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.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Been there...
Today was a bit awkward. This has become one of MAC's favorite phrases, along with "hurtful, and truthful". She has watched one too many Suite Life on Decks. I had my cell phone with me, I always do, I just don't always have it on my person. Apparently when I went to lunch the school nurse called my cell phone. When I got back I checked the phone but didn't see the usual "missed call" icon.
MAC was not feeling good. I got another call around 2 from the nurse. I was in the bathroom when this call came in. MAC had been sleeping in the office and still was not feeling good. We were being asked to come and get her. Since she had not been able to get in touch with me she had called Hubby who was now on his way.
She had a concert tonight, which after discussion with the nurse, we decided to go to. I was glad that we went. There were chorus' from both the Annapolis Middle Schools, all the Annapolis feeder schools and the Annapolis High School. It was amazing to me to hear all the elementary school chorus' as one big group. There was one little boy who I just had to laugh at. He was obviously having a wonderful time. He was not only singing but was also dancing and making expansive gestures which almost decapitated the little girl next to him. I thought to myself: I'm a parent to a child like that. MAC will always stand out in a crowd, sometimes because she actually stands by herself, sometimes because she wears only black (or something so bright its blinding), but sometimes for the simple fact that she is an original.
She listened well during the warm up session and was able to perform with no problems which included sitting, getting up, changing seats, and sitting down again. It was a very late night, we didn't get home until 9:30 so we'll see what happens tomorrow when I go to wake her up. I feel like waving a flag of triumph, "We made it through another day!"
MAC was not feeling good. I got another call around 2 from the nurse. I was in the bathroom when this call came in. MAC had been sleeping in the office and still was not feeling good. We were being asked to come and get her. Since she had not been able to get in touch with me she had called Hubby who was now on his way.
She had a concert tonight, which after discussion with the nurse, we decided to go to. I was glad that we went. There were chorus' from both the Annapolis Middle Schools, all the Annapolis feeder schools and the Annapolis High School. It was amazing to me to hear all the elementary school chorus' as one big group. There was one little boy who I just had to laugh at. He was obviously having a wonderful time. He was not only singing but was also dancing and making expansive gestures which almost decapitated the little girl next to him. I thought to myself: I'm a parent to a child like that. MAC will always stand out in a crowd, sometimes because she actually stands by herself, sometimes because she wears only black (or something so bright its blinding), but sometimes for the simple fact that she is an original.
She listened well during the warm up session and was able to perform with no problems which included sitting, getting up, changing seats, and sitting down again. It was a very late night, we didn't get home until 9:30 so we'll see what happens tomorrow when I go to wake her up. I feel like waving a flag of triumph, "We made it through another day!"
Way to go!
Tuesday was quite a day. MAC woke herself up and was dressed and ready to go before I had even moved out of bed. We made it to the bus and waited in companionable silence.
She made it to the school office in record time when called on the intercom system. She made it through our last appointment with the IOP psychologist and even made it through art therapy without any major incidents.
Yeah MAC!
She made it to the school office in record time when called on the intercom system. She made it through our last appointment with the IOP psychologist and even made it through art therapy without any major incidents.
Yeah MAC!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Spring Break
Ok, I know I kind of just disappeared for a week. Please forgive me. I have been falling asleep around 8:30 each night and last week was Spring Break for Anne Arundel County Schools. I decided to take a spring break too.
It was an interesting week. MAC was supposed to have 3 days of IOP. She had an issue with the art therapist on Monday and the decision was to skip Wednesday. She had a fun time on Friday with pizza day and of course watching as much tv as she wanted for a whole week.
She did not want to dye or hide and seek any eggs. She wanted the chocolate covered peeps that were in her Easter Basket but was loath to put on a dress for church. I remember the Easter's when she was excited to dye the eggs and when I could buy her fluffy, frilly pink dresses to wear! Those days are long gone.
She says she is not really looking forward to school tomorrow. There are at least 2 more days of IOP and tomorrow night is one of them. I am not looking forward to that.
We will persevere as always. There is no end in sight to having to see doctors and medication but I am hopeful. MAC brought home a report card and she worked hard to bring her Italian grade up, it was a C! She had a picture session that went well, I just got the proofs and I love them! She has cleaned up, watered and fed the ferret every day that she was on break. Yeah MAC!
It was an interesting week. MAC was supposed to have 3 days of IOP. She had an issue with the art therapist on Monday and the decision was to skip Wednesday. She had a fun time on Friday with pizza day and of course watching as much tv as she wanted for a whole week.
She did not want to dye or hide and seek any eggs. She wanted the chocolate covered peeps that were in her Easter Basket but was loath to put on a dress for church. I remember the Easter's when she was excited to dye the eggs and when I could buy her fluffy, frilly pink dresses to wear! Those days are long gone.
She says she is not really looking forward to school tomorrow. There are at least 2 more days of IOP and tomorrow night is one of them. I am not looking forward to that.
We will persevere as always. There is no end in sight to having to see doctors and medication but I am hopeful. MAC brought home a report card and she worked hard to bring her Italian grade up, it was a C! She had a picture session that went well, I just got the proofs and I love them! She has cleaned up, watered and fed the ferret every day that she was on break. Yeah MAC!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Getting Better
Thursday was a busy doctor day. The school and I have been working on an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) for MAC trying to find the best way for her to be successful in school. She has had several tests administered by the school psychiatrist and the Special Education Teacher. Hubby and I each had a questionnaire to fill out and then the school psychiatrist needed to interview us, that was the first meeting.
After the meeting MAC needed to go to MSA. She and I got there just in time for the second meeting with the MSA psychiatrist. He had a talk with her and then called Hubby and I back. He said that she seemed to feel better and that he thought no medication change was necessary. Next was a family meeting with the IOP talk therapist. She also said that it appeared MAC was doing better and that we would be lessening the number of days required in IOP for the next two weeks before going back to Individual therapy.
It is very exciting to think that we are moving forward. I only pray that it will continue like this!
After the meeting MAC needed to go to MSA. She and I got there just in time for the second meeting with the MSA psychiatrist. He had a talk with her and then called Hubby and I back. He said that she seemed to feel better and that he thought no medication change was necessary. Next was a family meeting with the IOP talk therapist. She also said that it appeared MAC was doing better and that we would be lessening the number of days required in IOP for the next two weeks before going back to Individual therapy.
It is very exciting to think that we are moving forward. I only pray that it will continue like this!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Week 11
We are all sad to think that we only have 2 weeks left of Strengthening Families. This week was one of the best. It started with a word search and then because dinner was late we had several games of connect 4. MAC is killer at it and very rarely loses.
She has such a fun time it was hard to make her put everything up for dinner. Tonight was spaghetti and salad with fresh bread sticks. I just love the greek salads, the dressing is yummy and I got lots of peppercini's tonight.
The lesson was about punishment. Corporal punishment should only be used as an absolute last resort. There was a lot of group discussion and we were split about 50/50 about spanking and whether it is effective.
The final family program was a role reversal. The parent becomes the teenager and the child becomes the parent. They are given a scenario and have to make up a skit. For the first time ever MAC actually volunteered herself to do a skit. She chose Hubby to do the skit with her. They got the teen wanting their friends to be able to come over and spend the night. The parent doesn't want them to because they are planning on going to a flea market early the next morning. Hubby got MAC to change her mind. There was laughter all around the room as three other families did skits as well.
She has such a fun time it was hard to make her put everything up for dinner. Tonight was spaghetti and salad with fresh bread sticks. I just love the greek salads, the dressing is yummy and I got lots of peppercini's tonight.
The lesson was about punishment. Corporal punishment should only be used as an absolute last resort. There was a lot of group discussion and we were split about 50/50 about spanking and whether it is effective.
The final family program was a role reversal. The parent becomes the teenager and the child becomes the parent. They are given a scenario and have to make up a skit. For the first time ever MAC actually volunteered herself to do a skit. She chose Hubby to do the skit with her. They got the teen wanting their friends to be able to come over and spend the night. The parent doesn't want them to because they are planning on going to a flea market early the next morning. Hubby got MAC to change her mind. There was laughter all around the room as three other families did skits as well.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Disappointment
There was another call from the school today. It was right before the end of the day and I had just left the doctors office. Let's just say that the once in a lifetime trip to sing at the Italian embassy was nixed due to behavior issues.
She was very upset about missing the field trip today. She said she really felt hurt because she didn't feel as if she had done anything. She is having issues with the Italian class and teacher. Apparently the Italian class is being held more along the lines of a student led round table than a class. After finding out about this today both the principal, guidance counselor, and I feel that it is not the best way for her to learn. Being told by other students what to do is not a good thing for her. As the guidance counselor said today she doesn't have any trust in what the students are telling her and they have been "mean" to her so she doesn't want to listen to them either.
It was a rough evening for all of us. We don't really know what to do anymore. This was the second issue in two days and the second time that she has been sent home early. She says she doesn't want to go back to school ever again. Seeing her sobbing again and knowing that she feels as if everyone is against her breaks my heart. How do you help someone who half the time couldn't care less about academics and the other half says she is trying her hardest?
She was very upset about missing the field trip today. She said she really felt hurt because she didn't feel as if she had done anything. She is having issues with the Italian class and teacher. Apparently the Italian class is being held more along the lines of a student led round table than a class. After finding out about this today both the principal, guidance counselor, and I feel that it is not the best way for her to learn. Being told by other students what to do is not a good thing for her. As the guidance counselor said today she doesn't have any trust in what the students are telling her and they have been "mean" to her so she doesn't want to listen to them either.
It was a rough evening for all of us. We don't really know what to do anymore. This was the second issue in two days and the second time that she has been sent home early. She says she doesn't want to go back to school ever again. Seeing her sobbing again and knowing that she feels as if everyone is against her breaks my heart. How do you help someone who half the time couldn't care less about academics and the other half says she is trying her hardest?
Manic Monday
Ok, so who says God doesn't have a sense of humor? With blood pressure still sky high and another busy week ahead including a trip to the Italian Embassy, the wireless connection I have been using is no longer Internet capable for some reason and MAC has a physical outburst during group which gets her kicked out for the day.
As with everything else she says it wasn't really her fault. She felt picked on in art therapy and when the boy made fun of her name she just snapped. Of course Hubby was the one with her at MSA and when they called him back to pick her up he was less than happy. Apparently the one spanking MAC received 2 years ago made an impression and she is worried that she will get another one. The Dr. that released her into his care made a point to mention that she was worried and that almost made him snap.
I was looking forward to going with the chorus to the Italian Embassy Tuesday but I have got to say that I am just physically worn out and no matter how much sleep I seem to be getting it isn't enough. I am really looking forward to a weekend where we aren't running from place to place, my next free one is the middle of May!
As with everything else she says it wasn't really her fault. She felt picked on in art therapy and when the boy made fun of her name she just snapped. Of course Hubby was the one with her at MSA and when they called him back to pick her up he was less than happy. Apparently the one spanking MAC received 2 years ago made an impression and she is worried that she will get another one. The Dr. that released her into his care made a point to mention that she was worried and that almost made him snap.
I was looking forward to going with the chorus to the Italian Embassy Tuesday but I have got to say that I am just physically worn out and no matter how much sleep I seem to be getting it isn't enough. I am really looking forward to a weekend where we aren't running from place to place, my next free one is the middle of May!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Marathon Weekend
As usual these days this weekend went by in a flash. So much to do, so little time. Friday was IOP and MAC and Hubby didn't get home until well after 7:45. We had dinner and then she went upstairs to play with Yuki, the pet ferret.
Saturday was another PVA day. MAC and I got to the school around 9:00am and we headed downtown on the bus at 10:00am. The Cherry Blossom parade started at 10 and we got to the parade ground around 10:40am. It was really crowded! MAC and I were part of a group of 6. I got to be the adult in charge and we moved 3 times trying to find a place where all the kids could see. We never did find that spot. We left the parade and headed for the Sakura Festival. The school had purchased us tickets. The food smelled really good and when we got there all of our stomachs were growling.
We sat down in the middle of the road and ate our lunches. It was amazing how many anime/Otaku people were around. The biggest problem was that no one in the group had brought any money. After smelling all the food and seeing the shops we headed to the Natural History Museum. We were able to get warm before we headed back to the bus.
Today was a busy day at church where after the 9am service MAC went to Sunday School and then she ran the Kids Own Worship. We came home for a quick lunch and then went to have her picture taken by Angel Kidwell. I haven't heard MAC laugh as much as I heard today in a very long time. If you ever need a photographer I highly recommend her: http://angelkidwellphotography.com/contact_me.htm . I can hardly wait to see the proofs from the session, I know they'll be great!
Saturday was another PVA day. MAC and I got to the school around 9:00am and we headed downtown on the bus at 10:00am. The Cherry Blossom parade started at 10 and we got to the parade ground around 10:40am. It was really crowded! MAC and I were part of a group of 6. I got to be the adult in charge and we moved 3 times trying to find a place where all the kids could see. We never did find that spot. We left the parade and headed for the Sakura Festival. The school had purchased us tickets. The food smelled really good and when we got there all of our stomachs were growling.
We sat down in the middle of the road and ate our lunches. It was amazing how many anime/Otaku people were around. The biggest problem was that no one in the group had brought any money. After smelling all the food and seeing the shops we headed to the Natural History Museum. We were able to get warm before we headed back to the bus.
Today was a busy day at church where after the 9am service MAC went to Sunday School and then she ran the Kids Own Worship. We came home for a quick lunch and then went to have her picture taken by Angel Kidwell. I haven't heard MAC laugh as much as I heard today in a very long time. If you ever need a photographer I highly recommend her: http://angelkidwellphotography.com/contact_me.htm . I can hardly wait to see the proofs from the session, I know they'll be great!
Friday, April 8, 2011
A Ribbon Cutting
Yesterday was a busy busy day in the Campbell household. MAC had the 7th grade field trip to the Maryland Science Center during the school day. We had to go get her new glasses after school and then last night there was a ribbon cutting ceremony at Anne Arundel Medical Center where the PVA performed.
She had a good day at the Science Center. She and her friend MM and I were able to walk around the center by ourselves. We saw a map of seismic activity and were able to see where Japan had it's aftershock. The kids enjoyed playing at the different stations. They played tug of war, and hoisted themselves up using pulleys.
MAC looks cute in her new glasses. Of course she got the darkest frames she could find, but the reverse side is a beautiful teal green. It adds a little color and really went with the dress she had to wear for the ribbon cutting.
By the time we left AAMC last night and grabbed some dinner it was time for bed. What an exhausting day! Tomorrow we will be going to the Cherry Blossom Festival in DC. Thank goodness some things won't be affected by the Government shut down.
She had a good day at the Science Center. She and her friend MM and I were able to walk around the center by ourselves. We saw a map of seismic activity and were able to see where Japan had it's aftershock. The kids enjoyed playing at the different stations. They played tug of war, and hoisted themselves up using pulleys.
MAC looks cute in her new glasses. Of course she got the darkest frames she could find, but the reverse side is a beautiful teal green. It adds a little color and really went with the dress she had to wear for the ribbon cutting.
By the time we left AAMC last night and grabbed some dinner it was time for bed. What an exhausting day! Tomorrow we will be going to the Cherry Blossom Festival in DC. Thank goodness some things won't be affected by the Government shut down.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Week 10
It is really hard to believe that we have only 4 weeks left in the Strengthening Families program. When we started 10 weeks ago it seemed like such a long time, now it doesn't seem like enough. Tonight Boston Market was brought in. Meatloaf, veggies, and my favorite: mashed potatoes and gravy. We had a lot of laughter and after working on a word find and word scramble we broke into groups.
Tonight's lesson was about discipline. The discussion ended with a lot of the group saying that their parents had spanked them when they were young and they had turned out ok. There was discussion about what we are currently doing and trying to discern if it was working or if we needed to change our methods. The final family lesson was to see how well we communicated. One of us had to explain to MAC how to draw a picture that only we could see. Between the two of us we were able to do it and a beautiful sail boat was created by MAC. Hubby then got to take her through a maze. She was blindfolded and he had to give her directions. She said, at least she didn't hit any chairs!
I must say, it does feel like I am hitting my head against a brick wall sometimes. Another call from the school, another e-mail from the Italian teacher, a extra day off to go on another field trip...it seems as if the discipline we are using is not working. We will find the right one one of these days, just like I know we will find the right school, I know we will!
Tonight's lesson was about discipline. The discussion ended with a lot of the group saying that their parents had spanked them when they were young and they had turned out ok. There was discussion about what we are currently doing and trying to discern if it was working or if we needed to change our methods. The final family lesson was to see how well we communicated. One of us had to explain to MAC how to draw a picture that only we could see. Between the two of us we were able to do it and a beautiful sail boat was created by MAC. Hubby then got to take her through a maze. She was blindfolded and he had to give her directions. She said, at least she didn't hit any chairs!
I must say, it does feel like I am hitting my head against a brick wall sometimes. Another call from the school, another e-mail from the Italian teacher, a extra day off to go on another field trip...it seems as if the discipline we are using is not working. We will find the right one one of these days, just like I know we will find the right school, I know we will!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Take care of yourself...
Hopefully if you are a caregiver you are making sure to take care of yourself as well as the kids (big, little, and furry). It seems that I have forgotten the cardinal rule.
Last night was the straw that broke the camels back. My head had been hurting for 3 days, my ears ringing for the last 2 and then yesterday my vision started to become blurry as well. When I got home and checked the blood pressure it was sitting pretty at 192/103. I stayed home this morning and made an appointment with the nurse practitioner at my primary care physician.
When I got there she upped my medication, gave me an anti-depressant and told me to come back in a week. She said it sounded as if the stress wasn't going to get any better in the immediate future.
My sister keeps telling me that even on an air plane they tell you to put your own oxygen mask on before you help others. That is taking care of your own health before helping someone else. MAC won't have my support and my taking her to the different appointments if I'm in the hospital. I have to take care of myself and you need to take care of yourself too!
Last night was the straw that broke the camels back. My head had been hurting for 3 days, my ears ringing for the last 2 and then yesterday my vision started to become blurry as well. When I got home and checked the blood pressure it was sitting pretty at 192/103. I stayed home this morning and made an appointment with the nurse practitioner at my primary care physician.
When I got there she upped my medication, gave me an anti-depressant and told me to come back in a week. She said it sounded as if the stress wasn't going to get any better in the immediate future.
My sister keeps telling me that even on an air plane they tell you to put your own oxygen mask on before you help others. That is taking care of your own health before helping someone else. MAC won't have my support and my taking her to the different appointments if I'm in the hospital. I have to take care of myself and you need to take care of yourself too!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Back on the road again...
Friday was another MSA family meeting. It did not go so well. It seems as if the six weeks that we originally thought we were going to spend in the IOP may be several more. MAC and I have several school outings that we have asked MSA to work around and so far they have been able to. I'm not sure what we'll do if they won't be able to work around us.
We are continuing with the Wednesday Strengthening Families program, there will be a performance at the Department of Education, at Anne Arundel Medical Center, at the Itialian Embassy, and at the Chorus Festival at a local High School. With IOP on the other days the family is worn fairly worn out and unfortuneatly this is translating into short tempers and long silences.
She had her 13 year check up today. The doctor says she needs to loose some weight, use some facial cleanser, and that her eyes are 20/40 and she needs glasses. To top it all off she got a shot too which really made her mad! I made an appointment for her with an eye doctor for Wednesday after the field trip. I guess the Korean genes are kicking in.
We are continuing with the Wednesday Strengthening Families program, there will be a performance at the Department of Education, at Anne Arundel Medical Center, at the Itialian Embassy, and at the Chorus Festival at a local High School. With IOP on the other days the family is worn fairly worn out and unfortuneatly this is translating into short tempers and long silences.
She had her 13 year check up today. The doctor says she needs to loose some weight, use some facial cleanser, and that her eyes are 20/40 and she needs glasses. To top it all off she got a shot too which really made her mad! I made an appointment for her with an eye doctor for Wednesday after the field trip. I guess the Korean genes are kicking in.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)