Right after I took that video our tent, that you can see, blew over from a huge wind gust.
This is what our backyard looked like about an hour after the storm was over...
just a little rain
We had just a little rain today...
Right after I took that video our tent, that you can see, blew over from a huge wind gust.
This is what our backyard looked like about an hour after the storm was over...
Right after I took that video our tent, that you can see, blew over from a huge wind gust.
This is what our backyard looked like about an hour after the storm was over...
Blake's speech
Blake had his first speech session on Friday. Most of the time was spent filling out the paperwork and providing a picture of his developmental levels across the spectrum of skills.
Blake was fascinated with his speech therapist, ST, and even spoke to her quite a bit. Starting this Friday his sessions will be at 9am which will be good because that is Colby's nap time. This is good for two reasons... one Colby won't be a distraction and two Blake will get the full attention of both myself and ST.
We have begun working with him on some simple signs. The first goal is to eliminate his frustration and provide him other means of communication. We will continue to encourage him to speak for as much as possible while giving him a few signs to help too. ST had suggested beginning with "more" and "open". Blake picked up on "more" very quickly. We haven't really had a lot of need for the word "open", but do use the sign when it comes up.
Richard and I decided to jump in and add a few more words. We decided that "help" was an important one for us to use with him. Blake is very strong willed and independent, and if you try to help him when he doesn't want help he gets even more frustrated. But, at the same time if you don't help him and he wants help... yep he gets even more frustrated with the situation.
We are also using the signs "milk", "yes", "no", "thank you", and "sorry". But, we aren't expecting him to master these ones first. My thinking, knowing Blake, is the more he's exposed to Richard and I using the signs the more likely it is for him to begin using them himself.
The exciting thing is he is trying to say the word while doing the sign so he seems to be making the connection between the spoken word and the sign already!
As things progress, I'll keep you posted on the things we are doing.
Blake was fascinated with his speech therapist, ST, and even spoke to her quite a bit. Starting this Friday his sessions will be at 9am which will be good because that is Colby's nap time. This is good for two reasons... one Colby won't be a distraction and two Blake will get the full attention of both myself and ST.
We have begun working with him on some simple signs. The first goal is to eliminate his frustration and provide him other means of communication. We will continue to encourage him to speak for as much as possible while giving him a few signs to help too. ST had suggested beginning with "more" and "open". Blake picked up on "more" very quickly. We haven't really had a lot of need for the word "open", but do use the sign when it comes up.
Richard and I decided to jump in and add a few more words. We decided that "help" was an important one for us to use with him. Blake is very strong willed and independent, and if you try to help him when he doesn't want help he gets even more frustrated. But, at the same time if you don't help him and he wants help... yep he gets even more frustrated with the situation.
We are also using the signs "milk", "yes", "no", "thank you", and "sorry". But, we aren't expecting him to master these ones first. My thinking, knowing Blake, is the more he's exposed to Richard and I using the signs the more likely it is for him to begin using them himself.
The exciting thing is he is trying to say the word while doing the sign so he seems to be making the connection between the spoken word and the sign already!
As things progress, I'll keep you posted on the things we are doing.
I Heart Faces (pout and pets)
This week i ♥ faces' theme is Pout. I don't have many pictures of my kiddos pouting, but here's a cute sad pout-ish picture of Colby. Join i ♥ faces for more pout pictures!
Check out i ♥ faces to see more adorable pets!
Guess what...
Colby took his first two steps yesterday!!
No, I didn't get it on video or even a picture, but I know it will be the beginning of many more steps to come!
No, I didn't get it on video or even a picture, but I know it will be the beginning of many more steps to come!
random weekend thoughs
1. Seeing Abby wearing her "lampshade" is kind of funny, but seeing how miserable it makes her is sad. Her leg is pretty bruised up, but she seems to be doing ok with it all.
2. Many 2 kids in diapers is expensive, but even more than that... it stinks!
3. Blake's first speech session was Friday and it seemed to go well. (I'll post more about this later)
4. Finally getting around to print out the pictures for my frames is a mini accomplishment (o:
5. Getting to lay down and rest in the middle of the day is such a weekend treat.
6. Having Richard home and not working all weekend is a major treat.
7. Seeing Colby think about taking those first steps makes it exciting... I know it will be soon!!
8. Yellow cake mix cookies with chocolate and butterscotch chips and chocolate frosting
9. I began working on the new blog topper and such... since you can't agree on wether it is time for a change or not... lol (the poll ended in a tie). I'll try to get it up in the next week or so
10. Hard to believe it is the last week of March. Even harder... next Saturday Colby will be 10 months old!!
Hope you are all enjoying your weekend. Time to tune into the local news to see how the shuttle landing is doing and prepare for the sonic BOOM!
2. Many 2 kids in diapers is expensive, but even more than that... it stinks!
3. Blake's first speech session was Friday and it seemed to go well. (I'll post more about this later)
4. Finally getting around to print out the pictures for my frames is a mini accomplishment (o:
5. Getting to lay down and rest in the middle of the day is such a weekend treat.
6. Having Richard home and not working all weekend is a major treat.
7. Seeing Colby think about taking those first steps makes it exciting... I know it will be soon!!
8. Yellow cake mix cookies with chocolate and butterscotch chips and chocolate frosting
9. I began working on the new blog topper and such... since you can't agree on wether it is time for a change or not... lol (the poll ended in a tie). I'll try to get it up in the next week or so
10. Hard to believe it is the last week of March. Even harder... next Saturday Colby will be 10 months old!!
Hope you are all enjoying your weekend. Time to tune into the local news to see how the shuttle landing is doing and prepare for the sonic BOOM!
Menu planning (week 6)
planned:
Friday: breakfast
Saturday: turkey cheddar bacon burgers
Sunday: stir fry
Day 1: fajitas
Day 2: ravioli
Day 3: pizza leftovers
Day 4: leftovers
Friday: breakfast
Saturday: turkey cheddar bacon burgers
Sunday: stir fry
Day 1: fajitas
Day 2: ravioli
Day 3: pizza leftovers
Day 4: leftovers
Menu planning (week 5-- revisited)
Planned:
Friday: out (we are going to see Playhouse Disney Live today so we'll stop and get something on our way home)
Saturday: steak and garlic smashed potatoes
Sunday: chicken parm (I make this un-breaded)
day 1: chicken caesar pasta (this is a new recipe for us)
day 2: ham steak with rice
day 3: leftovers
day 4: who knows... Richard is traveling on Wednesday so Blake and I will figure it out then
Actual (I put B's on the same line... this is what he ate, he usually is offered all that we had, but doesn't always eat it all)
Friday: fend for yourself (R- leftover sub, L- macaroni salad, B- sweet and sour meatballs)
Saturday: T-bone steak, garlic smashed potatoes, corn (B- chicken nuggets)
Sunday: shredded Italian chicken over multigrain rotini (B- chicken and banana) I put the chicken into the crock pot with spaghetti sauce and spices, then shredded it after a few hours and let it continue to go until we were ready to eat... next time I'd add a can of crushed tomatoes to add more tomato taste and more liquid
Monday: ham steak on salad (B- ham and cheese)
Tuesday: leftover pizza casserole (B- meatballs and goldfish crackers)
Wednesday: leftover rice and meatballs with salad (B- fish sticks and french fries... and a meatball or two)
Thursday: chicken caesar pasta (this is a new recipe for us) (B- chicken and cheese) This was... ok. It was the right mix of pasta, chicken and salad (ok I did chicken breast and not as much pasta as it said, but still) The dressing was off to me. Something was missing... maybe more acid? maybe more seasoning/spice? maybe I don't know. It was missing that tang of ceasar dressing in my opinion
Something else we had this week was a new cookie recipe. Soft & Chewy Chocolate-Peanut Butter Cookies
The recipe I have only had 1 egg, and I agree with the addition of the 2nd egg. I also think when/if I make them again I'll cream together the egg, cream cheese and peanut butter first before adding the cake mix. I also want to try it with yellow cake to see if that helps bring out more of the peanut butter taste (or I may try chunky peanut butter)
Does anyone else eat a meal or desert or something and sit there and think... if I did x, y and z it would be better or it would be neat to try ____??
Friday: out (we are going to see Playhouse Disney Live today so we'll stop and get something on our way home)
Saturday: steak and garlic smashed potatoes
Sunday: chicken parm (I make this un-breaded)
day 1: chicken caesar pasta (this is a new recipe for us)
day 2: ham steak with rice
day 3: leftovers
day 4: who knows... Richard is traveling on Wednesday so Blake and I will figure it out then
Actual (I put B's on the same line... this is what he ate, he usually is offered all that we had, but doesn't always eat it all)
Friday: fend for yourself (R- leftover sub, L- macaroni salad, B- sweet and sour meatballs)
Saturday: T-bone steak, garlic smashed potatoes, corn (B- chicken nuggets)
Sunday: shredded Italian chicken over multigrain rotini (B- chicken and banana) I put the chicken into the crock pot with spaghetti sauce and spices, then shredded it after a few hours and let it continue to go until we were ready to eat... next time I'd add a can of crushed tomatoes to add more tomato taste and more liquid
Monday: ham steak on salad (B- ham and cheese)
Tuesday: leftover pizza casserole (B- meatballs and goldfish crackers)
Wednesday: leftover rice and meatballs with salad (B- fish sticks and french fries... and a meatball or two)
Thursday: chicken caesar pasta (this is a new recipe for us) (B- chicken and cheese) This was... ok. It was the right mix of pasta, chicken and salad (ok I did chicken breast and not as much pasta as it said, but still) The dressing was off to me. Something was missing... maybe more acid? maybe more seasoning/spice? maybe I don't know. It was missing that tang of ceasar dressing in my opinion
Something else we had this week was a new cookie recipe. Soft & Chewy Chocolate-Peanut Butter Cookies
The recipe I have only had 1 egg, and I agree with the addition of the 2nd egg. I also think when/if I make them again I'll cream together the egg, cream cheese and peanut butter first before adding the cake mix. I also want to try it with yellow cake to see if that helps bring out more of the peanut butter taste (or I may try chunky peanut butter)
Does anyone else eat a meal or desert or something and sit there and think... if I did x, y and z it would be better or it would be neat to try ____??
Yawnnnn
Man I'm tired today. Yesterday was such a long day for both Richard and I. We got up around 5:30am so Richard could be out of the house by 6:15am. The boys both woke up early too, around 6:20am. Richard's flight was supposed to take off at 8:10am, yeah that didn't happen 2 hours and 6 minutes later his flight finally left the gate! We were e-mailing back and forth the whole time he was sitting waiting for the flight to take off.
The boys and I had a pretty good day. It did feel strange not having Abby home (she comes home today). We met up with my walking buddy and walked for over an hour then had showers (yes my sons would prefer a shower to a bath!). After that we had dinner and played before bed time. Richard called home to say good night to the boys and I put Colby down for bed. Both boys were asleep by 7:30 which is great! I then camped out on the couch and watched some of the things I had DVR'ed. I stayed up until Richard got home around 11:30pm (I think that is when it was). It took a bit to fall asleep and then Colby fussed at 4:10am, at least he fell back to sleep with very little help. Both boys woke up around 6:30am. We let them come in and play on our bed for a bit before giving in and getting up for the day.
But, let me tell you I'm TIRED! I can't function with so little sleep anymore. I hope both boys decide to nap at the sametime this afternoon.
The boys and I had a pretty good day. It did feel strange not having Abby home (she comes home today). We met up with my walking buddy and walked for over an hour then had showers (yes my sons would prefer a shower to a bath!). After that we had dinner and played before bed time. Richard called home to say good night to the boys and I put Colby down for bed. Both boys were asleep by 7:30 which is great! I then camped out on the couch and watched some of the things I had DVR'ed. I stayed up until Richard got home around 11:30pm (I think that is when it was). It took a bit to fall asleep and then Colby fussed at 4:10am, at least he fell back to sleep with very little help. Both boys woke up around 6:30am. We let them come in and play on our bed for a bit before giving in and getting up for the day.
But, let me tell you I'm TIRED! I can't function with so little sleep anymore. I hope both boys decide to nap at the sametime this afternoon.
My baby girl
(Make sure you check out the new poll too!)
Ok yes, I know I only have sons, but I do have a baby girl... Abby. For those who don't follow my blog regularly Abby is my dog. She is a shiba inu, which is a Japanese breed. I have had Abby since she was a few months old, and since she will be 9 in June... that's a long time.
Abby is not at home today. Nope, she is at the vet's. Back in Dec, she had a minor tear in her back left knee. Last week, it seemed that she re-aggravated the tear, but we decided to watch a bit and see if she was just favoring her leg. Over the weekend we realized that she HAD to be seen by the vet. So after a bit of schedule juggling, I took Abby to the vet yesterday morning.
She was seen by the head vet who decided that most likely Abby had ruptured the ligament in her knee. This was not new to us, she did the same thing on her right leg 4 years ago. So, the decision was made to leave her at the vet, and get her knee fixed that day. I called the vet after 3 and found out that the surgery was successful and she had done well. She was resting while being pumped up with pain killers.
We will pick her up Thursday afternoon. It should be interesting to see what the boys think of Abby wearing a "lamp shade". And, trying to confine Abby and keep the boys away from her injured leg should be interesting. But, at least she will begin to feel a lot better and soon!
Ok yes, I know I only have sons, but I do have a baby girl... Abby. For those who don't follow my blog regularly Abby is my dog. She is a shiba inu, which is a Japanese breed. I have had Abby since she was a few months old, and since she will be 9 in June... that's a long time.
Abby is not at home today. Nope, she is at the vet's. Back in Dec, she had a minor tear in her back left knee. Last week, it seemed that she re-aggravated the tear, but we decided to watch a bit and see if she was just favoring her leg. Over the weekend we realized that she HAD to be seen by the vet. So after a bit of schedule juggling, I took Abby to the vet yesterday morning.
She was seen by the head vet who decided that most likely Abby had ruptured the ligament in her knee. This was not new to us, she did the same thing on her right leg 4 years ago. So, the decision was made to leave her at the vet, and get her knee fixed that day. I called the vet after 3 and found out that the surgery was successful and she had done well. She was resting while being pumped up with pain killers.
We will pick her up Thursday afternoon. It should be interesting to see what the boys think of Abby wearing a "lamp shade". And, trying to confine Abby and keep the boys away from her injured leg should be interesting. But, at least she will begin to feel a lot better and soon!
Blake's speech
I mentioned in my Random Weekend thoughts, that I had Blake's speech evaluated and he qualifies for speech therapy. I figured it would be worth explaining this a bit more.
When we went to Blake's 2 yr. doctor's appointment I pushed for a referral to early intervention. Early intervention for those who don't know is a federally funded service provided for children birth to 3 who have some type of developmental delay or medical condition that requires extra services (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and vision specialist, etc...). We have a very good working relationship with our Pediatrician and I knew if I pushed it she would agree with the evaluation. I decided to wait until after the holidays to call and set up the appointment.
When I called they did a phone evaluation. This is used to weed out the parents who are just searching for services, but the child doesn't really need them. When they evaluate the child he/she has to be two standard deviations below the norm in any one category to qualify, and/or have one sub-category that is two standard deviations below the norm. When they did the phone questionnaire, I was told that Blake did not qualify because his "communication" falls in the norm. I decided to push them to test him. I know his communication skills are in the norm as it is a combination of receptive and expressive language. Blake's receptive language (the understanding of what he hears) is very high! But, I also know that his expressive language (what he is able to say) is very low. Or should I qualify even more to say it's more an articulation problem (in my opinion, but I'm not an expert).
After talking to the Child Care Coordinator who will be following his services, she agreed that it would be worth doing the evaluation to see what is going on, and what can be done to help Blake. We then set up an appointment for the next available time... 2 months later! Yes, I realize that there are other cases that are a lot more severe than Blake's speech, but still it felt like a forever wait.
When we went to the evaluation they performed a standardized test to evaluate his development in communication, motor skills (fine and gross motor), self-help skills, social/emotional, and cognitive skills. Part of this evaluation was completed by asking Richard and me a series of questions about Blake's everyday abilities. The other part was actual tests they did with Blake in a play type format. There were two therapists performing the evaluation. A speech therapist was working with Blake and an occupational therapist was asking Richard and I the questions.
The assessment was reviewed there that day too, and services were set up (what he qualified for, not the where and when of the service). When we went through the assessments it was determined that he was average to above average in all categories including communication. But, when they looked at his expressive language skills he was below the norm in this one area. The speech therapist agreed that he needed speech therapy and that pushing to get him evaluated was the right thing to do.
I am just glad that I had enough understanding of language skills to push this evaluation. I'm also glad that they were willing to listen to my concerns and understand that I knew he needed help. The other thing that I feel having been a teacher helped me with is that I know that a speech issue is typical. I know that having a speech problem has NOTHING to do with intellect. I know that it is something that can be helped and overcome when provided the right type of help.
It still baffles me how many people think that getting any kind of service means that there is a cognitive problem. What is even sadder is how many people in the field of education do not understand that providing service earlier will help the child in the long run. That although some developmental delays are signs of learning problems to come, not all are. A developmental delay means that the ability is there... if you don't have the ability to perform the skill it isn't a delayed skill!
I can't wait for Blake to start receiving speech. I'm excited to see his speech blossom to match the rest of his abilities. I'm excited to help him. And more than anything I'm excited to know that at some point in the near future I may be able to hear him say Mommy.
When we went to Blake's 2 yr. doctor's appointment I pushed for a referral to early intervention. Early intervention for those who don't know is a federally funded service provided for children birth to 3 who have some type of developmental delay or medical condition that requires extra services (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and vision specialist, etc...). We have a very good working relationship with our Pediatrician and I knew if I pushed it she would agree with the evaluation. I decided to wait until after the holidays to call and set up the appointment.
When I called they did a phone evaluation. This is used to weed out the parents who are just searching for services, but the child doesn't really need them. When they evaluate the child he/she has to be two standard deviations below the norm in any one category to qualify, and/or have one sub-category that is two standard deviations below the norm. When they did the phone questionnaire, I was told that Blake did not qualify because his "communication" falls in the norm. I decided to push them to test him. I know his communication skills are in the norm as it is a combination of receptive and expressive language. Blake's receptive language (the understanding of what he hears) is very high! But, I also know that his expressive language (what he is able to say) is very low. Or should I qualify even more to say it's more an articulation problem (in my opinion, but I'm not an expert).
After talking to the Child Care Coordinator who will be following his services, she agreed that it would be worth doing the evaluation to see what is going on, and what can be done to help Blake. We then set up an appointment for the next available time... 2 months later! Yes, I realize that there are other cases that are a lot more severe than Blake's speech, but still it felt like a forever wait.
When we went to the evaluation they performed a standardized test to evaluate his development in communication, motor skills (fine and gross motor), self-help skills, social/emotional, and cognitive skills. Part of this evaluation was completed by asking Richard and me a series of questions about Blake's everyday abilities. The other part was actual tests they did with Blake in a play type format. There were two therapists performing the evaluation. A speech therapist was working with Blake and an occupational therapist was asking Richard and I the questions.
The assessment was reviewed there that day too, and services were set up (what he qualified for, not the where and when of the service). When we went through the assessments it was determined that he was average to above average in all categories including communication. But, when they looked at his expressive language skills he was below the norm in this one area. The speech therapist agreed that he needed speech therapy and that pushing to get him evaluated was the right thing to do.
I am just glad that I had enough understanding of language skills to push this evaluation. I'm also glad that they were willing to listen to my concerns and understand that I knew he needed help. The other thing that I feel having been a teacher helped me with is that I know that a speech issue is typical. I know that having a speech problem has NOTHING to do with intellect. I know that it is something that can be helped and overcome when provided the right type of help.
It still baffles me how many people think that getting any kind of service means that there is a cognitive problem. What is even sadder is how many people in the field of education do not understand that providing service earlier will help the child in the long run. That although some developmental delays are signs of learning problems to come, not all are. A developmental delay means that the ability is there... if you don't have the ability to perform the skill it isn't a delayed skill!
I can't wait for Blake to start receiving speech. I'm excited to see his speech blossom to match the rest of his abilities. I'm excited to help him. And more than anything I'm excited to know that at some point in the near future I may be able to hear him say Mommy.
I Heart Faces (no flash)
This week on i ♥ faces the theme is no flash. I figured the easiest thing was to pull out an outside picture. Colby was sitting in the stroller watching Blake help Richard wash the car. Looks like he was zoned out drinking his water and enjoying the nice weather.
Join in the fun... post a picture taken without a flash and link up the i ♥ faces' weekly contest, and check out a ton of other great pictures!!
random weekend thoughs
1. Watching Blake enjoy the Playhouse Disney show was great! He was on his feet dancing the whole time.
2. Getting out and walking is a great outlet
3. Getting Blake's speech evaluated and having them say that he qualifies for speech therapy just goes to show that it's worth pushing it to get help
4. Having both boys struggling to fall asleep at night is so not fun! I loved it when they both were sound asleep by 7:15pm, lately I'm lucky if they are both asleep by 8:30pm.
5. Knowing there is a very good chance that Abby is going to need surgery on her knee is hard to deal with, but I'll do pretty much anything to make her comfortable again
6. Getting naps straighten out with Blake and almost with Colby makes my days a whole lot easier even if it means that my day is pretty much shot with nap after nap after nap
7. Making milk shakes for lunch is always a treat
8. Getting errands done on Friday makes Saturdays a lot calmer
9. Knowing that Richard is going to have to travel for a full day is hard, but at least its only a day
10. Taking a week off from random weekend thoughts was strange, but necessary last week
2. Getting out and walking is a great outlet
3. Getting Blake's speech evaluated and having them say that he qualifies for speech therapy just goes to show that it's worth pushing it to get help
4. Having both boys struggling to fall asleep at night is so not fun! I loved it when they both were sound asleep by 7:15pm, lately I'm lucky if they are both asleep by 8:30pm.
5. Knowing there is a very good chance that Abby is going to need surgery on her knee is hard to deal with, but I'll do pretty much anything to make her comfortable again
6. Getting naps straighten out with Blake and almost with Colby makes my days a whole lot easier even if it means that my day is pretty much shot with nap after nap after nap
7. Making milk shakes for lunch is always a treat
8. Getting errands done on Friday makes Saturdays a lot calmer
9. Knowing that Richard is going to have to travel for a full day is hard, but at least its only a day
10. Taking a week off from random weekend thoughts was strange, but necessary last week
Menu planning (week 5)
What's cooking??
Friday: out (we are going to see Playhouse Disney Live today so we'll stop and get something on our way home)
Saturday: steak and garlic smashed potatoes
Sunday: chicken parm (I make this un-breaded)
day 1: chicken caesar pasta (this is a new recipe for us)
day 2: ham steak with rice
day 3: leftovers
day 4: who knows... Richard is traveling on Wednesday so Blake and I will figure it out then
did you enjoy seeing Blake's menu or is that a waste of my time? I can post it if people are interested but if you don't care then I'll save myself a step
Friday: out (we are going to see Playhouse Disney Live today so we'll stop and get something on our way home)
Saturday: steak and garlic smashed potatoes
Sunday: chicken parm (I make this un-breaded)
day 1: chicken caesar pasta (this is a new recipe for us)
day 2: ham steak with rice
day 3: leftovers
day 4: who knows... Richard is traveling on Wednesday so Blake and I will figure it out then
did you enjoy seeing Blake's menu or is that a waste of my time? I can post it if people are interested but if you don't care then I'll save myself a step
Menu planning (week 4-- revisited)
planned menu:
Friday: tuna wraps
Saturday: cheddar bacon burgers
Sunday: order out
day 1: sweet and sour meatballs
day 2: steak ums
day 3: baked potatoes and salad
day 4: leftovers of some kind
Actual:
Friday: tuna wraps
Saturday: cheese burgers and corn on the cob
Sunday: meatball pizza and baked ziti
Monday: Steak and cheese subs
Tuesday: sweet and sour meatballs with rice
Wednesday: leftover pizza and baked ziti
Thursday: baked potato and salad
I was asked a few times if Blake eats the same as Richard and I so this week I thought I'd post Blake's menu too... lol
Friday: tuna (right out of the can), cheese, tortilla wrap
Saturday: hot dog and banana (he doesn't like burgers)
Sunday: meatball pizza
Monday: sub roll, cheese (he had steak on his plate too, but refused to even try it)
Tuesday: sweet and sour meatballs and peanut butter... don't ask!
Wednesday: leftover pizza
Thursday: chicken nuggets and banana
Friday: tuna wraps
Saturday: cheddar bacon burgers
Sunday: order out
day 1: sweet and sour meatballs
day 2: steak ums
day 3: baked potatoes and salad
day 4: leftovers of some kind
Actual:
Friday: tuna wraps
Saturday: cheese burgers and corn on the cob
Sunday: meatball pizza and baked ziti
Monday: Steak and cheese subs
Tuesday: sweet and sour meatballs with rice
Wednesday: leftover pizza and baked ziti
Thursday: baked potato and salad
I was asked a few times if Blake eats the same as Richard and I so this week I thought I'd post Blake's menu too... lol
Friday: tuna (right out of the can), cheese, tortilla wrap
Saturday: hot dog and banana (he doesn't like burgers)
Sunday: meatball pizza
Monday: sub roll, cheese (he had steak on his plate too, but refused to even try it)
Tuesday: sweet and sour meatballs and peanut butter... don't ask!
Wednesday: leftover pizza
Thursday: chicken nuggets and banana
What is wrong with this picture?
As a former teacher, I have been closely following the budget deficits in the education system here in Florida. When Orange County Public school announced earlier in the school year that they were projecting a $102 million budget cut for the fall, I was disappointed and a bit shocked. It is sad to know that our students would lose out, the schools will have to close, the new teachers will not be hired, that special areas maybe cut... that the children in the state are not respected.
Yeah... that is nothing! The state has re-evaluated the budget again, and cut education more. Orange county now has $240 million deficit!
I don't get it! I really don't! How could you not see that you are harming children by doing this? How could you not see that the children of this state are going to lose out. This state is not exactly known for having a strong education system to begin with so I know.... lets cut the budget even more.
The sad thing is the state was just beginning to realize that things needed to be done to help the eduction system. They passed a class size amendment limiting the number of students in each class. They passed money to help children get pre-k not only in public schools, but also providing the funding to help them attain it in day cares / preschools. They upped the educational expectations of the people who teach these classes. The implemented the F-CAT test, a whole other post... for another day.
So what does the state now do.... SLASH the eduction budget. Yes, I realize that the money has to come from some where. And, yes I realize that the state also passed an amendment that effects property taxes. But, come on... there has to be other things you can cut some money from. Richard was telling me about an article he read that said the government was reviewing some of the pet project spending in the state and they decided that there was nothing to cut... ummm this money went to things like Super Bowl tickets, dirt, Bibles, plane tickets... hello... why are these things more important that the children of the state? Why are these things more important then the educators? Why are these things more important than the future?
I want to know when these people are going to realize that cutting things from schools effects everyone. I know lets make school less appealing by cutting sports, art, music, computer lab, that kind of thing. I know lets make it more challenging for students to get into college by making them less rounded not more. Lets up the number of students who drop out because there is less motivation for them to stay. Lets take away the children's outlets for creativity and athletic ability. Lets make more work for the teachers by taking away special area time... more time in the classroom... more lessons to plan. Less time to collaborate with each other, less time to get work done during the work hours, less time to set up materials for the next lesson, less time to make that call to the parent who needs to know something about their child.
I don't get it... I really don't!
Yeah... that is nothing! The state has re-evaluated the budget again, and cut education more. Orange county now has $240 million deficit!
I don't get it! I really don't! How could you not see that you are harming children by doing this? How could you not see that the children of this state are going to lose out. This state is not exactly known for having a strong education system to begin with so I know.... lets cut the budget even more.
The sad thing is the state was just beginning to realize that things needed to be done to help the eduction system. They passed a class size amendment limiting the number of students in each class. They passed money to help children get pre-k not only in public schools, but also providing the funding to help them attain it in day cares / preschools. They upped the educational expectations of the people who teach these classes. The implemented the F-CAT test, a whole other post... for another day.
So what does the state now do.... SLASH the eduction budget. Yes, I realize that the money has to come from some where. And, yes I realize that the state also passed an amendment that effects property taxes. But, come on... there has to be other things you can cut some money from. Richard was telling me about an article he read that said the government was reviewing some of the pet project spending in the state and they decided that there was nothing to cut... ummm this money went to things like Super Bowl tickets, dirt, Bibles, plane tickets... hello... why are these things more important that the children of the state? Why are these things more important then the educators? Why are these things more important than the future?
I want to know when these people are going to realize that cutting things from schools effects everyone. I know lets make school less appealing by cutting sports, art, music, computer lab, that kind of thing. I know lets make it more challenging for students to get into college by making them less rounded not more. Lets up the number of students who drop out because there is less motivation for them to stay. Lets take away the children's outlets for creativity and athletic ability. Lets make more work for the teachers by taking away special area time... more time in the classroom... more lessons to plan. Less time to collaborate with each other, less time to get work done during the work hours, less time to set up materials for the next lesson, less time to make that call to the parent who needs to know something about their child.
I don't get it... I really don't!
Getting out of the house
I very seldom take time to do something for myself. I, like most mothers, put everyone first. I have made a conscious effort to find time to get in some exercise every day weather it's doing abs, going for a walk or what not, I try to do something. I recently connected with another mom in the neighborhood and we are now meeting up to walk. We have gone twice already. We meet up around 3:30 and walk for around an hour a day.
It is nice to get together and walk, which is great because it is a physical outlet that is needed. But, it is so nice to be able to just talk. It is nice to have another stay-at-home mom to just chat with about life. She has a little boy who is a few weeks younger than Colby which is nice too.
I wish I could meet up with someone who is around Blake's age because it would be great for him to have some playmates, but at least this is a start.
I didn't realize how much I missed this type of connection until I found it. Now I just have to hope that it continues to work out for us to meet up and walk.
It is nice to get together and walk, which is great because it is a physical outlet that is needed. But, it is so nice to be able to just talk. It is nice to have another stay-at-home mom to just chat with about life. She has a little boy who is a few weeks younger than Colby which is nice too.
I wish I could meet up with someone who is around Blake's age because it would be great for him to have some playmates, but at least this is a start.
I didn't realize how much I missed this type of connection until I found it. Now I just have to hope that it continues to work out for us to meet up and walk.
Love my man!
Sometimes it takes hearing what other people have to realize what you have.
Over the last few years, I've said to Richard on one occasion or the other that I appreciate the efforts he makes to be home with the boys. Richard's job keeps him busy and I realize this. I do get frustrated with the hours that he has to put in from time to time, but I am happy that he has a job. I'm happy that he has a career in a field that makes him happy. I'm glad that he had a job that allows me to stay home with my boys. But, what I'm really happy about is that he can do some of his work here at home. Although he can do some of the work at home, it doesn't mean he is home during the day, nor do I expect that.... no that's not why I'm glad he can do work at home. The thing that Richard is adament about is the time he spends with the boys.
Richard gets up and tries to be out the door at 7:30am. I'm sure he could get out earlier if he wanted, but it isn't because he's sleeping in that keeps him here until 7:30am, not it's because he has breakfast with the boys, or at least me, every day. The boys walk Daddy to the door and wave to him out the window in the mornings.
Richard checks in with me via e-mail at least once during the day. Not to check on what we are doing just to check in with me, to see how I'm doing each day. Just to say "I'm thinking of you and love you". If I haven't e-mailed him by 1ish I know that when I check the computer there will almost always be an e-mail from him.
He calls me on his way home from work. This is often the time we take to just chat about the day. He checks in to see how the boys are doing. He also takes this as the time to talk/vent about his day at work. Many days we talk for 20 or so minutes out of his 30-35 minute drive home.
Richard tries to be home for dinner every night. Sometimes dinner gets pushed off until closer to 6:15pm than 5:15pm when we'd like to have it, but having dinner together as a family is important to both Richard and myself. After dinner is always fun with daddy time. I usually clean the kitchen and Richard takes this time to play with the boys and just spend time doing whatever with the two of them. He helps finish getting them ready for bed and settled for the night.
Then many nights he goes into our office and finishes up what he needed to do for work that day. Now, is this the ideal thing for him, probably not, but it is what is best for our family. And because he knows it is what is best for our family is it what he does.
I know that things will slow down for him at work at some point, but knowing that he has put his family first. That he has decided that the time with his sons is that important to him that he will alter his schedule around their needs, makes me love him all the more!
Over the last few years, I've said to Richard on one occasion or the other that I appreciate the efforts he makes to be home with the boys. Richard's job keeps him busy and I realize this. I do get frustrated with the hours that he has to put in from time to time, but I am happy that he has a job. I'm happy that he has a career in a field that makes him happy. I'm glad that he had a job that allows me to stay home with my boys. But, what I'm really happy about is that he can do some of his work here at home. Although he can do some of the work at home, it doesn't mean he is home during the day, nor do I expect that.... no that's not why I'm glad he can do work at home. The thing that Richard is adament about is the time he spends with the boys.
Richard gets up and tries to be out the door at 7:30am. I'm sure he could get out earlier if he wanted, but it isn't because he's sleeping in that keeps him here until 7:30am, not it's because he has breakfast with the boys, or at least me, every day. The boys walk Daddy to the door and wave to him out the window in the mornings.
Richard checks in with me via e-mail at least once during the day. Not to check on what we are doing just to check in with me, to see how I'm doing each day. Just to say "I'm thinking of you and love you". If I haven't e-mailed him by 1ish I know that when I check the computer there will almost always be an e-mail from him.
He calls me on his way home from work. This is often the time we take to just chat about the day. He checks in to see how the boys are doing. He also takes this as the time to talk/vent about his day at work. Many days we talk for 20 or so minutes out of his 30-35 minute drive home.
Richard tries to be home for dinner every night. Sometimes dinner gets pushed off until closer to 6:15pm than 5:15pm when we'd like to have it, but having dinner together as a family is important to both Richard and myself. After dinner is always fun with daddy time. I usually clean the kitchen and Richard takes this time to play with the boys and just spend time doing whatever with the two of them. He helps finish getting them ready for bed and settled for the night.
Then many nights he goes into our office and finishes up what he needed to do for work that day. Now, is this the ideal thing for him, probably not, but it is what is best for our family. And because he knows it is what is best for our family is it what he does.
I know that things will slow down for him at work at some point, but knowing that he has put his family first. That he has decided that the time with his sons is that important to him that he will alter his schedule around their needs, makes me love him all the more!
I Heart Faces (green)
Time to get your green on! I heart faces' theme this week is green. Find your best green picture and join in the fun. Check out some great green photos and get inspired to create your own. To join the fun go I heart Faces
When I was thinking about my picture for this week I figured most people would go with green clothing or green eyes or green toys. Me I went with green grass! The best part of doing this picture this week was Richard was in with me while I was editing it and he shared his opinion on the picture and made some suggestions of his own. Hope you like my interpretation on GREEN!
Shuttle Launch
One of the perks of living in Orlando is we can see the shuttle launch from our front yard. So I filmed it for you to see!
(ignore the beeping on the video I had the baby monitor and Blake's room was beeping for some reason)
(ignore the beeping on the video I had the baby monitor and Blake's room was beeping for some reason)
And the winner is...
Hey didn't I post this yesterday... oh wait I did, but that was tooth 3....
Colby's 4th tooth broke through the gum today. So the winner to the give-away is... Mimi at He & Me + 3
Told you the 4th tooth was close to breaking through.
Colby's 4th tooth broke through the gum today. So the winner to the give-away is... Mimi at He & Me + 3
Told you the 4th tooth was close to breaking through.
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