Yesterday, I got a call from Mrs. Banks at work. Normally, she would have been tutoring SJ, since it was a Wednesday. I had cancelled the tutoring appointment, since we were headed to the Pirates game that evening. Immediately, I assumed he had gotten into some trouble at school. I always assume the worse (they are boys!).
She said she had spoken to his teacher, Mrs. Hazelnut. Mrs. Hazelnut co-teaches his English/Language Arts class. He had been taking the state mandated tests since Monday. She wanted to see how SJ was handling the tests. This was a fair question, because in the past he has not handled them very well.
She was happy to report that Mrs. Hazelnut told her that he has been doing a fabulous job. He hasn't complained, grumbled or had a meltdown all week. She said he has been cooperative and has worked very diligently on the language arts portion of the tests (math is next week).
I was so happy to hear this. It was music to my ears. Mrs. Banks also said that she told Mrs. Hazelnut that he has hardly complained to her about reading in their tutoring sessions as well. I said, "I have a theory." I told her that I think he is working so hard, because he believes that he will be able to be in a "regular" language arts class in 9th grade if he does well on these tests.
She agreed with my theory. She also said that she thinks it is great that he has realized that maybe he could be out of co-taught language arts if he does better on the tests. We won't know until the end of the school year how he does. For his sake, I hope all his hard work pays off!
Thursday, April 14, 2016
8th grade tutoring #10 and #11
Two weeks ago, SJ had his weekly tutoring session with Mrs. Banks. Before the session started, I got a text from Mrs. Banks. This was our exchange.
I then called SJ. He answered immediately. I told him that Mrs. Banks was waiting for him. He said he didn't want to have tutoring. I told him that was too bad and if he didn't go downstairs immediately there would be big trouble when I got home.
I sent Mrs. Banks another text.
After his session was over, I sent her a follow up text. I thought SJ may have given her a hard time. Here are our text exchanges.
Last week, SJ was waiting for Mrs. Banks when she arrived (I gave him several reminders in the morning). She sent me a text after their session was over to update me on his progress. Here is our exchange.
I had cancelled his appointment the next week (yesterday), because we had plans to go to a Pirates game. More to come in two weeks.
"I'm in the basement and have called for SJ. No sign of life upstairs."
"Ok. I will text him."
I then called SJ. He answered immediately. I told him that Mrs. Banks was waiting for him. He said he didn't want to have tutoring. I told him that was too bad and if he didn't go downstairs immediately there would be big trouble when I got home.
I sent Mrs. Banks another text.
"I just talked to him. He should be down shortly."
"He arrived."
After his session was over, I sent her a follow up text. I thought SJ may have given her a hard time. Here are our text exchanges.
"How was he today?"
"He was good. He really didn't complain. We talked about his birthday and Easter and then read a really long chapter. He remembered all of the details too."
"Yeah!"
Last week, SJ was waiting for Mrs. Banks when she arrived (I gave him several reminders in the morning). She sent me a text after their session was over to update me on his progress. Here is our exchange.
"SJ did well tonight. We finished reading Chapter 2 and began Chapter 3. He was able to find a lot of answers to the questions. We had a good discussion about a new character that was added to the story."
"Glad to hear. I guess he was ready for you today?"
"He was in the kitchen when I came in. He grumbled down the steps and then happily read with me."
"Good. Better than last week."
I had cancelled his appointment the next week (yesterday), because we had plans to go to a Pirates game. More to come in two weeks.
Friday, March 25, 2016
sj...aka ninja warrior birthday boy
Last Sunday, we had SJ's 14th birthday party. He invited 7 friends. They were all able to come except for one (that is pretty good odds). We couldn't fit all the boys in one vehicle, so I had Bob, Topher, George and Kingston in my car. My husband had SJ, Willie, Garry and Dallas in his vehicle. The trampoline park that we were going to was about 40 minutes from our house. Our jump time was scheduled for 12, but we didn't actually make it there until almost 12:30. Kingston's grandfather got a little lost on the way to our house (no biggie).
We stopped at McDonald's to get the boys lunch. We let them have anything they wanted, so we had a variety of orders (Big Macs, Chicken Nuggets, breakfast sandwiches, etc.). The manager didn't seem to care that we were a little late. We signed up for a 90 minute session. In that 90 minutes, they could do the trampolines, dodgeball, rock climbing wall or the ninja course.
They all decided to begin with the ninja course. They were in there for over 15 minutes (and they cheated a little). They moved on to the trampolines and then dodgeball. They also had a huge airbag that you could jump into from a platform. They were back and forth between all the areas so many times. Some preferred dodgeball and some of the other boys preferred the ninja course. As long as they were having fun, all was good.
Only Topher and Bob braved the rock climbing wall. They both said it was very hard. Bob got slightly higher than Topher and that is saying a lot since Topher is over 6 feet tall.
When our 90 minutes were over, we drove back home. We only had 30 minutes until parent pick up, so we sang to SJ right away. The boys ate gluten free cupcakes and had chocolate ice cream while SJ opened his cards and presents.
They went outside for their remaining time at our house. Some of the boys played basketball, some played soccer and the rest tossed a whistling Nerf football. All the boys behaved nicely, had great manners and were very fun to be around. Once again, I am very thankful for the boys in SJ's grade. They are always so accepting and kind to him. I am glad he is able to have genuine friends.
I am so glad one of my new friends from work told me about this trampoline park. We will definitely be going back there soon!
We stopped at McDonald's to get the boys lunch. We let them have anything they wanted, so we had a variety of orders (Big Macs, Chicken Nuggets, breakfast sandwiches, etc.). The manager didn't seem to care that we were a little late. We signed up for a 90 minute session. In that 90 minutes, they could do the trampolines, dodgeball, rock climbing wall or the ninja course.
They all decided to begin with the ninja course. They were in there for over 15 minutes (and they cheated a little). They moved on to the trampolines and then dodgeball. They also had a huge airbag that you could jump into from a platform. They were back and forth between all the areas so many times. Some preferred dodgeball and some of the other boys preferred the ninja course. As long as they were having fun, all was good.
Only Topher and Bob braved the rock climbing wall. They both said it was very hard. Bob got slightly higher than Topher and that is saying a lot since Topher is over 6 feet tall.
When our 90 minutes were over, we drove back home. We only had 30 minutes until parent pick up, so we sang to SJ right away. The boys ate gluten free cupcakes and had chocolate ice cream while SJ opened his cards and presents.
They went outside for their remaining time at our house. Some of the boys played basketball, some played soccer and the rest tossed a whistling Nerf football. All the boys behaved nicely, had great manners and were very fun to be around. Once again, I am very thankful for the boys in SJ's grade. They are always so accepting and kind to him. I am glad he is able to have genuine friends.
I am so glad one of my new friends from work told me about this trampoline park. We will definitely be going back there soon!
8th grade tutoring #9
Last Wednesday, SJ had his weekly tutoring session with Mrs. Banks. They finished the "Toilet Paper Tigers" book. Mrs. Banks told me she thought SJ may not be able to answer some of the comprehension questions that they were scheduled to do. I had to cancel his appointment the week before since he had a high fever virus. She was pleasantly surprised that he remembered everything from two weeks earlier. She said he really enjoyed that book.
The next book they are going to read is by Sterling North. It is called "Rascal". It is a memoir of the author's childhood, but it is fictionalized. It is set in the 1920's and is about the author's childhood best friend. Not another boy, but his pet raccoon. The author brings home a baby raccoon. He already owns many other wild animals (woodchucks, skunks and a crow) and a few cats and dogs.
Although the boy has other animals, Rascal becomes his best friend. He is a funny showoff who is rather mischievous by stealing items from neighbors' gardens and yards.
I like that Mrs. Banks picks books that SJ would never gravitate to himself. Hopefully, he will like this one as much as the others she has selected. He will be skipping tutoring next week...Easter Break.
The next book they are going to read is by Sterling North. It is called "Rascal". It is a memoir of the author's childhood, but it is fictionalized. It is set in the 1920's and is about the author's childhood best friend. Not another boy, but his pet raccoon. The author brings home a baby raccoon. He already owns many other wild animals (woodchucks, skunks and a crow) and a few cats and dogs.
Although the boy has other animals, Rascal becomes his best friend. He is a funny showoff who is rather mischievous by stealing items from neighbors' gardens and yards.
I like that Mrs. Banks picks books that SJ would never gravitate to himself. Hopefully, he will like this one as much as the others she has selected. He will be skipping tutoring next week...Easter Break.
Thursday, March 17, 2016
no more speech sessions
A couple of weeks ago, my husband took SJ to speech. We had missed a bunch of sessions due to basketball games. I felt bad cancelling them, but the basketball season only lasts for a short while. When my husband dropped him off, the therapist told him she was at a loss of what to do with him since we had so many cancelled sessions. She said she was going to have to reevaluate his goals and potentially do something different with him.
My husband called me while SJ was back with the therapist. He said she sounded somewhat frustrated. We discussed this for a few minutes. I told him he may want to tell her that we are going to take a break. SJ wasn't loving going there and it was very difficult to get him there with their (Bob's and SJ's) activities and our work schedules.
When he came out of his session, my husband told the therapist that we were going to take a break. She seemed a little surprised, but honestly she must have be relieved. We believe that he has outgrown the speech therapy. If we feel he starts to slip, we can always start it again.
We have been going there since he was 3 years old. He will be 14 next week. Eleven years is a long time. All of the therapists that he has seen over the years have made such a huge difference in his life. It is a little sad to end this chapter of SJ's life, but also joyful that he has made so much progress. Thanks to all of you who helped SJ with his speech (both physical and social) and also to the occupational therapists who also helped him with his weak fingertips and texture issues. We are very grateful to all of you.
My husband called me while SJ was back with the therapist. He said she sounded somewhat frustrated. We discussed this for a few minutes. I told him he may want to tell her that we are going to take a break. SJ wasn't loving going there and it was very difficult to get him there with their (Bob's and SJ's) activities and our work schedules.
When he came out of his session, my husband told the therapist that we were going to take a break. She seemed a little surprised, but honestly she must have be relieved. We believe that he has outgrown the speech therapy. If we feel he starts to slip, we can always start it again.
We have been going there since he was 3 years old. He will be 14 next week. Eleven years is a long time. All of the therapists that he has seen over the years have made such a huge difference in his life. It is a little sad to end this chapter of SJ's life, but also joyful that he has made so much progress. Thanks to all of you who helped SJ with his speech (both physical and social) and also to the occupational therapists who also helped him with his weak fingertips and texture issues. We are very grateful to all of you.
Friday, February 26, 2016
4th annual ski trip to Holiday Valley
As mentioned in my previous blog entry, we went on our annual ski trip to Holiday Valley in Ellicottville, NY. Again, we rented a house big enough for four families. It was us minus Bob (he had a soccer tournament and hates to ski), Topher and Mags' family, Willie and Ami's family and Meryl and Goldie's family plus one of Meryl's friends, Lulu.
On our first full day there, we went to a private resort that is open to the public during the week. It is called Holimont. Initially, we thought it was crowded (the lodge was crowded) since they were having a contractor's outing. Once we got off the lifts, it was surprisingly open. The runs were nice and long, which is similar to Holiday Valley. The weather was perfect (26 degrees) and the mountain views were beautiful! We took a break for lunch and ate in the lodge. The food was pricey, but it was delicious.
That night for dinner, the ladies made quesadillas. SJ had a gluten free tortilla quesadilla. The quesadillas were delicious. That evening, the girls decided to go out into the hot tub and the boys played video games. The girls came in after 30 minutes. Right after they came in, SJ came out of the room he was sharing with Topher and Willie. He went into our bedroom and put on his swimsuit. I asked him, "Are you going in the hot tub with the boys?" He looked at me and asked, "Aren't the girls still out there?" I told him, "No, they just came in to shower." You should have seen his face. He looked so disappointed. He let out a huff and turned around to change back into his regular clothes. That made all the adults chuckle and then Meryl and Goldie's dad said, "Another boy that I now have to worry about." We all laughed harder.
The next day, we went to Holiday Valley. We skied all day! It was a little warm for skiing (37 degrees), but we still had a great day. We took a break for lunch, but that only lasted about 30 minutes. The food was still pricey, but not as good as the food at Holimont. The kids started getting tired around 4, so we went back to the house to get ready for dinner.
We tried to go into town to eat at the Brewery, but the wait was too long. We ended up at the Restaurant Depot, an old train station that they turned into a restaurant. It was a wing, pizza and beer place. I have to say the food was incredible. Maybe the best pizza that I have ever had! It was a quirky place with knick knacks all over the walls and ceilings. The kids loved it.
After we returned home, all the kids decided to get in the hot tub. They were playing "Truth or Snow". If you didn't want answer some embarrassing question, then you had to jump out of the hot tub and do a snow angel, etc. SJ told me later that Willie asked him a question, but he didn't tell the "whole truth". Since he told "half of the truth", he didn't do the snow dare. Stinker!
Our last day of skiing, we went back to Holiday Valley. It was unseasonable warm (48 degrees), which is a little too warm for skiing. The snow was very slushy and bare in some spots. We skied for a few hours and then went to lunch at The Gin Mill. This restaurant was at best a "dive", but the food was yummy there too. We bonused out on the food on this trip. After lunch was finished, we drove home. Can't wait until next year!
On our first full day there, we went to a private resort that is open to the public during the week. It is called Holimont. Initially, we thought it was crowded (the lodge was crowded) since they were having a contractor's outing. Once we got off the lifts, it was surprisingly open. The runs were nice and long, which is similar to Holiday Valley. The weather was perfect (26 degrees) and the mountain views were beautiful! We took a break for lunch and ate in the lodge. The food was pricey, but it was delicious.
That night for dinner, the ladies made quesadillas. SJ had a gluten free tortilla quesadilla. The quesadillas were delicious. That evening, the girls decided to go out into the hot tub and the boys played video games. The girls came in after 30 minutes. Right after they came in, SJ came out of the room he was sharing with Topher and Willie. He went into our bedroom and put on his swimsuit. I asked him, "Are you going in the hot tub with the boys?" He looked at me and asked, "Aren't the girls still out there?" I told him, "No, they just came in to shower." You should have seen his face. He looked so disappointed. He let out a huff and turned around to change back into his regular clothes. That made all the adults chuckle and then Meryl and Goldie's dad said, "Another boy that I now have to worry about." We all laughed harder.
The next day, we went to Holiday Valley. We skied all day! It was a little warm for skiing (37 degrees), but we still had a great day. We took a break for lunch, but that only lasted about 30 minutes. The food was still pricey, but not as good as the food at Holimont. The kids started getting tired around 4, so we went back to the house to get ready for dinner.
We tried to go into town to eat at the Brewery, but the wait was too long. We ended up at the Restaurant Depot, an old train station that they turned into a restaurant. It was a wing, pizza and beer place. I have to say the food was incredible. Maybe the best pizza that I have ever had! It was a quirky place with knick knacks all over the walls and ceilings. The kids loved it.
After we returned home, all the kids decided to get in the hot tub. They were playing "Truth or Snow". If you didn't want answer some embarrassing question, then you had to jump out of the hot tub and do a snow angel, etc. SJ told me later that Willie asked him a question, but he didn't tell the "whole truth". Since he told "half of the truth", he didn't do the snow dare. Stinker!
Our last day of skiing, we went back to Holiday Valley. It was unseasonable warm (48 degrees), which is a little too warm for skiing. The snow was very slushy and bare in some spots. We skied for a few hours and then went to lunch at The Gin Mill. This restaurant was at best a "dive", but the food was yummy there too. We bonused out on the food on this trip. After lunch was finished, we drove home. Can't wait until next year!
how to ski with one functioning arm...
A few days after SJ broke his hand, we were due to go on our ski trip. This caused A LOT of extra stress. My husband looked at multiple stores for an extra large mitten that could fit over his bulky cast. He bought a fairly large set, but it didn't fit when SJ tried it on. We started to look online to see if there were any other suggestions (he couldn't be the first person to ski with a cast). It was suggested to use either a wool sock or an oven mitt. Hmm...how silly would he look with an oven mitt on his hand?
We decided to go with the oven mitt. My husband found a black mitt at Wal-Mart. He said he would just slip it over the cast. Sounds simple, right? Wrong! It was too small to fit correctly over the cast too. I suggested cutting the oven mitt. My husband thought about it and decided it was the only solution. He would just have to tape the mitt up after his hand was in it.
Our first day of skiing, there was much complaining when we were getting SJ ready to start. He was moaning about the oven mitt and then about the difficulty of holding the pole with the mitt. We suggested that he only use one pole. He tried that initially, but deemed it too difficult. "So, are you not going to ski?," I questioned him. "Nope. I am going to ski. Just with no poles, Mom," he said matter-of-factly. I didn't know how he was going to do that, but that is exactly what he did. He skied better with no poles than I do with two poles. The other kids also tried to ski without their poles, but told SJ that he was a rock star for skiing without poles. Occasionally, my husband let him borrow one of his poles if we had a slight upgrade to climb or give him a push when we were on a flat area.
He went down greens (easy), blues (medium), blacks (hard) and even did the terrain parks...all without poles and only one functioning arm. Obviously, if you love to ski, you will find a way!
We decided to go with the oven mitt. My husband found a black mitt at Wal-Mart. He said he would just slip it over the cast. Sounds simple, right? Wrong! It was too small to fit correctly over the cast too. I suggested cutting the oven mitt. My husband thought about it and decided it was the only solution. He would just have to tape the mitt up after his hand was in it.
Our first day of skiing, there was much complaining when we were getting SJ ready to start. He was moaning about the oven mitt and then about the difficulty of holding the pole with the mitt. We suggested that he only use one pole. He tried that initially, but deemed it too difficult. "So, are you not going to ski?," I questioned him. "Nope. I am going to ski. Just with no poles, Mom," he said matter-of-factly. I didn't know how he was going to do that, but that is exactly what he did. He skied better with no poles than I do with two poles. The other kids also tried to ski without their poles, but told SJ that he was a rock star for skiing without poles. Occasionally, my husband let him borrow one of his poles if we had a slight upgrade to climb or give him a push when we were on a flat area.
He went down greens (easy), blues (medium), blacks (hard) and even did the terrain parks...all without poles and only one functioning arm. Obviously, if you love to ski, you will find a way!
basketball highlights...running time under 180 seconds
SJ continued to attend all the practices and basketball games even though he couldn't do much. I felt it was important to complete what he started and realize that he was still a part of the team. A few days before the season was finished, I asked him what he did during practice. "Practice dribbling with my left hand and I help rebound the balls," he said. I know it is not much, but he is still observing the other players and somewhat practicing.
During games, he would sit in the stand with another player, who also has a broken arm. They would get the players water bottles and organize the warm up shirts. I talked to Mr. Hooper one evening before the season was complete. I inquired if SJ may just try to be the equipment manager next year. He thought that was a good idea, so I may suggest that to SJ next year.
I asked SJ if he liked playing basketball. He said, "Yeah, but I am still not better than Bob. That is why I joined Mom. I wanted to beat Bob at basketball." The problem is Bob is a natural athlete. He tends to be good at most of sports. "Just keep at it, SJ. Maybe next year, you will be better than Bob," I reassured him.
At the end of the season, they had a banquet for the coaches and players. It was at a local restaurant in their banquet room. They had chicken fingers, pizza, fries, popcorn and cupcakes. All of SJ's favorites! He had a great time at the banquet. He came home with a new shirt (long sleeve t-shirt, which is not his favorite) and he said he had fun. Even though his total playing was under 180 seconds, he was a part of team and made new friends. That is priceless.
During games, he would sit in the stand with another player, who also has a broken arm. They would get the players water bottles and organize the warm up shirts. I talked to Mr. Hooper one evening before the season was complete. I inquired if SJ may just try to be the equipment manager next year. He thought that was a good idea, so I may suggest that to SJ next year.
I asked SJ if he liked playing basketball. He said, "Yeah, but I am still not better than Bob. That is why I joined Mom. I wanted to beat Bob at basketball." The problem is Bob is a natural athlete. He tends to be good at most of sports. "Just keep at it, SJ. Maybe next year, you will be better than Bob," I reassured him.
At the end of the season, they had a banquet for the coaches and players. It was at a local restaurant in their banquet room. They had chicken fingers, pizza, fries, popcorn and cupcakes. All of SJ's favorites! He had a great time at the banquet. He came home with a new shirt (long sleeve t-shirt, which is not his favorite) and he said he had fun. Even though his total playing was under 180 seconds, he was a part of team and made new friends. That is priceless.
Thursday, February 18, 2016
after school speech 18
At this week's speech session, I was able to take SJ. Normally, I can't, since I work fairly far from where we live. I picked SJ and Topher up from basketball practice (his dad was running late) and dropped him off at his house. SJ and I then went directly to therapy. He questioned why we would be getting there "so" early (we arrived 20 minutes before 6), but I reminded him that I was going to stop at McDonald's to get him some dinner.
I picked up his "usual" order (2 double hamburgers-no pickles, large fry and a medium Hi-C orange) and he ate in the car of the therapy parking lot. I hadn't met his new therapist yet and wasn't sure what her name was. A lady came out to the lobby and SJ went back with her. It was not someone I recognized.
After the 30 minute session, she and SJ came back to the lobby and he went directly to the car. I stood to introduce myself and told her I was SJ's mom. She said she was wondering who was the unfamiliar lady in the lobby, but SJ said he didn't know (stinker!). Anyhow...she was very nice and said she would have made him introduce me if she knew that I was his mom.
She told me he had a good session. She said he did a much better job keeping his hands and the rest of his body still during the session. She said they worked on emotions. She gave him an emotions word and he had to tell her a synonym for that word that was a little or a lot of the emotion. Here are the words:
Next, she worked on emotions in social situations. She did a few exercises with him on how to express his emotions in social situations. That will be a valuable skill going forward. I told her that we would be cancelling the next few sessions due to basketball games.
I picked up his "usual" order (2 double hamburgers-no pickles, large fry and a medium Hi-C orange) and he ate in the car of the therapy parking lot. I hadn't met his new therapist yet and wasn't sure what her name was. A lady came out to the lobby and SJ went back with her. It was not someone I recognized.
After the 30 minute session, she and SJ came back to the lobby and he went directly to the car. I stood to introduce myself and told her I was SJ's mom. She said she was wondering who was the unfamiliar lady in the lobby, but SJ said he didn't know (stinker!). Anyhow...she was very nice and said she would have made him introduce me if she knew that I was his mom.
She told me he had a good session. She said he did a much better job keeping his hands and the rest of his body still during the session. She said they worked on emotions. She gave him an emotions word and he had to tell her a synonym for that word that was a little or a lot of the emotion. Here are the words:
Joy Happy Excited
Fear Scared/Tense Terrified
Disgust Nauseous/Bored Grossed Out
Sadness Sad/Disappointed Depressed
Anger Frustrated Enraged
Next, she worked on emotions in social situations. She did a few exercises with him on how to express his emotions in social situations. That will be a valuable skill going forward. I told her that we would be cancelling the next few sessions due to basketball games.
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
mom, the wall was padded...
Last Wednesday, I got a phone call at work from Mr. Hooper, SJ's basketball coach. He was calling to ask me to come retrieve SJ from practice early. "What happened?" I asked him. "Well....we were having a scrimmage and SJ's team lost. I told them that they would have to run laps. SJ didn't want to run laps and got very agitated. Then, he punched the padded wall under the basketball hoop," he said. "I am not calling you about the behavior, but I am calling because SJ seems to be in a lot of pain," he added. I am actually shaking my head in disbelief, but I am not actually that surprised that this situation occurred. "I think it might be broken," the coach stated further. "Okay. I can't come get him, but I will have my husband leave work shortly. Thanks for letting us know," I embarrassingly stated.
I hung up the phone call with Mr. Hooper and called my husband. He didn't answer, so I had to text him.
I met my husband and SJ at the Urgent Care Center. I gave my husband his medical card and went to the gym (my husband said there was no need for both of us to be there). Before I was done with my workout, I received a text from my husband.
I hung up the phone call with Mr. Hooper and called my husband. He didn't answer, so I had to text him.
Me: Can you go get SJ now? He slammed the wall with this hand. The coach said he is in a lot of pain.
He is having trouble keeping it together.
Husband: OkI left work 20 minutes later. On my way to meet my husband at the Urgent Care Center, SJ called me on the phone. He was crying. He said, "Mom, I know you are going to be so mad at me. My team lost the scrimmage and Mr. Hooper said we had to run laps. I was so mad! I didn't want to lose and I didn't want to run laps. I punched the padded wall. I didn't think it would hurt this bad, since it was padded," he rambled to me. I replied, "I am not mad, but I am really disappointed in your behavior. You are 13 years old. You need to learn to hold it together when you are mad. Now, you may have a broken hand. You won't be able to play basketball for the rest of the season and I don't know if you will be able to ski." This response from me made his crying worse. Okay, I know you are thinking I should feel bad for him, but I can't believe he would do something so dumb (I am aware that teenage boys do dumb things). "You should have just run the laps," I said and SJ hung up the phone.
I met my husband and SJ at the Urgent Care Center. I gave my husband his medical card and went to the gym (my husband said there was no need for both of us to be there). Before I was done with my workout, I received a text from my husband.
Husband: Fractured the bone on the outside of the hand. Temp cast. Need to see ortho. He can wear my mittens for skiing.
Me: Better than a worse break.My husband took SJ to the Orthopedic doctor the next day. He left with a half cast. The doctor said he was to come back in 4 weeks. He said he could ski with the cast, but asked him to be careful. When are 13 year old boys ever careful?
This will be his fashion accessory for the next 4 weeks. He was very sad when he got home from school, since he had trouble writing (why is it always the writing hand?). He was also upset that he wouldn't be able to participate in his new elective, Competitive Edge (an extra gym class), while he had the cast on. I felt bad for him briefly, but then got irritated at him for his very poor choice. "So, what are you going to do the next time you are mad?" I asked him. He said, "Punch the punching bag in the garage." I told him, "That would be a much wiser choice." Hopefully, he learned something from this. He will probably never punch that wall again, but he may kick it. Boys!
8th grade tutoring #7 and #8
Last week, Mrs. Banks had to cancel SJ's tutoring session due to her being ill. He did have two sessions in the month of January. They are still reading Toilet Paper Tigers. Mrs. Banks told me at session #7 that SJ was a little distracted, but he was still able to answer the questions that she proposed to him. She was a somewhat surprised but in a pleasant way.
At session #8, she said he was much more focused and on task. She thought he might have forgotten the material from two weeks earlier, but he was directing her as to where they left off. She said he read really well and was not as "fidgety" as he was at the previous session. She said they are almost finished with the book. At this point, she wasn't sure what the next book selection was going to be. I hope he will enjoy it as much as he is enjoying this one.
That evening, my husband and I had a chat about the tutoring. Mrs. Banks is doing a wonderful job, but SJ always expresses that he wishes he wasn't in tutoring. My husband feels that he could read with SJ, but I want to continue to have Mrs. Banks come to tutor SJ. I feel that kids pay more attention when they are working with someone other than their parents. We tabled the discussion for now and will continue to have Mrs. Banks come to tutor SJ.
At session #8, she said he was much more focused and on task. She thought he might have forgotten the material from two weeks earlier, but he was directing her as to where they left off. She said he read really well and was not as "fidgety" as he was at the previous session. She said they are almost finished with the book. At this point, she wasn't sure what the next book selection was going to be. I hope he will enjoy it as much as he is enjoying this one.
That evening, my husband and I had a chat about the tutoring. Mrs. Banks is doing a wonderful job, but SJ always expresses that he wishes he wasn't in tutoring. My husband feels that he could read with SJ, but I want to continue to have Mrs. Banks come to tutor SJ. I feel that kids pay more attention when they are working with someone other than their parents. We tabled the discussion for now and will continue to have Mrs. Banks come to tutor SJ.
Friday, January 15, 2016
after school speech 14, 15, 16 & 17
There was a big lull between summer and 8th grade after school speech. We needed an evening, but there was a shortage of evening appointments. We finally got one two months ago, but we had to cancel a bunch of appointments due to basketball games.
The first two appointments the therapist was conducting a bunch of speech tests, so I don't have much to report on those sessions. The third session she worked on feelings. She gave him a feelings word and he had to give her a sentence with that feeling. These were their results.
The first two appointments the therapist was conducting a bunch of speech tests, so I don't have much to report on those sessions. The third session she worked on feelings. She gave him a feelings word and he had to give her a sentence with that feeling. These were their results.
- Happy-When I'm happy, I smile.
- Scared-When I'm scared, I run away. When I'm scared, I get it over with.
- Sad-When I'm sad, I frown. When I'm sad, I'm crying.
- Surprised-When I'm surprised, I gasp and have a shocked expression.
- Angry-When I'm angry, my face turns red.
- Calm-When I'm calm, I feel brave.
- Scared-I need a safe place.
- Sad- I need something to entertain myself.
- Surprised-I need to take a second to figure it out.
- Angry-I need to calm down.
- Maintain appropriate eye contact.
- Always stay focused on the other person.
- Have good body posture (big problem for SJ).
- Face the other person.
- Ask the speaker questions about their topic.
- Make comments so that the speaker knows you are listening.
- Your voice should sound like you are interested in the conversation.
- Change the topic in a way so that your listener is aware of the next topic.
- Let the listener know that you are ending the conversation.
- Keep your hands stills on your lap or on the table (probably the biggest struggle for SJ).
christmas crawl 2015
Another very late post...A week before Christmas, we had our 4th annual Christmas Crawl with our friends. Usually we start at our house, but this year we started at Meryl and Goldie's house. Everyone has a signature drink (adults only) and something to nosh on. At Meryl and Goldie's house, the appetizer was mashed potato bar and bacon crack (a delicious treat of bacon, brown sugar and cinnamon). The drink was great too. Something with berries...yum!
Next, we went to Topher and Mags' house. They had shots of Bailey's salted caramel and sparkling grape juice for the kids. Their mom served a "grinchy" treat (grapes, bananas and cherries on a toothpick) and pepperoni rolls. While we were at their house, we took photos with Christmas props. The kids decided to open their presents at that house, since Bob had a soccer game that evening (he was to miss the third house). They all got fun gifts (mostly from Five Below). Bob got a fun game called Basket Case and SJ got a voice changer.
Then, we went to Willie and Ami's house. They had Moscow Mules and juice for the kids. Their mom served Italian beef sandwiches and buffalo chicken dip. At their house, the kids were busy playing with their new toys, so the adults opened their presents. We can home with quick wine cooler and a bottle of wine.
Last, we went to our house. Bob was back from his game (they won!). The girls decided to watch a movie while the boys played video games. The adults hung out in our movie room watching White Christmas. We served an awful (was supposed to be yummy) cranberry whiskey sour, pop for the kids and Christmas brownies. Our friends stayed until about 11:00. We had a great time as usual. Love when we get to spend time with our friends.
Next, we went to Topher and Mags' house. They had shots of Bailey's salted caramel and sparkling grape juice for the kids. Their mom served a "grinchy" treat (grapes, bananas and cherries on a toothpick) and pepperoni rolls. While we were at their house, we took photos with Christmas props. The kids decided to open their presents at that house, since Bob had a soccer game that evening (he was to miss the third house). They all got fun gifts (mostly from Five Below). Bob got a fun game called Basket Case and SJ got a voice changer.
Then, we went to Willie and Ami's house. They had Moscow Mules and juice for the kids. Their mom served Italian beef sandwiches and buffalo chicken dip. At their house, the kids were busy playing with their new toys, so the adults opened their presents. We can home with quick wine cooler and a bottle of wine.
Last, we went to our house. Bob was back from his game (they won!). The girls decided to watch a movie while the boys played video games. The adults hung out in our movie room watching White Christmas. We served an awful (was supposed to be yummy) cranberry whiskey sour, pop for the kids and Christmas brownies. Our friends stayed until about 11:00. We had a great time as usual. Love when we get to spend time with our friends.
it's okay to still believe in santa at 13, right?
Hello everyone. Sorry it has been such a long time since I posted (over a month), but the holidays kept us very busy. Today's post is going to be about Christmas, specifically Santa Claus. Bob, our oldest son-now 15, has not believed in Santa for about 4 years. SJ still believed last year, but I thought surely at 13 he would no longer believe. I could not have been more wrong.
A few times before Christmas day, he mentioned Santa Claus. I wasn't sure if he was joking, but on the chance that he wasn't I kept quiet. If he does still believe, Christmas will still seem magical. Also, an excellent tool to use to keep his behavior in check.
On Christmas Eve, we had my husband's sisters and their families over. Most of our nephews and one niece are much older than the boys, so they brought their girlfriends/wife/husband. We mostly hung out and chatted, but we did play one game before presents. SJ had everyone playing a game called Bean Boozled.
We had A LOT of fun with this game. SJ was "emcee" and offered an extra toothbrush to anyone who got a "gross" flavor. The funniest was when my husband's nephew got dog food followed by skunk spray. He tried to kiss his girlfriend, but she cleverly avoided him. We played that game for over 30 minutes.
After we opened presents, Bob started an indoor snowball fight (a fun item that I got a few years ago at our Christmas Crawl). This "fight" went on for at least 30 minutes.
We continued to hang out with the family and around 10:00 p.m. SJ came downstairs with his "Santa" list. Oh crap, I thought. What if there were things on his list that "Santa" didn't get. (Of course, there were a few that he didn't get, but Grammy and the aunts had those covered.) He also carefully picked out some cookies and poured a glass of milk for Santa.
A few times before Christmas day, he mentioned Santa Claus. I wasn't sure if he was joking, but on the chance that he wasn't I kept quiet. If he does still believe, Christmas will still seem magical. Also, an excellent tool to use to keep his behavior in check.
On Christmas Eve, we had my husband's sisters and their families over. Most of our nephews and one niece are much older than the boys, so they brought their girlfriends/wife/husband. We mostly hung out and chatted, but we did play one game before presents. SJ had everyone playing a game called Bean Boozled.
We had A LOT of fun with this game. SJ was "emcee" and offered an extra toothbrush to anyone who got a "gross" flavor. The funniest was when my husband's nephew got dog food followed by skunk spray. He tried to kiss his girlfriend, but she cleverly avoided him. We played that game for over 30 minutes.
After we opened presents, Bob started an indoor snowball fight (a fun item that I got a few years ago at our Christmas Crawl). This "fight" went on for at least 30 minutes.
We continued to hang out with the family and around 10:00 p.m. SJ came downstairs with his "Santa" list. Oh crap, I thought. What if there were things on his list that "Santa" didn't get. (Of course, there were a few that he didn't get, but Grammy and the aunts had those covered.) He also carefully picked out some cookies and poured a glass of milk for Santa.
My sisters-in-law left around 10:30, but the nephews were still at our house. SJ came downstairs at 11:00 and was shocked that we still had company. He said, "Santa isn't going to come if people are still here." His not so polite way of saying "go home now." Jackson and his wife got the hint and left shortly after.
Santa wasn't able to come until around midnight. We had some cleaning up to do after the party and it took a long time to bring all the presents downstairs.
Promptly at 5:53 a.m., SJ was awake and excited that Santa had arrived. He tried to wake Bob, but he was sound asleep. He did wake my husband and I and we tiredly made our way downstairs. SJ looked so happy when he saw his pile of presents. He was disappointed when he would occasionally open a box that contained a clothing item. He even said, "I thought I told Santa no clothes this year." We told him to stop complaining and to continue to open his presents. He got his prized PS4 and was disappointed that he did not get Lego Dimensions from Santa. I reminded him that he had asked Grammy for this item. "Oh yeah," was his reply.
Bob woke up around 10:30 and opened his presents. He was happy, but did not have the magic in his eyes that those who believe in Santa do. So here is my quandary. Should I allow SJ to keep believing at the risk that some teenage kid is going to make fun of him? Or should I not say a word and let the magic continue? I took a poll of those questions from my dear friends and the consensus is just let the magic continue. So that is what I did. Hopefully the magic will still be with him next year!
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