Took JB in for an evaluation with a speech therapist - the same one who worked with Jbird. Jbird started at 18 months and JB is almost 15 months, but the speech therapist said that there is a bigger gap between when JB understands and what he can communicate than Jbird. She witnessed several of his screaming fits over frustration. So, next week he starts for 45 minutes once a week. She is really good with the kids and I anticipate that JB will make fast progress.
Our last soccer game this weekend. So glad since it is getting colder! Also ready to finally put the soccer balls, shoes, etc up and out of the garage. I finally got the laundry room reorganized and was able to move all of the boys' clothes in there. No more hauling clothes back and forth, I can conveniently put them away as I fold them. JR is getting out this weekend and hunting. Still has not seen anything but this weekend should be some rain/snow and hopefully that will drive the animals further down the mountain.
At the grocery store with 2 younger boys yesterday. And I saw it coming. I noticed a college student with a patch over his eye. Jbird commented that he had the pirate thing on. I tried to dismiss it and then as the guy walked back by us, Jbird again pointed it out. The guy just kind of smiled and I mentioned that it looked like he had an owie. I thought for a split second I could compliment him on his 'costume' but decided not to. I am fortunate in that they have never said anything too embarrasing in public, except B and Jbird now, have commented on eye patches.
Helped out in B's classroom today and was there for the halloween party. B insisted on wearing his spiderman costume, that he wore 2 years ago. Just cracked me up how small that thing was but he managed to keep it on.
B has been wanting to invite a classmate to AWANA. I have drug my feet about calling his mom for weeks. I don't know them and I always had an excuse for not calling. This past week I finally made the call. She was so excited. Her son Marquis was even more excited. I guess he has been asking lots of questions lately and his mom is not at a place where she is ready to go back to church. Talking with her further, she is a newly single parent, has her 6 year old, gave up a daughter 4 years ago for adoption and has a 3 year old son that was just diagnosed as autistic. She is going back to school and does not have any family or friends locally. Marquis had a blast at AWANA and wants to keep going. He is also going to church with us this Sunday. Just a simple reminder from God about never saying no for someone else. What might appear intimidating, could just be God working in someone's life, even a 6 year old!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
PIctures
The boys and I headed off on the city bus recently. Rode it to the college campus to feed the ducks and walk the camput. Hit the local museum where the boys enjoyed the kids area...lots of pretend play. We were gone all day and I was worn out! Check out the photos.
B in some of the dress up clothes at the museum.
Jbird hauling in all of the fish they caught to cook it inside the tent.
This one cracks me up and he even looked through them the right way - instead of turning them backwards.
Here are a few pictures from our recent BMX track outing.
Bought a training wheel bike for Jbird this past week. We were at Target and it was a few dollars less than Wal-mart so I bought it. It was in a box and it said only 15 minutes to assemble. That should have been my tip-off but it wasn't. It took me 45 minutes and then JR still had to do one thing with the bike before it was ridable.
We went to another store and was met by a friendly sales associate. She was talking with the boys and asked if the boys were shopping with mom or grandma today. Our eyes locked and I bet I looked at her for a good 10 seconds. The boys said mom and then she kind of laughed and said 'you just don't know these days....I became a grandma at 34'. I told her I knew of several that had become grandmas at 34'..... but (you always err on the side of caution. Better to give a compliment than an insult).
Later that evening, we were in the car. I had given B some hard butterscotch candy because he had been coughing. He was eating one in the car and he started making weird noises. I looked back and he was grabbing his throat and saying he was choking. (I was not too concerned because if you are making noise, you are not all out choking). So I pulled into a nearby gas statoin parking lot. He was very scared. He was crying, telling me to call the police and ambulance, saying he did not want to die, etc. I tried reassuring him to no avail. He then started spitting/throwing up. Like a good mom, I cupped my hands, thinking I was going to catch it! Not sure why I thought that would work, but could not think of anything else since we were in the car. After he continued on and on crying and screaming to call 911, I told him I wondered if it was stuck in his throat. I went into the gas station where we were parked and bought cheetos. He was able to eat them just fine. We continued on down the road. A few minutes later he was gagging again. I pulled over quickly and opened the back door. As I hurriedly hopped into the car, I hit my head on the doorframe. I had my glasses on top of my head and it hurt, real bad. I screamed out loud and started crying. B sees me on the floor and starts screaming and crying "mom are you okay, mom...". I assured him I was fine but just needed a moment. Things eventually settled down but I sure don't want anyone eating hard candy again for a while. 5 days later I still have a knot on my head.
B's knee and hip issues have disappeared. I have not asked about them and have not seen any limping, except right after riding his bike. This morning B wanted me to read a Clifford book. He picked it up and surprised himself that he was able to read most of the words. He was very excited. Had another soccer game. They lost but B did great again. Still getting so excited that he is kicking the wrong way at times, but he is in the game and charging the ball. One more game to go. Will be nice to be done as the cold weather is moving in.
Jbird is convinced he is ready to cut his curls. Makes me sad just thinking about it. My fear is that he will find scissors sometime soon and do it himself. I will have to keep going in there when he is asleep to try to get the tangles out of the back - otherwise can't get him to sit still.
No more steps out of JB. He does have what I think are 4 molars. Seems early, I thought they came at 2 years.
Another quiet week in store for us.
B in some of the dress up clothes at the museum.
Jbird hauling in all of the fish they caught to cook it inside the tent.
This one cracks me up and he even looked through them the right way - instead of turning them backwards.
Here are a few pictures from our recent BMX track outing.
Bought a training wheel bike for Jbird this past week. We were at Target and it was a few dollars less than Wal-mart so I bought it. It was in a box and it said only 15 minutes to assemble. That should have been my tip-off but it wasn't. It took me 45 minutes and then JR still had to do one thing with the bike before it was ridable.
We went to another store and was met by a friendly sales associate. She was talking with the boys and asked if the boys were shopping with mom or grandma today. Our eyes locked and I bet I looked at her for a good 10 seconds. The boys said mom and then she kind of laughed and said 'you just don't know these days....I became a grandma at 34'. I told her I knew of several that had become grandmas at 34'..... but (you always err on the side of caution. Better to give a compliment than an insult).
Later that evening, we were in the car. I had given B some hard butterscotch candy because he had been coughing. He was eating one in the car and he started making weird noises. I looked back and he was grabbing his throat and saying he was choking. (I was not too concerned because if you are making noise, you are not all out choking). So I pulled into a nearby gas statoin parking lot. He was very scared. He was crying, telling me to call the police and ambulance, saying he did not want to die, etc. I tried reassuring him to no avail. He then started spitting/throwing up. Like a good mom, I cupped my hands, thinking I was going to catch it! Not sure why I thought that would work, but could not think of anything else since we were in the car. After he continued on and on crying and screaming to call 911, I told him I wondered if it was stuck in his throat. I went into the gas station where we were parked and bought cheetos. He was able to eat them just fine. We continued on down the road. A few minutes later he was gagging again. I pulled over quickly and opened the back door. As I hurriedly hopped into the car, I hit my head on the doorframe. I had my glasses on top of my head and it hurt, real bad. I screamed out loud and started crying. B sees me on the floor and starts screaming and crying "mom are you okay, mom...". I assured him I was fine but just needed a moment. Things eventually settled down but I sure don't want anyone eating hard candy again for a while. 5 days later I still have a knot on my head.
B's knee and hip issues have disappeared. I have not asked about them and have not seen any limping, except right after riding his bike. This morning B wanted me to read a Clifford book. He picked it up and surprised himself that he was able to read most of the words. He was very excited. Had another soccer game. They lost but B did great again. Still getting so excited that he is kicking the wrong way at times, but he is in the game and charging the ball. One more game to go. Will be nice to be done as the cold weather is moving in.
Jbird is convinced he is ready to cut his curls. Makes me sad just thinking about it. My fear is that he will find scissors sometime soon and do it himself. I will have to keep going in there when he is asleep to try to get the tangles out of the back - otherwise can't get him to sit still.
No more steps out of JB. He does have what I think are 4 molars. Seems early, I thought they came at 2 years.
Another quiet week in store for us.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
moving on up
B had a great soccer game on Sunday. He was finally in his grove and focused on getting the ball. He still kicked it the wrong way several times but he was charging the ball and not just standing back, watching and encouraging his teammates on. The next morning I even told him again how well he did and as we prayed on our way to school, thanked God for his abilities. (It amazes me how I can often get things across better if I do it in prayer...their little ears perk up when they hear me talk to God about them.)
JB took his first unassisted steps on Sunday. 3 of them. He has also perfected the little pouty look. He can be having a great time, you tell him no and he turns and stares at you. His lips turn into a frown and quiver, his eyes get all watery and then the tears come. He has started throwing himself back and as long as you stand there, he pours it on. As soon as you walk away, he gets over it. Still no words but does a decent job communicating. When thirsty he will go to the cup drawer and find his lid and cup and drag it all over the house to find you.
Jbird still just has lots of volume....does not seem to be a low switch. He is pretty consistent about coming into our room in the middle of the night. Most nights he is staying dry and still proudly announces when he needs to go to the bathroom.
I have been moving furniture around. Furniture gathers stuff, so trying to move it into closets. Keeping the sight zones clear does wonders for me. I am only in closets once or twice a day and then I can close the door. As long as they are organized, I don't care how high things are stacked!
JR has not done any hunting...still pretty warm. The last few weeks have been bow season and Saturday starts rifle, so I expect him to get out more. He is gearing up for a very busy winter season, not only his 'normal' job but the shuttles/taxis he drives to and from airport for his company. This is our winter to really focus and tighten things down and shoot for the 6-8 months worth of living expenses in savings. Will see how we do come spring 2011.
Off to the school for the annual spaghetti feed.
JB took his first unassisted steps on Sunday. 3 of them. He has also perfected the little pouty look. He can be having a great time, you tell him no and he turns and stares at you. His lips turn into a frown and quiver, his eyes get all watery and then the tears come. He has started throwing himself back and as long as you stand there, he pours it on. As soon as you walk away, he gets over it. Still no words but does a decent job communicating. When thirsty he will go to the cup drawer and find his lid and cup and drag it all over the house to find you.
Jbird still just has lots of volume....does not seem to be a low switch. He is pretty consistent about coming into our room in the middle of the night. Most nights he is staying dry and still proudly announces when he needs to go to the bathroom.
I have been moving furniture around. Furniture gathers stuff, so trying to move it into closets. Keeping the sight zones clear does wonders for me. I am only in closets once or twice a day and then I can close the door. As long as they are organized, I don't care how high things are stacked!
JR has not done any hunting...still pretty warm. The last few weeks have been bow season and Saturday starts rifle, so I expect him to get out more. He is gearing up for a very busy winter season, not only his 'normal' job but the shuttles/taxis he drives to and from airport for his company. This is our winter to really focus and tighten things down and shoot for the 6-8 months worth of living expenses in savings. Will see how we do come spring 2011.
Off to the school for the annual spaghetti feed.
Friday, October 15, 2010
The gorgeous fall weather continues. Enjoying the quiet days! I have completed one book and 1/4 of another. The book I finished was the Yada Yada Prayer Group by Neta Jackson. A really good, fun, no brainer read that I found motivating. The book I am in the middle of right now is Dying Declaration, by Christian attorney Randy Singer. He is likened to John Grisham. He writes novels that are based on ethical issues. The one I am currently reading is about a boy that dies because his parents refuse to get him medical attention due to their religious beliefs. I am finding I carry it with me everywhere. Amazing how many times throughout my day I have down time to read.
Not much on the schedule for the weekend except a soccer game.
JR has not been out hunting except twice, weather is still just too warm.
Pooh Bear (the bunny) is still around. There was a cat in our backyard today. Jbird said it was chasing the rabbit but when I went out there to shoo it away, the two of them were both in the grass just hanging out. There is a bb gun by the back door that could be used as a deterrent if needed.
I saw these photos recently and appears that JR was playing around with his camera with JB recently.....
Not much on the schedule for the weekend except a soccer game.
JR has not been out hunting except twice, weather is still just too warm.
Pooh Bear (the bunny) is still around. There was a cat in our backyard today. Jbird said it was chasing the rabbit but when I went out there to shoo it away, the two of them were both in the grass just hanging out. There is a bb gun by the back door that could be used as a deterrent if needed.
I saw these photos recently and appears that JR was playing around with his camera with JB recently.....
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Fall days
Other than a soccer game, BMX trip and church, a very quiet weekend. Beautiful fall weather we are having. Today's soccer game was the first one where clouds were over cast and cool. The boys sure played well. I think 6 of the 8 boys on the team made goals - yes plural. I was proud of B - he finally got in there and played soccer - some. He is just so social. He would be put on defense with one of the best players and B would end up distracting him and the ball would go right past both of them. At least four times B got in there and got control and probably 3 of those times ended up in the wrong direction. Fortunately his teammates are quicker than he and got the ball turned around. But he got in there and ran with the ball. I don't know when I have laughed so much as I just stood there shaking my head. He was having fun!
On a trip to Wal-mart we loaded up the bikes and stopped at the BMX track. The boys loved it. B is starting to get more comfortable going over all the hills. Still my cautious boy. Jbird on the other hand...look out. His bike got left in South Dakota on his recent trip with JR, so he had his scooter. He was scaring me some of the hills he would tackle. He was so proud of himself when he would wipe out and then stand up talking about how glad he was to have on his knee pads. We happened to get to the track just before the racing started. Was fun to watch the older guys raced. We watched a 4 year old 'race' and I thought to myself, that will be Jbird next summer. As soon as those training wheels come off, we will have to invest in one of the racing helmets because he will take off and not look back.
Soccer practice has dropped from twice a week to once a week, so should make for a slower week. Other than bible study and helping out in B's classroom, the week should be quiet. I went to the library yesterday and asked the librarian for some good reads. After explaining what I was looking for, she lead me to several different authors. Checked out 4 books, one by each of the authors, so plan on kicking my heels up some this week and reading. Not to mention with the cooler weather, more relaxing reading time in the bathtub!
On a trip to Wal-mart we loaded up the bikes and stopped at the BMX track. The boys loved it. B is starting to get more comfortable going over all the hills. Still my cautious boy. Jbird on the other hand...look out. His bike got left in South Dakota on his recent trip with JR, so he had his scooter. He was scaring me some of the hills he would tackle. He was so proud of himself when he would wipe out and then stand up talking about how glad he was to have on his knee pads. We happened to get to the track just before the racing started. Was fun to watch the older guys raced. We watched a 4 year old 'race' and I thought to myself, that will be Jbird next summer. As soon as those training wheels come off, we will have to invest in one of the racing helmets because he will take off and not look back.
Soccer practice has dropped from twice a week to once a week, so should make for a slower week. Other than bible study and helping out in B's classroom, the week should be quiet. I went to the library yesterday and asked the librarian for some good reads. After explaining what I was looking for, she lead me to several different authors. Checked out 4 books, one by each of the authors, so plan on kicking my heels up some this week and reading. Not to mention with the cooler weather, more relaxing reading time in the bathtub!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Pumpkin Patch
This past weekend the boys and I went to the local Pumpkin Patch. It is an annual treck. The boys love playing on the hay bales, petting the goats and sheep, swinging under the awesome shade tree and riding out to get pumpkins. I had more than one parent comment on how brave JB was. He kept pushing his way into the corral and climbing on anything. Tried my very best to get a decent picture of all 3 but figure those days are over for now.
This was the first year the tractor driver asked for kids to help him drive. Here is a shot of Jbird taking a turn. (B also got to drive but I was not in a position to take a picture).
Here is a recent (random) picture I took when we went camping a few weeks ago. It was cold in the morning so we gathered in the van for our usual camping breakfast of white powdered donuts. (If you don't see it, JB is a spittin' image of his momma at that age...)
B has now seen the chiropractor twice with his hip situation and the doc thinks that it is possibly a combination of stresses MCL in his knee (not his hip) and some growing that is going on. He has been working on several areas and the limp is getting better. We are going to give it until the end of the month.
Jbird is learning how to spell now and quite proud of himself. Other than his name, his new word is N-O. So, I hear N-O a lot these days...some times it makes me smile and other times it doesn't.
JB is really close to taking off by himself. He is picking up balls while standing and when he is put down, he wants to land on his feet, instead of a seated position.
Today Jbird, JB and I took the broom and dustpan up to B's school. While we waited for the bell to ring, we swept up leaves into a pile. There were a lot of leaves. The little kids had fun playing. I did not anticipate all the older kids that came over as they got out of school. We had lots of kids playing, rolling around, burying themselves and throwing them in the air. Of course I took the opportunity to play with them!
This was the first year the tractor driver asked for kids to help him drive. Here is a shot of Jbird taking a turn. (B also got to drive but I was not in a position to take a picture).
Here is a recent (random) picture I took when we went camping a few weeks ago. It was cold in the morning so we gathered in the van for our usual camping breakfast of white powdered donuts. (If you don't see it, JB is a spittin' image of his momma at that age...)
B has now seen the chiropractor twice with his hip situation and the doc thinks that it is possibly a combination of stresses MCL in his knee (not his hip) and some growing that is going on. He has been working on several areas and the limp is getting better. We are going to give it until the end of the month.
Jbird is learning how to spell now and quite proud of himself. Other than his name, his new word is N-O. So, I hear N-O a lot these days...some times it makes me smile and other times it doesn't.
JB is really close to taking off by himself. He is picking up balls while standing and when he is put down, he wants to land on his feet, instead of a seated position.
Today Jbird, JB and I took the broom and dustpan up to B's school. While we waited for the bell to ring, we swept up leaves into a pile. There were a lot of leaves. The little kids had fun playing. I did not anticipate all the older kids that came over as they got out of school. We had lots of kids playing, rolling around, burying themselves and throwing them in the air. Of course I took the opportunity to play with them!
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