Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Supermom... the Sicko



Okay, I actually did go to the docs. I could not take it anymore! My house is a disaster and I was actually following doc's orders to let it go and actually REST!!! I have work that needs to be taken care of, and I really did not want to go around delivering it to everyone while dispersing the bug I am under the weather with. I actually think that tomorrow I will be able to get out and get it all done and taken care of. What a relief that will be. I really feel terrible I have not got it taken care of yet.

DH and son came down with the crud now, which in my eyes gives me the "all clear" ring a ding ding in my head, saying that I cannot lie around here following doc's orders. Someone has to be in control around here and while DH really does not get sick often, I know he needs his break to start feeling better also. I am impatiently watching s-mann because I am starting to think he is feeling better, just not sure if the 101.5 fever has broken yet. I am blessed with the fact that both boys usually do not get sick and when they do it is usually half of the time I am down.

I am hoping that by tomorrow this crud comes out of my chest so I will be able to breathe again, so that I can take over better and get the germs out of the house. DD6 was out all last week with this, and I was actually combating it last week, though Sunday night I came down with it harder than what I could imagine.

So enough about the sicko's here, it's time for me to don my cap and find my supermom energy and start getting this house in order, and my work dropped off!

SHHHHWOOOOSSSHHHHH!!!

Monday, February 23, 2009

Typoglycemia

I got this in an email from the Bratfactor. I thought it was pretty interesting to share here.


I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht
I was rdanieg. But beuasce of the phaonmneal pweor of the
hmuan mnid (aoccdrnig to a rscheearch taem at Cmabrigde
Uinervtisy) it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers
in a wrod are witrten, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht
the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The
rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a
porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey
lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Such a cdonition
is arppoiately cllaed Typoglycemia :)-

Amzanig huh? Yaeh and yuo awlyas thought slpeling was ipmorantt.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Exciting news


Happy Anniversary DH! Thanks for the wonderful 12 years!

Friday, February 20, 2009

Thoughts regarding schools

Here is a topic near and dear to my heart. As some of my readers may already know, I have a child with Asperger Syndrome. This diagnosis comes with social issues. I have many people who try to turn me on to educating my child through the computer because of his issues. While this may work well with other children, I feel that these "computer schools" would actually be a draw back for my children.

Children need to learn how to get a long with people. They need to have social lives, and they need to know how to approach people. I believe that the "computer schools" would not provide this for my children.

Another issue I am facing is the fact that with going to school, they need to learn organization. If they cannot learn this now, how are they supposed to grow up knowing how to do this. I feel there are many many issues that going to school will help with- it's just how the parents deal with it. On the very first day that I have met each child's teacher(s), I have told the teacher that if they have any problems with my children to contact me. I am a firm believer that children are never perfect. I will deal with issues at home, and if the school also hands out discipline

Interim reports came out today. I made a vow to leave my 6th grade to be in control of all of his homework and to make sure it gets done and turned in(and the grades prove that we need a lot of work on this!). We have been trying to deal with the issues of 1. not turning in homework on time, 2. not completing homework 3. not bringing home the homework needed.

I told my 6th grader last week that I am working with the teachers and they are reporting to me ANY homework that is not being turned in on time. He likes a particular show, and I have told him that for every homework assignment missed I delete a show that has been recorded without him watching it. After seeing his report card today, he has now lost not only his DS(gone for almost 6 weeks already), but in addition to all of his Pokemon cards, his x box and if he continues to stay up playing with his cars his cards will be gone as well. He really needs to learn how to control himself and to take action for the things he needs to get done at school and also he needs to be held accountable for his actions at school.

I am seriously considering talking to the school and asking them to start handing out detentions to him for being late to class, not turning in homework, and for not finishing his homework when it's n0t done to his potential. I really hate to do this, but I really do not know what else I can do to reinforce these habits. He is sluffing off, and even though he may be on an IEP, that does not give him the right to not learn how to work up to his potential, not to show up on time, and not to learn how to organize and turn things in. To me all of the above are essential for work ethics that he will soon need in less than 6 years.

I may not share views with each and every person who views this, but I know deep down in my heart that sometimes tough love is better than doing for them. What else can I do? I have to look down the road and prepare him for the rest of Jr. High as well as High School. I have to prepare my children for living life on their own, taking care of their needs, College if the possibility arises (and I hope it does!) and the most important is working and holding a job. If I don't do this now, what is it going to be like down the road? Are they going to actually be able to hold down a job?

I may sound mean. It may hurt to say these things. It is my responsibility as the mother to teach them. If I let this continue, I am only hurting them.

Enough on the soap box, I am stepping down now.



Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Let the tourney's begin


DH and K-bug, the basketball Duo. Yes, I believe that K-bug is doing very well for her first go round for basketball.

Two weekends ago was the birth of a sportsmom. K-bug along with her 8 partners-in-crime took to the court. They practiced many months, and they won their first game- the first game they ever played as a team. She's got the bug! DH is the assistant coach. The poor guy misses playing so much that there are times he gets out there and patters on the ball too. The girls all love playing around and trying to get the ball from him. Yes she's smiling! Yes she has fun! She has practiced hard and we are very proud of her. She got a taste of what it's like to swoosh the basket. She's got a taste of winning, but also losing like a winner too. The team bounces back up and comes back for more. They work well as a team and I hope to see them stay together going through school. I know my daughter has many talents - basketball, baseball, showing rabbits and coloring, but I am truly happy to see her out there pounding the court showing everyone what she is made out of.

The last game they played was exciting. They got to play in the High School Gym where the last Tourney was held. They actually got seats to sit in instead of sitting on the front row of the bleachers. The game started out gruesome, 16 point scored against them by the half. Those girls came out of the half after talking with their coaching staff like someone lit a match. they actually scored more than the other team the second half, mostly because they kept getting the other team to foul. I know it must have been a rough game to go into with the other team towering over our own. K-bug has earned her new name - "The Aggravator". They started putting her up front so when the other's teams dribbler came across the line with the ball... the Aggravator was in her face! It's actually good to see her put those special tendancies into play for a good reason.

What amazes me the most? This is a team of girls.. Girls who work together, with their atittude and support and they are the team. You don't hear all of the other things you would normally hear - how much better my child is compared to yours. They all come in and give 110%. It's wonderful to be able to sit back and see your child enjoying herself while doing something that she really has an interest in.

I hope that every child gets to find their niche and feel what my daughter feels while out on that ballcourt. I hope you do as well!



Tuesday, February 17, 2009

A boy and the Starfish




One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.
Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”
The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean.The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”
“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”
After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said… “I made a difference for that one.”


A couple of years ago I stood before a crowd of participants at the local college. They were all there for a sleep out. The sleep out was to help those without housing and to promote the awareness of homelessness in the United States, possibly the world. I stood in front of those eager to learn from what I had to say. I spoke with tears because of the assistance I had recieved while trying to build my home with the help of our local Habitat Affiliate and also what I was moving out of and into.


After building my home, getting the hours that were required, paying our downpayment only days before our dedication, and continuing the house payments that I had agreed to make on my home, I still gave back. I felt with the help and support of all of the classes, the board members, and all of the homeownership classes I recieved was wonderful, and I too felt like one of the starfish that was saved. my family and I were blessed with this wonderful home. I continued to volunteer. I continued to give. But this story was not to tell others what I did. It was to let those who give and volunteer that the little boy in that story was them when they did something to help.

Issues at home began to make it difficult for me to give what I could, but I have still continued to volunteer when possible, in my own ways. I still want to be that boy who makes a difference in this world. I often feel terrible, not being able to do as much as I want, but I have an issue. When I get pulled into helping, I tend to over-do what I am helping with.


I have been watching how much I help, but I still have an urgancy for me to be involved and to volunteer for things that I feel very important. It's not that Habitat is not important for me at this point in time, it's just that if I get involved again, it just won't be the same for me.


As some of you may know, another passion of mine is historical. I spend hours researching my heritage. about 7-8 months ago I got to attend a local Historical Society. While sometimes I have a problem getting to the meetings due to DH's work hours, I have been able to assist them with at least getting a blog of historical information started, and as I continue to save information on the history of some of the people and the Township in which I live I feel like I am giving back to my community. I am hoping to be able to learn how to put a website together and give them a better site full of more information.


I feel that God has brought me to the place I am today. He opens the doors/windows/ peeks of light through which when we find the opening, it is up to us to recognize this and to use those to go in the direction of which we are destined. Yes, I was destined to do all of the things that I have done and yes I believe I am destined to do the things yet to come before me. You cannot have high points without the lows. You cannot learn that the good things that have happened without having the lows, or how would you know the difference? Both give you good lessons in which you may or may not want to happen- but if you look at what just happened and learn from it, that's the best part. It also teaches me that the old can also learn from the young.


I wanted to share this story about the boy and the starfish with you for a reason. There are very many lessons to learn here, but you have to want to learn from it. Like I said, I have used this in a presentation and it has a very special meaning to me. I felt I needed to share this with you - not only for you to come to know this beautiful story- but to remind myself of what I have came through and what I have accomplished within my life- Also to remind myself that I must always give back, no matter how difficult it is. There are little things that one may not realize that may save someone, and you just may not realize it.

Friday, February 13, 2009

My japanese name...

if your a girl your name is:Rin And if ur a guy your name is:Seiko
Rin means dignified,severe,and cold your respected and admired and people might be a little scared of u:) And Seiko means force and truth so you like the truth even if it hurts and your honest with almost everyone.

HMMM... think it fits?

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Life at this moment


I know I am not the only person faced with this dilemma. As you may knowI have three kids, 11, 9, and 6. For many years I have let my children run my life. I have really not "worked" since the 9 year old was born. I have done jobs that I could do with the kids. While this still remains true, I find myself needing to have a job. I have lost who I am, what I am to myself, and most importantly I seem to have lost what I used to know that I liked. I find that I have a need to become my own person, while realizing the kiddos will not be ruined in the process. I believe my kids need me to go back to work so that I can show them my values. I believe that it may actually teach them to be more self serving, and that they will have to help out around the house. I also take them to work with me when DH is working and they get to see how I, their mother can help make things happen. They may be focused on their Nintendo games at that time, but I really don't feel like I am hurting their little minds.

I have been working on projects that right now need my full attention. Yes, I will admit that I have not had much time to actually keep up on the house, but like tonight, I had everyone pitching in to help. I have learned that I cannot do it all myself and also that if I want to teach my kids lifeskills they can use everyday, I have to have them pitch in.

Yes. I need to work. I am not only a laborer, I am a mother, a teacher, a friend, a nurse, taxi driver, cheerleader, and I am very mean at times (just ask my kids!). I am a house maid, laundry keeper, file keeper, manager, accountant and I could probably go on and on. But right now, I am me. For my sake, and for my children also, I need to find me. If I continue to stay living with my kids being my WHOLE life, I am not teaching them anything. They need to have a mother who is home and capable of assisting them, but they do not need someone who hates who she could beccome.

This has been a big learning experience for me. I have finally come to the realization that I need me. I need to learn who I am and learn to live life to it's fullest, one day at a time. I realize that I know more about my kids than I know about myself. I need to have a job so that I can know what my capabilities are, just as much as my kids know what they can do and not do. They are getting to the age that they need responsibility and I need them to take it on.

A special Thanks to Amber from www.comeherelittlebug.wordpress.com for making my brand new tag name for the bottom of my blogs. Thanks Amber!! <> Go check out her site for some more wonderful words.


Sunday, February 8, 2009

What an EGGselent find!


At the end of the school year, K-bug was in the third grade. Right before the end of school, I allowed K-bug to be put in a drawing at the end of a 4H/school project. I had to send in a letter of intent, making fully aware that we must have a plan of action and the school wanted to make sure they would not be made into dinner. K-bug, of course, was drawn to bring home 2 chicks. Chicks must come in pairs, they are a type of animal that must have a partner, whether it be opposite sex or not.

We had a plan with the chicks, I emailed my cousin and Farmer who was looking for chicks to help keep the population of the flies down on their farm, and asked her that if we get these chicks if she would be able to take them once they were old enough for the farm. They agreed and also brought more chicks in that were a little younger and raised them too. They unfortunately had to keep them separated until they were used to each other. They did have some older chickens that did not use the chicken coup so much because they liked sleeping up in the trees, which one was a runaway chicken we saved almost 2 years prior that crawled under our van while driving, known as the rescue chicken. They also have a chicken inherited when it ran away from another nearby farm.

Dear cousin also found 2 geese to keep on the farm, as they heard that they keep the racoons and other varmit away. Their names: Duck Duck and Goose. Duck Duck protects the blue truck that they use for the farm. He also ran for President, though I did not see his name on the ballot when it came to voting day. I really think he was a good choice too. His running mate was his new best friend, Goose.

Anyways, a day came not too long ago that while taking the eggs out of the chicken coop, which now contains all of the chicks - now all together except all the tree nesting chickens - they were overcome with the size of one egg. The photo they sent announcing the egg's arrival is above.

There was talk all around as to what eggactly did this egg contain. It was put up for public viewing. Farmer and wife were so proud! they knew that this did not come from the geese, but from one of the new chickens in the coop. They did finally open the egg to find it's contents....


Yes, the egg was opened, and this is the photo that came with the announcement to all who inquired as to what the egg contained. We knew that the geese were not allowed in the chicken coup, but I bet there were jokes if it was actually a chicken or a goose egg.

It actually contained 2 Yolks. The photo took us all by surprise, but....

All Yolks aside, it was probably the best egg found in the area in a while!

T.

Friday, February 6, 2009

All's well that ends well...

I'm Back!

Whew!
What a trip! We left for a convention pertaining to the job. It was hectic getting everything together. Ended up not needing 1/4 of the stuff I packed for a three day/ two night stay. Oh well. At least I had it all.

The kids survived, DH survived. I survived, though there were a couple of moments that I thought my roomie might try to spike my pepsi just to get me to shut up!

I laughed more these last couple days then I have in a while. I came home loaded down with giveaways from all of the venders and from the first night there.

The first night, we got down to the hotel, loaded our belongings into the room, went back down the register and walked through the venders available. They had goodies and info galore! We loaded up two bags of information as well as squishy balls, pens pencils, tons of candy, calendars, catalogs, info on health care, anything you can imagine for a small town government may want or need. We had a load of fun walking around gathering information and checking out everything while dodging all of the other on-lookers.

We got to eat at a indoor barbecue. pretty cool! food, banjo, band, lots of carnival games. Lots of free prizes!!! Kinda brought the kid back out of you. A lot of socialization between other people from townships from all over the state.

There were lots of classes on new issues that have been passed or changed. With only having a short amount of time per class, they gave just enough information to give you some knowledge of the topic, but now I have to go searching for websites to investigate more into the topics.

Home for just about an hour and a half, we've already dispersed all of the goodies out. We had a good freeforall throwing all of the little balls at DH and Dh throwing them back at the kids and I.

I'm Home!
T.