Day 2 Homeschooling

Well I have to say I overslept this morning...I had to just hit that snooze. So finally 7:15 am I dragged my butt out of bed and got Cameron moving. He didn't seem quite as enthusiastic as yesterday morning. Slowly went through the motions of all the assignment and decided to show his little attitude when it came time for Math. Now with short-term memory loss math has never been easy for Cameron and he also has a LD for math. I had to just set him straight and remind him that he is rewarded for good attitude and finishing his work daily by playing video games and if he didn't improve then he would loose this privilege and possibly permanently through the week. Well all of a sudden the dark turned to light. So we finished this day on a good note. All assignments done and he did a good job. I know things are rough with his issues but consistency is the ticket and a little tough love never hurts.

Day 1 Homeschooling

Well we started out with a good day. After a 7 am wake up call, followed by breakfast and chores Cameron was all set to start his day at 8 am. He seemed very calm and eager to get the day going. First subject was Bible, followed by Reading, Spelling and Vocabulary. These subjects seemed to flow by quickly and with very few questions. Next we tackled Math...the dreaded subject. I'm amazed at how well he did. I think he just took his time at his own pace, only had two questions and conquered today's assignment. Next was Science and he already had a microscope experiment. The ability to add interactive things seemed to be to his liking. Finally he finished with Social Studies and English. I think all in all for a first day of homeschooling he did fantastic. There seemed to be no stress factor and of course the incentive of playing video games (with a time limit of course) when all is finished was a good nudge in the right direction. I asked him how his day was going and he said good. So with fingers crossed, tomorrows assignments are ready and we will just call this a great day of school.

Healthy Steps

Weight has been a struggle all my life. I can't remember when it wasn't ever an issue. As a child hearing about every little thing I put in my mouth and every little activity I did made me want to shut people (at least their voices) out. I don't want my children to have the same issues. Cameron never had to deal with weight until a few years ago when he started his psychotic medications. If anyone has ever had to take or knows someone who has had to take these medication you know that it can pack the weight on you. Cameron gained 60 lbs. on his first medication in this category in about 4 months time. We have battled it in so many ways. I think as a child you just don't see the necessity of worrying about weight and activity level. Well his weight and health was a huge concern and that was what led his doctor and me to take him of all medications and start from scratch so to speak. Any parent that deals with any ADHD or psychotic issue with their child will find that you need to do this every few years anyway to make sure they are really benefiting from the medication. I know it has reminded us of how bad things can get. You tend to only remember what recently happened and forget what it was like a few years back. This has been a trying time for the whole family, but we are committed to always help our children grow in the best way possible (even when it means we have to step into an uncomfortable zone). So now Cameron is only taking a medication that is a hormone replacement for his bladder (actually common) and a new medication called Intuniv (used for ADHD but also for impulsive behavior...since we have both), which is not a psychotic medication. His medication that was causing weight gain should be out of his system in about 2 weeks (can you believe a medication can stay in your system for so long). Well with Cameron you can't spring things on him and this summer has been filled with a lot of changes. I've just quit my job, got him in a Christian Home School, ordered his curriculum, planned his days, and worked on my lesson plans (all including Cameron, so it has been a slow process). We haven't conquered the weight loss as of yet but today was a first step to getting him on board. I found a wonderful site, seems like I heard about it before but never checked it out. Livestrong.com is where I found myself a few days ago. I looked around and it really reminded me of the Weight Watchers online site I had done a while back for a few months. Online is easy for me and Cameron is very interactive so I thought maybe I should think about this. After further investigation...IT"S FREE! Weight Watcher's cost $20+ per month (couldn't remember exactly what I paid) and this would allow Cameron to have his own login so he would be the one watching his food and activities instead of me asking (nagging). So today I set myself up and he set him up an account (had to fudge his year born so he could do this...of course I never told him, don't want to give him any ideas). So far we have logged breakfast and a few activities. I just want him to be aware that he has choices and has the power to control them. I will update every now and then on how its going. I know for the next few weeks I will have to remind him to go online and record things since new things are hard to make a habit but I am very hopeful. I know lots of people struggle with weight/health issues so why not join us and give it a try. I'd love to hear how you are doing.

Blessed

I was reminded yesterday at the doctor’s office how blessed I am. Of course I know this but it is a good thing to be reminded. Cameron and Breanna went for their school physicals yesterday and needless to say it was an adventure.

Both as always were concerned about whether or not they were getting shots. I wasn’t sure if Bre’ was but I knew it was a definite for Cameron. So I prepared them both and carefully prepared Cameron. He was very anxious and had paranoia, constantly talking about it until time to go and all the way there. He had worked out a plan that he would go first so he could get it over with. Well we all know that when you are at the doctor that it could take what seems to be a lifetime, especially when you have a child that is obsessed with the appointment already.

The first hour was filled with non-stop talk and pacing. Breanna didn’t seem to be effected due to iCarly playing (she loves TV). As we proceeded through the hour I thought to myself that I might want to remind Cameron that his doctor would be examining all parts of him. Well this immediately sent him into a high manic state and for the next hour I listened to non-stop laughter. As a mom, your child’s laugh is the most precious thing in the world to hear. Manic laughter is very different and as time goes on can seem a bit scary. Cameron tried to make light of his paper gown, the decorations on the wall, the fact the nurse said he would be getting a couple of shots and then decided four would be the number, all the while managing this with uncontrollable laughter. By this time I had a headache and from previous experience the best I could do was keep him from getting loud and disturbing others. Breanna however seemed extremely entertained by the situation. Cameron is her funny big brother, she has no idea.

Finally the doctor comes in and examines Cameron (we sent Bre’ across the hall). As we are reviewing his medical history and filling her in on the up to date happenings, she turns and looks at Cameron just shaking her head. She proceeds to ask Cameron if he knows how lucky he is (of course he knows, we tell him all the time). In her words she says to Cameron, “You are a miracle and lucky to be alive today. You should count your self blessed that you can have a relatively normal life. You can enjoy things and have fun doing them. You have arms and legs that move. You might have to deal with some messed up emotions and a few learning disabilities but we will help you with that as best we can. You have a brain that just acts a bit different that everyone else but you are a real miracle. Always remember you are blessed.” As I watched her sincerity and the facial expressions on Cameron’s face, tears came to my eyes. I don’t know if he needed to hear this but I sure did. God puts you in places to benefit you sometimes and after two hours of me trying to maintain my sanity he knew I needed to hear these words. I speak of my blessings everyday but everyone gets weak from time to time. After that Cameron calmed down and while we were waiting on the nurse to bring in his shots he said to me, “I’m driving you crazy right mom?” I told him “maybe a little but its okay.” He hugged me and returned to his seat for the dreaded shot session. No incident arose for it; he just took deep breaths and worked his way through it. Breanna came in and had her physical and of course talked non-stop with the doctor telling her everything she could fit in from Christmas up through our planned weekend mini-vacation. Yep, a politician or lawyer here.

I may have to sit up night after night with Cameron due to his issues but at least I have a lot to think about. But most of all I’m very blessed to have him and Breanna in my life. I’m thankful for every day, the good and the bad because I know I have a wonderful loving family and God that has me on his mind.

Back On Track

Okay, lots has really happened and I just got to fill you in.

Well January finished with more sickness that seems to be lasting in spurts throughout the household.

February proved to be very loving. Kevin and Breanna attend the Father/Daughter Dance at her school. Cameron and I celebrated by having dinner at one of his favorite restaurants; Biba's Italian Restaurant. This proved to be a good trip because I was able to mimic his favorite dish; Tortellini Gabrielle the following week for dinner. Yum and what a savings.

March so far has just been more sickness and getting in to the spring cleaning thing. Although the most eventful moment is when we filed out taxes only to find out that Kevin's ex-wife just up and decided the rules don't apply to her and claimed Breanna. So with a lawyer on standby and the IRS working on the investigation, we will just wait for that refund. It really amazes me at how she continues to find excuses and ways to justify her illegal and odd behavior. Of course the icing on the cake for this is that instead of being Kevin's fault, she decided the blame should be on me this time. I hope it is worth it, the IRS Agent I spoke with said she could face not only paying back what she got, penalties, interest and perjury charges. Not likely jail time if she cooperates (that is kind of funny).

Oh, I almost forgot two of the biggest changes in our life. With Kevin's support I have begun a support group at our church. It is called P.A.R.E.N.T.S. (Praying and Reaching Everyone's Needs Through Support). We have been meeting every Wednesday since February and just this past week decided to meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesday's of the month (everyone is so busy). This is support/fellowship group for parents of children that may have a learning, mental or health issue. I really felt led to do this since all three of these issues are dealt with in our household and in the last 11 years I have basically not found any group that could just listen or offer advice on situations they have been through. We really wanted to be broad since we don't know what the community need really is, or what God has in store. We want everyone to feel welcome, even if you don't have a child with any issues we feel that daily parenting issues can cause enough grief and maybe just the average parent might want to be a part of our group also. Let me know if you are interested and I will get our information to you.

The next important factor in our life is that God is providing wonderful opportunities for the charity I've been working for the past year. Due to accepted grants, I have gone from 1 day a week to 2 days a week. And hopefully if we get the other grant we applied for it will allow me to work 3 days a week starting some time in the summer. I'm really excited about what I'll be doing and know it is for God. I'm also excited about getting a paycheck. YEA!

Well that should pretty much catch you up on things. I'm sure I left a lot out but I'm planning to really push myself and start this up again...3 times a charm, LOL!

Busy Day

Well I thought this morning that the day was going to be one of my worst. First waking to find we had over slept and only had 15 minutes to get the kids ready to meet the bus for school. I guess the excitement had just the opposite effect and kicked my butt in high gear. I started my Brunswick Stew on the stove, put a pre-divided pack of chicken leg quarters in one crock pot (thinking maybe some Chicken Tacos and a Casserole with that meat) and put the Pork Roast that was left over from my Brunswick Stew in the other crock pot (thinking some BBQ or Stuffed Potatoes) to plan for my weekend menu so I don't have to spend the whole time cooking. Made me some Coffee and Oatmeal with Splenda and sat down to enjoy my Breakfast. Loaded the dishwasher and made it work for me. Everything was all finished by 9 a.m. This is how I wish everyday would go. I should be so lucky.

Saw Cameron's Psychiatrist on Tuesday and we decided to up his ADHD medication to see if he might be able to stay on task a little better. We have talked about this a few visits ago but I decided I wanted to see how things went and well he needs some extra. We are doing a new technique of breaking down responsibilities. For instance when he has to clean his room I won't just say, " Go clean your room". That is just to big for him. So now we are breaking it down. I may send him in his room to pick 10 things off the floor. Then later tell him to make his bed. After a while passes I tell him to look in his closet and do 4 things to improve the look of his closet. WOW, this really worked. It took maybe 45 minutes in all to clean his room. This might seem like a long time to most people but usually I tell him about 20 times to clean his room over a course of 2 hours to all day (depends how worn out I become over the issue) and frankly it still isn't clean. Great Job Cameron!

Kevin and I went to Cameron's IEP meeting at the school today. It was a reevaluation meeting. Basically things are going as planned. Cameron is growing socially and fitting in. Grades are steady however the recent issues with his on task we decided to add the same technique that we are using at home to the classroom to avoid shut down. So when he seems overwhelmed or lost the teacher will have him just focus on one part of what he is doing at a time. And the other issue is related to his short term memory loss. I will work with him over the weekend to create a checklist he is responsible for every day and not forget homework items. We will meet in March or April to establish his IEP for Jr. High School. Our goal is to not hinder him in getting his diploma and graduating. All seems good at this moment. We will start the new medicine dosage this weekend since I like to keep and eye on him when anything changes. ADHD medicine can have a bad affect on someone with Bi-Polar sometimes, so you always need to keep a close eye just to be safe. Who can do this better than me?

Well looks like tonight will be filled with looking over grocery sales ads and coupons to plan my shopping for the weekend. I always enjoy saving money.

Something good is also going on in my life. With all the different medical and learning issues Cameron has had over the years I'm in the process of working with my Pastor to set up a support group that will help parents of children with various issues. I have to admit this has been on my mind for some time now and by the grace of God it will come to pass. I feel that there are many families that could benefit from such a group, probably more than we realize. So please keep me and my church in your prayers as we make this a reality to our community.

-3.7 and counting!

Well the Biggest Loser weigh in was tonight. I knew I had done good but the dreaded walk from the car to the church door was a little long, not to mention the wind chill was turning my blood to ice. You have to wonder how much frozen blood weighs, lol. Well everyone lined up was in good spirits and seemed to be coming out with good results...could I measure up? In I went for my weigh in and whoooooohoooooo down 3.7 pounds. I'm proud of myself!!!

Goal for this week:

1. Have as much fun planning my menu and coming up with recipes as I have this week.

2. Step up the exercise to twice a day (I'd like to double my time).

3. Praise God every step of the way...without him this wouldn't be possible.

Now what will we have on the menu tomorrow?????

Cameron got his report card today. He did pretty good. Remember this year he is not on any special curriculum, he is doing what the rest of the class is doing. I got a note that is IEP meeting will be Thursday, so we will see what everyone thinks. I'm very proud of him and I pray that he keeps up the good work. Middle school is just around the corner and I'm not ready.

We see his psychiatrist in the morning and I feel like it will go pretty well. I know we may have to adjust some meds so I'm prepared for that. I'm interested to see what he will say so I can report back to everyone at the IEP on Thursday.

Okay, I'm a bit tired tonight since I basically had a boring day at home. Car acted up again this morning. After having it checked out the solution is to drive it and see what happens, lol. Don't you just love that one? I think it will be fine, God takes care of us in every way and he always has.

Waiting on coffee...

Nothing like waking up to a big belch from Mojo this morning after he stuffed his face. Dogs are great, but this one is a bit human.

Cameron attended his very first event without someone by his side. This is such a big accomplishment. He was exited about going and didn't seem worried about me not being there. I was so glad, but also very sad. His Jr. High Class at Church had their Christmas Party last night. He said he had a good time. I know they looked like they were enjoying themselves when I arrived to pick him up and I can only imagine how much he ate...Candice out done herself with the food. I'm sure all the kids loved it.

Breanna and I went to a Christmas Party with my mom. It was great to see people I haven't seen lately and of course the holiday food was fabulous. I love holiday party food...lol it's my favorite.

Well I'm going to go get my cup of coffee and sit back and relax...if possible. The kids are already up and in full force and the dogs are racing through the house. Can someone send me a one of those sleeping masks and earplugs? Now that would be a Christmas present that gave all year long.

Back to Organization

I don't really know how time flies by so quickly but it does. So many times I've set down and planned to log on to this blog and update everyone on everything. Things have been crazy...

Well, we survived summer. Not an easy task with every two weeks dropping your child off to who knows what for two weeks. All I can say in everything, "I'm so very glad that I have God in my life".

Cameron and Breanna started school. Breanna is in Kindergarten and Cameron is in the 5th grade. This is something I can't believe. These babies of mine just ain't babies anymore. They both love Daisy Elementary. Breanna is in Ms. Bishop's class and has about 20 classmates. She is really thriving and making friends, but of course with her chatty personality we really didn't think that would be a problem. Cameron has adjusted so well, he has three teachers, Ms. Grant, Ms. Hamrick and Mr. Lillie. He has become very social and if anyone know how he has suffered his whole life with socializing well you know what a blessing this is. He has overcome behavior issues it seems. Thankfully we have great luck with his medication and don't have to switch around a lot. He actually loves school and doesn't like to miss. His short term memory issues have landed him in detention a few times since he can't remember to turn in his homework. But you got to let your children know if they have any handicaps that society doesn't give them slack and they have to figure out a way to over come them. Problem is that he likes detention, it really isn't a punishment. He is also involved in after school Math tutoring with Ms. Grant.

Breanna is about to go to her eye doctor and check on that blind vision of hers. It is so sad to think of how bad her eyes are. I pray that as she matures her eyes change for the better.

Cameron is now seeing a psychiatrist and even though I had very negative issues it has turned out to be a positive experience. The stereotype isn't always correct and if you tell the doctors what you expect and how you plan to stay in control and only do what you are comfortable with they do listen...or maybe I got lucky like I always have. Funny how God looks after you and sends the right doctors in your path if that is what you pray for. It also amazes me that when you step up and tell the doctors exactly what your religious beliefs are that they are willing to share theirs and pray with you and for you. That in itself is awesome to me.

Well we have just survived the Swine Flu. Cameron had a bad case of it last Wednesday and had a headache through the entire time. After thinking he had Encephalitis and ruling out Meningitis, we now know that he suffers from severe migraines (something he may have gotten from me). At least we know and we can control it. Of course we have spent nearly $500 in a matter of 2 week on medicine not only looking forward to a doctor bill and an emergency room visit bill. Oh well!

Breanna goes on her first Field Trip tomorrow to the 911 Center, Police and Fire Departments. She is so funny. As a matter of fact this week Kevin and her were driving in the car and she said that they have to say the Pledge of Allegiance everyday and she is really getting tired of it, of course she recites it wonderfully. Anyway she went on to talk about the moment of silence and said that it was really hard. Kevin and I had to really laugh at that because we figure it must be the hardest part of her day. She is always talking, singing and role playing in her room, car, shower, you name it. So funny.

Well keep you fingers crossed that I can get on track and keep this up. Yep, I'm going to set an alarm on my cell phone to remind me to do this. Lots of things to report about coming up. Breanna's special birthday dinner at Logan's tomorrow night, the double birthday celebration for Breanna and Cameron Saturday, along with a quick visit to a fall festival that morning. Sunday is the Spaghetti Supper fundraiser for Winterfest and then we get a week off for Fall Break, which will include Cameron's special birthday dinner at Ichiban. All this and plus another addition to the family Christopher will be here.

Speaking of additions, we had one dog run off. Yep, Chloe was the only dog I ever knew that would climb out of the fence, run around and come back when she had made the day of it. Well one day she left and never came back. Of course we still have Mojo and Opie and now we added Dobie another dachshund. We just love those little wienies.

Take a deep breath...

Cameron is having a hard time dealing with impulsive behavior. Today he got so upset I had to pick him up from school practically as soon as it started. It must be very hard for him to have an impulsive burst and then realize that is was not constructive and have such remorse and be so sorry and hard on yourself. I get so concerned for him. For a 10 year old he has a lot to deal with. Sometimes it seems so unfair. I'm trying to be the most understanding mother and act in a positive way. I know God will get him through this stage in life as he has so many others. For those of you that have children like Cameron, please know that they do try but sometimes life is even hard for a child. Just let them know you are there for them always and be patient. It will work out in the end. I'm sure of it.

Another issue that the family is dealing with is attending church regularly. Kevin and I have such a strong religious background and really love the Lord. Our church has been my church since I can remember. My parents and grandfather still attend there. My cousin is the Youth Pastor as well. We just and have for a long time feel that it is time to move on. We are scared to make the move but know it is inevitable. God had been dealing with us to go somewhere that offers more for our personal situation and even though we love our church and the people they are not meeting the needs of our family. We have decided to visit a few churches in the area and pray about a new start. So please keep us in your prayers and pray we make the best decision for our family. Thank you to everyone that has been with us throughout our journey with God.

The kids had a great time at the park today. The sun went behind the clouds and the breeze felt so good that I had to take them to play before the rain started. Funny when we got there it was sprinkling and stopped pretty quick. It made for a nice relaxing book reading moment while the kids worked off some energy. I hope we can do this more often since the weather is getting to be so nice. I think it is going to rain this weekend but maybe we can squeeze in a little park time.

Kevin just got in from work and it is time for the kids to go to bed. I plan on getting to bed early with a little book reading maybe. First I have to visit with Kevin and do our daily download for the day. I'm so glad I have Kevin. He makes life in general so much easier. I don't know what I'd do without him.