I Promise I am Not Making This Stuff Up

Things are always an adventure around here. Thursday, as I was heading into work, I got a call from the middle school saying one of Kerrie's contacts was bent, and could I come over. So I called into work and told them I'd be little late. I got to the school, and I could not get her contact out. I could see the little tint of blue, but no contact. I took her into an eye place, and the doc looked all in her eye to find it, and it was gone. She had scratched her eye, and that is probably what she was feeling instead of a contact. It is possible the contact is still in there, and just hiding way high, but no worries it will eventually come out if that is the case. I think it is more likely that she was rubbing her eye, the contact started moving, and when she tried to get it out, she scratched her eye. I'm pretty sure the contact is lost forever. I got into work at about noon.

Friday, I was about to leave for work, when Amanda called me sobbing. When I asked her what was wrong, she said her tummy hurt. I told her I would come and pick her up. I finished putting on my makeup and doing my hair, thinking it was probably not that big a deal. Man did I feel bad, when I got to the school, and Amanda was clutching her left side in pain. The nurse was carrying her backpack, and suggested I take her right to the doctor. I called her pediatrician, and got an appointment. I had to pick James up at the auto shop, as our van was scheduled for some work, and he was already over there. Then we headed to the doctor. She sent us to the hospital. They did an ultra sound and discovered an ovarian cyst. I guess they are quite common, and it should resolve itself in a few days. Amanda is doing much better, and the pain is gone, so I am sure everything is good.

After that I went to work, as Friday was the Kindergarten graduation. I just couldn't miss that. The kids did great, and it was a lot of fun to watch them. Then off to second grade for the Author's Tea. That was really fun. Nathan wrote a book, mostly about himself, and our family. It was very cute. Apparently, according to him, we own a beach house in Florida. That made me laugh.

Just another week of adventures at our house. Man will I be glad when school is out!

Sixteen and Counting

Today is our sixteenth wedding anniversary. Sixteen years ago, I made the smartest move of my life. It is scary looking back how easily I jumped into marriage. I must say I had a very idealist and naive view of marriage. I had never seen my parents argue, so I thought that was how marriage would be, just easy, all love, and no contention. Needless to say it has not been that, but it has been an amazing journey that has taught me so much about myself, my husband and my parents. It is funny because now my parents will argue in front of me. I guess they think the secret is out of the bag, and they are free to disagree in front of their child. I am amazed at their ability to hold it in that long. I mean, from start to finish, they spent 38 years raising children. They have been such a good example to me. They celebrated their 60th anniversary in April.

A wise Bishop gave me some very sound advise. He asked me about my parents marriage, and I, of course, told him my rosy view, which I am sure made him smile inside. Then he asked me if I was more like my mom or my dad in personality. I told him, my mom. He then advised me to find a man like my dad to marry. That is exactly what I did.

James is not a social person, he keeps to himself. He is a geek to the core, but he has made me so happy. My life with him is good and full of love and everything I wish for my children. His main concern is his family. Everything he does, is for us. He has such a soft heart, and hates to say no to any of us, especially me. He is always there for me and our kids. I usually handle the school and IEP stuff by myself, but if I am having trouble, I just bring him. It is amazing the transformation of the entire room when he walks in. He says hi, then sits down, folds his arms and stares them down until they give us exactly what our children need. It is pretty funny to watch.

When I told someone today it was my anniversary, they asked how many years and I said, "sixteen, and I still like him." It was said in jest, but as I have thought about it more, it is true. I not only love him, I like him. If I could choose anyone to spend time with, it is him. He's the first one I want to share news with and he is interesting to talk to about any subject. He is my support, and his shoulders are strong, as I dump many worries on them. He is my friend and companion. So I must say thank you to the wonderful man that I married. Happy Anniversary.

PDD NOS

The high school wanted to test Amanda for Autism. After doing some research on the subject, I felt it was a good idea. The disability they had her listed under, just never made sense to me. I got the results today. It is a little confusing, and I am not sure I understand it completely, but I will try to explain it as they did to me. PDD stands for Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Disabilities, such as Autism and Aspergers both fall under this larger umbrella. According to the school psychologist, Amanda has pieces of Autism and Aspergers, but does not fit in either one of these to the degree that they can say she has it. So what does this mean for Amanda? They have this nifty little category called NOS or not otherwise specified. So, that is what she is. Although strangely enough this is not on the choice of listed disabilities, they just lump them all together and call it Autism. So, legally Amanda is Autistic. It is somewhat of a relief to finally have a title. That may sound really horrible to some people. However, for me, I am grateful to have a name for the problems we are facing. In my mind, it is just easier somehow. I don't know quite how to explain why I feel this way, I just do.

This really does not change anything for her at this point. School will continue to give her the help they have been giving her. It does become important down the road, when she is out of the school system. I am trying to put safety nets in place so that if she were to need help as an adult, they will be there. Some of these programs take years to get into, so we are starting this process early. I hope she will never need them, but it is comforting to me to know they are in place just in case.

This journey through motherhood has taken a very different turn than I ever expected it to take. I did not know I would need to know so much about disabilities, and services, and IEP's and special education. Perhaps that is a good thing, as it would have been very scary to me otherwise. I guess I have been exposed to it so slowly over the years, that it lessens the blow a bit. If I would have been able to tell my 21 year old self all the things I would deal with, I am sure it would not have been pretty. I do not feel sorry for myself, well almost never, as my children are wonderful. I mourn when they go through such difficult things, but I also stand back in awe of their great determination. What amazing people they are.

Happy 15th Birthday Amanda

Today Amanda is 15 years old. Unbelievable. When my kids were little, everyone told me the time would go fast. I didn't believe it then, but man were they right. When she was little it seemed like she would never grow up, and now here she is a little mini-adult. I look at her, and I am amazed that this beautiful young woman was once a little baby that I gave birth to. She is such a sweet girl. She loves animals, especially Australian animals. She is quite talented at art, at least I think she is. She loves to be part of a team. Cross Country was her first experience with sports, and she loved it, and is looking forward to being on the team next year. She is loving with her brothers and sisters. I never worry when I leave her in charge at home. She has faced remarkable challenges in her life, but never gives up. She will try anything, even when others do not think she can do it, and she usually surprises them. I am grateful she is my girl.

OH MY THUMB!

I took Nicolaas and Nathan to get their hair cut. I needed to get some cash, and also we needed bread, so I decided to stop at the commissary first. The side door on our van is missing the little lock, that allows the kids to unlock that door. When it came off, I was not too worried, because it's a good thing that they can't unlock the door. Always, when we are getting out of the van, I unlock the doors, then wait for the kids to open the side door, then I lock the door before I get out of the van. I went through this normal ritual, when I heard the door shut and then horrible screaming. Nathan had opened the door, felt the rain coming in, and while holding onto the frame of the door, slammed it shut. His thumb was still in the door, and the door was locked, so he couldn't open it. I had to get back in the van to unlock the door, then yell at him to open it up quick. Oh, his thumb looked horrible. I got both boys back in their seat belts and stuck Nathan's thumb in some ice, from a soda I was feeling guilty for purchasing earlier. Thankfully I had done that, or his thumb would have been much worse. I called the doctor on my cell as I started driving home. They told me to take him to the ER. I dropped Nic off at home, and grabbed an ice pack and off we went. They got Nate back to a room, and he was jumping everywhere, moving his thumb, and acting normal. I kept thinking I had brought him in for nothing. The doctor said it was more than likely fine, but since we were here, we might as well x-ray it. We got back to his room after the x-ray, and guess what, he has a hair line fracture on the end of his thumb. He is now in a splint for the next month. What an adventure.

MYPO

Here are some photos from last night. I will post some video when I get around to it. It was a lot of fun to see my two viola players sitting next to each other in a concert. They did a great job.

Mother's Day & Music

James has knocked it out of the park for Mother's Day. I was not expecting this. He bought me a new television. I have been wanting a new one ever since our old one started turning green on occasion. It would always turn back to normal, so we have just kept on using it. Here's the thing that makes this such a great gift, it was one of those things that I know was just for me. James did not want a new TV. He was happy with the old one. He bought it simply because he knew I wanted it. Then to top that, he got me roses as well. Nathan summed it up perfectly when he said, "Mom, you have the best husband." He is very sweet to me. Not because he bought me a new TV, but because he tries so hard to make me happy.

Tomorrow is one of those crazy busy days that I would not trade for anything. Kerrie will play in her first concert with the Maryland Youth Preparatory Orchestra. Ashley has been asked to play with the group as well. So, tomorrow morning they will have their dress rehearsal, then in the afternoon, Ashley has her regular practice. Then the concert starts at 7:00 pm. It is probably going to be the hardest on Ashley, because by the time the concert is over, she will have played her viola for about 7 1/2 hours. It is a good experience for them, and a lot of fun for me to be a part of.

Another One Bites The Dust

Nathan had bands fit to his back teeth and a mold taken of his upper teeth. In early June, he will have an expanding retainer cemented onto his upper teeth. I wish I had thought to take my camera and get a picture of it.

I had to laugh at the advise the assistant gave him. She told him to eat every sticky, gummy, chewy, and hard thing he could think of from now until June. I am sure he does not understand why she told him this, and I'm not about to explain it to him. I mean, why have to deal with the complaining until I have to? He sure liked what he heard, and insisted we go buy some skittles. How could I say no to this?

So, another child bites the dust, or that is how it felt as I was paying for another phase I treatment. That is five down and one more to go. Luckily Nicolaas' teeth are coming in slowly, or he would have already started. Amanda and Ashley are into phase II, and Ashley should be done in December (YIPPEE). If we are lucky they will not all need phase II treatment. I can always hope.

So I have had the bites the dust song in my head since I left the orthodontist office. What can I say, it seems very fitting to me.

....and another one gone, and another one gone, another one bites the dust.

I know you're singing it.

Happy Birthday Ashley

Ashley turned fourteen years old on Saturday. She is having a very cool birthday this year. By the time we do everything, she will have celebrated for four days. That is my kind of birthday.

She is an amazing girl. I look up to her in many ways. She has a calming spirit about her, and brings joy to our family. I really enjoyed the baby and young kids stage, but so far, the teenage stage is my favorite. I love listening to Ashley. She has so many wonderful, original and fun things to say. I really enjoy spending time with her. I laugh and joke a lot when I am with her. She can get me to laugh with just a look, or one word. She is very sensitive to how others around her are feeling. She has a very tender heart, and hates to see others in pain. She HATES attention. She would rather be in the background. She is shy and quiet around people she does not know, but not at home. She is rowdy and very hyper.

Happy Birthday, my beautiful baby girl. I fell in love with you the moment I knew you were going to be mine, and that love continues to grow everyday. You bless my life, and are an example to me. You are good and kind and worthy of every good thing this life has to offer. I look forward to seeing where you go with your life.

A View of Heaven

Last night I went to the hospital right after little Jane Turpin was born. She is beautiful, and Cami looked so great after just having a baby. It is just a little bit of Heaven being around a mom and new baby. They both were just glowing with goodness. It was fun to see Jake beaming over his new little girl. I see an absolute obsession in the making. You can tell she already has her daddy wrapped around her little finger. Thank you friends for letting me come to such a wonderful, life altering event. She is perfect in every way.

I Love Friday

I always have the biggest smile on my face on Friday at 1:00 pm. Why, you ask? Well, that is when I walk out the door of the school, having completed another week of work. I love leaving before everyone else, as it feels as if I am somehow getting something special by leaving early. I enjoy my job, but I also enjoy leaving when it is over.

Today, I was particularly happy, as I had two things to look forward to. James and I went out to lunch at Olive Garden (my favorite). This evening I am taking all my kids, and Ashley's best friend and her mom, to see Nim's Island. I really enjoy going to the movies. It is just a happy thing to do. This is sort of Ashley's birthday mini-celebration. We will have pizza, cake and ice cream tomorrow evening.

So, happy Friday everyone. I hope your Friday is a great one.