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Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Baby steps

Well, this weekend I was able to organize a few things. I actually got to the silverware drawer - got a few new "bins" to put the odds and ends in. Got rid of all the baby spoons, etc. I didn't take a before and after picture, cause I'm still new to this whole blog thing. But I'll get there :)

I also straightened up and organized the armoire in my bedroom. It has a tv in it, but I also had books and other odds and ends on either side of the tv. and the cabinets underneath were full of stuff I never use. So I was able to throw a lot away, and put the books and movies in the cabinets. Wow!

That was all I got to, since my washing machine decided to break. My handy hubby is finishing fixing it right now. But for 2 days I have not been able to do any laundry....which I usually do almost everyday. There are already piles everywhere, or so it seems.

The boys finished school today. Science boy was excited, not sure lego boy understands it. But since he'll be going to summer school starting next week, that's ok. Not sure what we are doing the rest of this week, hopefully going to the gym, I really need to work out. I was doing really good, going 3-4 times a week, but then I got bronchitis, so I was out for a while. Thankfully, all three kids love the playarea, and then maybe we'll go swim in the pool there afterwards.

Sunday, May 27, 2007

Menu Plan Monday - May 28




Happy Memorial Day! Hope everyone has a great day. Last week was a busy week, I didn't get to all my "planned" meals - but I did get to most of them. We have another crazy week - boys have their last day of school on Tuesday. So summer vacation begins.

Check out Laura's blog for more menu ideas.

Monday - bbq ribs, baked potatoes, corn on the cob, salad
Tuesday - McDonald's (the boys last day of school - their choice)
Wednesday - Any Night Roast Beef, mashed potatoes, veggies
Thursday - Foil-pack Taco Chicken dinner, broccoli, chips & salsa
Friday - Family pizza & movie night (not sure what I'll have, probably leftovers, unless I make a GF pizza)
Saturday - Charles & I are going to a wedding, so something "kid-friendly" for the kids and babysitter
Sunday- Spaghetti,cheese bread (I'll probably have fish)

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Last days

Well today was my 3 year old daughters last day of MDO...til the fall. This was her first year, she only went two days a week, but if 5 days were offered to her she would take it in a heartbeat. She loves school. This is a different MDO then the boys went to, and I have to admit I love it so much more. Our church runs it, and they just have the most amazing teachers there. It has been such a blessing. My little princess is very, very, very outgoing. Her teacher described her as having a "vibrant personality". Totally true. She adds her own uniqueness into everything she does. And she's very independent. Today they had field day. The parents were invited to stay. I asked her if she wanted me to stay. Her answer "No mama, just help me with (her teachers) presents, then you may leave". I walked her in, talked to a teacher for a minute when little princess walked up to me and said "You can leave now". "Honey, don't you want me to stay, Luke's mama is staying" "No" "Ok, can I have a kiss" "I already gave you one, bye". Did I mention she was independent??? So I left, and went to the gym. Which I have not been to in a month, so all worked out well.

Little Princess' ballet recital was last Sunday. She did so good. Her class of 5 girls did "Teddybear Picnic". They were suppose to sing as well as dance. Little Princess was the only one who sang :) and yes, she can project her voice.....I could hear her all the way in the back. Too cute...but I think voice lessons might be in order :)

The boys finish school next Tuesday. So it is a whirlwind week around here. Lego boy's Kindergarten celebration is tomorrow. Then he has a special lunch on Friday (after which I will meet with his teacher, special ed teacher, and speech teacher.) Then a busy, busy weekend.

Sunday, May 20, 2007

Menu Plan Monday - May 21



Well, I missed last week. It was a crazy week. So hopefully this week I'll be back on track. Be sure to check out Laura's website for more menu planning ideas

Monday: Pan fried chicken & spinach salad, mashed potatoes, corn
Tuesday: Smoked sausage, fried potatoes, veggie/salad, ice cream cake (it's my husband's b-day)
Wednesday: Tarragon chicken (slow cooker), rice, broccoli
Thursday: pork tenderloin, baked potato, some veggie, salad
Friday: Family pizza and movie night (I'll have spaghetti squash & meatballs)
Saturday: going to my in-laws to celebrate my husbands & my birthday
Sunday: spaghetti, Texas cheese toast (not sure yet what I will have)

Lego boy

Wow, it has been a little bit since I've blogged. Life has just been so busy.

I think I mentioned that my 6 year old son, lego boy, is a special needs child. Well, last week we got, yet another diagnosis. Lego boy was born with profound hearing loss in one ear (yet we didn't find out about it until he was 2 1/2...long story), he also has speech apraxia. Apraxia is where your teeth, lips, tongue, palate, etc. do not do what you want them to do. You can ask lego boy to stick out his tongue, and he can't do it...yet if he is eating a lollipop, he can stick out his tongue. Also, kids with apraxia leave off the beginning or the end of words. Lego boy does both...so all you hear is the middle. Let me tell you, I am now the charades champion. I can figure just about anything out with his had gestures. He has gotten so much better, and is actually putting the end and/or beginning on words. He's still tough to understand. But when you think that at age 4 he couldn't talk, and now we can have a conversation with him, it's amazing.

Well, last Thursday we found out he also is autistic. Not a big surprise, but still a little shock to find out it's a reality. He is high functioning, so the chances of recovery are high. I didn't even know you could recover from autism, but apparently you can. So now I need to do my research and find support groups, etc. Since he is already in the special needs program at school, we are not going to push for the "title". We can get everything he needs already. I just need to have some additional goals added to his IEP (Individual Educational Program...or something like that :) ) He was tested in the schools late last year, and they said he had autistic tendencies, but didn't do anything. They are required to test him again in 2 years...so we'll deal with that then. I'll have social goals and OT (for his sensory issues) added on now....and that will help. That would be all they would do if he had the "title" so it wouldn't change anything.

I'm doing pretty well with it. My husband is a bit slower to accept it, and is on the "what can we do to fix it" stage. But all is very good. I am so thankful to God for all my kids, I am so blessed. All of our kids where chosen for us for a reason. It's all a journey...one I go on willingly.

Sunday, May 6, 2007

Menu Plan Monday



One of my first "organizational" tips was to start a menu plan. I've tried them in the past, but they weren't successful. Until I found Laura, at http://orgjunkie.blogspot.com. So four weeks ago I started again...and except for one week that we were busier than I planned, it works great. It has made that hour or so before dinner so much calmer. And since I'm not as "crazy" then the kids aren't either. And the "ugh, do I have to eat that", "I am not eating that", etc has not been a daily rant. Now don't get me wrong, they haven't liked everything, but for the most part they have not complained as loudly. I'm also not spending as much at the grocery store. yay! It is a little difficult to plan, since I have to eat gluten free, my husband and older son are very picky, and my middle son is a special needs child and has certain "criteria" on his foods. My daughter is pretty good, will try just about anything. Makes things interesting. So here is our menu for the week. Some is taken from Laura's past menus. Thanks.

Monday - Foil-pack taco chicken dinner, corn, green beans
Tuesday - Asian style barbecue pork chops, rice, carrots, spinach
Wednesday - crockpot 40 clove garlic chicken, mashed potatoes, broccoli, corn
Thursday - Spencer's 6th birthday - Chick-fil-a (his choice)
Friday - Family movie and pizza night
Saturday - Spencer b-day party - smoked sausage (on grill), some kind of chicken on grill (any suggestions), baked beans, tomato salad, potato salad, and probably more
Sunday - HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! Not sure what we are doing...but I'm not cooking :)

Saturday, May 5, 2007

science boy's Birthday

Well, my oldest turned 8 today. So last night we took 4 boys (including science boy) out to the movies (after pizza and cupcakes at our house). We took one home (not due to behavior..he had a test this am) so it was science boy and two of his friends spending the night. science boy gave up at 12:30, he came upstairs..said one of them was disturbing him and went to sleep in his room. They woke up at 7:30..so not too bad. Science boy had decided last week he wanted to go to Chili's and then out to ice cream. I thought it would be a good idea to have them sing "Happy Birthday" to him. NOT! He was totally embarrassed and started to cry. Yes, just call me mother of the year! I felt so bad. He told him that when he was 4 he had asked me not to do something like that..Ok, I can't remember to take the laundry out of the washer..I can't remember 4 years ago. I apologized, and promised never, ever to do it again. Well, a few minutes ago he came in and said that he was sorry and he should have been nicer to everyone. When I apologized again, he said no, he's the one who is sorry. Wow, they do grow up fast.

So, even though it's late, I'm going to try to start my menu plan for next week.