Yesterday after school Adam was sitting at the table finishing up some schoolwork. He paused and looked up to ask the above question. "Mom, when do I get a phone?" I could hear the excitement in his voice and was still a little taken back by the question. I am sure that my response wasn't what he was aiming for! I laughed and then gained my thoughts and composer to answer his very innocent question. "When your twelve", was my quick response. He did the math and said "I will be in like 7th grade!" I had not done the math, but it sounded good!! I asked Adam if his friends had phones and of course some of them do. We continued to talk and I explained that a lot of kids don't have Moms that are home when they get off the bus. They also don't have both their Mom's and Dad's living at home with them. I explained that since he was lucky (I don't know if he felt lucky at this time.) enough to have both a Mom at home waiting for him and a Mom and Dad living with him he didn't need his own phone yet. The excitement from the first question was squashed, but I did assure him that at the moment Dad and Mom thought he needed a phone, we would be sure to get him one even if he wasn't 12 yet!! I can't believe that 3rd graders already have their own phones. I was a junior in high school before I even had a phone in my room let alone a personal cell phone!! Kids these days :) lol
School has started and with that Amelia's entertainment was declined! Each morning the kids and I load up into the van hopefully by 7:15 am and head to school. Adam and Addison have their first bell at 7:40 am. All three kids are attending the same school, but Alex doesn't start his class until 8:00 am. With this 20 minutes we have been enjoying the time on the empty school playground all to ourselves. The school says the pledge and has a moment of silence each morning, I have enjoyed watching Alex stop in his tracks for a moment and acknowledge that he is supposed to be doing something.
We walk to the door to sign Alex into school and drop him off to Ms. B...but then what. Amelia is often sad and wanting to stay at school with her big brother.
The first week of school she and I were busy running errands and trying to get caught up while the kids were in school! She and I also had fun though. We had to stop at Auto Zone to return some things and a Starbucks was right next door. We headed in and she enjoyed a cake pop with organic apple juice. When we were in the grocery store this week she was pointing to the balloons above the cash registrar. The checker found some scissors and gave Amelia not one, but three balloons!! One of the stores that I wanted to go into wasn't open so Amelia and I strolled through PETSMART instead. Amelia enjoyed looking at the birds and fish. We also watched a few dogs and even a cat get a haircut!
Wednesdays are becoming our favorite days! Amelia gets to have Alex home and his speech therapist lets Amelia play with things once Alex has finished! She also enjoys the fun stories that she tries to get Alex to listen to :) I enjoy not having to be out the door and ready for the day by 7:15 am. I also let Adam and Addison buy lunch on Wednesday which is a real time saver in the morning!!
I personally am really enjoying the one on one time that I am getting with Amelia. She is so wonderful and happy most of the time. I have enjoyed getting to pop into the pet shop and buy her special treats that she and I enjoy together. What a magical time for me :)
So...what do you do with four little ones when they are crawling the walls at home? Go and Do! My parents were always so good and still are good at filling the days with activities. I can remember Dad putting us into the van and just driving. Back then it would make me crazy to just drive around, but now I see the wisdom my parents had in keeping the five of us out and about!
The last weekend before school Dadam headed off to school himself and I had planned a few activities for the kids and I to do to keep busy. Driving out to Surprise, Arizona was one of the things we did for a day because I purchased little chairs for Alex's therapy table off of Craigslist. School started though and the week of routine was amazing! Saturday by 10:00 am though I was ready to send the kids to their rooms for the day. Instead of doing that I put them all in the van and drove the whole 101 loop beginning in Chandler. By the time we arrived in Glendale the kids were needing to stretch their legs. Our family has visited Cabela's (a sporting goods store). I figured that would be a fun place to let the kids get out and explore.
We had a fun time looking at all of the animals and fish. We walked through the store three times and still left with Alex crying and wanting more! As we walked through the gun area Alex kept insisting that not only did he want to hold the guns, but he wanted to take one home. We watched a few people testing their new bows and all the kids really liked that.
After we finished our walk through Cabela's we headed to In & Out for burgers and shakes. I took all the kids inside, but we ended up going right back into the van (lots of screaming and tears) because no seats were opening up. We went through the drive-thru and I decided to still allow the kids shakes. This ended up being either a great thing or a big mistake!! Amelia ended up throwing her shake to the floor before Addison could catch it. I took the first exit off Interstate 10 and the 101 and pulled into a hotel parking lot to clean up the mess. As we got on our way again we quickly ran into bumper to bumper traffic. There had been an accident with three vehicles, one of which rolled and caught on fire. I am guessing that we would have either barley missed the accident or possibly could have participated if we hadn't had a milk shake to clean up. Needless to say the drive home was a long one!
Yesterday we were having a hard time without a routine once again so we loaded up and tried to head to Anthem to walk around their outlet mall. We were on the 101 by Tatum (the top of the 101 and 51) and their was construction. I tried to go around, but quickly bailed on the Anthem idea for the day. We drove down Tatum until I recognized where we were and slowly (stopping a few times) headed back home.
I knew that with the kids being sick or contagious for one more day, going to church was out of the question...I started doing some research on what we could possibly do tomorrow. Canyon Lake? Picnic in Payson? I didn't know what it was going to be, but I knew it had to be something.
When the kids and I woke up the bickering and fighting was well on it's way by 8:00 am so I asked the kids if they wanted to drive into the mountains for a picnic. (I figured the none water route was a better idea while on my own with the kids!) They were excited so I quickly looked for a park close to Payson that had picnic facilities and we were off and running by 9:00 am!
From our home to the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park is a good two hour drive! Lots of tears were shed as we drove through the mountains with ears popping and bottoms ready to get out of the vehicle! Once we arrived though they started to calm down and get excited. I was a little surprised that we had to pay to get in though.
We found a table away from the crowd and enjoyed our lunch. Alex didn't stop to eat though, he found his stick and was enjoying the freedom of the outdoors. I was enjoying the cooler weather :)
As we were finishing our lunch a family came to the point of the Pine Trail after finishing their hike. I asked them if the trail would be good for the kids and I and they said no. They recommended Viewpoint 3 and 4. The kids and I packed up the van after lunch and drove over to 3 and 4. The path was very nice and short. We were above the canyon and bridge. Amelia was very nervous especially on the walk overs with the grates. Her big brother helped her walk across! We looked down at the path to the area under the natural bridge. I asked the kids if they wanted to give it a try and they were willing!
The bridges led to large rocks that we then needed to climb up and over. I didn't know that I was taking my kids hiking when I left this morning...I would have put tennis shoes on them if I had. I was in flip flops and they were in their Crocs and sandals. The kids did a fantastic job though I couldn't have been prouder. Addison slipped a few times going down the steep slopes and stairs, but she handled the rocks really well.
Can you see the Park Ranger behind the rock next to Alex? Alex usually give everyone that doesn't know him a good scare when they first meet him. Lots of people think he is going to hurt himself. This Ranger was very worried as Alex was running through and around the rocks, as were the other tourists sitting around. I tried to explain this amazing balance and set him at easy and as time went on I do think he loosened up a bit.
Alex was truly enjoying himself. I had a fun time watching him climb and run around. He headed back in front of us though and got off the path. He was below the path about 20 feet when I found him. I walked back and so did he and we met up and got back on the path to head back up to the top.
When our family was the only one in the area and the Ranger started to warm up to my little ones he went into his bag behind a large rock and pulled out a net and a homemade fishing line. He asked the kids if they wanted to fish for crawdads. They didn't really know what crawdads were (what a bad Southern Mom I am) so he told them they were like little lobsters. The kids went down and tried to catch some by themselves first with no luck. The Ranger then went down and showed them where to go. Adam and Addison caught one and are holding it up proudly in the net. Sorry the pictures are blurry, I was holding Amelia and balancing at the same time!! The Ranger helped put the crawdad back in the water and the kids watched it eat the hot dog until it was full!
Amelia was stuck with me sitting above the kids as they climbed around and went up to the water. She wasn't happy about it, but every time she stood up she slipped and sat back down or had me hold her! We had a wonderful time at the park. We all got our exercise for the day, even Amelia. She slept through Payson, but as soon as her ears started popping she cried most of the way home!
I would highly recommend the Natural Bridge Park :) The kids would really like to take their Dad when he gets home. I am grateful that I honed into my inner Lund and created things for us to do :) We listed/read a lot of Harry Potter and enjoyed our activities we did together. I am hoping that this adventurous load them up and conquer something continues! The kids had fun and so did I :)
Our week has truly been hard. On Monday I took all four little ones to the pediatrician for rashes and sores that they have had on their bodies. We had been in the past two weeks for the same thing, just thought to be different things like yeast infections and Strep, but not all four children.Cultures were taken and medications were prescribed. Our doctor thought that Strep was the cause of the rashes and sores so she told us there were three different types and she would call with the results. Kids were allowed to go to school as long as their sores were covered.
Alex HATES having things rubbed on him and taking medications. We have had a lot of medication on the floor, his shirts, his hair etc. I get to have this war not once, but twice a day. I have tried to hide it in drinks, food etc and he just refuses to eat or drink whatever I am hiding the medicine in. Tonight he spit it out not once but twice, but at least he got some in him right!!
Thursday arrived and I received a phone call from the doctors office with the results. All four children have Staph Infection. Now we all have staph living on our bodies, but this was obviously inflamed and contagious. Contagious...that's right I have been sending my little ones to school all week. My heart sank immediately. I gave the nurse a few questions to ask the doctor like...Are they still contagious?, Do they need to stay home from school? Do I need to be treated for this as well? An hour later I received another call. They could still be contagious through the weekend. Yes, they should stay home from school. Yes, I do need to be treated, but the doctor can't prescribe anything to you because you are over 21. I got to take all four kids to my doctors appointment at 6:00 pm!
Out of all of those answers I am sure you are thinking the worst is not going to school right. NO!!!! The worst part is that my brother Jacob, his wife Rachel and their little Gavin are in the Untied States visiting from England. They were coming to spend three days with the kids and I this weekend. I had to call Jacob and give him the news. After much research and debate Gavin not being in our home was best. I have truly been waiting for MONTHS, but my excitement was building with the days getting closer. Seriously, can I never get a break? Why do I feel like I am being punished? Needless to say I have had a steady stream of tears since the first phone call from the nurse yesterday and as I type they are still rolling down my cheeks.
NOW FOR SOME SWEET
When I got in contact with Jacob and Rachel yesterday they were already in Arizona visiting Rachel's family. We decided to meet in an outdoor place so that we could at least see one another. The zoo at 11:30 am was our meeting place.
I woke up early as always and this morning washed the kids and myself in Hibistat soap. The doctor had given us the script, it is an antiseptic/antimicrobial skin cleanser that surgeons us before surgery. The kids and I got dressed, I cancelled the 8:00 am appointment with the car dealership to repair the van (I didn't think that 4 kids in the waiting room, let alone contagious with staph would be a good idea) and then cancelled Alex's rehabilitation for the afternoon.
Amelia took an early nap and when she woke up we were off...until I broke a bottle of medicine walking out the door. After I took care of that though we were off!
On our drive over I received a call from the School District's Head Nurse at the District Office. We talked about the medications, band-aids used and possible contamination to the school. (This is a bitter though so we will move on!)
We arrived to the zoo late, but Jacob and Rachel didn't say anything though. We started into the zoo and took our usual path of choice. Most of the animals were out today so that was very nice. I thought that by noon they would be in deep hiding,this is Phoenix in the summer.
My kids love playing on the trees across from the lions. I don't mind stopping there because they have misters hanging from the trees. We enjoyed our conversations and really getting to say hi to each other for the first time. Gavin was cruising in his stroller and as you can see he and Amelia enjoyed there first meeting :) Alex took a pretty good fall so that lead us away on our journey.
The splash pad was our next stopping place which was nice because it was well over 100 by the time we arrived. Each of the kids were getting in their swimming attire and I couldn't find Amelia's suit. I dropped it when I broke the medication bottle walking out the door earlier in the morning. Luckily though I had a pair of training pants in my bag!
Everyone was dressed and ready for some fun! Addison and Adam were so good with Gavin. I loved watching them play with their cousin. While the kids were in the cave part of the splash pad they would tell the other kids "Be careful, this is our cousin!". Addison was carrying Gavin around the splash pad and I have to say I was more worried than her Uncle and Aunt were! Adam spent a lot of time with Gavin watching the ducks and birds in the lake. Aunt Rachel took lots of great pictures and I will add them to this post as soon as I get them :) Amelia wasn't very sure about him though. He was cutting into her attention time and she wasn't ready for that. She also cried every time she couldn't see me because I was around the corner or in the bathroom! Alex of course interacted with Gavin very little, but when he did he was very sweet and kind to Gavin. He even spoke a little baby talk to him!!! Yay!
We ended our trip to the zoo in the air conditioned orangutang exhibit and stopping by the kimono dragon habitat.
We just weren't ready to part (my heart of hearts was hoping for the possibility of them saying...I think we will stay) so Chompies was our next destination. Jacob and Rachel had seen the Man vs. Food episode and the original restaurant was right around the corner from the zoo.
Great food (Gavin was so much fun to watch, he was covered in orange slices and savored every bit of his fries) and company was had, but my little ones were fading fast.
I love the pictures above of everyone outside the restaurant. I love that one of the photos have my kids looking at Gavin and in another photo he is looking at them! I was speaking with Rachel today and told her that I love it when my kids get to spend time with their cousins. Even when they are meeting for the first time or haven't seen each other for months they act like they have known each other their whole lives and not a day has gone by since the last time the were able to play together.
My three days with Jacob, Rachel and Gavin where cramped into three and a half hours, but I was and am so grateful for those hours. I don't get to see my family very often and the time that I have with them is truly a treasure for me. (more tears, must keep moving)
Bitter
Not having Jacob and Rachel stay with us was devastating to my soul, but I guess that I needed another good kick. Jared Berniger called this morning and had asked about possibly visiting for the weekend and once I explained our health he stayed in ABQ for the weekend !
We are trying to get a few things for Alex. He is now on a wait list of 75 in front of him to be looked at and evaluated for and IPAD. We were told 60-90 days just for the evaluation and then of course the waiting to be approved or denied. Alex had a hard week at school and his teacher was talking about using the weighted vest again. We will have to go through Cigna and see if they will approve it. I am going to see if making one is something I can do...I really don't like the yucky process of getting your child the things they need, but I am sure the process is in place for a reason.
Sweet
We had two great meetings for Alex and Amelia yesterday. Alex even took a field trip (before we learned the bad news) to Jason's Deli with his therapist to work on his sensory issues. Amelia was evaluated for Early Intervention and a language delay was found. Not anything to shake a real stick at though. I received a phone call today though and because of our special family they accepted her into the program. We will be meeting early next month to set up her program.
Adam and Addison are signed up for their after school classes for Wednesday afternoons. Addison will be taking her first dance class and Adam is continuing his participation in the Chess Club!! They are both very excited!!
Dadam has been enjoying his time in China. His classes went well and he was able to get a good idea of what the next two years are going to be like. Look for his blog post when he gets home. He has the camera so hopefully he is putting it to good use!!
Bittersweet
We received Adam's test results from our developmental pediatrician. Adam is on the Autism spectrum and he has been diagnosed with Aspergers. WE HAVE NOT TOLD HIM! Dadam and I spoke with his pediatrician during his check up in June when she noticed a few things in the short time of being in the room with him. We had him tested and after receiving the results I contacted his teacher and she has already noticed in just the first week of school that a few of his tendencies are visible.
I am grateful to know so that we can help Adam reach his full potential. We think that he is amazing just as he is and we don't want others to shy away from him, we want them to embrace the incredible young man that he is.
I would just like to say that every time we get a big result like Alex or Adam's diagnosis my husband is on a trip...not bitter, just saying...
Adam had his first Cub Scout meeting today! He was very excited about the opportunity to go and spend time with friends and learn new things. Our Cub Scouts meet at 3:00 p.m. here on Wednesdays so I needed a little help. The Barker Family was nice enough to allow Adam to spend some time at their home today before the meeting so that I could take Alex and the girls to PCH for Alex's therapy.
When Adam got home I asked him what they did during their meeting. They started their meeting by saying the Pledge of Allegiance. The scouts needed to learn the hand gestures that they will be using over the next few years such as "bunny/wolf ears" meaning quiet. Adam was very excited that they learned the special hand shake!! After they got all of the business out of the way the boys raced the blue lines in the gym. The Pack finished their meeting by playing a get to know you game with M&Ms.
When you pulled a certain color from the cup you had to answer a question. I thought you might enjoy a few of Adam's answers that he told me. I was surprised by most of them I must say. I wondered if peer answers were involved.
Red- Favorite Movie (Transformers, I don't think he has seen that movie!)
Brown- Your favorite food (Doughnuts, I wouldn't have guessed that.)
Green- Sing Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
Yellow- Give a Scouting Term you just learned
Orange- Talk about a family member...Adam talked about his cousin Jacob first and with his second orange M&M he talked about Uncle Troy!
Blue- Adam couldn't remember!!
Sounds like Adam had a great time at his first Scout meeting! Now to only get myself fired up and ready for all the badge work and new block of time that will be needed to achieve and earn Adam's Eagle Scout!!
Today our family lost our first pet, Red. Adam picked Red out after Christmas 2009 when Santa left Adam a tank with a gift card. Adam and the kids enjoyed having Red to talk to when they were in the kitchen. Feeding Red was always a treat for each of the kids as well. Dadam took the most care of Red by making sure he always had a clean tank and food at the end of the day.
When Adam and Addison came home from school today I told them about Red. I asked them if they wanted me to take care of him alone or if they wanted to help. They decided to help and so we went into the bathroom to pay our final respects. Lil Adam was in tears and we talked about pets returning to Heavenly Father and average pet life expectancy.
We have decided not to get another pet until Dadam returns from China. I think that Adam will do some research on animal life expectancy for the choosing of our next family pet.
Addison had attended school since she was three. When she started school in our current district she was in the local paper her first day. They were doing an article on the districts inclusion preschool program. Monday was Addison's first day of kindergarten and once again she had her picture taken for the local paper. Press the link to read the article
Teacher by trade, Mother by choice! Being a Mom is nothing that I expected and everything I expected and more. I have four wonderful children and they are each special in their own ways. My job each day is to love them care for their needs and make sure that no one takes advantage or gives them the shaft. The industry calls me an advocate, but Mom works just fine for me :)
