First a disclaimer, I am TIRED so you're just gonna have to deal with any typos or grammatical errors.
Shane and Aiden took the train up to Chicago on Saturday for a Father/Son weekend for Father's Day. They kept very busy from the stories I heard this morning at 1 am. (that should explain why I am tired). They went to Navy Pier, a short stop at the zoo, a Cubs game (the whole reason for the trip) and up the Sears Tower. Aiden had a blast and Shane said it was a wonderful trip! They took pictures but I have yet to upload to the computer. Maybe tonight....maybe not.
While they were gone Maverick and Griffin got to spend the night with Nanny and Pappy. They spent the entire day down there on Saturday and I went to a 12 hour crop (think scrapbooking-not corn) with a good freind. It was at Daisy Lane in MAttoon which is a wonderful place. My goal was to get caught up on Griffin's book since if you looked at it he was still in the hospital. I got 20 pages done on Saturday and the book is at Griffin's first birthday. Woo Hoo! Sunday while the boys were napping Cherish (the scrapbooking friend) came over and we did a few more pages. I did 9 more. So the scrapbooks are getting caught up. I shoud take some pictures of my really cool pages and post them. Maybe tonight...maybe not.
The scrapbooking made me even more excited for the garage. In the rec room upstairs I am going to have a little crafty corner so we can go up there and I can do a page here and there when I have time. It will be set up so I don't have to put everything back into crates all the time. However, due to the fact that we have had T-storms every day for the last week that isn't looking promising. Last night it rained almost 2 inches (1 9/10 to be exact) in 25 minutes. Our building site (the yard) isn't just wet...it is ankle deep with water. We just can't concrete in with that kind of water. We did get the rock laid so that *should* help...it won't have to be as dry. I need to contact our concrete guy and let him know that it is just too wet again. Maybe tonight...maybe not.
The boys are still doing some "school" work most mornings...we just have better days with some structure. Lots of Alphabet coloring sheets, and tray work. Not really *school* but time spent at the table. We are also seriously playing games and doing puzzles. I am not such a fan of games but I LOVE doing puzzles iwith them.
Well, things are getting a bit out of hand here so off I go to play referee and lunch lady. Oh the joys of being a stay at home mom...at least I don't have to wear the black and white striped shirt or the hair net. :)
Monday, June 22, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Skirtchasers 2009 in Chicago
It has been a long time and I never really think that anyone has been reading anyway so I never post. However, someone asked Shane today if all is ok since I hadn't posted in several weeks. So I am going to try to keep things updated better.We are all doing well. I think that Maverick is doing better after starting to eat less processed food. Not everyone agrees but it doesn't really matter much to me anymore. Our previous diet was not bad but because of the brands we were buying we were still eating a lot of nonsense. As an added bonus, I am not getting headaches as often anymore either.
But this is not related at all to the title of this post. Last weekend, 6 friends and I went to Chicago for 3 days to run in the skirtchasers race. It is a 5k (3.1 miles) and all the women get running skirts and a 3 minute lead on the men. The men then "chase the skirts" to the finish line. Whoever crosses the finish line first, regardless of gender, wins $500!! I wish I could say that one of us won but we weren't even close. But, man did we have a great time!! Mom, Heather (my sister for those who don't know), my best friend Cherish and I went up early on Friday. It was a leisurely drive and we had a BLAST on the drive! It was a great start!
Saturday before the race, we went to IKEA for the first time...It was AWESOME!! It was a good thing Cherish brought her van since Heather got an area rug! And I did a bit of damage in small stuff.
Then came the race. I finished 2nd in our group with a finishing time of 33:41. Not my fastest time but I'm pleased with it. Heather was 3rd in the group and finished in 36:56. Mom finished in 46:19. We are all happy with our time. This was Heather's first race and she has "caught the bug." We had such a wonderful time!!!
Here is our group before we ran. From left to right...Mom, Heather, Cherish, me, Nancy, Jamie, Robin!
Me mom and Heather pumped post race!!
All the single "skirts" and "chasers" could get a sticker to mark them as wanting to be "caught." Heather stuck hers on her butt!! Is anyone surprised?!?!?!
Cherish and I before the race started!Monday, April 20, 2009
Still trying to figure him out...
So I got the paperwork for Maverick's referral. There is a boatload to fill out and then it says a several MONTH wait. Are they kidding?!?!?! Unfortunately, not so much kidding!
An e-friend who I asked about the daily planner ideas suggested we try the Feingold Association. She gave me a link to their website and I went and checked it out. There is a registration fee and then you get their official food list and paperwork. I wasn't sure that it was worth the investment. I talked with my e-friend about it and she is so convinced in the program that we decided to try it. Our starter packet came last Friday. The official food list is 200 pages long...yep, 200! There are 2 phases of the program and each stage is 100 pages of acceptable foods. Acceptable brand names are listed. It comes with a restaurant guide and an explanation of the program and who Dr. Feingold is. We also got a book called "Why Can't My Child Behave!?!?!" That is a good read too.
We purged our cabinets of all the unacceptable foods over the weekend and went shopping last night. It really isn't about eating wierd things or whatever (although we do that anyway)...it is about buying brands of food that do not have synthetic dyes and flavoring. On the plan, we will also avoid BHA, BHT, and TBHQ. We will use only REAL sweeteners (sugar and honey). For the first 6 weeks, we are also eliminating natural salicylates (what are those???). Well, many (but not all) fruits....apples, all berries (including strawberries ): ) , tomatoes, peppers, peaches, oranges, etc. But after we see results we will start adding those back in one at a time to watch for reactions.
This evening I have a book party and I am going to be able to get away early so I'm going back to Walmart to buy things to make cleaning supplies...vinegar, baking soda, etc. We will cut the synthetic dyes and scents from that area of our house as well. Then I'll purge the laundry room and bathrooms as well.
I know that all of this sounds extreme. I am doing it and it sounds extreme and a little hard. But it is also hard dealing with behavior issues. Today started with kicking, screaming, punching, throwing, and (for the first time) strangling. That isn't easy either. So we started this morning. It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to see a response. I am so hoping for a few days!! I hope I can cancel the appointment with the new doctor whenever it is we might have an appointment and tell them that it is all better. I really don't want to hear that he needs drugs...I'm hoping that a simple change in the chemicals we keep in our house is enough.
You know even if you don't have a "target child" who you think needs help. There are a lot of icky things in our food. It has been eye opening regardless of how it helps (although I really really think it is going to help). And if we try just a little bit and pay attention to what we buy we can really avoid many of them easily with a little support.
Oh, I'll give a report on the "daily planner" I spent so much time on and was so proud of. Aiden likes it pretty well. Maverick (who it is supposed to be helping) screamed, threw it across the kitchen and said "I DON'T WANT TO DO THE PLANNER ANYMORE!!!!!" this morning. I'll keep trying though.
An e-friend who I asked about the daily planner ideas suggested we try the Feingold Association. She gave me a link to their website and I went and checked it out. There is a registration fee and then you get their official food list and paperwork. I wasn't sure that it was worth the investment. I talked with my e-friend about it and she is so convinced in the program that we decided to try it. Our starter packet came last Friday. The official food list is 200 pages long...yep, 200! There are 2 phases of the program and each stage is 100 pages of acceptable foods. Acceptable brand names are listed. It comes with a restaurant guide and an explanation of the program and who Dr. Feingold is. We also got a book called "Why Can't My Child Behave!?!?!" That is a good read too.
We purged our cabinets of all the unacceptable foods over the weekend and went shopping last night. It really isn't about eating wierd things or whatever (although we do that anyway)...it is about buying brands of food that do not have synthetic dyes and flavoring. On the plan, we will also avoid BHA, BHT, and TBHQ. We will use only REAL sweeteners (sugar and honey). For the first 6 weeks, we are also eliminating natural salicylates (what are those???). Well, many (but not all) fruits....apples, all berries (including strawberries ): ) , tomatoes, peppers, peaches, oranges, etc. But after we see results we will start adding those back in one at a time to watch for reactions.
This evening I have a book party and I am going to be able to get away early so I'm going back to Walmart to buy things to make cleaning supplies...vinegar, baking soda, etc. We will cut the synthetic dyes and scents from that area of our house as well. Then I'll purge the laundry room and bathrooms as well.
I know that all of this sounds extreme. I am doing it and it sounds extreme and a little hard. But it is also hard dealing with behavior issues. Today started with kicking, screaming, punching, throwing, and (for the first time) strangling. That isn't easy either. So we started this morning. It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to see a response. I am so hoping for a few days!! I hope I can cancel the appointment with the new doctor whenever it is we might have an appointment and tell them that it is all better. I really don't want to hear that he needs drugs...I'm hoping that a simple change in the chemicals we keep in our house is enough.
You know even if you don't have a "target child" who you think needs help. There are a lot of icky things in our food. It has been eye opening regardless of how it helps (although I really really think it is going to help). And if we try just a little bit and pay attention to what we buy we can really avoid many of them easily with a little support.
Oh, I'll give a report on the "daily planner" I spent so much time on and was so proud of. Aiden likes it pretty well. Maverick (who it is supposed to be helping) screamed, threw it across the kitchen and said "I DON'T WANT TO DO THE PLANNER ANYMORE!!!!!" this morning. I'll keep trying though.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Something New
Last Friday I had an appointment with the boys pediatrician. I went all by myself to discuss Maverick. I have been doing some online research and trying to find out what we can do to create less, well, everything from him. He is so out of control so much of the time. I discovered something called Pervasive Sensory Dysfunction and wanted to discuss it with the doctor. I told her that I know that internet research is a blessing and a curse for doctors (she laughed and agreed) but that I found a checklist and went through it and it helped me think of some specific things that make him go nuts! I explained some of the things that we struggle with and that I just don't know what to do with him. Right now, I can restrain him physically if I HAVE to but that time will come to an end all too soon. The appointment went very well. Dr Bingham said that we need more help than she can give and gave us a referral to another doctor. We don't have a date yet but will be receiving paperwork soon.
The one thing that she recommended for us to try is a daily schedule that HE has some "control" over. We already have a pretty set routine, although it is flexible to a certain extent. So after brainstorming with some friends in real life and e-friends, I came up with this idea. It is a picture "daily planner." Both Aiden and Maverick made one. It is done "lapbook" style and most things we do are represented by a picture that we all colored together. I am sure I will be making more cards at some point...probably soon! I will put them in the order we will do them and then when the boys complete that part they take it off and put it in the "all done" pocket. I hope this works...we just finished it today so it will take a few days (or weeks...ha) to see how it works.
The inside of Aiden's Daily Planner. The extra flap up is attach to give us extra room...it was done with cardstock.
Inside Maverick's daily planner. He has already moved the completed things to the "all done" pocket.
The one thing that she recommended for us to try is a daily schedule that HE has some "control" over. We already have a pretty set routine, although it is flexible to a certain extent. So after brainstorming with some friends in real life and e-friends, I came up with this idea. It is a picture "daily planner." Both Aiden and Maverick made one. It is done "lapbook" style and most things we do are represented by a picture that we all colored together. I am sure I will be making more cards at some point...probably soon! I will put them in the order we will do them and then when the boys complete that part they take it off and put it in the "all done" pocket. I hope this works...we just finished it today so it will take a few days (or weeks...ha) to see how it works.
The "cover" which is actually inside the outside flaps. It upsets Maverick when we cut the picture down the line so that the lapbook can open.
The inside of Aiden's Daily Planner. The extra flap up is attach to give us extra room...it was done with cardstock.
Inside Maverick's daily planner. He has already moved the completed things to the "all done" pocket. Easter Sunday!
The boys were SO SO SO cute in their Easter outfits this year. They looked like such little men. And by some miracle we were able to get a good picture of all of them. Maverick even has a nice smile and not the normal picture "grimace."
We had a wonderful afternoon at nanny and pappy's house. It was a great time with family!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Easter Party at Church
So I am co-leader of the Kindergarten through 4th graders at church. We do the scheduling and help with substitutes and teacher training and stuff like that. We also try to do something extra for the kids every now and again. So I planned an Easter thing for today since there was early dismissal.
It is finished now and I have TWO "notes to self."
1. Do not plan an event for children when there is a full moon.
2. Do not plan an event for children when they have been having parties at school all day for a holiday...they are full of sugar.
3. (I know I said 2 but...) Do not plan an event for children when there is a full moon AND they have had parties with candy at school.
So, although I did "learn" a few things, we had a great time. We made tissue paper flowers and put some in pots to deliver to the nursing home. And we made several into bouquets and walked them to the Hamiltion Apartments (for Seniors) and just set them in front of their doors without knocking. That was kinda a long walk but we needed a chance to walk off some crazies (see above "notes to self").
Anyway, overall it was great. There were 14 kids. They did so great at the nursing home. The residents just loved that we all came in and the kids held their hands and smiled! It was perfect. Although they acted like hooligans while we were doing other things, I was very proud of them in the nursing home. One of them reminded me that the last time I took them to the nursing home that I said I would never take them back. They did MUCH better this time.
I hope that the residents at the Senior Apts enjoy their bouquets. The kids had fun sneaking down the hallway and putting them in front of the doors. They were excited about the surprise!
Well, I am beat and ready to just relax now. It feels good to something good for someone else even if it was tiring!
It is finished now and I have TWO "notes to self."
1. Do not plan an event for children when there is a full moon.
2. Do not plan an event for children when they have been having parties at school all day for a holiday...they are full of sugar.
3. (I know I said 2 but...) Do not plan an event for children when there is a full moon AND they have had parties with candy at school.
So, although I did "learn" a few things, we had a great time. We made tissue paper flowers and put some in pots to deliver to the nursing home. And we made several into bouquets and walked them to the Hamiltion Apartments (for Seniors) and just set them in front of their doors without knocking. That was kinda a long walk but we needed a chance to walk off some crazies (see above "notes to self").
Anyway, overall it was great. There were 14 kids. They did so great at the nursing home. The residents just loved that we all came in and the kids held their hands and smiled! It was perfect. Although they acted like hooligans while we were doing other things, I was very proud of them in the nursing home. One of them reminded me that the last time I took them to the nursing home that I said I would never take them back. They did MUCH better this time.
I hope that the residents at the Senior Apts enjoy their bouquets. The kids had fun sneaking down the hallway and putting them in front of the doors. They were excited about the surprise!
Well, I am beat and ready to just relax now. It feels good to something good for someone else even if it was tiring!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Getting Ready for Easter!
Easter is less than a week away and we are getting ready.
Nanny is making Easter dinner...ham, potatoes, and I don't know what else. It will be a big meal! YUM!
We got the boys Easter shirts. Actually, we did that twice. I found some that I liked OK but we weren't coming up with any other options so I got them. Then yesterday while at Children's Place (thanks Aubrey for the idea), I found the PERFECT Easter shirts. I am SO excited about them. I only wish I had something cute to wear...I'll try to dig something up though.
We got the little plastic eggs and enough candy to make us all diabetic. We got the Easter baskets (well, they are buckets) and little gifts to put in them. Aiden, for the first time ever, saw an ad for something and said "Can I have that?" Since it happens to be a math game that will help learn addition, we ordered that for him too.
....Then I got to thinking. Easter is really no different than Christmas. It is a Holy Day that we have turned into a reason to buy a bunch of junk we don't need with money we don't have to burn. It is now reason to get nice outfits so we can look nice at church for the people who only come on Easter and Christmas...the regulars like we are know that we don't always wear dresses and ties to church. And those who know us well know that we are lucky if the pants and shirt match much less match each other's outfits (which is a must for Easter services). It is a chance to totally blow our diet and eat till we are sick. Granted, it is a nice opportunity to spend time with family.
But in reality Easter is NONE of those things. It isn't about candy, or big meals, or dressing up in matching clothes. It isn't about colored eggs or a bunny! It is the a celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is about the fact that He is returning again. Easter is truly a Holy Day and not just a holiday. So I challenge you this week to find a way to celebrate the Holy Day and not just a holiday. Bring the suffering and death of Christ into you and your children's minds. Then, CELEBRATE that Christ overcame that to save us!! I would like to hear the ideas that you had. I want to know what you did so I can use it next year! lol
We are making Resurrection Cookies. Go here for directions. We made them last year from this recipe and they turned out great. We're doing them again this year. My whole family thought they tasted great. I did not but the lesson is so vivid that it is worth the trouble (and the cost of pecans).
Of course, we are still all dressing up (well, the boys will and I will if I can find something). We are still gonna eat too much ham and have an egg hunt. It is part of the celebration now too!! We aren't dying eggs simply because I hate the mess and the boys are scared of costumed people so the Easter bunny is unheard of around here. We are just going to be sure that Christ is a primary part of the celebration.
Have a Happy Easter!!
Nanny is making Easter dinner...ham, potatoes, and I don't know what else. It will be a big meal! YUM!
We got the boys Easter shirts. Actually, we did that twice. I found some that I liked OK but we weren't coming up with any other options so I got them. Then yesterday while at Children's Place (thanks Aubrey for the idea), I found the PERFECT Easter shirts. I am SO excited about them. I only wish I had something cute to wear...I'll try to dig something up though.
We got the little plastic eggs and enough candy to make us all diabetic. We got the Easter baskets (well, they are buckets) and little gifts to put in them. Aiden, for the first time ever, saw an ad for something and said "Can I have that?" Since it happens to be a math game that will help learn addition, we ordered that for him too.
....Then I got to thinking. Easter is really no different than Christmas. It is a Holy Day that we have turned into a reason to buy a bunch of junk we don't need with money we don't have to burn. It is now reason to get nice outfits so we can look nice at church for the people who only come on Easter and Christmas...the regulars like we are know that we don't always wear dresses and ties to church. And those who know us well know that we are lucky if the pants and shirt match much less match each other's outfits (which is a must for Easter services). It is a chance to totally blow our diet and eat till we are sick. Granted, it is a nice opportunity to spend time with family.
But in reality Easter is NONE of those things. It isn't about candy, or big meals, or dressing up in matching clothes. It isn't about colored eggs or a bunny! It is the a celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is about the fact that He is returning again. Easter is truly a Holy Day and not just a holiday. So I challenge you this week to find a way to celebrate the Holy Day and not just a holiday. Bring the suffering and death of Christ into you and your children's minds. Then, CELEBRATE that Christ overcame that to save us!! I would like to hear the ideas that you had. I want to know what you did so I can use it next year! lol
We are making Resurrection Cookies. Go here for directions. We made them last year from this recipe and they turned out great. We're doing them again this year. My whole family thought they tasted great. I did not but the lesson is so vivid that it is worth the trouble (and the cost of pecans).
Of course, we are still all dressing up (well, the boys will and I will if I can find something). We are still gonna eat too much ham and have an egg hunt. It is part of the celebration now too!! We aren't dying eggs simply because I hate the mess and the boys are scared of costumed people so the Easter bunny is unheard of around here. We are just going to be sure that Christ is a primary part of the celebration.
Have a Happy Easter!!
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