Takoda is a birthday boy!

My lil booger is getting bigger! He asks to go to school and wants friends. He is growing before my eyes. Here is a picture of him with his cake.

CHEER COMPETITION

Today we drove down south for the semi-finals for the state cheer competition. It was an early out at 6am, but well worth it! Not only did Morgen's squad place first in their division, but ALLLL the squads from Northridge swept it!!!!! We hold the state title and are on our way to keeping it. A big Woo Who goes out to all the cheerleaders, the coach, and all the parents who attended today. HUGE crowd participation by the parents and you could just see the joy and pride on all the girls' faces.

Mermaid Morgen

Keeping Up with the Kids...

Here is Morgen's latest listing:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Custom-Boutique-Halter-Cat-Kitty-Beach-Sundress-3T-8_W0QQitemZ270241432867QQihZ017QQcategoryZ79718QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

And here is one for Takoda:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=170224178097&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=007

Another long delay..

in posting. It seems like yesterday that I posted a new post. LOL I get busy with the kids and that takes away my time. The kids had state testing the last two weeks. Morgen brought home an astronomical amount of math homework during that time, on top of the regular work. I was in math land the two weeks. The thing is, I HATE math! I always have and I always will. UGH

Tyler is almost out of meds and is a bit unpredictable right now. I just don't know what he will do. I need to get medical insurance...yesterday!

Takoda is a booger of all boogers. I am so frustrated with him right now. Daddy laughs when he gives me a hard time. Rene gives him candy to keep him quiet. Therefore, I am completely undermined by the two other "adults" in my home. He thinks my reprimands are a complete joke. I am up in arms!

I have been busy with pictures for Moe. I will post a few here.

We went to Solvang for Memorial Day. It was a nice road trip. Of course my favorite part was the osterich farm. I am the consumate animal lover. LOL Coming in close second (tee hee) was meeting Jennifer's (ex sil) new hubby and step kids. He seems to be very nice, as do the kids. I am happy she is able to love again and have someone who can truly love her.

Well, that's life in a nutshell these days.... Takoda turns four soon.....

do NOT go to Yogurt Zone in Porter Ranch

I HATE HATE HATE their new concept. I waited with cups. I didn't get everyone in my family a yogurt because I did not have enough hands. My kids are fighting right now over sharing a cup. I got the yogurt, then waited for toppings, which I had to go in my pockets because I didn't have enough hands. By the time I reached the register, my yogurt was melted! It was soup by the time I got home. NEVER NEVER again. Yogurt zone lost my business.

LIFE IS SUCKY RIGHT NOW...

Instead of typing my gripes all over again, I am just going to copy and paste what I shared with some friends earlier tonight.....so if you are in my design group, sorry for doubling it up ;)

My sister's ex just left a message at my house threatening me because he hasn't spoken with his son in a month. Well, just last week Morgen ran the phone out to me saying it is Brent's dad. I told her to get Brent and give him the phone. A month! My sister and nephew hole up in their room and never come out. AND I bought them both prepaid cell phones for Xmas. He had the nerve to tell me it is not the same to text him. Hello, tell him to answer his damn phone. I give him chores around the house and pay him. He chooses to spend the money on toys. that is NOT my fault. Well then he says that Rene my sister says I hide the phone and ban them from using it. I said no, I tell her no strange men are allowed to call my house. She gets online meets dudes and they all start calling here. Unacceptable. Three times in the last two years, my sister has met a man online, moved in with him, broken up with them (well them with her), and then becomes homeless. Each time coming back to me. Hell if I will stand for it anymore! I am so pissed right now! BTW, I called him back after getting his message. The fact is, I never answer my phone. I get about 30 collection calls a day for Martha Bailey Jones. I tell them they have the wrong number, for five years now, and they still call!!! She is still using this number. I do pick up from the machine though. We were eating dinner when he called.

I am still fuming mad. Okay, my sister who is 44 yrs. old has NEVER lived on her own. She went from dad to hubby and hubby to lesbian relationships (6 women in one year and six homes and six schools for Brent). I think each one dumps her when they realize she is an alcoholic, as is his dad. His dad does coke too. She then moved in with me and Brent lived her for kinder, then moved. Then she went back to her ex and lived with him, his girlfriend, the gf's ex bf and they all slept around and all got gonnereah. YEAH. Then she moved out and in with some dude, then another in Montana, then came back here. Brent went to one elementary school for a whole year!!! And then middle school for 1 1/2 yrs while leaving here. Then she met a man, online older than our dad and moved into the classic white trailer trash park in the sticks. Wife beaters galore and such. Nasty nasty park. Then she breaks up with him within a week. Is out on a date with some dude and comes home to this guy dead. She then moves in with the guy after one date. He was a nice guy too. Realizes her alcoholism and calls me, I say I can't do anything, so he bails. She gets removed eventually by the sheriffs. Again, moves in with me and has been here since. That was almost three years ago. She doesn't work, never has, and never will. We PAY all the bills. She doesn't pitch in for food, NOTHING. She gets paid to clean around here! I quit paying her for babysitting because I feel it is the least she can do. I even at times kidnap my friend's daughter or get my neighbor to sit while she is here because of her drinking. I would kick her out, but this is the only time in Brent's life that stability is allowed. KWIM? He will be 16 this year. Only two more years and she doesn't get her $500 a month for child support. Then what??? She has piss poor credit because she has NEVER paid her closing bill in all of these towns. Hence why she moves town to town and out of state. She owes every utility money.

Is Your Mama a Llama?

WHIRLWIND WEEKEND

So far, we have done Chuck E. Cheese playdate, time at a friend's house, two sets of modeling pictures, Libby Lu's, cheerleading practice, and the circus. Today we will squeeze the NASA/JPL Science Fair and then hit the local College's Animal Walk and meet up with some friends there for lunch!! Then do another round of pictures. TTYL

http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.cfm?release=2008-067

http://www.piercecollege.edu/community/extension/farmwalk.html

RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY

Today we went for our first time to the RR Library. What a fantastic experience! My most vivid memory from school is my third grade teacher crying and telling us how our president had been shot, along with Press Secretary Brady. I didn't quite understand it all, but it broke my heart to see my favorite teacher cry.

Now, as an adult, having lived politics and studied them, I have fallen in love with Ronald Reagan. What a wonderful, loving, charismatic, intelligent, and insightful man. Our country is better for him and his wife is one lucky gal! I am only sorry he couldn't stay longer and provide the younger generation with such knowledge.

Going to the library with my children allowed me to share my childhood with them. It also gave me a chance to mourn and grieve his loss. The beauty of life is always taken for granted. One day spent with the memoirs of the Reagans will make any person appreciate life and all it has to offer.

Go go go! You will be a better person for the journey.

PS the right side of my photos chop off :(

Red White and Blue

Okay...

I have a freaking cold. Who gets a cold in April? My throat and ears are all scratchy. I want to bundle up and hide. Of course I can't. I just want the cough to go away. I can't cough my way through IEPs and lectures. What timing! UGH

Tyler's IEP went well. OT wasn't there but allllll the others were. It seems all those who were in attendance loves the kid and truly want to help. I don't want anyone on the team that doesn't care or have given up. He is only nine years old. Let's pray for a good year.

I bought a new camera. My zoom lens quit working. Again, what timing!! I got an updated model of my own and in pink!!! The same battery and charger work with it. That saves me $100+ right there. Now, I just need a 4g memory card. One day...

I bought a new pair of heels today. Two pairs in fact! I LOVE my heels. It still doesn't replace my beautiful butterfly Jimmy Choos my dogs chewed up, but I like them all the same. Now, how did I find time?? Tyler's IEP ended one hour before school let out. I ran up the street to a Persian restaurant and asked them to donate a gift certificate for the school auction, which they so kindly did. I ran it back to the school and still had 35 minutes. So I ran to TJ Maxx. Shoe mission only. I found AK's and BCBG's. I got back to the school with five minutes to spare. Now that is productive. LOL

Time to figure something out for dinner that does not require alot of time.....you know I insist on a family dinner 7 nights a week. It is what keeps it a unit!

For know,
xoxox
rein

OMG, it has been 5 weeks since I posted....

It really isn't intentional. It is IEP season. Tyler has an IEP tomorrow and I just read his reports last night. I have done so much with others IEPs that his went on the back burner. Gee, OT will be po'd when they find out I refuse to dismiss them. Oh well. Life will go on.

Besides IEPs, well lectures. I go around telling people their rights and the laws within the special education system. Then, there's school stuff. Open house is next week and it seems to me I am the only generous parent donating stuff. Real stuff, not 99 cent store stuff. Not tooting my own horn, but come on, get with the program people. Who wants to bid on a basket of crap?! This IS a fundraiser! It falls around the same time every year, so budget it in. I haven't had a Starbucks in a couple of months. That is $4 bucks a day! I sacrificed soooo much...Just kidding, but you get the picture.

What else??? Modeling shoots like crazy for the kids. Always a trip to the beach. Ronald Reagan Library is on the agenda too. I have never been, so I am excited about it. Chloe, you want to go with us???

Beyond that, the same ole. Kids, therapies, tutoring, housework (minimal if I can help it), errands, and so on.. OH OH OH, gluten free is our latest adventure. It is helping Tyler with his self injurious behavior, persevering, and echololia. It has diminished it. Has it cured his autism...ONLY in my dreams! Jenny McCarthy can kiss my behind on that claim. So, every child is different. This is helping Tyler, not curing him. If anyone wants a list of gluten free items, fast food places, and restaurants, just drop a comment.

I think that is my life in an April nutshell. TTYL
xoxo
Rein

Prayer request...

Okay, I haven't been to active lately on the social front. I just have alot going on. Here is a summary:

My uncle Weldon is my mom's younger brother and he is having open heart surgery tomorrow, Wednesday at 7am in Visalia. He is 54 yrs. old if I remember correctly. He lived with us before I was born and while I was born. He graduated from Glendale HS while living with my parents, pre rein. He was there when I was born too and lived with us a bit after. He was always close with my family.

Now, my uncle Eric is my dad's younger brother and he is 54yrs. old too. He was born with MR and Down's. My grandparents who are gravely ill had to put him in a group home for the first time this last week. The courts turned down conservatorship of the one lady citing she was too old. 67 yrs. Now, my dad is her same age. He is retiring just for Eric. He plans to do one of two things. retire with Sonia (my stepmom) and bring Eric to a home down here OR retire without Sonia, move to my grandparent's place (retirees only) and stay next to Eric up there. It is near where he went to high school (Porterville HS) and sort of where he grew up. I think that is more of his preference. The catch, he is not conservator and not sure the courts will grant it to him on his own. So, I would agree to co-coservator with him. Although I don't have a strong bond with Eric, I still am family and very much have the credentials to do right by him. So that is the deal there. I would only take on anything if my dad passed. But then, I would really be the only family left that is responsible enough to do something. I can't just leave my uncle without family. I love the guy :)

I am just stressed out. I am worried of course and expecting my grandparent's passing. That will throw my dad for a loop. He has already buried two brothers. He doesn't deal well with death. He drinks it away and chain smokes. Not good for a man with two sets of heart attacks in his past. So, I have both uncles who are in limbo, my dad, my grandparents, morgen's retention issues, and all the usual stuff...IE autism, rene, brent, my brother, etc.. I am just going a mile a minute and having trouble fitting it all in. ON top of all of that, I literally forgot to take my medicine for a few days and had a med withdrawal. I thought my head was going to explode.

With that said, please pray for Weldon, Eric, Helen, Robert, and John. Helen and Robert are my grandparents and John my dad. Prayers work miracles and ease souls.

Rein

WACKY WEDNESDAY READ ACROSS AMERICA WEEK

AS YOU ALL MAY KNOW, I AM A DR. SEUSS FREAK. THOUGH ONE MIGHT WANT TO CALL ME A GEEK. ONE OF MY FAVORITE STORIES TO READ IS GREEN EGGS AND HAM. I LOVE THAT SAM I AM. HIS BOOKS ARE JUST EASY AND FUN. I CAN READ IT ONCE AND STILL NOT BE DONE. I CAN READ THEM IN CHARACTER AND MAKE IT A SHOW OR JUST READ FOR BED AND IT IS ALWAYS A GO. THE KIDS ARE FULL OF GLEE AND CAN'T WAIT TO SEE, IF MOM WILL GO OVER THE TOP WHILE READING HOP ON POP. I CAN NOT STOP THIS RHYME, WHEN SEUSS IS A GO, IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. HIP HIP HOORAY IT IS WACKY WEDNESDAY TODAY!

ROAD TRIP!!

OKAY, WE ARE OFF ON A DRIVE UP THE COAST. CATCH Y'ALL ON THE RETURN TRIP! OF COURSE I WILL HAVE PICTURES. LOL

My Princess Morgen

This picture is courtesy of my friend Amy. It was a belated bday gift for me. I absolutely LOVE it! I am in awe over it. What a thoughtful present and a beautiful one at that! She was kind enough to take Morgen to Libby Lu's for a princess do, then do photos. When I picked up Morgen that day (1/1/08) I asked her if Amy took pictures. She said no. I told her that was hard to believe. Amy always took pictures. Well, she did and Morgen kept her secret for almost two months!!!! I asked her directly and she didn't give me any indication otherwise. What a girl! I just had to remind her the importance of sharing some things with mommy and when to keep a secret. Got to be safe. Anyhow, enjoy. I love them. Gillian is one of Morgen's best friends and Amy's daughter :)

a good cry....

Have you ever just wanted to sit down and cry your heart out? That's where I am at right now. I just feel the need to let it all go. Not in a bad way, but a good one. Here's my life:
1. My typical daughter got a notice of retention. She works her butt off, I have paid thousands in tutoring and we literally work 4-5 hours a night on homework. What more can I do?
2. My son is staring off in space alot lately in class? He is autistic. Is it mini seizures? I have to call a pediatric neurologist to rule it out.
3. My son keeps biting himself. His arm looks hideous. We have worked on intervention/transference of this behavorior for the last 6 years. What more?
4. I spoke with NVLRC today for respite care. I get the run around. I need respite from my son. Not because I don't love him, but because I love him soooo much. This has been a battle for 4 years now. What can I do?
5. Takoda needs preschool. I am squeezing money from everywhere for tutoring. What can I do?
6. My brother came to my house today "normal." I know he is sick. He is homeless but seemingly normal and rational. I love him and it hurts me to see him like this. What can I do?
7. I literally have a bunch of strange men calling my home for my sister. She put her son's wii online and is chatting it up. I told her today that they have to call her cell phone. I explained that I gave her the chance with another guy and let my kids know him and poof he is gone, like all of them. I told her I don't want this around my children. My sister meets a guy and does one of two things.... sleeps with him and he is gone. .... or sleeps with him, moves in with him, then he moves out suddenly and she is homeless yet again. I don't want this around my kids, especially my daughter. I want her to be independent, not a low self esteem pathetic codependent. Harsh, but the truth. Well, she flipped her lid.
8. I watched my nephew play a shooting game with a gun for two hours straight last night. This concerns me. Hey, my sister is his mom. tell you about his self esteem?
9. My hubby is stressed out from school and I am his dumping ground. Okay, but when I go to speak, he yells at me and freaks out and says he doesn't want to hear it. I know him well enough to know it is because he feels helpless and doesn't want to acknowledge that emotion. But, there is only so much that I can take.
10. My dad is very depressed and drinking up a storm. He is the only parent I have left. My grandparents, his parents are very ill, as is my uncle, his brother. My grandma has had many heart attacks and strokes. My grandpa has cancer throughout his whole body and is shutting down. My uncle has pneumonia and is severly MR and Down's. He also weighs about 300-400 lbs.

So basically, many of my problems are about having control. I don't have control over ANY of them and I am at a loss. How do I change things, help things, make things better? WHEW.

Time to go cry.

Venting, venting, venting.....

Okay, I have been busy getting well and doing IEP aka special education things lately. I didn't mean to neglect my blog. Also, my brother has become 100% homeless and has lost it. It is a very emotional time for me. I am angry and sad all at once. Then you add my determination and personal factor of my work and I am just plain zonked! I am worried too right now for my "mom". Shut up C! I can be worried about you whether you like it or not! On a good note, my lil J is going to a new school and I know she will do well and succeed. Did I mention my hubby gets upset because I haven't had dinner made on the table each night? LMAO Hello, I don't want to wait until you come home from wherever (school, work, training, gym, etc.) and eat dinner at 8-9pm. I have things I need to do and it puts me behind to wait for him because then I have to clear the table, wash dishes, and so on. I am just venting friends. I need to let go of some things right now because my plate is overflowing with emotion. Today I didn't have caffeine right off and I have been in zombie mode. I am pathetic and useless right now. Okay, let me share some modeling pics of my whole lot! I love this designer and her work. It has created a wonderful picture for lasting memories for us to cherish here on out. That is priceless.

oxoxo,
Rein

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

This is a fun holiday for me because I have kids. As a single person, nine times out of ten, I was stood up on this date. I think Vday should be about those in your life you have unconditional love, or with children, complete innocence. Then, it is a fun day and there's no expectations. Do we really want someone pressed to give us a ring or to say I love you? Let me tell you, people don't let you down. It is your very own expectations you place on them that let you down. So expect nothing and have FUN!! Bake some cupcakes, lick the spoon, get out some scissors and paper and cut hearts out, eat some conversation hearts, and finally, just be YOU. Love yourself and everyone will love you too. For all my friends, new and old, far and close, young and old......

I LOVE YOU!!!!!

Rein

These pictures are VDay 2007. I will have to take new ones this afternoon!

Nyquil

I have to chat about this. I take Nyquil gel caps for congestion and sleep while I am sick. The thing is, I go into dream mode like crazy! The dreams are so vivid when Nyquil induced. I dreamt I came out of Vons with Morgen and a tiger and a lioness were going at it. I yelled at them like they were my own kids and they stopped fighting! Maybe it symbolizes Morgen and Takoda fighting. LMBO I also dreamt that I could figure out how to get evidence against the Dutch dude who murdered Natalie Holloway. I somehow got to Aruba and proved it. Don't ask, because I know the balance in my checkbook didn't get me there! I then proceeded to dream about being in some hick town and finding a chisel wrapped in a blood stained tee shirt on a lakeshore. The murderer caught me discovering it and proceeded to chase me. I soon turned the tables and chased him. WACKO!! Thank you Nyquil and all in one night :)

I got my lips plumped!!!

And I didn't need Botox. Unfotunately they are swollen from sleeping with my mouth open. LOL I have a horrible, horrible cold. I keep running 104 fevers and start shivering until I crawl into bed. I have to be careful because I am a high fever seizure person. Maz was kind enough to put four blankets on me last night because I was shaking so bad. I had on fleece lounge pants, a sweatshirt, and socks. Tell you how bad this is? I think I have to postpone some work things at the begining of the week. I can't breathe, I am now in cough mode (Carol form), and my lips are chapped, swollen, and beet red! Even my gums above my two front teeth are chapped. I look like I have wax lips. Halloween, even April Fool's is too far off to play it off. Oh well, I will take Morgen to cheer all "glossified", aka Vaseline smeared. Off to see the wizard.......

A Pleasant Sunday

Today, I took the kids up the coast to Carpenteria. We met up with my niece, her mom, and grandma to give them one of our minature pincher pups(they live Arroyo Grande). We caught up over lunch and just had a nice "girl" time, so to speak. I haven't spoken much with Jennifer since her and my brother divorced nine years ago. I realized I missed being friends with her. My brother let a good one get away!

After lunch we parted ways and I took the kids to the beach. It is easy to ponder and drift away with the waves and the surf. The storm was nearing its end over our heads, leaving only gray clouds and a cool wind. The water however was only on low tide, but it was pounding the shore relentlessly. We were able to go down into the rocky coves and find some treasures. Hermit crabs, to barnacles, to muscle shells and basic crab shells, to the neatest of rocks to ooh and awe over.

Morgen was busy filling her box, while Tyler and Takoda chose to throw rocks into the flow in creek. I on the other hand got caught up in life. I was taking in the broken shells, to smoothed out glass, to whole shells and magnificently worn rocks. It reminded me life is beautiful, even during storms. We can break, be battered, and worn down, but as long as we keep our perspective, the beauty remains. Waters get stormy and things get tossed around, but the sun eventually shines, the waters calm, and the skies are blue once again. High tide rolls in and covers all those wonderful hidden treasures. But for those who remain patient, low tide will come around again, and all those beauties will be exposed.

On the drive back down the 101, the sun peered through the clouds. It was gleaming a wonderfully brilliant halo on the stormy blue-green monster. I kept driving on home with a smile on my face, knowing God does perform miracles.

Nothing really

I have been so busy in my house with issues I don't care to post, that it has taken the spark out of me to write. I guess my spark comes from happiness and I haven't been all that happy this last week. Let's just say it goes back to my own New Year's resolution. You can go read archives in case you don't know. I can't believe how much life has been sucked out of me. Also, my brother is suddenly calling and coming around and I am ignoring him. I realize he is sick, but between three kids and autism, his mental condition sometimes just has no room. Actually my sister and nephew have taken up my reserves so I can't deal with my brother. My dad asked that I speak to my brother. i will, in my own time. Right now, I need to go buy a door knob without a lock. That will be enough drama for now.

I need to recharge. PLEASE ladies say you can get together SOON. Just a break for but a moment renews my soul.

I am going to go take a nap. I am exhausted. Restless sleep will do that to a person.

JUST BEING

Again, I will reiterate.... Go on spontaneous trips with your kids. They love it and the memories are priceless. I have learned when I am spontaneous, I tend to be more childlike, which the kids prefer. I love feeling exuberant. Today we went up the Grapevine and enjoyed just being. Yes, just being... as in 1. in the moment 2. yourself 3. free. So here's to "just being!"

SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I AM SO EXCITED!!!! CAN YOU TELL??? FP finally got snow again. We were going to go up yesterday, but no snow. Well, overnight and all morning and even now, it is snowing!!!!!! We are going to go up tomorrow. I will pull the kids out early and we will make it a snow day. They loved it, as did I , so much last time, why not? Anyone else up for hookey? We can met up around noon time and go! Woo HOOOOOOOOOO.

I AM SO FRUSTRATED...

That I have to vent! My nephew this last summer was viewing porn on my computer. I happen to stumble upon it by going through the history to find a website that I couldn't remember the name. Anyhow, by the time I discovered it, he was at his dad's. I had a talk with his mother. Oh, "it will never happen again." UGH. So now, today as an example, while I was out he went on my computer. How do I know? Well I had my suspicions, and Mazda, who was home, confirmed them. He has been erasing the history links. I always know. Simple enough, he isn't smart enough to return my favorites tab back to favorites. He leaves it on history. Today he went a step further and erased all the cookies! AHHHHHHHHHHH, YES, AHHHHHHH, he erased all my passwords. I don't save my pertinent ones, I,E. banking, but other sites I do. POOF, they are gone! I have spent the last hour seeing if I can retrieve them. If you don't restart the computer, there is a chance. Of course he didn't restart the computer. Yes, I recovered my passwords. But now, I can't figure out how to get the dialogue box back up. You know, the one that asks, "would you like windows to remember your password?" Do any of you Gen Xers know? I am going gray sitting here.

My sister just came in and I told her I was mad at her son. I explained diplomatically that if he can't be trusted to go on my computer and not visit appropriate sites, then he was not allowed on my computer. Simple enough. I can't trust him.

I still want my dialogue box. HELP, anyone? anyone?

THANK YOU....

Although I struggle with depression and my thyroid issues, I can honestly say I have never been happier in my life. I look around me and realized how blessed I am. I especially realized this last Saturday afternoon. I was fortunate to have my wonderful girlfriends join me in my birthday celebration. That in and of itself was a gift. I know we are all busy ladies, wives, fiances, and mothers. I felt honored that each of you took the time out of your busy and hectic schedules to join me. The laughter warmed my heart and each of your smiles left an imprint on my soul. Looking across the table was like looking at a Kinkade canvas. The beauty, the differences, the similarities, and the personalities all just coming together to form one awe inspiring painting. I enjoyed just being in the moment. A moment with all of you is a lifetime in my heart. I love all of you dames! You are the perfect fit in my puzzle of life. All of you are my border pieces that help keep my puzzle intact. Each of you has a strength that you bestow on me each time I am in one of your presence. If I only pick up s smidgen of each of your attributes, than I can count myself as one lucky lady! Thank you now and forever for the friendships, the smiles, the laughter, the tears, the vents, the jokes, and of course all my lovely gifts.
oxoxo,
Rein

Perseveration Damage

I am mostly keeping with Tyler's resolution of not repeating. When we are out in public, I am almost forced to repeat to prevent a whole public episode. Not that I care about what others think, but because it can hold up a whole shopping or errand excursion. My quick trip could turn into hours. Not fun for me or the other two. So I moderate when necessary. At home, I do NOT moderate and this is what it has lead to......he tantrumed, saying the same phrase over and over for an hour. All the while he kicked my walls, cried, and screamed. Now you understand why I can't have him do this in my car????

California Title champ 2008!

Not only did Morgen's squad take the state title for their division, the city she represents swept the entire competition!!! This coach has seven squads and ALL of them took first. What a feat! Kudos to the coach and of course to Morgen for a job well done. That's my lil flier!


UPDATE
Morgen tried out for the next level and made it!!! She is cheering with the big girls now!!! WOOOOO HOOOOOOOO

MEAN GIRLS

Are girls meaner younger these days? Or is it that I just don't remember it that well? I was thinking 5-6th grade started the meanness. I guess with 6th being moved up to middle school now, it could start at 4th. I am so against the 6th and the 9th graders being bumped up. The younger girls always want to be like the older girls. Make up, dating, sex, you name it, all starts sooner. UGH. Okay, back to the mean girl thing....

I went to an IEP the other day where I had to address this issue. There is a clique of girls that just lay into my client. She is fully included mostly because she is so socially high functioning. Well that is also the down part now. She is completely aware of their taunts and their meanings. These fourth grade girls are ruthless! How do we nip it now? Once these girls are in fifth grade, they become the queens of the school and only get meaner. Then once in middle school, they use it as a survival technique. Where and when do we catch it so it can be stopped?

Well, now I am thinking in second grade. Why? Because there is a group of mean girls forming in my own daughter's class. She is being victimized by them. The sad part is, I know the one girl is a bully due to sheer insecurity. She has problems, well her parents have/had problems and are divorced. There's a custody battle and it is ugly. Do I call her parents and tell them? This girls needs an outlet,mmmm can we say therapy? It isn't taboo, just a place for her to unload and realize it isn't her fault and gain some self confidence and respect. As for the other girl, I haven't a clue. I am guessing by her comments, it is jealousy, by what is there to be jealous of in second grade? This is a middle class school in a nice area. I don't believe anyone in that school goes without. Who knows! I am at a loss. I just know Morgen gets frustrated and upset by these two.

I do know one way to alleviate the problem. Well, don't segregate the classes. During snack, lunch, and recess, only the classrooms can stick together. So if you had a friend in your first grade class and they are in a different second grade class, you can only see and play with them outside of school. HELLOOOO Why not allow assignments per a grade level instead of per a class? It has been proven those who feel socially fit will do well in school. These second graders are all turning on each other in their rooms. The thing is, each girl has a friend in another classroom, but is held hostage from playing with her. I am on a mission to change this policy. If not the principal, I will go the mile! I am now preparing for battle.....

PUKE

Vomit, barf, throw up, regurgitation, whatever you want to call it. As a mom it is one of the worst experiences with the kids. Tonight, my whole bed is stripped and bare due to Tyler's cookie tossing contest. Hands down, he won. I have a strong stomach and can handle most anything. Hot dog puke is not one of them. Give me a decomposing body over hot dogs. I had to shove my face into my shoulder and do my mind over matter mental chat. Let me tell you, the bigger they get they more they can project. And to think as an aunt, pre-mom stage, breastfed baby spit up was sickening. That is a cakewalk! Those were the days. I wonder if the day will ever come when I say I miss this day and wish I had it again? I don't recall my mother ever saying it. God knows every time she said something to me and I said "yeah right, whatever", well, she was right. So I am telling you ladies and gents now, if you don't have kids yet or they are in infant stage, there WILL be days JUST LIKE THIS for you. Mark my words. Hang in there!

Here's the official modeling picture!

Happy Picture!

These are my beautiful puppies. There is Chocolatte, Allegro, and the other two don't really have names....I call one Em and the other Daddy's girl since she looks like daddy. I would call her Groucho, but she is a girl. LOL

SNOW

I love the snow and its beauty. Of course I don't have to live in it and shovel it. With that said, I went on a road trip for my birthday. I picked the kids up from school and drove to Frazier Park. It was gorgeous! The hillsides were covered in white. It took me a world away. My drive turned into a fantasy of snowy nights and warm fires with a cup of cocoa. Actually, I think I traveled into a chapter of Manhunt by Janet Evanovich. LOL Still, at age 36 I was a little kid again. Enjoying the moment of sure pleasure and innocence. My kids enhanced my delight by reveling in it themselves. Morgen and Takoda argued who's side of the car they should look out for the best sight of snow. I parked and hadn't cut the engine before Tyler barreled out of the car. I had to reel him in for a hoodie, jacket, and cap. The kids were shoving me out of the way to play. Again, I had to grab them to prepare them for the cold. We made angles, threw snowballs, awed at the icicles, ate snow, slipped and fell (not me believe it or not), and packed the outside of the car with snow for the drive home. All in all it was a memory to cherish for a lifetime!

I should do this more often. Spontaneity is delicious. I think as a parent I plan too much and ruin the joy of just having fun. The kids had no idea until we were on the road. These are the memories that will stick in their brains forever. It was truly a carefree and fun loving time. So fellow moms, be spontaneous! It is worth it for the look in your child's eyes.

36th Birthday

As many of you know, tomorrow, the 7th is my birthday. For the first time since turning 21, I am actually looking forward to getting older. The old saying of " I wish I knew then what I know now" is so appropriate. I would have said get lost to countless number of dates, suitors, boyfriends, whatevers! When someone hurt me I would have told them so. I would have enjoyed more and hurt less. And most importantly, I would have cherished my mother more!

Not only does this week mark my birthday, it also marks the 13th anniversary of my mother's passing. I was only 23 years old. To some that is a lifetime, for me, it was just the beginning of my life and not having my mother. She didn't see me graduate from college, get married, or have kids. Every time I have to fill out a form asking my family's medical history, I am at a complete loss. On Mother's day I don't have anyone to chat with about motherhood. My kids do not have their grandma.

My best childhood memories are of my maternal grandma. She taught me how to play trionimoes and with great patience! I learned about yellow tomatoes. I took baths in her claw foot tub. I slept on her handmade quilt and crocheted pillows. I climbed her walnut tree and caught frogs in her strawberry patch. Despite living with her because my parents were in a fierce divorce and custody battle, that was the best summer of my life! She passed away that fall. I miss grandma Georgia!

My children should have those memories. Although my mother and I had a strained relationship for most of my life, I know she would have been one hands on grandma! Her sewing machine would have been dug out of the garage and put to use. My kids baby blankets would have been made instead of bought. She would be the one making their custom made clothes! When I think of their lives without their grandma it saddens my heart. Every child should have that wonderful grandma. My children have none.

Mom, if you are with me and can read this. Please know how much I love you and that you are sorely missed. If had but one more day you would only know love and happiness. I would gladly snuggle up with you and have you read to me. We could do our rainy day library trips. Morgen would have loved to do those with you. I would love to have one more day to do that with you. If I had one more day, my children would know you and love you. If only.... I LOVE you mom!

Rein

TOUGH LOVE

Autism is not an easy street. Therefore, Tyler, against his will, has new year's resolutions. There are just some bad habits that are unacceptable and will not work to his benefit in his later years. So carp Diem and banish those ones!

One, persevering. This drives me batty. I have to repeat everything at least 30 times to prevent a meltdown. This happens with seemingly everything I say to him. Thank you, good boy, good morning, ok, welcome, yeah, yes, no, and the list goes on..... Imagine speaking to your son on a daily basis and having to say everything at least 30 times each time. So, as I type, Tyler is in a throw of a meltdown because I refuse to say good morning Tyler fifty times. He is about 35 minutes into it. I think another 30 minutes should have him calm down. Yes, one hour meltdowns. At least we are not in my car. He is kicking the walls in his room and not the windows in my car. I will not budge on this and God help me. Can we say serenity prayer? LOL, I will be saying that over and over instead.

Two, underwear. Tyler hates clothes. The minute he comes through the front door he starts stripping down to his underwear. He is 9 years old and needs to wear shorts. His aversion to clothes can only cause problems. The neighbors know him and his autism. But when he is a teen, do they really want to see him running in the yard in his underwear? NOPE. Neither do I. Yesterday he wore a pair of shorts and he kept trying to take them off. I won! He went to bed with them on. My big one for doing this, is to keep his hands out of his underwear. Gross, I know, but that's what he does. Better hygiene.

Three, the dvds. He takes them out and plays with them. He likes their pictures. Darn those people who decided to print pictures on them! Plain would save me. When he gets frustrated he bites them. I have thrown out hundreds of dvds. I say no more!

Those are Tyler's resolutions. Of course I gave Morgen and Takoda one too. Morgen will NOT fight with me on homework and writing. Takoda will not talk back to me.

Now, I need to go take a Prozac.......