Pumpkin Seeds

One of the best things (for me anyway) about Halloween is roasting the pumpkin seeds from the Jack-o-Lanterns.

This year I went simple, coating them in a small amount of oil and a few dashes of salt.

My hope is to pass on my love of pumpkin seeds to my kids. That is if I don't eat them all first.

Trick or Treat

Like always, my kids were super psyched about trick-or-treat this year.  Seriously, their love of dress-up coupled with candy and staying out past dark, what's not to like?

We bought our pumpkins from a family farm on the way home from the Praise Peddler Festival a couple weeks ago.  Jason's was simply massive and when we carved it, I thought heavy machinery would be involved.

In the end, we decided that he needed to limit his creation to something with straight lines.  So, Jason created a Evil Robotic pumpkin, Micah made his a Scary pumpkin and Hannah did a Cute and Pretty pumpkin.

Costumes this year were pretty easy.  Micah went as Jango Fett, Hannah is Princess Jasmine and Jason was Ben Kenobi.  (Apparently, he felt the need to differentiate which era Kenobi he was.)  They had a great time and made a great haul of lots of sugary goodness.

Survival Kit

In the fourth grade, they study weather.  Jason has been at this since the start of the year and is finding it immensely fascinating.  They have moved on from basic weather and cloud types to extreme weather.  Stuff like lightening, storms, hurricanes and tornados.  We spent a whole evening talking about lightening strikes and what to do if you are caught out in lightening.  My advice was to come inside.

What's the point of all this?

Tonight's homework is to write a 10 item list for a survival kit.  I helped him brainstorm a couple, but the majority of the ideas were his.  

Jason's List

1- food (anyone who knows Jason know this would be the first thing on his list)

2 - flashlight and batteries

3 - radio

4 - water

5 - clothes

6 - blankets

7 - dry matches

8 - poncho

9 - first aid kit (started out as a bandaid, but we reasoned we night need a little more)

10 - Bible

It was the last one that killed me.  He just yelled out "Oh! I know!  A bible!"  

I think that some of this is sinking in. 

An Uphill Climb

My Monday morning bible study has been doing Priscilla Shirer's One in a Million.  Yesterday, she spoke about running up hill.

Anyone who knows me, knows I am NOT a runner.  I used to though.  In high school and college when I lived at home I would run our neighborhood.  There is one street that is a long, slow uphill that lasts about half a mile.  I always saved that street for the end of the run because at the top I would walk and do my cool down for the short trip back home.  It was always at the end of my run.  I was tired, my legs burned and that hill seemed to kill me.  But at the top, I knew I could rest.  I'd put my hands on top of my head and take those deep breaths my body craved.  There was something immensely satisfying about accomplishing that run and the rest that came afterwards.

Priscilla went on to talk about a few other things, but my mind was stuck on the idea of that run in relation to my life.  No, I don't run anymore.  But there are many things in my life that feel like an uphill run.  The one I was stuck on yesterday was being a parent.

For the years when we struggled with Jason's attachment, I would think "Ah, once this is done, I can rest."  Jason's been attached for years now, but we're still heading uphill.

I though that once we got interventions set up at school that he'd sail along and we could rest, but we're still heading uphill.

Micah learned to talk a we're still heading uphill.

Hannah is learning things so fast, I feel like we have to run faster to keep up.  Still, it's uphill.

I realized that I needed to have a paradigm shift in my life and how I think of it.  There is no rest for me at the top of the hill.  This hill will keep going everyday and somedays I will run it better than others,  But no mater how hard or how fast I run, that top of the hill is not going to get any closer.  For every new trial I make it through, another waits for me.  Every stage a child moves out of, simply means they will enter another.  It just never ends.

So, how do I get a break?

I think this is where God is showing me that I really need to turn to him not just with my worries and wants, but for my rest as well.   HE is my rest, my strength, my shield.  I meed to stop grasping at anything and everything for the rest my soul desires and instead fall to my knees in prayer.  No amount of coffee or Diet Coke is going to give me what I need.

So, here is MY plan.  I am going to try every day to take even 5 minutes and rest in God and in His word.  I want to get my strength from Him.  I need a dose of God, not another cup of coffee.

  ^{Psalm 62: 5-8}

  ⁵ Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
       my hope comes from him.

 ⁶ He alone is my rock and my salvation;
       he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

 ⁷ My salvation and my honor depend on God ^[a] ;
       he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

 ⁸ Trust in him at all times, O people;
       pour out your hearts to him,
       for God is our refuge.
    

Not What We Expected

I'm back from the meeting.  It was good, but turned out differently than we thought.

The meeting went fairly well.   I started by talking about what we started this process and the events that led our principal to arrange for me to visit the classroom.  I spoke about the classroom and how it appeared to be exactly what I would want in a class for Jason.  Then his teacher and intervention specialist each spoke about the progress he is making and concerns they have.  As it turns out, things are settling down for him a bit.  He's maintaining very well in Science and Social Studies and he has been making progress in reading.  Math, spelling and writing continue to be his weakest areas.

Finally, Mrs. Fox, our principal, asked the teacher of the learning center how she felt Jason would fit in her class academically.  She had concerns because transitions are difficult for Jason and her students still have them. Then she noted that Jason is very advanced compared to her students in language arts.  Basically, Jason is working at a second grade level and her students at a kindergarten level.  She was concerned that with the disparity in Jason's learning and her students that it would not be a good fit.

This would be where I cried.

Mrs. Fox asked me what I thought and it was so very apparent at this point that the option I thought was perfect, wasn't.  I didn't sob, but I did choke up and get teary while explaining that I agreed that the learning center wasn't likely the best place for him, but I knew he needed more and had maxed out on his intervention minutes.  Jason's a unique kid as far as special education.  I was concerned because while I understood the learning center was not a good fit, I didn't like that he spent time in the class lost, confused and not really doing anything.

Then Mrs. Fox noted that she spoke with the Director of Special Education about Jason.  She wanted to explore all options before the meeting today.  Apparently, the 90 minutes is more of a guideline instead of a rule to prevent schools from creating learning centers instead of using those already  in district.  Basically, we can give Jason more time with intervention and make things work where we are.

Basically, we looked through Jason's entire day and noted times when he was in the class and the class was doing something he wasn't  We added 15 minutes of time to his math goals and he'll be taking part in a reading program for intervention level kids called Project M.O.R.E. for about 30 minutes a day.  This may take a few weeks to get everyone trained and schedule, so in the meantime he will stay with his intervention specialist for an extra 15 minutes doing independent work before returning to the class to  work on his keyboarding until lunch.

The only other time he is lost in class is during the reading aloud time and that is because he has his speech and occupational therapy interventions then.  We came up with a plan that we would read the book his teacher is reading in class at night before bed.  This was he would still hear the story and know the characters so he could join in the discussion despite missing parts of the time for his therapies.

Socially, Jason still struggles, but he in involved in a couple of lunchtime social groups.  Also, I know the staff at the school are aware of his challenges in this area and keep a close eye on him during lunch and recess.  I'm trying to make things happen on my end with that and Mrs. Fox is looking into a buddy for him from the 6th grade.

In all it was a very positive meeting.  Not having the massive transition will be a good thing and if we can make things work, I think Jason will be happier.  Also, I love his team and that he has people there who KNOW him so well and want whats best for him.

Big Meeting

I am having a big IEP meeting at the school this afternoon, and I am freaking out.

I can sit here and KNOW that what I am asking for is reasonable and appropriate, but I have this lingering fear that I have a fight on my hands.

In truth, the only fight our school has ever given me was when Jason was 5 and leaving preschool for kindergarten.  They denied his IEP at the time because he had met his goals and showed no indication that he needed on.  However, two years later when they qualified him again at the end of first grade the school psychologist admitted it was a mistake based on history.  In those 2 years though I learned a LOT about my son, how he learns and my rights as a parent in public schools.  I wasn't as easily pushed aside, and honestly, by that time, it was obvious that something was wrong.

Still, I asking for a Change of Placement this time.  I eluded in an earlier post that had visited a special needs classroom in another elementary and was very encouraged.  After talking it over with Andy and exchanging e-mails with his intervention specialist and principal, we decided that this classroom would be very beneficial for Jason.  It is set up almost exactly like a classroom I would design for him if I could.  and I loved the teacher.  I also think the his intervention specialist and principal agree with me.  But they are only part of the team, thus the fear.

Should this happen (which we are very hopeful it will), Jason will likely start next Monday.  He'll go from being driven to school every day, to taking a bus. (It's not far, just a couple miles away.)  The building is an older design so the lay out is different.  Obviously, it will be all new kids and teachers.  But we'll have a nearly all new team with the exception of the school psychologist.  I LOVE our current school and the team we work with now.  We've had a few bumps along the way, but we all come to the table understand who, at the heart, Jason is and we work in his best interest.  Talking with other parents, this is not always the case.

This will likely be a rough meeting for me and a rough transition for Jason.  Andy usually goes to the big meetings with me, but instead is taking Jason to a therapist appointment.  We didn't want to miss it so they could talk about the coming changes and how to help Jason through them.

The positives certainly out weigh the negatives here and I have a good case for getting it.  I just worry.

I'll post again later and let everyone know how it went.

An Award?

A while ago I linked back to a blog of a family making a very tough decision and looking for help.  Since then, I have been reading and commenting because so many aspects of Corey's story resonate with our own.

She decided I needed an award for this.

I totally agree with her that it seems weird to get an award for something I do in my pjs.  Plus, I don't think I'm very good a it.  English was never my strong suit.  I really started blogging for family and to give me an outlet on my insane life.  Beside, I'm not sure what to do with said award.  Thank goodness it's virtual or it may simply be lost in one of the many piles of paper on my desk.

Anyway, now that I've been so awarded, I'm passing the buck, so to speak.

Here are the rules:

1. Thank the person who nominated you  (check)
2. Copy the logo and put it on your blog (check)
3. Link to the person who nominated you (check)
4. Name 7 things about yourself that people may not know
5. Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers
6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate
7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know they have been nominated (This part sounds a bit chain mailish to be, but hey, it's be fun)

Hmm, seven things you don't know about me...

1. I studied architecture in college (I had like 4 quarters to go before I stopped).  This gives me a sense of space stuff that most people don't have.  Or, at least my husband doesn't have.  Our weekend trip to IKEA was a tad frustrating at times.
2. I love games, but sadly my usual opponents are in the preschool set.
3. I have a fascination with chefs because I can't cook.  Seriously.  I can talk a mean game but really have no idea what I am doing half the time.
4. I am not a morning person who is sadly living with 4 people who are.
5. Despite my adolescent desire to leave home, I ended up 3 doors down.
6. I don't read much fiction.  My real life is dramatic enough.
7. I am in complete denial that I have become my mother.

Okay, items 1-4 done.  Now it's time to spread the love!  (Sounding official and important) I hereby nominate Jen (who son is so much like mine), Cindy (who while I started reading because of adoption, but continue because I love her thoughts of food),  Rachel (who inspires me), Jenna (who taught me about the other side of the triad), MK (who makes me laugh in chat), Gina (my dear friend, foodie and prayer warrior) and Andy (my husband and best friend).  Some of these people I have met in real life, the others I wish I could.

(That covers 1-6, right?)

Okay, I'm off to spread the love.  Enjoy your day everyone!

Soccer Recap - Jason

Jason's soccer season ended yesterday.  In all it was a good year and he had a BLAST.

This was the first year since he was 7 that he has ben able to play. You see, soccer is a seriously competitive sport in our area and kids (and parents) don't take to kindly to kids who just want to have fun and are a little different.  The final straw in first grade was when he kicked the ball the wrong direction allowing the other team to score and a kid on his team (who we'd known for years) decided it was okay to shove Jason to the ground and yelled at him.  The coach and other parents did nothing.  In fact, parents on both teams were making comments. We left and he hadn't played since.

Until this year that is.  A friend of ours told us about a special needs soccer league in our area.  It's for ANY special need; be it physical, neurological or emotional.  TOPSoccer gave Jason a chance to play a game he really enjoyed, but just couldn't handle in the regular leagues.  They team the kids up with buddie who help them throughout the practice and game.  The buddies are kids from the local high school soccer teams and they are extremely good with the kids and the variety of disabilities that came.  Sports are HARD for kids with specials needs and there are very few out there for special kids to play.   it's encouraging to see leagues like these start up.

Jason had fun and learned to love a sport again.  He got to run, shoot and score!  Although his favorite position was goalie.  He's really good at stopping the ball.  (I think he just liked to dive on the ball.) We're really looking forward to doing it all again in the spring.

GO!

Jason spent a lot of time in goal.

Jason and his buddy Paul showing off their trophies.

Random Friday

I decided that since my life is insane and I'll start dedicating Friday's to those random bits of stuff that don't make a full post.  And really, my life and my Fridays are usually pretty random.

I think the biggest news of the week is my computer woes are soon to be solved.  I've been doing everything on Andy's laptop, which while functioning well, is not set up with my calendar, contacts and other bits of info necessary for me.  Well, TODAY, Andy is buying and bringing home the new family (MINE!) computer.  And get this....it's a MAC!!!!  My mac died last fall and I have been making do on a pieced together Winbox for about a year now.  It's going to be great to be home again.

Micah continues to just make me both smile and cry all at once.  My baby is growing up FAST.  And the list of things he is behind on continues to dwindle.  He's such a BOY and a big one at that.  OT continues to go well and he is making great strides socially in preschool.  My only gripe is the potty training thing.  I don't think it's happening anytime soon.  He just doesn't KNOW when he has to go and has very little sensation when he does.  It's getting better, but I am really tired of paying for diapers.  Especially since they decreased the number in the box.  Ugh.

Hannah is just growing up to be such a neat kid.  She's still working hard on learning to read and write.  I'm constantly being given note and cards she made and am asked to help her read things she sees around her. This morning she copied "The Cat in the Hat" for a title of her drawing.  The drawing was of a cat IN a hat. And she talks ALL the time.  I'm told this is a trait she inherited from me.  All I can say now is..I'm sorry.

Jason's had a pretty good week overall.  We've had some miscommunication concerning homework and I think we need to change how his assignments are sent home.  He's working so hard to keep up in class, but I don't always get the full story at home.  Ah, the joys of language processing disorders.  I think the greatest thing is that he isn't taking his anger and frustration out on me any more.  He's starting to use some of those strategies we've been teaching him for dealing with his feeling on his own.  Things aren't perfect, but we're making progress.  He's a really fun kid too.  Very creative, kind and a joy to be with.

Andy is working really hard.  His boss is offering him a lot of overtime to make up for the statewide pay-cut our governor gave us.  The money helps, but it makes for long days for the both of us.  At home he's been trying out this cool swirled paint technique for the latest guitar he's building,  After a successful sample, he painted one of the kids pumpkins and a light switch.  Who knows what he'll paint next.  I think he'd do the front door if he could.

Loss

There are many things in life that are hard.  One of those is taking your 10 year old son to visit the grave of his biological older brother.  Jason's brother, Jordan, passed away 3 years before Jason ever came into our lives.

Jordan was born with Jarcho-Levin Syndrome, a very rare genetic disorder that lead to his death.  His arrival put Jason's birth family on social services map.  Because of his complex care, social workers would start to regularly visit the house. Before Jordan was 2, an investigation was launched and it lead to the removal of all the children from the home.  Jason was born a couple months after this and came into foster care then.

Jason's file said very little about Jordan.  It simply noted his name, how his case tied to Jason's and how he had passed away.  Jason's foster mother remembers him fondly.  She told us he was a sweet joyful boy who loved life.  He is smiling in nearly every picture we have of him.  Jason knows him through pictures and stories we have relayed to him.

I don't know if I can properly explain what Jordan means to Jason.  We spoke a lot today over the brother he never knew and the one he did but doesn't see.  About the family he lives with and the one he can't.  I can only imagine how hard it is to be so young and to have lost so much.

And although today involved a visit to the grave of one of those losses, the tears that flowed were surely for so much more.

Prairie Peddler Festival

Last weekend, we joined Grandma and Grandpa Fenner, Aunt Paula and cousins Leonard and Allie at the Prairie Peddler Festival in Butler, Ohio.  Despite my initial fears of losing the kids in the crowds, it turned out to be a really nice day.  We took a real horse drawn hayride through the woods, the kids rode some ponies and we spend some time listening to some bluegrass music.  I was also able to score some homemade, natural jams, butters and soaps and Andy found some awesome honey from a local bee-keeper.

Due to technical difficulties I wasn't able to post the pictures, so I am doing them now.

In all it was a fun day.

Soccer Recap - Hannah

Today was the final game for Hannah's first soccer season.  Watching Hannah play is such a joy.  She has a smile on her face the whole time and whether they win or lose, she still has fun.  I think it probably helps that she is the scorer extraordinaire for the group.

It's been really neat to see her pick up some skills while she plays her first season.  At this level, the kids sort of move in a pack chasing the ball around the field.  The games are usually played 4 on 4 although the coaches can change that depending on how deep their bench is.  At the first game, Hannah stuck to the pack, but showed everyone how fast she was with a couple of breakaways, scoring 3 times.  By today's came, she was stripping the ball from her opponents and cutting then off as they approached the goal and keeping clear of the pack. Not bad for only having played 5 games in her first season.

It was bitter cold this morning and we bundled her up sufficiently.  Unfortunately, we didn't realize just how cold it gets standing on the sidelines. We froze while she ran her little butt off up and down that field to score 9 times.  The final score was 9-3 and at the end, the other team was so frustrated they were resorting to violence to keep her back.  Once during a breakaway, the poor girl chasing her grabbed Hannah's penny to stop her.  Hannah scored anyway.

I'm looking forward to Spring when Micah will join her too.  It's the only time they will be on the same team and I relish the idea of one more season with only 2 games a Saturday as opposed to 3.

Random Bits of Nothing

The kids had the day off today.  Our plans for friends and errands hit a snag when Jason and Hannah could not seem to finish their chores. I love that they have so much fun together, but they need to do their work first.  Micah got a pass since he woke up still running a fever.  He spent the day relaxing, napping and giving his body a chance to fight the infection.  Thankfully, the fever was gone after his nap.  However, the day ended with a none to happy Mommy sending them back to their rooms to clean while Daddy played Wii with Micah after dinner.

I'm still trying to dig out of the laundry backlog created when we all had the flu.  So far a bunch of it is clean, but still needs folded.  Mt. St. Laundry is towering next to me as I type this.  Obviously I'm really motivated to fold.

This weekend promises to be busy.  Both Hannah and Jason have their final soccer games tomorrow.  It will be cold, but hopefully not wet.  Last week Micah got to sub in Hannah's game because they didn't have enough kids.  I think I'll dress him appropriately just in case.

We also have the Fall Festival at church.  I'm helping with set-up and Andy is playing guitar at the bonfire.  We are entering the Chili Cook-off as well.  Last year Andy won the "Strangest Chili" category with his Verde Chicken Chili.  I think this year he's going for the hottest although he hasn't come up with a name.

Lastly, I am on my annual "Prepare for Winter" mission with the kids.   The kids will have to try on their boots and snow gear and we'll gather all the hats and gloves. I've already bought the boys new coats as they both outgrew them last year, but I don't know if there are any other major pieces we will need.  Also, Target has stretch gloves and knit hats for $1.  I think Ill grab a couple sets as back-up because I always have a kid in late March with only one glove and by then the stores have switched to bikinis.

Oh, and Andy and I are looking to replace my defunct computer soon.  I'm sure I'll be inundated with the technical aspects of various Macs, but as long as I have something working with my photos on it in the end, I'll be happy.

In all, it looks to be a full weekend.

Think Before You Speak Please

Today at Hannah's dance class I over heard a comment by another mom about the outfit her daughter chose to wear that day.

"She looks like she belongs in special ed."

The other mom she was speaking to guffawed a bit and the conversation took another turn before I could pick my jaw up off the floor and say something.  Just a few moments earlier I had been talking about how I had visited a new special education room for Jason.  No details, just that it was something I had done.  I don't think the mom even registered that what she had said was offensive but it still cut me to the core.  I'm kicking myself because I didn't jump in and say something, but at the same time, I know I will get further with people if I keep my red-headed temper in check too.  Turning into a crazed lunatic mom would not have been helpful.  

However, had Jason been there or one of my other kids heard her, I would have.  As it was, only myself and the other two women were present.

I am the proud parent of a child in special education.  Things are HARD for him.  Things that come easy to so many of us out there.  He works constantly to achieve the goals set before him.  Yet, still he's falling behind.  His brain doesn't work like mine.  And what's even worse is that he UNDERSTANDS that it doesn't and why it is that way.  He sees his little sister catching up to him and passing him in some areas, but he still get up every morning with a smile on his face and greets the day ready to try again.  

Yet, our society celebrates intelligence and makes fun of people who differ from the norm.  Since becoming a special education mom I am so much more aware of this.  Much the way I became aware about comments people make about adoption and mental health.  You can hear it in comics routines, watch it in cartoons and hear the names called at recess.  Sponge Bob is outlawed in our house as are a lot of shows that depict people being teased and picked on because it's fun to pick on the slow kid.  

Next week, when I take Hannah to dance, I'll be calmer and have a clearer head.  I'm hoping I can bring up how hurtful her comments were and do a little social educating while I'm at it.  But the next time you are talking with someone, think about what you are saying.  You never know when the words you are using might be harmful to the people around you.

The Roller Coaster of My Day (Part 2)

You didn't think it ended with getting kids from school, did you?

Micah was none to happy to be dragged back out again.  And I don't blame him.  Although we now knew what was wrong, it'd be another 24 hours before he felt well (or more as we are on hour 24 while I write this).  Plus, he was tired and needed a nap.  Something that just wasn't happening that day.

So, off we went for the school pick-ups.  I was the very last car in the line at Jason's school.  He's gotten used to this although I always feel badly.  Now in the car, he starts chattering away about his day and we drive off to pick up Hannah and her friend, T.  A quick stop at the pharmacy to drop off Micah's prescription and we're off to drop off T.

Here I learned that earlier in the day when they were driving Hannah to pick up their son before school, Hannah shared with T's dad her newfound knowledge concerning babies.

"Did you know that babies come out of VAGINAS?  VAGINA is a silly word.  Isn't it? VAGINA, VAGINA, VAGINA!"

Apparently, we need to cover private parts being private words too.  Oy!

Home again for a quick snack and for Jason to practice his recorder.  (As excited as I am that he is showing an interest in an instrument, did it have to be one so annoying? I think I now understand why my parents were thrilled when I quit the violin.)

Back in the car for a run down to Jason's occupational therapy.  It's the second day of his evaluation and on the way down, I realized I didn't have my parent score sheet.  Ugh.  Too late to turn back, I have his therapist give me a new one to fill out while we wait.

Jason's OT is in the same OT gym that Micah's class used last year.  This made Micah MAD and Hannah thrilled to be reunited with the toys she played with so much while we waited last year.  By now my head was pounding and Micah's wails of distress didn't help.  I so get that he was over-tired and sick, but there wasn't anything else I could do.

Thankfully, one of Micah's old teachers was setting up for tomorrow's class which stopped the tears.  Micah ran over and gave her a big hug.

"I have missed you ALL DAY LONG!"

I love a 3yo's concept of time.  Miss L was thrilled to see Micah and was super impressed with how well his speech has continued to progress since school ended last year.  Off she went and Micah was sufficiently distracted that he forgot his tears enough to play house with Hannah while I filled out my forgotten form.

Finally, the form was completed and Jason was done.  A quick review of the session with Miss J while I tried to keep my kids from bouncing off the walls in the waiting area and we left.

Ah, rush hour traffic...what a joy.

The kids were hungry and crank and so was I.  I pulled in the driveway, handed they kids off to their dad, declared I didn't want to talk to or see anyone, including him, for the next 30 minutes and disappeared into my bedroom.

They gave me an hour because apparently I had THAT look.

It was a LONG day and thankfully it is over and we are onto a new, much better one.

The Roller Coaster of My Day (thus far)

So, after making the call to keep Micah home, I called the pediatrician and started rearranging childcare and carpools.

Once settled, I ran the kids to my dad who loves them in spite of goo and took off to observe one of the special education classrooms we are considering for Jason.  (I really liked it, but more on that later.)

Leaving the school, I called Andy to report on what I thought, picked up the kids form my dad and ran home.  GrumpyMicah was in full force, so I quickly settled him in front of the TV and packed Hannah a lunch for her to eat on the way to school since she would have to be picked up super early to accommodate our pediatrician appointment.

I grab some snacks for Micah, drag him screaming away from the TV to the car and pop a granola bar in  his mouth.

I'm running a couple minutes behind, but it's a sick appointment and those always run late anyway.  No biggie.

That is until I re-ended the car in front of me at a stop sign when my foot slipped.

Thankfully, no one was hurt, just startled.  We still had to call the cops and file a report though.  A ticket for $120 later, I'm back on the road, now extremely late for our appointment, but thankful our doctors office is so understanding.

GrumpyMicah is now accompanied by TearyMom to the Sick Room which is so crowded we had a hard time finding a place to sit.  Then I had to keep my sick grumpy kid from wandering and getting the germs of other sick grumpy kids, thus making him more grumpy.

Finally, we were called.  However, not before I had to call the other school I was visiting and cancel my observation of that class.  Micah has a bad sinus/ear infection that is draining into his chest.  Not good, but treatable with anti-biotics.

We leave, stop by a drive through as it is nearly 2 and neither of us have had lunch and run home.  I'm here for just a few minutes before I have to run out again for my car pool pick-up duties.

Then, assuming we have no further complications, it's off to the pharmacy, homework, Jason's OT, dinner, family time then bed.

It's a wonder I get so little done during the day....

I think we're cursed

Seriously.

Over the weekend, Micah developed a minor cough.  Nothing big.  Nothing unexpected this time of year.

This morning he wakes with a full blown fever, green oozing snot and a wet popping sound in his chest when I listen.  Being as I have hear that sound before, I know what this means.  Infection. Antibiotics.  A very cranky little boy.

So, another few days off school for Bear and a trip to the pediatricians office this morning.

Technologically Challenged

My computer died.

Actually, the original board burned up, then the back-up board fried and now I am using something that was super fast...about a decade ago.

So, I am relegated to the laptop.  This sounds like a good thing, but MY ENTIRE LIFE is on that super slow machine in our living room.  Really, with 3 kids and an average of 6 appointments a week, I need my calendar to load in less that 10 minutes.  Heck, by the time it loads, the computer has gone into sleep mode from the lack of activity.

It's NOT a good thing.

Thankfully, my dear hubby recognized my anguish tonight over trying to check the weeks schedule and try and get some pictures off the camera.  He's ordering me new parts tonight.  :)

Of course, it will take 7-10 days to get here... sigh.

Please read...

There is a family out there facing a horrible situation and is faced with a heart wrenching decision.  While I do now know them, I know their story and have lived parts of it.  In the end, the decision they are having to make was one made for us, although if very well could have been Andy and I facing the same choices years ago.

Please lift them up in prayer.

Family Needed

Recovery and More

We're feeling better...finally.  I have to say that the flu is not much fun.  We've avoided it in recent years, but I guess this new strain is coming around earlier.  It's pretty possible that this is the H1N1 flu everyone has been so freaked out about, but as the Health Department is no longer testing and the doctors are simply telling you to stay home unless you meet certain criteria, we'll never know.  Either way, it was a bad case to have and we all feel thoroughly whooped.

I also think we may have over done it a bit today.  Andy has been painting the wood exterior of the house for about a month now and the weather has not been cooperating lately.  Today, he felt well enough to get the first coat on the front and garage door trim and I have to say, it looks great.  Jason even helped his dad by painting everything that didn't need a ladder.  Jason did a pretty good job although I don't think those clothes will be used for anything other than paint work again.

Hannah is making a turn for the better finally.  Yesterday we realized that she was developing a secondary infection from the flu.  We got fairly aggressive with the liquids and the steam to get the stuff in her chest moving.  No more fevers and she's coughing up whatever was in there.

Micah continues on his journey to be a TV Zombie.  It's hard to keep a really active boy like him still when they are sick, so I let the TV run for every hour we have been awake.  I took Hannah and him in a brisk walk around the block while the guys were painting.  I wanted to get them both moving and some fresh air.  Although the leaves are just now starting to change, it was neat to see the beginnings of fall. That and about an hour of playing with the neighbors was all it took to tucker them both out.

All in all, we feel better and are climbing out of the pit we've been in for the past few days.  Back to life we go.

Ground Zero

I am a fairly proactive mom with my kids health.  We eat well, take vitamins and make sure to wash our hands frequently.  We even get yearly flu shots.

Apparently, this year we were too late.

We ALL have the flu.  Every single one of us has spent the last 2-3 days in abject fluish misery.

The house is a wreck, toys are everywhere and I am frankly just too tired to care.

The scary part is that the kids are feeling better and we aren't.  

I'm sure by Monday things will be looking up...or at least I hope so.

I hope.