The insights of a 12 year old while eating at Pizza Ranch after his games today:
Me: "That's a big piece of chicken."
Riley: "Well, I'm a big piece of man!
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Watching Riley's Baseball Game
He was playing in the outfield, then went in as a relief pitcher. Created a double play to end the inning!!! :-)
One more game today and then we're heading to Tea to pick up a handicapped-accessible van for Camp Adventure.
Tomorrow will be church, then coffee at Chocolatte and at least two more games of baseball in Dell Rapids.
Friday, May 30, 2014
I'm Just Glad Today Is Over
I know there are a lot of moms out there who love summer. I don't. Don't get me wrong. I love the warm weather, the ability to be outside, the sunshine, etc. What wears me out are the challenges of my children 24/7. I think I could handle a few issues but when I'm dealing with one issue after another, after another, after another, sometimes all at the same time, I get worn out.
*Today Zeke had a pretty good day but Anthony was defiant ALL DAY LONG. I started out very patient but by the time 5pm rolled around I was done. At one point this afternoon, Riley was trying to watch a movie and Anthony kept making loud noises to annoy Riley and get his attention. I could hear Riley continually asking him to stop, knock it off, quit it, but Anthony just kept it up. Finally, Riley went up the stairs and tried to take away the poster board that Anthony was making all the noise with. Anthony got mad and attacked Riley. He scratched and clawed at Riley's stomach and chest. Riley shoved him and knocked him over and Anthony hit his head.
I'm sorry to say that by that time, I didn't have much sympathy left for Anthony. I tried to explain to him that if he continues to do things other people don't like, they won't like it and might fight back. Anthony stayed fixated on the fact that Riley pushed him. I was done and left him crying in his room. I did talk to Riley about his choices also. He at least acknowledged that he hadn't handled the situation well and we talked about how to handle it better the next time. Because we all know there will be a next time.
*Taylor was crabby all afternoon because she had a sleepover last night.
*Brittney was in a good mood earlier today but came home from work tonight and started picking on Taylor. Calling her fat, telling her not to eat so much, saying no one likes her, then getting mad at me when I tried talking to her about it.
*Riley was frustrated with me because I wouldn't let him play Call of Duty on the Xbox until Steve had watched him play to see if it was appropriate. Some of his friends want him to play but I have serious concerns about the content of the game. It's rated M for mature. He spent most of the day complaining about that.
Then tonight Riley was angry that he couldn't spend the night tonight at a friend's house. We tried explaining that he has a baseball tournament all day tomorrow and in the afternoon on Sunday and he would be too tired if he had a sleepover but he just got mad at Steve and said he was choosing to ignore him.
*A neighborhood mom came over tonight with a concern I haven't heard before. Which is good, kind of. Our kids hadn't played with her kids for the past two days and she was concerned that her kids had done something wrong. She wanted to apologize. I let her know that her kids were fine, it was mine that were having the issues. I did, however, let her know that if she still wanted to make me feel better with brownies or rice krispy bars, she could ;-)
Now I need to listen to a voicemail from a phone call that came in a few hours ago. And I'll probably have to make a phone call in response. It's making me sick to my stomach thinking about it. I guess I'll know in a few minutes if it's good or not :-/
*Today Zeke had a pretty good day but Anthony was defiant ALL DAY LONG. I started out very patient but by the time 5pm rolled around I was done. At one point this afternoon, Riley was trying to watch a movie and Anthony kept making loud noises to annoy Riley and get his attention. I could hear Riley continually asking him to stop, knock it off, quit it, but Anthony just kept it up. Finally, Riley went up the stairs and tried to take away the poster board that Anthony was making all the noise with. Anthony got mad and attacked Riley. He scratched and clawed at Riley's stomach and chest. Riley shoved him and knocked him over and Anthony hit his head.
I'm sorry to say that by that time, I didn't have much sympathy left for Anthony. I tried to explain to him that if he continues to do things other people don't like, they won't like it and might fight back. Anthony stayed fixated on the fact that Riley pushed him. I was done and left him crying in his room. I did talk to Riley about his choices also. He at least acknowledged that he hadn't handled the situation well and we talked about how to handle it better the next time. Because we all know there will be a next time.
*Taylor was crabby all afternoon because she had a sleepover last night.
*Brittney was in a good mood earlier today but came home from work tonight and started picking on Taylor. Calling her fat, telling her not to eat so much, saying no one likes her, then getting mad at me when I tried talking to her about it.
*Riley was frustrated with me because I wouldn't let him play Call of Duty on the Xbox until Steve had watched him play to see if it was appropriate. Some of his friends want him to play but I have serious concerns about the content of the game. It's rated M for mature. He spent most of the day complaining about that.
Then tonight Riley was angry that he couldn't spend the night tonight at a friend's house. We tried explaining that he has a baseball tournament all day tomorrow and in the afternoon on Sunday and he would be too tired if he had a sleepover but he just got mad at Steve and said he was choosing to ignore him.
*A neighborhood mom came over tonight with a concern I haven't heard before. Which is good, kind of. Our kids hadn't played with her kids for the past two days and she was concerned that her kids had done something wrong. She wanted to apologize. I let her know that her kids were fine, it was mine that were having the issues. I did, however, let her know that if she still wanted to make me feel better with brownies or rice krispy bars, she could ;-)
Now I need to listen to a voicemail from a phone call that came in a few hours ago. And I'll probably have to make a phone call in response. It's making me sick to my stomach thinking about it. I guess I'll know in a few minutes if it's good or not :-/
Did My Kids Start a Fire?!?
Nothing like having my stomach drop and my heart pumping like crazy to get my day started!
Brittney and I drove to Lowes early this morning to pick up a tray liner for painting. Steve had already left for work so I left Riley, Zeke, Anthony and Sophia at home for the half hour we needed to be gone. They were all calmly watching cartoons when we left at 7:30am.
As we were coming back home and turned onto our road a block from home, we met the fire chief and two fire engines coming from the direction of our house. I was sure my kids had done something!!!
I rushed home to find them all still sitting calmly on the couch watching tv. Whew!!!
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Brittney and I drove to Lowes early this morning to pick up a tray liner for painting. Steve had already left for work so I left Riley, Zeke, Anthony and Sophia at home for the half hour we needed to be gone. They were all calmly watching cartoons when we left at 7:30am.
As we were coming back home and turned onto our road a block from home, we met the fire chief and two fire engines coming from the direction of our house. I was sure my kids had done something!!!
I rushed home to find them all still sitting calmly on the couch watching tv. Whew!!!
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Post #982 on Brittney's Room ;-)
Steve and I took turns spraying the texture on the walls and ceiling last night between ball games.
Thanks to Doug B for the use of his sprayer!!!
It made our job so much easier :-)
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This morning I painted.
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It's all ready for the carpet. We're just reusing the carpet we pulled out of the dining room upstairs.
I'm not sure if we'll get that in tomorrow or not.
Steve works at the bank in the morning and then we're going to Dell Rapids for Riley's baseball tournament and Gerald has the state track meet in Sioux Falls.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Just For Fun
Enough of my complaining and ranting.
Here are some pictures just for fun!
The kids thought Buddy needed a blanket.
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My oldest and my youngest cruisin'.
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Riley at bat.
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Anthony at bat.
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Sophia after a blue raspberry sucker.
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Taylor somehow convinced me to take a selfie.
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Buddy thinks he's a lap dog.
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Sanding the sheet rock mud is finally finished ;-)
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I'm pretty sure it's not her size!
Stupid High School Physical
I've got one more story for tonight. But before I get into it, I need to mention that I had a period of time from 1:30-4:00pm this afternoon that was relaxing and fun. Four of my Sunday coffee friends brought coffee to my house and we talked, cried and laughed for a long time. I didn't cry but I was empathetic to those that did! ;-)
All right, last story. In between Anthony and Riley's baseball games last night, I took Brittney to her physical for high school sports. It's nothing new because she made the high school gymnastics team as a 7th grader. This is the 5th year we've had to go in for the yearly physical. The school won't let a student participate unless they pass a physical every year. We could just set up an appointment with Brittney's regular doctor and pay the regular fee for a standard office visit or we can go to the evening specifically set aside for school physicals for $25.
For anyone unfamiliar with the evening physical process, you start out by filling out an extensive medical history form and writing a check for $25. Then you hand it in at a check-in table and they send you through the line. Every year, Brittney asks me to go with her. Once I hand over the money, we proceed through different stations. Each station has 3-4 medical staff. For example, the first station has 3 people just taking weight and then writing it on the student's form. Then the student proceeds to the next station. They do this for weight, height, vision, blood pressure, physical balance/muscles, etc. The last stop is in the actual doctor's office with just a doctor. They go over the medical form, ask questions and do a quick general checkup. That's it. They've really streamlined it and it only takes about 20 minutes to complete. The clinic and medical staff are always very helpful and I've never had any issues.
Until yesterday.
The assistant athletic director for the high school wouldn't let any parent past the waiting area by the registration table. It wasn't just that she was suggesting that we wait for our student. She insisted and wouldn't let any parents past her. The few that tried were told that they "COULDN'T GO BACK THERE!"
I had three major issues and almost took it up with her right then.
1) I asked Brittney on the way into the building if she wanted me to go through with her. She said she wanted me too. She's under 18 and in my legal care. I have a legal right to go with her, especially if she wants me there.
2) When Brittney came out after the physical, she told me that the doctor had questioned her about items on her medical form and she didn't know the answers. For example, the form asked about heart issues and I listed that she had a paternal grandfather who died from a heart attack. There is also diabetes and asthma in our family. Those are some pretty serious medical issues that could potentially affect her while participating in sports, especially if the specifics aren't known or addressed. The doctor asked her how old he was when he died and some other questions she didn't know the answers to. I did know the specifics and could have answered all the doctors questions quickly and easily.
3) I was very uncomfortable sending my child into a room ALONE with an unknown adult, especially when my child requested that I accompany her. I have personally been in situations where inappropriate actions have occurred. So do not separate me from my child if I have concerns about her vulnerability!!! I also believe that were something negative to happen in these situations, the school and clinic would be open to serious litigation.
I understand that they need to keep things streamlined in order to keep the lines moving quickly but I don't think it was necessary to prevent parents from going through with their child. I was furious that in order to have the physical, the school was allowed to keep me from accompanying my child.
I realize that I probably sound like an over-protective parent but I think some people are much too naïve about what could potentially happen. Even in our small town. And when I get a gut feeling about protecting my kids, I'd rather be safe than sorry.
End of rant. I will, however, be sending an email about my concerns to the athletic director.
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All right, last story. In between Anthony and Riley's baseball games last night, I took Brittney to her physical for high school sports. It's nothing new because she made the high school gymnastics team as a 7th grader. This is the 5th year we've had to go in for the yearly physical. The school won't let a student participate unless they pass a physical every year. We could just set up an appointment with Brittney's regular doctor and pay the regular fee for a standard office visit or we can go to the evening specifically set aside for school physicals for $25.
For anyone unfamiliar with the evening physical process, you start out by filling out an extensive medical history form and writing a check for $25. Then you hand it in at a check-in table and they send you through the line. Every year, Brittney asks me to go with her. Once I hand over the money, we proceed through different stations. Each station has 3-4 medical staff. For example, the first station has 3 people just taking weight and then writing it on the student's form. Then the student proceeds to the next station. They do this for weight, height, vision, blood pressure, physical balance/muscles, etc. The last stop is in the actual doctor's office with just a doctor. They go over the medical form, ask questions and do a quick general checkup. That's it. They've really streamlined it and it only takes about 20 minutes to complete. The clinic and medical staff are always very helpful and I've never had any issues.
Until yesterday.
The assistant athletic director for the high school wouldn't let any parent past the waiting area by the registration table. It wasn't just that she was suggesting that we wait for our student. She insisted and wouldn't let any parents past her. The few that tried were told that they "COULDN'T GO BACK THERE!"
I had three major issues and almost took it up with her right then.
1) I asked Brittney on the way into the building if she wanted me to go through with her. She said she wanted me too. She's under 18 and in my legal care. I have a legal right to go with her, especially if she wants me there.
2) When Brittney came out after the physical, she told me that the doctor had questioned her about items on her medical form and she didn't know the answers. For example, the form asked about heart issues and I listed that she had a paternal grandfather who died from a heart attack. There is also diabetes and asthma in our family. Those are some pretty serious medical issues that could potentially affect her while participating in sports, especially if the specifics aren't known or addressed. The doctor asked her how old he was when he died and some other questions she didn't know the answers to. I did know the specifics and could have answered all the doctors questions quickly and easily.
3) I was very uncomfortable sending my child into a room ALONE with an unknown adult, especially when my child requested that I accompany her. I have personally been in situations where inappropriate actions have occurred. So do not separate me from my child if I have concerns about her vulnerability!!! I also believe that were something negative to happen in these situations, the school and clinic would be open to serious litigation.
I understand that they need to keep things streamlined in order to keep the lines moving quickly but I don't think it was necessary to prevent parents from going through with their child. I was furious that in order to have the physical, the school was allowed to keep me from accompanying my child.
I realize that I probably sound like an over-protective parent but I think some people are much too naïve about what could potentially happen. Even in our small town. And when I get a gut feeling about protecting my kids, I'd rather be safe than sorry.
End of rant. I will, however, be sending an email about my concerns to the athletic director.
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Zeke's Issues at The Club
Next long story: Some of Zeke's Issues from yesterday.
Riley and Zeke both went to The Club yesterday. I asked Riley before they left if he wanted Zeke to go. I reminded him that Zeke is now considered a teen at The Club because he is going into 6th grade. That means that they would both be in the teen room. Riley said it would be fine.
This morning, Riley was pretty upset. I thought it was because he didn't feel good because of the concussion from the baseball yesterday. After talking to him for awhile, I realized his bad mood was because of what had happened at The Club yesterday.
When I had Riley alone, he told me a few things about Zeke's behavior at The Club yesterday.
*Zeke continued to hang around Riley and his friends even after Riley asked him to play somewhere else. He made inappropriate comments about Riley, including, "Riley eats poop." just to get attention.
*Zeke wanted to wear the chain that Riley had around his neck. When Riley wouldn't give it to him, he cried until the staff told Riley to let Zeke wear it.
*Zeke grabbed a girl's chest and kept asking her to be his girlfriend. The staff didn't know but the kids did.
*Riley was playing Minecraft on the computer, using a code that he paid for himself. Zeke wanted to play on the computer too. He wanted to play Minecraft but he didn't have an online code. So he again cried and then staff made Riley type in his own code for Zeke. Zeke not only used Riley's time from his code, he also played in his "world" and made Riley loose everything he had worked to build up in his online world over the past couple of months.
I understand that they are trying to be nice to Zeke because he has special needs but I expect that they shouldn't let him get away with things that other kids wouldn't be able to. Especially at the expense of Riley's feelings.
So I guess Zeke won't be utilizing The Club this summer either :-(
Riley and Zeke both went to The Club yesterday. I asked Riley before they left if he wanted Zeke to go. I reminded him that Zeke is now considered a teen at The Club because he is going into 6th grade. That means that they would both be in the teen room. Riley said it would be fine.
This morning, Riley was pretty upset. I thought it was because he didn't feel good because of the concussion from the baseball yesterday. After talking to him for awhile, I realized his bad mood was because of what had happened at The Club yesterday.
When I had Riley alone, he told me a few things about Zeke's behavior at The Club yesterday.
*Zeke continued to hang around Riley and his friends even after Riley asked him to play somewhere else. He made inappropriate comments about Riley, including, "Riley eats poop." just to get attention.
*Zeke wanted to wear the chain that Riley had around his neck. When Riley wouldn't give it to him, he cried until the staff told Riley to let Zeke wear it.
*Zeke grabbed a girl's chest and kept asking her to be his girlfriend. The staff didn't know but the kids did.
*Riley was playing Minecraft on the computer, using a code that he paid for himself. Zeke wanted to play on the computer too. He wanted to play Minecraft but he didn't have an online code. So he again cried and then staff made Riley type in his own code for Zeke. Zeke not only used Riley's time from his code, he also played in his "world" and made Riley loose everything he had worked to build up in his online world over the past couple of months.
I understand that they are trying to be nice to Zeke because he has special needs but I expect that they shouldn't let him get away with things that other kids wouldn't be able to. Especially at the expense of Riley's feelings.
So I guess Zeke won't be utilizing The Club this summer either :-(
Giant Banana Starts Problems
Anthony's latest issues began with a giant banana. Steve found a free ping pong table last night. It belonged to some college girls who were moving. When he was picking it up, they also asked if we wanted a giant banana. Anthony spotted it first and the kids all loved it so Steve brought it home. Once we were home, the fighting began. Anthony insisted it was his because he had seen it first. The rest of the kids all wanted it too, except for Brittney. She's too cool for bananas.
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After a half hour of arguing discussion, I finally said we would talk about it in the morning. By the time morning came, Steve and I decided that we would let Anthony keep the banana in his room. When I told him, he promptly went upstairs to taunt his siblings. As soon as I realized what he was doing, I asked him if what he was saying was helpful or hurtful. He wouldn't respond but at least he stopped. But as soon as I left the room, he started the teasing again.
I found him and told him that because of his actions and words, he wasn't going to be able to keep the banana. It would be in the family room for the whole family to enjoy.
He didn't take it well.
I knew it would probably be a mistake to let him go to The Club but he seemed to settle down by the time he left and he really wanted to go. So I let him.
Anthony was at The Club by 8am and had a written incident report by 10:10am. I had a phone call from The Club by 11am.
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Reason for Checkmark:
Disrespect of staff
Misuse of equipment
Explanation of Incident:
Anthony refused to listen to staff members during homeroom. He continued to play with legos and sit on the table after a staff member asked numerous times to stop.
Staff Action: The staff informed Anthony that he would receive a checkmark for not following the rules of the club and following instructions.
Child's Response: Anthony got upset and called the staff member stupid and said, "All you want to do is be mean. You don't know me."
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I got a phone call, not because of the incident, but because after the incident Anthony loudly and firmly insisted to everyone who would listen that "My mom will kill me."
I had a twenty minute conversation with the director of The Club trying to explain Anthony and his behavior and try to convince them that I would not, in fact, kill Anthony.
I became even more interesting when Steve picked Anthony up a little after 5pm today and Anthony, again very loudly and firmly, kept saying, "Now you can take me home and abuse me!"
Those were his exact words.
Steve said, "No. But I will have you mow the yard."
So I guess I won't be utilizing The Club for Anthony this summer. :-(
Anthony's Issues
It only took until 11:15am for me to get a call from The Club concerning Anthony. He refused to follow directions and go to the group when asked, repeatedly. The staff gave him a check mark and it continued to go downhill from there. When they wrote him up, he told them, very factually, "my mom will kill me."
No matter what they said, he would not be swayed from believing that I would kill him and he continued to tell the staff so.
I knew it probably wasn't going to be a good day for him after the giant banana incident this morning but in the interest of everyone else, I sent him to The Club anyway. At least they called me to discuss it this time. :-/
Meanwhile,.............
Since I spent the day yesterday with Brittney, she's doing great but I need to bat clean-up on the issues from yesterday with the rest of the kids.
Zeke - Lots of issues at The Club involving social interactions with others. I'm not letting him go back today even though it would be easier with my schedule.
Taylor - Needing attention because I spent so much time with Brit.
Riley - Got hit in the forehead last night at baseball and probably has a concussion. His coach has medical training and looked at it right away.
Anthony - Normal ODD (oppositional defiant) issues but the one yesterday specifically involved what I'm now referring to as the giant banana incident.
Sophia - Just super tired and crabby because of the goofy schedule yesterday. She was with us for part of the day and with Grandma Sandy in the evening.
I seriously hope I have time to write about all this stuff because if you're not actually living in the middle of it, it could be quite entertaining ;-)
This morning will involve reconnecting with a friend who apparently misses me ;-) I'll take Taylor and Sophia with me to play with her kids. Riley and Anthony are at The Club. Brittney will watch Zeke at home for two hours.
This afternoon, some of the gals from our Sunday morning laughter therapy group are coming over for coffee and laughs.
On a purely positive note, Steve found a really nice ping pong table on the way home for baseball last night and it was completely free!!! One of the benefits of living in a college town. When kids leave, they just want to get rid of their stuff. Steve's been looking for one since we moved because we now have space to play. He wanted to play as soon as we got it in the garage!
So last night at 10pm, even though I was exhausted, hadn't eaten and just wanted my dry contacts out of my eyes, I spent twenty minutes playing ping pong with my hubby in the garage after the kids went to bed.
Zeke - Lots of issues at The Club involving social interactions with others. I'm not letting him go back today even though it would be easier with my schedule.
Taylor - Needing attention because I spent so much time with Brit.
Riley - Got hit in the forehead last night at baseball and probably has a concussion. His coach has medical training and looked at it right away.
Anthony - Normal ODD (oppositional defiant) issues but the one yesterday specifically involved what I'm now referring to as the giant banana incident.
Sophia - Just super tired and crabby because of the goofy schedule yesterday. She was with us for part of the day and with Grandma Sandy in the evening.
I seriously hope I have time to write about all this stuff because if you're not actually living in the middle of it, it could be quite entertaining ;-)
This morning will involve reconnecting with a friend who apparently misses me ;-) I'll take Taylor and Sophia with me to play with her kids. Riley and Anthony are at The Club. Brittney will watch Zeke at home for two hours.
This afternoon, some of the gals from our Sunday morning laughter therapy group are coming over for coffee and laughs.
On a purely positive note, Steve found a really nice ping pong table on the way home for baseball last night and it was completely free!!! One of the benefits of living in a college town. When kids leave, they just want to get rid of their stuff. Steve's been looking for one since we moved because we now have space to play. He wanted to play as soon as we got it in the garage!
So last night at 10pm, even though I was exhausted, hadn't eaten and just wanted my dry contacts out of my eyes, I spent twenty minutes playing ping pong with my hubby in the garage after the kids went to bed.
Over Protective???
This post is a work in progress. I have a story about Brittney's High School physical last night and I want to take the time to tell it as accurately as I know how. So right now it's just a picture but a story will go with it soon.
Brittney
Operation Hang-Out-With-Brittney yesterday was a success!!! We ran some errands, went out for lunch, went to her doctor's appointment, got ice cream at Dairy Queen, shopped at Wal-Mart, watched Anthony's baseball game together, went to her high school physical and then shopped for clothes.
She's now in a much better mood, she and Gerald are back together after a short 24 hour breakup and we've refilled her quality time meter.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
BORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This me Taylor my mom let me blog but I am bord so let me tell you. ALL of my friends are out of out of town so I have nothing to do today
Thank you for reading,
Taylor A. Wilkins
Thank you for reading,
Taylor A. Wilkins
Spearmint
In my house, I have to hide or lock up important things or the kids will take them. For the past month or so, I've started chewing gum again. If the kids find it, it's gone. So my latest hiding place for gum is in my bedroom at the very bottom of one of my smaller drawers. The kids haven't discovered that hiding place yet and I've kept a few packs hidden there.
I realized yesterday that now all my bras have a very strong spearmint scent!!!
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I realized yesterday that now all my bras have a very strong spearmint scent!!!
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Parenting is Tough
I already know today is going to be a challenging day. I don't think Brittney has eaten much of anything for a few days now. She's struggling with some other stuff and no eating makes everything worse because she doesn't feel good. I should know. I didn't eat much in middle/high school either. I survived mostly on mountain dew and gum, with the occasional piece of Casey's pizza for lunch.
Brittney is really struggling right now. It's hard being a teenager, especially in a household of special needs kids. With a mom who isn't very competent to parent a teenager.
Positives: Brittney gets along well with adults, she doesn't smoke, drink or party, gets decent grades, adores Sophia, is a wonderful gymnast and cheerleader, has an amazing boyfriend and can be an all-around nice kid. When I have alone time, we have some good personal conversations, so at least I'm not out of the loop in her life.
I can't post as much about Brittney as I can about my other kids because she's more of a private person and most of those stories are hers to tell, not mine. I know when her boyfriend of over a year is texting me because he's concerned too, I need to focus on some things with her today.
Two kids are off to the Boys & Girls Club, which I'll pay for tomorrow. I don't mean with money. I mean in their negative behaviors. But right now I need to focus on today.
It's a good thing I don't work in the summer. At least not until July or August.
Brittney is really struggling right now. It's hard being a teenager, especially in a household of special needs kids. With a mom who isn't very competent to parent a teenager.
Positives: Brittney gets along well with adults, she doesn't smoke, drink or party, gets decent grades, adores Sophia, is a wonderful gymnast and cheerleader, has an amazing boyfriend and can be an all-around nice kid. When I have alone time, we have some good personal conversations, so at least I'm not out of the loop in her life.
I can't post as much about Brittney as I can about my other kids because she's more of a private person and most of those stories are hers to tell, not mine. I know when her boyfriend of over a year is texting me because he's concerned too, I need to focus on some things with her today.
Two kids are off to the Boys & Girls Club, which I'll pay for tomorrow. I don't mean with money. I mean in their negative behaviors. But right now I need to focus on today.
It's a good thing I don't work in the summer. At least not until July or August.
Monday, May 26, 2014
Brit's Room
The ceiling is up and the mudding is done! Now we wait for the sheet rock mud to dry so we can sand it.
It looks like I never do any of the work because I'm never in any of the pictures but I promise I'm working hard too!If at all possible, I avoid photos & mirrors ;-)
My Laugh for the Day
Two young boys walked into a pharmacy one day, picked out a box of tampons and proceeded to the checkout counter.
The man at the counter asked the older boy, “Son, how old are you?”
“Eight,” the boy replied.
The man continued, “Do you know what these are used for?”
The boy replied, “Not exactly, but they aren’t for me.”
“They’re for him. He’s my brother and he’s only four.”
We saw on TV that if you use these you would be able to swim and ride a bike.
Right now, he can’t do either.”
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More Kids
Every day we meet more kids and they flock to our house. At any given time yesterday, we had about 16 kids running around. Special thanks to Grandma Sandy for the buckets of ice cream and toppings!
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Impromptu Insight on Attachment
Riley's friend Patrick spent the night last night and Steve was going to drive him home this afternoon. We wanted Patrick to call his mom to make sure someone would be home before we drove all the way out there. When we handed Patrick the phone, he said he didn't know his mom's number.
What struck me was Riley's comment to me when he realized that Pat didn't know the number. Riley questioned, "How can he not know his own mom's phone number? I memorized your number the first time you had it."
I only had to think about it a second before I responded, "People like us, you and I, need to know how to get a hold of the important people in our life so we know we can always call someone and we won't get left somewhere. Patrick just assumes his mom will always know where he is and he trusts that she'll always get him."
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What struck me was Riley's comment to me when he realized that Pat didn't know the number. Riley questioned, "How can he not know his own mom's phone number? I memorized your number the first time you had it."
I only had to think about it a second before I responded, "People like us, you and I, need to know how to get a hold of the important people in our life so we know we can always call someone and we won't get left somewhere. Patrick just assumes his mom will always know where he is and he trusts that she'll always get him."
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Saturday, May 24, 2014
Oh Dear!!!
While I was working on the vent downstairs, this cute neighbor boy decided to get creative with Taylor's permanent markers.
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It's a good thing I've had so many kids around for so many years. I'm much less stressed about stuff like that now. What's done is done.
He is, after all, only three.
I told him we only draw on paper. Not on floors, walls or doors.
Then I said, "It looks like you really want to draw. Would you like some paper to draw on?"
He's now happily drawing and I'm googling how to remove permanent marker ;-)
Heat Vent Project Complete!
We finally figured out how to get a heating & air conditioning vent into Brittney's room.
It was much harder to do than you'd think.
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We started with an existing heating vent and chopped it in half. It was a bit difficult because the ductwork is round and we had to try to reach up into the corner of the ceiling with metal cutting shears. It took us about an hour just to get that section out.
Then Steve had to cut a notch out of the beam.
He learned how to do that on HGTV last week :)
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Then we made a trip to Lowes for new parts to T the vent and protrude into the room.
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It took a few tries and three trips to Lowes to get parts that would work in the space we needed.
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Once Steve had that done, he needed to leave for work at the Swiftel Center.
So I put more of the metal pieces together and taped them.
The tape is kind of like sticky aluminum foil.
I had to put three different pieces together to make this particular part.
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All installed and mounted to the ceiling.
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The next step will be sheetrocking the ceiling.
Not complicated at all but physically challenging.
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I'm not sure if we'll tackle that tomorrow afternoon or Monday.
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Another Project
We've had trouble with kids messing with the thermostat, repeatedly, and I can't figure out which kid or kids. Yesterday, it got really warm inside so I turned on the air conditioning but didn't feel like it was getting any cooler. Steve discovered one of the thermostats had been turned up to 88 degrees on heat instead of air. That was the final straw.
Today I purchased and installed locked covers.
It's Been A While
It's been crazy busy around here but that's not why I haven't been posting much. I just haven't felt like trusting people with my thoughts much lately.
I've been kind of a mess for the past week or two. I think I might be on the up-swing now.
I've been kind of a mess for the past week or two. I think I might be on the up-swing now.
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