Last night

Picture this: It’s about 7:30 on a Tuesday evening. I have arrived home late and am just sitting down to dinner. The R-man and his girlfriend have just arrived home and I am chatting with them.
S comes upstairs and sits down at the table. The conversation goes as follows,
“Hey buddy. How you doing? How was your day?”
“Fine. But, Mom, I have to make a thermos tonight.”
“A thermos? Why do you have to do that?”
“For Geography. And it’s due tomorrow.”
“Uh huh… and where is the assignment sheet? I’ll need to see that to make sure we have all of the items you will need to do this.” Meanwhile, I’m thinking, “What does a thermos have to do with Geography?”
“I don’t have the sheet, but I have a note in my agenda.”
S goes downstairs and gets his agenda. He turns to the page where the note is written, and hands me the book. I can’t make out much of what it says – he has terrible handwriting.
“Do you want me to read that for you?” He proceeds to read me a note that tells me he has to turn in the thermos in the morning as it was actually due TODAY and the assignment was given on April 16th. (Yeah, two weeks ago.) If he doesn’t have the assignment done, he needs to have a note from me explaining why it wasn’t done.

Oh, you bet. I was totally not impressed. I looked back in his agenda. On the day the assignment was handed out, he had written w/s (worksheet) in the Science section. Nothing else. Nothing is written in the agenda about a project being due, not on the date the assignment was given out, not on the day that it was do. Not one thing – just "w/s".

“uh…Bud, this is a project for Science, not Geography.”
“Oh….well, that makes more sense, I guess.”
“Mhm…and just HOW do you plan to come up with a thermos in ONE NIGHT when the rest of the class has had two weeks?”
“Well, I just didn’t know why we had to do it, so I didn’t want to.”

??!!??!!!? (He didn’t want to…!!)

Anyway, I told him to go down to the garage and find some cardboard, and something else that could possibly hold liquid. He came up with a 1.5 litre plastic bottle and a large cardboard box. I showed him how to measure, and then he cut out 4 sections of the box that would be able to surround the bottle. I showed him how to score the cardboard to fold it, and he proceeded to tape (not very neatly) the cardboard in a sort of box around the bottle.
He then told me, “I need insulation to keep cold things cold and warm things hot.”
“What types of items can be used for insulation?”
”Umm… well, snow, Styrofoam, um… insulation – that sort of stuff.”
Off he goes on another scouring adventure to see what he can find that will work as an insulator for his ‘thermos.’
He comes up and tells me that he found some insulation in the laundry room from when Hubby was putting in the new washer and dryer, and asks if he can use that. After a quick phone call to Hubby to ascertain that this is, in fact, okay, I tell him he can.
We don plastic gloves, and go down to insulate the thermos. Boy did he ever stuff that box good.

Afterwards, he added more tape to the box to ensure that it would all stay together. Total time on the project? Maybe 45 minutes. Did he complete the assignment? I have no idea – because he didn’t bring the actual assignment sheet home.

Am I pleased? Nope.
Am I going to contact the school to find out WHY he didn’t have a note in his agenda about the assignment? (The agenda that we have to purchase every year, but is never used??) You bet.

I am ticked at S, for sure. He knew it was due, and he simply didn’t want to do it, so he opted not to mention it. He is very much aware of the fact that I wasn’t very happy with his actions.

However, that said, I am ticked that he has two – not just one – teachers in that class that could have taken the time to ensure that he had it written as a reminder in his agenda. He has a full time EA! Is that not part of her job??
Assistance with organizational skills is something that is on his IEP. I am going to have to make a phone call to the SERT today to get some clarification on this.

Should I be upset with S alone, or am I right in being upset with the EA also?

Update

I deemed last night to be my "official night of getting all of the income tax forms done." I had 4 completed, and had another 8 to do.
My plan was to download the tax information updates, file the 4 I had done, then get the others finished. Yeah, right. Computer that I do the taxes on had "limited to no connectivity." This means no updates, and no filing of the forms.

On the upside - I got all of the income taxes done, bar one. I have to confirm a little bit of the self-employed income, and then I should be able to get that done before too long, too. Now I just have to beg hubby to find out why my "old reliable" computer is giving me such grief. Since I have always done taxes on that one, and therefore can carry-forward each year's data, I'm really limited on which computer I can use. Think it may be time for another system wipe out. (We will make sure we don't forget to get backups of tax stuff. Did that once before - wasn't pretty.)

Around 8 last night, the boys surprised me. They just went outside to play. Weren't getting in to any trouble, weren't fighting and needing a break from each other - just went outside and played on the trampoline for about half an hour. Yeah - surprised me too.

This morning is sunny and beautiful - but cold, I think. At least, it was cold last night because there is quite a bit of frost still on my car and all over the deck. Resembled icky snow, even. Come back Spring...

Updates

I don’t think I have really blogged about the boys’ activities for the past little while.

The A-man spent Wednesday night at my parent’s house since he was going on a field trip early the next morning. He really enjoyed the Science Centre, and even took the time to make something for S’s birthday.
On Friday, he had an Outdoor’s Club event which involved beaver dam busting. He and a friend wandered off away from the group – had quite the adventure from the sounds of it – and they are now not permitted to go on the next outing since the teacher had to look for them for almost half an hour. I think that lesson has now been learned.
The A-man also brought home his report card. His grade average is 85%! I am SO proud of him! (He is most excited about getting to receive a gold card and the three free snacks in the cafeteria.)

Thursday was S’s big day out with the EA and the co-op student. S opted to go for subs rather than pizza. On Thursday night, I made his cookie pizza to take to school for the surprise party. He even took my karaoke machine for the party.
I guess the party really was a surprise, and S was the leader in going up to the student, giving him a big hug and then said, “Adam, I know I speak for the whole class when I say this. We are REALLY going to miss you.”
Sounds like this young man really took a shine to my baby. S is a little sad today about him not being there, but he is going to add him to his Facebook friends, and I think that will be nice for him.

Over the weekend, I noticed S just pulled out his homework, and did it without any reminders! On his own!! (Might have had something to do with my telling them both to clean their rooms, and homework was a better option, but I am not going to complain! He did it!)

The weekend just sort of went by in a blur. I am feeling extremely overwhelmed right now with the amount of things on my to-do list, and that is just my home list! My work list is getting smaller and much more manageable.

S will become a teenager on Thursday. I have a couple of meetings and one seminar this week, and Hubby is starting afternoons. I’m tired already. Let the games begin for yet another week.

Where does the time go?

I know we have all heard the old – “The older you get the fast time goes by.”
Why is that? Is it because we simply take on way more tasks, jobs, hobbies, etc., than one person can possibly ensure in a lifetime?

I just spent the last 2 and half hours out in my garden. I raked out one full bed, and got about half of it weeded. My back is sore, my finger nails are gross…and I feel relaxed. I was hoping to spend the entire day in the garden, but the weatherman is telling me otherwise.

Which leads me to my opening question. Now that I have come to realize that I can’t work in the garden all day, why do I find myself going through the various ‘other’ things I can do.

• I could label and reorganize my spices
• I could clean out my fridge
• I could reorganize the pantry. Or the plastics drawer.
• I could sort out the front hall closet.
• Or clean one of the boys rooms.
• I could either finish filing, start a couple, or totally finish one of the multitude of income tax forms I have to complete. That’s on a deadline, too. Next week.

See, all of these things are things I ‘need’ to do. I have to wash the dishes from last night’s dinner. I really need to clean up the laundry room, and the pool-table room. There are just so many things that need to be done – and not enough time (or energy) to do them.

I think that is why time goes so fast – lots to do, and not enough time to do it in. What do you think?

Amazed

There are some days that I am absolutely amazed that I have made it through the past 10 plus years. Days that I think back to my ‘days of hell’ and think, “Were they really that bad?”

You know what? They really were.

I remember taking the A-man to see a doctor when he was in Grade 1. “His teacher thinks he has ADHD,” I said. The doctor smiled, and said, “He’s a bit of a handful, is he?”
We went through all of the questions relating to ADHD, and for most of the questions I answered, “No, but that sure does describe his brother!” Yet, STILL, I did not pursue that further with S. (Not sure, now, why I didn’t request further testing at that point…probably because S was only 4 at the time - too young for an ADHD dx.)

I used to joke with the school principal that she had me on speed dial in her office, because if she wasn’t phoning me about one of the boys, she was calling about the other! My personal favourite was when she was calling about them both – because they had been fighting (with each other) either on the bus or in the schoolyard.
Suspensions from the bus were not uncommon, but I do still feel that the bus driver held some pent-up resentment for both of my children.

From the time the A-man was in JK at age 4, until his Tourette and ADHD dx at the end of Grade 7, phone calls home were the norm. Teachers, I’m sure, felt they needed ‘battle pay’ after a year with him as a student.

S wasn’t as problematic at the beginning of his school life. The real problems began when the bully issues began. What a flipping nightmare those years were. Those are years that I never want to relive, and I am so sad that he had to go through them at all. But, at least we have FINALLY had a positive year for him. Amazing how all things get better when the bully is dealt with, and the necessary support systems are put in place to address his various learning disabilities.

Hubby used to have to take my calls at work. “Honey, they are driving me crazy,” I would sob in to the phone. Some days I put on my Walkman and just sat in my room with the door closed so that I could distance myself.
There were days that I was SO angry with them. I truly did not like them some nights. I always LOVED them, and told them so every single night, but I did not like how they were behaving, and couldn’t be with them for any length of time.

Now… I love spending time with my sons. They both have an incredible sense of humour, and I really enjoying seeing how their various thoughts have developed and grown. I can have serious conversations with the A-man – about many subjects! And I’m not really to commit myself at the end of the conversation!

It was hard – no doubt about it – but I think that just makes the peace of now that much sweeter.

100 things about me

Today, in honour of my darling Bear’s birthday (which is tomorrow), I am going to ‘steal’ one of her AWESOME ideas. She posted on her blog a really interesting post. (This is the idea I am stealing.) I knew most of the things about her – how could I not? - she and I have been friends for over 25 years! Even though I knew most of her 100, there were still a few things that I didn’t know.
For my close friends, I am sure there will be nothing on here that is a surprise, but for casual readers, maybe you will learn more about me!

1. I love my husband more today than I did 20 years ago!
2. My children are my reasons for doing (almost) all that I do.
3. I like my alone time.
4. I have never lived alone.
5. Sometimes the quiet unnerves me.
6. Gardening soothes me.
7. I have learned more about autoimmune disorders than I ever wanted to.
8. Same for ADHD.
9. And Tourette syndrome.
10. And learning disorders.
11. I will advocate for my children as long as I need to.
12. I will teach my children to self-advocate.
13. Our family dog drives me crazy, but he is still cute.
14. Spending time at the cottage allows me to totally relax.
15. I don’t relax easily.
16. My close friends realize I am quite insecure.
17. I feel I am shy, even though most people would disagree.
18. I have only one sibling – a brother.
19. I always wanted a sister.
20. I prefer to drive standard vehicles.
21. It annoys me when men are surprised I know how to drive a ‘stick-shift’.
22. I am not a feminist, but I believe a woman can do whatever she wishes.
23. I am raising my sons to believe the same thing.
24. I hate a cluttered home.
25. My house is FAR TOO messy and cluttered.
26. My secret fear is that my cleaning lady will ‘fire’ me.
27. My favourite summer outfit is a sundress and sandals.
28. I want to wind surf more this summer.
29. I am going to try water skiing again this year.
30. I have never taken my own fish off the hook.
31. I like meat too much to ever be a vegetarian.
32. I admire people with the strength to follow their convictions.
33. I cannot stand being cold.
34. I spend too much time on Facebook.
35. I want my boss to give me a raise without having to ask for it.
36. I went to school to be an accountant.
37. I am not working in the field I trained for.
38. I believe everyone should volunteer for at least one not-for-profit organization.
39. I have been on many committees.
40. I was a stay at home mom for 4 years, and loved it.
41. I feel that you need to enjoy your job – or you shouldn’t be doing it.
42. I am on a ‘new, healthy-eating’ regime.
43. I have always thought I was fat – even when I wasn’t.
44. My parents just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.
45. I have only lived in 4 towns/cities – all of them are in Ontario.
46. I have never been to Western Canada.
47. I have been to Mexico.
48. And Cuba.
49. And the Dominican Republic.
50. I have never been to Europe.
51. I would really like to travel all over Europe and Asia.
52. I don’t think my husband would enjoy that.
53. I am turning 40 this year.
54. I type almost 90 wpm.
55. Sometimes I use my fingers to do math.
56. I am very proud of my brother.
57. I hate what my brother has to do for a living.
58. I have 3 nieces and 2 nephews.
59. All of them live too far away.
60. I got my first tattoo the year I turned 35.
61. I added to this tattoo a short time later.
62. I would like to get another one.
63. I have pierced ears.
64. I like wine – red or white, doesn’t matter.
65. My favourite drink is a martini – dry, with extra olives.
66. I am not artistic – at all.
67. I enjoy doing craft-type things – when I have time.
68. I love to read.
69. I submerge myself in a new subject when necessary.
70. I love to use the verb “to google.”
71. My son’s love my cookie pizza, and beg me to make it for school functions.
72. I often worry that the school board personnel don’t like me.
73. My favourite flower is always changing – depending on the one I am looking at.
74. I never wear musk perfumes.
75. I love getting dressed up.
76. I have a handbag fetish.
77. My son’s tell me I have too many shoes.
78. I would wear a different hat everyday, if I could.
79. Fancy umbrellas always catch my eye.
80. I love the smell of fresh laundry off the line.
81. I’m not as ‘green’ as I should be, and aspire to be.
82. I drive a Honda Civic.
83. I want my next car to be a hybrid.
84. I love jewellry.
85. I used household chores as an excuse to my friends to get out of things I wasn’t comfortable with.
86. I have seen (and been in) the Atlantic Ocean.
87. I have seen (and been in) the Pacific Ocean.
88. I’ve flown over the Grand Canyon.
89. I am still bitter with Menu Foods for the death of my cat.
90. I loved being pregnant.
91. I often feel like a hamster on a wheel.
92. People tell me I am organized.
93. I feel I am anal.
94. I am left-handed.
95. I can put my fist in my mouth.
96. I have a very loud, boisterous laugh.
97. I love hearing a child’s belly laugh.
98. Some Bell Canada commercials have made me cry.
99. I am very sentimental.
100.I can never have enough scented candles.

Happy Birthday, Bear. I am thinking of you, missing you and loving you!

Thank you for the great idea.

Speaking up

I was at a work/social function yesterday, and at some point throughout the afternoon, one particular lady made me speak out. I was not angry, nor was I upset, but I simply felt that the faux pas she made simply needed to be addressed.
This particular person was young – about 18-20 – and she was talking about how she’d been on a shopping day with her mother, and had gone to be alone so that she could express her upset with her Mom. Apparently she was walking around, “releasing all the swear words that had been building up” and afterwards, saw someone she knew. The comment that bothered me was “I was so glad she hadn’t seen me earlier – she would have thought I had Tourettes,” she exclaimed. Everyone in our group started to laugh. Well, except me.
I thought about letting it go. I really had to pause before I said anything. I didn’t want to ruin the fun time being had by everyone, but I simply couldn’t let that misnomer go any longer.
“Actually, my son has Tourette syndrome,” is all I said. A couple of them got very serious looking, and the speaker looked embarrassed. (This was not my intention.) I then went on to explain that a lot of people think the whole swearing thing is the whole Tourette ‘thing’, but in actual fact less than 10% of people with Tourettes have the swearing problem.
One asked me how he ticked, and how we found that our son has TS. Another lady was surprised about the gradual onset of the disorder. After a few minutes of this particular conversation, we were able to move on to other things, and the jovialness of the group resumed.
Was it “politically correct” to make the TS comment? I’m not sure. Was I wrong in pointing out the error of her comment? I don’t think so. I wasn’t mean or hurtful in my comment, but I simply wanted to let the speaker aware that saying such a comment in the midst of strangers really isn’t “okay.”

As I typed this, I have just remembered an incident the A-man told me about last Wednesday: Apparently a large group of kids in the class were acting goofy – as teenagers are prone to do – and one boy sitting near the A-man commented “GAWD – they are all acting like a bunch of ADHD kids.” The A-man said the other student, “Yeah, I’m probably the only one in this class with ADHD and you don’t see me acting like that.”
It sounds as if the other boy was surprised to hear the A-man say this. The A-man told me they had a bit of discussion about ADHD, and then went back to work. The other boy was in the A-man’s elementary school, and knows what the A-man used to act like, but I guess he didn’t realize what had caused the drastic change in the A-man. I told him that I was very proud of him for speaking up. He is really getting good at letting people know the how’s and the why’s of the disorders that affect him – which isn’t always easy to do when it makes you ‘different’ for all the others. He is such a great kid.

Away this weekend

Said goodbye to the boys yesterday morning, and at the end of the work day, hopped in my car to head to Cuz's house for the weekend.
We don't really have any set plans - just hanging out and being together. She is just getting ready to go, and I think she and I will spend the afternoon doing poke-about shopping. Not really looking for anything, but it's a fun way to spend the afternoon. Not clothes shopping - ick - just looking for...stuff.
It's a nice break from the everyday routine. We were pretty wild last night, I must say... she and I were drinking green tea with jasmine, and talked while watching a movie. Watch out world - we are on a tear! lol
Tomorrow I am going to a work-type event, but it will be a lot of fun, and I am looking forward to it. I should be home by supper time tomorrow night, I think.

The weather is almost summer-like. Sitting outside on the back deck, I was really kicking myself for not bringing shorts for the weekend...going to be a little warm in the cotton pants I brought, and tomorrow, I only have jeans to wear! Oh well, what can you do? I just wish the weather could be like this up until Christmas!

SPRING - glorious spring!!!

This morning I put some clothes on the line. I love doing that because it is just so peaceful and quiet in my yard. Well, this morning it wasn't exactly quiet - the birds!! There were just so many variations of chirps...it was so serene.

I couldn't help myself, either. I had to take a walk around the garden paths. Oh, what a mess that poor garden is! The big tree that is to the far east of the garden needs to come down because it is dying. There are bark chunks in the various gardens, along the wood chip paths... I have quite a bit of cleaning up to do.

The peonies are about 2 inches tall, there are so many things just starting to poke up.... YIPPEEE!!

I love Spring!

Yesterday was the R-man's birthday. On my way home, I picked up some pasta and a cake, and we had a little bit of a birthday celebration for him. His face went very red when he came in the kitchen for supper and the boys started to sing to him. The A-man blew the surprise about the cake while we were eating, but that was okay. I think he was pleased that we made a fuss about his birthday.
I didn't get to stay around for the ceremonial cutting of the cake as I had a board meeting last night, but it looks like some healthy chunks were consumed.

Neither of the boys had homework again last night, and since I was out for the evening, I wouldn't have been able to help with it anyway! I did leave the kitchen in quite a mess and told them it needed to be CLEAN when I got back home, and it was! (Next lesson has to be on the proper way to load the dishwasher.... ;o) )

Sun is shining...birds are singing... all is right with the world!

The Phone call

I got a surprise phone call yesterday. It was nearing the end of the school day, and the phone rang at the office – up comes the school’s telephone number. Phone calls at the end of the day are never good.

It was S’s EA. My heart dropped. She was just calling to let me know how WELL my little S has been doing at school for the past month! She told me that they had a Grade 12 student in the classroom for quite a while, and he and S just really hit it off. (I remember this boy from when he went to the school – he was always a great kid.)
Anyway, the EA was calling to ask permission to take S and this high school student out for pizza next Thursday – the day before the boy’s co-op term is finished. She told me that the entire class was having a party on the Friday, but since this young man and S had become fast friends, she thought it would be nice to give them a special treat. Isn’t that nice?
Of course I gave my permission for S to be late in coming back to school on Thursday afternoon, and she asked me to keep it under wraps, because she wants it to be a surprise for S. Again, I am in shock. I am very grateful that she is doing this very kind gesture, but given some past concerns, it does surprise me. (I need to learn how to let things go…the doctor says S has a hard time letting go of past hurts… HA!)
S is really going to miss this high school student, so I am going to encourage him to add him as a friend on his Facebook account – that way he can keep in touch with him, and keep him up to date on how things are going for him. I’m hoping the boy will let S do this. S also wants to give a “Going Away” gift to the boy – what does one give to an 18 year old high school student?

Things have been going quite well in the household. I've been doing a bit of work for the ADHD association, and the boys certainly have given me a lot of experience. I was returning phone calls from the association's system, and I was able to help the lady out quite a bit, just based on my own personal experiences! She even commented that I seem to have coped well, and I laughed and told her that 5 years ago, I would not have been able to agree.

It's true, too - I love who the boys have become, even if I didn't really care for the way they got there. Maybe that is why I appreciate them so much more? Maybe.

Hubby and I were able to get a large number of onion bags for the boys to start bagging their fire-wood. I think they were planning on starting to bag it tonight. Then they will have to make up some signs for the highway, and then directional signs to our house from there. Developing a business sense, perhaps??

Weekend yard work

We had a relatively uneventful weekend, I will admit.
Saturday morning I had a nail appointment – power went out, so we just had to sit and wait for a while. Then it started raining, so we used that day as a “clean the house” day. That always makes the boys happy.
Sunday donned sunny. I was SO happy to see that. After breakfast, the entire family trudged outside to tackle the yard. We have a very big yard – I don’t think we will ever conquer it, but it does feel good to see improvements.
The A-man and I worked on cleaning up all of the scrub that had developed and grown last year in and around the veggie garden and the compost bins. (Compost is looking mighty fine, I must say.)
While we were doing that, Hubby was using his new chain saw, and making the trees he cut down last Fall more manageable. S was taking said logs and putting them through the log splitter to be bagged and sold as campfire wood this summer.
After a while of doing the yard work, the A-man’s English assignment partner arrived, and he then went in to work on homework. S disappeared shortly after that – you know it’s not good for children to be exposed to too much fresh air…
Anyway, Hubby and I continued on doing our thing. After a while my back was bugging me, so I took over doing the log splitting, and he replenished the logs and would stack as they came through. We have quite the pile established already, and we aren’t even done splitting the first tree. If the boys do actually bag the wood, and put a sign out by the highway, they could make some serious $$ this summer!

I could get used to this!

Mornings used to be so chaotic. There were days that my trying to get the boys off to school would wake Hubby up (well, when he was on afternoon shift...) By the time the bus would arrive, I would be exhausted, and probably not in the best of moods. Or, they would simply have missed the bus because they couldn't get it in gear fast enough.
(Sure - just after I typed that, S started acting like a total goon - walking around with his helmet on, not getting his coat on, etc. When will I learn to stop jinxing things?? ADHD is so much fun...)

Anyway, I now can say that mornings are FAR less stressful than they ever used to be. WAY better. (Even despite of the helmet thing... ;o) )

Again, last night was pretty smooth sailing. I was upset to see the dishwasher hadn't been emptied and reloaded when I arrived home, but the A-man was quick to point out that HE had done his half of the dishwasher. S has become extremely lax in doing his share of the chores. I will be addressing that with him tonight.

With one word from me, the kitchen was soon back to normal, and we had dinner, then the homework began. S needed a bit of help with his reading - he didn't bring his laptop home - but he was really good about taking the time to write down what he needed to. Actually WAY better than usual! Then he needed a bit of help with Math, but there were even a few that I just said to him, "Put a question mark" because I had no idea what it was asking him to do.

The A-man had called me at work to bring home some bristol board for a project he has due on Monday. Wow. Is this some planning ahead happening? Crazy. He worked on his English homework, asked me to clarify one question that he had to answer, then went to his room to read.

By 9pm, I was sitting in MY bed, reading, and listening to the boys play a game of chess. By 10pm, all lights were out, and S and I were in bed, but I think the A-man was still reading in his room.

And..... peace.

Should I be happy… or sad?

Last night after dinner, I had S bring the existing laundry downstairs. I asked both of the boys to be sure the table was cleared, and to ensure they both got right to work on their homework.

While I was in the laundry room, I could hear the boys talking about their days to each other. Every now and then there was laughter, then suddenly, silence. I went upstairs to see what they were getting in to, and was a bit surprised by what they were doing.

S was sitting in the dining room, working on his reading homework, and the A-man was sitting at the computer typing up his English report. The table was cleared – although not wiped – and the dishwasher was running.

Neither of them needed extra reminders or ‘help’ in getting going – they both just…. DID it. Is this really happening? I mean, I know that I have been saying for the past couple of months that the A-man has really matured, but I don’t know if I’m really ready for both of them to be THIS mature.

Well, let me correct that – I think I am ready; I’m just so surprised by it. By the almost suddenness of it.
After nearly 10 years of wanting to get to this stage, I’m a little bit hesitant to believe that it may actually be here. Will I actually be able to spend more time in the gardens this year, without having to ensure they are doing what needs to be done, and not fighting? Will homework no longer be a chore that I have to undertake to ensure they get it?
Oh, I know there will be times we revert back to the old days, but it is possible that these days are going to lessen?
I remember being a teenager, and how those nasty, weird hormones can make things just like a roller-coaster ride. The A-man was having a bit bout of the blues on the weekend. He was just up and down in the blink of an eye – it was almost like having two of him in the house.

Actually, that reminds me of the ‘fight’ he and I had on Sunday. The end result was that he lost all television and video-game privileges for the week; up to and including this coming weekend. You know what? He hasn’t tried – not once – to sneak down and watch television at all since. Not even when I haven’t been home. He knows that he was out of line, and he has accepted his punishment without any back talk.
I did give him an ‘out’ – if he cleans up his room, he can get the television time back. I think he has decided to wait out the week.

Onward we go

Darn, darn, darn and drat!
Just looked at the weather predictions, and of course it is supposed to RAIN all weekend. This is the weekend that I told the males of my house that we would be clearing up (and burning) yard shrub, etc. We have so much over-growth in the yard, if we tackle it early in the year it won't get too out of control. Yeah, supposed to rain. Oh well, I guess we will just have to put on rain ponchos along with the work gloves, because it is getting done. I am away next weekend, and I can't trust that the work would get done to my level of satisfaction if I'm not there to supervise. (I'm so bossy, I know...)

This morning was the A-man's appointment in ambulatory care for his ingrown toe nail. He REALLY did not like getting the freezing done. Funny thing was, I thought it was fascinating - sort of - but then suddenly I got all woozy and light headed. The doctor took one look at me, and called for the nurse to bring a sturdy, steady chair ASAP. Once I sat, I started to feel a bit better, but she rushed to get me a cool cloth, and some apple juice. Apparently my reaction to seeing my child in that much agony was normal, but I still felt like a wimp. After the procedure, the A-man whined and complained enough, I allowed him to stay home from school today. He can't wear his one shoe, and I didn't have the forethought to bring a sandal for him.

S had History homework last night. When I sat down beside him to see if I could offer any help, he just looked at me and said, "I've got this Mom - you don't need to sit right there. I'm okay."
Just before that comment, I found out that S had a project due today - one that I knew nothing about. He sure was pleased to be able to show me what he had done, and how he had done it.
His laptop has this program that will let him set things up in a graphic-organizer type way, and during one of his training sessions, he was shown how to use it. He loves the technology and the way it makes things 'easier' for him. It's just wonderful that he doesn't realize he is still doing the same work, it's just in a more technologically advanced way than what he used to have to do! I am just thrilled that he is finally get the opportunity to show the teachers what he is capable of once the learning strategies are all in place!

The A-man had finished his English just before I got home from work, and he finished his Math right after dinner. Neither of them 'needed' me, so I went over to a friend's place for a little while! I think I'm going to adjust to these more mature children very well...

Quick update

LOVE the new washer and dryer. All the laundry is up to date - even did all bed linens this weekend!
New dishwasher finally installed. Hubby had some issues with the existing plumbing, but that is now repaired. (Our water is REALLY bad...)

Hubby and I went for a long ATV tour yesterday. Got stuck in a creek...we are such off-road warriors. I should have been doing housework, but it was soooooooo nice out, I just had to be outside enjoying the day! Earlier in the day we got our helmets for the ATV. Mine is pink. :o)

Will update more tonight!

Spring is in the air!

The sun is shining, the birds are chirpping, it's warming up! Supposed to be in the double digits this weekend! (11 and 14!!)
Was it really just last weekend, Cuz, when we were commenting how it was going to take so long for all the snow to melt? Now, most of MY yard is still covered in snow, but the perimeter gardens are slowly becoming exposed. I can see about 80% of the gardens.
Actually, when I think about the amount of snow we have in relation to the A-man's birthday, we aren't really behind any other years - I think we just had SO much snow this year it FEELS like it's been here forever.
Come on Spring - I'm rooting for you!

In celebration of the A-man's birthday, the whole family went out for dinner and then to a movie. Dinner was (naturally) A-man's pick. We went to East Side Mario's. There were exactly three things on the menu that Hubby and I could have. I ordered one of them (Soho Chicken Salad) and then was told they don't have that anymore. Oh well - normal salad with grilled chicken was just fine, too.
For the movie, we went to see 10,000 BC. Not quite the movie I would have thought the A-man would want to see, but I will admit, the special effects were quite amazing. The movie was very good, don't get me wrong, but it was quite a bit slower-paced than most movies of today. I liked it, and when we were leaving, I was teasing him that he had picked a love story! (He insisted that it was an action movie, but it really was a love story...)

Heading off soon for S's second chiropractic appointment (2nd that is right-brain specific) and then Hubby and I go for our appointment with the nutritionist. Not sure what the rest of the day will bring, but I'm thinking it will likely involve doing something outside!

Where has the time gone?

Today, the A-man turns 15.

I am still amazed that this can be so. It just seems like yesterday that the doctor's office called to confirm my pregnancy test was positive.
I remember when he was just days old: My house was full of friends and family getting ready for my parents 25th wedding anniversary (would have been nice for him to be born on time, rather than waiting over 2 weeks to make his entry...) and as I held him his entire body filled my arms from wrist to elbow. Cuz told me to enjoy it - he would grow so fast. At the time I could never have believed it truly would.

Oh, as he grew up, and we started to encounter the many issues that have occured with him, I will admit that the days just seemed to be never ending. Still - 15 years, gone.
~~~
We had parent teacher interviews for the A-man last night. Mid-term reports will be coming out soon, so I guess they just like to let the parents know in advance of what to expect. In the fall I was not able to attend the meetings because I was in Mississippi, so this was a very new experience to me.
The teacher for our first appointment was running late, so Hubby and A-man went to the second appointment while I waited for the first. His English teacher. Well, I sat down and she told me, "I just have to say, I love the A-man. He is such a great student, and I loved him right from the very first day." I smiled, naturally, but inside I was quite unprepared for such a glowing report of my boy. Only once before (just last year) have I ever really heard a good thing about him, and that was from a teacher that I knew socially - so it just didn't hit me quite the same way.
The teacher asked me if he had tourettes, and then told me that his IEP didn't specify that - she has taught TS students before, which is why she suspected that. She said that despite the stutter, the A-man never hesitates to participate in class. She is amazed at how well he comprends all that he reads, and how quick his is to raise his hand to answer questions. She commented more than once that his love of reading makes him an ideal English student, and she was surprised when the A-man told her that he wasn't good in English.
My meeting with the English teacher was just the beginning of a very positive evening; all of his teachers had nothing but positive comments about him:

• In English he needs to just slow down when doing hand-written work, take the time to proof-read, and if possible, type his notes rather than doing by hand. Sitting at 84%
• In Math, there were no concerns that the teacher mentioned. Sitting at 86%
• In Phys-ed, the teacher wants him to give 110% (I hate that comment - you can't give more than 100%) and be serious about warm ups, etc. Sitting at 84%
• In Religion, the teacher explained how he uses real life experiences to let the kids realize that religion, and the bible, really do apply to modern day-to-day life. He has a very unorthodox approach to teaching religion - one that students love, and many parents have issues with. He insisted that grades were irrelevant, and that the people (and karma!?!?) you surround yourself with are really more important. He said A-man's circle is a very positve circle. (see what I mean about unorthodox?) Sitting at 79%, but has not yet turned in 2 assignments, but there are no deadlines on handing in assignments.

All in all, this is not the same child that had the teacher phoning me to whine and complain, and then give 3 failing grades to in Grade 7.
Not the child that in Grade 4 was tested for giftedness, but decided it was 'boring' so only did what he had to do.
NOT the child, that at aged 4 told his day-care provider that the food was garbage, and he would not eat it.
Not the child that I have heard - repeatedly - "Thank GAWD that isn't my kid..."

THIS is the child that in my heart of hearts I knew he was, and could be.
THIS is the child I have always loved, and I am SO glad that he has finally emerged for the rest of the world to see.

Happy Birthday A-man. I love you.

Spring?

Look! It is finally starting to melt!! Not great big amounts of it like in other's yards - those in subdivisions - but at least we are starting to see some grass. (Right now I am ignoring the mole trails...)
Today it's supposed to get up to 9! It's a good day.

A very interesting evening...

On my drive home from work yesterday, I encountered a bit of flooding on the road. I have never seen flooding on this road in any of the years I can remember. There was one spot where the ditches were actually flowing OVER the ends of driveways rather than under.
I ended up being re-routed a couple of times.

I was about half way home when I realized my cell phone wasn't on. When I turned it on, I had two messages - one left at 5:15, and one at 5:21 - one from S's EA, and one from the secretary. Turned out the two streets that are routes to the school were flooded, and S was stranded at the school because his van couldn't get through! The water was flowing so deeply, and so swiftly, that cars were not able to pass. The fire department let the busses go through around 5pm, but 'regular' vehicles could not pass through the flow of water.

Around 7pm I was called and advised that vehicles were being permitted through, but it was slow going and I would need to be careful. I borrowed the R-man's vehicle because it is much bigger than mine. When I got to the area, it was a very organized chaos. An officer was stopping each vehicle as it arrived, and depending on where they were going, either cautioned on how to go through the flooded area, or advised to turn around. When it was mine turn, I was told that both sides of the street were washed away, so to be sure to drive down the centre.

I am SO glad I had the trail blazer! There is no way my wee little Civic would have made it through that water - twice. I could actually feel the current pushing against the vehicle, and the water was up to the fire fighter's knees! I was quite frightened, I will admit. There is no way I would have attempted it if there hadn't been so many around to help, if needed. While I was waiting to come back home, 4 fire fighters actually had to push a car (like mine) through the water. Unbelievable!

Anyway, we got back home safe and sound, and all was right with the world. Until the A-man decided he had the right to use brute force on his brother. My personal favourite line was, "He MADE me hit him by just being so annoying!"
The temper on that boy is starting to come back out. After I soothed S, and got him calmed down, I had quite the talking-too to the A-man. He stormed around, all indignent, but I am pretty sure he realized the errors of his way. About a half an hour after saying good night to both, I heard him sneak in to his brother's room and apologize.

I often wonder - ADHD impulsive, or tourette RAGE? How can one tell for sure, and does it really matter? I don't think the what is as important as the how in dealing with these types of things. It's been a long uphill battle - obviously a hill that I have reached the top yet.

Date with the sofa

Yesterday my throat felt like it was on fire. It hurt to talk, to swallow...it was not fun. Today it seems to have improved, but my sinus areas seem to have sprung a leak! Think I would take the leaky sinus over the sore throat, though.

Over-all, I felt icky yesterday. When I got home from work, we had dinner, I made sure S got started on his Math homework, I then changed in to my jammies, and parked my butt on the couch. (This is not a place I normally hang out on, trust me.)

I have parent-teacher interviews on Thursday night this week, and the A-man's birthday is on Friday (which just happens to be yet another PD day...) A-man wants to have some friends over on the Friday afternoon until some time on Saturday. I am going to give him this chance, too. Although I will have to ensure they are nice to S, I think it will be fine - I know the friends, and it will only be for a very short period of time that they will be without adult supervision. Ya gotta let go sometimes, right?

Oh! Did I mention last week that I had my first robin sighting? Yes, I did! It was only one little guy hopping around at the end of the driveway, but that little red chest sure did make me happy! Then, on Friday past, I spotted a whole herd, no...gaggle!, no.... a whole FLOCK of robins! Right there under the boy's climbing tree! Not a stitch of grass to be seen, but there were the true ambassodors of spring, just having a party on the south-east corner of my lawn! I didn't even get upset that they didn't invite me to the party.

With the huge amounts of rain, and warmish weather, we got yesterday, I am happy to report that I can see a couple of grass spots on my lawn. Just a couple, and only a wee little bit right now, but I know those spots will soon start to spread and we will be seeing green before too long!