Thursday, August 31, 2006
Tahoe Thursday Thirteen
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1. Driven through the night from Phoenix, Arizona to State Line, Nevada. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!) |
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Surely the red-head with all the kids MUST be Catholic...
I'm sure we were quite a sight today, as we pedaled along the Forest Trail in Lake Tahoe.
My husband took the lead, our six year old hitched to him by a "tow-a-bike", a kind of half bike that turns your cycle into a child/adult tandem.
Our older son and daughter followed along riding their own bikes--of course, my son would add here, the rental cycle was WAY cooler than the one he had at home, and he'd like one just like this one for Christmas, please.
Finally, along came mom, little guy and trailer in tow. (That's a lot of drag in the lake winds and up the mountain roads!).
As we reached the spot where the trail joins Highway 89 we stopped to grab some water and turn around (no road biking with my crew, thank you very much!). An older couple with thick Italian accents approached us.
Slowly the man counted, "One, two, three, four....God BLESS you!".
We smiled and laughed...It wasn't the first comment we had received today, but it was the most open and sweet. Unlike the obviously first-time pregnant woman and her husband who kept staring at us in something akin to horror until I told him, "Don't worry, they usually just come one at a time.".
The singora approached the baby's trailer, covered by sunscreen net.
"Cara mia!". "Que bella!", she exclaimed.
Examining his trailer, she stated, "Why, he looks like the POPE! Maybe he'll grow up to be pope."
While I know that with God, all things are possible, as a lapsed Roman Catholic, I'm just not seeing a popemobile in my youngest's near future. I wonder if she would had made the same statement had she seen him having a sit-down tantrum in the middle of a historic walkway (Ironically enough, on the Pope family estate, known at one time as "the Vatican").
It was a great day...pictures to follow when we get home and dump the camera.
My husband took the lead, our six year old hitched to him by a "tow-a-bike", a kind of half bike that turns your cycle into a child/adult tandem.
Our older son and daughter followed along riding their own bikes--of course, my son would add here, the rental cycle was WAY cooler than the one he had at home, and he'd like one just like this one for Christmas, please.
Finally, along came mom, little guy and trailer in tow. (That's a lot of drag in the lake winds and up the mountain roads!).
As we reached the spot where the trail joins Highway 89 we stopped to grab some water and turn around (no road biking with my crew, thank you very much!). An older couple with thick Italian accents approached us.
Slowly the man counted, "One, two, three, four....God BLESS you!".
We smiled and laughed...It wasn't the first comment we had received today, but it was the most open and sweet. Unlike the obviously first-time pregnant woman and her husband who kept staring at us in something akin to horror until I told him, "Don't worry, they usually just come one at a time.".
The singora approached the baby's trailer, covered by sunscreen net.
"Cara mia!". "Que bella!", she exclaimed.
Examining his trailer, she stated, "Why, he looks like the POPE! Maybe he'll grow up to be pope."
While I know that with God, all things are possible, as a lapsed Roman Catholic, I'm just not seeing a popemobile in my youngest's near future. I wonder if she would had made the same statement had she seen him having a sit-down tantrum in the middle of a historic walkway (Ironically enough, on the Pope family estate, known at one time as "the Vatican").
It was a great day...pictures to follow when we get home and dump the camera.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
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2. I got updated photos of my youngest nephew in the mail. 3. We made it to the orthodontist on time this afternoon. 4. We had time to redeem their various reward cards from the orthodontist (Toys R Us for ds1, Starbucks for dd2). 5. DS used some of his "change" to treat his younger sister to an ice cream--she was feeling cheated since she "doesn't get to have braces OR glasses", LOL! 6. Dd1 took time out of her day to play with the baby without being encouraged to! 7. Taking her to get her Starbucks opened a "window" for me to share some memories with her, specifically of my first trip to Starbucks (in Seattle, before they moved to every corner!). 8.We've finally been blessed with a babysitter who's committed to coming over every week! 9. I got to "help" dd2 make blueberry muffins from scratch today...she just finished reading Blueberries for Sal. 10. I found recipe in a magazine that dredged up some "sweet" memories of a high school boyfriend. My oldest and I made them for dessert, and I had another chance to share with her. 11. We're leaving for vacation in a WEEK! 12. The baby signed "banana" today! Also, every time he signs "daddy" it looks a bit like he's saying "Crazy". If the shoe fits... 13. It's date night! We'll spend most of it at a soccer parent meeting, but still...It's DATE night! |
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Back to school
Wow, is this red-head getting "schooled" this week...
We finally were contacted and met with the baby's caseworker to finalize his FSP (family service plan). By law, this was to have taken place within 45 days of the initial evaluation. His evaluation took place on April 11. Do you think, perhaps, that the state dropped the ball on this one?
I'm an early interventionist by training (occupational therapy)--there was no way that my kiddo was going to go without treatment for four months. There's too much ground to be lost and gained during this precious window of toddlerhood. So, we started private OT and PT shortly after his eval--limited insurance funding for OT, cash out of pocket for PT (sigh).
Luckily, nothing is quite as scary to the "system" than a parent who is more than aware of their child's rights. After a few tense (intense) phone calls and meetings, we're getting the funding that will continue therapy without having the fear of being cut off by our insurance company or dealing with monthly PT bill that is roughly 1/3 of our grocery budget.
My frustrations? First, that my kiddo could have easily fallen in to some bureaucratic black hole. Secondly, that my case worker continues to treat me like a moron, despite the fact that I've more or less written the service plans for her, and have educated her on the finer points of muscle tone and sensory integration disorders. (I have to note, I was talking to a physician friend whose son also received services--her "child development specialist" treated her like an idiot as well, so I'm attempting to give my case worker the benefit of the doubt). Still, she insisted on handing me a computer-generated "home program" that contained such advanced developmental activities as "read to your baby"--um, thanks...I'll reconsider the afternoon sessions of Jerry Springer and vodka-laced sippy cups that have been the mainstay of my parenting up to this point!
Lesson learned? The system can work, but you have to be ridiculously assertive (to the point of obnoxiousness). Advocating for these small ones is no picnic. I need to remember this when and if I return to pediatric OT. While I tried to always consider each parent the "expert" on his or her child, the attitudes of my heart didn't quite match up, and I'm ashamed that perhaps some of my clients may have felt that I was talking down to them at one time or another.
In other news, we've started (most) of our homeschool schedule (co-ops don't begin until September) and soccer and AWANA have kicked off. Throw in twice a week therapy appointments and I've got a new reason to smile smugly when asked, "Oh so you don't work then, do you?"
Least I sound terminally grumpy, I *do* love this time of year. I love fresh starts, sharp pencils and crayons and clean notebook pages. I'm excited about all the potential a new school year holds--for all of us, mama included.
We finally were contacted and met with the baby's caseworker to finalize his FSP (family service plan). By law, this was to have taken place within 45 days of the initial evaluation. His evaluation took place on April 11. Do you think, perhaps, that the state dropped the ball on this one?
I'm an early interventionist by training (occupational therapy)--there was no way that my kiddo was going to go without treatment for four months. There's too much ground to be lost and gained during this precious window of toddlerhood. So, we started private OT and PT shortly after his eval--limited insurance funding for OT, cash out of pocket for PT (sigh).
Luckily, nothing is quite as scary to the "system" than a parent who is more than aware of their child's rights. After a few tense (intense) phone calls and meetings, we're getting the funding that will continue therapy without having the fear of being cut off by our insurance company or dealing with monthly PT bill that is roughly 1/3 of our grocery budget.
My frustrations? First, that my kiddo could have easily fallen in to some bureaucratic black hole. Secondly, that my case worker continues to treat me like a moron, despite the fact that I've more or less written the service plans for her, and have educated her on the finer points of muscle tone and sensory integration disorders. (I have to note, I was talking to a physician friend whose son also received services--her "child development specialist" treated her like an idiot as well, so I'm attempting to give my case worker the benefit of the doubt). Still, she insisted on handing me a computer-generated "home program" that contained such advanced developmental activities as "read to your baby"--um, thanks...I'll reconsider the afternoon sessions of Jerry Springer and vodka-laced sippy cups that have been the mainstay of my parenting up to this point!
Lesson learned? The system can work, but you have to be ridiculously assertive (to the point of obnoxiousness). Advocating for these small ones is no picnic. I need to remember this when and if I return to pediatric OT. While I tried to always consider each parent the "expert" on his or her child, the attitudes of my heart didn't quite match up, and I'm ashamed that perhaps some of my clients may have felt that I was talking down to them at one time or another.
In other news, we've started (most) of our homeschool schedule (co-ops don't begin until September) and soccer and AWANA have kicked off. Throw in twice a week therapy appointments and I've got a new reason to smile smugly when asked, "Oh so you don't work then, do you?"
Least I sound terminally grumpy, I *do* love this time of year. I love fresh starts, sharp pencils and crayons and clean notebook pages. I'm excited about all the potential a new school year holds--for all of us, mama included.
Monday, August 14, 2006
It's probably time to call it a night
...when you call the cat by the baby's name! And the poor little guy was in bed at the time. Can you tell he's in that "into everything" stage and then some?
Thursday, August 10, 2006
I seriously need to pick up the house before we host Homebuilders tonight...
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In front of me, on my computer desk: 1. My cell phone (Just finished firming up plans for this afternoon with my friend 2. My almost-empty water bottle (I'm giving myself a pat on the back--thanks to an early morning hike, I'm almost done with my second 24 oz bottle of water, and it's not yet eight o'clock). 3. A crumpled napkin that I probably used to wipe up the baby before I sat down to blog. On the kitchen counter: 4. Today's paper. 5. Ingredients (purchased on the way home from my hike) to make snacks for tonight's Bible study. 6. My wallet 7. Things I haven't put away from packing dh's lunch. 8. My iPod (in its neon green armband) 9. Speed drills for the kids to complete during math time today. On or at the kitchen table: 10. My eldest, still in her PJs, pouring over the instructions for the new graphing calculator Dad bought her last night (She needs it for Statistics). 11. Syrup, banana peels, and empty plates from breakfast 12. A sugar cookie scented Gold Canyon candle (my all time favorite brand of candle--kicks Yankee all over the map!) 13. A binky that was reluctantly surrendered by the little guy in trade for a plate of cocoa silver dollar pancakes, banana slices, and bacon! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!) |
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Sunday night my friend and I braved the hour-plus wait in 106 degree heat to get (third balcony) seats to see Hillsong United .
While we were far from the oldest people there; we were definitely feeling our age as the volume racheted up with each song. Still, I can't imagine very many other places that I'd want to spend a Sunday evening.
The energy in the church was amazing. More amazing was the abandon, the raw passion with which these young adults worshiped their Savior.
I can't imagine that being a tween/teen/twentysomething has gotten any easier since I walked it--and you don't see enough positive press about these age groups. Sunday night was a glimpse into the next generation of Kingdom builders--if properly harnessed, that passion is going to rock the world for Jesus.
They are the revolution, and when it comes, I don't want to be idly standing by, I want to be on the front lines.
While we were far from the oldest people there; we were definitely feeling our age as the volume racheted up with each song. Still, I can't imagine very many other places that I'd want to spend a Sunday evening.
The energy in the church was amazing. More amazing was the abandon, the raw passion with which these young adults worshiped their Savior.
I can't imagine that being a tween/teen/twentysomething has gotten any easier since I walked it--and you don't see enough positive press about these age groups. Sunday night was a glimpse into the next generation of Kingdom builders--if properly harnessed, that passion is going to rock the world for Jesus.
They are the revolution, and when it comes, I don't want to be idly standing by, I want to be on the front lines.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
I love to exercise (I know, it's sick). I have very little time to do it, but I try to sneak it in a few times a week.
While I don't mind walking on a treadmill or running on an elliptical (especially if I can watch TV or listen to a podcast while doing it), I don't belong to a gym right now, so I hit the mountains early in the morning. Honestly I like it better.
On a piece of equipment, it's almost too easy to get into an aerobic rut. In fact, if I'm trying to read a book or watch TV, I can get downright lazy. My favorite hillside climb, however, is rocky and uneven. It demands that I pay attention, stay focused, plan my next step and keep my balance--especially when I'm moving fairly quickly.
Sound mildly treacherous? Maybe, but ironically, I've never fallen on the "rough" parts of the climb.
The relatively flat part of the trail is a different story. I've tripped there more than once, and in a really stellar (and five month pregnant) moment, I totally wiped out and ate dirt. Why? I'm thinking because I got too comfortable with how "easy" that part of the trail is.
I was reflecting on this during my morning hike and it hit me how I need to rejoice in the steep part of the climb my family is in right now as we return to homeschooling and begin the search for a new church home. I want to be grateful for the opportunity to test my balance now; and to be reminded that it's always dangerous to get comfortable with a flat or level time.
And, as I power along (just ask my poor hiking companions), I need to never miss the beauty along the way.
While I don't mind walking on a treadmill or running on an elliptical (especially if I can watch TV or listen to a podcast while doing it), I don't belong to a gym right now, so I hit the mountains early in the morning. Honestly I like it better.
On a piece of equipment, it's almost too easy to get into an aerobic rut. In fact, if I'm trying to read a book or watch TV, I can get downright lazy. My favorite hillside climb, however, is rocky and uneven. It demands that I pay attention, stay focused, plan my next step and keep my balance--especially when I'm moving fairly quickly.
Sound mildly treacherous? Maybe, but ironically, I've never fallen on the "rough" parts of the climb.
The relatively flat part of the trail is a different story. I've tripped there more than once, and in a really stellar (and five month pregnant) moment, I totally wiped out and ate dirt. Why? I'm thinking because I got too comfortable with how "easy" that part of the trail is.
I was reflecting on this during my morning hike and it hit me how I need to rejoice in the steep part of the climb my family is in right now as we return to homeschooling and begin the search for a new church home. I want to be grateful for the opportunity to test my balance now; and to be reminded that it's always dangerous to get comfortable with a flat or level time.
And, as I power along (just ask my poor hiking companions), I need to never miss the beauty along the way.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Wordless Wednesday: A Girl and her 'Bot
Name:
