Saturday, March 26, 2011
Everything about Tressa's education academically is right on
Tressa is second in the Pringle's in public education. She is repeating the second grade and doing much much better for the most part in completing her work, trying hard more times than not..She is on the general education track with no work modified taking the FCAT. She has her day modified to help meet her disability although her teach in my opinion having her a second year is feeling some parental grieving.. She is struggling with the effects of PWS ... Tressa is doing the "picking" which is consistent to the OCD that comes with a person having this diagnosis. not that we are not trying to deal with ways to curb it. Her teacher is very upset with the self inflicted harm and results which is blood all over her clothing.. I have gotten several calls about the break downs of self injurious behaviors.. I go to the school and Tressa wants to stay because she does not want to miss her AR tests.. Tressa picks her fingers BAD...I agree. She has melt downs over some things we would never see of value... She is food seeking more than 6 months ago (it comes and goes at this level) We are in PWS crisis...and her teacher is very close to her from a second year and it appears she is having more trouble dealing with the PWS behaviors than before...wants them to go away... She is very loving and kind but very very firm and consistent with Tressa which is all the reason why Tressa is doing so well in school. Damn PWS is one of the most cruel disabilities I have been in contact with.
TWO I E P' s this week are making me think deep on what the future education plan is for the Pringle's...is it time I bring in the Federal level DOE to see the nonsense I live through... I need to figure out exactly where my energy needs directed to better serve my children.. I have fought a good fight here locally and they seem to do for the surface and let my children\en's as well as many many others fall to the side 99% of the time.
I want to share with you all....
Lucas is the youngest in public education. he is learning about space...SPACIAL CONCEPT of where his body is in our world...like here is my arm, there are two arms on my body and lets see what they can do and that they are here every day I wake up... My feet are finally moving in the right direction and I can keep up with a faster pace than last year which I can create some real drama if I just use those feet/legs endlessly, carelessly in any direction that allows me to escape.. (just run to run) he loves to be carefree and just move... (which is very dangerous in most of his situations if not 100% supervised) He has minimal at best concept between a cow and a tea cup. YET..... I am not exaggerating and I will post a photo... he is doing worksheets eons over his head about...well you can see for your own eyes and tell me what is his purpose in this educational setting... REALLY.
He is getting B's and C's on his report card. Says he is a sweet boy, They are pleased with the progress, having more good days than not good days, echoing sounds from adult role models...and is starting to come willingly when he is called..loves coming to school and playing with his classmates... He is in the middle of a BIP because they are having troubles with him being very destructive at school..nothing we have at home, it is not allowed.
This darling little boy is being kept in an institution, when he had two
approved parents come over to adopt him, but they were denied. They were
denied because the judge said he was "socially unadaptable due to his
medical condition." His medical condition is Down syndrome!! He was denied
a loving family, because he has Down syndrome. Please help us get the word
out there about his injustice. Please say prayers for this family, that
somehow a miracle can help them bring their little boy home. Watch this
video and you will see he is not socially unadaptable at all, in fact, watch
to the end, and your heart will melt! This is proof that he is able to love,
and more importantly, able to be loved! Yes, it is possible to love
children with Down syndrome, even if this judge finds it hard to believe.
Not only is it possible, it is impossible not to love our children who have
Down syndrome. Love does not discriminate! Sadly, many believe that with
her, which is why there is an IDSC for Life in the first place!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7LO6Tfvd3I&feature=player_embedded
Thank you for keeping this family in your prayers.
Please share this, let's help this family through this time.
approved parents come over to adopt him, but they were denied. They were
denied because the judge said he was "socially unadaptable due to his
medical condition." His medical condition is Down syndrome!! He was denied
a loving family, because he has Down syndrome. Please help us get the word
out there about his injustice. Please say prayers for this family, that
somehow a miracle can help them bring their little boy home. Watch this
video and you will see he is not socially unadaptable at all, in fact, watch
to the end, and your heart will melt! This is proof that he is able to love,
and more importantly, able to be loved! Yes, it is possible to love
children with Down syndrome, even if this judge finds it hard to believe.
Not only is it possible, it is impossible not to love our children who have
Down syndrome. Love does not discriminate! Sadly, many believe that with
her, which is why there is an IDSC for Life in the first place!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7LO6Tfvd3I&feature=player_embedded
Thank you for keeping this family in your prayers.
Please share this, let's help this family through this time.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Smiles & hand shakes behind the SUITS
The ride to Tallahassee was uneventful... The kids watched their DVD's a little Charlie and the Choco Factory, which I never knew used the R word.. Karate kid 2 was played 2 times, Alvin and the chipmunks, Sponge Bob and Scooby Do.... Yes I know them well. I love the person who decided to put DVD's in automobiles. Our first fill up was $80.00, then $97 more got us to tally, $48 topped it off $87 more got us home... man oh man...FCC8 will cover the gas thank goodness. THANK YOU FCC8!
Once at the hotel we went to the pool for the kids to unwind. We then went for showers to get dressed up for a dinner party. The FDDC council invited and covered our room and dinner... THANK YOU FDDC!!!!! The speeches from self advocates always lite me on fire.. and all the helpful tips of how to say what we need to say in 3 minutes or less... Talking points ... We did run into more "officials" on my secret path which I will share in hopes you will not take it over next year...LOL but try it as well...
The night ended with a visit from Kaitlyn's Birth Mother, she drove to have some face to face time not only with Kailtyn but all the kids.
We got to bed fairly early to get up and get moving.. we had 7 appointments to meet with mainly staffers since the powers at be are in meetings. We find staffers are really the information highway to the bills any way. The kids had simple hand outs to leave with each office nicely wrapped for they would remember them...APRONS!!! yes, we took APRONS. our little "extra" please remember who made this for you, when they take it home and put it to use. We found one person in every office who embraced the aprons and tears often followed. The kids were quick to identify which one they made. We lost the camera last night and my camera on my cell phone was min at best for indoors and went dead at 11 am...:o(
So we get a few appointments complete and move to the viewing floor...Floor 22 where we waited over 30 minutes for an elevator when a electrician said "Casey" to my Steven.. and he seemed puzzled he didn't respond...but Casey was another boy who looked like Steven.. but this man was our ticket to floor 22, HE HAD THE KEYS!!! With a turn of the key an elevator came and escorted us straight to floor 22.....LOL
Down to the court yard and pizza is served by ARC of Florida..THANK YOU!!! Jordan thought the Governor ordered it just for him...Jordan actually seized the moment when I was solo with the kids to go to the stand and take an entire case of bagged cookies.. NO ONE STOPPED HIM, I begged him to take the box back...it took a lot of convincing and he got lots of praise by a gentleman for making the right choice...then Keirsten pipes up, why ...other people were taking boxes (staff of ARC passing them out) LOL You would understand the humor at this point that when we went to the Gov office a couple things were too funny. Tressa walked in like she owned the place and informed them she was there for lunch with Gov. Scott...She assumed all this time SHE was having lunch personally with the Governor. Well a little melt down and she wrote him a note in his office we moved on..for Jordan to run up to former Gov Jeb Bush life size photo on the wall yelling "THAT'S MY DAD!" I was shocked... he remembered meeting him but more hysterical he placed the world Dad with him... LOL He was loud and many heard him....LOL
So our secret.... We went out to the side walk which leads to the downtown eateries...YES the officials DO NOT EAT LUNCH IN THE CAPITAL.... they sneak out side doors and swiftly walk to the sidewalks to the down town areas while thousands are seating in the courtyard for speeches.. WHO COULD WALK PAST MY CREW.... We go hand shakes, several 3 minute speeches made , more than 7 which took a lot of time to complete... I focus on those coming back with full bellies and they all stop...They all wish us a wonderful day, shake our hands and make small talk... but they get a card, they put it in their pocket and we get a free ride back to their office where we see our card on their staffers desk later or some maybe kept in their pocket and it rode home with them. One thing is for sure...they will remember the faces of all 7 of my children, their smiles and their mishaps...Jordan cut his thumb and blood was every where which stirred some commotion. VERY NICE MEN IN SUITS.. and yes the woman were equally as nice, not as many stopped, but equally friendly.
Once at the hotel we went to the pool for the kids to unwind. We then went for showers to get dressed up for a dinner party. The FDDC council invited and covered our room and dinner... THANK YOU FDDC!!!!! The speeches from self advocates always lite me on fire.. and all the helpful tips of how to say what we need to say in 3 minutes or less... Talking points ... We did run into more "officials" on my secret path which I will share in hopes you will not take it over next year...LOL but try it as well...
The night ended with a visit from Kaitlyn's Birth Mother, she drove to have some face to face time not only with Kailtyn but all the kids.
We got to bed fairly early to get up and get moving.. we had 7 appointments to meet with mainly staffers since the powers at be are in meetings. We find staffers are really the information highway to the bills any way. The kids had simple hand outs to leave with each office nicely wrapped for they would remember them...APRONS!!! yes, we took APRONS. our little "extra" please remember who made this for you, when they take it home and put it to use. We found one person in every office who embraced the aprons and tears often followed. The kids were quick to identify which one they made. We lost the camera last night and my camera on my cell phone was min at best for indoors and went dead at 11 am...:o(
So we get a few appointments complete and move to the viewing floor...Floor 22 where we waited over 30 minutes for an elevator when a electrician said "Casey" to my Steven.. and he seemed puzzled he didn't respond...but Casey was another boy who looked like Steven.. but this man was our ticket to floor 22, HE HAD THE KEYS!!! With a turn of the key an elevator came and escorted us straight to floor 22.....LOL
Down to the court yard and pizza is served by ARC of Florida..THANK YOU!!! Jordan thought the Governor ordered it just for him...Jordan actually seized the moment when I was solo with the kids to go to the stand and take an entire case of bagged cookies.. NO ONE STOPPED HIM, I begged him to take the box back...it took a lot of convincing and he got lots of praise by a gentleman for making the right choice...then Keirsten pipes up, why ...other people were taking boxes (staff of ARC passing them out) LOL You would understand the humor at this point that when we went to the Gov office a couple things were too funny. Tressa walked in like she owned the place and informed them she was there for lunch with Gov. Scott...She assumed all this time SHE was having lunch personally with the Governor. Well a little melt down and she wrote him a note in his office we moved on..for Jordan to run up to former Gov Jeb Bush life size photo on the wall yelling "THAT'S MY DAD!" I was shocked... he remembered meeting him but more hysterical he placed the world Dad with him... LOL He was loud and many heard him....LOL
So our secret.... We went out to the side walk which leads to the downtown eateries...YES the officials DO NOT EAT LUNCH IN THE CAPITAL.... they sneak out side doors and swiftly walk to the sidewalks to the down town areas while thousands are seating in the courtyard for speeches.. WHO COULD WALK PAST MY CREW.... We go hand shakes, several 3 minute speeches made , more than 7 which took a lot of time to complete... I focus on those coming back with full bellies and they all stop...They all wish us a wonderful day, shake our hands and make small talk... but they get a card, they put it in their pocket and we get a free ride back to their office where we see our card on their staffers desk later or some maybe kept in their pocket and it rode home with them. One thing is for sure...they will remember the faces of all 7 of my children, their smiles and their mishaps...Jordan cut his thumb and blood was every where which stirred some commotion. VERY NICE MEN IN SUITS.. and yes the woman were equally as nice, not as many stopped, but equally friendly.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
The past week was a busy one for sure yet not near as busy as this week or next for us. I am working with a builder to add on to our home. I have some amazing human beings contacting me to try and make this a reality. When the figure came in that it would be at best about 90K I knew that the credit union would never..Then we had some volunteers from the past and some hopeful product donations which all would help although who knows when the rubber hits the road... but I have a good feeling, I hope it is a good feeling. So that had me digging for plans, past assessments and information collecting to find some one to get blueprints.
I made an appointment to talk to Steven's principal which is in the morning. A simple conversation to get him safely to the end of this year. I did talk to the staffing specialist and gave my plan because she and I seem to have the same goals for Steven and we both see the current is not successful. I am excited for my teens for next year. Very excited.
I did go to Orlando for the state wide meeting. It was a juggling act to get the supports in place in the home for me to get out the door and take a couple to make it all balance. I even took the van for an oil change and fluids filled etc.. As we traveled up to Orlando all excited to hit a few outlet malls for some window shopping...I-4 was BUMPER TO BUMPER, the van alarms going off, it is over heating.
When all else fails find I walmart I say...
I bought supplies but too hot to open, we find the outlet mall and park it in the garage... 2 hours and still too hot... I pray and race to the hotel.. we make it and I park it...
In the evening I put the coolant in and the stop leak ... let it run 15 minutes with the heat on and idle. it doesn't get hot.. Ok, I run with out the heater, it doesn't get hot.. I will check it in the morning to see if it is still full..
I am loving the girl time but really really missing the adult only time... I usually did the state meetings without the kids.. I feel guilty when I have fun without the kids.. not even fun fun fun, just adult conversation and not wiping a face at the table.. just me to be responsible for.
I wake early for my meeting for the day... WOW how much can one brain take in in one day. Lots of notes because I really feel like I need to be up on everything that has to do with the future of my children.
The van appears to be safe to drive home, we will keep a watchful eye and stop for dinner not to push it and see.... it is all good. I vent the entire ride home with other parents about all that is happening in government in our state.. it is what I do after I go to a brain power meeting... get as much out and into the next parent as I can as fresh as it is with all the fire inside me to have them call another parent and so on.
The weekend was full, we had a Birthday party Sunday which all my children were invited to which was in an amazing part of Florida. I love the country, we need the city, just country at heart. now we have one day to prepare to go to Tallahassee and I have no idea how I am going to pull this off... Thursday Emma turns two and Friday we have an event in Punta Gorda for Make A Wish air show event..the kids were invited to Sail on Saturday at Apollo Beach then Bush gardens Sunday-Monday9pre-paid) .... OH MY GOODNESS, OH MY GOODNESS.... gas alone stopped the Sailing event.. then how will I pull the rest out of my hat..I DO NOT KNOW, as Jordan often says. I DO NOT KNOW..
I made an appointment to talk to Steven's principal which is in the morning. A simple conversation to get him safely to the end of this year. I did talk to the staffing specialist and gave my plan because she and I seem to have the same goals for Steven and we both see the current is not successful. I am excited for my teens for next year. Very excited.
I did go to Orlando for the state wide meeting. It was a juggling act to get the supports in place in the home for me to get out the door and take a couple to make it all balance. I even took the van for an oil change and fluids filled etc.. As we traveled up to Orlando all excited to hit a few outlet malls for some window shopping...I-4 was BUMPER TO BUMPER, the van alarms going off, it is over heating.
When all else fails find I walmart I say...
I bought supplies but too hot to open, we find the outlet mall and park it in the garage... 2 hours and still too hot... I pray and race to the hotel.. we make it and I park it...
In the evening I put the coolant in and the stop leak ... let it run 15 minutes with the heat on and idle. it doesn't get hot.. Ok, I run with out the heater, it doesn't get hot.. I will check it in the morning to see if it is still full..
I am loving the girl time but really really missing the adult only time... I usually did the state meetings without the kids.. I feel guilty when I have fun without the kids.. not even fun fun fun, just adult conversation and not wiping a face at the table.. just me to be responsible for.
I wake early for my meeting for the day... WOW how much can one brain take in in one day. Lots of notes because I really feel like I need to be up on everything that has to do with the future of my children.
The van appears to be safe to drive home, we will keep a watchful eye and stop for dinner not to push it and see.... it is all good. I vent the entire ride home with other parents about all that is happening in government in our state.. it is what I do after I go to a brain power meeting... get as much out and into the next parent as I can as fresh as it is with all the fire inside me to have them call another parent and so on.
The weekend was full, we had a Birthday party Sunday which all my children were invited to which was in an amazing part of Florida. I love the country, we need the city, just country at heart. now we have one day to prepare to go to Tallahassee and I have no idea how I am going to pull this off... Thursday Emma turns two and Friday we have an event in Punta Gorda for Make A Wish air show event..the kids were invited to Sail on Saturday at Apollo Beach then Bush gardens Sunday-Monday9pre-paid) .... OH MY GOODNESS, OH MY GOODNESS.... gas alone stopped the Sailing event.. then how will I pull the rest out of my hat..I DO NOT KNOW, as Jordan often says. I DO NOT KNOW..
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Emma and her self confidence or lacking there of...
She is not walking free yet. She pushes the chair and now a few toys..BUT THE FUNNIEST is that she will not stand in the middle of the room solo. She crawled over to the LeapFrog hand held toy and got feet and hands on the floor grabbing the toy.. then bends her kneew and gets to a stand in the middle of the room with no one around and she leans forward as if the toy was a solid base she is holding on too... LOL she carefully holds the toy and moves one hand as iff her fingers are holding herself up... I am laughing hysterically on the couch watching this girl trick herself to stand all by herself... This morning it was a big toy you drop balls down into and she was standing next to it and had the idea that she must hold it to stand.. Ms Jan was here and we all sat still watching Miss Emma stand completely on her own, then pick up this large toy as if it was holding her stand...LOL It happens so quickly I can not get it on video... I need a 24/7 video camera on this house hold ... LOL I wish you all could experience the funny moment..
Tonight kaitlyn came up to me with a hige hug said. "Mom, you are my best sister, you are my sister Mom" I explained after a lengthy hug moment that no, I am Mom and not her sister... She pushed me away and said. well I do not like you .. LOL She is a riot. So I go get her to put the dishes away and it was as if it never happened... She must have been thinking something???
Tonight kaitlyn came up to me with a hige hug said. "Mom, you are my best sister, you are my sister Mom" I explained after a lengthy hug moment that no, I am Mom and not her sister... She pushed me away and said. well I do not like you .. LOL She is a riot. So I go get her to put the dishes away and it was as if it never happened... She must have been thinking something???
Friday, March 11, 2011
Oh isn't teaching teens so much fun....
It has been a busy week and facebook has been the max of me keeping friends and family informed.
Keirsten...oh Keirsten.... She is 17 going on 7 at times...I only wish I could say different some days.. The reality of turning 18 and the threats she has made for the COUNTDOWN TO LEAVE... LOL are in the face.... She is finding everything a little more real at this point. How do you shop on $50.00 Oh my ... is the bank not the supplier of endless funds, you mean really there is an end to the checking account...balance?? what is that... Yes, we are working on reality 101... I have her figuring out her budget..she is struggling because she would like a 2 story with a pool but thinks $200.00 a month rent is reasonable..yes for a two story with a pool... See, I have my work cut out for me so we are starting small. We have done all the thrift shops and I am logging down all their special days, You can hit the red cross on Tuesday for 1/2 price and Goodwill is 1/2 price if you only look at the color of the week. You can find a deal in about one of them each outing as long as you stick to your NEED list. I need a black pair of slacks for an interview...no that does not mean buy 7 shirts for the beach... Well, you know she is 17 and the whole 2nd hand store is good information to have but she says let's go to Platos closet they are $5.00... well, she thought everything she liked there was $5.00 and what the heck is EACH... EACH means $5.00 times 7 thats $10.00 right??? NOT it is too much money when you have $50 and need to get food too.. remember she really only NEEDS a pair of black slacks...LOL Then she wants steak.. she sees $4.89 a lb and picks up a pack of steaks... gets to pay and says no no no the sign said $4.89... OH A POUND (what does that mean) means your steaks are over a lb... it has been a hard day for her... We went to the stores she likes: Macy's, Dillard's, Justice, Claire's, Bath and Body works, Belks, Beall's, JC Penney's and My point was to show her how I shop in these stores. I showed her how to quickly walk to the back of the store and look for the word Clearance. She was into it...quick stepped to 50% off... I explained no no no we are looking for clearance racks...CLEARANCE.. 70 to 95% off and we have some additional 40% off coupons.. YES I DO~ I got two sweaters from justice..$39.50 each orig price I paid under $3.00 each and a huge pack of socks at justice $2.00... We went to Belk and found Kaitlyn a $45.00 pair of designer jeans for $4.48 and then to Claires where we got $1.00 items and you will not believe the items we found....CHACHING! Then to Dillards where we got many items over $30.00 for $4.00 OK, Did Keirsten do this well... She is in the learning stages..There were the oh mom but look at these shorts...to die for..(yep, when she gets a job we'll see how to die for)Then when places where it said buy 2 get one free...she was so excited.. NOT A DEAL. She was so frustrated at times but I kept pointing out we need to dig, shop and find deals. It will take a few more trips and her exploring on her own and eating roman noodles for a week to really learn.. I can feel she is going to choose the hard road in this lesson planning.
Keirsten...oh Keirsten.... She is 17 going on 7 at times...I only wish I could say different some days.. The reality of turning 18 and the threats she has made for the COUNTDOWN TO LEAVE... LOL are in the face.... She is finding everything a little more real at this point. How do you shop on $50.00 Oh my ... is the bank not the supplier of endless funds, you mean really there is an end to the checking account...balance?? what is that... Yes, we are working on reality 101... I have her figuring out her budget..she is struggling because she would like a 2 story with a pool but thinks $200.00 a month rent is reasonable..yes for a two story with a pool... See, I have my work cut out for me so we are starting small. We have done all the thrift shops and I am logging down all their special days, You can hit the red cross on Tuesday for 1/2 price and Goodwill is 1/2 price if you only look at the color of the week. You can find a deal in about one of them each outing as long as you stick to your NEED list. I need a black pair of slacks for an interview...no that does not mean buy 7 shirts for the beach... Well, you know she is 17 and the whole 2nd hand store is good information to have but she says let's go to Platos closet they are $5.00... well, she thought everything she liked there was $5.00 and what the heck is EACH... EACH means $5.00 times 7 thats $10.00 right??? NOT it is too much money when you have $50 and need to get food too.. remember she really only NEEDS a pair of black slacks...LOL Then she wants steak.. she sees $4.89 a lb and picks up a pack of steaks... gets to pay and says no no no the sign said $4.89... OH A POUND (what does that mean) means your steaks are over a lb... it has been a hard day for her... We went to the stores she likes: Macy's, Dillard's, Justice, Claire's, Bath and Body works, Belks, Beall's, JC Penney's and My point was to show her how I shop in these stores. I showed her how to quickly walk to the back of the store and look for the word Clearance. She was into it...quick stepped to 50% off... I explained no no no we are looking for clearance racks...CLEARANCE.. 70 to 95% off and we have some additional 40% off coupons.. YES I DO~ I got two sweaters from justice..$39.50 each orig price I paid under $3.00 each and a huge pack of socks at justice $2.00... We went to Belk and found Kaitlyn a $45.00 pair of designer jeans for $4.48 and then to Claires where we got $1.00 items and you will not believe the items we found....CHACHING! Then to Dillards where we got many items over $30.00 for $4.00 OK, Did Keirsten do this well... She is in the learning stages..There were the oh mom but look at these shorts...to die for..(yep, when she gets a job we'll see how to die for)Then when places where it said buy 2 get one free...she was so excited.. NOT A DEAL. She was so frustrated at times but I kept pointing out we need to dig, shop and find deals. It will take a few more trips and her exploring on her own and eating roman noodles for a week to really learn.. I can feel she is going to choose the hard road in this lesson planning.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
It seems my days are not as structured as they use to be... Having a teen in the home daily is not the way for me to have balance... She needs to get to school or work. No free ride here baby.... I can already tell Home School for me is not in any one's best interest.... There is a reason Public Schooling came into play. I want my time, I want to have everyone in their space doing their thing to be a better person and laying on the couch watching TV in my opinion is not healthy.. I also feel the financial tug of a teen in my pocket every day...
Well today I discovered much of my un balance is do to my teen not taking her medication... Yes, she feels cured so no longer wants to take her medication... Well last night I suspected and hid her bottles of medication. This morning when she went to take her medication she came out of the kitchen stating she took her medication... I always give her 20 min kick in time.. Today right at 10 minutes I asked..Did you take your medication? YESS!!! Really YESSSSSSS I said sure sounds like you didn't let me see... where was your medication.. She started moving to the kitchen and stating where it belongs... OH REALLY.... GOTCHA!!!
So she took her medication and I checked tongue and cheek without her pleasure... Oh Well....
the day moves on much smoother in 20 minutes... Aihhhhhh I feel the calm.... it is such a difference for me let alone her I can not deal with her off meds. So we get ready for the builder... yes, I am moving forward with the add on... I can not wait until a magical dream house falls from the sky. You know the lottery numbers have not hit, the miracle man has not crossed my path and no blooming money tree in my yard... I move on to plan 4003685.. I have a plan that is a plan... The builder said I have done EVERYTHING right to keep it possible on a shoe string budget.. It is a simple box... no fancy smancy just bedrooms, baths and spaces to put things away... I was thrilled completely tickled pink that my plan for the front of the house is going to work out..TEAR down the front bedroom,, large front room and I am getting a fireplace.... A real wood burning fireplace... no I did not tell him that yet but in time... I will go get the thing and have it sitting here... He said lets get started and I can give him my to do list.. I will have all the supplies he will have the men... lots and lots of men... LOL I will be sure to have ice cold tea.... ok, coolers of cold beer at 5p,. I need to get back over to Budweiser and start smoooozing.... Maybe Coke will donate??? I am going to be a busy girl. NOW I have to work on financing this project... 90K can not be the stumbling block.. I did the loan calculator.. $550 a month... ok, then... I am now doing a remodel, so my taxes are safe under the Homestead... The electric will actually balance out since we will be fixing the major errors in efficiency..new windows and doors...new duct work... I am a planner, I need to know I will be solid on my feet once on the other side of a project. I can envision it.. now it is making all the dollars/ducks fall into row....
STEP ONE: I am on a mission to find a licensed architect to reduce fees to be a nice guy and get me permit able plans...you know everyone needs compensated for their time and talent but please give me Medicaid rate..LOL can you imagine if I asked for that???LOL
Well today I discovered much of my un balance is do to my teen not taking her medication... Yes, she feels cured so no longer wants to take her medication... Well last night I suspected and hid her bottles of medication. This morning when she went to take her medication she came out of the kitchen stating she took her medication... I always give her 20 min kick in time.. Today right at 10 minutes I asked..Did you take your medication? YESS!!! Really YESSSSSSS I said sure sounds like you didn't let me see... where was your medication.. She started moving to the kitchen and stating where it belongs... OH REALLY.... GOTCHA!!!
So she took her medication and I checked tongue and cheek without her pleasure... Oh Well....
the day moves on much smoother in 20 minutes... Aihhhhhh I feel the calm.... it is such a difference for me let alone her I can not deal with her off meds. So we get ready for the builder... yes, I am moving forward with the add on... I can not wait until a magical dream house falls from the sky. You know the lottery numbers have not hit, the miracle man has not crossed my path and no blooming money tree in my yard... I move on to plan 4003685.. I have a plan that is a plan... The builder said I have done EVERYTHING right to keep it possible on a shoe string budget.. It is a simple box... no fancy smancy just bedrooms, baths and spaces to put things away... I was thrilled completely tickled pink that my plan for the front of the house is going to work out..TEAR down the front bedroom,, large front room and I am getting a fireplace.... A real wood burning fireplace... no I did not tell him that yet but in time... I will go get the thing and have it sitting here... He said lets get started and I can give him my to do list.. I will have all the supplies he will have the men... lots and lots of men... LOL I will be sure to have ice cold tea.... ok, coolers of cold beer at 5p,. I need to get back over to Budweiser and start smoooozing.... Maybe Coke will donate??? I am going to be a busy girl. NOW I have to work on financing this project... 90K can not be the stumbling block.. I did the loan calculator.. $550 a month... ok, then... I am now doing a remodel, so my taxes are safe under the Homestead... The electric will actually balance out since we will be fixing the major errors in efficiency..new windows and doors...new duct work... I am a planner, I need to know I will be solid on my feet once on the other side of a project. I can envision it.. now it is making all the dollars/ducks fall into row....
STEP ONE: I am on a mission to find a licensed architect to reduce fees to be a nice guy and get me permit able plans...you know everyone needs compensated for their time and talent but please give me Medicaid rate..LOL can you imagine if I asked for that???LOL
Monday, March 7, 2011
A house with no secrets... no personal conversations, no private space..this is where I live.
My day started out with the lists from the weekend, a productive day it would be --that is what the lists indicated for sure.. on top of productive we were going to walk the mall for some exercise and emotional boost for a teen to be "productive" a long side her Mom. So the plan was in motion... UNTIL, we have one pit stop to a full pick up, Jordan has the runs... we try to stay on course just a new path.. not going well...Teen is disappointed and like many she is showing her teen #*@ So I run into the store and get necessary items to continue our progress.
I am feeling the let down and stress from trying to hold to a plan which we would have never written for four..well not this fourth person... So now.. I am home, Lucas comes in and we are getting on track, the new track, battery changed in Lucas' lowjack... and then Lucas lets loose with the runs... ALL OVER THE PLAYROOM and covering the bottom of his shoes so now all over the house...and Emma is 99% still crawling so she is packed into her Tripp Trapp chair..I grab Lucas, keirsten grabs the bleach.. Ok you feel it... I am not loving it right now and then...the doorbell rings.. low and behold the monthly drop in from the support coordinator is NOW! RIGHT NOW! I need to sit and talk about my NEEDS....LOL boy he went packing with an ear full. LOL
Then the phone rings..it is the builder I contacted to add on to my home.. RIGHT NOW.. in the middle of it all... LOL I press with the conversation not thinking EVERYONE is with in ear range. I am paying dearly right now as I type..Jordan has the entire show planned, he is motioning demolition..LOL he is full of excitement of "more house." "more my house" Oh I just need them to go to sleep. I have so much to do...
My day started out with the lists from the weekend, a productive day it would be --that is what the lists indicated for sure.. on top of productive we were going to walk the mall for some exercise and emotional boost for a teen to be "productive" a long side her Mom. So the plan was in motion... UNTIL, we have one pit stop to a full pick up, Jordan has the runs... we try to stay on course just a new path.. not going well...Teen is disappointed and like many she is showing her teen #*@ So I run into the store and get necessary items to continue our progress.
I am feeling the let down and stress from trying to hold to a plan which we would have never written for four..well not this fourth person... So now.. I am home, Lucas comes in and we are getting on track, the new track, battery changed in Lucas' lowjack... and then Lucas lets loose with the runs... ALL OVER THE PLAYROOM and covering the bottom of his shoes so now all over the house...and Emma is 99% still crawling so she is packed into her Tripp Trapp chair..I grab Lucas, keirsten grabs the bleach.. Ok you feel it... I am not loving it right now and then...the doorbell rings.. low and behold the monthly drop in from the support coordinator is NOW! RIGHT NOW! I need to sit and talk about my NEEDS....LOL boy he went packing with an ear full. LOL
Then the phone rings..it is the builder I contacted to add on to my home.. RIGHT NOW.. in the middle of it all... LOL I press with the conversation not thinking EVERYONE is with in ear range. I am paying dearly right now as I type..Jordan has the entire show planned, he is motioning demolition..LOL he is full of excitement of "more house." "more my house" Oh I just need them to go to sleep. I have so much to do...
Friday, March 4, 2011
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Today we celebrate Carmelo turning 4 years old, big plans for fun at 3:30 inside Chuck E Cheese. I have printed coupons, we have his gifts in the gift bag and now waiting for the little ones to get out of school.
We went to the thrift shop this morning to find some deals on walking shorts for Jordan and Kaitlyn. Jordan is in real need. Kaitlyn needs a pair of shoes. I found four pair which to me finding like new Abercrombie and Fitch Quality shorts in new condition and size 31 waist for $3.00 CHA CHING!!!! ring em up. I got another Tommy Bahama which will be perfect with a silk shirt for the cruise... yes I am a planner.
Our next stop was Ross for shoes but no go, the size 4 she found were YIKES and she really wanted them but i have a line..the shoes closed that line... She just wants new shoes, well I thought she wanted new shoes...i found a very cute pair of sketchers with Rhine stones, glitter and jewels on the side.. "I AM SIXTEEN MOM"
OK, we did find a really cool rolling bag sorta kinda like the rolling grocery bag if you walk tot he store makes it easy to get your things home. It is bigger and more beautiful and perfect for our travels when we go to a hotel and then need that something something to take everything we need to the pool... So it is our Hotel Pool bag. gotta love ROSS Price's. and Emma got a couple very cute outfits for her Birthday.
Over to Payless, the woman inside the store is trying to tell me a size four shoe for a little foot is the same as a 6 in women's... Ok maybe in their Payless shoes of shoe training it is but I have the foot --- it is attached to Kaitlyn's leg and it needs a teeny tiny foot and she fits into a child's 4 but they are all baby looking... so we go to the woman's 5 and no tennis shoes so we move to 5 1/2 and that was too big... I did look down at these very cute silver sandals... you know girlie girl and not TeVO looking... well they fit yippeee yahooo for me for a second, she quickly said I do not like them... So I look all cute and ask, but will you wear them for mommy??? NO! I WILL NOT WEAR THEM. LOL Gosh why did she have to get 16 so fast. I told her will will keep looking but now we need to go get some food and start home ...
We went to the thrift shop this morning to find some deals on walking shorts for Jordan and Kaitlyn. Jordan is in real need. Kaitlyn needs a pair of shoes. I found four pair which to me finding like new Abercrombie and Fitch Quality shorts in new condition and size 31 waist for $3.00 CHA CHING!!!! ring em up. I got another Tommy Bahama which will be perfect with a silk shirt for the cruise... yes I am a planner.
Our next stop was Ross for shoes but no go, the size 4 she found were YIKES and she really wanted them but i have a line..the shoes closed that line... She just wants new shoes, well I thought she wanted new shoes...i found a very cute pair of sketchers with Rhine stones, glitter and jewels on the side.. "I AM SIXTEEN MOM"
OK, we did find a really cool rolling bag sorta kinda like the rolling grocery bag if you walk tot he store makes it easy to get your things home. It is bigger and more beautiful and perfect for our travels when we go to a hotel and then need that something something to take everything we need to the pool... So it is our Hotel Pool bag. gotta love ROSS Price's. and Emma got a couple very cute outfits for her Birthday.
Over to Payless, the woman inside the store is trying to tell me a size four shoe for a little foot is the same as a 6 in women's... Ok maybe in their Payless shoes of shoe training it is but I have the foot --- it is attached to Kaitlyn's leg and it needs a teeny tiny foot and she fits into a child's 4 but they are all baby looking... so we go to the woman's 5 and no tennis shoes so we move to 5 1/2 and that was too big... I did look down at these very cute silver sandals... you know girlie girl and not TeVO looking... well they fit yippeee yahooo for me for a second, she quickly said I do not like them... So I look all cute and ask, but will you wear them for mommy??? NO! I WILL NOT WEAR THEM. LOL Gosh why did she have to get 16 so fast. I told her will will keep looking but now we need to go get some food and start home ...
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
when all else fails READ directions
FYI: when installing a food disposal DO NOT SKIP #15 you know the one with the RED stop sign that says STOP & READ ..... I read AFTER I smell my dishwasher motor burning up..... GO MARY
I think I just failed my contractors license test
BTW no where on the box did it say I need a hammer... faulty advertising I say
and I was so proud of myself .... before the burning smell....
SW Florida NEEDS FOSTER PARENTS sign up now
M.A.P.P. a required 10 week class is starting in Cape Coral March 28 tentatively, call Jackie at 239-461-7620 to get registered into the next MAPP class and become a foster parent.... THEY NEED YOU!
A day slash night in the life
The past few weeks have proven to be a test of my continued strength to push forward for all I believe in. I am facing the world of teenagers who are slightly different to raise than a teenager without a disability. I am all too aware of typical teenage rebellion as this is also part of my teens who have different abilities BUT the side kick is having so many more adults who feel they have a say in my children cause parenting clashes. I am now facing how to deal with a teen boy who feels power in playing Mom against his school and he has won round one... the school is falling right into his game. Well I am not so sure they are not a part of it..... still uncovering much of their part in all this.
I rarely get a full nights sleep, my household doesn't shut down for more than 2 or 3 hours. I have one or two that take until about midnight to fall asleep and I have other 2 or 3 that are up at 2 am, 3am or anywhere from there until the 6 am alarm goes off. Some nights it is a full fledged party going on... I can not count how many times I get up turn lights off, take a TV out, Take radios out, take alarm clock radio out, take toys out, close curtains, put shades back up, change sheets, take drinks or food out, put arts and crafts back out where they belong... Oh my so much goes on when they think Momma is sleeping.
Meanwhile, I get calls from school that Lucas wants to sleep at school, Tressa is tired and cranky at school, Kaitlyn is a bear in the morning. WELL THEY NEED TO SLEEP! (yes some are on meds to help them sleep, it is much worse without meds)
I wake at 3 am to the loud sound of hip hop music blasting from Steven's room, as I get out of bed there is Tressa going over my dresser to see if she can find anything.. She runs as I roll out of bed, and back into her room where I learn she has hooked up her TV and it is on... You must know Tressa went to school and told her teacher...I MAKE HER WATCH TV ALL NIGHT.... and then she has headaches. PLEASEEEEE..... then I open Steven's door he puts down the music to very low and Lucas is up on all fours on the top bunk just rocking away so crazy that he doesn't hear me but when the light goes on he quickly lays down and crawls under his covers... OOOOPPPPPSSSSS the party has ended.. I tell Steven to give me the boom box and it is going into the garbage. (this is not the first time he has pulled this stunt, nor the second) He yells back at me he is going to tell Michael (His ESE teacher) I offered him my phone... and he snarled at me. TEENAGERS!!!! remember it is 3:25 in the morning and I do have her cell number and boy oh boy I would have let him call if he made the slightest gesture he would...that's how I roll!
It comes time to wake up and yes, Lucas is sound asleep, Steven is grumpy and Kaitlyn who has been roaming all night from bed to couch to my room to couch is folded in half asleep on the couch... She is grumpy every morning until she is awake and has a shower so not sure a good nights sleep would change her issues, I hear that comes from her Paternal side...LOL (Hugs Sam) He admits one needs to stay 10 feet from him until he is "awake" she has been this way from the get go.
Steven is not wanting to cooperate, I know teen years are tough on all .. I have blogged about his scribbling in school which is very time consuming VERY TIME CONSUMING so I have questioned the school for a year and a half who is in charge, how does he get so much time so doodle on paper..I can not explain the amount so I will post a photo... It amazes me..He is very honest with me. Steven are you going to go to school to work or make pictures on pieces of paper. "pictures" really Steven? "yes" I have yet to get any work home from him in a year and a half..Yep, nothing comes home to show anything he does in school...nothing. When I get to the IEP the teachers will have folders of all this beautiful work, maybe their refrigerators have all his daily work on them because he brings NOTHING but papers that he has NO IDEA what they are home and none have any writing on them..just work sheets. I thought long and hard about my new plan for Steven and I will be (now that I know how) be adding many more videos of the kids... many many more videos of the kids... so many you might be able to put them together as a sitcom. I am not yet ready to claim home school, we are simply just not set up to make that journey successful but I am placing that on the table as an option in the future... lots of variables for the "if" pile...
Well it was bread run night last night which is always a stress release with Kaitlyn and I on our alone time jamming to tunes rocking out... she is a riot. Now I have to pull it together to deliver the bread and stop at the hardware store to finally install the new garbage disposal... or call a handyman because I am not too swift with tools. Then to walmart for food shopping ... I know my daughter has on her face book post she and her boyfriend are going to the coconut Mall with her mom but that simply was not in my day planner.... maybe tomorrow. That girl needs a J O B !
I rarely get a full nights sleep, my household doesn't shut down for more than 2 or 3 hours. I have one or two that take until about midnight to fall asleep and I have other 2 or 3 that are up at 2 am, 3am or anywhere from there until the 6 am alarm goes off. Some nights it is a full fledged party going on... I can not count how many times I get up turn lights off, take a TV out, Take radios out, take alarm clock radio out, take toys out, close curtains, put shades back up, change sheets, take drinks or food out, put arts and crafts back out where they belong... Oh my so much goes on when they think Momma is sleeping.
Meanwhile, I get calls from school that Lucas wants to sleep at school, Tressa is tired and cranky at school, Kaitlyn is a bear in the morning. WELL THEY NEED TO SLEEP! (yes some are on meds to help them sleep, it is much worse without meds)
I wake at 3 am to the loud sound of hip hop music blasting from Steven's room, as I get out of bed there is Tressa going over my dresser to see if she can find anything.. She runs as I roll out of bed, and back into her room where I learn she has hooked up her TV and it is on... You must know Tressa went to school and told her teacher...I MAKE HER WATCH TV ALL NIGHT.... and then she has headaches. PLEASEEEEE..... then I open Steven's door he puts down the music to very low and Lucas is up on all fours on the top bunk just rocking away so crazy that he doesn't hear me but when the light goes on he quickly lays down and crawls under his covers... OOOOPPPPPSSSSS the party has ended.. I tell Steven to give me the boom box and it is going into the garbage. (this is not the first time he has pulled this stunt, nor the second) He yells back at me he is going to tell Michael (His ESE teacher) I offered him my phone... and he snarled at me. TEENAGERS!!!! remember it is 3:25 in the morning and I do have her cell number and boy oh boy I would have let him call if he made the slightest gesture he would...that's how I roll!
It comes time to wake up and yes, Lucas is sound asleep, Steven is grumpy and Kaitlyn who has been roaming all night from bed to couch to my room to couch is folded in half asleep on the couch... She is grumpy every morning until she is awake and has a shower so not sure a good nights sleep would change her issues, I hear that comes from her Paternal side...LOL (Hugs Sam) He admits one needs to stay 10 feet from him until he is "awake" she has been this way from the get go.
Steven is not wanting to cooperate, I know teen years are tough on all .. I have blogged about his scribbling in school which is very time consuming VERY TIME CONSUMING so I have questioned the school for a year and a half who is in charge, how does he get so much time so doodle on paper..I can not explain the amount so I will post a photo... It amazes me..He is very honest with me. Steven are you going to go to school to work or make pictures on pieces of paper. "pictures" really Steven? "yes" I have yet to get any work home from him in a year and a half..Yep, nothing comes home to show anything he does in school...nothing. When I get to the IEP the teachers will have folders of all this beautiful work, maybe their refrigerators have all his daily work on them because he brings NOTHING but papers that he has NO IDEA what they are home and none have any writing on them..just work sheets. I thought long and hard about my new plan for Steven and I will be (now that I know how) be adding many more videos of the kids... many many more videos of the kids... so many you might be able to put them together as a sitcom. I am not yet ready to claim home school, we are simply just not set up to make that journey successful but I am placing that on the table as an option in the future... lots of variables for the "if" pile...
Well it was bread run night last night which is always a stress release with Kaitlyn and I on our alone time jamming to tunes rocking out... she is a riot. Now I have to pull it together to deliver the bread and stop at the hardware store to finally install the new garbage disposal... or call a handyman because I am not too swift with tools. Then to walmart for food shopping ... I know my daughter has on her face book post she and her boyfriend are going to the coconut Mall with her mom but that simply was not in my day planner.... maybe tomorrow. That girl needs a J O B !
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