On Tuesday, my cousin brought over her son, Isaac, for a sleepover. The boys were looking forward to him coming all day. I had them help me straighten up their rooms and the playroom. (They are always more cooperative when they have a friend coming over.) I wasn't sure if Isaac was going to eat with us, so I made enough dinner for him and the boys.
When my cousin dropped him off, she told me he had already eaten dinner. The boys ate quickly (god forbid they miss a minute of playtime with a friend) and were off to play with Isaac. They played very nicely together. After Isaac was here for a few hours, SJ's unique quirkiness was starting to wear on Bob. He started complaining about him and I told him and Isaac to play in another room.
That was the only time I heard a complaint about SJ all night. Thank goodness! The boys went to bed around 11 o'clock. They all were up and ready to play around 10 a.m. I made them pancakes for breakfast and they played video games until it was time to go to the pool. We ate lunch right before we left for the pool.
We arrived at the pool at 12:45. The water was a little chilly, but SJ and Isaac went right in. Bob decided it was too cold for him and went right over to the park to play Four Square. SJ and Isaac were in the pool almost the whole time (of course they left the pool for adult swim). After we were there for a couple of hours, Isaac asked me where Bob was. "At the park," I said. "Why isn't he in the pool?" he asked. "He thinks the water is too cold. If you want to stay in the water, you will have to swim with SJ," I told him.
Isaac opted to stay in the water with SJ. SJ was trying to teach Isaac how to do handstands in the water. Isaac made a good effort, but SJ is already really good at them. They were also trying to jump off of each other's backs. (This is a game that the boys like to play with some of our other pool friends.)
After 4 hours, we left the pool and took Isaac back home. We had him for almost 24 hours and the time went very fast. It always surprises me that when we have an extra kid in our house somehow our house is quieter. That doesn't mean that I want to have any more babies, but I will borrow Isaac every once in a while for some extra quiet!
Saturday, June 30, 2012
vow renewal=swim party=a sick sj
My neighbor Marcus invited us to their house Saturday evening. He was surprising his wife, Mallory, with a vow renewal ceremony. He told me she knew they were having people over, but she had no idea they would be renewing their vows. He also told me that the boys could wear their swim trucks and swim with his kids.
All day long, SJ kept asking me when we were going up to the Parkers. "After 6:30, SJ," I told him repeatedly. When 6:30 came, SJ was ready to bolt out the door. When we walked up to their house, there were not any other kids in the pool yet. I saw the Parker kids, but they were in their street clothes.
"Can I get in the pool?" asked SJ. "Not until we ask Mr. Parker," I told him. It took awhile to find Marcus, since he had invited many friends. SJ was sitting near the pool looking as sad as he can possibly look. When I finally found Marcus, I asked him if it was okay for SJ to get in the pool and he replied with an "of course".
I went back outside to give SJ the good news. I told him he could stay in the pool until the ceremony was about to start. The ceremony started a little after 8. It was a beautiful but short ceremony. After the ceremony was over, SJ was back in the pool.
He was the only one (kid I mean) in the pool until about 9 o'clock. (No adults were swimming at this party.) Then, Bob and the oldest Parker kid and two other kids joined SJ in the pool. The pool water was fairly cold, so Bob only stayed in the water for 20 minutes.
Shortly after Bob got out, SJ got out and decided he was ready to go home. I told them to go home and get in their dry clothes and come back. Bob listened, but SJ never returned. I called our house phone and he answered.
"Hello," said SJ. "What are you doing? Are you coming back?" I asked him. "No, I am tired," he whined. "I am going to stay here," he added. "Okay. Don't let anyone in the house," I instructed him. I could see him from the Parkers’ house, so I felt confident that he would be okay. He stayed in the kitchen and was sitting at the island.
We were leaving soon anyway, so I kept one eye on the house as we said our goodbyes. When Bob and I returned home, SJ was shivering. I asked him if he was feeling okay. "I am cold," he whined. I felt his head and he didn't feel feverish. I told him to go get some warm pjs on and said he was probably still cold from the pool.
He listened and Bob put on his pajamas as well. It was a very nice evening. The vow renewal was beautiful and we got to spend some time with a great bunch of folks.
The next day my husband and I were going to see A Chorus Line. SJ slept in very late (after 10). That is unusual for him. When he came downstairs, he said his belly hurt. I thought maybe he was hungry. I made him some breakfast, but he said he still didn't feel well. I took his temperature and he registered at 100.7. Oh no, I thought. I hate when they get sick when we have some place to go.
Since my parents were going to watch them, I gave him some Motrin and we took them to my parents’ house. When we got back from the show, my mom said he seemed okay. He wasn't as active as he normally is, but his fever didn't spike. We stayed at my parents' house for dinner and then we headed home.
After we were home for a few hours, SJ was nowhere to be found. I just assumed he was playing in his room. I went to check on him. He was in his pajamas and under his covers. "I don't feel good," he said to me. I checked his temperature again and he was up to 103.5 degrees. I gave him some more Motrin and he slept through the night. Poor little guy.
Fortunately, he felt all better the next day. I made sure I told Mallory about SJ's virus. Just in case any of her kids got it. Remarkably, SJ was the only one that came down with that fever virus. Hopefully, he is good now until fall.
All day long, SJ kept asking me when we were going up to the Parkers. "After 6:30, SJ," I told him repeatedly. When 6:30 came, SJ was ready to bolt out the door. When we walked up to their house, there were not any other kids in the pool yet. I saw the Parker kids, but they were in their street clothes.
"Can I get in the pool?" asked SJ. "Not until we ask Mr. Parker," I told him. It took awhile to find Marcus, since he had invited many friends. SJ was sitting near the pool looking as sad as he can possibly look. When I finally found Marcus, I asked him if it was okay for SJ to get in the pool and he replied with an "of course".
I went back outside to give SJ the good news. I told him he could stay in the pool until the ceremony was about to start. The ceremony started a little after 8. It was a beautiful but short ceremony. After the ceremony was over, SJ was back in the pool.
He was the only one (kid I mean) in the pool until about 9 o'clock. (No adults were swimming at this party.) Then, Bob and the oldest Parker kid and two other kids joined SJ in the pool. The pool water was fairly cold, so Bob only stayed in the water for 20 minutes.
Shortly after Bob got out, SJ got out and decided he was ready to go home. I told them to go home and get in their dry clothes and come back. Bob listened, but SJ never returned. I called our house phone and he answered.
"Hello," said SJ. "What are you doing? Are you coming back?" I asked him. "No, I am tired," he whined. "I am going to stay here," he added. "Okay. Don't let anyone in the house," I instructed him. I could see him from the Parkers’ house, so I felt confident that he would be okay. He stayed in the kitchen and was sitting at the island.
We were leaving soon anyway, so I kept one eye on the house as we said our goodbyes. When Bob and I returned home, SJ was shivering. I asked him if he was feeling okay. "I am cold," he whined. I felt his head and he didn't feel feverish. I told him to go get some warm pjs on and said he was probably still cold from the pool.
He listened and Bob put on his pajamas as well. It was a very nice evening. The vow renewal was beautiful and we got to spend some time with a great bunch of folks.
The next day my husband and I were going to see A Chorus Line. SJ slept in very late (after 10). That is unusual for him. When he came downstairs, he said his belly hurt. I thought maybe he was hungry. I made him some breakfast, but he said he still didn't feel well. I took his temperature and he registered at 100.7. Oh no, I thought. I hate when they get sick when we have some place to go.
Since my parents were going to watch them, I gave him some Motrin and we took them to my parents’ house. When we got back from the show, my mom said he seemed okay. He wasn't as active as he normally is, but his fever didn't spike. We stayed at my parents' house for dinner and then we headed home.
After we were home for a few hours, SJ was nowhere to be found. I just assumed he was playing in his room. I went to check on him. He was in his pajamas and under his covers. "I don't feel good," he said to me. I checked his temperature again and he was up to 103.5 degrees. I gave him some more Motrin and he slept through the night. Poor little guy.
Fortunately, he felt all better the next day. I made sure I told Mallory about SJ's virus. Just in case any of her kids got it. Remarkably, SJ was the only one that came down with that fever virus. Hopefully, he is good now until fall.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
errands, errands and more errands
On Friday, we decided to stay home from the pool. It was supposed to rain and I had many errands to run. Our first stop was the grocery store. My refrigerator was fairly bare, so my list was long. "How many items?" SJ asked. "More than 10," I replied. If I give him a specific number, he starts counting them and wants to be done when I get to that number. (I learned that lesson the hard way!) "Why so many items?" he whined. "Do you want to eat food? Well then, we have to buy groceries," I told him.
After the grocery store, we went home and unloaded our bags. (I only had about 6 bags, but they were filled to the top!) We stayed at home for a while. I did some cleaning and made the boys lunch.
When the lunch plates were cleaned up, we left again to complete our errands. The boys started crushing cans last year to make some extra money. Over the year, their interest wore off. Now, I am the one who is crushing the cans. We had two great, big bags, so it was time to drop them off at the recycling center. There was quite a line at the recycling center; however a very kind gentleman let me go ahead of him. Chivalry isn't dead! We received $14.40 for our cans, so each boy got $7.20. Not too bad for items that could have been thrown away.
Our last stop was the fabric store. I needed to get 2 inch foam and material to cover it. It took me a few minutes (okay maybe closer to 30) to find a fabric that I liked. I was waiting in line to get it cut and an older lady started talking to me. She let me go ahead of her and I told her that I was thankful since I had the boys with me. She said, "They must be good as gold. I can't even hear them." They were being quiet. They were sitting together not far from me playing their IPods. I thanked her for the compliment and we went on our way.
I told the boys that they had behaved so nicely. Since they were cooperative, we could stop for ice cream. SJ didn't want any, but he did want a drink. Bob wanted a small chocolate cone and I got one for myself. As I was driving home, I thought that older lady had paid me one of my favorite compliments. It is always nice to hear that your kids are behaving in public. I guess I am doing something right. I know she is not reading this, but she really made my day!
After the grocery store, we went home and unloaded our bags. (I only had about 6 bags, but they were filled to the top!) We stayed at home for a while. I did some cleaning and made the boys lunch.
When the lunch plates were cleaned up, we left again to complete our errands. The boys started crushing cans last year to make some extra money. Over the year, their interest wore off. Now, I am the one who is crushing the cans. We had two great, big bags, so it was time to drop them off at the recycling center. There was quite a line at the recycling center; however a very kind gentleman let me go ahead of him. Chivalry isn't dead! We received $14.40 for our cans, so each boy got $7.20. Not too bad for items that could have been thrown away.
Our last stop was the fabric store. I needed to get 2 inch foam and material to cover it. It took me a few minutes (okay maybe closer to 30) to find a fabric that I liked. I was waiting in line to get it cut and an older lady started talking to me. She let me go ahead of her and I told her that I was thankful since I had the boys with me. She said, "They must be good as gold. I can't even hear them." They were being quiet. They were sitting together not far from me playing their IPods. I thanked her for the compliment and we went on our way.
I told the boys that they had behaved so nicely. Since they were cooperative, we could stop for ice cream. SJ didn't want any, but he did want a drink. Bob wanted a small chocolate cone and I got one for myself. As I was driving home, I thought that older lady had paid me one of my favorite compliments. It is always nice to hear that your kids are behaving in public. I guess I am doing something right. I know she is not reading this, but she really made my day!
Friday, June 22, 2012
summer speech part 3
Yesterday, SJ had his weekly speech appointment. She didn't conduct any testing, but worked on his speech lessons. She focused on writing with him. She had him pick a topic (he picked "pool") and then he had to decide what the main idea was going to be (he wrote "Things I like at the pool"). She also had him state four supporting details.
His details were 1. Learned how to dive. 2. Diving board is a block. 3. There's a slide. 4. Playground.
She had to give him a few prompts to come up with some of the supporting details. He never wants to elaborate on the details. He usually just says his standard, "I don't know."
She was going to have him write the words, but he kept complaining that he was "so tired". She opted to scribe for him, but the words are his. This is his story.
Things I like to do at the pool.
Last year, I learned how to dive. I was confused because the diving board was a block instead of a board! When I was little, I couldn't dive, but after learning to dive and practicing, I got better. Now, I am a good diver.
She then asked him what the main idea was and he responded "Diving". I wish he would have given more supporting details, but I feel that he did well for his abilities. He could have added a detail about the slide and the playground. I also thought it was very smart of her to allow him to pick the topic. If he is familiar or likes a topic, you get much more work out of SJ.
She also worked on some pragmatics with him. She had him look at pictures and scenarios. She wanted to see if he could tell her what the problem in each picture was. She also wanted him to give her solutions to fix the problems in the scenarios.
She said that SJ did fairly well with this exercise. I wasn't very surprised, because when he is presented with a visual he always has an easier time.
She didn't give us any homework this week, but I am not complaining. (And neither is SJ!)
His details were 1. Learned how to dive. 2. Diving board is a block. 3. There's a slide. 4. Playground.
She had to give him a few prompts to come up with some of the supporting details. He never wants to elaborate on the details. He usually just says his standard, "I don't know."
She was going to have him write the words, but he kept complaining that he was "so tired". She opted to scribe for him, but the words are his. This is his story.
Things I like to do at the pool.
Last year, I learned how to dive. I was confused because the diving board was a block instead of a board! When I was little, I couldn't dive, but after learning to dive and practicing, I got better. Now, I am a good diver.
She then asked him what the main idea was and he responded "Diving". I wish he would have given more supporting details, but I feel that he did well for his abilities. He could have added a detail about the slide and the playground. I also thought it was very smart of her to allow him to pick the topic. If he is familiar or likes a topic, you get much more work out of SJ.
She also worked on some pragmatics with him. She had him look at pictures and scenarios. She wanted to see if he could tell her what the problem in each picture was. She also wanted him to give her solutions to fix the problems in the scenarios.
She said that SJ did fairly well with this exercise. I wasn't very surprised, because when he is presented with a visual he always has an easier time.
She didn't give us any homework this week, but I am not complaining. (And neither is SJ!)
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
father's day with the boys
On Sunday, it was Father's Day. We had picked out some gifts for my husband on Thursday at Target. Each boy picked out their own card for him as well. I had the gifts wrapped and the boys put their signed cards on each of their presents.
When my husband came downstairs, the boys presented him with their presents. SJ gave him Batman Begins, Bob gave him a PS3 controller and I gave him Sherlock Holmes. He seemed very pleased with all of his gifts.
Since it was Father's Day, I made french toast. We don't usually have french toast, since the main component to french toast is milk. If you a regular reader, you know that SJ isn't supposed to have casein (milk products). I thought it would be okay to make an exception for this special day.
SJ had three slices and later that day I realized that I should not have given him any french toast. He was like a wild man. He was repeating A LOT!!! He was also super hyper! Mental note to myself: NO FRENCH TOAST FOR SJ!
The remainder of the day was movie watching and video game playing. Exactly what my husband and the boys love to do. Besides the huge mistake I made at breakfast, I feel that my husband enjoyed his day. For all of you dads out there, I hope you got to do what you wanted to do on your day.
When my husband came downstairs, the boys presented him with their presents. SJ gave him Batman Begins, Bob gave him a PS3 controller and I gave him Sherlock Holmes. He seemed very pleased with all of his gifts.
Since it was Father's Day, I made french toast. We don't usually have french toast, since the main component to french toast is milk. If you a regular reader, you know that SJ isn't supposed to have casein (milk products). I thought it would be okay to make an exception for this special day.
SJ had three slices and later that day I realized that I should not have given him any french toast. He was like a wild man. He was repeating A LOT!!! He was also super hyper! Mental note to myself: NO FRENCH TOAST FOR SJ!
The remainder of the day was movie watching and video game playing. Exactly what my husband and the boys love to do. Besides the huge mistake I made at breakfast, I feel that my husband enjoyed his day. For all of you dads out there, I hope you got to do what you wanted to do on your day.
day with dad and a grad
On Saturday, Bob had a soccer tournament in Edinboro. I drove up to watch Bob play, so SJ was having a Dad Day. It is nice when one of the boys gets to spend alone time with one of us. They had a lazy morning, which uses entails sleeping in and playing lots of video games. They didn't get to go to the pool (a preferred activity for SJ), since my husband's nephew Leo was having his high school graduation party.
They arrived at the party shortly after it started. There weren't a ton of kids SJ's age there, so my husband said SJ seemed pretty bored. My husband told SJ he could get his IPod, so he spent the first hour sitting in a chair playing games on it.
Then, SJ decided he was going to turn on the charm. He set up a cups game (like the shell game) where he had 4 cups. He put rocks under 3 of the cups. He then had the guests guess which cup didn't have a rock under it. He charged each person a quarter to play the game.
My husband's cousin told me that SJ told her that whether they guessed right or not they didn't get a prize. "This works out great for me," said SJ. And SJ laughed and laughed. He entertained my husband's relatives for quite a while.
At the end of the party, my husband told SJ that it would be a good idea for him to put all of the money into Leo's card box (he had collected about $5). My husband said that SJ was fine with that and didn't complain a bit. (I guess we are doing something right.)
They stopped for fast food on the way home and got some movies to watch. SJ picked out Reel Steel, which he has wanted to watch for a long time. When we returned from the tournament around 9:30 p.m., SJ was in his pajamas and having his snack.
He told me all about the cup game and the grad party. He said he had so much fun with his dad. That was music to my ears!
They arrived at the party shortly after it started. There weren't a ton of kids SJ's age there, so my husband said SJ seemed pretty bored. My husband told SJ he could get his IPod, so he spent the first hour sitting in a chair playing games on it.
Then, SJ decided he was going to turn on the charm. He set up a cups game (like the shell game) where he had 4 cups. He put rocks under 3 of the cups. He then had the guests guess which cup didn't have a rock under it. He charged each person a quarter to play the game.
My husband's cousin told me that SJ told her that whether they guessed right or not they didn't get a prize. "This works out great for me," said SJ. And SJ laughed and laughed. He entertained my husband's relatives for quite a while.
At the end of the party, my husband told SJ that it would be a good idea for him to put all of the money into Leo's card box (he had collected about $5). My husband said that SJ was fine with that and didn't complain a bit. (I guess we are doing something right.)
They stopped for fast food on the way home and got some movies to watch. SJ picked out Reel Steel, which he has wanted to watch for a long time. When we returned from the tournament around 9:30 p.m., SJ was in his pajamas and having his snack.
He told me all about the cup game and the grad party. He said he had so much fun with his dad. That was music to my ears!
Sunday, June 17, 2012
sj and mom all alone!
On Friday, Bob left for his soccer tournament (one of his teammate’s mom kindly offered to take him up early). When I came back into the house after saying goodbye to Bob, SJ had a peculiar look on his face.
"What a minute Mom," said SJ. "What a minute for what SJ?" I asked him. "This is interesting. It is just you and me Mom," said SJ. "Yes. It is just you and me," I said. My husband was still at work.
"What would you like to do since it is just the two of us?" I asked him. "Let's get our bathing suits on," he said happily. "Sounds like a great idea," I told him. So, we both got on our suits and headed to the pool. Since my husband was working late that night, we stayed at the pool for about four hours. SJ was having a great time at the pool. A few of his friends were there, which made him very happy.
I decided that SJ could decide what we were going to have for dinner that night. He decided that we should have Dairy Queen. He said he would like two hamburgers, fries and a blue raspberry "Frosty Freezy Freeze" (Dairy Queen calls them Arctic Rushes). "Mom, tell them no ketchup and no mustard. I don't like the mustard that they use at Dairy Queen," he said. "I only like the mustard that they use at McDonalds," he added. "No problem, sir," I told him. Although I am pretty sure they use the same mustard at both restaurants, I still ordered his burgers "plain".
Since fast food no longer agrees with me, I only ordered dinner for SJ. I knew that I was just going to make myself an omelet when I got home. However, I did order a hot fudge sundae for myself. It was really hot on Friday and I always love ice cream on hot days.
SJ was so happy as he enjoyed his dinner. I was equally happy as I ate my dinner and dessert. After dinner, I had some painting to do. I suggested that SJ come outside and play with his remote control jeep. This way we could continue to be together and I could get some of my chores done. He brought the jeep outside and put one of his plushies in the driver's seat. He brought out his IPod and took a video of the plushy "driving" the car.
SJ and I finished off our time alone by watching some television. He snuggled up next to me on the couch and it was almost as if I traveled back in time to when he was my little, little boy. Although I missed Bob, it was very nice for SJ and I to have this alone time. Sometimes I (like most moms) am so busy trying to get the chores done; I don't stop and have these moments with my kids. I am glad that I took this break to have quality time with SJ. I will remember this day for a long time!
"What a minute Mom," said SJ. "What a minute for what SJ?" I asked him. "This is interesting. It is just you and me Mom," said SJ. "Yes. It is just you and me," I said. My husband was still at work.
"What would you like to do since it is just the two of us?" I asked him. "Let's get our bathing suits on," he said happily. "Sounds like a great idea," I told him. So, we both got on our suits and headed to the pool. Since my husband was working late that night, we stayed at the pool for about four hours. SJ was having a great time at the pool. A few of his friends were there, which made him very happy.
I decided that SJ could decide what we were going to have for dinner that night. He decided that we should have Dairy Queen. He said he would like two hamburgers, fries and a blue raspberry "Frosty Freezy Freeze" (Dairy Queen calls them Arctic Rushes). "Mom, tell them no ketchup and no mustard. I don't like the mustard that they use at Dairy Queen," he said. "I only like the mustard that they use at McDonalds," he added. "No problem, sir," I told him. Although I am pretty sure they use the same mustard at both restaurants, I still ordered his burgers "plain".
Since fast food no longer agrees with me, I only ordered dinner for SJ. I knew that I was just going to make myself an omelet when I got home. However, I did order a hot fudge sundae for myself. It was really hot on Friday and I always love ice cream on hot days.
SJ was so happy as he enjoyed his dinner. I was equally happy as I ate my dinner and dessert. After dinner, I had some painting to do. I suggested that SJ come outside and play with his remote control jeep. This way we could continue to be together and I could get some of my chores done. He brought the jeep outside and put one of his plushies in the driver's seat. He brought out his IPod and took a video of the plushy "driving" the car.
SJ and I finished off our time alone by watching some television. He snuggled up next to me on the couch and it was almost as if I traveled back in time to when he was my little, little boy. Although I missed Bob, it was very nice for SJ and I to have this alone time. Sometimes I (like most moms) am so busy trying to get the chores done; I don't stop and have these moments with my kids. I am glad that I took this break to have quality time with SJ. I will remember this day for a long time!
summer speech part 2
Well, SJ was particularly sad this Thursday. His speech time had been changed due to a double booking of patients. I didn't really understand why SJ's appointment had to be the one to be changed, but it is what it is. When I told SJ about it after the scheduler called me, he was immediately upset. You wouldn't think having your appointment an hour earlier would be a big deal, but to SJ it was.
You see, SJ's appointment used to be over right as McDonalds was ready to serve lunch. That is part of his routine. Go to speech and then you get McDonalds. He immediately knew that would not be possible anymore, since McDonalds will still be serving breakfast when his appointment is over. He cried for about an hour when I told him about the time change.
I told him that by the time we got close to our house we would be able to go to a McDonalds there. He would not even begin to listen to this. So he continued to cry. Poor guy!
When we arrived on Thursday morning, I told his therapist about SJ's reaction to the time change. She said she would look into it and see what could be done. If it can't be changed, SJ will just have to adjust.
When the appointment was done, she told me she finished the pragmatics testing. She hadn't scored it yet, but she feels he still will need work in that area. She is going to continue the testing next week. She sent us home with a worksheet on main ideas. The topic is Kennywood (our local amusement park), so I am hoping it will hold his interest. I am planning on working on that homework tomorrow.
You see, SJ's appointment used to be over right as McDonalds was ready to serve lunch. That is part of his routine. Go to speech and then you get McDonalds. He immediately knew that would not be possible anymore, since McDonalds will still be serving breakfast when his appointment is over. He cried for about an hour when I told him about the time change.
I told him that by the time we got close to our house we would be able to go to a McDonalds there. He would not even begin to listen to this. So he continued to cry. Poor guy!
When we arrived on Thursday morning, I told his therapist about SJ's reaction to the time change. She said she would look into it and see what could be done. If it can't be changed, SJ will just have to adjust.
When the appointment was done, she told me she finished the pragmatics testing. She hadn't scored it yet, but she feels he still will need work in that area. She is going to continue the testing next week. She sent us home with a worksheet on main ideas. The topic is Kennywood (our local amusement park), so I am hoping it will hold his interest. I am planning on working on that homework tomorrow.
As soon as we got in the car, SJ said, “What about McDonalds?” I said, “They aren’t ready for lunch yet. Maybe we can stop at the one near our house.” He moaned for a few minutes and his mood improved when we got to the Circle Store (Target). He brought his wallet and picked out a new Lego set. By the time we got close to home, he had completely forgotten about McDonalds.
I asked if he wanted to go there and he simply said “Nah.” So it seems that the crisis is averted. That is at least until next Thursday.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
grammy and pappy bonding
On Tuesday, we met my mom, who the boys refer to as Grammy, for lunch and shopping. We first had lunch at one of our favorite restaurants, Chili's. The boys had their usual dinners (pizza and fries for Bob and grilled cheese and fries for SJ) and I had my usual (grilled chicken sandwich with their most delicious mashed potatoes--yummy!). Grammy got bacon chicken quesadillas. We all enjoyed our meals and it gave the boys time to chat with Grammy.
After lunch, we went over to the mall to get dress shoes for the wedding that the boys are in at the end of June. I wasn't expecting this to go well, but I was happily surprised. We were able to find a pair for each of the boys within 30 minutes. When we finished shoe shopping, we went to a different store to buy a bathing suit for myself. I had my mom supervise the boys while I went through the excruciating task of trying on suits. Fortunately, both boys had electronics to keep them occupied for the 60 minutes that it took me to find a suit.
"Why does it take girls so long to find a bathing suit?" Bob asked me. "I could have found 10 suits in the time that it took you," he added. "Well, you are a boy and it is much harder for girls," I told him. After my mom paid for my suit (an early birthday present), we drug the boys to the shorts section for me to find a pair of jean shorts. Luckily, I found them within minutes. We said goodbye to Grammy and went home.
The next day, my parents came over to watch the boys while I went to get a haircut. When my dad, who my kids call Pappy, came up the stairs, he was wearing a Heinz ketchup shirt. SJ looked at my dad and smiled. "Hey Pappy, is that a ketchup shirt?" he asked my dad. "Yes, it is," my dad answered. "Can I hug you and squirt ketchup out of you?" SJ asked him with an even bigger smile. My dad just laughed and said, "You are too much, SJ."
While I was gone, the boys ate dinner with my parents. I had ordered a pizza. I limit the cheese that SJ eats, but it has been a while since he had pizza. Apparently, Bob had to remind SJ to only have two slices. If he has too much pizza, he gets a little crazy. My mom said that Bob then ate two more slices and put the last two slices in the fridge. When I got home, I decided to eat the leftover pizza. SJ just sat there and looked so sad as I ate my dinner. I felt bad, but I don't want him to go crazy from eating too much pizza.
My mom told me that SJ showed her his yearbook. He had scribbled in his yearbook and I wasn't pleased with this behavior. He told her that I had yelled at him and he would never do it again. I wish SJ would have shared a better story with my parents, but I am glad that they get to spend quality time with them.
After lunch, we went over to the mall to get dress shoes for the wedding that the boys are in at the end of June. I wasn't expecting this to go well, but I was happily surprised. We were able to find a pair for each of the boys within 30 minutes. When we finished shoe shopping, we went to a different store to buy a bathing suit for myself. I had my mom supervise the boys while I went through the excruciating task of trying on suits. Fortunately, both boys had electronics to keep them occupied for the 60 minutes that it took me to find a suit.
"Why does it take girls so long to find a bathing suit?" Bob asked me. "I could have found 10 suits in the time that it took you," he added. "Well, you are a boy and it is much harder for girls," I told him. After my mom paid for my suit (an early birthday present), we drug the boys to the shorts section for me to find a pair of jean shorts. Luckily, I found them within minutes. We said goodbye to Grammy and went home.
The next day, my parents came over to watch the boys while I went to get a haircut. When my dad, who my kids call Pappy, came up the stairs, he was wearing a Heinz ketchup shirt. SJ looked at my dad and smiled. "Hey Pappy, is that a ketchup shirt?" he asked my dad. "Yes, it is," my dad answered. "Can I hug you and squirt ketchup out of you?" SJ asked him with an even bigger smile. My dad just laughed and said, "You are too much, SJ."
While I was gone, the boys ate dinner with my parents. I had ordered a pizza. I limit the cheese that SJ eats, but it has been a while since he had pizza. Apparently, Bob had to remind SJ to only have two slices. If he has too much pizza, he gets a little crazy. My mom said that Bob then ate two more slices and put the last two slices in the fridge. When I got home, I decided to eat the leftover pizza. SJ just sat there and looked so sad as I ate my dinner. I felt bad, but I don't want him to go crazy from eating too much pizza.
My mom told me that SJ showed her his yearbook. He had scribbled in his yearbook and I wasn't pleased with this behavior. He told her that I had yelled at him and he would never do it again. I wish SJ would have shared a better story with my parents, but I am glad that they get to spend quality time with them.
Monday, June 11, 2012
typical is boring
On Saturday, we participated in the Walk Now for Autism Speaks walk. It was a beautiful day for the walk. It was sunny and around 84 degrees. In the past, we have walked in temperatures that were above 100, so 84 degrees seemed quite pleasant.
Saturday morning we arrived at the walk at 9:30 a.m. We met up with the rest of our team at the registration station. Our team consisted of our immediate family plus my husband's nephew, his fiancée, my husband's niece and her boyfriend. I had t-shirts made in SJ's favorite color (orange) and had our saying "Typical is Boring" place on the back. The shirts were a big hit!
I have been collecting donations since April. I sold puzzle pieces at our local schools and took in donations through my friends and family. Everyone was very generous this year. I was really taken by their generosity. Due to the fact that we were able to collect so many donations, we were allowed to go into the Grand Club area.
The Grand Club area was so nice. They had refreshments, Build-a-Bears, tickets for a Pirates game and chances for a silent auction. I gave a ticket to each of the boys and my husband's niece and his nephew's fiancée. Our niece even won the basket that she placed her ticket in. She got a very cute Build-a-Bear that was decorated with Autism puzzle pieces. Around 10:00 a.m., the walk began. Our team joined the rest of many walkers that were in attendance.
I love being at the walk. It is so comforting to be surrounded by other families that are going through what our family goes through daily. I am also blessed that SJ was diagnosed early and has only minimal difficulties from being on the spectrum. That is why this walk is so important. If the donated money can help researchers find out what is causing this epidemic, millions of families will benefit. I hope that we will see that happen in our lifetime.
Saturday morning we arrived at the walk at 9:30 a.m. We met up with the rest of our team at the registration station. Our team consisted of our immediate family plus my husband's nephew, his fiancée, my husband's niece and her boyfriend. I had t-shirts made in SJ's favorite color (orange) and had our saying "Typical is Boring" place on the back. The shirts were a big hit!
I have been collecting donations since April. I sold puzzle pieces at our local schools and took in donations through my friends and family. Everyone was very generous this year. I was really taken by their generosity. Due to the fact that we were able to collect so many donations, we were allowed to go into the Grand Club area.
The Grand Club area was so nice. They had refreshments, Build-a-Bears, tickets for a Pirates game and chances for a silent auction. I gave a ticket to each of the boys and my husband's niece and his nephew's fiancée. Our niece even won the basket that she placed her ticket in. She got a very cute Build-a-Bear that was decorated with Autism puzzle pieces. Around 10:00 a.m., the walk began. Our team joined the rest of many walkers that were in attendance.
I love being at the walk. It is so comforting to be surrounded by other families that are going through what our family goes through daily. I am also blessed that SJ was diagnosed early and has only minimal difficulties from being on the spectrum. That is why this walk is so important. If the donated money can help researchers find out what is causing this epidemic, millions of families will benefit. I hope that we will see that happen in our lifetime.
summer speech part 1
On Thursday, SJ began his summer speech sessions. When we arrived at the therapy center, SJ's therapist told me she would be testing SJ. She said he hadn't been tested in some time, so she asked if it was okay if she started the testing on that day. She told me it would take several sessions and I told her that was fine with me. I told her it would be interesting to see where his baseline is at now.
When SJ was finished, she told me that today's testing focused on pragmatics (language used appropriately in social situations) and inferences. She said that SJ did okay, but not surprisingly he did have some difficulties with the inferences. However, she was happily pleased that he did better than expected with the pragmatic portion.
SJ also was very talkative with his therapist. He was telling her all about his experience with the suit fittings and he told her about his fun field day. She told him it was her daughter's birthday and he appropriately asked her how old she was and what she was getting her for a present. I was very pleased when his therapist told me how socially inquisitive he was concerning her daughter's birthday.
After we left speech, SJ was starving. We stopped at McDonald's and got his usual lunch. We were not able to go to the pool, because both boys had dentist appointments that afternoon. We arrived home around 12 and Bob returned from the neighbors. The boys had a couple hours to relax and then we were off to the dentist.
SJ had the first appointment. They were both getting cleanings and then the orthodontist was checking them to see if they were in the need of braces yet. Both boys did great. Incredibly, both boys were cavity free. I say incredibly because both my husband and I are constantly on them to do a better job brushing their teeth. The orthodontist said they are still doing okay and aren't quite ready for braces. Whew! A sigh of relief washed over both boys and my pocketbook.
When we left the dentist, I was glad that our very full day was over!
When SJ was finished, she told me that today's testing focused on pragmatics (language used appropriately in social situations) and inferences. She said that SJ did okay, but not surprisingly he did have some difficulties with the inferences. However, she was happily pleased that he did better than expected with the pragmatic portion.
SJ also was very talkative with his therapist. He was telling her all about his experience with the suit fittings and he told her about his fun field day. She told him it was her daughter's birthday and he appropriately asked her how old she was and what she was getting her for a present. I was very pleased when his therapist told me how socially inquisitive he was concerning her daughter's birthday.
After we left speech, SJ was starving. We stopped at McDonald's and got his usual lunch. We were not able to go to the pool, because both boys had dentist appointments that afternoon. We arrived home around 12 and Bob returned from the neighbors. The boys had a couple hours to relax and then we were off to the dentist.
SJ had the first appointment. They were both getting cleanings and then the orthodontist was checking them to see if they were in the need of braces yet. Both boys did great. Incredibly, both boys were cavity free. I say incredibly because both my husband and I are constantly on them to do a better job brushing their teeth. The orthodontist said they are still doing okay and aren't quite ready for braces. Whew! A sigh of relief washed over both boys and my pocketbook.
When we left the dentist, I was glad that our very full day was over!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
last day as a fourth grader :(
Friday was the boys last day of school for the year. They had a short day (just a little over a half day), so they were dismissed shortly after lunch. When I returned from the school that I work at, I was walking students out to their buses. I walked by Mr. Gold's room and stopped to thank him again for being such a great teacher to SJ.
SJ was still in his room, which is unusual for SJ. Usually, he has already headed up to the office to wait for me to pick him and Bob up. He walked up to where I was talking to Mr. Gold and asked me where he should go. I told him I still had to walk the students out, so I told him to go to the office.
At that point, I noticed that SJ's eyes were teary. Mr. Gold told me that he really enjoyed having SJ in class this year and he then he looked at SJ. "You will do great in 5th grade, SJ," said Mr. Gold.
Then, SJ leaned in and gave Mr. Gold a hug. And not a hug like SJ usually gives. He usually half turns his body toward you and the person he is "hugging" has to put their arms around him. However when he hugged Mr. Gold, he actually gave him a real hug. I couldn't believe my eyes. I had never seen him do this before. I was touched that SJ made a real connection with Mr. Gold.
After SJ walked away to go the office, I could feel myself getting teary. "You really had an effect on him," I said to Mr. Gold. He smiled at me and I walked my students out to their buses.
When I finally got up to the office, SJ was still somewhat teary. When we got outside, I asked SJ if he was okay. He mumbled that he was. "Are you still crying?" I asked him. "No. I am not crying, Mom. I am just sweating from my eyes," said SJ. Sweating from the eyes. I haven't heard that term in a while. I know he is a little sad to be done with school and that he will miss Mr. Gold. Even if he can't express that with his words, his eyes tell me exactly what he is feeling.
SJ was still in his room, which is unusual for SJ. Usually, he has already headed up to the office to wait for me to pick him and Bob up. He walked up to where I was talking to Mr. Gold and asked me where he should go. I told him I still had to walk the students out, so I told him to go to the office.
At that point, I noticed that SJ's eyes were teary. Mr. Gold told me that he really enjoyed having SJ in class this year and he then he looked at SJ. "You will do great in 5th grade, SJ," said Mr. Gold.
Then, SJ leaned in and gave Mr. Gold a hug. And not a hug like SJ usually gives. He usually half turns his body toward you and the person he is "hugging" has to put their arms around him. However when he hugged Mr. Gold, he actually gave him a real hug. I couldn't believe my eyes. I had never seen him do this before. I was touched that SJ made a real connection with Mr. Gold.
After SJ walked away to go the office, I could feel myself getting teary. "You really had an effect on him," I said to Mr. Gold. He smiled at me and I walked my students out to their buses.
When I finally got up to the office, SJ was still somewhat teary. When we got outside, I asked SJ if he was okay. He mumbled that he was. "Are you still crying?" I asked him. "No. I am not crying, Mom. I am just sweating from my eyes," said SJ. Sweating from the eyes. I haven't heard that term in a while. I know he is a little sad to be done with school and that he will miss Mr. Gold. Even if he can't express that with his words, his eyes tell me exactly what he is feeling.
Monday, June 4, 2012
after school speech part 31 and suit fitting
Last Thursday, SJ had his last after school speech. Starting this Thursday, he will have speech during the day. We headed out to speech right after I picked them up at school. There was no time to go home today. We had lots to do. I stopped and got Bob his dinner at Subway (12 inch flatbread with only ham and American cheese). I offered to get SJ Dairy Queen, but he wanted to wait to get his usual, McDonald's. He did pick up a drink in Subway, because he was "so thirsty that he couldn't stand it!"
Since we went straight from school, we were able to stop at McDonald's before speech. SJ got his usual (2 hamburgers no pickles and medium fries). He finished both burgers and most of his fries when it was time to go in for his appointment.
This week his therapist used an excerpt from a story that he is already familiar with, "Diary of a Wimpy Kid". She told him they were going to try to find out different things from the story. She focused on Main Idea, Questions, Retelling/Sequencing, Inferencing/Feelings and Predicting.
For predictions, SJ said that Greg (the main character) was probably going to use a diary. After she had him read it aloud, she had him retell the story. He told her that Greg was in middle school. Greg's mom bought him a diary. Greg doesn't want the diary. Greg will use it, so he doesn't have to tell stories later. SJ was correct in his prediction and retelling of the story.
She then had him tell her what the main idea was. He said that Greg's mom bought the diary and he wants to it to be a journal. However, Greg doesn't really want a journal or a diary. He was pretty close. She then had him discuss Greg's feelings. He felt that Greg was a little mad and annoyed. SJ was right on that point. Greg is annoyed with his mom and he is annoyed that he is going to be attending this new school where he may get bullied due to his stature.
That activity took up most of the session. SJ also told her all about his field trip and how the next day was to be the last day of school. After we left speech, I had to take the boys to Men's Warehouse to get fitted for suits. Both boys are going to be in my husband's nephew's wedding at the end of June. I had tried to take them once before months ago, but the clerk was concerned that they may grow and would have to be refitted (he was right for SJ, not for Bob.)
So, we finally made it to the suit store and I told them that I didn't want any bad behavior in the store. I told them the consequence for bad behavior would be no screens (IPods, computer, IPad or television) for a whole week. That is practically death to them.
We went inside and there was only one gentleman ahead of us. She finished up and started our fitting. SJ was first to try on the suit. He was in the changing room and I could hear him. "I look terrible, I look terrible, I look terrible," he was whining. I went in to help him. He looked so handsome. The clothes were a little big and the shoes were a little tight, but he still looked so handsome.
She had him stand on the platform and she did all the measurements. He continued to say that he looked terrible and I continued to reassure him that he did not. I could see the gentleman's bride trying not to laugh. I looked at her and thought, "Go ahead and laugh." It was funny, but I didn't want him to think I was laughing because he looked bad. Finally, he was done and it was Bob's turn. He didn't like the way he looked either, but he was able to only complain to me when I was assisting him with his shoes.
Overall, they did fairly well in the store. Honestly, I thought it would be much worse. Then, we began our long drive home. When we were about 10 minutes from our house, SJ said he “just had to get out of the car”. I told him, "Well, it will take you a lot longer than 10 minutes to walk home." He piped down and we finally made it home. We arrived in our driveway almost 12 hours after we left it this morning. At least there was only one more day of school.
field trip day
When the boys returned to school on Tuesday, they both had their field trips. Bob was going to the Carnegie Science Center and SJ was going on tours of PNC Park and Heinz Field. (For those of you who are not from Pittsburgh, that is the Pirates baseball park and the Steelers football stadium.) It was a nice day, but it was threatening to rain.
When I picked up the boys from school, I asked how the field trips were. I got Bob's standard "okay" and SJ said it was fun. He then proceeded to tell me all about it. I had actually been on this field trip a few years ago when I was assigned to a fourth grade student. It is a great field trip.
You begin at PNC Park. They give you a full access tour. You get to see the fancy boxes, the club room, the press room, the indoor batting cages, the dugout and they let you feel the grass. It is two different kinds of grass that make a perfect blend for baseball. They don't show you the locker rooms. It is a MLB regulation. The tour guides at PNC are very knowledgeable and make the tour fun.
After PNC, you make the short walk to Heinz Field. The teachers have the kids eat their lunches on the steps near the river. It is so calm in that spot and it is a beautiful view. After lunch, the students tour Heinz Field. During this tour, you do get to see the locker rooms and the field. There also are many informational exhibits about the Steelers. It is not a bad tour, but personally I preferred the PNC tour.
SJ told me that they weren't able to go on the field at PNC since it has rained right before they got there. Bummer! Other than that slight disappointment, he seemed to really enjoy it. I am glad that one of my boys showed some enthusiasm for their field trip. I guess Bob's teacher would have to take them to an arcade to get enthusiasm out of him. Oh well, any field trip is better than a day in school.
When I picked up the boys from school, I asked how the field trips were. I got Bob's standard "okay" and SJ said it was fun. He then proceeded to tell me all about it. I had actually been on this field trip a few years ago when I was assigned to a fourth grade student. It is a great field trip.
You begin at PNC Park. They give you a full access tour. You get to see the fancy boxes, the club room, the press room, the indoor batting cages, the dugout and they let you feel the grass. It is two different kinds of grass that make a perfect blend for baseball. They don't show you the locker rooms. It is a MLB regulation. The tour guides at PNC are very knowledgeable and make the tour fun.
After PNC, you make the short walk to Heinz Field. The teachers have the kids eat their lunches on the steps near the river. It is so calm in that spot and it is a beautiful view. After lunch, the students tour Heinz Field. During this tour, you do get to see the locker rooms and the field. There also are many informational exhibits about the Steelers. It is not a bad tour, but personally I preferred the PNC tour.
SJ told me that they weren't able to go on the field at PNC since it has rained right before they got there. Bummer! Other than that slight disappointment, he seemed to really enjoy it. I am glad that one of my boys showed some enthusiasm for their field trip. I guess Bob's teacher would have to take them to an arcade to get enthusiasm out of him. Oh well, any field trip is better than a day in school.
memorial day activities
Over Memorial Day weekend, we didn't have any real plans. Our big plans were to go to the pool and we had my parents and my uncle over on Saturday evening. After we spent our day at the pool (see last post), the boys and I headed home to get dinner ready for our guests. My husband and I have been finishing our basement and were hoping to have an indoor movie night (via lawn chairs since our furniture has not yet arrived). That was not to be, but we did have fun with our guests.
I knew my parents and uncle weren't to arrive until after 6, so I made the boys their dinner early. I knew they weren't going to like anything that I was planning on serving, and I wasn’t up for a great big argument with the boys. For our guests, I had made corn on the cob, grilled pork tenderloin, pork and beans and brownie sundaes for dessert. Since the movie idea fell through, we decided to have a fire outside. The boys really enjoyed this, as did my uncle. He lives in California and it is obviously frowned upon there due to the dryness of the landscape.
The boys roasted (and burnt) many marshmallows. We stayed outside by the fire until after 11. Around 10, the boys got tired and made their way into bed. (They had a long day with the swimming and fire activity.) It was a very nice low-key way to spend the holiday.
On Sunday and Monday, our only plans were to go to the pool, which we did. On Sunday, we only stayed for 90 minutes. There was a storm that came through, so the pool had to be evacuated. After 20 minutes of waiting and continual thunder, we decided to leave. My husband rigged up the basement and the boys and he watched some television in the unfinished theater room.
On Monday, the rain went away and the sun and heat returned. The boys and I went to the pool while my husband stayed at home to work on projects. It was so crowded at the pool on Memorial Day. SJ was a little put out that we didn't get our usual spot. I told him that it was fine and I found a different spot. He and Bob went right in the pool. I also went in the pool shortly after them. The heat was even too much for me that day.
We stayed for about three hours and went home to get rested for the last week of school. Although we didn't have any picnics to go to or any real firm plans, I really enjoyed this relaxing holiday weekend.
I knew my parents and uncle weren't to arrive until after 6, so I made the boys their dinner early. I knew they weren't going to like anything that I was planning on serving, and I wasn’t up for a great big argument with the boys. For our guests, I had made corn on the cob, grilled pork tenderloin, pork and beans and brownie sundaes for dessert. Since the movie idea fell through, we decided to have a fire outside. The boys really enjoyed this, as did my uncle. He lives in California and it is obviously frowned upon there due to the dryness of the landscape.
The boys roasted (and burnt) many marshmallows. We stayed outside by the fire until after 11. Around 10, the boys got tired and made their way into bed. (They had a long day with the swimming and fire activity.) It was a very nice low-key way to spend the holiday.
On Sunday and Monday, our only plans were to go to the pool, which we did. On Sunday, we only stayed for 90 minutes. There was a storm that came through, so the pool had to be evacuated. After 20 minutes of waiting and continual thunder, we decided to leave. My husband rigged up the basement and the boys and he watched some television in the unfinished theater room.
On Monday, the rain went away and the sun and heat returned. The boys and I went to the pool while my husband stayed at home to work on projects. It was so crowded at the pool on Memorial Day. SJ was a little put out that we didn't get our usual spot. I told him that it was fine and I found a different spot. He and Bob went right in the pool. I also went in the pool shortly after them. The heat was even too much for me that day.
We stayed for about three hours and went home to get rested for the last week of school. Although we didn't have any picnics to go to or any real firm plans, I really enjoyed this relaxing holiday weekend.
can't wait to get to the pool!
Two Saturdays ago, it was Memorial Day weekend. I got up at 7:30 a.m. I started to throw in some laundry. Bob was up and already downstairs (his bed was unmade but empty) and I assumed SJ was watching television in the playroom (I could hear that it was on, since it is right next to the laundry room.)
After I was done sorting the wash and started load number one of the day, I peeked into the playroom to see what SJ was watching. He was watching some kind of cartoon, but the cartoon that I saw wasn't what made me laugh. There was SJ sitting on the floor in his bathing suit. Remember, it was 7:30 in the morning.
"So, I guess you are excited to go to the pool?" I asked him. "When are we leaving, Mom?" he asked me. "Not for at least 5 hours," I replied. Our pool opens daily at noon, but honestly we never even leave our house until at least 12:30 p.m.
I went downstairs to make breakfast and I asked my husband if he saw SJ yet. He said he had as a smile had appeared on his face. SJ makes us both laugh at the silly things he does sometimes. It would have never occurred to Bob to put on his suit that early. Sure, he was excited to go to the pool too. However, he knows that we never leave until after lunch time.
We did eventually make it to the pool at 12:45. It wasn't too crowded considering it was a billion degrees out (actually it was just 94 degrees). SJ ran in to get our spot and informed me that he had already put on his sunscreen at home (he doesn't want to miss a second of pool time). He was right in the pool. He knows that at the beginning of each hour there is an adult swim.
At 1:00 when the lifeguards blew their whistles for adult swim, SJ's pool routine began.
· Get out of the pool
· Have a snack at the blanket
· Play in the baby pool or at the park
· At 13 minutes after the hour, go back to the deep end
· Dive in the pool when the lifeguards blow their whistles to end adult swim.
I watched this routine occur three times of this day (we had stayed until 4 p.m.). I love taking the boys to the pool. SJ is so happy when he is in the water. A strange phenomenon happens after SJ swims. He seems to be calmer. It is a sensory calming activity for him. When he is in the water, many of his PDD characteristics disappear. He becomes more social and repeats less.
Even when he joins Bob over at the park for Four Square time, he is beginning to blend in more with the typical kids. It may be that he is maturing or it may be the water. Whatever it is, we will continue to let the pool do its magic. I am so glad summer is here!
Saturday, June 2, 2012
field day
Last Friday, our elementary school had their Field Day. It is my favorite activity that the school does for the students. The students (4th-6th in the morning and 1st-3rd in the afternoon) rotate through stations. They have tug-o-war/potato sack races, an obstacle course, bouncy houses, a deejay/dancing station, snacks and indoor volleyball. I have volunteered for this day every year since Bob was in first grade.
SJ and Bob's classes were in the first group. I was not assigned to either of their classes or a specific station, so I milled around to see if anyone needed help. No one really needed an extra pair of hands, so I was able to snap tons of pictures of my boys at their various stations. Bob and SJ seemed to be having a great time.
I did jump in on the tug-o-war station. I missed SJ’s class, but was able to assist the girls in Bob’s class takedown the boys. I love girl power!
There was only one time that it was obvious that SJ was about to have a meltdown. He was in the gym participating in the volleyball game. He kept missing or dropping the ball and he was getting very sad and frustrated. As I stood there, I was in a quandary of whether I should step in and give him direction. I noticed his classmates were consoling him when he began to get teary.
He looked over at me with a very red and wet face and I told him that he was fine. (I knew he wasn't, but he has to learn to get through these frustrating situations.) He missed a ball again and fell to the floor. I said, "Just get up, SJ. You are fine." He listened, but continued to cry. I decided to walk out of the gym, since it was becoming much too hard for me to witness his pain.
A few minutes later, his class came out to go to the snack station. He was still slightly teary, but he was trying to recover. I walked over to ask him if he was okay. "I hate volleyball!" he said to me. "It is okay. You are done with that station. Enjoy your snack," I told him. After having some orange drink and a freeze pop, he was back to happy SJ. Thank goodness.
Overall, the boys really enjoyed themselves. It was very warm (94 degrees and HUMID!), but the kids didn't seem to mind that much. I was so glad that once again I was able to participate in such a fun day with my kids. These are the days that make being a mom so much fun!
SJ and Bob's classes were in the first group. I was not assigned to either of their classes or a specific station, so I milled around to see if anyone needed help. No one really needed an extra pair of hands, so I was able to snap tons of pictures of my boys at their various stations. Bob and SJ seemed to be having a great time.
I did jump in on the tug-o-war station. I missed SJ’s class, but was able to assist the girls in Bob’s class takedown the boys. I love girl power!
There was only one time that it was obvious that SJ was about to have a meltdown. He was in the gym participating in the volleyball game. He kept missing or dropping the ball and he was getting very sad and frustrated. As I stood there, I was in a quandary of whether I should step in and give him direction. I noticed his classmates were consoling him when he began to get teary.
He looked over at me with a very red and wet face and I told him that he was fine. (I knew he wasn't, but he has to learn to get through these frustrating situations.) He missed a ball again and fell to the floor. I said, "Just get up, SJ. You are fine." He listened, but continued to cry. I decided to walk out of the gym, since it was becoming much too hard for me to witness his pain.
A few minutes later, his class came out to go to the snack station. He was still slightly teary, but he was trying to recover. I walked over to ask him if he was okay. "I hate volleyball!" he said to me. "It is okay. You are done with that station. Enjoy your snack," I told him. After having some orange drink and a freeze pop, he was back to happy SJ. Thank goodness.
Overall, the boys really enjoyed themselves. It was very warm (94 degrees and HUMID!), but the kids didn't seem to mind that much. I was so glad that once again I was able to participate in such a fun day with my kids. These are the days that make being a mom so much fun!
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