Here is to a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year! Anybody have big plans for New Years Eve. The girls are at their Dad's house for New Year's for the first time in several years. Nathan is at his mom's house and so is Nick. So that just leaves Brayden, the toddler, home with us for New Year's this year.
Even though finding a babysitter for one child would have been possible, we tend to prefer staying home on New Year's because there are so many more stupid and/or drunk driver's on the road.
I am excited. We are going to watch Dr. Seuss' The Lorax and eat in the living room (which is normally not allowed). My folks are coming over and once the kiddo is settled for the night, we are going to play some Phase 10, Mancala, and maybe even some Skipbo. Oh yes, it is on for New Years Eve!!
Remember to drive safe on this wonderful holiday. Also, don't drink and drive; always have a designated driver to get you home at the end of the night. Happy New Year! Wishing you all a joyful 2013.
The ups and downs of one large, blended family. Discussions about the newest trends from clothing to baby items to safety of our children. As well as discussions regarding ADHD, ODD, Autism, and many other childhood issues as well.
Monday, December 31, 2012
8 Crazy Weeks
Sorry it has been so long since I have made any updates. The last 8 weeks have been quite interesting and very busy. Far too many things to put into one blog post. You, my poor readers, would get tired of reading.
I have what is called recurrent corneal abrasion in my right eye since my son poked me in the eye way back in October. The missing girls from Evansdale, Iowa were found. Thanksgiving and Christmas have come and gone. I have been fighting a severe case of Bronchitis as well as sinus infection which led to the bruised rib I have.
The kids have all had their first set of parent conferences for the year and I am quite pleased with everyone's efforts this year so far. We will most likely be having a 3rd child put on medication for ADHD come spring.
Okay, there is an overview of things to come. I apologize again for the delay in writing time. Check back soon, there is so much more to come.
I have what is called recurrent corneal abrasion in my right eye since my son poked me in the eye way back in October. The missing girls from Evansdale, Iowa were found. Thanksgiving and Christmas have come and gone. I have been fighting a severe case of Bronchitis as well as sinus infection which led to the bruised rib I have.
The kids have all had their first set of parent conferences for the year and I am quite pleased with everyone's efforts this year so far. We will most likely be having a 3rd child put on medication for ADHD come spring.
Okay, there is an overview of things to come. I apologize again for the delay in writing time. Check back soon, there is so much more to come.
Monday, November 5, 2012
ADHD/ODD: Tough Diagnosis to Handle
Almost nine months ago my daughter, Brookelyn, was diagnosed as ADHD along with ODD (Oppositional Defiance Disorder). She had been showing signs of ADHD for a little over a year, but Brookelyn has always been very short tempered and aggressive. In the year leading up to the diagnosis, she was hitting, kicking, pulling hair, and lying to and about her sisters and brothers.
I feel guilty sometimes because my daughter is 7 years old and these signs have always been there. At the same time, when the symptoms began to increase I did take her in to get some help. Slowly, we are seeing improvements. The most significant of these are decreased aggression and impulsivity at home and at school. I am so pleased to see her completing homework and schoolwork with much more ease than I have ever seen.
But just as I start to feel confident one thing is under control, my 10 year old daughter gets the final diagnosis of ADD. She doesn't have the aggression and hyperactivity, however, she suffers in silence. Everything is hard for her. She cannot focus on school, homework, chores, or playing a board game. This causes her self esteem to sink lower than it already was.
I have her on medication, but she hasn't started seeing her family worker or therapist yet. Boy can I tell too. She definitely needs to have that and maybe some depression medication. Overall dealing with all of this has been extremely stressful on the rest of the family. Many days I feel like I am failing one or more of my children in some manner of speaking, but what do we do.
We tough it out, suck up those feeling, and do the best darn job we can possibly do.
I feel guilty sometimes because my daughter is 7 years old and these signs have always been there. At the same time, when the symptoms began to increase I did take her in to get some help. Slowly, we are seeing improvements. The most significant of these are decreased aggression and impulsivity at home and at school. I am so pleased to see her completing homework and schoolwork with much more ease than I have ever seen.
But just as I start to feel confident one thing is under control, my 10 year old daughter gets the final diagnosis of ADD. She doesn't have the aggression and hyperactivity, however, she suffers in silence. Everything is hard for her. She cannot focus on school, homework, chores, or playing a board game. This causes her self esteem to sink lower than it already was.
I have her on medication, but she hasn't started seeing her family worker or therapist yet. Boy can I tell too. She definitely needs to have that and maybe some depression medication. Overall dealing with all of this has been extremely stressful on the rest of the family. Many days I feel like I am failing one or more of my children in some manner of speaking, but what do we do.
We tough it out, suck up those feeling, and do the best darn job we can possibly do.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Playing with my Toddler Ended with Emergency Trip for Mom
So I was on the floor putting a movie in the VCR, waiting for it to rewind. Yes, we still watch VHS tapes. Anyway, my two and a half year old son decided we were going to play ghost.
I had to be the ghost so he put his blanket over my head. Then he was rushing to pull it off to stop the ghost. In the process of pulling the blanket off my head, he poked me dead in the eye. I rolled on the floor and could not open my eyes for a solid 10 minutes.
Even then it was a struggle. My right eye was red and in screaming pain. I had to call my eye doctor and have an emergency appointment. My son scratched the cornea of my eye. I have blurred vision in my right eye and the doctor had to put a special contact in my eye so the 'large scratch', as my doctor said, could heal. I also have antibiotic drops, lubricating drops, and Motrin 800. Still in pain.
I go back in 24 hours to see how it is healing. If there is no infection, it could be as much as 90% healed by then. He did not specifically say that the contact would come out tomorrow. The contact is what is allowing it to heal because my eye lid was reinjuring the scratch every time I blinked.
I must say that I did not think I would ever have being poked in the eye as an occupational hazard of motherhood. And next to tooth pain, I think that eye pain is the worst possible pain in the world. I say this mostly because no oral pain medications really help and if you use eye drop pain relief it impedes the healing process.
Alright my head is pounding and my eye is throbbing so off to bed I go.
I had to be the ghost so he put his blanket over my head. Then he was rushing to pull it off to stop the ghost. In the process of pulling the blanket off my head, he poked me dead in the eye. I rolled on the floor and could not open my eyes for a solid 10 minutes.
Even then it was a struggle. My right eye was red and in screaming pain. I had to call my eye doctor and have an emergency appointment. My son scratched the cornea of my eye. I have blurred vision in my right eye and the doctor had to put a special contact in my eye so the 'large scratch', as my doctor said, could heal. I also have antibiotic drops, lubricating drops, and Motrin 800. Still in pain.
I go back in 24 hours to see how it is healing. If there is no infection, it could be as much as 90% healed by then. He did not specifically say that the contact would come out tomorrow. The contact is what is allowing it to heal because my eye lid was reinjuring the scratch every time I blinked.
I must say that I did not think I would ever have being poked in the eye as an occupational hazard of motherhood. And next to tooth pain, I think that eye pain is the worst possible pain in the world. I say this mostly because no oral pain medications really help and if you use eye drop pain relief it impedes the healing process.
Alright my head is pounding and my eye is throbbing so off to bed I go.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
ADD/ADHD/ODD Changing Medication or Dosage
I am always concerned when the Doctors' and myself decide that we need to change my daughters' medication or dosage. The whole process is ongoing because our children are always growing and changing. We have to be flexible to changes as this happens. Even if the medication works really well at first, that is not a guarantee.
According to our Pediatrician, Dr. Stacy Wagner, most children will need to have adjustments to dosage periodically. If you are dealing with multiple children suffering from ADD/ADHD/ODD, it is important not to compare them based on their siblings behaviors or medications. Each child is different, therefore, what works for one child may not be the answer for their sibling.
It is also critical that all aspects of development are being assessed regularly to ensure medication is working properly. I have teacher and parent assessments, plus I consult with our social worker and therapist as to behaviors and/or side effects noticed. This ensures that we are looking at all aspects
According to our Pediatrician, Dr. Stacy Wagner, most children will need to have adjustments to dosage periodically. If you are dealing with multiple children suffering from ADD/ADHD/ODD, it is important not to compare them based on their siblings behaviors or medications. Each child is different, therefore, what works for one child may not be the answer for their sibling.
It is also critical that all aspects of development are being assessed regularly to ensure medication is working properly. I have teacher and parent assessments, plus I consult with our social worker and therapist as to behaviors and/or side effects noticed. This ensures that we are looking at all aspects
Friday, September 14, 2012
Healthier School Lunches: Good or Bad?
This school year in Iowa is the first year of implementing the new, healthier school lunches. While I understand the importance of eating healthy, there are limits to what you can make thousands of children eat.
This is such a tough subject because I can see the good reasoning on both sides of the argument. I agree that children should not be eating processed foods and high calorie desserts all the time. However, my children will not eat half of the stuff on their lunches anymore.
They come home starving. So I either have to keep extra snacks on hand or I have to send them with a cold lunch that they will eat. In our case, packing a cold lunch is not helping the family food budget. We qualify for free school lunches, so if I have to make them lunch everyday, that adds close to $200 a month just on lunches.
In my opinion, the government needs to look at the menu selections over this school year and make some major adjustments. I am sure we can find a happy medium when it comes to healthy and tasteful for the children. Many children have very bland palates. They do not like all these exotic tastes of vegetable dishes that even I have never heard of.
This is such a tough subject because I can see the good reasoning on both sides of the argument. I agree that children should not be eating processed foods and high calorie desserts all the time. However, my children will not eat half of the stuff on their lunches anymore.
They come home starving. So I either have to keep extra snacks on hand or I have to send them with a cold lunch that they will eat. In our case, packing a cold lunch is not helping the family food budget. We qualify for free school lunches, so if I have to make them lunch everyday, that adds close to $200 a month just on lunches.
In my opinion, the government needs to look at the menu selections over this school year and make some major adjustments. I am sure we can find a happy medium when it comes to healthy and tasteful for the children. Many children have very bland palates. They do not like all these exotic tastes of vegetable dishes that even I have never heard of.
Monday, September 3, 2012
School Activity Costs
My husband and I have an excellent relationship. Generally we can talk things through and come to an agreement, no matter what the problem may be. On occasion we have an issue or two that requires a lot more work from each of us to solve; that's when my husband gets cranky.
He likes to have things solved right now. Especially when it comes to money, he likes to be on top of it and not spend anything we don't have to. The problem is that sometimes things that he thinks are not needed really are needed.
Which brings me to tonight's dinner conversation. Our two eldest daughters both play in the band. We bought them new shoes and performance outfits last year. These are clothes and shoes that the girls only wear to performances; which means the outfits have only been worn maybe six times.
Problem is both girls have outgrown the outfits that they have. I suggested taking them out this weekend to get new performance outfits and my husband informs me that only the older of the two needs a new uniform. His reasoning, the eldest can pass her's down. I understand the concept of passing clothes down and the old outfits will be passed on as regular clothes.
But really would you make one child wear hand me downs to her band performances, while the other one gets to go shopping and get a new outfit. In my opinion that is not fair, but in the interest of keeping peace at the table I simply changed the subject. I realize that it is a small thing to disagree about and he will come to his senses. It can just be very frustrating.
He likes to have things solved right now. Especially when it comes to money, he likes to be on top of it and not spend anything we don't have to. The problem is that sometimes things that he thinks are not needed really are needed.
Which brings me to tonight's dinner conversation. Our two eldest daughters both play in the band. We bought them new shoes and performance outfits last year. These are clothes and shoes that the girls only wear to performances; which means the outfits have only been worn maybe six times.
Problem is both girls have outgrown the outfits that they have. I suggested taking them out this weekend to get new performance outfits and my husband informs me that only the older of the two needs a new uniform. His reasoning, the eldest can pass her's down. I understand the concept of passing clothes down and the old outfits will be passed on as regular clothes.
But really would you make one child wear hand me downs to her band performances, while the other one gets to go shopping and get a new outfit. In my opinion that is not fair, but in the interest of keeping peace at the table I simply changed the subject. I realize that it is a small thing to disagree about and he will come to his senses. It can just be very frustrating.
Labor Day Weekend: Unofficial End of Summer
By Labor day, most children are back in school and very ready for their first three day weekend. Labor day tends to be the last major camping trip or vacation for many families before school events and winter weather hit.
Most of the campgrounds in Iowa close to campers after Labor day weekend - until the following spring. The nights are starting to get cool and the days are getting shorter. These factors tend to send people running for one last dip in the pool, camp-out, or grill out; and just enjoy the time of year.
All of the campgrounds are full for the three day weekend. If you are not on the lakes early, good luck getting out there. And if you do make it onto the lake, the crowds are terrible.
From about 10am on Labor day, the smell of grills and cook fires fills the air. Coolers filled with everything from juice to beer, and the beer seems to go the fastest. It is a bittersweet weekend for many because it is the last grill out/outing of the summer.
But don't let it get you down now, go out and enjoy your unofficial last weekend of summer.
Most of the campgrounds in Iowa close to campers after Labor day weekend - until the following spring. The nights are starting to get cool and the days are getting shorter. These factors tend to send people running for one last dip in the pool, camp-out, or grill out; and just enjoy the time of year.
All of the campgrounds are full for the three day weekend. If you are not on the lakes early, good luck getting out there. And if you do make it onto the lake, the crowds are terrible.
From about 10am on Labor day, the smell of grills and cook fires fills the air. Coolers filled with everything from juice to beer, and the beer seems to go the fastest. It is a bittersweet weekend for many because it is the last grill out/outing of the summer.
But don't let it get you down now, go out and enjoy your unofficial last weekend of summer.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Missing Girls - Abducted; Evansdale, IA; Little New Evidence
As of today- August 31- it has been seven full weeks since Lyric Cook and Elizabeth Collins disappeared. Elizabeth has had a birthday and the children have all returned to school; still no sign of these two little girls. Local law enforcement and the FBI are working in conjunction with each other to figure out where Elizabeth and Lyric are.
According to kwwl.com, hundreds of people spent the first three days after the girls disappeared scouring the area in and around Meyers lake. Ultimately, most of Evansdale, surrounding neighborhoods, and wooded areas were searched in that first few days. The FBI visibly concentrated on the lake for the next several days: draining the lake, sending in divers, and using sonar equipment.
Once it was determined that the girls were not in the lake, other information began to come to the surface of the FBI's investigation. Parents' of Lyric have criminal backgrounds and were asked by law enforcement to take lie detector tests on two separate occasions. After two full weeks of the Lyric and Elizabeth missing, the FBI determines that the girls had been abducted.
Another five weeks have passed and the case seems to be cooling off; which is not good for Lyric and Elizabeth. No credible leads to speak of. This is one of the scariest situations that has happened near where I live. I do not know how I would keep it together for my other children. I am praying for the family and the safe return of Elizabeth Collins and Lyric Cook.
According to kwwl.com, hundreds of people spent the first three days after the girls disappeared scouring the area in and around Meyers lake. Ultimately, most of Evansdale, surrounding neighborhoods, and wooded areas were searched in that first few days. The FBI visibly concentrated on the lake for the next several days: draining the lake, sending in divers, and using sonar equipment.
Once it was determined that the girls were not in the lake, other information began to come to the surface of the FBI's investigation. Parents' of Lyric have criminal backgrounds and were asked by law enforcement to take lie detector tests on two separate occasions. After two full weeks of the Lyric and Elizabeth missing, the FBI determines that the girls had been abducted.
Another five weeks have passed and the case seems to be cooling off; which is not good for Lyric and Elizabeth. No credible leads to speak of. This is one of the scariest situations that has happened near where I live. I do not know how I would keep it together for my other children. I am praying for the family and the safe return of Elizabeth Collins and Lyric Cook.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Back to School: Back on Schedule
By the first day of school, I am beyond ready to be back on a schedule. The first month of summer break is not so bad because of band, orchestra, swim team, swim lessons, and softball. However, by middle of July, they are finishing up with their lessons and games. My girls lazy this summer.
Of course, I could not seem to get us back on schedule before school started. They were in bed the night before the first day of school by 7pm and we had a very successful first day of school this year. It doesn't take long for school to put the kids back on schedule. They are all so exhausted after school the first week or two they have no problem going to bed before the sun does.
With the first few days under the belt, I am gearing up for the first full week of school starting tomorrow. Now that the excitement of school starting and seeing friends is done; the kids have to get settled in to the routine. The second week is always worse than the first week, in my experience.
Of course, I could not seem to get us back on schedule before school started. They were in bed the night before the first day of school by 7pm and we had a very successful first day of school this year. It doesn't take long for school to put the kids back on schedule. They are all so exhausted after school the first week or two they have no problem going to bed before the sun does.
With the first few days under the belt, I am gearing up for the first full week of school starting tomorrow. Now that the excitement of school starting and seeing friends is done; the kids have to get settled in to the routine. The second week is always worse than the first week, in my experience.
Back to School: Break the Wallet
Every year I dread the back to school season and all that it entails. Some of the supplies seem excessive to me. My 2nd grader doesn't need 24 pencils a school year. Is my 6th grader going to use 12 dry erase markers in one year.
Then I have supply shopping. The stores are crowded; and we have to make two trips. On average I spend $700 for back to school. That cost increases as each child gets older.
Then there are all the extra things during the year that have fees. The kids have limits when it comes to school activities and sports. For example, the kids cannot be in both Orchestra and Band. And they may each choose one school year sport and one summer sport to play.
I wish you all luck as you finish up your back to school shopping this year.
Then I have supply shopping. The stores are crowded; and we have to make two trips. On average I spend $700 for back to school. That cost increases as each child gets older.
Then there are all the extra things during the year that have fees. The kids have limits when it comes to school activities and sports. For example, the kids cannot be in both Orchestra and Band. And they may each choose one school year sport and one summer sport to play.
I wish you all luck as you finish up your back to school shopping this year.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Khan Academy works Miracles
Earlier this year, I mentioned an online tutoring site that was completely free. Now I have a little more insight into how it works and how well it works. It is so easy to add children to your account as an adult so that you can monitor your child's progress.
When I made up my children's accounts, it allowed me to be their coach. This way I have access to everything that my children are watching and practicing on Khan Academy. My children have fallen in love with the methods of teaching used by Khan Academy.
I have three daughters who now fight over who gets to go on Khan Academy instead of who gets to play the Wii first. My eldest spends at least an hour a day on Khan Academy and is even beginning to enjoy social studies. Miracles can happen. My middle daughter has significantly improved her basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. I am now confident that she will be able to keep up with her peers as she enters middle school.
When I made up my children's accounts, it allowed me to be their coach. This way I have access to everything that my children are watching and practicing on Khan Academy. My children have fallen in love with the methods of teaching used by Khan Academy.
I have three daughters who now fight over who gets to go on Khan Academy instead of who gets to play the Wii first. My eldest spends at least an hour a day on Khan Academy and is even beginning to enjoy social studies. Miracles can happen. My middle daughter has significantly improved her basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. I am now confident that she will be able to keep up with her peers as she enters middle school.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Evansdale, Iowa Missing Girls Not in Lake, Now Considered an Abduction
According to kwwl.com, the FBI has determined that Lyric Cook and Elizabeth Collins are not in Meyers Lake. This revelation along with evidence that was found and sent to the criminal lab on Friday July 20th, has caused officials to change the case from a missing persons case to an abduction case.
There have been questions about the backgrounds of Lyric's parents. Both of her parents have now submitted to 2 different polygraph tests administered in Black Hawk County. Both Dan and Misty Morrissey have criminal backgrounds that include methamphetamine charges. So investigators are following all possible leads.
As of Saturday the 21st, authorities were looking for a person who had been paddle boating on Meyer's Lake Friday the 13th of July between 12 and 1 pm. They say this person is not a suspect, however, they believe he may have some information about what happened at the lake.
According to several sources, including kcrg.com; the FBI is fairly confident that both of the girls are still alive. We keep praying for these girls each day. Keep your eyes open America because they could be anywhere.
Works Cited
There have been questions about the backgrounds of Lyric's parents. Both of her parents have now submitted to 2 different polygraph tests administered in Black Hawk County. Both Dan and Misty Morrissey have criminal backgrounds that include methamphetamine charges. So investigators are following all possible leads.
As of Saturday the 21st, authorities were looking for a person who had been paddle boating on Meyer's Lake Friday the 13th of July between 12 and 1 pm. They say this person is not a suspect, however, they believe he may have some information about what happened at the lake.
According to several sources, including kcrg.com; the FBI is fairly confident that both of the girls are still alive. We keep praying for these girls each day. Keep your eyes open America because they could be anywhere.
Works Cited
The search for elizabeth and lyric. (2012, July). KWWL. Retrieved from http://www.kwwl.com/category/243711/missing-girls-the-search-for-elizabeth-and-lyric
Evansdale dissapearance. (2012, JULY). KCRG. Retrieved from http://www.kcrg.com/evansdaledisappearance
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Evansdale girls still Missing: Officials still Dragging Lake
It was mentioned by the Black Hawk County Sheriffs office that the lake had been about 40% dragged as of Sunday morning. The dragging of the lake will mostly likely take until sometime on Monday. If the girls are not found to be in the lake, officers fear they are running out of options.
The relatives and parents of these girls are starting to voice concerns of them being abducted. Since the lake where their bikes were found is located less than 50 yards from Interstate 380. I will be heading down to Evansdale again tomorrow in an effort to find these girls.
We are all praying for Elizabeth Collins and Lyric Cook's safe return. Please pass on the prayers.
The relatives and parents of these girls are starting to voice concerns of them being abducted. Since the lake where their bikes were found is located less than 50 yards from Interstate 380. I will be heading down to Evansdale again tomorrow in an effort to find these girls.
We are all praying for Elizabeth Collins and Lyric Cook's safe return. Please pass on the prayers.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Two Girls Missing from Evansdale, Iowa since Friday the 13th of July, 2012
Two girls, 8 year old Elizabeth Collins and 11 year old Lyric Cook went for a bike ride on Friday at 12:15pm by 3:30 the girls bikes and purse were found along the Southeast end of Meyer's Lake in Evansdale, Iowa, but no sign of the girls themselves.
As of dark on Saturday the 14th, there has been no sign of these girls. Search parties have been combing the surrounding areas since 3:00 Friday afternoon. For more details regarding this ongoing investigation, please visit http://www.kwwl.com/story/19023342/evansdale-police-searching-for-two-missing-girls.
As of dark on Saturday the 14th, there has been no sign of these girls. Search parties have been combing the surrounding areas since 3:00 Friday afternoon. For more details regarding this ongoing investigation, please visit http://www.kwwl.com/story/19023342/evansdale-police-searching-for-two-missing-girls.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Whew!! June is finally Over!!
Wow! I knew that June was going to be busy, but I certainly didn't think that I would not get back to my blog for an entire month. My goodness.
Kaylee finished up softball and went on her week long camping trip at Camp Tangle foot in Clear Lake, Iowa. She was gone for 6 full days and I really missed her. I was a little worried about her, but she was absolutely fine.
Julianna has finally finished all of her swim meets for the season. Now she just has practice 5 days a week for the rest of the month. She had swim meets every Tuesday and Thursday and one Saturday in June. Then she had her last swim meet on July 3rd. Swim offs start on Saturday, but Julianna was a first year and she did not make it to swim offs this year.
Brookelyn had her weekend at Camp Tahigwa in Dorchester, Iowa. But her big couple of weeks are yet to come. For the next two weeks she has swimming lessons. She hasn't been in swimming lessons for 3 years and then it was only one 10 day session and she is much older now.
Kaylee finished up softball and went on her week long camping trip at Camp Tangle foot in Clear Lake, Iowa. She was gone for 6 full days and I really missed her. I was a little worried about her, but she was absolutely fine.
Julianna has finally finished all of her swim meets for the season. Now she just has practice 5 days a week for the rest of the month. She had swim meets every Tuesday and Thursday and one Saturday in June. Then she had her last swim meet on July 3rd. Swim offs start on Saturday, but Julianna was a first year and she did not make it to swim offs this year.
Brookelyn had her weekend at Camp Tahigwa in Dorchester, Iowa. But her big couple of weeks are yet to come. For the next two weeks she has swimming lessons. She hasn't been in swimming lessons for 3 years and then it was only one 10 day session and she is much older now.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Summer Vacation Has Arrived
It has been a very busy month! Wrapping up end of the school year things. My eldest daughter was in her school musical. The middle daughter's teacher is concerned about her performance. And the youngest daughter's behavioral and emotional problems are finally being addressed by all angles. Not to mention instruments, softball, girl scouts, vacation bible school, and swim club! So I apologize that it has been almost a month since my last post.
For the first time, the girls have early morning practices this summer. It is the first week of summer vacation and they have stayed up later, but not been able to sleep in yet! The last day of school was Friday, May 25 and starting on Tuesday the 29th, band and orchestra lessons begin.
Julianna, my eldest, has joined the band as well as the Waverly Area Swim Club. She didn't realize that was going to entail 3 days a week of 7:30am Clarinet lessons. Not to mention 5 days a week of swim club practice that starts at 8:30am. Although, she is my determined child. I really think that she will take this in as much stride as an exhausted 10 year old can muster.
Miss Kaylee doesn't have it quite so bad! She has Violin lessons 5 days a week at 9:00am. And then she is in softball which has games on Monday and Wednesday evenings. Since she was having so many problems in school, I have her practicing math 5 days a week at KhanAcademy.com for at least 1 hour per session.
Brookelyn, the 7 year old is not doing any sports this summer. However, she is going to Vacation Bible School by herself. And she is going camping at Camp Tahigwa for girl scouts in June. Since we are working on a diagnosis and how to treat Brookelyn's issues, I decided it was best to limit the amount of stress on her this summer.
Then we have the little boys. All they want to do is play outside and learn to swim. Yes, my 2 year old wants to learn how to swim. And the 4 year old is finally getting over his fear of water.
Hello Summer! Glad to have you back.
For the first time, the girls have early morning practices this summer. It is the first week of summer vacation and they have stayed up later, but not been able to sleep in yet! The last day of school was Friday, May 25 and starting on Tuesday the 29th, band and orchestra lessons begin.
Julianna, my eldest, has joined the band as well as the Waverly Area Swim Club. She didn't realize that was going to entail 3 days a week of 7:30am Clarinet lessons. Not to mention 5 days a week of swim club practice that starts at 8:30am. Although, she is my determined child. I really think that she will take this in as much stride as an exhausted 10 year old can muster.
Miss Kaylee doesn't have it quite so bad! She has Violin lessons 5 days a week at 9:00am. And then she is in softball which has games on Monday and Wednesday evenings. Since she was having so many problems in school, I have her practicing math 5 days a week at KhanAcademy.com for at least 1 hour per session.
Brookelyn, the 7 year old is not doing any sports this summer. However, she is going to Vacation Bible School by herself. And she is going camping at Camp Tahigwa for girl scouts in June. Since we are working on a diagnosis and how to treat Brookelyn's issues, I decided it was best to limit the amount of stress on her this summer.
Then we have the little boys. All they want to do is play outside and learn to swim. Yes, my 2 year old wants to learn how to swim. And the 4 year old is finally getting over his fear of water.
Hello Summer! Glad to have you back.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
The Waverly Area Swim Club
My eldest daughter, Julianna, decided against playing softball this season and it took her six weeks to decide what she wanted to do instead. However, when she finally decided on the Waverly Area Swim Club (WASC), I was ecstatic. And then I learned about Swim Club and what competitive swimming is all about.
So Julianna and I went to sign her up for the WASC last week and wasn't I surprised to see fees for registration, state board, shirts, and volunteering. I was under the mistaken impression that their was no registration fee as long as the parents volunteer 3 times during the season.
I could not have been more wrong. I found out that competitive swimmers have to register with the state, for a fee of $36 of course. There is also a fee of $1 per swimmer for the use of the public pool for practice. Then there was the the bombshell being dropped. Registration for one child to be in this competitive swim club: $65.
That is only the beginning as well. During the season there are 3 at home swim meets. For each of these meets, parents are expected to volunteer for at least one thing. I signed up to be a timer for all three at home swim meets. The timer is timing swimmers as they race.
Finally, the WASC requires that all participants parents sign up to bring the food and drink that will be available at each of these home meets. They do cap this volunteer effort at $20 donated by each family, but it is still going to financially strain our relationship
So Julianna and I went to sign her up for the WASC last week and wasn't I surprised to see fees for registration, state board, shirts, and volunteering. I was under the mistaken impression that their was no registration fee as long as the parents volunteer 3 times during the season.
I could not have been more wrong. I found out that competitive swimmers have to register with the state, for a fee of $36 of course. There is also a fee of $1 per swimmer for the use of the public pool for practice. Then there was the the bombshell being dropped. Registration for one child to be in this competitive swim club: $65.
That is only the beginning as well. During the season there are 3 at home swim meets. For each of these meets, parents are expected to volunteer for at least one thing. I signed up to be a timer for all three at home swim meets. The timer is timing swimmers as they race.
Finally, the WASC requires that all participants parents sign up to bring the food and drink that will be available at each of these home meets. They do cap this volunteer effort at $20 donated by each family, but it is still going to financially strain our relationship
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Getting Organized for the Craziness of Summer Activities
Summer time is so much fun with kids! But it can also be very busy; which can cause some hectic schedules. I only have 2 of the children really involved in extra curricular activities, but they are involved in so much stuff! The worst part is that 90% of the activities take place in June. There are some mornings that I will have run kids to 4 different places and back home before noon.
Kaylee just started her softball practices this past week. Now she has practice for 2 hours, 2 different evenings a week. Then the schedule will change to 2 different evenings for 2 hours at the end of May. They start playing games and stop having practices at that time.
Starting May 29th, Kaylee and Julianna have Band and Orchestra lessons 3 days a week for 30 minutes day through June 20th. This will be Kaylee's first year in the Orchestra and she will be playing the violin. Her lessons are at 9am. Julianna decided to join the Band this year and she will be taking lessons on the Clarinet at 10am the same days that Kaylee has lessons.
Julianna is going to top off our schedule starting June 1st when practice starts for the Waverly Area Swim Club. She will be practice 5 mornings a week from 8:30 to 9:30am. Then she has meets every couple of weeks all summer long. Needless to say, our end of May and all of June are going to be hectic.
I haven't even mentioned Girl Scouts or the Tri-T organization's camping trips for the girls this summer. And guess what, all the trips are in May and June. Nice, huh! Kaylee and Julianna are heading off in less than 2 weeks on their first weekend Girl Scout adventure. Kaylee gets to spend 5 days in Clear Lake with the Tri-T organization and several other girls her age.
For my own sanity, I decided to make an activities map and print it out. There is no room on our 2 regular calendars for all the activity times each day. Once I got the entire end of May and June schedule entered into the calendar, I must say, I was a bit overwhelmed. I have had the calendar on the wall for a couple of days now. Every day I have a little more confidence that this can be done.
Kaylee just started her softball practices this past week. Now she has practice for 2 hours, 2 different evenings a week. Then the schedule will change to 2 different evenings for 2 hours at the end of May. They start playing games and stop having practices at that time.
Starting May 29th, Kaylee and Julianna have Band and Orchestra lessons 3 days a week for 30 minutes day through June 20th. This will be Kaylee's first year in the Orchestra and she will be playing the violin. Her lessons are at 9am. Julianna decided to join the Band this year and she will be taking lessons on the Clarinet at 10am the same days that Kaylee has lessons.
Julianna is going to top off our schedule starting June 1st when practice starts for the Waverly Area Swim Club. She will be practice 5 mornings a week from 8:30 to 9:30am. Then she has meets every couple of weeks all summer long. Needless to say, our end of May and all of June are going to be hectic.
I haven't even mentioned Girl Scouts or the Tri-T organization's camping trips for the girls this summer. And guess what, all the trips are in May and June. Nice, huh! Kaylee and Julianna are heading off in less than 2 weeks on their first weekend Girl Scout adventure. Kaylee gets to spend 5 days in Clear Lake with the Tri-T organization and several other girls her age.
For my own sanity, I decided to make an activities map and print it out. There is no room on our 2 regular calendars for all the activity times each day. Once I got the entire end of May and June schedule entered into the calendar, I must say, I was a bit overwhelmed. I have had the calendar on the wall for a couple of days now. Every day I have a little more confidence that this can be done.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Behavior Bucks
This whole school year we have been having behavioral issues with my 1st grader. For a good portion of the year, the school did not see the amount of behavioral issues that were happening at home. However, in the last month, she has gotten in trouble for hitting and hiding under the desk. She has just plain refused to do her work.
So the school counselor and I have sat down and visited several times this year. He showed me this system that takes the blame away when it comes to behavior and discipline. The system is all about choices. It is called the Behavior Bucks system. The goal of this system is to help children learn to make good choices. Also, it helps them to understand the value of money; which can be so hard in today's plastic and direct deposit society.
Basically, you create a Behavior Plan for each child. The behavior plan does not have each chore or little thing listed separately; it only covers the main things that children need to work on. I also implemented earning bucks per chore they complete, but the chore list is separate from the behavior plan. Each day your children can earn Bucks by following the behavior plan. If they choose not to follow the plan they will not earn bucks for that behavior or action.
My 1st grader is a good example of what needs to be included in the behavior plan. She can earn 25 bucks twice a day just for being respectful to others all day long. She has the opportunity to earn 20 bucks each morning by getting up and dressed within a certain amount of time. All of the children earn 10 Bucks per chore they complete daily and an additional 5 Bucks if they follow all basic house rules for the day.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Free Online Tutoring for your Child!
As of the last parent teacher conferences, I have been at a loss. I have been talking to teachers, counselors, friends, and even strangers trying to find a way to help a couple of my kiddos with their math. Sylvan and all the other tutoring programs I had heard about were all way out of our price range. Plus, there are no summer school programs available through the school district.
Then one day we were driving up to Madison, Wisconsin and I heard about the Khan Academy online. The advertisement emphasized that this program was free for everyone. As soon as we got back home that night, I logged on to KhanAcademy.com to find out if free really meant free. And for once, free really does mean free.
This website has over 3100 tutoring videos available covering Math from K-12, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Finance, History, and SAT Prep. Each of the videos is short and segmented to one particular part of the subject. Math has videos that cover basic addition and subtraction all the way through videos explaining Calculus.
Your children can each have an account and keep track of their progress through the website. It is completely self paced and your child earns points and badges along the way to measure their progress. Along with the tutorial videos, there are an abundance of interactive challenges and assessments available.
The second best part of this website is that even as a parent, I can create and account and keep learning. I personally love to learn something new everyday. When you are a homemaker who really is home all the time, learning something meaningful each day can be a challenge sometimes.
Then one day we were driving up to Madison, Wisconsin and I heard about the Khan Academy online. The advertisement emphasized that this program was free for everyone. As soon as we got back home that night, I logged on to KhanAcademy.com to find out if free really meant free. And for once, free really does mean free.
This website has over 3100 tutoring videos available covering Math from K-12, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Finance, History, and SAT Prep. Each of the videos is short and segmented to one particular part of the subject. Math has videos that cover basic addition and subtraction all the way through videos explaining Calculus.
Your children can each have an account and keep track of their progress through the website. It is completely self paced and your child earns points and badges along the way to measure their progress. Along with the tutorial videos, there are an abundance of interactive challenges and assessments available.
The second best part of this website is that even as a parent, I can create and account and keep learning. I personally love to learn something new everyday. When you are a homemaker who really is home all the time, learning something meaningful each day can be a challenge sometimes.
Location: Shell Rock, Iowa, USA
2393 Atlas Ave, Waverly, IA 50677, USA
Friday, April 6, 2012
ChildrenView.com
I was so intrigued to find out that Daycare's across the country are integrating systems that allowing parent's to remotely view their children live at any point during the day. I decided that I wanted to do some more research and find other websites that offer the same type of programs. Wow, was I surprised at how many other websites offer some variation or another of this program.
At ChildrenView.com, parents have the peace of mind knowing that they can log on anytime and see their child(ren)interacting with classmates and teachers. Also, Children View manages the entire system, from installing and maintaining cameras to creating usernames and passwords for Daycare customers. It makes me feel good to know that the Daycare providers do not have my log on information. It is just a matter of security, the less people who have access the less chance of problems.
For Child care centers, Children View sounds like a wonderful opportunity as well. They install, maintain, create a website , and provide technical support for your center at low monthly cost. Best of all, they offer a video recording option so that Center leaders can record and view their care providers. This can be critical for reviews and maintaining a safe environment for both employees and children.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Watch your Child Grow with Daycare online Streaming
I must have been lost in the dark ages of daycare when I was taking my children. I learned this week that since as early as 1996 their were websites providing schools and day cares with the technology to install 'nanny cams' that customers can view live online at any time during business hours. Although, it appears that the day care online streaming craze did not really start until early 21st century.
If you are like me as a parent, you wonder all day about how your child is interacting in the day care setting. We wonder if the teachers are being fair and respectful. We worry that because they were crying when we left them, they had a bad day or cried all day. Just knowing that I could log on and watch my child at any time during the day would be huge. But to actually go to work in the morning and check on my kids when I get to work, would be phenomenal. I would go back to work if I could find affordable day care that provided this service in my area.
I am so excited about this concept that I intend on doing more research and provide more interesting and compelling information on the subject of watching your children at day care via live streaming webcams in the day care center.
Location: Shell Rock, Iowa, USA
2393 Atlas Ave, Waverly, IA 50677, USA
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
ChildrensPlace.com
I have been doing more and more of my shopping online especially for the children's clothing. I just recently learned about Childrensplace.com. It is an online store that runs great deals for highly fashionable children's clothing.
The first time I went shopping at the The Children's Place, I spent over $100 and made out like a bandit. I was able to purchase 3 shirts and 3 shorts for Brayden (2). I also purchased 2 pair of flip flops for each of the girls along with a new swimsuit for each of them.
The best part is that any order over $75 has no shipping cost so it is truly like shopping in the store. I almost always spend at least $100 on clothing per trip so this website is perfect. Plus, they are always running specials. When I made my last purchase, all the girls clothing and accessories were on sale up to 50% off. Plus, I received a coupon for $$20 off my next purchase of $40 or more.
I am including the website, I recommend The Children's Place to anyone with children. The website is as follows:
http://www.childrensplace.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/home_10001_10001_-1.
The first time I went shopping at the The Children's Place, I spent over $100 and made out like a bandit. I was able to purchase 3 shirts and 3 shorts for Brayden (2). I also purchased 2 pair of flip flops for each of the girls along with a new swimsuit for each of them.
The best part is that any order over $75 has no shipping cost so it is truly like shopping in the store. I almost always spend at least $100 on clothing per trip so this website is perfect. Plus, they are always running specials. When I made my last purchase, all the girls clothing and accessories were on sale up to 50% off. Plus, I received a coupon for $$20 off my next purchase of $40 or more.
I am including the website, I recommend The Children's Place to anyone with children. The website is as follows:
http://www.childrensplace.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/home_10001_10001_-1.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Here's wishing the Happiest of Birthdays to my baby boy Brayden who is officially a terrible two year old now. My sweet baby boy, the last baby for our family is on his way to being a preschooler. It kind of makes me sad, but happy too.
Brayden got a ton of sandbox toys and sand for the sandbox. He received a bunch of mini monster trucks and matchbox cars. Plus his own bounce back punching bag. Maybe he will stop hitting everyone now. LOL I think that his favorite gift was the tool box though. He was fixing everything he could get his hands on all night long.
Again, Happy 2nd Birthday to our Precious Baby Boy Brayden Kyle!!
Brayden got a ton of sandbox toys and sand for the sandbox. He received a bunch of mini monster trucks and matchbox cars. Plus his own bounce back punching bag. Maybe he will stop hitting everyone now. LOL I think that his favorite gift was the tool box though. He was fixing everything he could get his hands on all night long.
Again, Happy 2nd Birthday to our Precious Baby Boy Brayden Kyle!!
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Softball Season is almost here!
Sometimes it can be hard for us as parents to find information on all of the extra curricular activities that our children would like to participate in. 2 years ago, a youth softball/baseball league fell into my lap and the children really enjoyed playing with that league. Then last year we had moved to a new area and I was able to find 2 different leagues in our new Waverly-Shell Rock, Iowa hometown.
In 2010, we lived in Evansdale, Iowa (it is connected to Waterloo, Iowa) and my oldest daughter was ready to start playing softball. I feel very fortunate to have heard about the Evansdale Youth Sports Association (EYSA) in time for registration that year. This league is for children aged 3 through the 12th grade.
. Registration will be held at the Evansdale City Hall, which
is located at 123 N. Evans Road. Registrations will be held on Saturdays March
24th and 31st from 9am- 1pm, Monday March 26th - Friday
March 30th from 4pm-7pm, and Saturday March 31st from 9am- 1pm. It will cost $25 to register. With the exception of t-ball player whose cost is only $20. To download registration forms, or for
more information please visit the Evansdale Youth Sports Association website at
http://www.allprosoftware.net/EYSA/aplsnews.htm.
Registration cost includes a team t-shirt, but parents are
responsible for supplying the rest of the uniform. A complete uniform includes
the team t-shirt, baseball/softball pants, Cleats, and a baseball glove.
Players are welcome to bring their own bat and batting helmet although both of
these will be provided by team coaches. All games and practices are held at Deerwood Park in Evansdale, Iowa.
This league is non-competitive so the focus is more on having fun and practicing your softball/baseball skills. They do have a tournament mid-season each year and those are the only games that scores matter. My eldest daughter Julianna really enjoyed her first season of softball with the EYSA.
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Location: Shell Rock, Iowa, USA
Shell Rock, IA 50670, USA
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