Headache Sunday

I've had a headache all weekend actually, it won't go away. Other than that...

Saturday we did next to nothing. Charles got sick at lunchtime, claiming it was bad food and lazed around all afternoon. I made spaghetti for supper and the kids ate and ate. Sunday (today) I got up and Charles still didn't feel good. At 7:30 am I was positive Duncan would never settle down enough to be able to sing in choir. But we made eggs & toast and gave him his meds.

Lo and behold, 8:45 a.m., I notice Duncan sitting very calmly watching tv... so I start sorting thru closets to find church clothes (note to self... gotta get all the stuff that's knocked down/wadded up in the closets back in circulation). 9:45 am we leave for church. Too late for Sunday school, but kinda deliberate, I wasn't gonna push my luck. We show up right as the children's choir is "robing up" and getting ready for the 10:30 service. Connor and I hang in the kid's room until 10:15, then head to the sanctuary. Duncan is up in the choir loft (excellent sign), and we sit with the Tomihiro family. He did it! He stayed up there the whole time AND sang! Connor wandered off during children's church to go to the bathroom, but he did very well. I have a picture of Duncan in his choir robe I'll post tomorrow. Twenty minutes after we got home he was bouncing off the walls again, but that's ok.

So 1:30 rolls around, I'm thinking maybe a nap might improve my headache, and the phone rings... it's Judi, Comfort's mom (from Cub Scouts). Do we want to come over and work on pinewood derby cars? So we head out about 2:30, and over the next three hours two cars get cut out, sanded, and weighted. Woot! Duncan wasn't terribly interested in cutting his out, and he halfway sanded, but that's ok. Thanks sooo much to Jodi for helping us! Now for fine sanding, and PAINT. Pictures to follow!

Quickie

It's late and I'm tired, but I did want to thank you all for the encouraging words! I was positively EXHAUSTED Thursday, and am still tired today. Duncan got his Bobcat badge at cub scouts tonite -- I'll post on that tomorrow probably. I have a speech evaluation for Connor scheduled for December 13th. I knew he had some articulation issues, but when his preschool teacher mentioned it to us I went ahead and called rather than waiting for kindergarten screening. Charles missed almost two days of medications -- he's been really REALLY down lately. We did get some Christmas shopping done last night.

Courtney, this one's for you...

5 Things to be happy about today

1. Duncan got his first badge (bobcat), a progress bead towards his bear badge, and a swimming belt loop at cub scouts tonite.
2. I put an "ick" task behind me by getting Connor's speech evaluation scheduled.
3. My friend Penny had her baby on Connor's birthday, a girl, and is home with her now
4. I heard from my friend Sherri today
5. It's FRIDAY!!!

My Bad Day

Well I go from feeling "in control" to having the worst day in weeks. Tonite at fellowship the choir director in the absolute nicest possible way talks to Charles and I about Duncan's lack of focus and how it's making it hard for the other children in his choir who are really passionate about the music to enjoy their experience. She was trying so hard to be compassionate it made me cry. I cried out in the hallway all the way thru his practice. They are singing Sunday in the choir loft, and she's concerned about him being up there for the whole service. So we'll see. Momma to the rescue, to micromanage him for 24 hrs this weekend to align the stars, his diet, his rest, and his meds to see if I can get a perfect day. And I'll do all this and he'll get cold feet and not wanna do it. Of course I'll be disappointed if we need to take him out of choir, but that's MY problem. I worry about how he'll feel about it, it's like karate all over.

So just when I'm starting to calm down from that, I get THIS email from his den leader.

Carolyn,

Fun was had by all last night. I'm sure Duncan had a lot to tell you about his Lowes visit. I do want to talk to you about ways I can help Duncan focus on the subject at hand. Charles mentioned that his behavior and non focus last night was due to his medicine expiring for the day. I do need you and Charles' helping me during
meetings so all of the children can get the most out of the meetings and what is being taught. I just felt like many times last night that I was trying to keep Duncan focusing on the subject and he was not responding to me. Just help me learn how to help Duncan so everyone is comfortable with the situation at hand.

So here we go with the tears again. He would NOT understand about not being able to do Cub Scouts. You get so much shit from other people about how if you'd just "parent" your child properly they'd behave. It's not that easy with a child with all these issues. I *do* rely on medication to help us, and of course, again, it's not working the way it should. So I have to find time in my slammed schedule to call the psychiatrist and see if we can get in for an adjustment sooner, and it's hit-or-miss as to if that helps.

The only bright note was some useful information about encopresis (don't look up the word if you don't want TMI) -- finally, some practical ideas on what we can do. But administering enemas, mineral oil, and all the suggestions they have really need to be done by a primary caretaker, someone at home with the child. And that someone is depressed and not doing squat other than whining. And bitching. He's started whining that he takes too many pills. That is usually the sign of him starting NOT to take them. UGH.

So here I sit, wondering how I'm ever gonna keep up at work at the moment, and I'm overwhelmed by Christmas shopping, school, dealing with Duncan... and of course, everything is my fault. Ask the expert (the whiner). And for the record, yes Mother, I'm taking MY medication. Doesn't seem to help tonite. Oh, one other bright spot, Lisa got sent home on America's Next Top Model! Sorry to be such a downer, I just hate when my life slaps me in the face.

Nerdsense

Got this from an old friend's new blog...



I've had an absolutely HORRID day... I'll post more later.

Post-A-Rama

Courtney is doing a new thing on her blog that I like, so I thought I'd try it.

5 things to be Happy about today:

1. I started my Christmas shopping.
2. My friend Penny has some amazingly good news that I'm not allowed to share yet. =)
3. Connor has shoes that FIT.
4. Connor helped me put away his clean laundry today.
5. Duncan had a great day today at the science fair and at cub scouts.

Unobservant Mommy

OK, so I confess publicly, I'm a bad mom. We knew it had been a bit since Connor had been to the shoe store to check his feet, so Charles finally made time to take him today. He was wearing a size 11 extra wide, only now his feet are a size 12.5 extra wide. ACK! He's really proud of those new shoes though. He should be for $40!

Lots going on today -- Duncan had a den meeting tonite at a local grocery store, so they could complete achievement #9. He'll get his bobcat badge Friday night, at least one progress towards rank bead (two if we can complete #11), and his swimming belt loop.

I started my Christmas shopping today, but it was really my parent's Christmas shopping. They give us $$ to do their shopping for our kids. Connor got the Camelot castle from the Imaginext King Arthur line, and one of the items from a Top Toys for 2005 list -- a Matchbox buried treasure set. Toys that make these kind of lists disappear fast from the shelves. I have some ideas for Duncan, but we won't get to Walmart til tomorrow or Thursday at the earliest. The same list above should have items for Duncan's age tomorrow.

I got to go cropping (Scrapbooking) on Saturday by myself. I worked on Duncan's cub scout album and some other stuff. I really enjoyed that -- I need to make time to go again soon, or commandeer the dining room table for a weekend.

Fifth Birthdays

My baby is five years old now... WOW. I asked him Sunday morning what he wanted for supper on his birthday. He said "Something delicious!" LOL -- so I offered him meatballs and pasta since they about licked the bowl clean last time we had it.

I survived the official party at Chuck E Cheese on Thursday. I posted one picture from in on the photo blog -- when I get a chance I'll post more. They weren't nearly as attentive as the party we had for Duncan in August, plus 3/4 of Winston-Salem decided it was a good night to be there. The line to turn in tickets was 7 people deep so we still have to turn in his tickets for prizes. The best thing about the party was Connor had a marvelous time. He got a matchbox car track, "Fast Lane" from Ian & Connor. We set it up Friday afternoon and the kids played with it for a long time. I think Connor T. is about to BUST to come over and "help" him play with it.

Friday brought our opportunity to take snacks to school for his class. Only 6 of 11 showed up, so we had cupcakes and juice boxes all around. There are pictures from this too, but I haven't uploaded them from the camera. They did the cutest Johnny Appleseed blessing -- I wish I'd had the presence of mind to video it on the camera. Then we went to the Hot Dog Lunch the school had and ate lunch with Connor.

So back to Sunday... he opened presents mid afternoon. My parents got him some items from one of the new imaginext King Arthur line -- Mordred's castle and some of the figures. Dot got him a hotwheels pack that has this looping track. Duncan got him a Dora story book, and a Backyardigans CD. We got him a scooter that converts to a skateboard. He loved it all, it would be hard to point to a favorite.

A Quiz!

Lifted from Amy's Blog (again)

• 2 - names you go by: Carolyn, Sissy
  


• 2 - parts of your heritage: Italian, Swiss


• 2 - things that scare you: Snakes, high open places


• 2 - of your everyday essentials: Diet Coke, My computer


• 2 - of your favorite bands or musical artists: The Nylons, Rockapella


• 2 - favorite songs: "On the Last Night" by Rockapella, "Zombie Jamboree" by The Nylons


• 2 - things you want in a relationship (other than real love): Friendship, to be taken care of


• 2 - physical things that appeal to you (in the opposite sex): Strength, buns


• 2 - of your favorite hobbies: Scrapbooking, computers


• 2 - things you want really badly: Calm in my house/marriage, a clean house


• 2 - places you want to go on vacation: Cruise, Tahiti
  


• 2 - things you want to do before you die: Dance on a regular basis, see Alaska & Hawaii
  


• 2 - ways that you are stereotypically a chick: I hate snakes, and I'm very unmechanical
  


• 2 - things you are thinking about now: wishing Charles would hurry back with my diet coke, hoping Connor has a good birthday
  


• 2 - stores you shop at: Scrapbook Traditions, AC Moore
  


• 3 - people I would like to see take this quiz: Briana Fisher, Courtney Deters, Robin Somazze

Report Cards & Proud Mothers

So Thursday rolled around -- and I actually managed to get out of the office ON time. Wow. I headed up to Lewisville to volunteer at the pickup for the school fundraiser and go to Duncan's IEP meeting. Some background here... I was for the most part a straight A student. In the beginning days where an AP class could get you a 5.0 for an A, I graduated with a 3.987 and the valedictorian title. So I was pretty compulsive about grades.

Fast forward to 2005, and I get to see my oldest child's first report card with GRADES. Since he has an IEP, they don't have to grade him normally. I've always bugged them to do it, as I want to know where he stands against "normal" kids. I want to know where the bar is, know-what-I-mean?? In all my years, I never thought I'd cry tears of joy over seeing the worst grade on my child's report card be a "C". It has been such a struggle the last four years. (We did Kindergarten twice) He got an A in Science, a B- in math, a C+ in reading and a C in writing. There are some more Bs mixed in there in the sub categories. His marks for behavior & social development were good, and his work habit development marks were REALLY good except for an unacceptable in "avoids unnecessary talking/interuptions".

I was pleased with the goals they wanted for the next year. Duncan still tends to rush through problems -- he could do better if we can get him to try harder. So that's the next step, planning our strategy.

The Wiggles

No, not the group... I'm referring to the five preschool boys who attended choir practice tonite... at least three of them had "the wiggles", including mine. I've decided Connor's choir director is a saint... she has soo much patience with them. I don't remember singing in choir in church, so maybe I missed this, but I am amazed at the effort Lynn goes through to teach these kids about Jesus and the meaning of Christmas while learning songs. It really touches my heart. They are learning signs to do during the songs as well.

We talked to the education director tonite about the Christmas play. Given the timing of the rehearsals for speaking parts, I think my boys are going to be sheperds and angels if they participate. Most of the parts are meaty, and I don't think either one is ready to even be considered. We had ham, veggies, and potato salad for dinner at fellowship tonite. Charles thoroughly embarassed me by going up for seconds and getting an ENORMOUS second helping of potato salad.

Tomorrow will be a long day, but short at work. I'm working the morning, and then headed to Lewisville to volunteer at school and attend Duncan's IEP meeting. I have to do a fast food shop on the way there, and then pick up Charles & Connor to head to Charles' therapy appointment by 4:30 p.m. Then we head to Chuck E Cheese's for Connor's birthday party. Whew. See y'all tomorrow!

Tuesday

Day 2 of my short/long work week. At least it's flying by. The kids were actually pretty good in the car on the way home from work today. I was mean, I made Charles go w/Duncan to cub scouts tonite. Duncan is so funny... they have their "official uniforms", referred to as Class "A", and a pack tshirt, referred to as Class "B". They only have to wear class "A" if they have a visitor to a den meeting, go out somewhere as a group, or to pack meetings. We tried to get Duncan to wear his class "B" tonite (sooo much easier). "Nope Mom, if I wear my class "A" I get to lead the Pledge of Allegiance!" LOL -- who would have thought that was motivation???

He has gotten two good notes from school on behavior so far this week (quick, knock on wood!!) I am kind of dreading his IEP meeting Thursday -- I'm just expecting a blindside from the committee, and I have nothing to base that fear on except instinct (or paranoia). I also agreed to help out with fundraiser item pick-up while I'm up there -- I always feel guilty that I don't volunteer more but it's so hard to get up there. Duncan has Friday off for Veteran's Day.

We are celebrating Connor's 5th birthday on Sunday. Thursday we are going for the "official" party at Chuck E Cheese. Friday I am taking cupcakes to his preschool class, and then we are attending his "hot dog lunch" at school. I haven't bought him the first present yet. He's into the Backyardigans, Go Diego Go, cars, and anything Duncan is interested in.

Besides all I mentioned above, we have fellowship supper tomorrow, plus choir practice for the kids, and a secret shop that I got assigned last minute (but it pays well!), another shop at lunch on Thursday (fast food), a cellular shop on Friday, and possibly a computer shop this weekend as well. I'm working towards a big payment in December to supplement Christmas shopping. A cyber friend from Scrap Addict is coming to W-S on a college visit this week too. Saturday I'm supposed to go on a birthday crop at my LSS, but all of my friends have cancelled, so I'm not sure if I'm going alone or not. I am also doing an interview this week with a local newspaper report about female gamers -- I'll post online if it appears (he's talking about sending a photographer out -- ewww!!)

So there's my busy week. Ooops, forgot we have to pick up popcorn from the cub scout sale Friday, and I have to find time in the next 10 days to use a free bowling coupon.

I'm tired and I've hardly started, how about you?

Indulge

Lifted this from Amy's blog...

My top 5 Indulgences:

1. Chocolate.
2. Being alone, and quiet.
3. Reading blogs.
4. Scrapbooking
5. My camera.

I forgot...

The most embarassing part of our day. Charles took the kids to church this morning, leaving JUST in time to get to the 10:30 service. Imagine my surprise when he pulls back in the driveway at 10:50. Apparently neither kid would stop talking and he finally left. UGH. We have such a never ending cycle of drama and stress the past several months. I'm trying so hard to be the "strong" one and not contribute, hoping it will rub off on the "boys" (all 3 of them) but we don't seem to be getting anywhere.

Duct tape on their mouths in public is NOT an option -- any suggestions???

I am gardener, hear me ROAR!

Heh, well, not exactly. It's a lovely day, and our yard is in dire need of attention. I went out and blew all the leaves & nuts off the driveway, then got the weed eater out and edged the driveway and the front of the yard. It looks sooo much better. I also edged the sidewalk and trimmed back my house eating bushes. Charles needs to mow the yard desparately, and I am hoping that will save me from having to do leaves this week. This should be the last mow for the season. The kids picked up the trash the sanitation people let drop so they helped too.

Tonite for dinner I'm trying a new recipe... tater tot casserole. I got it from Carrie (I think) at Scrap Addict. I hope it's yummy. Tonite I have to catch up my calendar with all the new stuff that has popped up for the next few weeks, and figure out what money we have to put aside until payday to cover things like fellowship supper, Connor's Chuck E Cheese party on Thursday... he's gonna be FIVE on Sunday. Wow, where did the time go? My SIL is making me look like a sloth... she's almost 8 mths pregnant, has all her Christmas shopping done (well almost all)... and I haven't even gotten ready for Connor's party yet, much less Christmas.

I have one more secret shop to do today, then I can have my tater tot casserole and a peaceful evening. I'm in blog withdrawal... I caught up on them all on Friday/Saturday after being gone, and now only a couple have updated since then -- come on ladies!!!

MIA Apologies

I thought I had posted that we'd be gone visiting Dot this past week, but apparently I hadn't. Sorry to worry everyone! We had cancelled plans to go anywhere this week due to $$. Well Dot decided to use a timeshare week Susan couldn't use and treated us to a trip to Myrtle Beach. We weren't beach front, but it was a very nice place. We went to the timeshare presentation, and got paid $50 to say "NO", so we were able to take the kids to the Alligator Adventure during the week. Not only that, they let you come back within 7 days for free, so we got to go TWICE. Aunt Susan sent "mad money" for each kid, so I didn't have to say "NO" in the gift shop either. Duncan and Connor got to feed bears, pet alligators, snakes, turtles and lizards, and see lots of neat critters.

We alternated between the pool, the beach, and the resort amenities. We ate sandwiches, spaghetti & hot dogs in the condo for alot of meals, and pretty much just laid around. We used the time in the pool to complete Duncan's swimming beltloop for cub scouts. Monday night they had a big Halloween shin-dig -- the kids got to go to a Haunted House, go on a Halloween Treasure hunt, a costume contest, and a "mummy wrap" contest. Yours truly actually beat out four other contestants to win the "Name That Candy Bar" contest!!! I got 8 out of 11 right!

So now I'm home... gotta do some secret shopping this weekend, catch up laundry, and work on some Christmas gifts. Sorry to leave everyone hanging!

Camping IOUs & Pumpkin Patch

Well, my muscles DEMANDED their IOU from the camping trip -- it hurts when I stand up and sit down! Duncan is still talking about the trip -- I wish it was warm enough to go again before Spring.

Connor got to go on his first field trip at preschool today -- they went to the house of one of the school's teachers, and took a hayride (wagon pulled by tractor) and then got to "pick" pumpkins. Charles went along and took pictures for me. Connor looked like he was having a marvelous time in every one! They are having a Halloween parade Thursday morning, and their Halloween party. Charles will have to pinch hit for me at that one too. He's having a "hot dog lunch" the week of 11/10 -- I'll be able to attend that one at least. It really is nice to have him bring art home, and be excited about "school". Many thanks to the family benefactors who helped us make his preschool possible -- he is blossoming as he gets to go to school.

We have another busy week -- I had to turn in Duncan's popcorn sales tonite, tomorrow is a cub scout den meeting (they are making trail mix at one station), and then Wednesday is the church's fellowship dinner & Fall Festival, followed by Trunk-or-Treat. Friday starts Duncan's fall break from school.

Can you believe Connor will be 5 in less than a month? Where has the time gone?! I am so behind this year -- haven't STARTED on Christmas yet, and Connor's birthday is rushing up so fast. This week is our benefits enrollment for 2006 -- utterly depressing, let me tell you!

Camping

We're home -- and we had a great time. It wasn't warm, but it was dry (not even any morning dew)! We drove north about an hour from home to Rendevous Mountain in Wilkes County (closest town is Purlear, NC). Pretty country -- the leaves are starting to turn, and we were definitely up a mountain. I swear, no matter where I had to go Saturday or Sunday, it was uphill! We arrived around 11 am Saturday, and stayed til 10:30 am Sunday. A few select photos can be found here. It was a primitive site, except we had a picnic shelter and flush toilets. We camped in a tent, right near the shelter.

I was ever so grateful that alot of the dads/den leaders took a group hiking to the fire tower & civil war graveyard -- it was a 3.5 mile hike! After that the kids played on the trails until dinner time. It was a very relaxing afternoon. Every kid there ate every bite of their supper (no wonder!) and then after dinner we made s'mores over the fire -- YUM. Then the kids played "flashlight tag" for at least an hour. The adults laughed that any four legged critter in hearing distance ran from the noise! Duncan finally fell asleep about 9:15 pm. I then got to taste a WONDERFUL beef stew made in a dutch oven over fireplace coals -- talk about GOOD!

I didn't sleep well, and just like a clock, Duncan woke up promptly at 5:50 am. The kids who were up early stood around the fire and enjoyed making flames by burning boxes. Little pyromaniacs! Then breakfast was served about 8:30 am -- pancakes & sausage. The leaders gathered up the boys to sweep the camping area for trash, then took them on the Talking Tree trail. After that we headed home.

Lessons learned from my trip:

1. Out of shape, overweight 40 yr old women aren't meant to rough it.
2. It's worth the effort to bring an air mattress!
3. Tent manufacturer's lie about how many people a tent will hold.
4. A level campsite is very important -- be early so you get one (note, we weren't early).
5. Anything cooked over a campfire tastes yummy.
6. My mother-in-law was right, campgrounds entertain kids for HOURS.
7. Always, ALWAYS be sure the bag with your clothes makes it in the car.
8. I need better sleeping bags and a bigger tent!
9. Despite being cold, and grungy, it's still possible to have a great time -- your muscles don't collect the IOU until you get home!

Sooo, I'll be tent shopping this winter in preparation for the family trip in the spring. Duncan is already asking to go back next weekend!

Sorry!

OK OK... anyone whose blog I visited recently and thought "Why haven't they updated??", I apologize! We've had a busy week since our last entry. Tuesday night was the den meeting. They covered achievement 7 (Law Enforcement is a big job), and had a special visitor in Officer Oliver. They did GREAT sitting and listening.



Connor & Duncan both went to choir practice Wednesday night. Connor's group is starting to work on their music for the Christmas holidays. He's really enjoying the new preschool, and he gets to go on his first field trip on Monday (to the pumpkin patch!)

Friday night was our October pack meeting. We had a special guest, the "Mad Scientist". The boys really liked his show. Then it was time for den awards -- you can see pictures of Duncan getting his first progress bead and his marbles belt loop on the photo page.

This weekend we didn't do much -- I'm shopping for some odds and ends camping equipment for the pack Parent/Son Camporee this coming weekend. I'm on a pretty tight budget -- only my secret shopping $$ has to cover what I need. I think I'm going to have to borrow sleeping pads (to go under sleeping bags), but otherwise I think I have it covered.

Any reality tv fans out there? I'm watching America's Next Top Model on Wednesdays, and then Survivor: Guatemala on Thursdays. And in my spare time (ha) I'm working on Christmas presents, and trying to work on decluttering this house.

Anyhoo... sorry it's been so long between entries. More by Monday for sure -- I'll have pictures from camping!

Children's Sunday

Today was Childrens' Sunday at church -- almost everything but the benediction was presented by the children of the church. Our Connor attended one rehearsal, and gladly got up and sang with the preschool choir! He also participated in the processional where the kids gave teddy bears to the local children's hospital, and then came down front to listen to the children's sermon -- I was one PROUD mama. Duncan got scared and wouldn't do the processional, but he did very well sitting with us in the balcony. My mother-in-law was up for a visit, and she came to church with us too.

Fairs, Choirs and other things

Duncan's class had a marvelous time at the fair! The weather was crappy, but they still enjoyed it. We saw most of the animal exhibits, two shows (All the Kings Horses & Flying Canines), ate some fair food, and enjoyed ourselves. Once his class left Charles & Connor joined us along with our friends the Tomihiro's. The kids got to eat more fair food, ride rides, see exhibits (including Duncan's 1st place art exhibit!!!), and we finally left tired as we could be.

Act two on Wednesday -- Lisa & Bob had invited us to a special Wednesday night supper at their church since a local restaurant was catering it. Towards the end of supper, Connor Tomihiro (who's six months older than our Connor) gets up to go to children's choir, and invites our Connor to come along. OK cool, I'm thinking, our Connor gets to watch. When I go to check on him later, they ask me if it's ok if he sings with them on Sunday!! So my baby is singing at their special Children's Sunday tomorrow. We've been talking for a long time about joining a church, and Lisa & Bob have certainly been courting us to theirs since they met us. So we are finally taking the plunge. Duncan is going to start going to the choir for his age next Wednesday as well.

Back to Tuesday -- I had my first opportunity to go to one of Duncan's den meetings. I am really impressed with his den leader. She has planned for the whole den to get their bear badge by the January pack meeting -- she works achievements into the meetings. I even got to teach a station -- gulp! Thirteen third grade boys... Duncan will get his first belt loop award next Friday -- they all learned to play marbles. You can bet I'll have pictures!!!

Check out the photo blog -- I'll post pictures from this week there in a minute!