Blog Nonsense - Blame Julie

Your Dominant Intelligence is Logical-Mathematical Intelligence

You are great at finding patterns and relationships between things.Always curious about how things work, you love to set up experiments.You need for the world to make sense - and are good at making sense of it.You have a head for numbers and math ... and you can solve almost any logic puzzle. You would make a great scientist, engineer, computer programmer, researcher, accountant, or mathematician.

What Kind of Intelligence Do You Have?

Sunday Ramblings

I've just spent the last hour catching up on other people's blogs, so I figured I'd better leave something for my readers, just in case!

We had a picnic at the church playground on Saturday with our friend Lisa & her kids -- her hubby Bob is working insane hours lately so they have time on their hands. The kids have really enjoyed the nice weather over the past few days and are actually ASKING to spend time outside. Dexter of course is outside from before dawn til after dark and loving it, coming in only to eat and drink during the day. Last night Charles had to pet both Dexter and Turbo outside before Dexter would come in.

Didn't do a whole lot today -- Charles took Connor to the park for a few hours (Duncan didn't want to go) and then I went to a scout parent meeting tonite -- Duncan has the opportunity to go to resident scout camp for 4 days this summer, and this was the preliminary meeting. I'm looking forward to it, mostly. I will be going too, since Beth needs one adult for every 5 kids. I'll have to get Duncan's clothes & gear pulled together over the course of the spring, but he should have a good time.

We leave on vacation next Saturday -- I have done NOTHING to start packing yet, but I am soo ready to go. No computers (mostly a good thing), and just time to relax and play. I promise I will post again before we leave!

Tuesday

I love my new van!!!  I love my new van!!  I think my husband is unhappy that I've claimed it for my drive-to-work car, but I love my new van!   Even the kids were unhappy about being shuttled to the bus stop in the old car.  Ah well.....  we've been a one car family for 6+ years, so I am really enjoying my independence again.

Did I mention Dexter has been a bad boy and lost his collar last week?   He hasn't brought me any more furry presents lately either.  We did get a laugh though -- he plays alot with the neighbor's cat Turbo when he's outside (Turbo cries to go out when Dexter comes in his yard)... well Sunday Turbo must not have been able to find Dexter outside because Turbo came and sat in OUR window.  The kids got quite the kick out of that.

We went to Charlotte this past weekend to show Dot the new van.   While we were there we got to go see not one but TWO movies -- "300" and "Ghost Rider".   I liked them both, but Ghost Rider was more fun.   Charles liked them both and is out shopping for the soundtracks to the movies.   "300" is pretty graphic in it's fighting scenes, but I'd see both again!

We have been working with Connor on some behavior issues since January, and had made alot of progress.   Well in the last week or so we've had a relapse.  The psychologist warned us this would happen, and told us simply to go back to what worked to fix it in the first place -- but I'm so frustrated!!    His teacher says he is making slow improvement on the ADHD issues at school as well.

I know today is the first day of spring, but we are so busy in spring I feel like summer is around the corner...  we have three weekends with no plans before Memorial Day -- EEK!    There are two scout camping trips (one me & Duncan, one family), vacation, a card-making class for me, scout end-of-year picnic... it boggles the mind.

Friday!!

What a week!   Connor had a his first day of spring soccer on Wednesday -- he's got a new coach this time and I like her.  He was determined to be the goalie (they don't have goalies in his age group) but he had a great time.  I got my "snack mom" duties out of the way, and it was a very pleasant evening.  His weekly OT appointment is on Wednesdays as well, so I think he will be sleeping well on Wednesday nights!  

Did I mention he had several cavities when he was at the dentist a couple of weeks ago?  They wanted to refer us to a pediatric dentist here in town.  They called Wednesday and had a cancellation so we went yesterday.  OMG - he needs serious dental work... I'm talking well into four figures!!!  And they need the entire fee UP FRONT to even schedule it.   So... I'm busy studying our finances figuring out where to squeeze that out.

Speaking of Connor and OT... I bought him a weighted blanket to use at home (he needs the pressure)... well apparently he has been annoying our cat lately as the cat decided last night to christen it... UGH!!!   So I had to take all the weights out and wash it... I was NOT happy.  It was still damp this morning so I get to spend time tonight inserting all the weights back in the blanket.   Crazy cat -- he lost his collar yesterday.  On a bright note the kids actually went outside and searched the yard for it.  The exercise was good for them.  He (the cat) also has a new trick -- our house is a split level, so my bedroom window is about 1 1/2 stories off the ground rather than two.   Dexter has figured out how to jump up into that window.  He also left mouse #6 on the doorstep yesterday.  He's chasing birds too, but hasn't managed to catch any yet, although I saw a robin turn white yesterday when he got close LOL.

Two weeks from tomorrow we head out to Myrtle Beach for an inexpensive vacation -- just getting away and having some pool, sun, sand and ocean time.  Everyone in the family is looking forward to it.  Well, except maybe for the cat, but he'll just have to get over it.

More news later in the weekend (wink, wink) -- stay tuned!

Wednesday Waaaaaaaaaaaa

I'm in better humor about Monday -- we're just going to have to work through this.  I ordered Duncan and his buddy Comfort an item from scoutstuff.org -- a red vest to sew all their patches on so they can display how much they've done in scouts.

Duncan had his fourth grade writing test yesterday, and got an 80 on it, so we are very proud of him.  End of grade testing is such a big deal with the "No Child Left Behind" legislation.  He has a field trip coming up on 3/29 to the state capitol, so that should be interesting.

Today marks the beginning of spring soccer for Connor.  We had a chinese fire drill the past few days collecting all of his "gear" from wherever it had landed in the house since the fall.  I had to buy him new cleats as his feet had grown.  The whole family is going tonite, so this should be fun.  I have camera ready.

It's a busy scrapping week, not that I've gotten going much yet.   I'm participating in two cyber crops at the moment.  One is on my FriendsThatScrap list, a scrapping Survivor game.  Our challenge this week is to use movie, play or song titles as our layout titles.   Also going on is the Winter Blahs Crop over at Scrap Addict.  I'm hoping to get cropping in starting tomorrow night.

Our car is in the shop today having brake work done.  Ugh.  At least Charles is taking care of this one so I don't have to.

Bad Day

Why is it when you try so very hard to do the right things by your kids it seems to backfire in your face? I sent Charles to scouts the other night with Duncan -- I just wanted a break, and I knew it wasn't a terribly busy night for that.

Today I talked to our den leader. In the nicest possible way she let me know he had been WILD that night. It isn't entirely his fault -- his medications that keep him somewhat calm wear off by that time of night, and if I give him his nighttime meds sometimes he gets sleepy. Charles was overwhelmed that night so he was no help to her... and she gently hinted that she was wondering if Duncan was the reason why some of the kids in our den hadn't been showing up. It made me feel about an inch tall. I'm sitting here sobbing but I need to get this OUT. It really makes me rethink scouts... for both kids. Duncan isn't average, and he never will be, but it's so frustrating to be made to feel like you're hurting other's enjoyment of an activity (note, I'm frustrated at other parents, not the den leader). Now I'm torn -- do I just quietly fade into the background? Do I medicate him during this rough period (he's normally NO fun at all this time of the spring) to get him artificially calm so he doesn't distract from others? How do I bring a second hyperactive child into scouts?

And while I'm annoyed that Charles just doesn't step up and deal with it, in my heart of hearts I know he's not up to it. So then I'm stuck with can I handle both kids without his help???

This is like karate all over for Duncan... he wanted to be there, but it just got to the point where no one could enjoy it with him there in a class. I don't want scouts to be that way for him, I'd rather fade before his feelings get hurt (not that he has noticed so far)... I'm just so hurt, torn, frustrated...

March Already?

Wow... where has the time gone? This one is going to be really short, and I'm sorry about that. I continue to not feel 100%, we're racing around with appointments for Connor, who has croup... we changed pediatricians with alot of drama this week... and work has been busy busy BUSY.

More later, really!

What does your birthdate mean?

Your Birthdate: November 24

You understand people well and are a natural born therapist.A peacemaker, people always seem to get along when you are around.You tend to be a father or mother figure to friends, even to those older than you.You enjoy your role, and you find that you are close to many people. Your strength: Your devotion Your weakness: Reliance on others for happiness Your power color: Lilac Your power symbol: Heart Your power month: June

http://www.blogthings.com/whatdoesyourbirthdatemeanquiz/">What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Tuesday Nothings

Blah.   I hate how I feel in winter.  After my indoor surfing trials, I have now contracted an old fashioned cold -- stuffy head, congested nose, sneezing... I slept most of the weekend away and I still feel under the weather.  Now my right eye is acting like it might be getting pink eye, except the redness and the draining aren't here yet, just the funky itch.  I tried to go back to the gym last night and my knee complained enough that I quit.  Can you tell I'm having fun??!!

I have my stuff to finish the kids' gifts for their classes for Valentine's Day, now I just need to start.  Connor's class is celebrating the 100th day of school this week, so we have special "homework" to do for that as well.  Duncan's blue/gold banquet for scouts is this coming Saturday.  Both kids have field trips this month, and I'm counting the days until taxes are back.

Indoor Surfing is NOT recommended

Got one word to describe it -- OUCH!  I was headed from the kitchen back downstairs and the next thing I know I feel my right leg/knee turn under, my pinky toe scream in pain and OWWWW.   Silly Carolyn!  I'm black and blue between my last two toes where the skin ripped and bled, my foot is tender, and my knee a little swollen and tender.   Shoes are no fun today.  My first thought was daggonit, how am I supposed to workout tomorrow?

Charles did this on other stairs in our house in October 2005; he managed to shatter his big toe, so maybe it's not quite as bad?  We ended up opting not to go to the doctor -- the toes are still in proper alignment, and I'm able to bear weight on it today, although it's not fun.

In better news, I attended Connor's parent/teacher conference on Friday.  She said math is going to be his strength.  He is slightly below grade level on reading due to not knowing as many sight words as he should, and below grade level on writing, but I am hoping some of our testing/interventions will help us on that.  I should see report cards today or tomorrow for both kids.

Thursday Thoughts for 1/25

The Pinewood Derby went very well last weekend.  Duncan finished 2nd in his den, and his buddy Comfort finished first in the den.  I'll post pictures of his car (& his 2nd place ribbon) on the photo blog tomorrow.  He was a good sport, and seemed to enjoy his day.  We race again at the district derby in mid-March.   It really has been a busy scout January -- our den leader asked if one of us could step up and lead two meetings this month, so I volunteered and we earned our "Handyman Activity Pin" over two Tuesdays.  We have next week off, so we are done with scouts until 2/6.

Charles and I are trying to get our exercise habit breathing new life in the new year.  So far I've made it to the gym once/week for three weeks, and this week I've already made it a second time.  I should be really going 3 times/week but we just aren't there yet.  I'm also only doing my strength workout so far, but I'm proud to be getting back there.  My kids love the "Adventure Room" which is the child watch for kids 5-12, so it's a family outing.  Maybe if I get my act together and find our swimsuits we can do the pool too tomorrow.

Speaking of tomorrow, I'm off work for the day.  Connor's parent-teacher conference is tomorrow morning, and with as many problems as we've had with him in school, it's a MUST attend for me.  I get his evaluation back from the psychologist next Wednesday, and then his OT evaluation (for sensory integration problems) is next Thursday.  Next Friday is Charles' birthday, and I'm afraid to confess I haven't done ONE thing about it yet.  Eek!!

Any Top Chef fans out there?  I'm going to be sorry to see this season end.  I was really sad to see Elia eliminated last night, especially in favor of Marcel -- what a little obnoxious twit.   I think Survivor:  Fiji kicks up next week so I won't have a gap in my reality-tv fixes.  I've been taping American Idol so far, but haven't watched it -- I'm not into the horrible singers, I usually start watching either when they get to Hollywood or in the semi-finals.

Everyone ready for Valentine's Day?  My gift boxes that I made for Christmas were such a hit at school I'm getting ready to do a valentine's version.  I've been watching the ads to get my chocolate cheap for them, and my stamp roller came in last night to do the boxes.  I have 30 of them to make between the two kids' classrooms.  So far in consumable supplies, I have $13 (INCLUDING the chocolate), so I'm really pleased with myself.  Now to find the 2 hours to make them!

OK, I think I'm out of things to say for the moment.  I haven't slept well this week, so I am looking forward to a restful weekend!

Thursday Thoughts

WooHOO -- Dexter is using the litter box again!!! He's also now sporting a pretty royal blue collar. So far when we let him out to roam he's coming back in an hour or so when called. We're skeptical about having an indoor/outdoor cat, but he's being pretty stubborn about it. I had to laugh this morning though... we are getting a "wintery mix", mostly snow at the moment. Of course, he was adamant about his outdoor time... until he got out there. He licked the snow... sniffed it... walked around the tree, then hid under the molded slide thing, only peeking his head out to see if he was still getting wet. I think his outside time lasted maybe 5 minutes today? LOL!

Charles is doing well, thank you to those who have asked. HIs finger still has some redness and one hard spot, but otherwise he is very much back to normal. Hopefully that is our last medical emergency for quite a while. I'm afraid Connor might be getting sick though. He's been really irritable and teary lately, and that's normally a sign he doesn't feel well. Only time will tell.

We have a busy weekend coming up -- Duncan's cub scout pack is holding their Pinewood Derby on Saturday morning. Duncan's car this year is done to resemble (as best we can) the transformer Crumblezone. He's getting help from the Uncle of his best scout buddy on it, so hopefully we'll have much better results this year. With 105 boys in the pack, and every car running at least four times, it's going to be a LONG morning.

Sorry I haven't put any new pictures up on the photo blog, but January is just not my best month for feeling well and energy. I promise to try and do better!

Deja Vu?

I feel like I'm living my life over again, this time with Connor.   Have I mentioned how much trouble he has had being quiet, attentive, and in-his-seat at school?  That he's been to the principal's office twice?  Well, I finally took him to the psychologist we see for Duncan, and had an initial meeting.  I explained that I definitely see two of the three ADHD problems (hyperactivity, impulse control, attentiveness), that he's not doing well with social cues and giving people personal space, etc. etc.  He's having an evaluation next Friday, and I get the results on 1/31.  My mommy instinct tells me there is something going on.  Dr. S. said he didn't think we'd find anything severe or profound, but that it would be "kind of grey" rather than black and white.  So we'll see.   I'm also going to take him to see the OT for a Sensory Integration Dysfunction evaluation -- DSI can sometimes present as ADHD.   Last on the list is setting up a private speech/language evaluation.   I just want to know how to help him.

For those who have asked, Charles' finger continues to improve.  He saw our family physician Monday about it.  He has had alot of dead skin peel off the segment that had all the blisters, so it is red and itchy, but definitely continues to improve.  Dexter is on a NEW antibiotic since he still had a UTI.  He continues to pee/poop where it pleases him, so we are very frustrated.   Charles is super cleaning the litterboxes today to see if that will restart him going in the right spot again.  He has also gotten out a few more times, so payday this weekend brings him a collar whether he likes it or not.  Little grey fur beast!

Track Star?

Connor informed us this morning that he did NOT want to be on the track team when he grew up. We pondered this, and he also informed us he knew what the track team did. When we asked he solemnly informed us that the track team "waited until a train was coming and then ran across the track." When we asked him why he didn't want to be on the track team he told us he was afraid he'd get run over.

SA Blog Challenge for week of 1/8

1.  I've come to realize that my life is... whatever I choose to make it.   Therefore there is no one to blame but me.
2.  I am listening to... my kids squabbling.
3.  I talk... constantly.
4.  I love... my family.
5.  My best friends... are all a long distance away.  I don't have a "best" friend here anymore.
6.  Love is... something really hard to explain.
7.  Somewhere, someone is thinking...
8.  I'll always... want to be in the middle of whatever is going on.   I like having "the scoop" and all the details.
9.  The last time I cried was because... Charles didn't get to watch the kids open their Santa Claus this year due to being in the hospital.
10.  My cell phone... was a gift from my friend S., and I just got it in October.   I'm already addicted....
11.  Before I go to bed... I normally check my email.
12.  Right now I am thinking about...
13. Today I...  have day #8 of bad sinus pain.
14.   Tonite I will... go back to the gym for the first time in over a month.
15.   Tomorrow I will be... really busy at work.

SA Blog Challenge for week of 1/1

OK, so I'm a little behind...

2007 is here. What do you want to accomplish for YOURSELF this year? What are your goals or dreams? What are you most looking forward to? Give us a prediction of how you see your life going in 2007.

For me this year? I'd like to get back into a workout routine and maybe drop another 30 lbs. I want to make every holiday special for the kids -- I've already started on Valentine's day! I want to settle both kids down from the wild rumble-tumble boys we have right now. I am looking forward to Connor joining cub scouts, Duncan reaching 5th grade, and getting both in something for fall besides scouts. I want a real family vacation again this year, just us four again. I hope to lose some clutter at my house, gain some control over my life and my moods, and be proactive rather than reactive -- 2005 & 2006 were out of character for me.

How about you?

Happy New Year!

Charles came home on Friday on oral antibiotics. He's still not feeling 100%, but the finger is improving. It has nasty looking blisters on the underside, but they are slowly getting better. Dexter however, is still suffering from his urinary tract problems despite a week of antibiotics, and I believe he will be heading back to the vet.

Let's hope we all start our new year off right... I have more to say but no time this morning, so I'll write again soon!

Light at the end of the tunnel

OK, on day 8, we *think* he's coming home today! The doctor has not been by yet this morning, so we aren't 100% sure. He is sooo bored. I am working from home this morning and then have the rest of the day to deal with getting him home. I'll keep ya posted!

Update on Charles

Charles is concluding day 6 of his hospital stay for cellulitis and a badly infected left middle finger. We still have no word on when he'll go home, other than "when his finger is better". They've got his left arm/hand in a sling to elevate it, and he's bored out of his mind.

My mother-in-law is here with the kids, and I'm working and spending my late afternoons/evenings at the hospital with Charles. I'm ready for him to come home!

Ho Ho Ho

Not. Where to start? Charles woke up last Thursday complaining of an ingrown fingernail. By late morning his whole finger had swollen, and by early afternoon it was past his wrist. He saw our family doctor, who put him on antibiotics and pain meds. By Friday am the streaks were up to his bicep, so we took him to the emergency room. 10 hours later, he was finally admitted. His white blood count (wbc) was 19.1, his blood pressure was low, he had a fever of 100.6, his pulse oxygen was low... he was a pretty sick guy.

Saturday his wbc came down to 16.3, and his blood sugars were at least dropping. Today his wbc is down to 9.8, but his finger is still gnarly. They did an xray of it in the emergency room, and if it's not better tomorrow, they will do an MRI. His finger getting better is the ticket to coming home.

Soooo.... our Christmas is kinda funky. I have yet to wrap the first present, and I have to do "Santa" without help for the first time in my marriage. I really hate that Charles will miss the kids' opening their gifts. We're going to pack up and take his gifts over to the hospital tomorrow morning. It just makes me teary to think of Christmas with him in the hospital.

On a happier note, Duncan did well in the 4th grade Christmas play, and Connor is missing both front teeth just in time for Christmas. Hope everyone has a Happy Holiday!!