Merry Christmas to all

MAC is done with school and we are preparing for the holidays. The last day of school is always a flurry of activity: gifts, movies instead of class work, and knowing that you don't have to come back for over a week! The excitement is palitable. She had a great last day.

We will be spending the holidays as a family and I am not planning on blogging until next year, so I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for reading and have a safe and happy holiday season!

No Fighting

It is really hard to believe that we are 3 days away from "winter".  Our weather has been fairly warm the last few weeks and MAC has been wanting to go to school with out her coat.  We surely won't be having a white Christmas this year!

MAC is excited that there are only 4 days left of school before she gets a week of relaxation.  The last few days have been very calm at our house and she has been on good behavior.  It has been really nice not to fight with her and to talk calmly.  I am hoping for a calm Christmas too!

Busy

With less than 2 weeks until Christmas I can hardly believe how busy life around here has become.  So far this week I have been out every day doing different events:  Monday was a church meeting, Tuesday was the first Bay Winds Band Concert, and Wednesday was a visit with a friend that I haven't seen in several months.  Friday will be the office Holiday party and next Tuesday is MAC's holiday chorus concert.

I began the process of making Christmas cookies last night.  Our favorite cookie is a Swedish Butter cookie, it starts with 2 sticks of butter and after the dough is made it has to sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.  I made pretzel snacks and will finish the butter cookies tonight. 

MAC has seemed to have had a good week at school.  On Tuesday she said she was excited to go because she was excited for first period.  They were working on a partnered project and she was going to be able to draw.  She is looking forward to next Thursday because it is the last day of school and she then gets a whole week off for the holidays.  I am looking forward to a few days of relaxing!

Happy Birthday

Sunday was my birthday, MAC decided to take a break from not talking to me to be extra nice.  It was really nice to have my daughter say nice things ("Happy Birthday", "I Love you Mom") and laughing.  She woke up and brought my wrapped gifts to me in bed.  It was really nice to get a gift that was not wrapped in a plastic shopping bad.  I also got birthday cards for the first time in about 8 years.

Hubby said that while they were shopping for the cards she couldn't find the right card and made him sit in the Hallmark store for almost half an hour so she could go through all the birthday cards to find just the right one.  I loved it!  It was Hoops and Yoyo singing about a dingo eating my birthday cake.  :)

We had a really nice day and it was very nice to have her talking to me and allowing me to hug her.

At Least School is Going Well

The last week has brought no change to MACs attitude toward me.  Everything I say to her is another reason for her to decide that I am attacking her.  From asking her to read a "real" book or to making sure she has taken her medications, she has made everything into an argument.

MAC has gotten to the point where even Hubby sees how she responds to me.  It has not been pleasant at our house over the last several days.  Although I have been talking to her in a calm voice she continues to feel that I am yelling at her and responds accordingly.  Apparently I am only allowed to tell her what she wants to hear or she says I am yelling at her.

I have been pleasantly surprised to have had no calls from the school.  It seems that even if we are having issues at home, school at least is going well.

You Can't Prove Mom Loves Me

It has been a disappointing couple of days.  It has been 4 days of coughing, sore throats, and hurt feelings.  MAC is bound and determined that I hate her and that everything I say is meant to get her in trouble.  When Hubby and I told her that we did love her she said, "I know you do Dad but you can't prove that Mom does."

When your child is born you do everything you can to make them feel loved and cherished.  When MAC and I were at her talk therapy session on Monday she said the same thing about my not loving her to the therapist.  It makes me sad that she truly feels this way.  This was the second time in a month that we have had this conversation in therapy.

The therapist told her that parents are only required to provide shelter, food, and clothing.  When asked if I had given her more than that MAC glared at the therapist and said emphatically, "NO"  Once again she asked the therapist to prove to her that I love her. When the therapist gave her several examples of other things that I had done (including taking her to therapy) MAC kept saying, "that doesn't count, she HAS to do that". 

How do prove something to someone who doesn't really want to change their mind?

Too long...

I know that it has now been almost a week since I last was able to write.  The illness that brought MAC down during her Thanksgiving break hit me.  We did miss Thanksgiving dinner since I could barely stand up and MAC was still hacking away.

I had to go to work on Friday, which I did, but not a lot of work got done.  There were about 6 of us there, at least it was quiet.

The rest of the weekend was spent in bed.  Hubby was very attentive and made sure that I was able to sleep as much as I wanted.  I wasn't very hungry but he made sure that I always had a glass of water.  When I woke up on Saturday I not only had the hacking cough but when I swallowed it hurt all the way into my ear!  Sleep helped, MAC was feeling better but she was disappointed that we didn't go out for the birthday dinners (and cake) that I had told her about earlier in the week.

My mother was in town for Thanksgiving, she made homemade chicken noodle soup for us on Sunday which was very nice since yesterday morning Hubby woke up with a sore throat.

Not Fair

This weekend has been the most relaxing we have had in months.  The unfortunate thing is that all three of us have been feeling under the weather.

Monday was MACs first day off for the Thanksgiving break and she was feeling even worse.  She has a sore throat and upset stomach.  She slept in and then went to the living room and watched TV while laying on the couch wrapped in a fuzzy robe and blanket.

When I got home she came and gave me a hug and said, "It's not fair Mom!  I'm not supposed to be sick on my vacation."

We have so many plans for this week and I know it isn't fair:   she will probably miss our girls night dinner and if she is still feeling sick will miss Happy Feet Two with her Grandparents.  We are worried about Thanksgiving too, it might be a small family gathering as both Hubby and I have also begun to feel under the weather. 

Sorry

I was impressed with MACs behavior on Tuesday.  The morning did not go so well and she left the car angry and unhappy.  I waited for the phone call from the school saying that something had happened and I needed to come get her, but it never came!

MAC did her usual call when when she got home to let me know that she was in the house.  It was a little terse and she didn't seem to be in any better of a mood.  When the phone rang again less than 5 minutes later I wondered what had happened.  She said, "I'm sorry about this morning Mom.  I love you." 

Like Aliens on a Weird Planet

This has been a long and frustrating week.  Last Thursday MAC found the CMS health room.  I had the 504 meeting with the teachers and her guidance counselor on Friday.  Saturday was a really nice family day then Sunday turned into a mess and Monday was an unmitigated disaster.

The health room was MACs second most used "resource" while at Bates.  Anytime she wanted to be out of class she was able to say she had a headache or stomach ache and go to the health room.  We have tried to make her go back to class and have tried to make things easier for her.

The 504 meeting, which is where we went over the different plans that had been in place in Bates, went ok.  The teachers said that they have not had any behavioral issues with her but that she has made it abundantly clear that she does not want to be there and that she has not turned in any work.  We are hoping that allowing her time to draw will give her incentive to take some notes and "tune in" during class.

Saturday was a really nice family day.  We got MAC a new back pack since her old one was falling apart, and the comic book store for Hubby.  We ran to the knitting store for some yarn for a Christmas gift and then found a new restaurant called Metro in the new Annapolis Towne Center.

Sunday MAC and I were supposed to go to a journaling class after church.  I had not read the entire description, and had not realized that there would be yoga first.  It was nice relaxing yoga but MAC refused to do anything, she did say the music was relaxing.  When it came time to make our journals she said no.  She was quiet and kept her comments to a minimum which was good, it was just disappointing to spend good money so that she could lay on a yoga mat.

Monday was all around yucky.  I had a doctor's appointment and Hubby dropped MAC off at school.  I hadn't even had a chance to meet the doctor when I got the first from Hubby.  By the time I left the office Hubby had been on the phone with the school and was livid.  I was going to pick her up but was told that she had been sent back to class.  I heard that she had high blood pressure, headache, and blurred vision.  I called the pediatrician and made an appointment for the afternoon.  By the time I got to work Hubby had been called again by the school to come and pick her up.  On the way to the pediatricians office Hubby said that he had said nothing about high blood pressure and was upset about all three of us having to go to the doctors office. 

Needless to say last night was a two glasses of wine night!  I know that Pervasive Developmental Disorder isn't easy to live with, I know that it isn't fun for MAC or Hubby to always feel as if they are "aliens dropped on a weird planet"; but they can help themselves.

One Week

CMS scheduling!  It has been quite a feat trying to keep the new A-B-C days together in for MAC.  I have a dry erase weekly calendar that I have written the different days on for her.  The problem for me is remember which day has which classes!  She started on a B day and that was and Avid and Art, last Thursday was a C day and that was chorus and health.  Friday was her first A day but she didn't feel well and stayed home.  Today will be her first A day which is a PE day, she is not looking forward to it.

One week in to being in the new school and we have been so proud that she has been able to keep her temper and that we haven't been called by the school.

I haven't heard back from the guidance counselor yet about the 504 meeting but will contact him again tomorrow.  One week down, one and half to go until the kids are off for Thanksgiving break!  I'm taking things in small chunks these days.

Best Intentions

Have you ever done something that you thought was going to be something fun and then it turned into a total disaster?  That was my Sunday.

I came home from a disappointing Saturday evening and thought that a movie with the family would be something fun.  MAC had been begging to see a movie since Thursday evening and Puss in Boots has been out for two weeks now.  I am a big one for trying to do a few things when we are out, to maximize our gas usage.  We bought our tickets, MAC asked to see it in 3D and we agreed to do so.  We were at the mall almost an hour earlier than the movie so we walked the length trying to find a place where I could get a watch battery replaced and a few links taken out of the band.  There was only one place we found and for those two services it was going to cost me close to $50!  Needless to say, the watch is still a little big and not running.

We saw the movie, it was cute, not as fasted paced as the Shrek movies were but MAC enjoyed it.  We had had a large breakfast so had decided not to get any overpriced movie theater food.  MAC was disappointed that we wouldn't get her a soda.

After the movie, I needed a new pair of headphones for my iPod and we stopped at the Best Buy to get a set (hopefully on sale).  MAC went "looking" in the DS game section.  When we told her we would not buy a game for her she was very upset, which in turn made Hubby upset.  The car ride home was the quietest she has been in several weeks.

I am hoping that this will be a good week for MAC.  I think the extra sleep in the morning helps a little!

I'm Just a Kid

I had planned to blog on Monday, I really had!  The computer had been moved and I was being lazy after trick or treating with MAC.When I turned it on Tuesday I found out that it was totally dead and needed to be charged. 

Monday was fun for MAC.  We were unable to get into the school for her intake interview and she stayed home again.  We had a very confrontational visit with the talk therapist and then came home to pick up Hubby and then head to her friends house in Annapolis for trick or treating.  She and her friend  went to a few houses and then headed back to the friends house to hand out candy.  MAC said she really liked handing out candy because the little kids looked so cute in their costumes.

The intake interview was done Tuesday morning.  I am keeping my fingers crossed about her first day at CMS, Wednesday.  She will be riding a new bus and we are trying to work on new ways to respond to people.  I got some special items for her lunch and will be holding my breath each time the phone rings today until I learn the new school number.

Hubby sent me the following link and the lyrics made me stop and think. Take a listen:  I'm Just a Kid Lyrics

Exit Meeting

Thursday was MACs exit interview with Bates.  For the most part she had a good experience at Bates but now we are looking forward to getting things settled so that she can start at Crofton Middle as soon as possible.  She has now been home by herself for 2 days and I want her to be in classes by Tuesday of next week.

The chorus teacher said that she hopes that MAC will continue to sing and that CMS has a great woman's group.  (They had also gone to State competition last year.)  The guidance counselor felt that she should also stay in the higher level classes so for the first time in three years she will get to choose her language and her extra courses.

I called CMS and they were unable to help me today.  I hope that when I call on Monday they will be a little more helpful.  I had hoped for a call back, but as of 9pm I still haven't heard a peep.

And Now for Something Totally Different

Today was the final straw.  I got a call from the school and MAC will be entering Crofton Middle sometime next week.  She will have made it through the first quarter.

I am worried about weather she will ride the bus or not, making sure everything gets turned in to Bates, and getting things together for CMS.  I am also wondering about MACs state of mind.  She was feeling rather down when we left Bates. 

It had seemed as if things were going well.  Every time I had talked with her about school she said things were going fine.  Apparently even yesterday something happened on the bus and she didn't tell me about it.

I am so tired.  I want so much for her.  How do I get through the anger to the smart girl underneath?

Fun Day

I would like to take this chance to say Happy Birthday to SG!  We really miss seeing you and the boys.  Hope it is a wonderful day.

This is the last weekend of the Renaissance Festival.  MAC and Hubby decided to come one last time yesterday.  We said that it was not a day for purchasing anything but to go and watch shows.  I worked until 4 and then when I got off work MAC was a little tired, she said she was ready to go home.  I was a little disappointed and said that I had been hoping to spend some time with them at some shows.  We went to see the Danger Committee, where MAC was a "volunteer from the audience". 

MAC and Hubby had gone to all 4 of the previous Danger Committee shows.  MAC said that she had laughed at every show!  I laughed so hard during the show that I had tears streaming down my face.  I had a wonderful time with them and it was really nice to laugh together. 

The Weekend

We are just finishing another day of rain.  I don't know about where you are but we have had more than enough rain to keep us wet (read drenched) for the next year.  I believe I read that we in Maryland reached our normal yearly rain fall last month.

When we left yesterday I asked MAC if she wanted an umbrella.  She gave me "the look" and said no.  Then I was really mean and made her put on a poncho because it was supposed to be cold.  She took and said that she would put it on on the bus.

Mom and I were talking about the week and how things had gone, I told her that MAC had a 2 hour early dismissal and off on Friday so she was in heaven!  We have plans for the weekend:  boat trip, RenFaire, and sleeping in.  I am thrilled to be able to spend time with her in, hopefully some very good, a fun setting.

It is the last weekend of RenFaire and MAC is very excited to go one more time.  She seems to be looking forward to to the weekend.  I hope that by this time Sunday we will have had fun and enjoyed some good family time.

To talk or not to talk...

MAC had a "good day" on Monday.  I love asking her every school day how things went and getting the same response every day, "Good".  I try to do the open ended questions the teachers always tell parents we should ask and usually just get grunts, or head nods.

Before she gets out of the car each morning we go through the "mantra"--
Mom--Did you pack lunch?
MAC-- *sigh* Yes
Mom--Did you put lead in your pencil?
MAC--*drawing in journal, not looking up* Yep
Mom--What do you do when a teacher or other adult asks you to do something?
MAC--Do it.
Mom--When?
MAC-- When they tell me to.
Mom--If you don't have something nice to say...
MAC--Don't say anything!

It always goes so well while we're in the car.  She knows what she should do, it is just in the heat of the moment when her mouth gets the better of her.  Yeah teenage years...

Making Life Easy?

I know that I have talked about going to the comic store a few times.  I really find it interesting that MAC will go out of her way to make sure that she does her homework before I pick her up on these "special" days.  She was done by the time I called her to say I was leaving work. We got home and she excitedly told Hubby that "we get to go"!

MAC has been working on Summerwork this week.  There were several books that she was supposed to have read over the summer and she "lost" the paper telling us about it, so even though I had asked her to read she pretty well only finished the mangas we had bought, so now she has had 6 days to read four books (2 of which were designated by the school) and 4 artifacts to create.

I have to wonder when she will figure out that if she does things when she's supposed to, she will have a lot more free time to do what she wants (and a lot less of me and my angry voice).

Columbus Day 2011

As Monday closes I am happy to say that MAC has been able to keep her cool in school long enough to be able to go back Tuesday.  She and Hubby had work and school today. I, being a Federal Employee, had the day to myself.

We followed the bus to the bus stop and then I went home for a half hour more of sleep before I went to Bizarre Bizarre at the Renaissance Faire.  It is breakfast for Faire Employees.  We had a nice breakfast and then my RenFaire Boss and my co-worker than went to the "Day Job" where we were able to canoe for a few hours.  I was so glad that the weather stayed nice through the day!

When I got home MAC and Hubby said that the homework was done and they were watching TV.  I was happy to have a day doing something just for me.

A Good Ending

Happy Thanksgiving to my Canadian friends!

As I sit here this evening, watching the Capitals play the Carolina Hurricanes I can only think "WOW, it's that time of year again."  I know that hockey season is about to start because the MD Renaissance Festival is usually going on during the first few games of the season.  We are down to only two and a half weekends left of the Faire, where did the time go?

MAC was able to finish the week well, I only had one more call from the school.  Somewhere along the line she has learned the usual foul language that teenagers usually learn once they hit middle school.  She has been saying it to the teachers when she is upset, and that is not acceptable.  Friday's phone call was about what the school planned to do if it happens again.

Friday also ended with me having secured our tickets to the London Broil Christmas show featuring Hack and Slash.  We went for the first time last year and had a great time as a family watching some of our favorite Renaissance groups perform while we sit around and laugh in our pajamas.  We have been waiting for the tickets to go on sale and are very excited to go again.  All and all a good ending to the week.

Telephone

The phone.  I have both positive and negative feelings about it.  Before 3 pm every time the phone rings I worry that it is the school, at 4pm I wait for MAC to call to tell me that she has gotten home.  On Wednesday at 4:15 she called in one of the best moods I have ever heard her in.  She was cheerful and positive about how her day went.

She has a report due to her Language Arts teacher which she happily started as soon as we got home.  It was nice not to have to stand over her for an hour telling her to get back to writing. 

I only hope she continues to have as good a week as yesterday.

Here Comes the Sun!

MAC and I seem to have had a really good day.  I was thrilled to see her get off the bus with a big smile on her face.  When I told her that I was going to make her macaroni and cheese for dinner she was even happier.  When I left for the Home Owners meeting she was surprised.  I reminded her that it was Glee night and she couldn't wait to finish her homework.

I really hope that she turns it in!

It is hard to believe that tomorrow is halfway through the week.  The weather actually turned nice today.  The temperature got up to 70 degrees and we saw the sun for more than a few minutes. I am looking forward to the weekend.

Say something nice!

My Mom used to say if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything.  It has been a really busy, crazy week and a half and I decided not to blog.

MAC has had several days where she says everything was fine and then I get an e-mail from a teacher (or two) that said she hadn't turned in homework and that although she was sitting in class she wasn't paying attention and not doing the class work either.  Hubby and I tried to take care of this over the past weekend.  I have to say I am a little worried though, I found her back pack on the couch last night and went to move it...it was so packed it barely zipped.

The weather here has turned in a heartbeat.  It went from hot, and rainy to freezing and rainy.  Tuesday is finally supposed to be nicer, actually seeing some sun and a temperature that doesn't require the heavy winter coat.  MAC and I saw a rainbow last night and I am looking forward to being able to see some fall weather.

We are all hoping for a better week.  Thank you for sticking with me!

Wonderful when it works

Today I got an e-mail from one of MACs teachers.  She is missing homework.  We got a voice mail from the school last night that ParentConnect is finally up and running for the year.  ParentConnect is the school system's way of keeping us informed.  They update absences and the teachers put in all the work that they are grading, and the grades are updated weekly.  It had not been working since the beginning of the school year and I have missed it!

Before I left the office today I was able to go in and take a look at exactly what homework she is missing from which classes.  ParentConnect is wonderful when it's working!  Of course when I picked her up from the bus today and we had a discussion about homework and turning it in she said, "Oh, yeah that's in my binder, I guess I should turn that in".

I wish ParentConnect had been up a few weeks ago, we have almost hit mid quarter and there was a LOT of work that needs to get turned in.  We started tonight.  There was a lot of reading and a whole lot of writing tonight.  We all had a late dinner and she took her pills before heading to bed.  Tomorrow will be a few e-mails to teachers and more writing!

...In Which We Find Wellness

Sorry that it has been so long between posts but between the RenFaire and not feeling very well has had me doing a lot of sleeping in the last few days.

Friday I had a sore throat and then working two full days at the RenFaire had me really feeling sick on Monday morning.  Of course we are now in the final stages of year end close at Smithsonian and I had to be at work.  Monday MAC woke up on time and we left the house on time but we missed the bus.  Apparently they have been getting to school a little late and Friday the bus driver decided to get to all the stops about 5 minutes earlier (which MAC "forgot" to tell me about).

I got the first "behavior" phone call from the school at 3:30.  It went better than I expected, she did not lose her field trip on Tuesday but was written up.  Tuesday went really well.  The field trip was a wonderful performance for several of Anne Arundel County's top executives.  Breakfast was provided for the group and the kids got a bus ride back to school.

I have finally begun to feel better and it seems as if MAC is doing better.  I hope that we can continue on this uphill trend at school.

Italian Bates Buck

MAC has been earning real money for note taking and Bates Bucks that she earns in class.  Thursday for the first time ever she brought home 2 from Italian!  She has been taking Italian for 3 years now and this is the first time she has ever seen one of these.

She was very excited to be able to tell me that she had earned not just one but TWO of these elusive items when she got into the car.  Hubby and I couldn't tell her enough how proud we were of her!  This is the way the school year should be going!  YEAH MAC!

The New 52

Our family has been spending Wednesday evening together.  We have gone out, had a cheap dinner out and talked.  This Wednesday has been no different.

Hubby loves to listen to pod casts and heard about a DC Comics relaunch, they call it the New 52, several weeks ago.  He and MAC talked about what it entailed and which characters they were keeping and which they were discontinuing.  MAC has watched "Teen Titans" and found that she really connected with Raven (a goth type character).  Unfortunately she is not currently in the relaunch, but we are holding out hope that she will reappear since we hear that she is very popular among young girls.  She has been excited to see if there are any comics that we all want to read.

We went to our local small business (3rd Eye Comics in Annapolis) and picked up the titles that sounded good to us.  It is really nice to go into a reading store and not spend a whole lot of money!  I had forgotten how cheap comics were!  It is also nice to go into a store where everyone wants to be.

MAC knows that Wednesdays are release day for the new 52 (during the month of September) so when she gets off the bus she automatically is doing her homework.  It is really nice not to have any fights over doing homework and we both feel good when I ask her about it and she can say, "It's done".

Clear Communication

This morning was the beginning of an awful day.  MAC and I had some communication issues this morning.  She was not feeling so well and had apparently told Hubby last night and it did not get told to me.  When I woke her up she was not a happy camper.  She was downright mean.

We had a few loud words that continued for almost 20 minutes.  By 7:10 when we had had it with each other and I had to get to work.  I finally left her.  We had both called Hubby and by the time I had gotten to work, he had come home.  He called me to say that she really wasn't feeling good and that she loved me.

Communication needs to get better in this house.  Between the three of us sometimes it gets really muddy.  One of us gets upset and says something that one person takes one way and the other takes another way.  Before you know it we are all angry at one another.

The family group helped us for a little but now we seem to have forgotten how.  We need to take some time, slow down, look at each other and TALK.

Back to School Night

I have been meaning to post for several days now.  I was going to post Thursday evening after back to school night.  It was the best one so far.  Both Hubby and I went.  For the first time since MAC started at the school she did not have to perform.  This year it was the new 6th graders who did a song.  MAC and her group of 8th graders will be able to perform next week for the superintendent.

We had already met three of her core teachers but Thursday we got to meet the Algebra teacher and got to talk with the choral teacher.  We got to say hello to all of the administration:  the principal, the three vice principals, the guidance counselor and the new scheduling director for PVA.

It was a long two hours but it was worth it.  We had a wonderful meeting with the science teacher where we got the best report ever:  MAC had not only had the best day yet but the teacher wanted to make sure that we knew it, she had meant to write it in her planner and had forgotten.  YEAH MAC!!

Of course then there was Friday, MAC said she had a "problem" in first and fifth period.

My Side

We are having an on going issue here...yes we have had 5 straight days of rain but that isn't the issue I was talking about.  The issue is that every time I ask MAC to do anything she doesn't want to do she gets angry or stubborn and says that I can't make her.  It used to be that I could call Hubby and he and she would talk and the homework would get done.  Now her response is, "It doesn't matter if you call him, he always takes your side!  I don't care!"  We have had discussions about this with the different hospitals and with the different doctors and talk therapists.  There really isn't anything I can do, homework is something that has to get done and good behavior is always a must.

Last night was no exception.  I asked to see her planner which had all the homework written in it.  She had 2 extra days to do her weekly reading last week and "forgot".  I told her she had to make it up with a real book (not a Manga or comic).  I asked to see her algebra and got a look.  By the time we had made it through the 7 classes I was back to being "That Horrible Woman who lives in the same house".

I know I need to stick to my guns and make sure that the homework is completed but with this happening 4 out of 5 nights a week gets old.  Before she went to bed at least I got an, "I love you" even if she wouldn't give me a hug.

First Day of After School Activities

This was supposed to be the second full week of school but with Irene coming through amazingly it is only the 7th!  It was the first day of after school activities so when she packed her lunch I tried to make sure she packed an extra snack.

She doesn't always like what she is put into but when I picked her up from the bus at 6pm she seemed ok with the new class.  She describes it as a technique that will help her to calm down before a performance.  I was excited.  MAC said, "When was the last time you saw me get nervous?"  I explained that although this was focusing on before a performance if she learned the technique couldn't she use it during the rest of the day if someone annoyed her?  She considered that for a moment and then smiled and said, "Yeah..." 

A day together

This is our traditional end of summer, Labor Day.  For most of us this means the beginning of school, and a day off of work.  It is really nice here for our family because it gives us an extra day to work on homework and a day of rest.

Well for 2/3 of the family.  I have taken a second job at the Maryland Renaissance Faire.  We are open 10 weekends including all three days of the labor day holiday.  Saturday went very quickly, and today was a little longer.  I can only hope that tomorrow goes as fast as yesterday.

MAC and I had a misunderstanding yesterday and decided a day together would be nice.  I was working the late shift today so we could play for the first part.  It truly is amazing everything you can get on a stick:  steak, pork chop, macaroni and cheese, sausage, and my favorite cheesecake on a stick.

MAC and I went around and did a little shopping as well as watching some shows and having a snack here and there.

When she left at 5 she told her father that she had a fun time.  One of the items that she got today was a custom made mug lid.  She did the design  and Tiger from Tiger Tore Masks is going to create the mug lid from MAC's design.  I am so excited about it!!  When I suggested it this morning MAC was really excited too.  Neither of us can wait to see how it turns out.

It was really nice to spend some time with her where we weren't angry at each other and where we had fun.  If we can only remember to talk nicely to each other and explain what is pushing all the buttons we will have a much better time together.

What the Teacher said...

Today was the first meeting with MACs new set of core teachers.  We met at the school at 2 today.  Hubby took the day off and made it to the meeting.  It was really nice to have him there.  He didn't have much to say but it was great to have the moral support.

The teachers said she was working well and we discussed e-mails, and notes home.  MAC has been paying attention in class although she has been doing some drawing.  We plan to have a little discussion about that...

It has been a treat to have her working on her homework with no real prodding from me.  She has done her algebra every day, and today she did her language arts and social studies just in time to watch one last half hour tv show before heading to bed.  Everyone got what they wanted!  Yeah 8th grade!  Hopefully this will continue.

And back to school...

We got the phone call early today.  MAC and Hubby got the automated call from the school system saying that although not all the schools had power tomorrow would be a school day.  MAC was disappointed.  I tried to explain that while she might be having fun today each day off, if there are any snow day days all of these days will be added to the end of the school year.  She wasn't so happy with that.

I asked her to do two things today while she was home:  clean the ferret cage and fill the water filter pitcher.  Amazingly both were done.  I did have to ask her to re-clean the cage.  She wasn't happy but did it, and I think the fur ball is much happier.

It has been a nice few days for her and I know she'll be excited to find out that she'll have next Monday off as well, but I am glad that school will be back in session tomorrow.

Mean Mommy is back...

I know she is really loving the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.  For the second day in a row AACPS has decided that not enough buildings have power so they have canceled school for Tuesday.  Today was a hard day of watching TV and drawing her manga.  I am sure that tomorrow will  be the same.

I called her at 10 and asked if she had taken  her meds this morning.  She swore yes.  I asked her to go take them while I was on the phone with her, and she got angry at me and said that she HAD taken them and would not get up.  This evening when I checked the pill case she had not taken them.  I guess this means that I will have to go back to waking her up and making her take her pills before I leave.  Mean Mommy has returned...

Is it over?

How much rain is too much rain?  Irene decided to stop by yesterday.  MAC was kind of hoping that she wouldn't show up until she was ready for bed but the rain started about 11 yesterday morning.  It was opening day at the Maryland Renaissance Festival and everyone wanted to go.

By the time I got off work at 2pm it had been raining for several hours.  Hubby and MAC were soaked through and she was ready to go home.  Hubby's sister and friend had come to Faire just long enough to walk around a little and have a drink with Hubby before the rain got to her.

By the time we got home the rain and the wind had picked up.  MAC took a long, hot shower and then had a few slices of pizza.  She decided to sleep in the living room last night.  We lost power for a few minutes (just long enough to shut the TVs off, and make sure that we were in the dark) but it came back on.

The wind did bring down a few branches from our backyard tree but thankfully not on our house or our neighbors.  We were very lucky and none of our backyard furniture was moved by the wind. 

This morning when we woke up there was definitely a sunrise and she asked, "Is it over?" I was glad to be able to say yes.  According to the news Anne Arundel County had the most power outages with Baltimore coming in a close second. By 1pm this afternoon the sun was shining with a slight breeze.  There were several stop lights out but for the most part it seems as if we missed a lot of the damage.

I'm guessing that other parts of the county didn't fare so well since we got a phone call from the school system saying that they have closed schools tomorrow.  MAC was so very excited to have "lived" through a hurricane and not have school she couldn't stop smiling.

Something new

So today has been a little on the crazy side.  Hubby was home for his flex day and it was great because he was able to work on getting the back yard ready for Irene.  It was business as usual at SERC until the last half hour when we put plastic bags over the computers and unplugged everything in case of a power surge.

MAC had a good day at school and is very happy that Friday's are homework free. 

My left front head light is out on my car and I have been stopped 2 times in less than 3 days.  I decided that I would get this fixed today before the rain tomorrow.  Last night I went to the auto parts store, took out the manual, and purchased a headlight.  When I got to work today one of our security guys said he would put it in for me, which was great until he said I had gotten the wrong light.  I took an extra 45 minutes at lunch trying to find the right one.  I went to Good Year because I was told they carried it, they wanted to charge me $59 to install the thing!  I went to Truck'n'Stuff and got the other light the book said.  When I got back I was told, once again it was the wrong thing!  I took the original light back to exchange for the last one in the book.  When I got home Hubby was there to help me install it, but some how along the way I had gotten the bulb for the high beams.

The three of us went back to the auto parts store one more time.  Hubby decided after this many times, that we should all do something new:  go see the new comic book shop in Annapolis.  It was a really neat little store and MAC really liked their Manga section.  We had a really nice end to the evening and MAC is excited about going to Faire tomorrow.

Really Fast

Second day into the school year and our conversation on the way home went like this:

Me--How did the day go?
MAC--Really well, I couldn't believe how fast it went!
Me--Fast?  Even ITALIAN?
MAC--I'm surprised too.  It went much better than I expected.
Me--Did you have the same teacher or did you get the new guy?
MAC--Same teacher.
Me--Wow!
MAC--I know!  No one else turned in summer work either so it was a good day.

The bus is running a little later these days so she gets back to the house 15 minutes later than last year.  By the time I pick her up she has had time to eat a snack and use the bathroom.  We got home and she started her homework on her own!  When I got home from PoP music practice she had taken her pills and was in bed.  I guess what I've hear about maturity really does happen!

And they're off

Today was the first day of school.  MAC got out of bed on time, was dressed appropriately, took her meds with only one prompting and made her lunch by herself.  It was a great morning and she got on the bus with a smile on her face.

I was so glad for the school day to end with out a call from the school, an earthquake or a melt down (on my part).  I did get an e-mail from MACs first period teacher telling us that she will be needing the TI-84 calculator.  I could NOT believe the price tag on it!  Holy Algebra Equation Batman!!

The beginning of another school year...her last one in middle school...it sure does take some getting used to.  I can only hope that the rest of the school year continues this way.  Yeah MAC, a great day!

Earthquake!

Conversation at 2pm this afternoon between MAC and I:

MAC-- Uh, Mom, was that an earthquake?  *sounding a little freaked out*
Mom-- Yes, did the house shake a lot?
MAC-- Somethings fell off of shelves...
Mom-- Are you scared? 'Cause I am a little..
MAC-- NO!  Are we going to have aftershocks?  **REALLY excited**
Mom--  I don't know...

Conversation at 2:25pm this afternoon between Grammy and I:

Grammy-- We are going over to see if MAC wants to come back and stay at the condo with us..
Me--  Thank you so much, she sounded a little freaked when I spoke with her.
Grammy--  Ok, we are at the house, I hope she'll open the door...
Me--  I think she will if she hears your voice...
Grammy--  *Knocking on door*  MAC are you there?  Hello?
Grammy-- Grandpa and I thought maybe you'd want to come and stay with us for a little...You could come with us to the airport at 3:30..
MAC-- Why would I want to go to the airport?!
Grammy-- You could come stay with us and then Aunt R will take us all to the airport so we can catch our plane.
MAC-- Nope.  I'm fine thanks.
Grammy-- Do you want to talk to your Mom?
MAC-- No, I've already talked with her.
Me--Tell her I've talked to Daddy and he's ok
Grammy-- Mom's talked with Dad and he's fine.
MAC-- *bored* ok, bye

Who would have ever thought we would get an earthquake here?  She seemed to have dealt with it better than I have. 

Tomorrow is the first day of school for MAC.  Every time I have brought it up over the last week she has said, "I don't want to talk about it!"  We got her back pack together today and she has a clean uniform ready to get into at 6:30 tomorrow morning. 

You do have to wonder about this week:  an earthquake today, school starts tomorrow, and we are supposed to get hit with a hurricane on Sunday...Wish us luck!

I missed you!

Today we picked up MAC at a half way point in Virginia.  She spent the week with her grandparents and had a great time at a therapeutic horse camp.  It was 2 hours a day for 4 days.  She has always had a way with animals and this time was no different, she really like the horses and they really liked her.  The hope was that she would get to know the horses and the teachers than next year she would be able to take the longer 3 hour course.  At the end of the week the camp said yes, next year she could come back for the regular camp.

With so much extra free time she was able to spend a lot of time with her grandparents.  Mom and Dad have a pontoon boat and a tube.  She got on the tube for the first time at the beginning of the summer and after a week of being able to hang on and not fall off she said today that it is a little boring now.  I just had to smile at that.

The three of them went out on the boat several times and apparently by the end she was able to drive the boat for a little while.


I am so glad that she had a great week with her grand parents but it feels good to have her home.  We spent the afternoon playing with her ferret and just sitting together.  When I got up to go upstairs she said, " I'm glad to be home, I really missed you guys." 

Happy Birthday!

I missed a very important birthday celebration yesterday and I am very sorry.  I would like to thank everyone who has been following the blog for a year.  It is hard to believe that a whole year has passed already!  As you know it has been a year of ups and downs.  I am glad that we have been able to share and I hope you will continue to share this journey with me.

This past week has been a fun mix of heat, more heat, and way too much heat.  The heat index took us to well over 115 degrees.  MAC has stayed inside with the air conditioning and the TV going.

I look forward to the next year and hope that we all meet here again in 365 days!

These Shoes are made for Walking

Whew!  What a beautiful weekend.  On Friday we went camping with my friend CM and her family.  We have made it a yearly tradition.  We started when MAC was the only child, CM has 2 boys now and MAC had a great time playing with them.  This year we went to the Maryland Eastern Shore.

The weather was beautiful and the camp site was really nice.  I think this is our last year of being able to put us all on the same camping pad.  CM's family has a little pop up camper and we have a tent.  This is our third year using the tent.  I was so happy that it didn't rain and that the temperature was agreeable.  I will never forget the year that we went to Deep Creek Lake:  the days were hot and humid with temps around 100 and the nights dropped so low we had to buy a blanket and coat.

MAC took a lot of walks.  The boys liked for her to walk them around the electric ring pushing their stroller.  I think she must have walked the circle 30 times over the weekend!  The boys would go to bed asking for a walk with "Maury" and wake up asking for a walk.  She also "played trucks", and blew bubbles.  She tried to do water gun fights, but the boys didn't have swim trunks and didn't want to get their clothes wet.

I was reminded once again just how good she is with younger children.  I wish we could get her translate that patience to older children and adults, I just don't know how.

Changes in Attitude

I know she has figured out how much she loves summer.  The water gun battles with the girl down the row, staying up until 9 and being able to sleep until 1, no one making her do homework, no one telling her what she has to do, and the annual camping trip.  My sister has got a trip to the pool planned for Monday and MAC has been invited.  She has been in a really good mood for the last several days.

I have been really happy that she has been answering her cell phone when I call and as soon as I have asked her to do something she has pretty well jumped up to do it.  She earned a dollar today for cleaning the ferret cage and she "packed" her bag for camping.  It was not quite the right clothes but we have fixed that.

I am so glad to hear her laugh and see her smile.  She has even taken her pills on the first reminder.  It makes me happy to see her happy.

Birthday Party

For the first time in several years MAC was invited to a birthday party for someone her own age.  It was for her best friend.  We got a call last Sunday from MMs mother saying that they were planning a swim party for her.

MAC was so excited! She and her father went shopping for a gift on Saturday and they wrapped in actual pink wrapping paper.  In this day and age of "gift bags" it made me laugh to see them wrapping. 

The party went so well that MAC stayed late and she and MM played in the pool for an extra hour!  It was so nice to see her smiling and laughing yesterday.  She slept really late this morning and was in a really good mood when I got home this evening.

Catching Up

Yes, I know it's summer.  No I am not on vacation.  Yes I know that it's been almost a week since I blogged.  No I haven't fallen off the face of the earth.

Sunday went very well.  The kids loved being outside with the water guns and I was able to use a Tupperware That's a Bowl to keep them in water.  There were a few times when MAC and the youngest boy had words but after a reminder or two about what she used to do, things seemed to get better.

The concert was called off after the first few songs as the sky got darker and darker.  We got the instruments put away quickly but before we were able to get the stands and chairs put away Mother Nature let loose!  I was soaked to through and through by the time I got to the car. 

Monday was great.  The concert went well and MAC sat by herself in the crowd.  She looked bored and kept mouthing "how much longer?" but was well behaved.  We were able to stop at Barnes and Noble for a new journal.  She is now on the third installment of her own manga.  I have not been privileged enough to read it but Hubby says they are good.

We went to my friend's house for a cook out and swim where we were able to watch the fireworks over the US Naval Academy. 

Yesterday was the annual Smithsonian Staff Picnic.  The SERC band Muddy Creek, played.  We were one of the only all Smithsonian employee bands.

MAC and I babysat for my friend SG last night.  MAC and SG's youngest son 'Lil D had a wonderful time playing.  They video gamed for a little and played Pokemon for a little. 

MAC slept in this morning.  We are now looking forward to MAC's best friends birthday party this weekend and the annual camping trip next weekend.  All in all a fun filled holiday weekend!

Water Gun Fights

We have been cleaning like fiends for the last several days.  I in my infinite wisdom decided to invite several friends over tomorrow afternoon before the Bay Winds Concert.  Hubby was not so thrilled and he has been cleaning and weeding the back yard.  Tomorrow morning I'll go grocery shopping and then 3 kids will be here to have a water gun fight with M.

We decided to try out the water guns today, just to make sure they worked, and were soaking wet by the time we finished.  I have never heard so much laughing as I did this afternoon.  She is really looking forward to being able to run around with friends.

If you haven't already, check out my facebook page for a video of M performing "I Will Survive".    She did a great job!

Meeting the Advocate

I feel so much better this evening.  Hubby and I went and spoke with the advocate this afternoon.  I felt horrible, we were about 10 minutes late.  MAC had an issue at summer camp this afternoon and although I was able to pick her up at 3:30 every other day this week today when I really needed to get her at 3:30 she didn't make it to the car until 3:40!

Tomorrow is the show and both Hubby and I will be there.  She has a solo!  We were so proud to hear it.

We did make it to the the Advocates office and had a really good meeting.  It seems as if we have been doing the right things.  I could stay a little more on top of the teachers, and if after 6-8 weeks the new 504 plan doesn't work we will get together again and discuss how to approach the school again about an IEP.

Losing Game

The big plans for the evening were to meet my father to see a Baysox game.  The Bowie Baysox are a AA team of the Baltimore Orioles.  I have lots of friends who work for the team at the stadium so it was nice to know people. 

MAC never seems to enjoy going to the games although she always wants to.  Tonight Hubby came with us.  We had a good time, even though the Baysox lost.  I have never seen a winning game of any sport!  Tonight was no exception.  We did get to see fireworks though!  She had a huge smile on her face the entire time the fireworks were going off.  I was so happy to see it.

Musical evening

It has been a musical evening for all of us.  The Bay Winds Band had a concert this evening.  We played such pieces as "Theme from New World Symphony", "Selections from Annie", and "Hooo Raw".  Hubby and MAC met up with my friend DS.  His wife is playing in the band with me so the three of them sat in the back of the room and yawned, etc.

The five of us went out for dessert after the concert.  It ended up that MAC got a brownie sundae and the four of us got drinks and shared two 3 sampler platters.  We got home rather late but it was worth it. 

Happy Father's Day

I would like to take the opportunity to say Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there.  You do more  than you know and it is appreciated.  As the pastor said this morning:  without you there wouldn't be a father's day.

We had a great day planned:  church and then a real German lunch.  It seemed to go well until it was time to go to church.  MAC didn't want to get up and Hubby wasn't feeling well.  I went by myself.  When I got home Hubby had made reservations for lunch and we had to leave right away because the restaurant is in Haggerstown.

It was good food!  I have to say that it was the most delicious cream of Asparagus soup I have ever tasted and MAC got an apple strusel a la mode that she refused to give but the smallest of tastes of.  Hubby did love the food and the beer but there was a small stomach issue on the way home.  It required that we hose down parts of the car and clean the windows.

Oh well, at least we found a good restaurant!

Summertime

What is MAC doing for the summer?  I have been asked this question numerous times over the last few weeks.  A lot of her friends were going on family vacations,  or are taking extra courses over the summer.  We really don't have her scheduled for much, although that is changing...

Week 1:  Pool
Week 2:  Summer musical through WHBMS where she'll get to see her friend TB.
Week 3:  More Pool
Week 4:  More sun and pool, with a weekend of camping.
Week 5:  Morning math camp with a chaser of pool in the evening.
Week 6:  Morning math camp with a side of tv in the evening.
Week 7:  Horse camp in Virginia
Week 8:  Maybe a trip with her grandparents to Massanutten where they have 3 different pools and a skateboard park she could use.
Week 9:  Pool and getting herself ready to go back to school.

The biggest problem we face is that MAC really needs to continue therapy and the girls group over the summer.  She doesn't seem to care if she has much to do because she LOVES to sleep in and then watch TV in pjs.  Most of our earned vacation time is being used to shuttle her to the Dr. appointments so we don't really have a full week to be able to take off.  If you have any suggestions of things she can do please let me know...

Good to see you...

For the first time in almost 2 months we had dinner with my friend SG.  Both her boys were home and MAC had a wonderful  time playing with them.  The boys were packing for a trip with their father.  I had to laugh, it really reminded me of when we are getting ready for a trip.  The boys were having a scavenger hunt through their house for their DSi's. We want her to have as much to do in the car as possible so it is usually the last minute scramble to find the IPod, the cell phone, the DSi, all the games, the chargers and for us a sketch pad. 
We had a great dinner and although the kids were trying to find their electronics MAC did a lot of laughing.  For the first time this week she ate protein, and fruit together in the same meal.

I picked MAC up from home and headed to SGs house.  We stayed for almost 3 hours!  It was so good to see SG and talk with someone my age.  Of course the best thing for me was to hear MAC have fun and not to fight with her.  I am so glad it's summer!

***Sigh***

It was the first day since spring break that I felt calm at work.  Yesterday was the last day of school for students.  After a sprint to the end we are finally done.  It seems that D's are passing grades.  She worked really hard and was able to bring up her Italian grade to a B.  We both told her how proud we were of her and she seemed to be very pleased with herself too.

Yesterday I had a conversation with the guidance counselor and found that yes MAC would have the grades to pass to 8th grade.  It wasn't pretty and it really was a fight at the end but next year is going to be different.  We realized that starting with 3 E's 2 weeks ago and never having received a call from any of the teachers that the 504 plan that was in place since the beginning of the year did NOT work.

I will have a meeting with all of MAC's teachers next year.  I told the guidance counselor how disappointed I was that when I had spoken with both the social studies teacher and the department chair of language arts they had both acted as if it was my fault for not checking black board and parentconnect earlier.  The social studies teacher told me that he had had weekly conferences with MAC herself and he had told her what she needed to turn in and that he had given her several chances to redo failed tests.

I am looking into finding an advocate for us.  A friend from church had the name and number of someone who works for  Anne Arundel County Public Schools and knows the system.  I said that I felt as if we had done the right things, took her to see a private therapist, started her on medication, took away her recess, sent her to a different school and then started going on all the field trips, and that if we weren't able to get the school's help none of it would matter.  She said it was time to get an advocate.
 
I called the number and left a message yesterday.  They got back to me last night.  I spoke with a Dr. this morning and was told that they charge a $150 per hour and are out of net-work providers.  We're going to have to try to find the money, I think we really need the help!

See yourself?

Yesterday morning Hubby got up, checked our downstairs toilet, found nothing wrong and went to work.  I got up headed downstairs and hour and a half later and we had a mini flood, 3 inches of water all over the floor and seeping into the basement.  I called Hubby and he came home and we were able to clean up and dry up in about 5 hours. 

I helped clean after I took MAC to school and turned in work that she had done the night before and returned her Italian books.  There have been too many issues with "turning in work" for me to leave it up to her this late in the game.  I picked up science work and spoke with both the teacher and the guidance counselor before I left.  I must say that I didn't leave feeling a whole lot better than when I got there.

Tonight we had dinner watching an HBO movie called Temple Grandin.  It was an awesome film!  It showed autism from the autistics point of view.  It showed in a concrete way how one family was able to make autism work.  I really enjoyed the bonus materials where you got to hear from Dr. Grandin herself.

MAC said that she didn't see herself so much in the character but Hubby said he saw a lot of himself.  

Feelings

Ok, with 5 days left of school I was finally able to take 10 minutes and go to this wonderful place called Parent Connect.  Anne Arundel County has made a website where parents can go and check their child's grades.  It is wonderful if you're like my friend SG who told me that she checks it at least once a day.  I got my log in last year but was just able to get to the site yesterday.

Surprise surprise I found a whole LOT of missing assignments.  I contacted the guidance counselor to try to get with the teachers since grades are not final until mid-month.  When the counselor called me today she said that there wasn't much that could be done and that grades would be final next Wednesday since the teachers last day is next Wednesday.

Today was a talk therapy appointment.  I got to the school 15 minutes early and tried to talk with the teachers.  I was able to speak with her social studies teacher.  He gave me 2 assignments and said that was all that he could give me, I mentioned the 504 plan and he said that he had had weekly meetings with the students to tell them about their grade and any missing assignments.

There was a blow up in the car on the way to the talk therapy appointment and then there was storming out of the appointment and running down the hall.  The therapist says that her feelings run deep and she has trouble accessing just how she feels.  It took us an hour and half to get seen and leave.  It was not a good afternoon.

I can only hope that she turns in the work she did tonight when she gets to school tomorrow.

Long Day...

Last night was so late it was really hard to get up this morning.  Neither MAC nor I were able to get up on time but we did make it out of the house in time to make the bus.  There were several things that she needed to do today (that we found out about last night).

When she left the car this morning she knew that she needed to go to the Italian teacher and that she needed to bring home the portfolio that she said was in the classroom.  I was so glad when I looked up this afternoon and it was 3pm.  She had made it through the school day!

When I got a phone call at 3:45 I was disappointed, because it meant that she had not stayed after to talk to the Italian teacher.  She said, "Can I please explain before you get mad at me?  The afternoon announcements said that only the PVA dance group could stay after, I tried to see Ms. S on my way to the bus but she wasn't in the classroom!  Please don't yell at me!"  I didn't yell.

I called her father and he picked her up on his way home.  They started the Italian Power Point presentation and continued until about 9pm.  It did end up being a long day, but the presentation turned out very nice.

Hopefully Not the last...

Today was the final choral concert of the season.  MAC came home like every other day called me.  I asked her the same questions I always do:  "Have you gotten home ok?  Don't eat everything, ok?  You have food all your own, but when it's gone its gone!  Did you have any homework?  Make sure it's done because we have your concert tonight."  She gave me the standard teen, "I know"

We got to Maryland Hall at 10 of 6.  It gave me a chance to embarrass MAC by talking to her teacher, and helping to hand out the blue buttons that go on the girls dresses and cummerbunds, bow ties, and button studs.  This was after an e-mail to her teacher about the time.  The teacher said that she had sent a paper to the parents explaining about the concert.  The other parent I talked to said that she had not seen it either.

The choir sang 4 songs by themselves and 2 combined with their feeder schools.  The strings played afterward and the band began playing.

By the end of the concert I was feeling sad.  Unless she has worked really hard (and I don't think so because she has been doing any homework) she will not be able to stay at Bates making this our last PVA concert.  I was happy to see her playing with some friends and smiling.  It made me sad to think that this could be the last concert she sings for Bates.

Tonight we found out that all this time there has been an Itialian project that was due today.  She and her father will work on it tomorrow and she will hand it in on Wednesday.  She also has a music paper that was due several months ago.  The teacher just decided tonight that she could write a paper on the 2nd act of Eine Kleinenacht musique...I guess that will be Wednesday's chore.  I really hope she can pass.  The music teacher said that she has been making progress.  Please keep us all in your prayers, we are in need of them!  Thank you.

So Angry...

Last night was late.  We decided to go see a movie after girls group.  Hubby wanted to see Thor so we ran to the Bowie Theater to make the 8pm movie.  It was actually really good, we all had several laughs and are looking forward to the Avengers to see more.

Today we went to see the niece in her dance recital.  It was really well put together.  It was music from the 80's and called "I want my M-TV".  Z was a jellical cat from Cats.  She looked so cute in her white cat costume.  It took us a little while to get there though, there was a track meet at the same time as the performance.  Hubby had to drop us off and then go try to find a parking spot.

There were a lot of people and there was a lot of pushing trying to move around.  When we got to our assigned seats there were people in the seats closest to the aisle.  They got up but MAC didn't move fast enough and the first lady sat back down.  She got upset and started a scene.  When I tried to get her to just come into the row and sit down she got nasty.  I am at my wits end of what to do with her in public when she gets like this.  I have tried to ignore.  I have tried to shush her and stay.  I have tried to take her away.  Nothing works. 

It took her 2 hours to get over how angry she was with me.  Even at that time she was adamant that it was all my fault and that I never give her any credit.

Nearing the End

You can tell it is almost the end of school.  The kids don't care about homework and books are needing to be turned in.  People are asking what plans each has for the summer, and comparing camps.  MAC has turned in her library books and is taking the extra text books back one at a time.

She is really excited that the end of school is coming so soon.  The last 4 days are half days so next Wednesday is the last full day of school!  She has been working hard at paying attention in class.  She received 5 buttons last week from the school Psychologist.  She received several from me and is looking forward to Saturday when she can cash them out for money.

I'm looking forward to the end of the year almost as much as she is.  I'll be able to get to work on time and maybe stay for a TGIT...oh those crazy, hazy days of summer!

Happy Memorial Day

I would like to start the blog by saying thank you to all the veterans.   Thank you to those who are serving and are in harms way.  Thank you to the service members families for lending us your loved one.  Know that we understand that freedom is not free.

The three of us took a long weekend.  We went to see my parents and had a great time.  They have recently purchased a pontoon boat and got a free inner tube with the purchase.  On Saturday we went to see a movie because the weather man said there was a 60% chance of rain.  We came out of the movie and the sun was shining so we went and had a nice boat ride.

We skipped church on Sunday and were able to go out on the boat again.  We took the boat to a restaurant for lunch.  It took us about 45 minutes to get there by boat.  Apparently it would have taken almost an hour and a half to get there by car.  It was really fun to "tie up" and step off a boat to head for lunch.

After lunch we found a secluded cove and put MAC on the tube.  For the first 2 tries she fell off kind of quickly.  Hubby got on and we were able to figure out a little bit more about how fast the boat needed to go etc...If you check the Facebook page you will see a photo of MAC on the tube being pulled around the lake.

We made it home today around 2:30 and after picking up the car that had had some problems Friday afternoon, we spent a nice evening together.  Hopefully you had a great long weekend!

What a Week!

This whole week seems to just be going down the toilet.  Monday and Tuesday were just plain crazy.  Wednesday was dinner with SMom, which while fun and informative still had us out of the house longer than expected and nothing was done (including homework).  Thursday was spent at home and you would think that we would have a clean house and clean clothes but no...Hubby was doing laundry at 11 last night and I got up at 5:30 and started to do more laundry.

We will be on the road Friday evening with all the other crazies.  I hate the traffic but love seeing Mom and Dad.

MAC has really enjoyed the week.  Although she did have to do a survey as homework on Tuesday she has not worked on any of the other homework this week.  Friday is Field day, so not only does she not have to wear "the uniform" but she doesn't have to worry about classes and homework.  She is so happy!

Dinner

Tonight did not go as planned.  When I left the house this morning we had our gym bags packed and planned to go to the gym for our "family work out" when we all got home this evening.

About 10am I go a text from Hubby saying that his step-mother had invited us out to dinner with his sister and her girls.  We decided to go to Applebee's, it is kid friendly and had food that we could all eat.  The three of us had a really fun time:  MAC and the girls played made up games and colored, Hubby, SMom, Sis and I were able to talk about Hubby's Dad.

Hubby went to visit his father today.  It was not a good visit, his Father knew Hubby's name but had him confused with the oldest son.  I think Hubby felt better by the end of dinner and although Alzheimer's and Dementia are not fun subjects, it was good to hear from someone who is dealing with it every day, how well or not he is doing.  SMom says that he is basically healthy, he is eating and as long as he sleeps and doesn't try to leave than he could lead a happy life for a long time.

Hubby's Dad is currently in a locked ward but SMom is planning on taking him to Florida where there is help for her taking care of him.  She needs a few months to get her Florida house ready.  But it looks as if we will be taking a trip to Florida soon.

Calm

We had one of the best mornings ever today.  She was got herself up and dressed in clean clothes, brushed her teeth, and had made her lunch with 10 minutes to spare before we had to leave the house. 

It was refreshing, that the school didn't call, work was crazy, and we had a nice family evening (even though MAC and Hubby were both not feeling well) which culminated in a short trip to Rita's.  We had a homemade dinner of healthful tacos (or taco salad), made from ground turkey, organic lettuce, tomatoes, and sauteed onions. 

I can only hope that the rest of the week goes so well. 

You're the Reason...

Saturday was our last PVA Saturday.  It was held at the school and each group had 3 rotations followed by a family picnic, and an Italian one man play.  MAC started with an acting class, followed with by a 3D art class, and ending with a DJ class.  I was very impressed with the way she handled herself during the three classes because she wasn't with a single one of her friends and did have a person whom she REALLY didn't get along with in her group.

She earned several buttons for the beginning.  Lunch was ok.  It was amazing to me how many kids didn't eat a sandwich but only the chips and cake.  MAC ate the smallest sandwich she could find and then had a bag of chips, 1 1/2 cookies, and two pieces of chocolate cake.  She and her friend TB dueled Yu-Gi-Oh before going in for the awards ceremony and play.

During the awards ceremony she was restless (of the 9 awards only 1 of her friends won one) and then during the play, although the actor asked for audience participation she was not on her best behavior.  That caused me to have to talk with her, and finally there was a blow up.  We had had several fun things we were going to do after the school day ended but I took her directly home instead.

She turned to me and said, "Did you ever think you're the reason I want to kill myself?"  Then she wouldn't talk to me for the next 3 hours.  The teenage years have definitely kicked in...

Being the Bug...

Today has not been a good day.  I know that as a mother you are not supposed to let your feelings dictate how you act toward your child but sometimes it is really hard to do otherwise.

I found out that one of my colleagues from downtown will be leaving us in less than 30 days.  I have been working with him for a year and he has one of those offices where the supervisor isn't helpful and more often than not pits one employee against the other.  He has not been happy and I know he is looking forward to leaving, but I'm not ready for him to leave.

Our travel manager left today for a 2 week vacation.  She was in "panic" mode today trying to get all the travel on her desk done before 4 this afternoon.  I got several e-mails that read something like this:  Dear xx, I can not help you with this travel today, I have forwarded your request to NLC and she will follow up with you as I am leaving for a 2 week vacation.

We had our Open House Wrap up over lunch.  Because we were talking about improvements that needed to be made next year it took us a little over an hour and a half.

There was a meeting with SI mail services this morning where I think they will be able to alleviate some of thee problems we have been having, and the most important thing is that they can take away the 6 foot mail machine.

I picked up Angel's beautiful pictures after work and had wanted to go buy a frame so I could take it to work on Monday, but Hubby and MAC didn't want to go to Target this evening.  I guess I'll go by myself tomorrow after I spend the day with MAC at school.  The new 504 points were supposed to go into effect today but nothing in the way of positive rewards came home.

I really feel like the bug today.  I know the weekend will get better, hopefully before 5pm on Sunday.

Best Intentions...

I meant for us to go to the gym tonight.  It is our first Wednesday without the Strengthening Families Program and we had decided to do a family activity to try to continue the good stuff we had learned.  I had the very best of intentions...

Our travel manager is going on a 2 week vacation starting Saturday so she is trying to clean her desk which means that I have been given several extra travels to do to help.  It was a late day at the office.  There was also ordering and personnel that still needed to be done as well.

By the time I got home it was a little late for all of us to go to the gym and Hubby and I had some mail that we had to go through.  I guess we'll try to get there later in the week...I know that I am really looking forward to the outdoor pool at the gym opening soon. 

MAC had a really fun time staying home and watching TV.  She kept looking puppy dog eyes at me and saying, do we really have to go?  When Hubby and I said no she was ecstatic.  I know those puppy dog eyes will be back if we decide to go to the gym later in the week.

Short memory...

I went with Hubby to visit his father, who is currently residing in a Rehabilitation Home.  Over the past few years he has fought and beat throat cancer, but it left him not able to swallow well.  As he increasingly drank his meals his behavior became more and more erratic.  In the last few months he has spent a lot of money and done some things that have had the family scratching their head.

I received a phone call from my sister in law saying that if Hubby wanted to say anything to him while he might still remember we needed to go see him soon.  When I told MAC where we were going, the first words out of her mouth were, "Can't I come?"  I said unfortunately not and she wanted to make sure that I told him how much she loves him.

Hubby was a little surprised because when they went to visit him at Christmas she left crying because Pop-pop couldn't be bothered to look at her hand made gift, and he kept telling them to leave.  Hubby said that this reminds him of how his Grandmother was.  She was a little over 90 though when she started having the dementia/Alzheimer's set in. 

We would like to have MAC's memories of Pop-pop be of the big man who had a hearty laugh, gruff "I love you's" and strong one armed hugs.

Pictures

Today was our visit with Angel Kidwell to order our pictures.  MAC had a doctor appointment for her first med check since getting out of IOP.  Things went well and we  kept the same meds at the same doses.

When I told MAC what I was planning on doing after the doctor appointment she was very excited and said that she wanted to go too.

We had several pictures to look at and we were able to purchase several wallet size photos so she can give some out to her friends at school.  She said, "isn't it kind of selfish to think they'd want a picture of me?"  I told her that they would want one to remember her by over the summer.

We met Angel at Caribou.  MAC got a medium cooler and I got a small iced white chocolate mocha.  It was a nice, relaxing afternoon and I can't wait to get my new fridge magnet!

Worn Out

Today was the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center's Open House on the bay.  It started for the public at 10.  Hubby and I got there around 7:30.  We did a lot of running around and trying to get things set up before the first bus arrived.

For the most part things were very good today.  There was rain early on.  Not only did it spritz for the first hour and half but at 11:30 it really started to rain and then the thunder started...It seemed as if the public really enjoyed itself.  We had to stop the boat rides for about an hour due to the thunder.

MAC had said she wanted to go and all the way until yesterday evening I thought she was going.  Last night she decided the weather was going to be too wet and yucky to go.

Hubby and I are ready to go to bed.  It is early but we feel as if we have been wrung through the wringer. 

Maybe not such a good end

“It’s just that I hate Friday the 13th. “ I asked her why and if she had gotten into trouble. She laughed and said, “YES”.


I asked her what happened and she said that she had to go to guidance twice today. She said she yelled in 2nd period and threw a tantrum in 4th period. She wouldn’t say what brought these things on, nor would she say what happened after.

It was a little surprising because I had a message from the guidance counselor today about the 504 meeting date and she didn’t mention anything about having seen MAC twice today. I guess I’ll need to talk to her about this too.

I am feeling so tired. I feel as if I need someone to meet me halfway, MAC, the school, the rest of the family…

Learning to remove oneself

I had this all ready to go last night, but blogger had other plans.  I tried to update this morning but Blogger was still down.  Here is yesterday's blog:

Today I received a phone call from the Guidance Counselor at MAC’s school. We went back and forth over what happened at the IEP meeting and where we need to go from here to help her be more successful.


I said that I was disappointed that the School Psychologist did not observe MAC in Italian class. He found that she was well behaved and transitioned well. I said that did not seem to be the case in Italian. The counselor told me that MAC had removed herself from Italian class today. She said that MAC used one of the “coping strategies” that the School Psychologist had given her and that her “anger was at a 7” and she needed to remove herself from the situation.

The counselor said that it was a step in the right direction for her. I too was very proud that she was able to keep things from escalating but wished that she could finish the year on a high note.

Final Week

Today was the last Strengthening Families program.  It started with new brain teasers such as:  how many animals did Moses take on the ark.  We had a family dinner as usual, tonight was stuffed shells with salad and bread sticks.  MAC wasn't too hungry so she only had one shell and no bread.  She was trying to be good and asked for water, it was funny that of the 14 weeks tonight was the only night they did not have any.

After dinner each of the groups (the children and the teenagers) presented the posters that they created about staying off drugs or not smoking.  The teenagers also presented a play and then we had a small talent show.  The talent in the group was amazing:  there was a guitar player, 3 singers, and a comedian.  After the talent show we all received certificates of completion.  One family (the one with 7 people) had perfect attendance!

After all the talent was shown and we each got our certificate there was a cake for everyone to share.  It was chocolate and vanilla.  There was a final incentive for reaching graduation:  6 Flags tickets, a free meal while at the park and a parking pass.

Everyone, including the instructors, seemed to be sad that 14 weeks had come and gone so quickly.  The reunion is Saturday and unfortunately we will be unable to attend since it is SERC's open house.  It sounded as if there might be another reunion around Christmas and I hope we'll be able to go to that one.  We made some very good acquaintances and MAC seemed to have gotten along well with several of the other teenagers.  It will be sad to not see them next week.

IEP meeting

Monday I had an IEPb meeting.  This means that it was the second meeting to determine if MAC should have an IEP.  The first meeting was held a little over a month ago.  There were several tests given over the course of a week.  (It also happened to be MSA week so she was tired of tests.)

Most of the tests came out with the information we expected:  she is "High Average" or "Above Average" in all academic testing and "Low Average" or "Below Average" in emotional or social emotional testing.  It was interesting to me to find out that even though she has 7 teachers only 1 was given the social/emotional scale to rate her on.  When I questioned this the Psychologist said that it was impossible to have all the teachers fill one out.  He also said that they only give these type of scales to "core" class teachers (the 4 main classes:  Math, Science, Social Studies, or Language Arts) since they see them every day.  He said that he didn't expect that any of the other teachers would have said much different since both Hubby and I had about the same answers.

I was disappointed that although the teacher that had filled out the survey was there, the guidance counselor whom we have worked the most with was unable to attend, the Vice-Principal who works exclusively with the 7th grade did not attend, and the Special Ed teacher who had given her the academic testing was not able to be there either.  The Psychologist was the same one that we have been talking with for the last two years and the school nurse came in about half way through the meeting.

Although there were a few significant findings the determination was that IEP's only address academic failings or behavior issues that happen daily.  It is so difficult to know what is the full truth and what is the system trying to make less work for themselves.

Hubby was upset with me because although he understands where my mind is he feels that the 504 plan gives us NO recourse if it is not followed.  I could not come up with anything to be able to put in the IEP which was solely academic.  The in school programs for special ed. have very significantly academically delayed students and everyone felt that she is fully capable of completing and comprehending the work in the classroom and just isn't.  The Psychologist said that the Phoenix school and the Monarch Academy that I had looked at were not options because she was not having daily issues.

MAC was called in after school and asked what we could do to help her be successful and she said she couldn't come up with anything.  I feel at a loss...how do you help someone who doesn't seem to want to accept the help?

Happy Mother's Day

I would like to start out by saying happy mother's day to all the mother's out there.  I know not everyone of you will get a "Happy mother's day" from your child, some of you might not even get a hug from your child.  There have been several mother's days where it seemed as if no one remembered that it was supposed to be special and there have even been some big fights.

I have to say that today was a very different day. As soon as MAC woke up she ran up stairs and said, "Happy Mother's DAY!"  She had a wonderful poem and hand drawn picture as a present for me.  She let me hug her and even let me kiss her twice.

We had a great lunch at my favorite restaurant, Otani, and then went to National Harbor Mall.  We wanted Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream.  There was quite a line but everyone was patient and when we finally left the store 15 minutes later everyone was very happy.  We enjoyed being by the harbor and the weather was beautiful!

Great End to the Week

Friday was a very LOOOONNNNGGGG day.  Hubby and I woke up at 3:15 and woke MAC up at 3:45.  The bus left the school at 5:00am and returned around 10:50pm.  The all Bates band, the all Bates Chorus, the PVA  band and the PVA chorus all went.  They took 4 tour buses to Six Flags New Jersey.

It sounded as if they had a wonderful day.  Hubby said he even had a good time.

MAC had a very good day and the chorus came home with a superior score.  They were apparently the only group to get that score.  After performing, the groups were let loose on the Six Flags park.  Hubby said that MAC didn't even ask for a souvenir.  They had dinner at Johnny Rockets and didn't really even sleep on the bus on the way back because they were talking with friends.

I was able to spend some time with a friend while they were away.  She and I haven't spent a lot of time together but it is aways nice.  She has three children all of whom have difficulties.  She always apologizes for "behavior" and I always say "I've been there".

Today was Girl Scout Camping.  Just me.  MAC stayed home and slept in.  I went for just the day and another mother came and spent the night with her daughter.  It was a beautiful day and we had fun walking around.  I used a band saw for the first time today.  I don't think I have ever collected or cut so much wood in my life!  I was so excited to be able to start a all wood fire on the first try, twice, today. 

All in all it was a great end to the week.  She had a good time, got a superior score, and could even get a medal if she wished.  She got to ride lots of roller coasters, eat a yummy burger (her way), and got to sleep for a little over 13 hours today.

Great day

What a wonderful day!  MAC had the state chorus festival today.  It was amazing the size difference in the children.  Some of them looked 17 or 18!  We left the school at 7am this morning.  It was an hour earlier than usual.  MAC and I left home at 6:00 this morning and made it to the school at 6:45.  I was surprised at the number of people who showed up at the school at 7 or even at 7:10 when the bus was leaving.

I realized half way to the school that we had forgotten the pills.  She was going to take them after she ate breakfast and we left them on the counter.  We couldn't turn around so I just kept a really good eye on her for the rest of the day.  She didn't need it.  She knew where to sit, where to stand, how to behave and other than being reminded (just like all the other kids) she was really, REALLY good.

Tomorrow she and Hubby will be going to Six Flags:  Great Adventure with the chorus.  They have to leave the house by 4:15 because the bus will leave the school at 5!  They both went to bed early, MAC at 7:30 and Hubby at 10.  They are not looking forward to 3am!

Week 13

Depending on how you look at it, today is either week 13 or week 12 at the Strengthening Families Program.  Next week is graduation.

We started with a "quilt block" tonight.  Last week when we were at MAC's concert they each did a "quilt block" that represented them.  Each block had each persons name and some description of them.  MAC drew a picture of two folded hands, Hubby drew a picture of two hockey sticks and a beer making bucket.  I drew a picture of music, a book and knitting needles.

After the quilt block it was dinner time.  Poppeys delivered box meals:  3 pieces of chicken, a biscuit, and mashed potatoes and gravy.  Amazingly everyone ate most of their meal.  MAC and I exchanged a biscuit for mashed potatoes.  As always it was delicious.

Tonight was a review of everything that we learned over the last 12 weeks.  The family time was a game of Family Feud:  Parents vs. The Kids.  While we were sitting in the group the parents knew the answers to all the questions.  As soon as we stood in front of the bell our reflexes slowed and for the most part the answers left our heads.  The final score:  Parents 2-Kids 19.

Playing hooky...

Tuesday was our first appointment with our regular talk therapist since she started the IOP.  It was the only available appointment until the end of the month so we took it.  It was at 10am so Hubby and I made the decison to allow MAC to sleep in.  It didn't seem to make much sense to get her up at 6:30, get her on the bus at 7:20, and then pick her up at 9 to get her to the doctors office on time. 

I had been trying to schedule her appointments for later in the day but when she went into IOP we lost our good time.  Our 10 o'clock appointment turned into a 10:20 appointment.  We finished around 11 and the doctor opened a few more times next week.  They were all early too.  Of course she wanted to see us next week.

MAC has a field trip on Friday that requires khaki shorts and a white polo.  Amazingly enough we do not currently have those items.  On the way back to the school we stopped at JC Penny's and picked up the shorts and shirt then she had a burger from 5 Guys.

As we sat in the food court we felt we were playing hooky but then looked around.  MAC said, "There are a lot of teenagers here!"  I did get her back to school before the end of the school day, there were only 2 periods left but she was able to go to PVA Plus.

6 o'clock already

Yesterday afternoon I had a Dunkin' Donuts iced coffee.
I forgot that it was 2pm.
I watched a soccer game in the spritz.
I had a lunch that was only decent and then had it comped due to it being so poor.
I watched Rio in 3D.
I was still awake at 2am!

I couldn't believe when the alarm went off this morning.  6am and I hit snooze.  I was so tired that I didn't wake up again until 6:25.  I tried to wake MAC up at 6:30 and she asked why I hadn't woken her up earlier.  I had to tell her, because I wasn't awake.  When we almost missed the bus because we got up so late I had to explain to her that I wasn't angry and that I would drop her off at school and that I didn't blame her. 

She made it to bed on time tonight.  She has a Dr. appointment in the morning and after debate about whether it is worth the extra gas to send her to school for an hour and then go pick her up and drive her to the appointment and back again.  We decided to let her sleep in and leave from here.  She will need to go to help day to get her homework.  Please God, let her remember to go to help day!

New calendar

Anyone who knows me knows that I keep the family calendar.  Not only do I keep the family calendar, I keep something that is approximately 8 lbs in my to house the family calendar.  Of course this means that my purse is really a huge bag, that ends up holding everything that anyone else wants to keep but doesn't want to hold.

That is about to change.  Hubby and I joined the 21st century with our "smart phones" about a year ago but I was the only one who used the calendar to send me reminders about events.  I still kept "the book".  That all changed today when I found Cozi. 

Cozi is a web based program that is down loadable to both the droid and the iPhone.  It will keep not only the calendar, but any list that we need (grocery, USANA, pen refills or to do lists) as well as a journal if we want to keep track of special days and things that have happened to us.  I'm not planning on throwing away the planner but it will probably not be going so many places with me.  I know my back and shoulders thank the cozi creator!

...and we're out of there!

Today was our last day in IOP!!  MAC has had enough and after so many weeks we have had enough.  We were happy to have our last "family meeting" with the talk therapist and collect all of the art work that she has done over the last weeks.

She was able to have a few slices of pizza today.  She gets one slice just for being there on Friday and the other two she earned by having earned 10 bravo bucks.  She was saving them for a really good prize but since today was her last day she decided she would turn them in for more pizza.

It is really nice to know that although we will be returning to MSA next week, we only have one appointment and it will NOT be two hours!  Great work MAC!!  We are really proud of you.

Hug

Neither of us wanted to get up this morning.  MAC was still very tired after last nights concert and I have been having problems getting to sleep.  When the alarm went off this morning we both groaned and rolled over.  I felt really bad for Hubby since he still had to get up around 4:30.

Work has been difficult as we head toward a ground breaking ceremony and an open house in under 2 weeks.  The credit card closed on Monday and this was a busy month, 106 transactions.  My boss is going slightly nuts and everyone is trying to get multiple things done at once. 

We were under a tornado watch for about 1/2 an hour today and we had to "shelter in place" which means we had to leave out work and stand in the hallway doing nothing.  My boss just happened to have name tags that we needed to tear apart and put into the name tag holders so that is what we worked on as we stood in the hallway.

After working through lunch and for an extra half an hour, by the time I got home at 5:30 I was really dragging.  When I walked in the door MAC met me in the living room and said, "You look like you need a hug Mom."  Then she proceeded to give me one.  It was really nice.  Earlier in the day I had heard a radio commercial about every living thing needing to be touched and this made me think, yes everyone does need hugs.