A Year Ago Tonight

It was just a year ago tonight that we were waiting for an October snow storm to come to our area.  Tonight we sit in our home waiting for Hurricane Sandy to pay us a visit. 

Already school has been cancelled for tomorrow and for many schools Tuesday also. Yes, the kids are excited, me maybe not quite so much.  

We are unsure what will come but we do know what Hurricane Irene brought just over a year ago and those memories make us a little anxious. 

Our family is blessed in that we have not had any flooding in our home but when storms with high winds come I always think of when a portion of our roof was lifted during such a storm. Of course, any flooding means being cut off from the heart of our town and portions of surrounding towns.  

Right now my thoughts and prayers are for many friends who live in flood zones in our town and surrounding towns.  There is anxiety and concern as most of them suffered great loss during Hurricane Irene and reports of this storm say it has the potential of being much worse. Many have just finished getting their homes back in order from that storm only to have it under another "threat".   The majority of these friends know that God holds all things in His hands and that He intends all for good. Many of those families were tremendous testimonies to me of God's comfort and provision to those who fear and love Him.  

It is only natural for any of us in the path of this storm to be anxious for what may come but what we must remember is that everything is for God's glory and our testimonies of His love and our love for Him are most evident in the times we struggle and are pressed.  After all it is in those times, we are to draw upon and lean on Him, "Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you." I Peter 5:7 

 I'm also reminded of something I read this week in my devotions. It said "Every difficulty demands a choice. You can waste your suffering and be miserable, or you can let the Lord use it to transform and equip you to become His valuable and effective servant." It is these times of suffering or moments of being pressed that we are shaped and equipped to be more effective for God. It is in these moments when we go to God and draw from Him.  Our relationship with Him becomes more intimate and we truly "cast all of our cares" on Him and allow Him to carry us through.  After all it is all about God and not about us.......our lives are for His glory not our own. He  will use us to be testimonies of the love and relationship that can be had with Him and sometimes that testimony is most seen in our struggles.

So, as I sit here waiting for the storm all I can pray is God use me whatever may come my way.  You hold the world in Your hand and You hold my future.

My prayers are with all who will be effected by this storm and may God use you in a mighty way....whether it be in praising Him for bringing you through unscathed or through a journey of dependence and provision in the midst of struggle.

Thank you again for allowing me to share with you! 

Rainbow ...... a Promise

Once again, we are under the threat of a serious storm hitting our area of New Jersey. It seems to be coming a common occurrence - last year Hurricane Irene came to visit and we had an October snow storm around this same time. 

We are personally blessed that in our town where flooding does occur due to the river running through it our home is located at the top of a hill. However, not only does the heart of our community lie in a flood zone many of our friend's homes in different towns are in flood zones. Many who suffered great loss during Irene.

We stand in the promise and comfort that all things are in God's hands. Yes, we have anxiety and give that over to God but we prepare for what may come and pray that if it is in His will to keep it from effecting us He will do so.

Today, we took the kids to a fall festival at a large park. Both kids chose different rides so I headed to the swings with Emily, while Dave went with Matt to the bumper cars.  As I was standing there watching Emily, my eyes were drawn to the sky and right above me was a rainbow. What made me smile was that the rainbow was upside-down so it looked like a colorful smile. As I looked closer in the sky, I saw another fainter rainbow mirroring this one a slight distance away and a few more peeking out from areas where sun was shining through the cloud cover.

Taking in this beauty what came to mind was how God used that rainbow as a promise.  The rainbow was God's sign to Noah as His promise to never flood the earth again. Now do I think this means this storm won't come, not necessarily. In that moment and even now, I have the comfort of God in my heart. He knows what we are feeling right now, He knows what we will go through and through it all He will be right there with us. Good or bad. He is all we need to make it through each day, each minute, each second.  

So no matter what comes, God will be with us. 

History and Attitude.....Oil and Water

Recently I've been very open and honest in writing about Emily's learning issues and the current re-evaluation underway. 

Its my desire to continue down this path of honesty with all of you and the struggles we face. Why? First, so if anyone reading this is facing similar struggles they can know they are not alone. Secondly, it will give those of you who pray for us on a regular basis specifics on what you can pray for.

This week has been particularly difficult especially in the area of history. Of course, Fourth Grade history itself is an adjustment because it is true history. Up to this point, Social Studies has been about social interaction and community with tidbits of history. 

Emily has done well thus far but I noticed while studying for a quiz and test this week that she seemed not to be grasping the information. We studied every night this week going over the same questions and still it wasn't sinking in. I have to say that each day her attitude going into studying for these this week was not good. She wasn't thrilled that she had homework and had to study. Sadly, I've noticed a shift in her attitude lately. If something doesn't interest her, or isn't her "thing" she is tending to "check out".  Each time we studied I told her that she needed to put effort into it and needed to change her attitude.  I admit I also told her that if she received a poor grade she would have consequences....not because of the grade but because of the attitude with which she has approached studying this week.  Friday, when I came to get her from school, she was apprehensive when she told me I needed to talk with her teacher.  I knew what that meant and the teacher confirmed that Emily did get a low grade on the test. 

You see here is where the "struggle" lies. We know Emily's capabilities. We know when she likes something she is all in. A nuance of her learning issue is that when she really likes something she becomes almost obsessed with it. It becomes something she constantly talks about and her conversations always include or lead back to it. Paris would be an example of this and most recently a computer game called "Animal Jam". What we are trying to get Emily to understand is that in school there are going to be subjects you like and subjects you don't and the subjects you may not like or find  "boring" you still have to try and not just give up.  

We don't allow Emily to use her learning issues or the fact that she has an IEP be an excuse to not try or give up. As a matter of fact, only this year was Emily even aware of what an IEP is and that she has one. Considerations and adjustments are made to assist her in the classroom but she also needs to be present in the classroom and pay attention when she is given specific instructions. 

Personally, we know areas and concepts where she struggles and may struggle in the future but we've explained to her that there is a difference between trying hard and getting a low grade and getting a low grade due to lack of effort or interest.  

In the end, this weekend Emily has not been allowed to play "Animal Jam" due to her history test and also an issue on a math test. Because this is something she loves so much, we hope that she will understand that a bad attitude not only can lead to a bad grade but to real consequences.

We tell both kids that right now school is their job. Yes, we want our kids to have fun and be well rounded but education is vital and they need to be dialed in. 

Having a child with learning issues still requires us to be a parents and part of parenting is discipline and holding them accountable for their actions.  Disciple is not a cruel act it is an act of love. I've said it before, Emily is a gift given to us by God and it is our "job" to train her in the way she should go and there are times that that training includes the uncomfortableness of discipline.  

Please pray for Emily as she is struggling with the "attitude" of a preteen, pray for us to lead her correctly through this very confusing time as she is experiencing these moments of attitude. Also, pray that we will be able to help her through the areas she finds "boring" and still have her understand the importance of doing your best. 

As always, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share!

My Organized Mess

I love having my "craft room". I know it is rare to have an extra room in a home that can be used for someones passion to create. 

Lately though, I just haven't had enough space to do the projects I've been asked to do. No matter how many times I reorganize and "simplify" this room, I find myself working on the floor surrounded by multiple supplies. Part of this issue is that the elements I'm working on are larger than my current craft table. 

I do have plans for this room to make it more to my liking and usage but I actually have an even grander plan that would result in converting my garage into a large craft room - its my dream, you know like the HGTV Dream House is a dream. 

All this being said, I wanted to show that yes, creating can be messy even for me. People that know me personally know that I'm a bit of an organizational geek. In my house, everything has a place and I'm constantly changing and streamlining. When I tell people my house is a mess, usually I get a questionable look or a "where?" So this picture is a confession of guilt that "yes, I can be messy." Oh and just so you know this room looks pretty much the same as I type this post. A few of the items were taken to their new "bulletin board" homes but once I got home from getting the kids from school it became homework, dinner, more homework and now blogging.  I will confess though that before I go to bed I will go in and pick up......I just can't leave it like that, even though I could just shut the door. It just the organizer in me.  

The Insanity Begins

Its official! Christmas is right around the corner when "The Great Big ToysRUs Book" arrives in the mail. Sadly, we only get one catalog but the kids are at the age that they actually share it. Already things have been circled by both kids.  

This takes me back to when I was young and we awaited the arrival of the Sears "Wish Book".  Let me tell you, I looked at every page of that book.  Not only did I plan for that Christmas but for my future adult wardrobe, home, etc.  Oh and in the end, I always kept the catalog at the end of the season just to refer to my future wants.  

Friendship

I've been writing this post for over a month now and I finally think it says all that I want it to say.

What is a friend?
According to Wikipedia, it is as follows:

Friendship is a relationship between two people who hold mutual affection for each other.^[1] Friendships and acquaintanceship are thought of as spanning across the same continuum. The study of friendship is included in the fields of sociology, social psychology, anthropology, philosophy, and zoology. Various academic theories of friendship have been proposed, including social exchange theory, equity theory, relational dialectics, andattachment styles.

The value of friendship is often the result of friends consistently demonstrating the following:

• The tendency to desire what is best for the other
• Sympathy and empathy
• Honesty, even in situations where it may be difficult for others to speak the truth
• Mutual understanding and compassion; ability to go to each other for emotional support
• Enjoyment of each other's company
• Trust in one another
• Positively strong, deep, close reciprocity, mutuality — equal give-and-take between the two parties
• The ability to be oneself, express one's feelings and make mistakes without fear of judgement

In my 45 years, I've experienced many friendships. What I've come to realize, at least in my life, is that my friendships have ebbed and flowed with the phases of my life. 
* I have those friends I went to school/high school with some of who I keep in touch with to this day (thanks in great part to Facebook for letting us be able to reconnect). 
* Then there are my college roommates and friends. Oh, the memories I take from those years! 
* I have friends from when I relocated to NJ. In the 17 years I've been here, those friendships have changed with the passing of time. There are those who were part of my early married years and the beginning of starting a family. Sadly many have relocated to other areas but contact is still there. 
I cherish each and every one of these friendships and I am thankful for the time I had with each of these people. They have all contributed to my life and shaped me into the woman I am today.

Currently, I'm in a new phase of life and with it I have found myself surrounded with a core group of friends. What I value about my friendships are the honestly within them. When you are young friendship is more about being accepted and wanting to fit in but later in life friendship is about growing, nurturing and being sharpened by your friends, especially in the area of your walk with God.
In my friendships, I have always been very sensitive to any type of criticism mainly because I want to be liked. I have a wonderful friend who speaks with me honestly, she will call me out on things she sees that she feels God wants brought to my attention. I can remember the first time she did this, it panicked me. She did it in love and with full explanation but immediately I went back to that "people pleasing" mindset and in that moment I thought I would lose her friendship but that was in no way the case. In fact, now I look to her as my "fine tuning" friend. She supports and challenges me in my walk with God, my commitment to my family, my love of crafting and the care of myself.  I'm so blessed to have her in my life and I thank God for bringing her into my life. 
I'm so grateful for these core friends who are currently along side me in the trenches of my life.  Recently they came alongside me in the biggest way. My very good friend's young son went home to be with Jesus. God used this tragic event to teach me what being a true friend and sister in Christ is and He showed me the friends and sisters I had behind me. I felt their love, their compassion and their prayers for me and in turn with the support they gave me I was able to be there for my friend. I do not say this in any way to boast but to show you the power of friendship and the tie of sisterhood in Christ. 
I am blessed to have friends who believe in the same God I do. It is this bond that continually strengthens us in our personal relationships with God and with each other. 
I've learned that friendship is so rewarding but the reward isn't what you get out of it but what you put into it.  I love surprising my friends with a card, a note or a visit. In serving them, I get the honor of receiving their love and support.  
Friends come in all phases of life via many avenues, faces may change as time passes but each person will touch your life in a special way. True friendships don't keep score.....they are filled with giving and never looking for something in return.  
May your friendships grow, nurture and encourage you. 

Chicken Penne

McCormick has started making recipe & seasoning mix packets. 

You know me, I'm always into simple and delicious meals and this is one of them. 

All the seasonings come in the packet you just need to purchase the rest of the ingredients: penne pasta, chicken tenders, petite diced tomatoes, cream and parmesan cheese (the exact amounts are listed on the back of the packet).

Dinner was ready in less than 30 minutes and tasted delicious! 

Pumpkin Overload

By now, you have to know how serious I am about pumpkin coffee creamer.  It is one of my most sought after items when the fall season comes.

This year it seemed like FOREVER for the manufacturer's to get their pumpkin creamer production up, out and stocked on the food store shelves. A few weeks ago, my good friend, Rebekah, gifted me with her find of International Delights pumpkin spice creamer. She knows me well in that she got me the big bottle.  

Within this last week, I've been able to locate other manufacturer's, Coffee Mate and Bailey's, pumpkin creamer.  Yes, it may seem a little overboard but now you know just how serious I am about my pumpkin coffee creamer.  

Oh and while I found these I also found my secondary Christmas season coffee creamer, eggnog.  Thank goodness I won't need to be waiting for this one like I did the pumpkin. Happy coffee drinking to all!  

Are these in English?

This week the individual reports from Emily's IEP re-evaluation have started to come in the mail.   

Reading these reports are almost like reading another language. Most of the time as I read them I am like "huh?" but I always muddle through in order to see what I can glean.  

How different this is from Emily's first evaluation and the "diagnosis" of high functioning autism was made when she was 5.  I chose not to do any research on autism or read articles about it.  My main reason being that I knew I could make this into a bigger thing than it is. You know what I mean. How many times have we had an ache or a pain and decided to innocently look it up on the internet and by the time we are done we believe we have a life threatening disease. Knowledge is good but it can also lead us in a totally wrong direction. I also didn't do this because I knew God had blessed us with Emily exactly how she was and I didn't want to try and find "reasons" why this happened to her. God made her exactly the way He intended her to be for His glory. 

Five years later times have changed. My purpose for interpreting these reports is to not only try and confirm their findings with what we experience with Emily at home but also to prepare for what we want to make sure she receives for assistance in her new IEP/ISP. 

Of course the reports are filled with tests administered, rankings, averages, etc. and to be honest it can be a little disheartening to see on paper how your child struggles but it also shows me how great God is. 

Emily has received such excellent assistance to date and even though she struggles she tries so hard to do her best and her grades have continually showed it.

A main area of struggle for Emily is her expressive speech but I have to tell you it doesn't defeat her.  As a matter of fact in her English class, they have been learning the steps to writing.  Do you know that she has decided to write a book, "McKenna and the Haunted House"? This is a girl who has difficulty forming structured sentences verbally and in written for yet she wants to write a book. Clearly she doesn't know or care what the reports say. 

As I read these reports, I get the academia of them, the ranking but I know the spirit of my daughter and I know that although things can be hard to express for her and maybe socially she can't always hold a conversation the people that do get to know her are going to have a loyal and loving and oh so creative friend.

Last week I had the opportunity to speak with the Region V Speech/Language Consultant for the school after she observed Emily in gym class. She had told me how Emily was doing some beautiful pirouettes and how she has such a connection with how her body moved in the motion.  The consultant also mentioned how she has heard of Emily's drawings and interest in design. Then she said something to me that has stayed with me and is my new thinking. She expressed how Emily is a twice exceptional child. What I took from her explanation is that Emily is an exception due to her learning disability but she is also an exception due to her creative side - twice exceptional.  She also advised to pour our efforts into those areas Emily excels so she can have confidence and fulfillment in those and that will carry over into the areas she struggles. It was one of the most positive conversations I've had with a learning specialist and I'm thankful for all the insight she gave me.

More reports will come, more will need to be deciphered but in the end when we come together to put a program into place for Emily I know the most important person is going before us and that is God. I know He will provided for Emily in a way that will bring Him the most glory. I also know that He will be with Dave and me, the principal and her teacher as we all desire the best for Emily.  

A Good Report

Its been a little over a month that the kids have been attending their new school and so far they have adjusted quite well. Although Emily and Matthew are enjoying their new classmates and  teachers, they have expressed that they miss their friends & teachers at Washington School.  

On Friday, we received an academic progress report for the kids. I'm happy to report that academically they have adjusted well.  Matt and Emily are currently achieving the same grades they were in their previous school.  This is a relief considering all the "new" things they have encountered: class size, classmates, teachers, curriculum, etc. 

Emily's favorite class is Art - not really surprised, she loves to create.  Matt loves Bible and is doing an amazing job in learning cursive.  I thought cursive would be a battle as he doesn't really like writing all that much but he has taken to the fluidity of it.  He was so excited to learn how to write his name in cursive. One area he has expressed a lot of interest in is music. Matthew wants to play guitar and is interested in learning piano - this is something we are considering as lessons can be given through the school's music conservatory.  

Please continue to pray for them as the year continues that they will continue to adjust and enjoy their new school. 

A Piece of the Puzzle

I previously mentioned that Emily was going through a re-evaluation in regard to her IEP now that she is enrolled in a new school. 

Today we had an appointment with the Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrician. He is a very nice man. Emily was very nervous even though I kept reassuring her "this doctor doesn't give shots" and he was just going to ask her questions and talk with her.

I was up first giving Emily's developmental history from the time we had our first concerns through all the services she's received over the last 6 years.  Mind you I have not had to give a history regarding Emily for 6 years....funny how much you can recall when needed.  

After my meeting with him, Emily had her turn.....I had "homework" and had to fill out another behavioral form while I waited for them to finish. Emily thought it hilarious I had "homework". 

We quickly met all together for him to get some physical vitals (height, weight, BP, etc.) on Emily and then he had me into the office while Emily waited in the waiting room.

He told me she is sweet and endearing and that he would classify her within the autistic spectrum.  Emily's main struggles are within her pragmatic and conversational speech and lacks social skills and cues. Now I know some of you are saying "what, that's not Emily!" But I am telling you that although hearing that was like a punch in my stomach that is Emily.  

Emily get's stuck within her own thoughts of what she finds important and interesting and when talking with people she makes statements but does not really look to engage in conversation regarding what she is talking about. If you can get a word in don't change the topic.....she will bring it right back to what she is interested in. You can see how for an adult this may seem sweet that she is so emphatic about what she likes but peers may find it weird and awkward. Emily has difficulty in starting and holding conversations for even short periods of time. She also still has trouble where she isn't always clear in what she is saying....either omitting words or entire concepts.  I could give you examples but that would make this post way too long. 

Yes, Emily has come a long way from where she was but there is still work to be done. 

As a parent, my initial reaction to this classification was one of sadness.....mainly because of the social struggles Emily will endure in her future.  BUT in that same moment I was reminded of how God has provided for Emily these last 6 years.  She has made remarkable progress and thankfully she has been unaware of how she is "different" from other kids. But my heart still aches in concern, thinking of how kids in her age range can be cruel, and my momma bear instinct want to defend her from all hurt.  

I am reminded though that Emily is a gift to us from God and one that we have given back to Him.  It is our privilege as her parents to guide her and stand in the gap for her. We KNOW that God has an awesome plan for her life and it is our obligation and privilege to help her on her journey.

Now, all this being said we are still awaiting the complete findings from all of the evaluations (speech, psychological, etc.) that have been performed over the last several weeks.  Our meeting to review the findings and recommendations will be on November 8th.  At that time, we will know exactly what Emily will need to move from this point forward.

I also want to say that God truly works for our good. We decided to send the kids to HCS this year feeling led by God that this was what He desired from us and for them.  This re-evaluation was a result of that school change and I'm happy that we will have a current evaluation of Emily's needs right here and now. My heart although a little bruised from today is also being tightly held by my Savior who is telling me "I've got this, just give her to me".  

A Touch of Fall Color

This bulletin board has been my favorite thus far. I created it so the leaves could change color as the leaves change outdoors. 

Today I was able to change the majority of the leaves to yellow, orange, rust and red hues. I just love the colors of fall and when I stood back and looked at the changes I made to the trees I just had to smile.  

Although the maple trees are my favorite, I have to say that I love the way the second tree is shaping up especially now with the color changes.....I stayed in more of a brown and rust tone with this tree.

Pickle Boy

To say Matt loves pickles is a total understatement. 

All last school year for snack, he would bring 4 or 5 little dill gherkin pickles.  He would even share them with his teacher's.

Over the summer, his desire for pickles waned that was until he came grocery shopping with me and realized I was holding out on him.  He picked up a jar of giant dill pickles and stated "I want these pickles". He has been enjoying them greatly - it became his afternoon snack here at home.

Knowing his love of pickles, I went ahead and bought the small gherkins to be able to put them in his school lunch - sending the big pickles just seemed too messy.  Last week, he finished the big pickles and yes, he drank some of the pickle juice too!  I went ahead and pack a few of the small pickles in his lunch the following day. Do you know he came home from school and said "mom, can you please buy the big pickles?" So, I did.  Matt now has his choice of pickles for snack - home snack and school snack - but I think if you asked Matt his only desire would be for the "big pickles". 

Another Day, Another Tooth

Matt is on a roll now that his first front tooth fell out.  I think he was a little afraid of loosing his teeth. It seems that since his front tooth came out and nothing "bad" happened, he is a little more open to letting them come out.

This morning while I was getting ready for church, he came upstairs and said "its bleeding". I quickly looked at him and there in his outstretched hand was this little tooth. 

After, I took the tooth and compressed his gum with a wet tissue to stop the bleeding, he turned to me very matter of fact, stretched out his hand and said "dollar please".  Too funny!

We came downstairs where I took these pics.....I had to show his "money hand" as that was his first request.  

Do you know right after I took these pics he went to my purse looking for a dollar?  I stopped him from going into my wallet but I did give him his dollar. I just pray he doesn't start pulling his teeth in order to get some cash.

I haven't checked how loose his other front tooth is but the last time I did it was pretty firm.  Maybe with the other two gone it will come out soon.

Matt is my sensitive boy and the thought of loosing his teeth at moments made him cry, so this morning I had to be very careful not to use any cute names to describe his current smile as I don't know if he would be upset. This is just another way of showing me how quickly the kids are growing up. Time sure is flying! 

17 Years and Counting!

Its hard to believe that it was 17 years ago today that Dave and I were married.  In ways, its hard to remember the time before we were married. Funny how life together overshadows our lives apart. 

One thing I remember clearly is that I was finally okay with being in my mid 20's and single when my dad asked that fateful question "are you seeing anyone?" Little did I know how my life would change with that question.

Dave and I were introduced by our dads which most of you know the story so I won't retell it here.

What have I learned in the last 17 years? Too much for one post. I do know that being in NJ without any family locally made us rely and lean on each other more. There was no going home to parents....we had to work things out.  

We have gone through joys (our kids being the greatest joy) and hard times together.  I know that besides being my husband Dave is my friend and wants the very best for me as I want for him. 

Together we have been on an amazing journey and I look forward to the years together God has planned for us as parents, friends and husband and wife.  

Yummy Goodness!!!

It took far too long but finally pumpkin coffee creamer has hit a food store cooler here in Northern NJ.  

I've been on a quest for it for several weeks now and even one day (a bad emotional day) when I didn't see it on the shelf, I couldn't decide if I would cry or take my frustration out on the dairy man.  I refrained from both actions. 

My friends have know of my unfulfilled quest. Yesterday I got a text from my good friend Rebekah asking if I was home.  I told her "yes" and she said that she needed to stop by for a minute.  No problem.

Let me tell you there were screams of happiness when I opened the door and there she stood with this large bottle of pumpkin spice coffee creamer. Numerous hugs and thank you's were exchanged. When she left, I immediately made my first cup of coffee with my creamer.  Thank you again Rebekah!  Fall has officially begun in my world.  

Its About Time

Since his dentist appointment in August, Matthew has had two very loose teeth.  The small one next to his "injured" front tooth was very loose then but to this day still has not made its way out of his little mouth.  His other front tooth became loose very quickly but let me tell you he has had no desire of having that tooth come out.  

This morning I asked him when he thought he might want to "give that tooth up". He was still undecided. We talked about how pulling a tooth is to be done by the person whose mouth holds the tooth, a dentist or an adult. I do have to say there has been a little bribery in trying to get him to just pull it out.  The most recent bribe was that when it was out he would get money he could put toward a kids computer game where you can get to another level by having a membership (it costs money of course). The tooth cconversation ended by Matt deciding he wanted Dave to measure his height to see if he had grown since his doctors appointment. 

I headed down to the basement to get something and the next thing I know Matt was behind me saying "I'm a member".  I was like "what?" There he stood wide grinned and tooth missing.

Oh the tooth, we couldn't find it....still can't. We asked him where it went and he was like "I don't know".  Too funny!! We did tell him that if he did swallow it by mistake not to worry, nothing will happen.  I did give him a dollar to which he replied "I need a 50 like Emily has" (Christmas money she saved). I advised him his tooth was not worth $50.  You have to give him an A for effort. 

The Pumpkin Patch

Monday I was able to join the kids on a joint field trip to Stony Hill Farms in Chester, NJ.

It was nice being able to go with both kids. I was assigned to Emily's class but the classes are small so I was able to "be with" Matt too!

I actually have to admit that in the "class room" session at the start of the trip I learned things about corn and bees I never knew. I now appreciate the silk hairs that take so long to clean from the corn now that I realize that each one of those hairs helps develop each single kernel of corn. I may still complain cleaning the corn but I'll understand why all the work is worth it.

The kids enjoyed their cider and doughnuts even though they were being chased by bees (so much for the bee lesson of just stay still and ignore them). Had a fun time on the hayride and getting pumpkins.

Sadly, the trip ended with Matt being stung by a bee on his neck. What is ironic is that he didn't get stung at the farm, he got stung coming off the bus back at the school.  I have a feeling one got trapped in his jacket and when he moved just the right way it was "released" and took its revenge.  Anyway, he didn't have an allergic reaction to this first sting.  

Bee sting aside it was a great time!!

The Apples Don't Fall Far From The Tree

Emily has been wanting her room changed around for several weeks.  Sadly, the weekend we had promised to to do so was overshadowed by the recent loss of our good friends young son.

Emily's furniture is a little complicated and to be honest when it was assembled by those who brought it, I didn't watch how it was done.  I really felt in order to change the furniture around I needed Dave's help but sadly he informed me that he would have to work this past Saturday.  Well, I took the matter into my own hands and Friday evening decided to tackle the task by myself. It was frustrating but I figured it out, had Emily lend a hand and boy was she ecstatic that her room was changed exactly the way she wanted it.  Later that night Matt asked when we could do his room. I told him soon.  Little did I know where this would lead.

Saturday while Dave was at work once again Matt asked when we could change his room around.  I told him I would do it next week when he was at school but he told me that he wanted to be able to help so........we changed his room.  I asked him where he wanted his bed and we "created" a sleep and dressing/play area.  

Clearly my "need of change" gene is in both the kids.  To be honest, it made me want to do a little more changing around in the house but I refrained. 

A New Horizon

As you all know, Emily and Matt started a new school this year. For Emily, it means a change in special ed "providers" for lack of a better word.  

The morning of September 21st, I met with two Bergen County Special Services workers, the school principal and Emily's current teacher to go over her case. It was strange having to go back in time and recall why and how we started Emily in the special services arena.

By the end of the meeting, it was determined that Emily would have a full re-evaluation determining if her current classification should be changed.  In the last week and a half, several "testings" and assessments have occurred during school hours. Tomorrow is her last in school assessment and then on Wednesday the 10th she has an appointment with the services pediatric neurologist. 

On November 8th, we will be meeting to hear the findings from their tests and assessments and see what services will be provided to her.

Although my first reaction was "oh no, not back to the beginning again", I'm actually pleased that this is happening.  By doing this, we will know exactly where Emily stands today, what areas she has conquered and where she still needs assistance. 

We will let you know what is determined but in the mean time if you could just please pray that those reviewing all these tests and assessments will be led to give her exactly what she needs to be the best Emily she can be.