Overview of todays thoughts; tomorrow-update each child's progress

when will disabilities be looked upon as just one of the American people here in the United States? When will their civil rights be upheld??

I find many situations in raising my children just ignorant. Really, it stuns me some days.

I am at a cross in the road with my teenage daughter. She has been in public school since she was 3 years old in general education. Now that she is 14, in middle school the perception is she can no longer be a part of her peers. I know I am one of the lucky moms. If she went to Lexington Elementary in Ft. Myers their teacher had no problem stating that my child would be better off tucked away in a separate classroom excluded from her peers because she can not possibly do the work once she was in about third grade...WHAT??!! and she has a teaching certificate...No, she wasn't 102 years old. Meaning; yes, I am aware 30 years ago my daughter would not have been aloud to enter public school at all ..am I suppose to be grateful she is today??? I THINK NOT. I get stunned when things like this still exist in our society in 2009.

My home work has begun. I am applying for the McKay Scholarship so that I am in control of my daughters placement funding.. VERY IMPORTANT NOW.

Here is what I have found thus far. I can choose Florida Christian Institute where I can sign a check over to them (McKay scholarship) and allow them to keep the money and have my daughter stay home and get inappropriate work sent home to do if she pleases (by me as the teacher).. Yes, them doing nothing but they want you to come in and sign a check over to them every two or three months...folks it is happening; "Christian??" not sure where that fits into the equation.

I was raised Catholic so I checked first into the Dreams school at the Catholic based site in Ft. Myers... After a long discussion it became clear they would not take my daughter because she can not be at grade level by the end of next year. Gaining skills, learning more and having solid peer role models while receiving a religious base isn't really what they want to offer in their SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAM, they require you to be normal after they have had you for a year or so... That's really accepting of our brother in Christianity... Holds me to my faith stronger...
;0(

I have a few other calls in with many private schools stating they are not the best suited for disabilities and wouldn't talk to me to even get a feel for what they could or could not offer..NOT EVEN A CHANCE... that seems very harsh! My money is green....spends like everyone Else's..Isn't teaching --teaching?? If one learns more are touched by a "teacher" teaching? Is teaching "smart" kids teaching?? I am beginning to believe this is where teaching is headed..Only the kids who get the genetic pattern to be easy learners are who the teachers want to teach..well, in many places..

I am meeting with Mariner Middle first thing Monday morning which is a struggling school as far as their Annual year progress report shows. Not a Title one school for extra supports so I will check on what they have to offer Monday morning. I believe schools with less than an A rating may have additional help in place...I will ask.. My fear is they have LIFE SKILLS and when a school has LIFE SKILLS it seems the image is if it isn't working in general education (room) we can just have them "visit" the life skills class for what the school feels is appropriate. Once a child is in Life Skills it is like a life sentence. They do not come back out... Not for this girl will that happen...They got me once..Shame on them, not twice where it would be shame on me!

I then get to go check out Trafalgar Middle which has a couple positives spoken around town. I hear they have been successfully including children with Autism therefore the concept, which is what inclusion is,..Mentally believing children should be and are most rewarded and successful being educated along side their typical peers. Meaning no more than one child with a disability is in the classroom..because statistics are that in a neighborhood school no more than one child would be in any given classroom. If we didn't bus and do clusters this would be what a neighborhood class was made up of..... I am going to clear my mind by Monday, go look to see how we are received. I will be able to feel their body language because Kaitlyn and Steven will be with me. They both have ENT appointment right after the visits... How nice is that working out for me..:o)) I am well aware they will say all the right things... It is politics for sure.... here is my bigger concern.

I have been having many issues about my daughters education since school started this year..
Let me see....who has called me????? Wow, I only get calls when I rattle cages...
My daughter didn't show up for school, I filed a concern with the top bosses, the school was contacted...Nope- the school didn't contact me...

District assigned an employee from district to contact me and be our "mediator" not one teacher called, not one staff from the school called to offer a door to open...

I can only go by my past experiences...When I didn't see progress in elementary the staff called once I shared concern and set up meeting and provided food because we knew it was going to be HOURS of round table...they took my information from conference after conference on how to teach children with disabilities, they looked up web site and emailed me so we were using at home what was being used in school, they ordered equipment to assist at school and home, they brainstormed and invited me on campus when ever I wanted to be there...Emails some times were daily and many times a day as we all got things on track..It didn't happen often although a few bumps in the road brought collaboration. That is QUALITY education.

I emailed both middle schools at 7 am Friday requesting them to let me know when would be good to come over to check out their school NEITHER contacted me.. That gives me hope..NOT

I get the call from the district person late in the day (i told her I would call her early when I made a decision) wanting to know if I have made my decision on a school placement... what can I decide on neither have made contact with me. After the district person called the school I got my appointment to go check out the schools on Monday morning... that is a welcoming feeling!!! NOT

My heart was restored when I was at Walmart a couple hours ago...I am in the store with my son who is in 1st grade.... yes general education with supports and services on his IEP because he has a disability (several actually.) I hear..."Hey Jordon buddy"...and I alert Jordan his buddy is calling him..Jordan was choosing Popsicles at the time(distracted.) Jordan ran over and they SHOOK HANDS!! way to go SKYLINE ELEMENTARY!!! it does pay off , all that work you do! appropriate peer interaction for first graders.. not hugging....

Not more than five minutes later another boy yells "Jordan" I have Jordan wave because they were leaving and we were going into our check out lane.. Jordan says "see you at school"... with a little coaching from me.

THIS IS WHY INCLUSION IS SO IMPORTANT each situation, I hear the boys telling their parents Jordan is in their class at school. I heard the first little boy say "Jordan has Down syndrome but he is really cool and funny sometimes." I smile and move on. The parents look and smile waving good bye to Jordan...


Well, I need to work on our home schedule to be in place for the in home support team ... I promised it would be done by the end of the weekend.. much like lesson plans form the mom...

I am pleased that I am helping readers. I have gotten heart warming contacts form my readers. Each of the children in my home have their own set of issues as we all do. I will write on each so you have an update on the child you are most following. I need to get my schedule completed for the month of Feb..as it is upon me and I haven't started it.. this being my disability (procrastination)

Two stations for the kids up and running

Bowling is full of Math and Science

When we go to the Bowling alley it takes about 2 hours to complete one game. The kids learn a lot each time because it is full of education and fun at the same time. A little fun competition in math and for sure the science of balance, gravity, speed, friction. Of course we are all at the very elementary parts of it but they see if all is in place you KNOCK EM ALL DOWN...if they slide, turn, drop, etc...it is not going to go as we want.

Their older sister is a "bumper lover" as she calls it after I was sorting who could be on the bumper lane and who needed no bumpers. I was then deemed the Bumper Police and not in a good way..LOL I have two of the kids active in Special Olympics bowling and they must not use bumpers. bumpers change the science of bowling and them messing up math competition...LOL LOL LOL

Friday night bowling fun

HELP! we all need to help make change

I have gotten three calls in the last two days from parents who are very concerned about what their children are really learning. Kids in Middle school who never read a book (the family can see) gets a reward for reading...his FCAT level is a 3 in the 8th grade. Math is a one!!!!! scary.

Last night my EIGHT GRADER was making hot chocolate and said..Mom I can't figure this out..I need to know how many times eight goes into 24. she seemed puzzled. I looked at her and said "are you kidding me" being sure she wasn't joking. I then said, Well 8 and 8 is 16 so what is 8 more..... after a long pause she said with a question in her tone 24? I said yes. She said so how many is that? EIGHTH GRADE FOLKS!!!! same child can not tell time to save her soul, runs for an analog when asked what time it is. Yet she just got; Student of Merit. Never does her home work, fights about anything to do with school work. Focus is social life and make up....huge struggle (she has ADD)

Her "face has been in a book" most of this school year. First time ever but never do you hear her talk about what she has read, discuss an opinion on the new information she has obtained. Never recommends the book or has anything to share about it... When I read a book I usually recommend it to or offer my opinion..share the highlights or comment it wasn't very good... SOMETHING!! Avoiding house chores, etc...she has to "read."

Her FCATS have been well below grade level and yet these kids are being pushed through to adult society... OUR FUTURE! Where is the breakdown, what has happened? How come school isn't exciting? Eighth grade for me was exciting. I realized the world was out there for me. My history teacher made it so exciting to be on top of world events, have us give input, opinions....active learning. Math has never been my strong point although I remember Mr. B having me do some activities to "get it" and then taught me how to work the calculator as a tool to help because I will have access in the real world to use it so why not teach me how to be proficient with it early so I do not loose total interest.

Another family is so stressed out at home lord only knows how she is dealing with any school issues.. lack of funding here has some families with children who have disabilities maxed out because they do not have supports. Many moving to Florida blind to the fact our state is NOT able to take care of their people already here. And now we are heading for more cuts..

Our social services needs to get creative prevention in place. I saw that the child protection agency has their focus in this direction and put out a public announcement to that effect. Possibly they shifted some funds to help the stress in families..RESPITE!! families need a break. We need collaboration between the services and our community.. If the agency can give a night out a business in town offers a discount dinner or movie to the parent..

Well so much out there to be done to "hold on" thru these times.

I can say my family today is well. I made many transitions prior to the actual down fall as I saw it coming years ago and prepared. We have in home help, I cut back to be able to "get by" I have contacts in place so the kids have a gift on their Birthday, a day out each week. I hope to share with others so their family can be at peace with supports and services in place as well.

I wish everyone more than just "living" make a difference.... Make change!

If we all do just a little.........
GO volunteer at your neighborhood school! Even their after school program help with homework.
or:
1. check on a neighbor.
2. Drop off a small gift to the local school (they know what families are hurting)
3. Buy some books to give out at the food stamp office.
4. offer to babysit for a family and be prepared for the ride! (our kids are tough)
5. make a meal and take it to the homeless shelter, Unwed Mothers or Ronald McDonald house

Just do something.

Cherry Tomatoes are sprouting

I need time to make a decision

My concerns have been found to be valid and they have made contact with the school and myself. I have the option of having added supports at the current school where two women in the inclusion district staff and the alternate assessment person would come to the school and modify the work to meet the access points.

If I am loosing any of you by "access points" it is what measures growth in learning to children not taking the FCAT, that have IEP's.. This in no way prohibits Kaitlyn from getting a standard diploma although she would need to pass the FCAT tests to be able to do that, meaning if for some reason she caught up to grade level we could administer the FCAT to her prior to her 22nd Birthday and she COULD get the standard diploma. For right now we are on alternate assessment to make her educational setting meaningful and rewarding to her.

look at the access information:

http://www.fldoe.org/asp/altassessment.asp


I will call district in the morning with my decision on placement.

Do I go for the matrix and file for MacKay scholarship?

Do I give her current placement another chance?

Do I visit other middle schools and switch Monday to a new school with the supports of the district for modifying to access points?


I feel like a fresh start is best right now...and what about the kids..if not one has invited her for a play date, birthday party, after school event or anything then their relationship on campus are not being cultivated as in the past. I feel like the placement has gone to sour...although Kaitlyn and I will talk about this after the little ones go to sleep. Thursday night is Mom and Kaitlyn night, she loves to watch Dr. Gray (Grey's anatomy) she gets all gitty. She is 14!

a different resolved school related issue

My 15 year old has severe ADD. If you have not parented a child with this you can not grasp the day to day struggles especially when teenage hormones rage into the equation.

Since school has started she has pushed limits on the school bus and tested the medication by not taking it many days without my knowledge. On the bus she has a personality clash with the driver.

1st referral she got kicked off the bus for throwing a piece of paper out the window giving bus route changes. I then had to drive her and pick her up. She paid dearly at home for my time and trouble.

2nd referral she was too noisy on the bus and again I had to drive her and pick her up. I questioned the school on "noisy" but know she can be a bit trying at times and the ride home meds are wearing off.

3rd referral was some sort of physical altercation?? I never really understood because she is in no way aggressive physically and is a size zero but I drove her and picked her up... she paid the consequences on my end.

meanwhile this drive finds pleasure in taunting her. He drives past her stop by a block or two so she has to walk farther to get home. He laughs as he is doing this.
She has limited ability to hold her calm when provoked and because her life started in foster care prior to my adopting her I am sure she holds some fear of adults when the situation becomes unclear of safety. I am speculating here, Here nor there this is a school employee driving a bus full of kids finding some sort of pleasure in antagonizing. Well last week he chose to dive more than 5 blocks past our stop again laughing about her rising anxiety.. He does turn around and return to the stop only leaving one block difference..THEN the next day she gets a 10 day kick off the bus for yelling "Shut the F--- up" and not clear if it was to him or someone else AND I DO NOT APPROVE... I did nothing the first week and make her consequences for my driving her as always...no electronics..no phone, no psp, no tv, no nothing...during the days I have to drive her. I am also adding the gas expense to her for doing extra chores.

I just got in touch with the District and they have a GPS system to track to show this bus drivers behavior and indeed met with him and he has agreed not to do this again.....

Big school issues have my blood boiling!

It has been some time since the need to vent on school issues. It is time to catch you up.

Kaitlyn is 14 years old. She has Down syndrome which requires additional support to her educational needs. We have her IEP which is loaded with necessary supports for her to be successful. Kaitlyn has been in general education classes her entire educational setting up until 6th grade. THIS YEAR. In her general education setting her work was modified because of her needs. This year I opted to allow her to be self contained in Math because it is so difficult for her. Now I wish I didn't. She needs to learn correct use of a calculator. She made wonderful gains each year in elementary school. The last couple years 3rd thru 5th grade gave great inspiration because Kaitlyn would shine when given more challenges and her reading was improving with each year. Kaitlyn attended their class trip, out of town for weekends. She was one of the popular girls on campus. In local stores all her peer approach her on first name basis. Kaitlyn had lunch on the picnic tables with her CIRCLE OF FRIENDS. Life was great for Kaitlyn and her spirit indicated her desire to be at school among her peers.

Middle school has not embraced her at all. The school has put every wall up possible and have been the least receptive to help from myself, the prior school, district people I have sought out to help. At the beginning of school Kaitlyn brought home vocabulary words well above her reading level (capability) She couldn't understand them and furthermore couldn't articulate the word to even pronounce it correctly. I then knew the teacher needed help to understand Kaitlyn takes alternate assessment and they need to follow her IEP not the sunshine State standards (teaching to the FCAT) It was disheartening to watch the fire leave Kaitlyn about her education. The flare she had in elementary school to be a part of her peers was quickly fading. The school resisted any disability awareness training. They refused to even allow access to campus. THEN, to have these same teachers STAFF AT HER MIDDLE SCHOOL out in the general public using my daughters name going on and on in conversation about "WHAT A JOKE IT IS" to have Kaitlyn in general education. Talking about how she is not accepted by her peers and made fun of They pointed out many things belittling her....It was very clear they THEY did not feel her presence was important that THEY were not embracing her in THEIR (teachers/administration) "circle" MIDDLE SCHOOL. I was fired up mad and just wanted to blast an email, call the local paper and media to blow the entire situation out of the water BECAUSE....

Kaitlyn's vocabulary words for this week are:

1. gladiator
2. rhetoric
3. anatomy
4. satire
5. ode

Please tell me the definition to theses words.

Her documented reading level was 2.4 year 2007-2008 and this year they state 1.8 as she has lost many skills since school began.

I emailed the teacher a complete modified curriculum to chapter #5 months ago so they could see how it all works-- NOT ONE PIECE of my hard work was administrated to her at school. I handed it to them, FOR THEM, no work other than follow directions... Not a part of it was given to her.

I am so sick with the attitude of this school. They act like they are so riotous, actually their actions show how ignorant they really are. They have patronized my daughter in the fact they have given her 100% A+ on tests and her report card for other students to hear..be aware of..I am sure that goes over well for acceptance with peers. She can not even read the words they claim she read and got the right answer. I can visually see her getting excited and being loud to say "I got a hundred" A+ loud and very dramatic because she has NEVER been a straight A student.. Effort yes but she works hard to get her IEP goals mastered. I am sure the students laugh and the teachers DO NOTHING to curb this behavior and MAKE HER LOOK DIFFERENT... I am not pleased, I can feel her pain. I have professionals in my home and one being a behavioral Analyst who has seen the changes... It needs turned around NOW and I think a post back in November says the same!!! I am done waiting...

Example

Here is her paper she got a 100% on


She wrote the definition of-

Hatshepsut- SHE CAN NOT EVEN SAY THIS WORD!

tribute-

Theses-

incense-

Tutankhamen-


HELLO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! a 100% are they kidding me..making her look strange in front of her peers.. I believe the school has set her up BAD! they have not encouraged and actually have taught peers not to be accepting of her. The school put this in place for her to fail!!! The school FAILED bad for my daughter and I am not happy!


Here is an A+ question

The Paleolithic people were able to survive because they used? AND SHE GOT THAT RIGHT!

sure she did...She couldn't even tell me any part of what that meant. They are trying to make make her look like a fool. I will not stand for this another day.


The Babylonian king Hammurabi is best known for his? SHE GOT THIS RIGHT TOO!!!

A+ 100%


What in the heck is going on?????????????????

I find many many papers where they give her the vocabulary words and answers and ask her to "COPY" from their paper to a school "lined paper" Kaitlyn mastered copying many years ago and has PERFECT penmanship so neither are goals or skills on her IEP.

here is a free hand paper written during her down time which I am sure is most of her day.. AT SCHOOL

"my mom is so happy at me ages mom. I LOVE YOU mom my mom picks me up now mom my dog is sammy so pray for you"

That is Kaitlyn's work with no supports and services!!! I have notebooks loaded with success from 5th grade for fractions, reading, spelling, science, etc.... I have these items in 3 ring binders showing how it is suppose to work.

THIS IS A CRIME!

I am off to try to get time with the Superintendent of our school district to put all of this on his desk for him to explain to me. How have they taught my daughter this year and what has she learned because her report card has straight A's .

Update: I have been able to speak to the 2ndary operations which oversees the middle school trying to work in the general education section so they can get on board with IEP laws but when he said to me that i need to realize the words are going to get much harder as she advances to higher grades I knew he didn't "get it" either.. WE NEED HELP HERE!!!!! I have been begging for inclusion experts to come in and teach our county but we are not moving forward here..it is a snails pace for the little that is happening.. It is scary for my 14 year old...

I am requesting matrix number and exact figure for funding and the application for Mac Kay although I am sure I will stay in the public school system because they need me here I want the application approved and the ability to have control of her placement. She has been neglected long enough this school year. Her future is too valuable to let another day pass with out change.

the ESE and parent liaison departments have been sent this blog post so the ball is in their court right now for action. I will keep you posted. Kaitlyn is asleep with a little cold thinking she is home to get rest.... SHE IS MY PRIORITY!

Meet WALL-B robot, Jordan's school project

He can get the mail and bring it in for Mom.

We tried to use a romote control car but the weight wouldn't allow it to "go." It is powered by Jordan.

germs B-gone!

The first bus has gone and three of the children are on board. Steven's bus will be here any minute and then time for the girls to prepare for their departure and I will be ALONE!!!!

I am going to be home alone for the first time in over a week... the downside is that Tressa and Jordan have MRI appointments at noon.... so the self obsorbed time will be limited today...LOL

Lucas was so happy to be going to school. When he realized he was getting dressed and his book bag was by the door packed for school, all he could do is smile. He was smiling under sucking his thumb looking out the window for his bus it was so cute! Jordan gave me a rough start because at this point in life he wants to stay home with Mom. I think he is ready for summer break. I know not having to get up so darn early will be my break for summer. I do not believe I will use ESY because I have everything here to hold skills over the summer. I want to do some travel time with them if gas stays law. I have a class reunion in Illinois some time and would love to travel that over a 2 or 3 week period to show the children the farms, country life.
Last nights FCC meeting voted on moving forward with the Spring Picnic so that is exciting for us to put on. I am having a story book play during the event which will be very fun to produce.

The story of the candy egg bunny.

Rx from Hope Haven MORE TUMMY TIME

Yes he is kissing himself in the mirror

This looks easier than it is!!

Tressa's new TRESSA book

Therapy mirror

Jacksonville germs invade

Our home has been invaded....

Little man Lucas went down Saturday with the flu and on to fever and vomiting Sunday Monday and sluggish today. Yesterday Jordan was sent home for vomiting at school and today I woke with a rumbling tummy...

Kaitlyn Steven and I got in last night with Jordan up waiting. The household calmed after about an hour and we were all to sleep. I got to catch some of the "Bachelor" show which is getting o be DRAMA driven. As a viewer it is clear the females are either "girls" or "women" and they have given clear indication of who is tough enough to be a mom (in my opinion)

Tressa loved the book we got for her. The story is about a girl named TESSA and we went through the entire book and added a "T" so she is TRESSA (the main character) She has it at school today with her. The kids had great meetings although I could spend a full day with each of the professionals and still feel I could use more. I know I have enough to get be back on track and motivated for "CHANGE" as this year2009 is the year of change and I intend to make some major changes in the Pringle direction for future growth in education.

I have the catch up things to get to and will post photos as soon as I can.

Bookshelf build complete, off to Jacksonville two more days

Rushing through each day right now

My days are so packed right now I catch the cute moments I would love to share yet no time to stop. I sit here in the morning; they seem so far away, hard to remember exacts to blog. January is our month for many many annual appointments as well as re-checks from 6 months ago, I believe I counted over 50 appointments scheduled just this month. I know I have missed 4 or more this far.

We have to reschedule 2 Peds re-checks, 1 meds check, 1 ortho check, one CMS/ which is not good and my ESE parent advisory for the school board...so it is actually 6 appointments missed. ouch. It is the 23rd of the month and I have made well over 30 appointments thus far so I feel good about the pace I am keeping.

The kids are looking forward to being home tomorrow. The cold mornings make it more difficult for them to have "happy" mornings. They lay on the couch and want to sleep. Jordan's medication increased and seems really sluggish to the point not productive. I need to check on his activity at school. He had a rough day yesterday so not sure how switching to mornings is going to work... I will see tomorrow. I hope he doesn't sleep all day and up all night because Sunday I go back to Jacksonville and will need to be well rested for that drive. I am excited about getting direction on the older two now. Yesterday I got the puzzle Lucas worked at Hope Haven. I found it at our local School Stuff store along with a farm game that had all the instructions in foreign language written...I might have to take it back because I can not figure out the game at all.

All Around the Farm, Be the first to feed your farm animal in this noisy game of animal sounds and counting! By Carson-Delloso Publishing CD-140049. If anyone can read it and let us know.

Another busy day, off I go.

Lucas' language

To note for today:

Lucas vocalized these words; bubble, bye, yes

Lucas signs; more, thirsty(approximation) up and all done

He is still very body language cued for bath time, bed, eat, hungry, tired, outside, to go with you, happy, irritated, sad, excited and bored.

Trip to Jacksonville

Jordan, Lucas and mom went to Jacksonville Tuesday for an early Wed. morning appointment at Hope Haven Down Syndrome Clinic. We map quest a new path for our travel and had recommendations from friends this would be a better way to travel. It went pretty much uneventful other than my doubting myself and stopping more than once to re-map quest. A couple stops for potty and refill drinks and potty and drink and potty were getting a bit old for me; the one who likes to push on to the end no matter what... We arrived at Ronald McDonald house after being on the road 8 hours The boys walked in the front door at 7 pm to be overwhelmed with toys, food and fun! I was beat, we had a check in video and tour to take because it was our first time there. The boys wanted nothing to do with videos or tours..the playroom was found and even Lucas escaped and ran as fast as he could giggling all the way until he reached the playroom.. I was able to keep them in the check in room for a few minutes to pick out a hand made wooden car to BRING HOME, very cool! When we got to our room after the tour showing them endless ice cream, food, drinks, soda machine and TOYS we find little soft stuffed animals on the beds to TAKE HOME, how cool! and the tag said FROM: LUKE....... how cool is that??? we were meant to be there. I questioned the women if it was sent from someone and she said no.. These are put on beds when rooms are made up.... A fluke it says "Luke"

Once the bags were down in the room we headed to the kitchen for dinner. One had left over cheese lasagna and green beans and the other cookies, goldfish crackers, left over pancakes, and cream cheese...and soda, You can figure out which ate what... Jordan is my junk food junkie!

I grabbed the newspaper and went for 30 minutes to play. It was tough to call play time to an end, way past bedtime. We compromised..I pulled them in a double wagon and they each got to bring one toy to the room via wagon ride. Lucas chose a small very manageable noise maker car. Jordan chose this HUGE cement truck made by tonka. We got into the room so I could prepare paperwork for the appointments in the morning, we have 9 appointment; Five for Jordan and four for Lucas . I am excited for them to see Lucas' advancements from July and Jordan hasn't been to clinic for five years!! Even with Melatonin Jordan couldn't sleep until about 10:30pm. The alarm is set for 6:00 am so we can be at Hope Haven by 8.

I get up with the alarm, get myself ready EVEN MAKE UP ...Whooo hoo! Jordan stirs as I strip beds and up he gets quickly getting himself dressed and brushes his teeth. He is worried that Lucas is still sleeping and I am cleaning up the room (required things) I am ready although with the bag of garbage, bag of sheets, new acquired gifts we can not do it in one trip. Jordan is stuck... he is still tired and not in a happy mood... ouch. I get out to the van COLD did I mention COLD IT IS FREEZING 24 degrees and I have a wind breaker (duster) The kids have hooded sweatshirts.... I am a bit worried, We race out and back in. Go back to the room to finish and take toys back and in for breakfast. Of course Jordan wants; eggs, bagel cream cheese OR pancakes..I tell him no, I do not have time to make and clean up so it must be cereal or fruit.. I make inst. oatmeal for Lucas and he is happy happy.. Jordan settles for cereal. I am trying to keep things clean and the kids happy and coffee into me.. I did the best I could; got two sips of coffee into me and off we go.

Hope Haven is so refreshing. I really needed the boost. Laura spent a great deal of time with me; giving me new ideas for Jordan. Many refreshers I had forgotten and she surfaced for me. Laura could not believe Jordan because he has changed so much in 5 years. She saw the love and beauty in him right away. He was charming AND having Jordan moments.. He went to speech, then OT and PT evaluations. Each one I would get briefed on and I stayed mainly with Lucas in his OT, PT and speech. Laura and I got some conversation on his schooling although she was not feeling well and next Monday I return with the older two and will have more time to sit and talk un interrupted. No diapers, no melt down (better not be any) We left for lunch and returned to meet with Dr. Joe. I was impressed on his memory of the kids. Dr. Joe has insight from the volume of children he sees with down syndrome. He was so good with the boys. He spent a couple hours with us which aloud him to see Jordan in action. He had been observing the boys in the center all morning although now one on one with me and the boys. He called Jordan "driven." This may very well be my new expression on Jordan.. We talked openly about my need to get Jordan unattached to mama so much. Time to cut that cord and be a big boy. Time to get the driven Jordan focused and learning. He would remind me Jordan is a physical boy and has his greatest comfort in physical activity. Lucas showed all the signs of understanding, pure quality for learning and positive behaviors. Not to say he didn't try to sneak away; much was curiosity and explore. He also did things big brother got to do, run and touch a door down the hallway and run back. If asked to come back Lucas turned and came back. Everyone can not believe the eye contact almost 100% now with Lucas and adults. The following directions and understanding of the language. He showed four signs (sign language) and put together a animal puzzle identifying Dog every time and did well with most when a choice of two; animal puzzle with animal sounds. We got lots of recommendations. I am as pleased with our new direction as they are on his gains since July. We must work on him playing with purpose and completion. If he has a book he is to look at it; not flip through it and he is to get to the end.. finish and put away. A far cry from just tossing across the room...July.

Jordan... well lots of recommendations and I will blog his later.. I need to contact his teacher with meds change so we want no other changes for 2 weeks so we can get a real feel if we are going in the right direction. I need to contact the local Doctor to alert her of our trial 2 week.

The home front was good, I have appointments tomorrow not sure how to get to both but will manage... I missed 3 appointments on the 20th .rats! Too much shoved into one month!

I go back to Jacksonville Sunday for Monday morning with Steven and Kaitlyn. I am REALLY excited for these two. They went annually as toddlers to this clinic and now it has been five years! Both teenagers now.. "Reading:" and not running like toddlers.

Sorry no photos..no camera ;0( I will get a throw away for Sunday/Monday.

Shelf 1/3 built

Once it is built I will unload caulk, wood fill and paint or stain, unsure yet what the final decision is going to be,

The reason I am loading it as we go is that I have conference tables FULL of books, games, etc. to go on this unit and by having everything put on it I am building so it fits all my needs.

Today was peg day..Makes it go so much easier and seems solid.

LINDA has been a life saver with this project!!!

I need to run I leave for Jacksonville in the morning. My first of two visits to Hope Haven Clinic. It is a very long drive with the two little guys so wish me luck! No lap top, two much responsibility alone with Lucas and Jordan so I will post when we return.

Photos of the Library shelf

Balancing a full load

I have the younger five alone this weekend so blogging is back stage...LOL Now to tell you what we are doing. I have DUMPED every what not drawer, bucket, bin, bag and tote I own. I sorted into other specific bins. One for the shed(tools, household fix up items) Another for laundry room items; inside cleaning, laundry, linens; Another for "batteries" Yes we have so many battery operated items we have a place in our home for batteries to be re-charged and stored. The final bin was for the what most call a garage; decorations, PODS Angels "stuff" and items seasonal for our home or annual parties. Yep, the kids helped. It got a bit wired at times as they lost focus on the main goal for today...lots of lost treasures found.. BUT we have all our things in all the right areas (not places) I will go to each area and sort and put away everything into it's place later.

for new readers; my adult children are all out on their own. I took claim of my house and gave all the ones not living here until January 1st to have whatever they wanted out of this house so I could make it "MINE" again. Now that I have taken claim of my house...which I have owned since 1990 and have collected and stored and stashed and shoved since 1990 in ...is getting a cleaning like it has never seen before.

For now, you can envision how I must stay focused attending to the kids and not blogging...we are on a roll. No camera, no photos :o(

My wall unit (shelves) are perfect!!!!

I am so thrilled even if it is half completed, I have unloaded all the books we have had packed away while I dreamed of this getting done for years... You have NO IDEA how this makes me feel. I have put up 28 feet TWENTY EIGHT FEET of upright books on shelves and I am not even done!!! The kids got so excited to see their books all available. I had been getting a box out and packing one back and now they can see them all... A REAL LIBRARY in our home. the computer stations put us at another stopping point. We want to do this perfect so we are going to use pegs as supports. It is turning out better than I had really thought. Linda is the key, she is helping me take my time, do each piece until perfect and has all the tools to do it perfect.

I have to buy two new computer towers and one 19 inch flat screen to mount because the ones we have are too old to connect and some parts missing...I had a friend of a friend "tune the towers up" and now Linda discovered parts missing. This is a little set back. She said the Playstation 2 station needs a flat TV small and not to hook into the computer; again, I am learning. One day at a time. I have the vision of the end result!! We are going to continue more on Monday. I hope to get photos...I am sure no one is going to lend me their camera so I have to depend on others to stop by and take pics and email them to me..LOL

Kaitlyn and Keirsten are spending the night with Michelle and my other four are sound asleep as I continue to sort through the books which will go on the top half of the wall unit. Most of the top half will be reference books and books for lending which deal with Adoption, Disabilities, Self help issues and Parenting.

I need to call a young man who has continued to be a good friend. (I dated his Dad) He is 30 and has Down syndrome. Off for now..photos as soon as any come in to me...I am camera-less.

FRIDAY how in the world did it come so fast...

I can not believe this week flew by. This morning went well even with adding breakfast on to my routine for Lucas. For some reason he is not eating at school and is loosing too much weight. I am feeding him as soon as I get him off the bus a full meal and he will eat his dinner on top of that and a bedtime snack. This makes it very difficult for my children who can not eat so much because they are gaining weight just by looking at food right now. BALANCE..
I am hoping with OT and PT underway at school possibly it will improve or an IEP stating they must feed him what he can not self feed. The teacher said "he doesn't like it" It is what he ate here already and eats a fresh portion when he gets home. It is not that he doesn't like it. Some times he makes faces if there is a chunk bigger than he would like it to be... If we would chew it for him he would be happy. I have been down this road once and so it is old school for me and here he gave up trying to get out of chewing... If feeding him took 2 hours he ate until it was done.... Now it is; get to the table, eat and go play.... much more fun. The behavioral support person was here a good part of yesterday and commented on Lucas gains. Asked if I have been video taping.. That would be with my third arm... LOL I miss many opportunities of taping because I would #1 loose the moment and #2 don't have a third arm. He plays with the boys so well; runs, teases, and interacts as if he was never any where but here. Yesterday he spoke a word 'Yes" to the behavioral person and us all there to hear it. He has the cutest voice and when "HE" heard it so clear he was so proud of himself. His eye contact is growing longer and more meaningful. I just can not say how well he is doing...He is showing everyone.

The kids will all be in school today a 1/2 of a day and I am running to Lehigh to pick up Linda so we can move forward on the shelves. The weather here is C_O_L_D and I really do not care how much COLDER it is any where else, it is COLD here and here is where I am...LOL

I talked to my friend about a ski trip soon, it isn't that I do not like snow and cold...I just like to plan it, prepare for it and enjoy it... not have to deal with early mornings, kids, showers, coats, shopping, house cleaning... If it is cold, I should be in some cute warm fuzzy something snuggled next to a fireplace with friends doing nothing .....or in my ski suit on the slopes/snowmobile suit races across acres of land. That is my idea of cold.

Mom...she's wearing my pants again.....

Oh my goodness does it ever stop????? Having three girls wearing the same size is crazy. Many aspects it is a bonus but when they get things as gifts and claim them as "theirs" or just the ones who have "favorites" it s crazy. Kaitlyn is forever saying,,,, Mom, she has on my pants again. Then it goes to persistence to get them off of Keirsten and on goes the babbling about how she is not like her..She is not like Keirsten, she is nice and Keirsten is mean because she wears "my pants" I am not like that she is rambling... I have learned controlled ignoring but when I bust out laughing because it goes to levels just silly crazy.... GIRLS STOP!!!

Kaitlyn does NOT back down nor ever forgets.. She can tell me which pair of pants Keirsten wore on what day last week and if they have made it back to her from the laundry. Isn't there movie about sister and pants already?? I need to rent it for these girls.

I think I am feeling a little tired.......

This morning we went to the Neurologist for Tressa and Jordan. It was a very informative and well spent meeting. We were out at Healthpark by 7:30am and got into the CMS clinic right away. I guess my being more organized made a world of difference. It meant keeping Kaitlyn home from school today because it was in conflict with her bus pick up time. She and I need to go to the music store to get her clarinet repaired so this will be a good day for that. The kids have 1/2 days of school so it makes no sense to take them now. I think I will take some time to relax. Mandie comes and then I will get on the Ball to get food shopping completed for a four day weekend. IT IS COLD HERE!!!! I need to pick up some more logs for a fire!

Cortisol results here!! YIPPEEE

email is here:
Tressa actually passed the stimulation test with a peak cortisol of 27 (want it >18) which is great news!!! I will rest easier tonight!
Good night

MRI while watching DVD

IV in and breakfast left handed..