Florida, Day 5

Day 5 did not start off so well. Daniel was feeling really bad, so I took him to an UTC. Turns out he had a sinus infection (which he had already known) and got an antibiodic and some steriods. We had to wait an hour at the pharmacy! That was crazy and the longest I have ever waited! Once we got back to Mimi's, the girls were there (they stayed with Aunt Katie) and we were ready to head to Lakeland to pick up Nanny. We got to see her new apartment, which was really cute! She was proud to show it off! We then went to a park to walk around and let the kids get their wiggles out before heading on to Orlando. Mindy was hosting her annual Christmas Eve Eve party. It was lots of fun with good wine, good food, and catching up on family! We got to meet Anthony and Darius' older brother, Dean and Anthony's girlfriend. I sadly did not remember to take any pictures!!! I was so mad at myself, but at least we have the memories!

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Florida Day 4

Today we decided to take it easy. We went shopping while Daddy played golf with Uncle Jimmy. The mall wasn't too crowded, so that was nice and found some good things on sale...which was even better! After shopping, we came back and the cousins (minus Rori) all went swimming with Mimi! It was about 76 degrees and they have an outdoor heated pool in their neighborhood. The kids swam for an hour and didn't want to leave! My kids are fish! I didn't go, so no pictures...this time! We just hung out and had supper at Mimi's. A very low key day, but also fun!

Florida Day 3

On Tuesday, we went to Busch Gardens for free! They have a program called Salute to Heroes and allows military members and their families to get complimentary tickets to their park once a year. We have used it before to go to Sea World (3 times) and to Busch Gardens (in 2005). It was such a beautiful day. The temps got into the 70's and it wasn't too crowded. It was nice to not be sweating and waiting in long lines! A great day!

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Florida trip, day 1 & 2

After leaving Navarre, we traveled along the coast to get to Tampa. It was a nice drive and lots of pretty scenery. We got to Mimi's house just in time to see the first annual caroling on her street. There were four sets of carolers walking around the block. Everyone had luminaries set up lining the sidewalk and chairs set out to listen to them sing. It was about 40 degrees and it was funny to see all our Florida family bundled up with hats/gloves and my kids running around with lightweight coats on. We went to the power plant on Monday morning to see the manatees, which was so much fun. I couldn't believe how many there were! That night, we went to Christmas Lane, which was a walk around light display. They had lots of cute things....some snow (which was acutally soap), and a train for little ones to ride on.

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Side Trip in Florida!

We left on Friday the 17th for Florida. We left earlier than planned just because the roads were kind of iffy. We didn't have any issues, thankfully, weather-wise. Our first stop was in Navarre, Florida to surprise Meghan with a visit to her friend, Jordan who had moved down there in June. It was so much fun to see the family and their new house/church. They even grilled out for us for lunch....which was sooo yummy! We went to a party at a church members house that evening and had lots of fun.

Snow Days 2 & 3....and a Christmas Party

So the last week of school was very short. We ended up with a "mini" ice storm over night into Thursday, so no school. It was not fun to play out in, but Trey helped me shovel the ice off the drive way. They canceled school that night for Friday by about 5pm. Good thing too. Our roads in our neighborhood were awful! I was sad that for Lily...she was very sad to be missing her Christmas party, especially since we made our cute reindeer cookies. Trey's private preschool was only on a 2 hour delay. I called his teacher to make sure they were still having the party and she said they were. I didn't take him until about 10 and stayed the whole time. It was kind of nice to be a "mom" at a Christmas party and not the teacher! Trey got to play while they set up the party in the art room. He had a great time showing his sister around the room. They had food, and then opened a present (they had drawn names), and then had a cupcake and cookie after singing happy birthday to Jesus and blowing out a candle. He had a great time!

First Snow Day of the School Year

Today was our first snow day of this school year. I was really hoping not to have one right before our Christmas break, but since I can't control it, I will enjoy it. I am getting caught up on laundry (which was much needed!) and the kids and I played outside for a little while. It was very cold! It was only about 16 degrees and with the wind blowing, who knows what the windchill was! BRRRRRR!!! Trey could talk of nothing else since getting up about 7am this morning. He couldn't wait to go outside and throw snowballs. Luckily, we found out last night that there was no school today, so I didn't have to wake up at my usual 5am to check for closings on the TV. We had some hot chocolate and a yummy Christmas cookie to help warm us back up and have snuggled down to watch Shrek the Final Chapter (Daniel and Meghan went to Redbox after the youth party last night). Happy Snow Day!

Annual Christmas Cookies

Every year, we head over to Heather and Jimmy's house for our annual cookie making. This is such a fun tradition that was started back when Lily and Camden were just babies! This year, the kids were popping out cookies so fast....it won't be long until Heather and I can sit and let the kids be in charge of the whole thing! :) After making cookies, we opened presents, ate together, then frosted the cookies. The kids changed into pjs and played a game before we headed out to our annual trek to a local drive-thru Nativity. It really feels like Christmas once we have made our cookies!

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Christmas Variety Show/Pageant

This year's variety show was a lot of fun...with many different acts! Lily did her Irish dance and I was so proud of her! She does not typically like to perform, especially alone, so this was a very huge deal for her! She really wanted to do it and I think I was nervous enough for the both of us! Meghan organized a flash dance to Do Re Mi at the end that was a total surprise to the audience. I knew about it because I danced in it too. Daniel didn't get any pictures of it though, but it was fun! After the variety show, our church always has a Christmas pageant telling the story of the birth of Jesus. Trey was very excited about being a sheep again this year. I actually got to sit in the audience for once! He did so good...I was proud of him. I wasn't sure how he would handle it just because he had been sitting for so long during the variety show and he needed some movement, but he went out there and did his sheep thing! It was a fun night, but I am so tired. After a busy weekend, I need one more day to recuperate! Only two more weeks of school!

Parade Time!

Lily danced in a parade on Saturday night (we have had a very busy weekend!!). It was very cold, but they were half way through the parade, so it was quick. Afterwards they had an award banquet and Lily got an award for "highest on her toes"! She was excited and got a ribbon! It was a busy Saturday, but lots of fun!

Military Christmas Dinner

Daniel's unit had their annual Christmas dinner this past Saturday. The kids had a great time...they had a room set up just for them with crafts, games, and movies. Of course, after dinner, Santa came with presents! Trey did a great job sitting on Santa's lap...but refused to smile! He commented how he wasn't the real Santa because he didn't get the Nemo phone he has been wanting! Needless to say, Christmas can't get here soon enough for him!

Thanksgiving....better late than never!

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Thanksgiving this year was held at Alyssa and Andy's house...which I loved better than being at the church. It just seemed more homey and comfortable. The kids all played so well together...which was huge! We had a great time!

Halloween 2010

At least I got this posted before Thanksgiving!

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Trey's Field Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

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Updates

Well since I have been having issues with the blog...I have a lot to catch up on!

Meghan: At her 13 year check-up, it was discovered that Meghan had some curvature to her spine. The doctor said we needed an x-ray and depending on what that said she could make a decision on where to go next. The x-ray measured her upper curve at 15 degrees and lower curve at 26 degrees, which anything over 20 is sent to an orthopedic doctor. Luckily we live where there is a great place for children needing orthopedic care. We went to that appointment not knowing what to expect, but hoping for the best. They took another x-ray and measured her lower back at 40 degrees. I was alarmed, but the dr didn't seem to be. He said she was almost finished with her big growth spurt (they took x-rays of her left hand to check growth plates), so that should be to her benefit. A brace is not an option as it won't correct the curve. We won't be able to correct it without surgery. Right now she is not bothered by it and is able to take dance and run track. If any of that changes, we are to take her back asap, but until then we go back in 6 months to see if there are any significant changes. Academically, Meghan is doing AWESOME! We are so proud of her...not only did she get straight A's, but she also got distinguished on all three areas tested in 7th grade spring testing....including the highest score you can get in math!!!! Way to go Meghan!!

Lily: My little Irish dancer is picking up on things sooo quickly that the coaches talk about how good she is at the monthly board meetings. She absolutely loves it and I guess we will need to build her a dance floor downstairs next :) Academically, Lily is doing AWESOME as well!!! At her parent teacher conference, we were told how much Mrs. H loves her and that Lily is reading on a 6th grade level and doing 4th grade work for math. We are so proud of our Lilybug!

Trey: Where to start. Academically Trey is off the charts...he counts to 40, recognizes numbers, knows all his letters/sounds, and is starting to read some words (Mommy is trying to work with him on this). He still exhibits some social issues as well as some sensory. The psychologist gave him the diagnosis of ADHD-combination type (meaning hyperactivity and inattention). We are not going the medication route b/c we don't think meds are good at this age and we felt he had some other issues as well. The dr also recommended he be evaluated by an OT for SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder). I began reading a book titled "Sensational Kids" that talked about how SPD and ADHD overlap in so many areas. I felt Trey fell into this category...meaning we needed to treat both to get good results. The OT at school evaluated him as well as an outside agency. The school gave him the diagnosis of SPD and we are waiting on the report from the outside agency. I see more sensory in him all the time. It is a constant struggle at our house and is going to take some patience (mainly for me...lol). I just want to help him be as successful as he can in all the he does. More later.........

Fall break trip to Pittsburgh

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Dancing for the World

Lily, with her Irish dance group, were able to perform in front of hundreds of people at the WEG 2010. They did us proud with 2 performances and people literally from all over the world were watching! It was exciting and we were so proud of her! She is the one in the white shirt/plaid skirt with the blonde bouncy curls!

Where have we been?

We have been M.I.A. for almost a month, but so much has gone on! It may take me most of the weekend to complete the posts, but just be patient!

Meghan

Meghan and a few of her friends at her birthday sleepover a few weeks ago.

Consultation

I had the consultation with a psychologist for Trey today. Overall, I feel it went really well. I liked the psychologist and she asked LOTS of questions.....very thorough. She seemed impressed by all that we had done up to this point with him at home and I told her some of the things that I was having the teacher try. They are doing an observation on him next week at school. On a side note, everyone that I have talked to professionally (pediatrician, therapist, psychologist) has asked me the same question: What do you think it is? I am beginning to assume that they are questioning me as to gauge my reaction to the word 'Autism'. I don't freak out at the word or what it could mean, but I can't say it wouldn't sadden me if that were the diagnosis. I am not saying that Trey is on the spectrum, but he has a few tendencies that fit that criteria. I honestly don't know what to think. That is why I am seeking help. Everything I know and have researched doesn't pigeonhole Trey into one clear cut category. He fits into quite a few, which is frustrating for me. I am hopeful after this observation, they will have a better idea and we can get him the help he needs to be successful at home and school. He will also be getting an OT evaluation for sensory, which I am happy about! I know he has sensory issues!!! I will update as I have information....which hopefully will be sometime in the next couple of weeks!

13 Candles

Hard to believe that on Friday, September 3rd, my first born turned 13 years old. Her first official year as a teenager. She is growing up so fast.....I know one day I will wake up and she will be graduating from high school! She has become such a wonderful young woman...very caring and so smart. I love the fact that we can hang out now...watching movies or just talking. Reminds me of the many talks my mom and I had when I was growing up. I felt I could talk to her about ANYTHING and want to forge that same type of relationship with my own. I love listening to Meghan talk about school, her friends, anything really.

We went over to my mom's on Saturday to celebrate and then out to eat on Sunday after church to celebrate with Poppy and Andy/Alyssa/the boys. She is inviting friends over this Friday for a little party. It is amazing how hard it is to come up with ideas for a teen party! Happy birthday to my baby girl (at least in her mama's eyes)!

Where We Are.....

At this point we are still in limbo. I am waiting on a call from the pediatrician's office for an appointment to the hospital up north. I went and had a consult with a wonderful therapist, who unfortunately doesn't think she is what Trey needs, but is going to have a play therapy session with him to assess him. She recommended someone else to try, so I called and got a consultation with them on Tuesday. I am confident things are moving in the right direction, just trying not to sweat the small stuff....which for a control freak like me, that's hard! I have also got the ball rolling with our school system to see what they can do. Lucky for me, being in the school system, I am getting to cut through a lot of red tape type stuff for "who I know". That I have someone on the inside working for me helps calm my stress levels which are through the roof! I have explained to my principal what has been going on, which caused emotional distress on my part (i.e. crying), but she is awesome and I know she is going to work with me on whatever I need and she even volunteered to help any way that she could, which just knowing I have someone else on my side makes me stronger! I will update as I have information. Please keep us and Trey in your prayers. He is still struggling at school, which is not helpful and his last day might be this Friday. We are going tomorrow to talk to the principal, so we shall see. I am keeping the faith that God will lead us where we need to be.

Trey's 4 year Checkup

Trey had his 4 year checkup yesterday afternoon. He did so good for the doctor! He talked his ear off, actually! Trey weighed in at 41 lbs (83rd %tile) and was 43" (3'7" tall and in the 93rd %tile). Needless to say, our boy is tall and skinny! He had his first eye exam and had a hearing test, passing both. He couldn't hear the lowest tones in either ear, but the nurse said that wasn't an issue. I assume that is due to all his nasty ear infections and the tubes that followed. The rough part of the visit were the five....YES, I said 5!......shots. He did well when I told him about them. I don't think he remembered any before this. However, once the nurse started, all bets were off. He screamed...and do I mean screamed...when she gave them to him. It took me at least 10 minutes to calm him down afterwards....he just kept screaming. I wanted to cry! I hate to see my kids hurt, even when I know its for their own good. We were both exhausted by the time the visit was over. I decided he needed a treat for all his suffering, so we headed to McDonalds for a yummy ice cream cone. He ended up having a rough day at school today, in part, I think to the shots. Made for a cranky boy all day. He finally let me take the 5 band-aids off this evening because he said his boo-boos didn't hurt anymore. He is a survivor.... :)

Ups and Downs

We have been having some struggles for awhile now and I just haven't really wanted to face it. Now it seems I don't really have a choice. I have been having some concerns about Trey and I just haven't been able to put my finger on it. That, in and of itself, is frustrating because as a teacher of young children and those with special needs, I can't figure out my own son. I chalked it up to him being "all boy" and then it was because he was young...he would grow out of it. He isn't. In fact, the situation has become worse. He has carried his behavior/quirks over from home into school, which could ultimately get him kicked out. Kicked out of preschool. It breaks my heart that my little boy....my precious, sweet, boy....is THAT student that teachers really hate dealing with. I can't even begin to list what issues he is having, but I just know that he is needing something and I just don't know what it is. I am doing everything I know how to do and it just isn't enough. I am so stressed and an emotional wreck that I dream about it. He had a doctor visit yesterday (which I will post seperately) and he listened to all I had to say. He gave me some ideas (none of which I really think Trey "has"), but he will be going to CCH for an overall evaluation. Unfortunately, where we live there is nothing, which is surprising considering the size of our city, but there it is. I am praying ALL the time for God to just help me figure it out...whatever IT is....so that I can help my baby. Please pray for a quick appointment (can take 3-6 months to get in). I also have another appointment on Monday that I hope will help shed some light. Lots of things promising on the horizon....just hoping the help comes soon!

Family Day

Every year, Daniel's unit has a family day. Usually this is in June, but they were getting ready for AT in June, so it got pushed to August. It was HOT, but one of the best ones we have been to. They had a Blackhawk fly in for the kids. Trey was so excited! He had also brought his toy one to play with, so he had to take it down to see the real thing. We got to watch it land and climb around inside.

Our Anniversary

Daniel and I celebrated our 14th year of marriage August 10th. It was a hectic day b/c school started the next day and I was soo busy at work. Daniel came to my school and took me out to lunch, which was nice considering we were already paying a babysitter for the kids. We didn't do much else b/c we are trying to save up for our 15th anniversary. We are hoping to go back to our honeymoon destination. It will be the first time I have ever slept away from Trey, so that will be an experience for me.....and whoever keeps him. :)

First Day of School 2010

Trey had his first day of Preschool today. He did really well going, but had a bit of a rough day. It is hard to get back on routine after being so relaxed all summer! He can't wait to go back tomorrow!

Meghan started her last year of middle school (**sigh**). It is hard to believe I will have a High Schooler next year.....but I am getting ahead of myself. I need to sit back and enjoy this year while I can! She is on a great team and loves all her teachers....so far. However, she was not impressed when her advanced math teacher said "Since this is a HS class, I will treat you like high schoolers"....and that she did by giving them homework on the first day!

My Lily started 3rd grade this year. She was so excited to go to school this morning that I think she ate breakfast and got ready in the span of about 20 minutes! She had her backpack on and was ready to go to the bus stop about 15 minutes before the bus came. She had a great day and and was glad to be back with all her friends!

WV

A few weekends ago, we took one last vacation to West Virginia to see Daniel's grandma, who will be 90 this September! It was a lot of fun to hang out and actually sleep with no air on and be cold....at the end of July! That is what the mountains will do for you. The kids had fun sleeping out in a tent in the backyard with Mimi. We also brought Luke and Wilson along for the trip. It was lots of fun...especially eating s'mores with giant marshmallows!

Trey's 4th Birthday Party

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My Baby

Yesterday, Trey turned 4 years old. I cannot believe that I don't have a baby anymore! By the time Lily turned 4, I was having Trey. It is kind of sad, but I am enjoying not having to change diapers and most importantly...enjoying my sleep! Trey has grown into such a funny little guy. He pops out with some of the funniest phrases and he is completely serious! He has a love/hate relationship with his sisters and I have a feeling he will terrorize them for many years to come. He is so sweet natured at times and other times, he is ALL boy. I continued to be amazed at how loud one little boy can be. We took him to a Legends game for his birthday and sat with friends. It was a lot of fun, but made for a very cranky boy by the 5th inning. All in all I think he had a fabulous day! His birthday party was tonight.....more pics to come on that!

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Trey-isms

Trey is such a funny little guy. He really has us cracking up....A LOT! He talks all the time....and never in a soft voice! Here are a couple of things I have heard him say in the past two days:

At supper last night:
Trey to me after I gave him a glass of water (and with a serious face)-"Thanks, Mommy! I haven't had water in years!"

At the library today:
Me: "Trey, get out from under there!" (he was playing under one of the horse sculptures that specifically say no climbing or playing on horses)
Trey (very matter of fact): "Mommy, I was just rubbing her toes. She had dirt on them. That horse is a girl."

How could I argue with that?

Appreciating the Little Things

This past week has been a tough one. Daniel has been gone for his two weeks and that is always difficult! Then to add to that, I also had my 4th mammogram in a year and a half. I started getting mamms done right before I turned 35, due to my mom and her breast cancer. I was told that I should expect to go twice in a year to establish a baseline. I was starting to get worried when every time I went, they would say come back in 6 months and check the box on my paper that said "probably benign". Probably is not definitive enough for me. I only worried, b/c that is pretty much what happened to my mom. They told her to come back in 6 months and then BAM, its cancer. So not having Daniel here to help calm my nerves was hard b/c it is not something you talk about with your children. Everything went really well and I don't have to go back for a year. I still have to be classified as diagnostic, but I think that is just so if something has changed from the previous, I am at the right center (only certain ones handle diagnostic). A typical mammogram is just considered a screening. While at the doctor, I got a call from my principal. Naturally I was curious....then worried (about my job) b/c my principal doesn't call me to chat. I call her back after I leave the doctor and she tells me that one of my students from last year was in a car wreck with his mom and brother. The mom did not survive. I was heartbroken for this family! J was such a sweet boy and his mom (and dad) were so nice. I met my principal and FRC coordinator at the visitation. It was honestly one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I was able to hold it together to talk to J and his dad. I have to say that it made me feel like I did the right thing by going just to see J smile when he saw me. He was all bruised and beat up, but gave me a hug. His dad said that was the most he had moved for anyone. I cried all the way back to pick up the kids at a friends house. I was so heartbroken for those two little boys whose mom will never see them grow up, get married, have kids. All I could do when I got home was hug and kiss mine and pray they never have to experience that kind of pain. Needless to say, I am looking forward to a much calmer (and happier) week ahead!

Alaska

No...we did not go to Alaska (I wish!). My aunt went and sent gifts for us. She has been before when Meghan was about 5 and Lily was just a baby. Here are their Alaskan treasures:
Meghan got the suffed otter, which my aunt says swam near their boat a lot, minus the females who carried their young on their bellies, but kept a distance. She also got the two necklaces, which she absolutely loves! (I have this picture turned correctly in my files....not sure why it wouldn't cooperate on here)

Lily got her first Alaskan doll (that is what Meg got from Aunt Helen's first trip). She also got the stuffed Husky (which my aunt got to see the sled dogs....did you know they actually get in a giant hamster wheel to run?....and they get in it completely on their own...these dogs LOVE to run!). She also got a very pretty pink necklace.

Trey was very excited to get his gift. He got a Bald Eagle, a very cute train whistle, and a book about the Gray Wolf. He carries his train whistle around everywhere!

Aunt Helen also sent us some hats from Alaska. Thanks, Aunt Helen!! Hopefully, one of these days, we can make the journey to Alaska ourselves!