Have you ever looked at a picture, and known immediately there was something wonky (something not right), but you were unable to pinpoint what it was? That's what it's been like in our school room for a while now.
It is so frustrating to know that there is a problem with your child, and yet not know what it is. I have known for several years that Ellas has learning issues, but I didn't know what they were. Until this year, it has not hindered him too much in school, so I wasn't in a tizzy to get to the bottom of it. This year, however, has been slow and agonizing for both of us. Lots of tears, but very little learning.
Our pediatrician believed me when I said there was a problem, but was also at a loss as to what it could be. He has tested Ellas for many things over the years, with no diagnosis.
All I could think was, "Am I crazy? Do I WANT something to be wrong with my sweet little boy? Am I damaging him by not knowing? How much therapy is this kid gonna need by the time I'm through 'teaching' him? Please, God, give me wisdom. Show me what to do for my precious son."
Now over the years, Scott and Crissy have agreed that there was something wrong. Like me, they weren't sure what. Lately, Scott has said that we needed to have Ellas checked for dyslexia. You see, Scott is VERY dyslexic in a couple of different areas. He was starting to notice similarities between his issues and Ellas'.
So, I scheduled a conference with Debbie Landry, our fantastic homeschool administrator, who has been such an encouragement to me. She pointed me to the Alabama Scottish Rites Foundation. They have taken dyslexia/literacy as their cause. Because of their fundraising, they offer free testing, free evaluating, AND provide a free 2-year video-based curriculum. Woohoo!!!
Turns out, Ellas is dyslexic! Our issue has a name! We know how to fix the picture. Ellas can get the help he needs. Thank you, God, for providing for us. Thank you, God, for loving my baby even more than I do.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
My Sangria
Well, my lush friends have been begging (Yes, I said begging!) for my sangria recipe. I don't know if they like it that much, or just want to make it themselves to drink alone...in secret! *Gasp!!!* ;D Well, no matter the reasons. I have decided to share this lusciousness with the world. Aren't I great and generous?! Yes, I thought so too. Well, here goes.
Ingredients:
1 bottle red wine (I use Lambrusco.)
1/2 cup brandy (Don't use the good stuff. You can't taste it anyway.)
1/2 cup peach schnapps (This you can taste. DeKuyper's is the best.)
1/2 cup sugar
12 0z can of Sprite or ginger ale (Sprite makes it sweeter.)
1 small can of mandarin oranges (juice and all)
2 TBSP lemon juice
1/2 can pineapple chunks (Use all of the juice.)
1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice (Doesn't matter which.)
Directions:
Mix it all together in a one gallon pitcher. If you can, let it sit overnight in the fridge before you serve it. If you can't, it's fantastic anyway.
***THIS STUFF IS VERY POTENT! DO NOT DRINK THIS WHEN YOU HAVE TO DRIVE ANYTIME SOON! SIP IT SLOWLY! THE FRUIT IS ALSO FULL OF ALCOHOL, SO DO NOT GIVE IT TO THE KIDS!***
Ingredients:
1 bottle red wine (I use Lambrusco.)
1/2 cup brandy (Don't use the good stuff. You can't taste it anyway.)
1/2 cup peach schnapps (This you can taste. DeKuyper's is the best.)
1/2 cup sugar
12 0z can of Sprite or ginger ale (Sprite makes it sweeter.)
1 small can of mandarin oranges (juice and all)
2 TBSP lemon juice
1/2 can pineapple chunks (Use all of the juice.)
1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice (Doesn't matter which.)
Directions:
Mix it all together in a one gallon pitcher. If you can, let it sit overnight in the fridge before you serve it. If you can't, it's fantastic anyway.
***THIS STUFF IS VERY POTENT! DO NOT DRINK THIS WHEN YOU HAVE TO DRIVE ANYTIME SOON! SIP IT SLOWLY! THE FRUIT IS ALSO FULL OF ALCOHOL, SO DO NOT GIVE IT TO THE KIDS!***
Saturday, February 14, 2009
One Shot, One Kill
My husband is the most awesome man on the planet!!!!!! He really is my hero. Let me tell you what my Marine did tonight. I was sitting on the couch, watching a Britcom when movement caught my eye. A mouse ran under the coffee table and then under the entertainment center. I told Scott, and he got the bb gun ready. When I tapped the side of the tv cabinet, the mouse stuck his little gray head out for a look around. Big mistake! My man shot him in his little mousy head!!!! Oh, yes he did girl! Woohoo!
I am telling you, my man is phenomenal. He really can do anything! He's done this kinda thing before. This same situation happened about 4 years ago. Only that time, the bloody bb rolled to a stop at my feet after passing through that nasty little mouse's head. Ugh!
Oh, btw, I took the carcass outside to see if one of the 3 Siamese kittens who adopted us this morning would know what to do with it. Akia, one of the cats, just about took off one of my fingers trying to get a good hold on the mouse. LOL
I am telling you, my man is phenomenal. He really can do anything! He's done this kinda thing before. This same situation happened about 4 years ago. Only that time, the bloody bb rolled to a stop at my feet after passing through that nasty little mouse's head. Ugh!
Oh, btw, I took the carcass outside to see if one of the 3 Siamese kittens who adopted us this morning would know what to do with it. Akia, one of the cats, just about took off one of my fingers trying to get a good hold on the mouse. LOL
Friday, February 06, 2009
My favorite room
I have 2 fave rooms in my house. Our bedroom a fave and really great because Scott designed and decorated it around my likes, favorite color, and place. I love the ocean, the water, the lighthouses, the different shades of blue. He also built a waterbed for me for my back. Loverly!
My other fave room is the living room because that's where we spend the most time. It's a comfy relaxed room for us to be together, watch tv, play games, etc. Super fun with my 3 crazy guys!
With the right friends and a couple of fuzzy navel drinks, I'll sing for anyone, anywhere.
Annnd nowww, ladies and gentlemen, here to grace our ears with her sweet vocals, the artist known as KIM!!!!!
Monday, January 26, 2009
If I could tame a wild animal
Sow and cubs, Denali National Park by B Mully (B Mully)
I have 3 wild animals now: a husband and 2 sons. I firmly believe that males of our species are never COMPLETELY tamed and housebroken. Given the chance, they take every opportunity to pee outside or do some other guy thing. LOL
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Truth and Pain
Truth: God is always good.
I know that this is so, even when it doesn't feel true. God is:
loving,
just,
merciful,
righteous,
gracious,
all-powerful,
all-knowing,
trustworthy,
kind.
He is our awesome Father! He has good things for us. So, why is there pain in our lives? Because He loves us. That's what I know to be true. I don't understand it, but it is not necessary for me to comprehend in order for it to be so.
Like a child, I know that He loves me even when I don't understand. I can crawl into His lap, and, calling Him Daddy, tell Him where it hurts. He is always ready to comfort and cuddle. Snuggle with our Abba, Daddy today. Join me in our gracious Father's arms.
I know that this is so, even when it doesn't feel true. God is:
loving,
just,
merciful,
righteous,
gracious,
all-powerful,
all-knowing,
trustworthy,
kind.
He is our awesome Father! He has good things for us. So, why is there pain in our lives? Because He loves us. That's what I know to be true. I don't understand it, but it is not necessary for me to comprehend in order for it to be so.
Like a child, I know that He loves me even when I don't understand. I can crawl into His lap, and, calling Him Daddy, tell Him where it hurts. He is always ready to comfort and cuddle. Snuggle with our Abba, Daddy today. Join me in our gracious Father's arms.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Random Updates and Musings
A lot has happened in the month since my last post. So here is a rundown:
1.) I have seen Twilight 3 times, and I am trying to figure out where to get the cash to go see it again. Does that make me obsessed? Don't answer that! I don't want to know. :)
2.) We had 24 people at our house for Thanksgiving! I absolutely loved it. So much fun. We were packed in like sardines, but God graciously provided good weather. This allowed the kids to eat on the back deck and play outside. They had a blast, and so did the adults. We talked and laughed for long time.
3.) I had to take Scott to the ER Saturday, November 29th because he was having chest pain and high blood pressure. (Totally unrelated to my Twilight obsession. LOL) The ER doc said that his heart rhythm and thyroid function are both abnormal. We have to follow-up on those. He was given medication to help with his heart in the meantime.
4.) Wednesday the 3rd, Brendan took Ellas to piano. Ellas got out of the truck but left the door open. Bren leaned over to close it, and when he looked out, couldn't see Ellas anywhere. Bren assumed he had gone into the church for his lesson and started to leave. Meanwhile, Ellas had dropped a lightsaber and had bent down to retrieve it. Bren's bumper knocked him over and snagged his coat, dragging him a little ways. However, it also prevented Ellas from being run over by the wheels. He ended up with bad roadrash on his right side and ankle, and that was the extent of his injuries. God is very good to us!!!
5.) Scott went to the cardiologist Monday, the 8th for a stress test, an EKG, and a heart ultrasound. The doc reviewed them and said that they looked good except for the arrhythmia, but she wanted him to be seen by another cardiologist. So we went downstairs, and that doc told us that, except for the arrythmia, his heart sounded good. However, he wants to do a nuclear stress test to confirm that Scott's heart is fine. Both docs said that thyroid problems can cause heart issues. Who knew?!
6.) Wednesday the 10th, Scott went to our primary care doc for thyroid blood tests. We were supposed to get the results today, but didn't hear from the office. I'll call them in the morning.
7.) We found out yesterday that Scott's mother, who died when he was 2, had a lot of trouble with her thyroid. Family medical history is very important to know!!! It can play a huge role in diagnosing and treating Scott's problem.
8.) We found out not long ago that Nancy, my friend and Bren's girlfriend's mother, has cancer on and in her thyroid. She's having surgery on the 16th to remove the tumors and at least part of the gland. They're not sure how extensive the cancer is. The docs have said that it has likely been there for years and is a very slow-growing form. Pray for their family.
9.) I am trying to plan a little getaway for our family, but can't find dates that will work. The trip is paid for; I just have to finalize the dates. ARGH! I'm calling them tomorrow morning to get this settled and off my to-do list.
10.) I am STILL wanting to go see Twilight again! If anyone wants company to see it, if you pay my way, I will be more than happy to keep you company! Sad, I know. ;)
That's all I can think of right now. I have to go to bed. I have a full day tomorrow. Lots of stuff to do.
1.) I have seen Twilight 3 times, and I am trying to figure out where to get the cash to go see it again. Does that make me obsessed? Don't answer that! I don't want to know. :)
2.) We had 24 people at our house for Thanksgiving! I absolutely loved it. So much fun. We were packed in like sardines, but God graciously provided good weather. This allowed the kids to eat on the back deck and play outside. They had a blast, and so did the adults. We talked and laughed for long time.
3.) I had to take Scott to the ER Saturday, November 29th because he was having chest pain and high blood pressure. (Totally unrelated to my Twilight obsession. LOL) The ER doc said that his heart rhythm and thyroid function are both abnormal. We have to follow-up on those. He was given medication to help with his heart in the meantime.
4.) Wednesday the 3rd, Brendan took Ellas to piano. Ellas got out of the truck but left the door open. Bren leaned over to close it, and when he looked out, couldn't see Ellas anywhere. Bren assumed he had gone into the church for his lesson and started to leave. Meanwhile, Ellas had dropped a lightsaber and had bent down to retrieve it. Bren's bumper knocked him over and snagged his coat, dragging him a little ways. However, it also prevented Ellas from being run over by the wheels. He ended up with bad roadrash on his right side and ankle, and that was the extent of his injuries. God is very good to us!!!
5.) Scott went to the cardiologist Monday, the 8th for a stress test, an EKG, and a heart ultrasound. The doc reviewed them and said that they looked good except for the arrhythmia, but she wanted him to be seen by another cardiologist. So we went downstairs, and that doc told us that, except for the arrythmia, his heart sounded good. However, he wants to do a nuclear stress test to confirm that Scott's heart is fine. Both docs said that thyroid problems can cause heart issues. Who knew?!
6.) Wednesday the 10th, Scott went to our primary care doc for thyroid blood tests. We were supposed to get the results today, but didn't hear from the office. I'll call them in the morning.
7.) We found out yesterday that Scott's mother, who died when he was 2, had a lot of trouble with her thyroid. Family medical history is very important to know!!! It can play a huge role in diagnosing and treating Scott's problem.
8.) We found out not long ago that Nancy, my friend and Bren's girlfriend's mother, has cancer on and in her thyroid. She's having surgery on the 16th to remove the tumors and at least part of the gland. They're not sure how extensive the cancer is. The docs have said that it has likely been there for years and is a very slow-growing form. Pray for their family.
9.) I am trying to plan a little getaway for our family, but can't find dates that will work. The trip is paid for; I just have to finalize the dates. ARGH! I'm calling them tomorrow morning to get this settled and off my to-do list.
10.) I am STILL wanting to go see Twilight again! If anyone wants company to see it, if you pay my way, I will be more than happy to keep you company! Sad, I know. ;)
That's all I can think of right now. I have to go to bed. I have a full day tomorrow. Lots of stuff to do.
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