. But when the storms of isolation and monotony become most unbearable, I do not jump ship. Instead I wait for the rainbow that is promised to come.
I am Xena. Real life warrior goddess of Autism. With my steel plated armor I can battle anyone who gets in the way of progress for my child. I can overcome the stares and ignorance of those without a disability in their lives - and educate them as to why my child is the way he is, and why he does the things he does. With my sword of persistence, I can battle the schools to have them properly educate my child. Yes, I am Xena - and I am prepared for any battle that might come my way......
I am beautiful. I have hairy legs because I get no time alone in the bathroom, and bags under my eyes from staying up all night with my child.The only exercise I get is the sprint from my house to my car - to take my child to therapy. Dressed up to me is, well - just that I had a moment to get dressed! They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder - and so even on the days when I don't feel very beautiful - I will know that I am........ because God is my beholder.
I am the Bionic Woman. With my bionic vision - I can see through the disability my child has, and see the beauty in his soul, the intelligence in his eyes --- when others can't. I have bionic hearing - I can look at my child when he smiles at me, and hear his voice say, "I Love You Mommy," --- even though he can't talk. Yes, I am thankful to be Bionic.
I am Mary. A not so well known mother of a Special Needs child who was brought here to touch the souls of those around him, in a way that will forever change them. And it started with me. By teaching me things I would never have known, by bringing me friendships I never would have had, and by opening my eyes as to what really matters in life. Things like the Joy of just living in the moment, the Peace of knowing that God is in control, never losing Hope, and knowing an unconditional Love that words cannot express. Yes, I too am blessed by a special child, just like Mary.
I am Superwoman. I am able to leap over tall loads of laundry in a single bound, and run faster than a speeding bullet, to rescue my child from danger. Oh yes, without a doubt, I am Superwoman.
I am like Moses. I was chosen to be the mother of a Special Needs Child. I may at times question whether I am the right "man" for the job ---but God will give me the Faith I need to lead my child to be the best he can be. And like Moses, God will give me the small Miracles here and there, needed to accomplish my mission.
I am Stretch Armstrong - a mom that can be stretched beyond belief and still somehow return to normal. I can stretch limited funds to cover every treatment and therapy that insurance won't. I can stretch my patience as I bounce from doctor to doctor in a quest to treat my child. I can stretch what time I have, and share it with my husband, my children, my church, >> and>> still have some leftover to help my friends. Yes, my name is Stretch. And >> I>> have the stretch-marks to prove it!
I am Rosa Parks. I refuse to move or waiver in what I believe is right for my child --simply because my view is the minority, not the majority. I refuse to believe "What can one mother do?" But instead, I will write, call, and rally to the government if I have to, and do whatever it takes to>> prevent discrimination against my child and ensure that he gets the services he needs.
I am Hercules. The Greek god known for strength and courage. The heavy loads I must carry would make others crumble to the ground. The weight of Sorrow, Fear at uncertainty of the future, Injustice at having no answers, and the Tears of despair, would alone possibly be too much, --- even for Hercules. But then the Joy, Laughter, Smiles, and Pride, - at my child's accomplishments, - balance the load to make it easy to bear.
I am touched by an Angel. An Angel who lives in a world of his own. And it's true. He lives in a world of innocence and purity. A world without hatred or deceit. A world where everyone is beautiful and where no-one is ugly. A world where there is always enough time. A world where he goes to bed with no worries of tomorrow and wakes up with no regrets of the past. Yes, I most certainly am touched by an Angel, and in some ways, his world is better....
I am a true "Survivor" - the mom of a child, who has faced, is facing, and will face, --some of the most difficult challenges life has to offer. I am ready for the challenge and have God given endurance to last until the end, -- along with a sense of humor to cope with all the twists, turns, and surprises along the way. Oh yes, I am a TRUE "Survivor" - and I don't need to win a million dollars to prove it!!!
I am a mom of a special needs child, all the above, and so much more. Some days I will want to be none of the above - and just be a typical mom with a typical child, doing typical things. On those days I will know it's okay to be angry, and to cry, and to lean on my family, friends, for support. Because after all, ---the most important thing I am, ..... is human.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-beautiful -eh? :)
- *I Am... for Mothers of Special Needs Children ~*~ By Michelle Guppy>>>> http://www.frommyheart.org/view/?pageID=151167>>>>
I am the little engine that did.
When on my journey in life, my tracks led me to a mountain - a diagnosis of (Autism, CP, MR, ...) - I looked at it with defeat - thinking there was no way I could climb over it. I then
pondered the obstacle before me, and I then said to myself over and over, "I think I can, I think I can...," then I slowly started climbing the mountain saying to myself over and over, "I know I can, I know I can,...." and then I made it over that ominous diagnosis and continued my journey. I am the little engine that did.
I am more devoted than Noah's wife. I sometimes feel overwhelmed in my "houseboat" -- 365 days and 365 nights a year, constantly working with and teaching my child. But when the storms of isolation and monotony become most unbearable, I do not jump ship. Instead I wait for the rainbow that is promised to come.
I am Xena. Real life warrior goddess of Autism. With my steel plated armor I can battle anyone who gets in the way of progress for my child. I can overcome the stares and ignorance of those without a disability in their lives - and educate them as to why my child is the way he is, and why he does the things he does. With my sword of persistence, I can battle the schools to have them properly educate my child. Yes, I am Xena - and I am prepared for any battle that might come my way......
I am beautiful. I have hairy legs because I get no time alone in the bathroom, and bags under my eyes from staying up all night with my child.The only exercise I get is the sprint from my house to my car - to take my child to therapy. Dressed up to me is, well - just that I had a moment to get dressed! They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder - and so even on the days when I don't feel very beautiful - I will know that I am........ because God is my beholder.
I am the Bionic Woman. With my bionic vision - I can see through the disability my child has, and see the beauty in his soul, the intelligence in his eyes --- when others can't. I have bionic hearing - I can look at my child when he smiles at me, and hear his voice say, "I Love You Mommy," --- even though he can't talk. Yes, I am thankful to be Bionic.
I am Mary. A not so well known mother of a Special Needs child who was brought here to touch the souls of those around him, in a way that will forever change them. And it started with me. By teaching me things I would never have known, by bringing me friendships I never would have had, and by opening my eyes as to what really matters in life. Things like the Joy of just living in the moment, the Peace of knowing that God is in control, never losing Hope, and knowing an unconditional Love that words cannot express. Yes, I too am blessed by a special child, just like Mary.
I am Superwoman. I am able to leap over tall loads of laundry in a single bound, and run faster than a speeding bullet, to rescue my child from danger. Oh yes, without a doubt, I am Superwoman.
I am like Moses. I was chosen to be the mother of a Special Needs Child. I may at times question whether I am the right "man" for the job ---but God will give me the Faith I need to lead my child to be the best he can be. And like Moses, God will give me the small Miracles here and there, needed to accomplish my mission.
I am Stretch Armstrong - a mom that can be stretched beyond belief and still somehow return to normal. I can stretch limited funds to cover every treatment and therapy that insurance won't. I can stretch my patience as I bounce from doctor to doctor in a quest to treat my child. I can stretch what time I have, and share it with my husband, my children, my church, >> and>> still have some leftover to help my friends. Yes, my name is Stretch. And >> I>> have the stretch-marks to prove it!
I am Rosa Parks. I refuse to move or waiver in what I believe is right for my child --simply because my view is the minority, not the majority. I refuse to believe "What can one mother do?" But instead, I will write, call, and rally to the government if I have to, and do whatever it takes to>> prevent discrimination against my child and ensure that he gets the services he needs.
I am Hercules. The Greek god known for strength and courage. The heavy loads I must carry would make others crumble to the ground. The weight of Sorrow, Fear at uncertainty of the future, Injustice at having no answers, and the Tears of despair, would alone possibly be too much, --- even for Hercules. But then the Joy, Laughter, Smiles, and Pride, - at my child's accomplishments, - balance the load to make it easy to bear.
I am touched by an Angel. An Angel who lives in a world of his own. And it's true. He lives in a world of innocence and purity. A world without hatred or deceit. A world where everyone is beautiful and where no-one is ugly. A world where there is always enough time. A world where he goes to bed with no worries of tomorrow and wakes up with no regrets of the past. Yes, I most certainly am touched by an Angel, and in some ways, his world is better....
I am a true "Survivor" - the mom of a child, who has faced, is facing, and will face, --some of the most difficult challenges life has to offer. I am ready for the challenge and have God given endurance to last until the end, -- along with a sense of humor to cope with all the twists, turns, and surprises along the way. Oh yes, I am a TRUE "Survivor" - and I don't need to win a million dollars to prove it!!!
I am a mom of a special needs child, all the above, and so much more. Some days I will want to be none of the above - and just be a typical mom with a typical child, doing typical things. On those days I will know it's okay to be angry, and to cry, and to lean on my family, friends, for support. Because after all, ---the most important thing I am, ..... is human.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-beautiful -eh? :)
Friday, October 12, 2007
Whats Been Going On.....
School is going good......we are struggling I think with this curriculum. I find it nice and full of lots of info-Stinger finds it not very stimulationg-no matter how I go abt doing things....So I guess what they say is true-what you as a parent might like and be comforteable with is not neccesarily what will be right for your child....hmmm.....
He's still not liking the breaking up of subjects-it frustrates him when he sees different subjects we will be doing that day etc. The days I can combine subjects -are really good days. The days I do what the curriculum says-even when I modify it-its a frustrating day for us both....
Ive been looking at Unit Studies and I think this is the Golden Ticket for Stinger. Basically you have a theme and you incorporate all subjects into that certian theme. Say its on eco-systems, you would put math in, science, history, writing, language, spelling-but it would all go together with that certain theme. I think Stinger would like that alot better and it wouldnt be so overwhelming for him-Ive tried it a little with this K12 curriculumn, but it doesnt really work that way...so its difficult to do....
But we will be probbaly be doing something like that next year if things dont look up with this curriculumn. He was happy with it-I think just because it was a "new" thing, but now he doesnt care for it too much....
He is really enjoying the Indian in the Cupboard though-I wish I could incorporate thinsg he is doing into that theme-which would be really nice-see this is what Im talking about-and I cant really do that with K12 as they have their set curriculum. We are also reading Mrs Piggle-Wiggle9part of K12). Stinger thinks these books are sooo funny! He never really laughs, but I see him smiling and he has that Stinger twinkle in his eyes as he looks at me with his grins-LOLOLOL He enjoys listening to what teh naughty kids do and what Mrs Piggle -Wiggle suggests to the parents of these naughty children-LOLOLOL-he likes it when the kids learn their lesson -hopefully hes picking up on some of these lessons-eh? ;)
Flamingo had her last soccer game on Wed. She is upset to be done for the season. She was actually getting really good-getting in there to fight for the ball as at first she was hesitating. They gave all the kids trophies and had a little presentation-MY!!! Was she proud of herself!!!! You can still find her with that trophy in her hands as soon as she comes home from school these days. Cute-eh? She also got a certificate that she has up on her dresser displayed proudly with her trophy:)
Monkey Boy is still acting like a Monkey-LOLOLOL-He's doing really well with his school we are doing-he just LOVES worksheets-and hes alwasy asking me" whats next?"LOLOLOL Hes always wearing a smile and he brightens my days.
He's still not liking the breaking up of subjects-it frustrates him when he sees different subjects we will be doing that day etc. The days I can combine subjects -are really good days. The days I do what the curriculum says-even when I modify it-its a frustrating day for us both....
Ive been looking at Unit Studies and I think this is the Golden Ticket for Stinger. Basically you have a theme and you incorporate all subjects into that certian theme. Say its on eco-systems, you would put math in, science, history, writing, language, spelling-but it would all go together with that certain theme. I think Stinger would like that alot better and it wouldnt be so overwhelming for him-Ive tried it a little with this K12 curriculumn, but it doesnt really work that way...so its difficult to do....
But we will be probbaly be doing something like that next year if things dont look up with this curriculumn. He was happy with it-I think just because it was a "new" thing, but now he doesnt care for it too much....
He is really enjoying the Indian in the Cupboard though-I wish I could incorporate thinsg he is doing into that theme-which would be really nice-see this is what Im talking about-and I cant really do that with K12 as they have their set curriculum. We are also reading Mrs Piggle-Wiggle9part of K12). Stinger thinks these books are sooo funny! He never really laughs, but I see him smiling and he has that Stinger twinkle in his eyes as he looks at me with his grins-LOLOLOL He enjoys listening to what teh naughty kids do and what Mrs Piggle -Wiggle suggests to the parents of these naughty children-LOLOLOL-he likes it when the kids learn their lesson -hopefully hes picking up on some of these lessons-eh? ;)
Flamingo had her last soccer game on Wed. She is upset to be done for the season. She was actually getting really good-getting in there to fight for the ball as at first she was hesitating. They gave all the kids trophies and had a little presentation-MY!!! Was she proud of herself!!!! You can still find her with that trophy in her hands as soon as she comes home from school these days. Cute-eh? She also got a certificate that she has up on her dresser displayed proudly with her trophy:)
Monkey Boy is still acting like a Monkey-LOLOLOL-He's doing really well with his school we are doing-he just LOVES worksheets-and hes alwasy asking me" whats next?"LOLOLOL Hes always wearing a smile and he brightens my days.
Communicating Partners book study notes....
Communicating Partners
by: James MacDonald
Okay-If you haven't read this book-DO!!!!! LOLOLOLOL
Its about Communicating with your children particularly late talkers, ASD, and DS.
I found out about it from C-shes the big guroo when it comes to books and I know if shes recommending something to me I need to just go out and buy it!LOLOLOL Which was the case of this book.
Out of all the books I have read-and trust me Ive read books all abt Stinger and trying to find ways I can help him in trying to have some what of a better understanding of what is going on in that head of his (trying to get in there is like trying to knock down a brick wall sometimes)-this one TOPS them all and Im just starting it-LOLOLOL
So Ive been taking some notes and I thought Id share them-the points that have struck me pertaining to Stinger. Its been an eye opening book to say the least-some parts Im nervous abt trying, some parts Im excited abt trying, some parts are totally gratifying in learning Ive been doing things right, other parts Im finding out Im going abt things all wrong......anyway.....here's my notes so far....
Step 1: enter into routines
-dont teach, be still, be alert, accept
THIS I think is going to be the hardest thing as Stinger so clearly doesnt want anyone ard when he is doing "his" thing-I can see him getting extremely upset with me....
Step 2:( after being accepted) Immitation and Modeling
-immitate him/parralel play-do what he is doing
-goal is for Stinger to eventually do what I am doing when he isnt being told or asked to do it, kwim?
Step 3: Taking turns
-WAIT!!!!! for Stinger to take his turn
I have recognised I talk for Stinger when Dh asks him something or anyone for that matter asks him something-thinking this is helping him, when in actuality it is hurting his progress. :(
So how do we get thsi social habit going you ask?
*Be balanced-do as much as each other
-dont dominate
-stay away from "learned helplessness"
-stay out of the "needs help.....help more" circle
-GIVE STINGER TIME!!!!!
*Be matched-
-what he can do at the moment
this shows support( understanding his world)
-match his playing
-get into routines together: pushing cars, putting toys away,having a snack-
( do what he is doing)
-back and forth routines-will eventually be able to teach him something new to do
goal------> Stinger thinks interaction is worthwhile and FUN! :)
<remember> any interaction is a struggle for Stinger-be grateful for any signs of
-its difficult, frightening, overwhelming for him
-with matched playing we can build confidence-he will finally feel accepted while interacting!:)
<remember>convince staying with people is rewarding and successful
-dont relie on toys-be more exciting and interesting than the distraction
*be responsive
-be patient-not easy for him-celebrate small interactions at first
-for Stinger it might take some time to accept me playing parallel with each other
-will need time fro him to realize Im not imposing changes, but letting him be himself
(I was relieved to see this as I am quiet sure we will have some opposition with this one)
-acting like Stinger enables me to read and connect with him
-Stinger needs to learn to respond to what others do
-peers will not likely stick ard if ignored
*Share control and decisions
-many parenst are pushed away, screamed at, or rejected
-are known for resisting typical kinds of play
*emotionally attached and playful
-appreciate whatever he does
-my job is to be accepted BY HIM
-be silly
---->age appropriate often makes silent and alone
-very sensitive to adult judgements or lack of support
=======>important development:
to BELIEVE they can interact successfully without being judged or told to change
WOW-eh?
by: James MacDonald
Okay-If you haven't read this book-DO!!!!! LOLOLOLOL
Its about Communicating with your children particularly late talkers, ASD, and DS.
I found out about it from C-shes the big guroo when it comes to books and I know if shes recommending something to me I need to just go out and buy it!LOLOLOL Which was the case of this book.
Out of all the books I have read-and trust me Ive read books all abt Stinger and trying to find ways I can help him in trying to have some what of a better understanding of what is going on in that head of his (trying to get in there is like trying to knock down a brick wall sometimes)-this one TOPS them all and Im just starting it-LOLOLOL
So Ive been taking some notes and I thought Id share them-the points that have struck me pertaining to Stinger. Its been an eye opening book to say the least-some parts Im nervous abt trying, some parts Im excited abt trying, some parts are totally gratifying in learning Ive been doing things right, other parts Im finding out Im going abt things all wrong......anyway.....here's my notes so far....
Step 1: enter into routines
-dont teach, be still, be alert, accept
THIS I think is going to be the hardest thing as Stinger so clearly doesnt want anyone ard when he is doing "his" thing-I can see him getting extremely upset with me....
Step 2:( after being accepted) Immitation and Modeling
-immitate him/parralel play-do what he is doing
-goal is for Stinger to eventually do what I am doing when he isnt being told or asked to do it, kwim?
Step 3: Taking turns
-WAIT!!!!! for Stinger to take his turn
I have recognised I talk for Stinger when Dh asks him something or anyone for that matter asks him something-thinking this is helping him, when in actuality it is hurting his progress. :(
So how do we get thsi social habit going you ask?
*Be balanced-do as much as each other
-dont dominate
-stay away from "learned helplessness"
-stay out of the "needs help.....help more" circle
-GIVE STINGER TIME!!!!!
*Be matched-
-what he can do at the moment
this shows support( understanding his world)
-match his playing
-get into routines together: pushing cars, putting toys away,having a snack-
( do what he is doing)
-back and forth routines-will eventually be able to teach him something new to do
goal------> Stinger thinks interaction is worthwhile and FUN! :)
<remember> any interaction is a struggle for Stinger-be grateful for any signs of
-its difficult, frightening, overwhelming for him
-with matched playing we can build confidence-he will finally feel accepted while interacting!:)
<remember>convince staying with people is rewarding and successful
-dont relie on toys-be more exciting and interesting than the distraction
*be responsive
-be patient-not easy for him-celebrate small interactions at first
-for Stinger it might take some time to accept me playing parallel with each other
-will need time fro him to realize Im not imposing changes, but letting him be himself
(I was relieved to see this as I am quiet sure we will have some opposition with this one)
-acting like Stinger enables me to read and connect with him
-Stinger needs to learn to respond to what others do
-peers will not likely stick ard if ignored
*Share control and decisions
-many parenst are pushed away, screamed at, or rejected
-are known for resisting typical kinds of play
*emotionally attached and playful
-appreciate whatever he does
-my job is to be accepted BY HIM
-be silly
---->age appropriate often makes silent and alone
-very sensitive to adult judgements or lack of support
=======>important development:
to BELIEVE they can interact successfully without being judged or told to change
WOW-eh?
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Our First Novel......
Well we have embarked on our first voyage of books without pictures-LOLOLOL:)
It has been a HUGE -AND I MEAN HUGE hit!!!!!So much so that Stinger doesnt want me to put it down. "Mom!!!!! Keep going!!!!!!!" This is what I hear every morning. Im soooooooo pleased-can you tell!!!! LOLOLOL:)
We are reading Indian In The Cupboard. I have to admit that I have been getting into it as well. Dh was downstairs and after we had finished he looked at me, smiled, and said" You are trying so hard." With a big grin on his face. I jokingly asked him if he too was enjoying the story-LOLOLOL. So Its been a big hit and everyone is enjoying it. Monkey Boy I can tell is wanting pictures and sometimes gets bored. I just have to keep asking him questions abt it very animated like and he smiles and sometimes I can real him back in. So its a GO!!! WHOOT!!!LOLOLOL:)
School is going well-Ive been having a hard time getting in all the subjects Im supposed to day after day. Stinger seams to think that after lunch school is done......so Ive tried to shorten teh 1/2 hour breaks afetr every subject and it hasnt been working too well. I tried something on Thursday though. I tried to kinda fit everything into one subject-kinda blended things together so Stinger couldnt really tell it was a different subject. This worked and we got everything done.
I think what I need to do is go over the objectives and incorporate some subjects together as this seams to go smoother and all the objectives that need to be covered are-kwim? Which is basically what homeschoolers who are doing Unit Studies do.....so Im going to look into that a bit more and see if I can find anything that wont break the bank, but kinda groups objectives and subjects together with a common theme. I think Stinger would really enjoy that and it wouldnt be so frustrating for him.
What kinda worries me though is if we get to far away from the school curriculum and what if he goes back-then it would be even harder for him.....But no use festering over something like that -the main objective is him learning and enjoying learning-right? So we will do what we need to do to accomplish this.
Something that has been bothering me is how much do I push to get him up to grade level. K12 is so much info and we can barely make it through everything in teh time we have. So I dont know how he ever can get up to level? Is this something I should even be worrying about?
We took his Phonics assesment and for the first time he didnt pass it. He's having trouble remembering diagraphs(ch, wh, th, etc) and trigraphs(tch) this is what made him not pass this last assesment-he did everything else fine-except he missed all the blends in the words. So that was kinda a bummer-we are going to have to review those this week. But do how long do I spend reviewing if he just cant remember it?
I noticed this week that Flamingo is doing this exact same thing-bringing home worksheets with these sounds. So this is 1st grade level material, and hes having trouble with it.
I guess its no big deal as we can just review and he will get it down-which is the great thing abt homeschooling, but this was just the first assesment he didnt master and it kinda bummed me out as a teacher I guess-kwim? Thinking I failed too-kwim?
O-well just gotta figure this out and manipulate it so he can get it down. Maybee a notebook or something and pictures???Anyone have any ideas? Im open for any and all:)
It has been a HUGE -AND I MEAN HUGE hit!!!!!So much so that Stinger doesnt want me to put it down. "Mom!!!!! Keep going!!!!!!!" This is what I hear every morning. Im soooooooo pleased-can you tell!!!! LOLOLOL:)
We are reading Indian In The Cupboard. I have to admit that I have been getting into it as well. Dh was downstairs and after we had finished he looked at me, smiled, and said" You are trying so hard." With a big grin on his face. I jokingly asked him if he too was enjoying the story-LOLOLOL. So Its been a big hit and everyone is enjoying it. Monkey Boy I can tell is wanting pictures and sometimes gets bored. I just have to keep asking him questions abt it very animated like and he smiles and sometimes I can real him back in. So its a GO!!! WHOOT!!!LOLOLOL:)
School is going well-Ive been having a hard time getting in all the subjects Im supposed to day after day. Stinger seams to think that after lunch school is done......so Ive tried to shorten teh 1/2 hour breaks afetr every subject and it hasnt been working too well. I tried something on Thursday though. I tried to kinda fit everything into one subject-kinda blended things together so Stinger couldnt really tell it was a different subject. This worked and we got everything done.
I think what I need to do is go over the objectives and incorporate some subjects together as this seams to go smoother and all the objectives that need to be covered are-kwim? Which is basically what homeschoolers who are doing Unit Studies do.....so Im going to look into that a bit more and see if I can find anything that wont break the bank, but kinda groups objectives and subjects together with a common theme. I think Stinger would really enjoy that and it wouldnt be so frustrating for him.
What kinda worries me though is if we get to far away from the school curriculum and what if he goes back-then it would be even harder for him.....But no use festering over something like that -the main objective is him learning and enjoying learning-right? So we will do what we need to do to accomplish this.
Something that has been bothering me is how much do I push to get him up to grade level. K12 is so much info and we can barely make it through everything in teh time we have. So I dont know how he ever can get up to level? Is this something I should even be worrying about?
We took his Phonics assesment and for the first time he didnt pass it. He's having trouble remembering diagraphs(ch, wh, th, etc) and trigraphs(tch) this is what made him not pass this last assesment-he did everything else fine-except he missed all the blends in the words. So that was kinda a bummer-we are going to have to review those this week. But do how long do I spend reviewing if he just cant remember it?
I noticed this week that Flamingo is doing this exact same thing-bringing home worksheets with these sounds. So this is 1st grade level material, and hes having trouble with it.
I guess its no big deal as we can just review and he will get it down-which is the great thing abt homeschooling, but this was just the first assesment he didnt master and it kinda bummed me out as a teacher I guess-kwim? Thinking I failed too-kwim?
O-well just gotta figure this out and manipulate it so he can get it down. Maybee a notebook or something and pictures???Anyone have any ideas? Im open for any and all:)
Monday, October 01, 2007
Mothers Overture...
Okay Everyone-I had to share this-its a KEEPER!!!! and oh too funny-yet soooo true!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzZJO3ZRNCo
Enjoy! :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzZJO3ZRNCo
Enjoy! :)
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