Lunch

Although I do not have a snazzy new bento box like SOMEONE I know, I still try to pack my kids a health(ier) lunch that they will enjoy. This does take planning, though. I doubt I will get into taking pictures and posting them (but you never know)...... I do enjoy looking a other folks' lunch. And my newest "bad news"- no peanuts in Helen's class (which is a sore subject I'd rather not get into here).

For the upcoming week, this is what I have planned:

Monday-

Snack- Baby Bell round, whole grain pretzels, fresh cherries

Lunch- grilled cheese sandwich, corn, cantaloupe and strawberry kebobs, Sun Chips

Tuesday-

Snack- Apple slices, Baby Bell round

Lunch- Thermos with leftover ziti, carrot and apple "fries", oranges

Wednesday-

Snack- Greek Yogurt

Lunch- Corn Dog muffins, pineapple chunks, carrot and cucumber sticks, Baby Bell round

Thursday-

Snack- Granola bar

Lunch- Helen is going to buy (Zachary will not go to school because of his surgery)

Friday-

Snack- Fresh fruit*

Lunch- Grilled chicken chunks, crackers, cucumbers, fruit*

*- whatever is left or I go pick up because we will be out of fruit by then, lol

Interesting .......

I just read this article on Yahoo.com. Very, very interesting. Quite frankly, I am all for it. The problem is this: no one wants to go out to dinner/drinks/movie and listen to someone else's screaming kid. Am I talking about the cranky fussing of a hungry toddler who has decided his french fries were taking too long? No, I am thinking of the ones that are clearly tired, overstimulated and just plain need to be home. You know the ones....... or even better- the toddler who is allowed to hang over the back of the booth, throw food or just roam the joint while Mama and Daddy are either in oblivious denial, or watching as "oh so cute lil' Boo-Boo" takes over Ruby Tuesdays. These parents and their child ruin the evenings of many others on a regular basis. The only ones having fun? Lil' Boo Bo, of course.

And if it is a place of BUSINESS, which clearly a restaurant is, then the owner should be able to decide that babies and children do not belong in the bar, screamers are not welcome and roamers should stay home. Period. If you are getting your panties in a bunch about it, you may be one of the parents of a screamer.......

As a preschool teacher, I find most children fun. Most of the time. However, I don't want your kid staring at me, screaming nonstop, running amok and generally annoying me while I am trying to enjoy myself. Do what I did when my kids went bonkers- go home. Ask for some go boxes and pay the check! The world will thank you. And guess what else? Once your children learn they cannot behave like that in public, they will stop.

Is it really Thursday?

1. Someone just pointed out that today is indeed, Thursday.

2. This week has flown/dragged.....

3. I am getting very frustrated with "the system".

4. Education is more messed up than most people will ever realize.

5. Part of the frustration is that if my child was not extremely intelligent with a disability, they would have probably bent over backward to accommodate......

6. But her needs are simple, really.

7. That does not make them less important.

8. A solid background can make her the next Cesar Milan, instead of "just" a dog groomer.......

9. "The System" is forgetting that ALL children deserve to be given the tools to reach their potential....

10. I have also figured out why I don't have that many friends...

11. In school, my friends were boys.

12. When you are 42, trying to hang out with "the guys" just pisses off their wives!

13. And I am not looking for an ass- whoopin'.

Bento Boxes, laundry and gerbil cages

I am constantly struggling with how to make my life easier. Some things work, others, not so much. Setting the coffee pot every night is a wonderful thing. Knowing what is for lunch and dinner is another. But, I was wondering how to make lunches even easier. Currently we have this lunchbox. I love it because nothing gets smooshed or soggy. The down side is that it and all the inner containers need to be washed. I could do it by hand, but I am lazy, remember. So I run it through the dishwasher. Unfortunately, this prevents me from packing lunch the night before. Enter, the bento box. I ordered this one for the boy. Still looking for the girl and myself. This will free up valuable containers and give me precious minutes in the am.

So far so good with my sock theory. However, Helen doesn't seem to have 5 pairs of socks to her name, so I will need to make a Target run for some socks! A friend has a basket system for her children and I may adopt it for myself. Each child has a basket and her kids shoes, socks, backpacks, etc are in the baskets. Of course, I think I need a basket of my own, too!

I also worked out a laundry schedule today, along with a cleaning schedule. I don't want to spend all day Saturday cleaning and catching up. So I assigned certain chores to each day. I have done this before and it works well, if I follow it. Now I just need to type it up and post it on the fridge. Maybe now the gerbils will have a clean cage every week!!

THURSDAY!!!!!!

1. First week back at school....

2. It felt long and we didn't even have students.

3. Actually, that may be WHY it felt so long.

4. I think the day would go much faster with some four year olds running around!

5. Plus getting up and out the door is kicking my behookie this week.

6. But props to me- I have remembered to set the coffee pot and dishwasher every night.

7. Love waking up to hot coffee and clean dishes!

8. I think I may now officially be a cat hater.

9. In fact, I will be that goofy lady with the dog in her pocket book.

10. She will have a rhinestone necklace and a pink hair bow, maybe even a sweater or two.....

11.Don't ask me why about the cats.... I will just say it has been a long week!

12. As I get older I realize more about human behavior....... and the less I"get" about some folks.

13. And the more I know it is ok to not like everyone!

I have to brag...

we went to a back to school party yesterday. Helen went and swam and played and I didn't see her most of the afternoon. No sulking, pouting, grazing on chips, sitting with the grownups.........NO DRAMA!!!!!!!! She had FUN, and politely thanked her hosts for inviting her as we left. And got invited to two sleepovers. WHAT????? And she WANTS to play field hockey today!!!! WHAT???!!! Thank you, Dr. Mahajaan; thank you, Kennedy Krieger; thank you Metadate and Zoloft!!!!! I love you all!

Tomorrow is the first day of school and I am feeling very optimistic about this coming school year. I think Helen is going to bloom and shine for fifth grade!!!

THURSDAY/13

1. I overslept this morning- good thing I am not really in a hurry.

2. The alarm clock didn't go off.

3. Shouldn't complain- got the clock for $3, 8 years ago.

4. Guess that means a Target stop this weekend.

5. I need something battery operated (as I end up on the couch a lot, I need portable) and loud.

6. No, it isn't because David kicked me out of bed.

7. I have always had sleeping issues.........

8. Now the dogs feel the need to wake me up most nights.

9. Once I am up, I am up for a while......

10. Just am afraid of falling asleep on the sofa and staying there until 7 or 8 am.

11. My sofa is pretty comfy, at least!

12. Ice cream social for the school is tonight.

13. Helen and Zachary have been asking since the end of July "when is the ice cream social?"......should be fun!

Wordless Wednesday

nags head, july 2009- photo by david, shot with hogla/processed at home

Last Day of Summer (for teacher)

Even thought I do not have students I go back tomorrow. As usual, I did not do everything I had planned to do this summer, but that is OK. We still had a busy, fun summer. Much relaxing..... Of course, it is also time to count my blessings:

1. I have great co-workers and the best teacher's aide anyone could ever hope for.

2. My kids are healthy and strong.

3. Helen is finally getting what she needs and I am starting to get my child back.

4. I have a home that is safe, warm (or cool, as the a/c is working) and dry. There are doors, windows, a roof and a floor.....

5. My husband loves me.

6. We have plenty of food.

7. I live in a country where I can wear shorts if I want, go outside without a male escort and I can worship how I want.

8. Things just always seem to work out.

God is indeed good.......

Holy Crap, Bat Man!

I am always amazed and overwhelmed by how much crap my kids accumulate (which is funny seeing how I never buy them anything, according to them). I went school supply shopping and decided to attack the Target bags piled up in the corner and start organizing back packs..... then that turned into trying to find homes for everything else in the dining room! Let me just say, there is not enough room in my house for everything they want to keep. Time to purge again. Get out the big black trash bags (because you know if they see what you are throwing away, it was their favoritest thing ever).

In this house we all have a tendency to abandon what we are not using rather than deal with it. And then it sits for about three months, until we forget why we had it in the first place, or it is completely wrapped in dog fur. I always say I will do better- I purge, clean and put away. It lasts about 3 1/2 minutes and then wham!- another mess.

But I came up with a brilliant plan to solve one problem we have here...... socks! I will spend a few minutes every Sunday doing one thing, if nothing else....... making sure there are 5 pairs of white socks for each child in a basket DOWNSTAIRS. Not in the their bedrooms, not in the sock drawer. Why? Because they get dressed and then come downstairs without their socks every single day. Then I have to send them up for socks, they spend 10 minutes in their rooms and return to the foyer with no socks. I have to go upstairs, mad and late, to discover there aren't any in the drawer any way! Not this year!!!!!!! I will buy 3 times as many socks as I think I need and maybe I can scrape together 5 pairs for each child every Sunday. This doesn't solve my storage crisis, but at least maybe there will be no sock drama this year.

13 13 13 13 13 13 13

1. There is dog fur everywhere in my house and it is driving me crazy.

2. There is paper everywhere in my house and it is driving me crazy.

3. Helen is out of Ritalin and SHE is driving me crazy.

4. I am ready to get back to my work, but also overwhelmed by all that I have to do.

5. I hate running errands with my kids.

6. A newborn and toddler were easier. Really.

7. You give the baby a bottle, it goes to sleep; you give the toddler a sippy cup and a baggie of goldfish and they are occupied.

8. Big kids ask for crap they don't need, tell you they are hungry when they are not, fight with each other, feed off each other......

9. No wonder I am out of coffee, laundry detergent, trash bags, groceries.......

10. And if I do make it to the store, I forget everything I went for because I had to look at everything they want to look at!

11. Did I mention there is dog fur everywhere?

12. Where did I put that lint brush?

13. Probably under a pile of paper.......

Wordless Wednesday

My house in February 2010- a distant memory in these 95+ degree days!

Why Being a Boy Can Totally Suck

I have a son. And a husband. I like men. Sue me..... But raising a son has its challenges. Case in point- Superheroes (read article). This article tells us that superheroes are not good role models. Um, DUH! Yet go down the "boy aisle" in any toy department. What will you see? Batman, Spider Man, some very unattractive action figure guys with huge arms and feet, but a surprisingly tiny head. Or how about some of the characters on tv? Well, Disney has Hannah Montana (a girl) with an idiot brother; Nickelodeon has iCarly (girl) with an idiot brother. (Although, I must say I love Freddie, who is nice and smart and my son thinks he is cool). So my son has the options of Unattainable Superhero, or idiot brother as role models.

I was very happy to see that Zsu Zsu pets (those little hamsters) have branched out into some boyish hamsters and accessories. But, just a few short years ago I had a very hard time finding toys for Zachary. He wanted "real" things- a house, a farm, a post office, etc. He had outgrown Little People, but still wanted to have things he could relate to- a pick up truck, a Dad, a lawnmower..... I found these things, but they were all PINK AND PURPLE! Helen had a petting farm set that was a hit with everyone in the play group, not just the girls. Why did Fisher Price decide to make it aqua and pink? Not that I cared if my son played with a pink truck, but that really limits the market, don't you think? How many folks would go out and buy these pink toys for their 3 sons?

My biggest argument is that raising a son is hard. I am trying to grow a man. He needs to role play things that are REAL to him. Girls play Mommy, they dress up like grown women, they aspire to become like Mom. They are given playthings to do this. Boys want to be like the men they know and desire to become. And what do we give them- unintelligent slackers on tv and Superheroes they will never be, no matter how hard they try? Sure, Superhero play is important, but so is role playing. No wonder they are disappointed when they grow up- they find out they will NEVER be Superman!

Last Week :0(

This is my last full week before summer break ends. Too much to do, too little time. All the projects I think I am going to get to are still widely unfinished.

My school adventure this year..... I am moving to the basement. I will share space with the after

school day care. So, I have a lot of adjusting to do. The contents of my old classroom will be moved tomorrow-----will post pictures of the process, I promise!

I am going with a sock monkey theme this year. We have a class pet, a sock monkey named Buttons. We had a regular monkey last year, but Buddy ate his face. I made ice cream social invitations to mail to my class- they feature this guy:

Sock monkey will be showing up on everything from PKA this year! I plan to scan the image in so I can use it as clip art as well.

Buddy

We are a two-dog family. I have written about my Ozzy before, but I have never introduced you to Buddy.

September of 2009 our next door neighbors rented their house. Literally to the first people they talked to. No credit check; no background check. They were drug dealers (99.8% positive). They also had two dogs- a pug mix and a Pomeranian.

It did not take long for the new neighbors (and their dogs) to wear out their welcome. They left the dogs out for days without food and water. The dogs barked and barked. And barked.

Halloween night we were all in the front yard with Ozzy, handing out candy to trick or treaters. The little Pomeranian escaped his yard and was playing with Ozzy! We tried ringing the neighbor's door bell, knocking on the door, screaming "We've got your dog!" Nothing. After we had "Whoopie" for an hour, the guy finally came outside and took him home. We were sad to see him leave. After that, we threw food over the fence when no one was looking and wondered how to save him.

The couple could not hide their fighting and bad habits. By Thanksgiving, the girl was being evicted. The boyfriend (who wanted her out of the house and off the lease) called to warn her the police coming. After she removed any "evidence" from the house, she opened the back gate and chased her dogs out of the yard and down the street. The police picked up the Pomeranian. He was at Animal Control. We wanted him.

The day Animal Control was open for viewing I left work, drove over there and went in to see if he was there. He was- they had named him Bud. I went to the desk and waited for the lady to finish her phone call. "Is it possible for me to see the Bud in kennel 4?" The lady replied, "Oh, no. He already has an owner. In fact, that was him on the phone."

"Oh. That wasn't David S. was it?" I asked. Of course, it was. He was on his way over with the checkbook. The name Buddy stuck (that is what we had called him when we didn't know his name- funny the pound called him Bud) and he has been a lively addition to our home. He and Ozzy are best friends.

Something Has Got to Give....

...besides the buttons on my pants! I have 25 days until I have students. Yes, I know I can't drop 50 pounds by then, but I can have loose pants by then. So, I have the desire, now I need the will power. I don't really have a plan. Just eat less, move more, I guess. How many calories in Parrot Bay??????

The Dungeon, I mean, Basement

I just put in an hour in the den of filth and let me just say, I have my work cut out for me. It is nasty, cluttered, dirty, you name it. I did find a home for the miscellaneous small appliances, party ware, cake pans, etc. That will be a big help when Zachary says "Mom, can you make a cheesecake?" I won't say, "As soon as I FIND the spring-form pan!" Instead I will say, "Are you insane?"

I hope to unearth my craft table and find a place for all the holiday decorations. But some things need to say "bye bye". Do I really need two sets of Christmas dishes? Why am I keeping all these

cookbooks- haven't even looked for them in two years.......? Old fabric- see ya! But I am in major need of shelving and storage. Small houses don't have a lot of storage and David has an aversion to buying anything that looks like storage. I think he just likes having it all spread out and covered in white dog fur.

Our biggest problem- we have too many hobbies. It is amazing that the two of us have children that are interested in NOTHING, mean while the basement is cluttered with craft supplies, sewing equipment, a dark room, tons of bottles and home brew supplies, home made soap, sports equipment, camping gear, books, cake decorating items, model rockets....... and it is OURS!!!!!

In my fantasy world, my laundry room would look like this:

OK- not fancy, but better than what I've got, which is depressing. Which is why we have no clean clothes........

The Countdown Continues

Less than two weeks to go. Still so many things to do....

I still want to go to the beach for a day with the kids. Maybe Rehoboth. I can be there in about 1 1/2 hours.....stay all day and then drive home. Maybe one day next week if it isn't too hot (the beach at 100 degrees is not refreshing).

Bedrooms are not painted. In my defense, I have not painted because I need too many other things for their bedrooms. Helen wants a desk; Zachary needs a new dresser..... Furniture is too darned expensive right now. These are the times I hate the missing paycheck. Business is going OK, but not that OK. No "extras" right now.

I am so behind on laundry. And I hate the laundry room. It is cluttered and dirty. There is nothing attractive about that room. So I avoid it. Yes, I know I should clean it up, but it looks like something from that show "Clean House" and I am overwhelmed by it all. I could spend DAYS down there! The kids want to have a yard sale and I just want to get rid of it all with the least amount of effort!

The kids need uniforms for school. There were no jumpers in the uniform exchange to fit Helen and those things are expensive! They both need polo shirts. Zachary's have to have the logo on them; Helen's will still be covered by the jumper, so I can cheat. Zachary needs sneakers, too. Why are kids so expensive?

And finally, I need a haircut and time (and money) to go shopping for myself. When I start to look like my mom, it is time for a haircut! I also need shoes. Have you ever googled "orthopedic dress shoes". Not pretty....... They all look like something my father in law wears. Which is ok, if you are a 70 year old man. Which I am not.

Hey, is it Thursday?

1. Got my "new" car.

2. Not many people have a car totaled and then use the insurance money to buy the same car.

3. But this one was a great deal. Plus, it is a Holy car.

4. It belonged to a Monsignor, who was gifted a new car for his 80th birthday......

5. Now, if I can just force Thing One and Thing Two to clean their messes out of the back seat.....

6. And remember the trunk is not a storage unit.....

7. Why is laundry such a pain in the ass? I still say, this was our punishment for Eve and the Apple...... if we were still nekkid- there would be no LAUNDRY!

8. I STILL want a tattoo.

9. And a vacation without my kids.

10. And a clean house.

11. Why does the dog get to sit home all day and do nothing but look out the window and nap?

12. Routines are comforting and I am ready for mine to resume. I miss work.

13. Does that officially make me nuts?

The Scary Appoinment

We have an appointment with Kennedy Krieger tomorrow. This time with the Center for Autism Related Disorders (CARD). Am I scared? Heck, yeah.

I am so convinced that she is not Autistic. But we keep getting referred back to this place. 3 different departments at Krieger have referred her. So I finally accepted the appointment. I feel like God has led us to this door and we need to open it and see what is on the other side. We will either know finally without doubt that she is not on the spectrum, or that she really is. If she isn't, we put it all behind us once and for all. If she is, we proceed to get her whatever help she needs. We were first told to rule it out 4 years ago. It is time to stop being afraid and go.

I am not sure what to expect from our appointment. That makes me nervous because I cannot prepare her, which usually doesn't go well. But for now she is satisfied that she can go to Target when it is over....... Say some extra prayers for us, will ya?

UPDATE- Helen does not meet criteria for Autism. Big sigh of relief!!!! Glad to have it behind me now and I can say she does not have an ASD!!!

Another List (cuz i know you care, lol)

1. Zachary's uniforms- he needs shorts and probably shirts, too. I will worry about pants later.

2. Zachary sneakers.

3. Zachary school supplies (he only needs a few things that I forgot to pick up).

4. Socks for both kids (don't get me started on the whole sock thing because I will get pissed off- i think they EAT their socks)

5. Underwear for Zachary- boxers or briefs this year?

6. Jumpers for Helen (because she is so tall, especially from shoulder to hip, we need to alter her jumpers)

7. Blouses for Helen.

8. Shoes for Mom (all I wear in the summer are flip flops and Converse low tops)

9. Clothes for Mom- because I looked at the pitiful state of my closet ;0(

10. New Binder for Mom- my skulls one finally fell apart

11. Pencils for Mom- I only do lesson plans in pencil and I am P-I-C-K-Y about my pencils!

Back to School

This time of year was always exciting to me as a child. New clothes, new shoes, fresh notebooks and pencils..... Some things never change. Maybe that is the real reason I wanted to teach. My children, sadly, do not share my excitement for school supplies.

Helen will be using a binder system this year. During her IEP meeting we were shown an example of a binder that a student uses at Glen Burnie Park. So we are going with that, plus when we get her schedule, we will make a cheat sheet of what she needs for classes and fix it to her desk with contact paper. I am supposed to buy a watch with an multi-alarm feature, but I am having a hard time finding one that is affordable.

I am not sure how things will be for Zachary. His supply list is very different than Helen's second grade list was. But I am excited for him- his teacher is great!

I do not have much time left to get ready and I need to get back into a routine. No more sleeping in! No more computer in the morning! I need to go shopping for myself, too. I need shoes that don't hurt my feet; I need clothes; I need to get organized........ Plus the home projects that I have not completed. Time to make some lists!

DANG!

I'm old...... I went shopping for me and in the fitting room, had a wonderful look at the wrinkles, blotchy skin, silver streaked hair and just wanted to cry. Granted, I am tired (especially today), but GAWD- I had no idea I looked so horrible. *sigh* I remember when I was young and cute......

UPDATE!

At the beginning of the summer, I decided to give an allowance to the kids. So far, the demerits do effect them, especially Zachary. He will actually do things to earn credits. If I tell him he will have demerits, he usually corrects misbehavior. Helen, not so much. She has plenty of demerits, most of them for calling people "idiots". She doesn't do much to earn more money.

So is it working? Yes and no. I am having a hard time getting them to pickup after themselves, make their beds, etc. I guess I could give demerits for not doing it, or credits for doing it... I am not really sure how to approach it. I can tell you that failure to be packed for school the day before and failing to be in the car at 7 AM will result in demerits!

Smells like Thursday

1. I have been cooking a lot the past few days.

2. This morning I made biscuits with this recipe. They were pretty tasty, if I do say so myself.

3. I made waffles yesterday and plan to make more for the freezer.

4. I'd like to have a stash of breakfast things for school mornings.

5. Helen is joining 4H.

6. Being a 4H'er myself, that is kinda fun.

7. I can't imagine my mom ever being as involved in my life as I am in my daughter's.

8. Seriously, I sometimes think I was a bit neglected. Which explains a lot. A. Lot.

9. 19 more days until teacher's go back to school.

10. I still have so many things I wanted to get done, and I am running out of time.

11. There are finally pictures hanging on the wall in the living room.

12. Now, I need curtains.

13. But that means I'd have to pick a color........

FOOD!

Now that our vacation is over, I am thinking about how we eat. David has high cholesterol and so do I. I need to lose weight; my kids prefer junk food over most other things. Gotta get serious about it.

We have been doing better, but I am leaning more and more toward REAL food. The kind that doesn't have a nutrition label, cuz God made it. Since we are dairy free (most of the time), there are some exceptions to the use of processed products. In fact, not all processing is bad. You wouldn't say no to canned tomatoes in the middle of January, right?

So I am going to try something. I know I cannot commit to using ONLY whole foods, local foods, etc. I have kids who are very active- they play sports, they go to parties. Very hard to control all foods they eat without support (which I would have very little of). But, I can control what is in this house and what they take to school. Zachary will be a bit easier than his sister to get on board. He is picky, but he doesn't have the food anxiety that Helen has.

I will be using whole grain pastas and whole wheat flour. I will not buy food in a box. The hardest part will be beverages. I hate water and so do my kids. I will drink iced tea, but I am Southern, dang it. I need me some sugar in it. Hold the lemon. A Diet Coke is also lovely. And my coffee like I like my men- hot and sweet........ Plus I just crave dessert......... And rum. My children do not like vegetables, rice, beans, etc. They like anything better when battered and fried. So I have my work cut out for me.

For inspiration:

http://thefoodillusion.wordpress.com/

http://michaelpollan.com/articles/

Driving Home

I tend to get more agitated on the return trip. I want to be home, in my bed. I want to see David, Ozzy and Buddy. I want to get back to my routine and get some SLEEP!

Our drive back is the same path. We tend to pick a time to stop rather than a destination. My goal was Smithfield, NC and I made it. Zachary picked the hotel from the coupon book I picked up. Cracker Barrel for dinner, as usual. Zachary mastered the golf tee game; Helen is still stymied by it. It makes her mad.

Too much fast food, too little sleep and too much togetherness makes for a miserable trip. Behavior is off the chart crazy. At least we had a good few days. Maybe some rest will get things back on track.

I am a bad mom and a nerd.....

I am a bad mom because while my children are risking life and limb on a 4 wheeler, I am sitting inside with mango rum and air conditioning posting useless junk on my blog. As long as they keep passing the front door at a regular interval, they are OK, right? Right?

So, I bought a new lesson plan book today at The School Box. I am very picky about lesson plans books because I seriously need visual organization and lots of space. I am really digging this one because it has space on the inside to write objectives and methods, but the facing page allows me to break down art, music, centers, etc. I also bought spinner thingies to make games, new calendar numbers, a book of story time activities and "Fruits of the Spirit" posters. Religious posters for classrooms are pretty hard to find when you live in an area with NO teacher supply stores. I will bore everyone with Fruits of the Spirit at a later date! I know you cannot wait!!!!

Home

I am visiting in the town where I grew up. I come down about once, sometimes twice, a year. Many things are different; other things remain very much the same.

Of my 42 years, only about 19 of them were spent living in Covington full time. I have lived in California, other parts of Georgia and South Carolina. I have lived in Maryland for almost 14 years. I have lived in the same neighborhood the entire time, the same house for 13. I was always very involved in church and other groups. Now I work where my children go to school. Guess you could say it is "home" now. Covington will always be where I came from, but the longer I stay in Maryland, the more it seems to be my home. I am less and less likely to leave. Would I if the opportunity presented itself? Probably. Would I go to Covington- can't answer that one. I do admit I wish I saw my family more, and some times I feel like I am missing something.

I am never homesick for Maryland though. So I guess the sentiment that home is where the heart is rings true. Home is where David, my children and my dogs are. Sorry to be such a sap.

What if's........

are a dangerous thing. One can really get lost in them. What if's are perfect; reality is messy. Even when you are happy with your current state of affairs, those what if's can crop up and bite ya when you least expect them.

I have many what if's- everyone has at least one. What if I majored in basket weaving instead of physics; what if I had said "yes" to that date; what if I never made that decision..... If someone tells you he doesn't have a "what if", he is lying. One of my what if's really makes me think some times. Things might not be better, but they would be very different, for many involved.

I am happy in my current place in life. I adore my children. I love my husband. I have the best job in the world. But I still wonder.......

Thirteen!

1. I am leaving for GA this morning.

2. My car is packed, batteries are charged, water is in the cooler.

3. Driving that long with two kids who cannot get along is not fun.

4. I hope we have good weather and traffic.

5. I pray that there are no car problems, and no speeding tickets.

6. I pray for a peaceful trip.

7. I pray that my mom will be on good behavior.

8. I pray that Helen will also be on good behavior.

9. I am sure I will miss David by next Wednesday.

10. I am sure I will miss Ozzy by Sunday.

11. This trip always stresses me out.

12. I need a cocktail just thinking about it!

13. *Sigh*

Rude much

Scene:

I am at the pool, talking to two friends, Annie and Betsy. A third person walks up, says hello to me. A minute later a fourth walks up. Third woman (who I do not formally know) says to Annie and Betsy, "Annie and Betsy, this is my sister in law." Says nothing to me. Umm, I am still standing here in midconversation with Annie. Per any etiquette rules I have ever learned, this is also the opportunity for lady-I-do-not-formally-know to say, "I'm sorry, I have forgotten your name, but I am Judy and this is my sister in law, Jane." So now I feel awkward and invisible. And she still doesn't know my name even though she sees me every day and we obviously know the same people. Also not in keeping with any etiquette rules I have ever heard of, as they were intended to make people fell at ease. Why are there so many rude people in this world? Do they just not think?

I really need to get motivated

I am looking forward to getting to GA. I really am. So why am I finding it so hard to get ready? I have not done the laundry, packed one thing, made a list or anything! This is not like me, either. Just can't seem to get started. I think part of it is that I am dreading the drive. Two kids fighting in the car for hours is not fun to me. Listen to them call each other names is not either. I guess to get there, I have to endure the travel portion. Why have they not invented teleporting?

To do list:

clean out my car (so David doesn't have to drive around in crumbs and trash)

clean out David's car (cuz he is not as neat as he claims)

LAUNDRY!

Clean out gerbil and hamster cages

Iron

Change kid's bedsheets (so they come home to a clean bed)

Gather power cords, chargers, dvd players, nintendos, games, dvd's, mp3 players, cameras, batteries, lap top, books, etc. (this is the hardest part)

Fill prescriptions

Go to the bank

Shop for drinks, snacks

Pack

Load car

Lots to do, lots to do!

Going to GA

The count down has begun. Less than one week to go. Time to start making lists and packing for our trip. We will leave on Thursday, July 15th.

I usually take I-95 to I-20, stopping in Lumberton, NC for the night. We will eat dinner here. After dinner, we will swim in the hotel pool before going to bed. Our usual bedtime routine: watch tv until they are ready to fall asleep, turn off tv and lights. I will start out in bed with Helen because she will insist. Once they are asleep, I can turn the tv back on. Typically I will end up in bed with Zachary because Helen is on top of the covers and/ or kicking me in the spleen.

Morning brings showers, car loading (I always pack one small overnight bag for these trips, but all three of us have pillow issues- we can't sleep on someone else's) and waffles in the hotel (the kids can make their own- really cool for them). We will stop here along the way, stocking up on this for David.

I am praying for good weather, light traffic and few potty stops along the way. And, if you are in GA, I hope to see you!

I'm the one.....

that you know will volunteer.

that will get the job done.

you can count on.

that you never really talk to.

that you meant to invite, but forgot.

don't give a second thought once I leave the room. Until you think of something I can do for you.

13! for Thursday

1. My back is achy and I guess I need to visit the chiropractor.

2. It has been unbelievably hot- over 100- for the past few days.... so glad we have a new air conditioner!!!!!

3. Time to start washing clothes and packing for the trip.

4. We all need haircuts!

5. I wish I had something fabulous to do today.

6. And the money to pay for it!

7. Maybe I should just go take a shower.

8. And clean the bathroom.

9. Perhaps put away the laundry.

10. I need to paint the kids' bedrooms.

11. Really, the whole upstairs needs paint.

12. I wish I could go work in my classroom.

13. 6 more weeks until school starts back!

Fitting in

Am I the only one who still feels like I am in middle school? I never seem to fit any where; making friends is hard. It always has been. I have many acquaintances, a couple of close friends, but not very many. I don't have one of those, watch my kids and I'll watch yours friends. I don't have "family friends"- the kind that your whole family hangs out with. I wish we did. I really do.

And then I see my children, especially Helen, struggle with making friends. And it is that much harder. I realize how lonely I am. Am I the only one who feels completely alone even when surrounded by many people?

I Don't Understand.....

why you did not even speak to my child today. You are a mean and nasty person and I really can't stand you, but Helen is only 10. She is your niece. She USED to love you.... guess what- not any more. And your Godson doesn't even remember your name. I wish I didn't.

Poolside Picnic

We go to the pool every day (getting my money's worth!). Helen has swim team practice from 12 to 12:45, so we usually take our lunch. So I guess I really don't get a break from packing lunches! There is a concession stand there- the usual hot dogs, burgers, pizza and fries.... It is expensive, not healthy and certainly not allergy friendly. Once in a while I will buy snow balls (once I told the kids they had to buy their own, they stopped asking- funny how they don't want to spend their own $$$), but we always take our own lunch and snacks.

Here is an example (cuz I know the world wants to know what I had for lunch):

This is one of the kids' containers- turkey (on white cuz Dad went shopping), with cucumbers,

pretzel crisps, cantaloupe and red grapes.....

I had a salad- mixed greens, chopped egg, cucumbers, GEORGIA tomato..... the small containers hold ranch dressing and Salad Sprinkles:

(i really need to get rid of the incorrect date stamp, grrr)

Dairy Update-

Number of Days with no Dairy Products- 3

Number of days without a Melt Down Tantrum from Hell- 3

Coincidence? Maybe, but the fighting between siblings has reduced (because she is less irritable?), the constant wanting to eat is down, she has been, dare I say, PLEASANT??????? She hasn't talked back ONCE!

I know it is too soon to say for certain, but I must say, even David noticed and commented...... Considering the battles have been DAILY, three days is a beautiful thing!!!!!!!

This has not been that difficult....... a typical day.....

Breakfast (she likes to make it herself)

Vann's frozen waffle (they also make a gluten free)

Maple syrup

Soy milk

Snack

peach, pistachios, water

Lunch

Turkey sandwich on wheat (plain- she doesn't like condiments)

red grapes

pretzels

Snack

Strawberries

Dinner

Mustard Chicken tenders (recipe to follow)

Cantaloupe

Corn on the Cob with a smear of Earth Balance

Limeade

This is how she eats any way, but she had been using a lot of cheese, sneaking yogurt, etc....... She was drinking WHOLE regular milk at school until I nipped that one (helps to know everyone in the cafeteria, lol). Hopefully we will see a little weight control to go along with the improved mood!

Feeling better plus a food rant

I don't know if it was getting adjusted yesterday, being dairy free for 3 days, swimming and being more playful with my kids or what, but I feel good today. NO PAIN!!!!!!!! I had forgotten how it felt to not hurt all the time! I do know that I need to make major changes in my lifestyle or I will end up crippled by my lifestyle. There is simply too much at risk.

Sadly, everything always comes back to money..... How will I keep swimming when the pool closes for winter? How will I continue to eat better foods and avoid processed things (I don't care what folks claim, ten years ago fresh produce did not cost more than processed- now the more that is done to it the cheaper it becomes). Wheat bread costs twice as much; brown rice does, too.

See this , and this . This article has several cooks preparing a meal using a budget and food stamps. In case you have not yet figured it out, I am not a wealthy person. I am struggling like pretty much everyone else. Our family's income took a big hit 11 months ago. I refuse to give up the Catholic education I want my children to have, so tuition comes before many other things in life. Unfortunately, this includes groceries......

13!

1. I have arthritis.

2. I am old and out of shape.

3. WAKE UP CALL!!!!!!!

4. Driving to GA in 15 days.....

5. 750 miles + two kids = one nutso mom

6. They are most excited about: sleeping in a hotel, eating at Cracker Barrel and the Continental breakfast.....

7. I am hoping to NOT have the problems I had last year (drive down- Zachary had to pee every 35 minutes, hit pouring rain in Augusta, GA; drive up- sat at a dead stop on a highway in 100 degree weather for almost 2 hours)

8. Note to self, if you leave the hotel to go to McDonalds, make sure you remember WHICH hotel you checked into- yeah, that happened to us, lol)

9. Eating oatmeal with soy milk and fresh peaches- yummy!

10. Looking forward to a kid free morning (thanks David).

11. RAN down the stairs this morning without making grimace faces and holding the rail and wall!!!!!! First time in over a year!

12. Swam 300 meters last night- not bad for an old fat chick.

13. Am determined to not not let this all get the best of me- I do not want to be the old lady riding a scooter around the store!!!!!

Blueberry Loaf

2 eggs

2/3 cup brown sugar

1 cup soy milk

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

3 TBL canola oil

1 tsp lemon extract

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 cup all purpose flour

1 tsp salt

4 teaspoons baking powder

1 cup fresh blueberries

Preheat oven to 350; grease and flour a loaf pan.

Pour apple cider vinegar into soy milk and stir. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Mix together eggs with sugar. Add soy milk mixture, lemon extract and oil. Combine dry ingredients in a small bowl, sifting if needed. Toss in the blueberries (per the advice of my friend, Kendra, this will keep the blueberries from sinking) in the dry mixture. Mix in dry ingredients until just blended.

Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Allow to cool in pan before removing to a cooling rack.

*when baking with soy milk, the apple cider vinegar causes a reaction which makes it behave more like cow milk. It makes your baked goods "poofier".

** you can add nuts if you wish, but my kids won't eat nuts in bread, so I leave them out.

Grocery Shopping

Going to the store later..... I need to make multiple stops, so it may not all get done today. You want to see my list? Yeah, I knew you did.......

David's Natural Market

Soy yogurt- we usually get Silk

Daiya "cheese"- a new item that I am going to try, but not tell Helen it is non-dairy

Tings- Not that they are healthy, but they are darn good!

Earth Balance- hands down the best nondairy margarine out there!

Vince's Produce

Whatever looks good, especially tomatoes, corn and peaches!

Costco-

Bread

Sandwich fixings

Salad greens

Strawberries

Lots of other things, too. One thing I have learned about my child- she is food focused. She must have starved to death in a previous life because she worries all the time there will be some sort of shortage or that she will not be fed. It is irrational and the source of much friction in my house, but I know she functions better if she knows what and when she is going to eat. I usually keep a wipe off board with menus for the week written out. I can change my mind, or rearrange meals as things come up, but just having it there seems to help a great deal. Not being able to grocery shop on a set day and not always having what we need is taking a toll and driving me nuts. I wish I could "fix" that about her, but she is who she is and I have to feed her (department of family services said so!).

I get it that somethings are just going to be difficult. Most parents don't have to write down a weekly schedule of everything, including meals, for their child. Most children assume they will be fed and that is the end of it. This is not most households and she is not most children. I just wish that I could get everyone else to understand. When she thinks she will not eat, she panics. It is unreasonable and unjustified, but it is her REAL feeling and I cannot change it. It is unfair to stress her out about it, but some people in her life DON'T get it and find it annoying that she is so bothered by that fear. She needs massive structure in her life, and that includes food.

On a more positive note, she has been dairy free for 36 hours. She keeps complaining that we are going to "ban" dairy, but has not yet noticed she has not consumed any, lol!

Acheesement!

Definition= an acheesement is when you do your very best. Zachary and David kept calling achievements on X Box "acheesements", and the rest is history! This plate was painted at Pic n Paint. We used it tonight for the first time to celebrate Helen's swimming ribbons. I hope the Spitzers have many more acheesements to come!

Good-bye Dairy Products

As some of you may know, Helen had a dairy allergy. We thought she outgrew it because she no longer had eczema and stomach issues. I think we made a wrong assumption. Since allowing dairy back into her life, she has ballooned in weight, become even more moody and irritable (if that was even possible) and all she wants is carbs and dairy. And meat. She turns her nose up at anything that looks like it grew in the dirt and craves ice cream and yogurt. So, I think it is a done deal..... dairy is going. This time will be harder because #1- she doesn't believe us that there is a problem, and #2- she is 10, not 5. She is on her own more, makes her own food and does not always make good choices when away from home. But, I need to get a handle on this and we are about to become a dairy free house. Before, I gave up dairy as well. And, frankly, felt great! Zachary is also lactose intolerant, so it won't kill him either. David, who says milk is for baby cows, has a harder time realizing that milk is where you least expect it. He doesn't drink milk or eat yogurt, but loves cheese. Oh, well. The only way this is going to work is by total elimination and going it dairy free and not having it in the house. She cannot eat what we do not have. This is going to be painful!

I am starting today, purging the pantry that needs to be cleaned out any way. The good thing about this is that I have not been "big" shopping in two weeks, so the pantry is getting bare. And I will need to shop alone so I can read labels and focus my energy to something besides telling Zachary to get off the cart and repeating the word "NO". My goal is to be "detoxed" before school starts back. I am considering gluten free, too, but that will be another chapter. I do not think I can do it all at once. Cheese, I will miss you terribly..........

Thirteen for Thursday

1. I want a Nook.

2. I am also considering going back to Pampered Chef as a consultant.

3. Helen needs to go to camp next year.

4. I am realizing that my kids are possibly the laziest ones EVER born.

5. I could stay at the pool all day.

6. My kids could not.

7. I hate putting away the laundry.

8. When does school start back? I still have a lot to do before it does, and it seems like time is flying!

9. Going to GA in 3 weeks.

10. Dreading the drive, though.

11. Wish I could find a portable DVD player to borrow- one is not enough!

12. Hope I get to see from friends when I go down.

13. One day I will own a computer that is not sticky......

Another No Oven/Stove supper....

Chicken Spaghetti

2 cups cooked chicken, chopped

1/2 onion, chopped

2 TBL butter

2 TBL flour

3 cups milk

1 box whole grain spaghetti noodles, cooked al dente

grated cheese (mozzarella or Parmesan or both)

In a skillet, melt the butter. Mix in the flour, stir until light brown (a roux!). Add the onions and saute until translucent. Whisk in the milk, stir until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.

Put this in the Crock Pot for 3 hours on low. Add the noodles and stir. Cook for another hour. Sprinkle the cheeses on top and let it sit a few minutes to melt. Serve with steamed (in the microwave) broccoli or a green salad.

*I had chicken left over- I used our big roaster to cook two chickens at once.

** It is a million degrees outside and we do not want to heat up the kitchen anymore than necessary. For this reason, I have decided that I will not use my oven this summer (although I will have to break down and make pound cake soon). I have been utilizing the Crock Pot, electric skillet, griddle and grill.

UPDATE: this turned out really good. I made the sauce and cooked the noodles in the morning. About 2 pm, I put the sauce in the Crock Pot. At 4:30 I added the noodles and cranked it up to high because the kids needed to eat early. Helen said it is a keeper and Zachary ate all of his after he picked out the onions.

Father's Day

Father's Day is a tough one. My father died 4 years ago, but has been out of my life since 1997. This was his choice, not mine. I gave him every opportunity to know my kids, sent cards and pictures, etc. I even tried to visit a couple of times. But he had a new life and a family that he preferred to his own children. His loss.

It was not always that way- we were once close. I guess he thought his kids didn't need him once we were adults. But I still feel that pang of envy whenever friends talk about their Dads and how great they are. Their children worship Grandpa, there are parties and trips and sleep overs. My kids will never know my father- he never wanted to meet them. It is sad when a parent's wants and desires do not include the children he brought into the world........

For one thing I am grateful- my kids have a better father than I could have dreamed of and it makes me love him even more. Thank you, David, for being in my life.

Cleaning, cleaning

I SHOULD be cleaning my house. Really, I should! But am I the only one who ever does? Yes!!! How do you get the kids involved? Does anyone have any suggestions? One child would help if the other one did. He stopped because she doesn't help. I even tried rewarding him, which only led to fights and arguing (between the siblings). The lazier of the two honestly does not know where to begin or what to do without me following her and holding her hand.... not the fastest way to clean! What do you other parents do to get some cheap kid labor?

Crock Pot Enchilada Casserole

12 corn tortillas12 corn tortillas

1 pound lean ground beef
15 oz can diced tomatoes
6 oz can tomato paste
Taco seasoning
Grated low fat cheese (I used nacho blend)

Brown ground beef, drain grease. In a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, tomato paste and taco seasoning. In the crock pot layer four tortillas in the bottom; top with 1/3 ground beef, 1/3 tomato mixture and a handful of cheese. Repeat until you have three layers. Cook in Crock Pot on low for 6 hours.

*Judging from the fact that my pickiest eater had seconds and my niece gobbled it up, I am thinking this is a keeper. If I was not feeding picky ones, I'd add some beans to the mix. You could probably sneak in some veggies, too!

Georgia on my mind

I SHOULD be in Georgia right now. My high school reunion is this weekend. There is a family picnic tonight and a dinner tomorrow. I wish I was there. I had to make a decision and I had more reasons to NOT go than reasons to go. I hope that when I do go down in July I can meet up with some of the friends I missed seeing at the reunion.

Instead, I will go to the pool for swim practice, take the kids to family night later (also at the pool). Tomorrow my niece will spend the night and Sunday we will visit Grandpa. Exciting times!!!

Creepy

Have you SEEN Toddlers & Tiaras on TLC? Helen is a recent addict of the show, and I must say, it creeps me out. I am not sure what is worse- the fact that these little kids are spray tanned, made up and wigged beyond recognition, or the fact that my kids think they would want to do this (yes, even Zachary!). Some of these girls have FAKE TEETH to cover up the natural snaggle-toothed, gap filled glory that is the beauty of a 6 year old!!!!

Any way, not gonna happen in this house, for many reasons. How much money is spent on these pageants? Besides the entry fees, one must buy some pretty fancy costumes. If one wants to win, there needs to be spray tans, talent coaches and a personal hair and make up crew. Are they insane? Do they know there are children literally STARVING in this country? That children are stalked because of online photos? Can you say "JonBennet"? But it like a train wreck- I cannot look away!

Yippee, Thursday!!!!

1. I have not done this in about a year!

2. Not any easier coming up with junk.

3. I really like the new color in the kitchen- Helen picked it out. It is called "Grass cloth", but looks more "Granny Smith".

4. Teaching all day goes faster than being home all day- the past 3 days have been L-O-N-G, baby!

5. Helen is counting down the days until Eclipse is released.

6. I painted one fingernail with "Mood Magic" nail polish and forgot to take it off- now I have one blue/green pinky nail (color changes when I wash my hands).

7. Am thinking about old friends and new; trying to be more social.

8. I find it funny how trying to fit in and make friends is not any easier when you are 42 than it is when you are 12.

9. Laundry should fold itself.

10. I wish I had some French Fries right now.

11. Living in Georgia seems like a lifetime ago! I barely remember San Diego.... but going to Coronado Island every few days was sweet!

12. I also remember being followed by Gypsies and having my picture taken by Asian tourists in front of Horton Plaza. That was weird.

13. So was the guy who stole my underwear out of the dryer at the apartment I lived in.

Summer PLAN

I always have grand ideas about managing the kids time/behavior/learning over the summer. Some of them pan out, others do not. This summer, I do have a new plan. My goal is to make them: earn their own spending money, not have fist fights, read more, play x-box less, retain the math skills they have. So, I have a PLAN.

Each child will receive a set allowance every week. Each child will either get paid extra to do chores, read, perform acts of kindness and generosity. Consequently, they will have to pay me to stay up late, play x-box, talk back, hit one another, have me do their chores..... Sound good? I think so. My kids like their money. I don't go overboard with allowances, but the upside of them having their own is that they learn that it doesn't take long to spend it all if they are not careful, they can save for bigger things and, best of all, they are not hounding me for snowball and candy money all the time. They are finding that $1.50 everyday for a snow ball (plus 25 cents for marshmallow) gets expensive if you do it every day. We will see how it works out. The biggest thing for me will be to make sure I get money out of the bank every week to actually PAY them!!

More updates

For those who follow and were wondering, Helen had a full neuropsychiatric evaluation in March 2010. She is above average in intelligence (duh), but her executive function skills are below that. So, what that means is she is very smart, but cannot organize her thoughts, actions, feelings, objects, etc. in a manner one would expect someone so smart to be able to do. That part of her has not matured at the same rate. Therefore, she gets frustrated, angry (you name it)...... The primary problem (ADHD) results in a secondary problem (anxiety) and we have melt down. All things I already knew, but could not explain.

David and I had an IEP-A meeting last week and left with a 504 plan. Please don't ask me what the difference is. Google it and then tell me because I am still unsure myself! She will receive more time on tests, she will be able to take them in a quiet place (this is for standardized tests, not regular ones). She will have a binder system for her school work and will check in and out with the teacher. We will put together her schedule so she can see at a glance what comes next and plan her day accordingly. She will also have a watch that beeps five minutes before transitions. I feel better about things and am hopeful for her. Now that I have this chapter behind us, I will try to talk less about her issues and focus on something else.

I'm back!!!!!

I have really missed blogging, but needed to take a break to deal with my new job, my children and some other personal things. SO------ now I will try to get back on and share again. Not that anyone was reading, lol!

Included in the summer plans:

Trip to GA

Swim team

Free movies

Some crafts

Some day trips

The zoo

"home school"

Reading & a book club

Some play dates

I just wish the lap top was working, as I am more comfortable with it these days! I will attempt to get back on tomorrow! Peace!!

The Saga Continues

We took Helen off her meds. She was becoming more and more difficult in the evening. We are supposed to schedule a psychological evaluation soon- just waiting for the NEW insurance to start.

The good news is her grades are good- A's in English, religion and science, B's in math and social studies. Social studies is actually a 93 average- but our school has 93 and under as a B. She is more willing to try things- she has started band (drums!). She wants to try out for chorus, she leaves me in the morning to go sit with her friends in the lobby- all things she would not have done in the past. She still says she hates karate, but we don't have to force her to go. So, some things are a little easier..... Now if I can get her to pick up after herself and bring home all her books!

Long Time, No Post

OK, I will try to do better. Things got crazy with the full time hours and two kids who are also busy. But things are leveling out. I think.

This is my classroom- this is what I do all day. ALL DAY, as in 7:45 to 2:45 I have little bodies running all over this room.

But, I love my job. How many people can say that? I love the kids, the teachers, the school....

And, there is more. I have often had regret because I married young, divorced and remarried soon after- sort of "tying up" my 20's. Then I had children of my own. I have always had obligations and I have regretted the fact that I did not do missionary work in my youth.

But last week in Mass, Father said something quite profound. He was discussing missions and how to serve. He asked "what is your platform? How can you make your work your platform- your mission?" At that moment it hit me that I am already serving my mission. Every day. It has been a long road to get here and have this opportunity and I couldn't be happier about it. Everything happens for a reason and we are all called in some way, if we just listen.

Getting Ready!

Too much to do this week. I feel like I did nothing this summer. Spent a great week at the beach and stressful week in Georgia- seeing family was good; my kids were AWFUL, though. Other than that we did nothing that we normally do- no baseball games, no free movies, no farm and zoo. Oh my. Now I feel like I have to squeeze it all in this week. I go back on the 24th. And there is much to be done there, too. I will post some classroom pictures soon. It is a scary mess right now!

not much

is on my mind lately, so I haven't been writing. Things are busy, as usual. My classroom furniture arrived, my carpet is installed. I am going in today to geta few things done. Then I will scoot out and get some errands run- the bank, Target and maybe a pedicure.

And here are some pictures from vacation......

more adhd news

The trip today confirmed two things- Helen is working above grade level IQ wise, and she does have ADHD. I already knew that. Now we need to decide if meds are the way to go. We will have a full psych eval to determine how she learns best and then will be better able to work with school. We will also have to arrange for behavioral therapy so she can learn to cope with frustration and stress. As she matures and has more control, we can take her off meds. Of course, David thinks ADHD is all made up.......

i'm still slackin'

I have been scarce here. I've been a bit consumed with kids and summer. I feel like we really haven't done much, and I guess we haven't. I also feel like we don't have a lot of summer left.

I got a call from Kennedy Kreiger today. They had a cancellation and can take Helen tomorrow. I am not sure what I should tell her about why she has to be tested. She gets so freaked out by stuff. I am also nervous- I don't know what to expect and that is an unpleasant feeling. Hopefully she will not sit and bark at the doctor. Hopefully she will talk and respond. I want them to see the real Helen, not the shut down version (we rarely see that side of her, so I don't that to be her first impression). Any way, this will at least get us started down some kind of road- maybe we'll have some answers soon......

wow- time flies when you're drinking rum.....

I can't believe I haven't written in almost a month. We have been busy, though. Vacation was great and I didn't want to come home. But all good things must end and here I am.

To update any one who is interested- Helen has been diagnosed ADHD. That is just step one. We were given the option of leaving the pediatrician's office with a prescription or to seek a psychologist for a full evaluation. We are going for the second option because we still need to rule out anything else, plus I want her monitored if we opt for meds. I am fine with meds; David, not so much. He still thinks that ADHD is a disorder invented by pharmaceutical companies. He listens to too much talk radio. The people who spout that kind of nonsense don't know anything about child development, psychology or have a child with ADHD. I want some king of occupational therapy to help her learn to function, but if meds can help her focus and reach her potential, then so be it.

I will get around to posting pictures from vacay as soon as I can- posting pictures is hard on this sight!

Still busy

Tomorrow- Helen's eye appointment, Zachary's swim lesson, Home & School meeting

Thursday- Swim lesson

Friday- Zachary's eye appoinment, storytime, my haircut

ai, yi yi!