How has a week passed since I did my last post? I swear the clock is on "fast forward" right now.
Okay - back to the S story.
We were at the Thursday before March Break and he had his Graduation pictures taken that day. He had his new shirt and tie for the photos and was feeling pretty good about looking so grown up. I could tell he was excited.
Anyway, at the end of the school day, I get a phone call about him being agitated about something. He was so agitated that they didn't feel it was wise for him to take the bus home. I went and got him and when I got there, I had a brief chat with the EA.
She told me that she has noticed he seems to be quite anxious about the start of high school next year, and she was wondering if as the days go by, he is just starting to express this anxiety by acting out.
Hmm.
As S and I drove home that afternoon, I told him that I thought he should just not bother going to school the next day. The whole day is pretty much a write-off; both kids and teachers are already in 'holiday' mode, so what was the point? He told me that he wanted to go because it was 'twin day' and he and his friend had made plans to be twins with their outfits. I told him it was up to him, but if he did go, I would expect him to have a good day. Period.
That night we went to the Y and did our normal evening stuff, and about half an hour before bed, S asked me if my offer was still open. I told him yes. He decided that he would stay home.
Everything went pretty good through the March break. S was invited over to his friends for a sleep over one night - his friend also has Aspergers - and that was the afternoon Hubby and friend went out on the ATV. The A-man joined them in the afternoon, but I guess he didn't quite like the "getting stuck and pulling out using the whinch" part of Spring riding; he opted to stay home when they went out the second time that day.
Another day Hubby took the boys to the Sportsman show. It sounds like they all had a good time. On the weekend, S had his friend over to our house for a sleep over.
So far - touch wood - this week has been fine for S. I think he has resigned himself to the fact that I WILL be going on the end of year trip, but he really wants to be able to share a room with a friend. I'm not sure the 'friend' feels the same way anymore.
I have been in touch with the SERT about the transition meeting for S. She basically has to explain S's history to the SERT at the highschool, and make recommendations for him - such as his special transportation and his EA.
Oh, you bet I will be at that meeting. My records binder isn't quite up to snuff, but at least I have a few weeks to get it whipped back in to shape. If they want him to continue on a successful path, these items are required.
And the battles continue.
On a different note, the A-man is going to stay in town tonight so that he can go to the dance at the high school. Next weekend is his 16th birthday. I'm thinking of getting a few of his friends to come over on Saturday for dinner and a wee party. It'll sort of be a 'reverse' surprise party - one where he is surprised by the people that are arriving! Hopefully I can pull it off.
Showing posts with label party. Show all posts
Showing posts with label party. Show all posts
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Sunday, June 1, 2008
...how does your garden grow?
For a day that was supposed to be rainy and crappy, I must say I was quite pleased with how yesterday turned out!
Hubby and I had an appointment with our nutritionist in the morning, and when I got home from the appointment, I went out to play in the dirt!
My veggie garden is pretty much all planted now. Put in a row each of red leaf lettuce and green leaf lettuce, and 4 plants of head lettuce, a row of swiss chard, a row of 'Purple Haze' carrots, 4 green pepper plants and 4 brussel sprout plants. Also did some radish rows in and around the onion sets - I don't like radishes, but Hubby does, and since they are such a fast growing veggie, I always do them for him.
The centre part of the veggie garden I got all prepped, and then had to consult with hubby - do we want to do potatoes in this area again, or should I got with beans and peas? He decided beans and peas, so I picked up the seeds yesterday afternoon, and will fill that section later today if time permits. (We are having some friends over for a barbeque to celebrate Hubby's birthday, so I may not get time today.)
The third part of the garden is dedicated to tomatoes, cucumbers and zucchini. The plants that take up so much room. I purchased all of the tomato plants this year - just had no time for starting seedlings. I've got two heirloom plants - they produce a mid-sized orange tomato in clusters, and the plant will grow to about 6 feet tall. Thinking I will need to get some heavy-duty cages for those two plants. Then planted 4 beef steak tomato plants, 4 burpee tomatoes - which are a fleshier, firmer tomato - and 4 tiny tim plants, just because I love have wee little tomatoes in my salads. Got one cucumber plant, and one zucchini plant, and the on impulse I purchased a red pepper plant and figure I will put it in by the rhubarb.
I was really pleased with my veggie garden efforts yesterday. We have had the veggie garden since we moved in to this house in the Spring of '99, but for the last few years, I have never quite gotten the entire thing planted. Last year I planted the onion sets - which are doing great this year - and two types of potatoes, and that was about it. There were a few plants that I put in, but they never really did much of anything mainly because I rarely even watered out there. Now that I actually have a number of things in the ground, I know I will be more vigilent about it. Plus the boys have ceased a lot of their extra-cirricular activies, which then allows me the chance to spend more time on MY things.
S will also have the opportunity to earn "Mom Bucks" by weeding the various rows, too. (Will do another post about "Mom bucks" later this week.)
The A-man filled in his very first application for a job yesterday, so I don't know if I will be able to ask him to help out much with the garden, but I guess there will be days that he is home during the summer, right?
Flowers are doing so well. So many colours and smells...I am hoping to get out there with the camera soon, and then I will post some pictures of the various areas.
Hubby and I had an appointment with our nutritionist in the morning, and when I got home from the appointment, I went out to play in the dirt!
My veggie garden is pretty much all planted now. Put in a row each of red leaf lettuce and green leaf lettuce, and 4 plants of head lettuce, a row of swiss chard, a row of 'Purple Haze' carrots, 4 green pepper plants and 4 brussel sprout plants. Also did some radish rows in and around the onion sets - I don't like radishes, but Hubby does, and since they are such a fast growing veggie, I always do them for him.
The centre part of the veggie garden I got all prepped, and then had to consult with hubby - do we want to do potatoes in this area again, or should I got with beans and peas? He decided beans and peas, so I picked up the seeds yesterday afternoon, and will fill that section later today if time permits. (We are having some friends over for a barbeque to celebrate Hubby's birthday, so I may not get time today.)
The third part of the garden is dedicated to tomatoes, cucumbers and zucchini. The plants that take up so much room. I purchased all of the tomato plants this year - just had no time for starting seedlings. I've got two heirloom plants - they produce a mid-sized orange tomato in clusters, and the plant will grow to about 6 feet tall. Thinking I will need to get some heavy-duty cages for those two plants. Then planted 4 beef steak tomato plants, 4 burpee tomatoes - which are a fleshier, firmer tomato - and 4 tiny tim plants, just because I love have wee little tomatoes in my salads. Got one cucumber plant, and one zucchini plant, and the on impulse I purchased a red pepper plant and figure I will put it in by the rhubarb.
I was really pleased with my veggie garden efforts yesterday. We have had the veggie garden since we moved in to this house in the Spring of '99, but for the last few years, I have never quite gotten the entire thing planted. Last year I planted the onion sets - which are doing great this year - and two types of potatoes, and that was about it. There were a few plants that I put in, but they never really did much of anything mainly because I rarely even watered out there. Now that I actually have a number of things in the ground, I know I will be more vigilent about it. Plus the boys have ceased a lot of their extra-cirricular activies, which then allows me the chance to spend more time on MY things.
S will also have the opportunity to earn "Mom Bucks" by weeding the various rows, too. (Will do another post about "Mom bucks" later this week.)
The A-man filled in his very first application for a job yesterday, so I don't know if I will be able to ask him to help out much with the garden, but I guess there will be days that he is home during the summer, right?
Flowers are doing so well. So many colours and smells...I am hoping to get out there with the camera soon, and then I will post some pictures of the various areas.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
How can we be 40?
Today is my friend's ("Sam") birthday. Today she is 40. This year, 2008, is the year we all turn 40. (Now, when I refer to 'we' here, I am talking about a certain group of friends of mine. I know others are already 40, and others still have years to go...)
On Saturday, to celebrate Sam's birthday, the 4 of us - the group of 4 that are turning 40 - will be having some pictures done. We haven't had any photos taken since Sam's wedding 10 years ago, and it is time. The one that I have hanging on a wall was taken when I was pregnant with S - which was taken 14 years ago at Christmas, and that is just a snap shot!
These three ladies and I all met for the first time in Grade 9 - which was in the Fall of 1981, I believe. Wow.
We have been through a lot together - boyfriends, college and university, said university parties, engagements, weddings, failed pregnancies, successful pregnancies, job interviews, house hunts... well, you get the idea. We have tried for the past couple of years to make sure that we get together for a dinner at least once a month. None of us live in the same towns or cities, so sometimes it is a bit of a chore to plan the gatherings, but for the most part we have been able to do it.
Cuz has met all of these ladies, and is often confused about the dynamics of our little foursome. If we were to have met later in life - say in to our 20's - would we have become friends? It's hard to say - we have all grown and changed so much since the shy days of being 14, and other than our history, it would be hard to find many similarities with all four of us. Oh, individually, I'm pretty sure we have common interests, but, for whatever reason, it works for us. I know that I could call any one of these ladies, at any time of day or night, and they would be there as soon as they could be. (Well, except when Dar was living in Malaysia and/or Italy...that would have been tough...)
I have always been a big believer in the power, and the pure NECESSITY of girl friends. I am a 'lifer' when it comes to friends. Heck, Bear and I met when she was 12 and I was 13 - still good friends. Lee and I met a few years before that - we have been in and out of touch over the last 20 years, but I still consider her my friend. I remember her children's birthdays... always her birthday.
My husband is my best friend - there is no doubt about that - but ever since we got married, I let him know how vital it was that I continue to spend time with my friends. We were married about 7 years before anyone else was, and I always participated in any/all 'girls' gatherings. Even after having the boys, Hubby realized it was very important to me to maintain those strong ties, and we have always been able to arrange it so that I could participate. He is such a keeper, this husband of mine.
This Fall, the four of us are planning a trip - hopefully somewhere warm - for a long weekend of fun and silliness. It will be just after my birthday - that will mean 2 down, 2 to go... and I know we will laugh until our sides hurt.
Friends...true friends are so important. Never forget to let these people know how much they mean to you! Personally, I am very grateful for the large cirlce of friends that I have. I would be lost without any one of them.
On Saturday, to celebrate Sam's birthday, the 4 of us - the group of 4 that are turning 40 - will be having some pictures done. We haven't had any photos taken since Sam's wedding 10 years ago, and it is time. The one that I have hanging on a wall was taken when I was pregnant with S - which was taken 14 years ago at Christmas, and that is just a snap shot!
These three ladies and I all met for the first time in Grade 9 - which was in the Fall of 1981, I believe. Wow.
We have been through a lot together - boyfriends, college and university, said university parties, engagements, weddings, failed pregnancies, successful pregnancies, job interviews, house hunts... well, you get the idea. We have tried for the past couple of years to make sure that we get together for a dinner at least once a month. None of us live in the same towns or cities, so sometimes it is a bit of a chore to plan the gatherings, but for the most part we have been able to do it.
Cuz has met all of these ladies, and is often confused about the dynamics of our little foursome. If we were to have met later in life - say in to our 20's - would we have become friends? It's hard to say - we have all grown and changed so much since the shy days of being 14, and other than our history, it would be hard to find many similarities with all four of us. Oh, individually, I'm pretty sure we have common interests, but, for whatever reason, it works for us. I know that I could call any one of these ladies, at any time of day or night, and they would be there as soon as they could be. (Well, except when Dar was living in Malaysia and/or Italy...that would have been tough...)
I have always been a big believer in the power, and the pure NECESSITY of girl friends. I am a 'lifer' when it comes to friends. Heck, Bear and I met when she was 12 and I was 13 - still good friends. Lee and I met a few years before that - we have been in and out of touch over the last 20 years, but I still consider her my friend. I remember her children's birthdays... always her birthday.
My husband is my best friend - there is no doubt about that - but ever since we got married, I let him know how vital it was that I continue to spend time with my friends. We were married about 7 years before anyone else was, and I always participated in any/all 'girls' gatherings. Even after having the boys, Hubby realized it was very important to me to maintain those strong ties, and we have always been able to arrange it so that I could participate. He is such a keeper, this husband of mine.
This Fall, the four of us are planning a trip - hopefully somewhere warm - for a long weekend of fun and silliness. It will be just after my birthday - that will mean 2 down, 2 to go... and I know we will laugh until our sides hurt.
Friends...true friends are so important. Never forget to let these people know how much they mean to you! Personally, I am very grateful for the large cirlce of friends that I have. I would be lost without any one of them.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Interesting reading & update
I read an interesting article this afternoon. It talks about how the birth order often defines the type of person you may end up becoming. Well, no, that isn't completely true - it's actually about how studies have proven that parents tend to be harder on the first born.
I am the first born in my family - I have one brother, three years younger than me. When I was growing up, I swore that my Mom loved him more than me, and that he got away with WAY more than I ever did. As a teenager, he got caught doing things that I would never have DREAMED of doing - and although he may have gotten in to trouble, in my heart of hearts I know I would have been in way more trouble.
Hubby is the first born in his family. His brother is 16 months younger than him, and his sister is 3 years younger than he is. His brother was always much smaller than Hubby, and as a result was always told "Don't fight with your brother. You are much bigger than him and you would hurt him." With his sister - well, let's face it - she was the baby and a girl to boot...
As I was reading the article, I kept thinking, "No, that is not true. I do not treat my children differently." After I really thought about it, I came to the realization that it is true - I do treat them differently.
I don't LOVE them differently - one more or less than the other - but I realized that I do treat the A-man differently than his younger brother. I think I always have, and I think if you sat and truly thought about it, you would have to admit that you (if a parent) do treat your first born differently.
I guess I will have to work on that?
~~~~~
The rest of S's birthday party went well. The one boy's Mom came to pick him up early - I was supposed to take them home after lunch, but she arrived before dinner. The other boy's Mom had called to see if he could stay later, and that was fine.
Hubby's parents stopped in after church - I was in the veggie garden when they arrived. After their visit, I went back to turning dirt in the garden. Just as I was really getting in to it, my parents came to see the birthday boy. Then it was dinner time.
After dinner I was able to get a few income tax forms filed - thank goodness for the online extention - and then I got a call from my friend. (This is the one that had spent a night on my couch a few months back.) Long story short - I left home around 7:30 and got back home around midnight, but, some big pieces of furniture are now in her new apartment, the exisiting boxes are now unpacked, the fridge and stove are clean and the first coat of painting in her living room is now drying. I think I was more a sounding board than anything else. (I know she was happy that someone was able to help her.)
When I got home from work today, S told me that he had Math homework - which he is now doing - and the A-man is all caught up with any homework he has. Going to be an easy night for me in that department.
The SERT is address the issues I had last week with respect to S's 'project,' but I don't know if it may be a case of 'too little, too late."
I am the first born in my family - I have one brother, three years younger than me. When I was growing up, I swore that my Mom loved him more than me, and that he got away with WAY more than I ever did. As a teenager, he got caught doing things that I would never have DREAMED of doing - and although he may have gotten in to trouble, in my heart of hearts I know I would have been in way more trouble.
Hubby is the first born in his family. His brother is 16 months younger than him, and his sister is 3 years younger than he is. His brother was always much smaller than Hubby, and as a result was always told "Don't fight with your brother. You are much bigger than him and you would hurt him." With his sister - well, let's face it - she was the baby and a girl to boot...
As I was reading the article, I kept thinking, "No, that is not true. I do not treat my children differently." After I really thought about it, I came to the realization that it is true - I do treat them differently.
I don't LOVE them differently - one more or less than the other - but I realized that I do treat the A-man differently than his younger brother. I think I always have, and I think if you sat and truly thought about it, you would have to admit that you (if a parent) do treat your first born differently.
I guess I will have to work on that?
~~~~~
The rest of S's birthday party went well. The one boy's Mom came to pick him up early - I was supposed to take them home after lunch, but she arrived before dinner. The other boy's Mom had called to see if he could stay later, and that was fine.
Hubby's parents stopped in after church - I was in the veggie garden when they arrived. After their visit, I went back to turning dirt in the garden. Just as I was really getting in to it, my parents came to see the birthday boy. Then it was dinner time.
After dinner I was able to get a few income tax forms filed - thank goodness for the online extention - and then I got a call from my friend. (This is the one that had spent a night on my couch a few months back.) Long story short - I left home around 7:30 and got back home around midnight, but, some big pieces of furniture are now in her new apartment, the exisiting boxes are now unpacked, the fridge and stove are clean and the first coat of painting in her living room is now drying. I think I was more a sounding board than anything else. (I know she was happy that someone was able to help her.)
When I got home from work today, S told me that he had Math homework - which he is now doing - and the A-man is all caught up with any homework he has. Going to be an easy night for me in that department.
The SERT is address the issues I had last week with respect to S's 'project,' but I don't know if it may be a case of 'too little, too late."
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Get up and go
I awoke this morning to very loud video game discussions. I went downstairs and asked the boys to be quiet, but it didn't seem to sink in. I decided it was best for me to just get up, feed them, and hope that the lack of hunger would ease the sound of the noisy beast.
They feasted on pancakes with white chocolate chips and bananas, and afterwards decided to go outside and play on the trampoline. This is about the time they woke up Hubby.
It's a nice sunny day - I told Hubby that they did us both a favour, because now we can get all kinds of things done today. He didn't look very impressed.
I am planning on getting out in to the garden today. I still have many flower beds that require attention, but I think I'm going to focus on the veggie garden today. I want to put in the lettuce, radishes and carrots that I bought a couple of weekends ago when I was at Cuz's house. I also have potatoes that I would like to get in to the ground, as well. Now, best intentions don't always work, but I will do as much as I can in the time given.
I will be taking the boys home after lunch, and then Hubby's parents are supposed to be stopping by to see the Birthday boy, so I am not going to have a whole lot of 'dirt therapy' today. But, some therapy is better than none!
They feasted on pancakes with white chocolate chips and bananas, and afterwards decided to go outside and play on the trampoline. This is about the time they woke up Hubby.
It's a nice sunny day - I told Hubby that they did us both a favour, because now we can get all kinds of things done today. He didn't look very impressed.
I am planning on getting out in to the garden today. I still have many flower beds that require attention, but I think I'm going to focus on the veggie garden today. I want to put in the lettuce, radishes and carrots that I bought a couple of weekends ago when I was at Cuz's house. I also have potatoes that I would like to get in to the ground, as well. Now, best intentions don't always work, but I will do as much as I can in the time given.
I will be taking the boys home after lunch, and then Hubby's parents are supposed to be stopping by to see the Birthday boy, so I am not going to have a whole lot of 'dirt therapy' today. But, some therapy is better than none!
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Enough already!!
Today we are having a birthday party for S. He has two friends over - one that has been his best friend since Junior Kindergarten, and has been to every party S has ever had. They are playing video games, and have watched a couple of movies. I think Hubby and I will be going to bed soon, and falling asleep to the three of them having a good time in the basement.
It's going to be tough to pull the A-man away, but fair is fair. S isn't allowed around the A-man and his friends, so the A-man will have to leave the three of them to their own devices pretty soon.
Tonight the basement is theirs. The R-man has gone to Cuz's house for the weekend, but I've deemed his bedroom off limits for everyone. I've arranged the pullout couch, and the other couch for S to sleep on. They will be able to fall asleep watching movies...I hope they do get at least a bit of sleep tonight.
Earlier today, when I got home from grocery shopping, I decided that I needed to clean out, and rearrange my pantry. When I got to the 'flavouring' section of the pantry, I couldn't stop laughing. Vinegar!! I have SO much vinegar!!
It's going to be tough to pull the A-man away, but fair is fair. S isn't allowed around the A-man and his friends, so the A-man will have to leave the three of them to their own devices pretty soon.
Tonight the basement is theirs. The R-man has gone to Cuz's house for the weekend, but I've deemed his bedroom off limits for everyone. I've arranged the pullout couch, and the other couch for S to sleep on. They will be able to fall asleep watching movies...I hope they do get at least a bit of sleep tonight.
Earlier today, when I got home from grocery shopping, I decided that I needed to clean out, and rearrange my pantry. When I got to the 'flavouring' section of the pantry, I couldn't stop laughing. Vinegar!! I have SO much vinegar!!
- white vinegar
- balsamic vinegar
- balsamic vinegar with raspberry
- red wine vinegar
- white wine vinegar
- cider vinegar
- rice wine vinegar
- white wine with tarragon
- homemade chive vinegar
- malt vinegar
I kid you not. All of these types of vinegars are sitting side by side in my pantry. I have more vinegars than I do oils!! Funny thing is - I am the only one in the house that even LIKES vinegar!
Hubby told me that it was good that I could laugh at myself...
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