Camden and Food

Camden loves to eat. He is a big boy, he eats a lot. He came to the right family because I love to cook and he will eat anything I make. Recently while grocery shopping, I decided to buy bologna. This is an interesting thing considering I am hooked on watching the BBC America show "You Are What You Eat." I must have watched a "Rugrats" cartoon sometime before this trip to the store because I kept thinking of fried bologna sandwiches. I don't think I have had one in fifteen years. Maybe longer. Anyways, I bought this bologna and that is what Owen, Camden and I had for lunch. I good ol' fried bologna sandwich with processed cheese. (crusts cut off too.) They loved them. So now we eat sandwiches alot for lunch. (Not only bologna.)
Camden's love for food does not stop there. While Lane was on his last trip, I ordered my typical Chinese take out. I order a meal and eat it for a few days while the kids load up on mac and cheese and pizza. This trip I ordered Mu Shu Chicken. (love it, Thank you Hannah Montana) I made my plate and sat down, and Camden got into the fridge, got the take out container, a fork and joined me for Chinese. It was one of the funniest things I had seen. There he sat with the Chinese take out container, eating directly out of it. He will eat what ever you are eating.
The question that came to me tonight was, Why is what is on my plate (or Lanes) better than what is on his? I made Mu Shu Chicken for dinner tonight, made him a plate, made myself the exact same plate, we sat down and he ate part of his with his mouth wide open came up saying "BITE, BITE" He ate mine and Lane's and left about 1/4 of his own. I just don't get it. But I love it.

The most horrible woman I have ever met.

***WARNING ANGRY POST AHEAD ***
Today I met with the most callous, insensitive, careless woman. I am hoping most of what we call “supervisors” within the school district are not so out of touch with students and parents as Ms. Barton is. She is the Speech Language Coordinator for the Southeast Region of the school district. Big title, I know. She thinks so too. Unfortunately, she is someone who will be deciding what is best for my son.
We met today to discuss placement for Owen next year. He is not developmentally delayed. WE ALL KNOW THIS. The boy is smart, quick witted, strong willed but he can’t talk. After 45 minutes of speech therapy we rushed to the school to meet this woman to discuss our game plan. She was LATE!! How do you get lost going to a school you supervise? Doesn’t make much sense to me. But that is not the point. She was supposed to observe him in his classroom, with his teacher, within his comfort zone. That so did not happen. We were taken into the small speech office with a student speech therapist (his real one is on vacation) another total stranger and was supposed to perform for them. Owen performs for NO ONE! She barely looked over his file, did not ask about his diagnosis or any of his tests he has been through and proceeded to give me my option(s) for him. He can go to the all phonology program at Walker Elementary. I cannot go and observe the class she continued, because that is “Program Shopping.” Yeah’ that is what I am doing. I am shopping for somewhere to ship my child out of our comfort zone and away from me, just for the heck of it. I want this trial in life for him. (She has no clue) I can go and meet the teacher after Owen is enrolled in the new program. I DON’T THINK SO!!!! She then told me that if I didn’t like that my other option was to exit him from the program but continue speech therapy at the school for the ninety minutes a week. (It’s sounding better and better.) I knew what my options were going into the meeting but her telling me I cannot contact Walker or observe the other class is absolutely absurd. It is a public school, I am a tax payer. I can take a tour at anytime. Needless to say I was livid. As we exited the office, she then let me know I might want to think about putting all of Owen’s paper work in a three ring binder… I have all of his paperwork in a manila envelope that can be filed and found very easily. I simply smiled and told her “You can’t file a three ring binder.” WHAT SNOT!!
After I calmed down I asked our Assistant Principal what my options for viewing the school was. She was appalled. She let me know that I need to just call the school and ask when a good time to come out and look around is. If they say I cannot come and see the school I am to tell her and she will handle the situation. She also let me know that before any IEPs are done I need to meet the teacher because if Owen is not compatible it is pointless to send him. (Pretty funny, even she knows what a strong personality he has.)
So this is what I am up against. An out of touch woman who thinks she has power. I have a feeling things are going to get REALLY UGLY!!! And we wonder what is wrong with our schools. District Supervisors who don’t have a clue on what the best thing for a student is.

By the way if any one knows her, send her the link to my blog.

Crazy Days Makes One Crazy Mom

All year I have not minded that my children are on different tracks. I, trying to be an optimist, thought it was great to have Owen on a different track so I can spend a little one on one time with him during his track break and the same for Hayden. Owen went back to school on Tuesday. Hayden and Lizzie "tracked out" last Friday. I thought all weekend how nice it would be to just have to take Owen to school and not worry about car pooling, honor choir and all of the PTA responsibitlies. This week has been soo crazy that I would gladly go back to my three to four trips a day to school. I have gotten a taste of what life with four children is really going to be this week. Already this week we have had two dentist appointments at two different offices for two different children, tennis in 110 degrees, speech therapy, DARE graduation (part two), PTA board meeting, party planning brainstorming meeting, a birthday party, Girls Achievement, Owen's school and trying to potty train Camden. Not to mention unexpected visitors staying, hosting a dinner party we didn't plan on and grocery shopping and preparing for Lane leaving for two and a half weeks. IT IS ONLY WEDNESDAY !!!! The rest of the week doesn't look any better. I think my family will finally have a night together on Friday. So if you see me and I don't say hello this week, don't take it personally. I probably am thinking of my next task...

"Camp Rock" Rocked !!!

"CAMP ROCK" ROCKED !!!

Lizzie had a GREAT party. She invited a few of her friends over. This is not your typical "Tween Girl Group." They are so sweet and fun. Most of which also suffer from OJD (Obessive Jonas Disorder). Wow did they have fun. It was a great time. I love to hear the laughter. Trust me I heard it tonight. Seven 10-11 year old girls watching "The JONAS BROTHERS." I think they surpass New Kids on the Block and are nearing the Beatles. Both talent wise and popularity. And I love New Kids. Nonetheless it was a great movie, not quite HSM but wonderful message and the girls got it. Be yourself and follow your dreams. I hope you all check out the movie.

By Popular Demand

Daddy and Hayden at the Father's Day Round Up - Mrs. Aguero's Kindergaten Class.(she's amazing too.)

Hayden's first day of Tennis... In June in Las Vegas... HE LOVED IT !!!

Owen Loves his transformers !!!

Camden Hawk... He loves the camera !!!

Camden and Daddy...

Lizzie and her AMAZING teacher, Mrs. Bernick. Honestly how many teachers go to baseball games and dance recitals...

Dance Recital 2008

Lizzie and her new Idol - Selena Gomez... (she was a sweetheart)

A Great Group of Sisters

Tonight Lane kicked me out of the house... I have been extremely anti social lately. I guess it has been for a while now. I am okay if my kids are with me, I can hide behind them. You know, talk about them, laugh with them, those situations I am okay with. I have a good friend whom I am okay talking to. We'll go to lunch or something, we talk about everything. But I don't do social events anymore. A few weeks ago I was invited to go to a game night with a group of ladies. I was so excited to go and then when the time came, I made up an excuse and didn't go. It actually caused an argument between Lane and I, because I wanted to go but didn't. And I don't do anything without the kids and I need to. SO last night we were talking and I mentioned we were going to have our Ward's Enrichment night. It sounded so fun. We were having a progressive dinner and I was thinking I might want to go. He immediately asked what time he needed to be home for me to go. Then I started thinking about it. I really don't know many people in my ward. We moved in last summer and I started substituting Primary and then I got my calling. So I have not been with the adults really at all. The panic set in. I almost started hyperventilating in the car. But it was set, Lane was determined I was going... And I went. I had a wonderful time. I have a ward of the most amazing women. I am so lucky to have moved into this ward. We have all felt so welcome and like we were supposed to be here from the first week we were in the ward, but tonight just reaffirmed this. I know there is a reason we moved last summer. It was not really a planned thing. It all just happened so smoothly. We found the house, fell in love with it and the rest is history. We were so happy to have a ward with wonderful girls who Lizzie loves and she can bond with and go to middle school and hopefully high school with who are strong and beautiful spirits. I have boys for Hayden to play with. And girls too... We love our girls for Hayden too. But they accept him for the touchy, quirky kid that he is. My sweet Owen has a class who even at three and four years old, rally around him and encourage him to try to speak. My wonderful friends in the ward who don't really understand what Apraxia is but see the progress being made and also support and encourage us. We are so Blessed to have such a great Church Family. Tonight just really made the choices Lane and I have made feel right again. So I thanked my family last week and now I am thanking my Ward Family for just being SOOO Awesome. Thanks for welcoming my family into yours.

Thank you to my family

Extended Family
I have a brother and a sister who throughout our childhood and adult life are two of the most important people in my life. They are the two people in this world outside my husband and children who mean the most to me. I cannot put into words how important my relationship with them is. They are each married. So I have an amazing brother in law, who is an amazing fahter. And a sister in law who is probably one of my best friends. (Even though she may not know it.) I have aunts and uncles and cousins who I have been blessed with who I keep in touch with. Even if it is via email or blog. I love being close to my family. I have grandparents on both sides who are amazing. My Grandpa Lloyd is one of the most perfect people in this world. And if I am lucky enough to be like my Grandma Myrna I will be very happy. My Grandpa and Grandma Valentine have really been great. They have unfortunately had to be the ones to make the effort in our relationship but they have and are truly sweet, caring and supportive. I have my Aunt Dene who was my best friend and saw me through a lot of tough times as a teenager, and an even tougher time through my wedding. I knew she was always there for me and I could always go and talk to her… and I still can. I love my family. My children have been blessed with this extended family… So to my family who is reading this, know this, you are very special to me. I am grateful everyday for an extended family like you. I know right now we are all dealing with our own things… Just know you are always in my prayers and I love you all. Thank you for being so supportive and kind throughout my life. After a night like tonight, I just wanted to count my blessings and thank you all for being my family. I love you all !!!

Apraxia

Owen has Childhood Apraxia Syndrome. He was diagnosed almost one month ago after three years of wondering and searching for the answer of what was wrong. Apraxia is a neurological disorder where his brain sends the signals of what he wants to say to his mouth but it gets mixed up and he can't make his mouth move the right way. He is moderately severe in his disorder. We have a very long road ahead of us to make him talk. He is seeing a private speech therapist as well as his speech therapy in school. He should be able to talk but he may never be able to say certain words. If anyone wants to learn more about Childhood Apraxia check out this website... Apraxia-Kids.org They have amazing information about what our family will be dealing with.

An Owen Update

Tuesday kicks off our fourth week of Private speech therapy. WOW. Lane and I see a huge difference already. But after teaching the Sunbeams today, I am wondering if anyone else can understand him. Owen spends thirty minutes twice a week working with a sweet speech pathologist named Mrs. Kelly. We have to remember he has been working with a speech therapist since he was 30 months old. At school we are working on three syllable words. Mrs. Kelly started him off with vowel sounds. I was a little concerned to say the least. I went to Owen’s school speech therapist and she reassured me that we needed to give it a chance and am I glad we did. He quickly moved to linking two vowels together and now we are moving on to consonants strung with vowel sounds ie: Bay, Bow, Bee… So progress is being made. He will also voluntarily speak. He like to tell little stories. We have to really listen, he still uses some different sounds instead of words but he is initiating the talking. I just really look forward to hearing what is in that little man’s head.
We also got his assessment back from Dr. Loo at UCLA. I just have to say once again that man was so amazing. You just knew he knew what he was talking about. So… Owen is verbally challenged. He tested at 70 months in the critically thinking areas and visual reception areas. So yes, he is pretty smart in that brain of his. It also says “He is a handsome boy.” Like we needed a doctor to tell us that.
So that is where Owen is now. He is on track break and when he goes back to school he will be in speech therapy for two and a half hours a week. Please just keep praying that he continues to make the progress he is. With Apraxia this is not normal… But when has any of our family been normal.

What Happened to the Fun?

I have been questioning what happened to letting our kids have fun in life. I am a pretty competitive person. I do know this. Hayden played coach pitch baseball this past season and I think I learned more that he did. At the beginning of the season I was right out there on the field yelling and correcting and redirecting him. It was a fight to get him to practices he hated going. His coach was amazing. So patient. And really was teaching them the fundamentals of the sport. At the first game, I sat there with the two very sweet mom's I had just met. One is very relaxed. Her son is a great player and loves the game. The seconds son is much like Hayden, really did not want to be there at the game. Just wanted to play with the other boys. I watched as the second mom from the bleachers corrected, yelled and redirected her son. And it hit me. THIS IS WHAT I LOOK LIKE !!!! Wow. If my parent acted like that I would have hated baseball too. So it took ALOT of effort but I stopped. I did approach Hayden if he started rough housing on the baseball field but other than that, I left it up to the coach. He started to love the game. He started practicing at home, he was ready for his games and practices. He had fun with it. I let him have fun and he loved it. Now it is talent show time at the elementary school. Liz is dancing with a few friends. And I have tried to take the "carefree non competitive have fun and do a good job" attitude with it. BUT the other moms are crazy with it. At Justice these would be considered one of the "Psycho Cheer Mom" types. They are all crazy about what the girls are wearing right down to the socks and how their hair will be done. For the record, any of you know, Lizzie's hair does NOT curl. And yet tomorrow morning she and I will be up at 6 am with the straight iron trying to curl her hair for a talent show that is held in their music class. Why can't moms just let the kids have fun instead of stressing them out because they might not be perfect. I have decided that I am going to just let me kids be the best they can be and if it isn't THE BEST, it's okay.