Oh, my! Halloween is already upon us. Where in the world did October go? These past few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity. Swim practices, schoolwork, Hebrew High, laundry. So much to do, so little time.
This past week we have been working on the Tennessee Williams play "The Glass Menagerie". Mister B has been having an issue with the phrase "Gentlemen Callers". He thinks it sounds weird. I suppose it is a bit old fashioned but I think it needs to make a comeback. A time of charm and grace and not honking and general rudeness.
I love the play. Mister B and Little Miss M seem to have tolerated the play. As I was explaining to them it is difficult to read a play. It is meant to be performed, not read. You have to pay attention to stage direction and picture it in your head. Not an easy task.
This afternoon we watched the movie-with Katherine Hepburn. And I even recognized a young Sam Waterson. Who knew, besides my mother, that he was more then a lawyer on Law and Order? Okay, I knew that but I can't recall seeing him in anything else. But, I digress. My children's big observation. "They didn't have the screen like in the play." Very astute.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Totally Jinxed It
Remember when I said how great everything was going and I didn't want to say anything for fear of jinxing it. Well, I jinxed it. The last couple of weeks have been challenging to say the least but I think we are finally back on track. Whew!
Mister B was avoiding his writing class and handing things in late. Not cool. For some reason he did not think I would find out. Delusional teen brain. How many times can one say "I know you hate writing but it is a life skill. One day you will have a boss who will give you all the sucky reports he/she does not want to do and if you want to keep your job and get promoted to where you no longer have to do the sucky reports I suggest you learn to write well." Stubborn. I can't imagine where he gets it from.
Little Miss M was also skating by in Civics. Oops, did I forget to answer 5 of those 8 questions. What do you mean I can't use "I don't like using "insert vocabulary word here" in a sentence as my sentence to show understanding of the meaning.
Seriously, was mars in retrograde or something these past few weeks?
Mister B is taking the PSAT tomorrow. That was a challenge and a half. Well over a month of my phone calls and emails being ignored by the testing guy at the high school. I was ready to go up to the high school and go apoplectic but decided to try one more phone call. He was sweet as pie and so helpful. Again-mars in retrograde anyone?
I gave Mister B a practice test yesterday and am ready to pop out the champagne that without any test prep he scored average in writing and critical thinking. Math was below average-but I expected that. He and I discussed prior to the practice exam that math was going to have to be more of a focus this year so that next year when he takes the PSAT as a Junior (when it counts) he will be prepared.
He kept asking why he had to take it this year if it didn't count. I explained my reasoning. He is taking it for the experience. His score doesn't matter at all. It is a diagnostic tool. From this test we will learn what to focus on for next year when he takes it as a Junior.
Mister B was avoiding his writing class and handing things in late. Not cool. For some reason he did not think I would find out. Delusional teen brain. How many times can one say "I know you hate writing but it is a life skill. One day you will have a boss who will give you all the sucky reports he/she does not want to do and if you want to keep your job and get promoted to where you no longer have to do the sucky reports I suggest you learn to write well." Stubborn. I can't imagine where he gets it from.
Little Miss M was also skating by in Civics. Oops, did I forget to answer 5 of those 8 questions. What do you mean I can't use "I don't like using "insert vocabulary word here" in a sentence as my sentence to show understanding of the meaning.
Seriously, was mars in retrograde or something these past few weeks?
Mister B is taking the PSAT tomorrow. That was a challenge and a half. Well over a month of my phone calls and emails being ignored by the testing guy at the high school. I was ready to go up to the high school and go apoplectic but decided to try one more phone call. He was sweet as pie and so helpful. Again-mars in retrograde anyone?
I gave Mister B a practice test yesterday and am ready to pop out the champagne that without any test prep he scored average in writing and critical thinking. Math was below average-but I expected that. He and I discussed prior to the practice exam that math was going to have to be more of a focus this year so that next year when he takes the PSAT as a Junior (when it counts) he will be prepared.
He kept asking why he had to take it this year if it didn't count. I explained my reasoning. He is taking it for the experience. His score doesn't matter at all. It is a diagnostic tool. From this test we will learn what to focus on for next year when he takes it as a Junior.
Monday, September 16, 2013
Don't want to jinx it
I've got a secret. I have been afraid to say anything for fear that putting it out there would ruin the magic. My secret-The first week of school went incredibly well and week 2 is off to a great start, too.
To paraphrase what a friend of mine posted on facebook recently-in my head my school days look like me dancing and singing like Julie Andrews on the mountaintop aka The Sound of Music. So not the reality But this year, for me, something is different. Things have not gelled this well since the year we started homeschooling. Is it maturity (theirs and mine)? The alignment of the planets? A butterfly flapped it's wings in Africa? Just a magic moment in time? I don't know and I don't want to look to hard because I am enjoying it.
I am relishing this sweet spot in our homeschooling adventure. I am trying to live in the moment and not analyze what I am doing. I know if I look to closely I will think "I can replicate this and make it happen every day." I also know that there is no way I can make this happen over and over. It is a moment. A moment that much sweeter because I know in my heart of hearts that it is fleeting and impossible to capture.
To paraphrase what a friend of mine posted on facebook recently-in my head my school days look like me dancing and singing like Julie Andrews on the mountaintop aka The Sound of Music. So not the reality But this year, for me, something is different. Things have not gelled this well since the year we started homeschooling. Is it maturity (theirs and mine)? The alignment of the planets? A butterfly flapped it's wings in Africa? Just a magic moment in time? I don't know and I don't want to look to hard because I am enjoying it.
I am relishing this sweet spot in our homeschooling adventure. I am trying to live in the moment and not analyze what I am doing. I know if I look to closely I will think "I can replicate this and make it happen every day." I also know that there is no way I can make this happen over and over. It is a moment. A moment that much sweeter because I know in my heart of hearts that it is fleeting and impossible to capture.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Happy New School Year
Today was the first day of our new school year. Overall, one of our more successful beginnings. Little Miss M followed directions, completed all assignments, and seemed to take joy in the start of the new year. Mister B also has gone about his day with a renewed sense of purpose and dedication. So nice to see. On the other hand, does such a good beginning mean tomorrow will be a nightmare?
Here are the obligatory 1st day mug shots.
Here are the obligatory 1st day mug shots.
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| A moment of sibling love caught in the moment. They were laughing together. |
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| 10th grade! Seriously, can not believe it. |
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| My baby girl! 8th grade, her last year before I have 2 high schoolers! |
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Gearing up for the new school year
It has been a wonderful summer. Okay, it is not over yet since school for us does not start until after labor day but the dog days of summer are on the decline. Summer always seems too be too quick but for some reason this one has seemed to go faster than others.
Summer swim team was a lot of fun and this year both kids won awards. Mister B received a plaque for Most Improved Swimmer (meaning his attitude, work ethic, being a team player has taken a big leap from years past) and Little Miss M received a trophy for MVS (most valuable swimmer) in her age group. She earned 30 points for her age group throughout the season. Lots of excitement for us at the end of the year pizza party.
Mister B has been busy life guarding at our town pool and loving every minute of it. He is a true water rat and happiest at the pool. He truly does not understand why his friends do not want to spend every minute at the pool. Earning a paycheck has been exciting for him, too. Who is that FICA guy and why does he take all my money? He is now the proud owner of his first checking account and debit card. He is now learning how to put 10% aside for retirement and about budgeting.
I am finally getting my behind in gear and getting everything together that will be needed for the new school year. Organizing the books, making sure we have all the textbooks, checking for items needed for experiments, and so on, and so on.
It has been a challenge for me this year to get motivated because the past year and a half my husband has been having serious health issues. Debilitating health issues. We went from doctor to doctor and ologist to ologist trying to find out what is wrong with him. No one knew but they all offered up various treatments for his various symptoms. Until finally someone suggested he find a Lyme literate doctor and get tested. Best advice ever.
We saw Dr. Lesley Fein. We spent 3 hours with her for the initial consult. Prior to the consult you have blood work done. You bring all your medical records with you and she reviews your blood results and all your records. All while taking a compete medical history. Asking questions about where you grew up, jobs you have had, the diet you had as a kid and the one you follow now. More and more questions. While asking all these questions she is reviewing and making notes and miracle of miracles she is coming up with hypothesis as to what may be ailing you.
She initially did not think it was Lyme disease even though his blood work did show exposure and active at one time. She was suspecting a type of heavy metal or pesticide toxicity. Then came the exam. Where she quickly discovered he was showing all he classic symptoms of Bartonella (another tick borne illness) so she ordered up more blood work and a brain spect. Then she said that even though she suspects the bartonella we would be remiss not to follow up on the toxicity theory because just because he has one does not mean he does not have the other, too. She then told us she would research who she thinks we should see and get us a name. Here is a list of supplements you should start taking.
A couple of weeks pass and Good News! Blood work tested positive for Bartonella and your brain spec shows you also have Lyme and here is the name of a doc to see about the other issues. Here are scrips for heavy duty antibiotics and continue taking supplements.
Finally appointment with Dr. Robban Sicca. More Good News. You clearly have hypothyroid and have probably had it for 20 years and it has never been diagnosed or treated. Here is a scrip for armour thyroid. More testing to be done on metals to see if that is also an issue and a test for adrenal fatigue. Waiting on results.
I know what you are thinking-how is all this bad news good news? It is good news because we finally have some answers. He is not nuts he really is sick and he can be treated. Treatment will probably take months but he should experience a total reversal of the Lyme and Bartonella.
Now that my hubby is on the road to recovery I finally have the mental fortitude to start looking at the new school year. Here is hoping it is a good one.
Summer swim team was a lot of fun and this year both kids won awards. Mister B received a plaque for Most Improved Swimmer (meaning his attitude, work ethic, being a team player has taken a big leap from years past) and Little Miss M received a trophy for MVS (most valuable swimmer) in her age group. She earned 30 points for her age group throughout the season. Lots of excitement for us at the end of the year pizza party.
Mister B has been busy life guarding at our town pool and loving every minute of it. He is a true water rat and happiest at the pool. He truly does not understand why his friends do not want to spend every minute at the pool. Earning a paycheck has been exciting for him, too. Who is that FICA guy and why does he take all my money? He is now the proud owner of his first checking account and debit card. He is now learning how to put 10% aside for retirement and about budgeting.
I am finally getting my behind in gear and getting everything together that will be needed for the new school year. Organizing the books, making sure we have all the textbooks, checking for items needed for experiments, and so on, and so on.
It has been a challenge for me this year to get motivated because the past year and a half my husband has been having serious health issues. Debilitating health issues. We went from doctor to doctor and ologist to ologist trying to find out what is wrong with him. No one knew but they all offered up various treatments for his various symptoms. Until finally someone suggested he find a Lyme literate doctor and get tested. Best advice ever.
We saw Dr. Lesley Fein. We spent 3 hours with her for the initial consult. Prior to the consult you have blood work done. You bring all your medical records with you and she reviews your blood results and all your records. All while taking a compete medical history. Asking questions about where you grew up, jobs you have had, the diet you had as a kid and the one you follow now. More and more questions. While asking all these questions she is reviewing and making notes and miracle of miracles she is coming up with hypothesis as to what may be ailing you.
She initially did not think it was Lyme disease even though his blood work did show exposure and active at one time. She was suspecting a type of heavy metal or pesticide toxicity. Then came the exam. Where she quickly discovered he was showing all he classic symptoms of Bartonella (another tick borne illness) so she ordered up more blood work and a brain spect. Then she said that even though she suspects the bartonella we would be remiss not to follow up on the toxicity theory because just because he has one does not mean he does not have the other, too. She then told us she would research who she thinks we should see and get us a name. Here is a list of supplements you should start taking.
A couple of weeks pass and Good News! Blood work tested positive for Bartonella and your brain spec shows you also have Lyme and here is the name of a doc to see about the other issues. Here are scrips for heavy duty antibiotics and continue taking supplements.
Finally appointment with Dr. Robban Sicca. More Good News. You clearly have hypothyroid and have probably had it for 20 years and it has never been diagnosed or treated. Here is a scrip for armour thyroid. More testing to be done on metals to see if that is also an issue and a test for adrenal fatigue. Waiting on results.
I know what you are thinking-how is all this bad news good news? It is good news because we finally have some answers. He is not nuts he really is sick and he can be treated. Treatment will probably take months but he should experience a total reversal of the Lyme and Bartonella.
Now that my hubby is on the road to recovery I finally have the mental fortitude to start looking at the new school year. Here is hoping it is a good one.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
I love to watch you swim!
I recently read this blog post:
http://www.handsfreemama.com/2012/04/16/six-words-you-should-say-today/
It was a bit eye opening for me. I realized that I am that mom. Full of constructive advice (criticism), everything a teachable moment, how to be better, stronger, faster. But did I say those 6 words "I love to watch you play."? No, I didn't. I certainly thought it. I kvelled with pride as I watched them cut through the water doing their best. But I didn't tell them. I felt I should let them know how they could do better next time. Seriously, what was wrong with me?
For the last swim practice of Spring Training I went in to watch for a few minutes. Parents are not normally allowed on deck to watch (I get that, who wants a bunch of parents watching you do your job) but it was the last one so I took a peek. Afterwards as each of my children emerged from the locker room I told them "I love to watch you swim." I can't say I noticed any straightening of the shoulders, the pressure is off moment but what I have noticed in the past few days is a difference in our relationships. It seems everyone is a little more willing to spend time with me. "Want to come to the market with me?" I get a yes when in the past it would have been no.
I still feel an urge to "help" all the time but I am working on controlling myself.
http://www.handsfreemama.com/2012/04/16/six-words-you-should-say-today/
It was a bit eye opening for me. I realized that I am that mom. Full of constructive advice (criticism), everything a teachable moment, how to be better, stronger, faster. But did I say those 6 words "I love to watch you play."? No, I didn't. I certainly thought it. I kvelled with pride as I watched them cut through the water doing their best. But I didn't tell them. I felt I should let them know how they could do better next time. Seriously, what was wrong with me?
For the last swim practice of Spring Training I went in to watch for a few minutes. Parents are not normally allowed on deck to watch (I get that, who wants a bunch of parents watching you do your job) but it was the last one so I took a peek. Afterwards as each of my children emerged from the locker room I told them "I love to watch you swim." I can't say I noticed any straightening of the shoulders, the pressure is off moment but what I have noticed in the past few days is a difference in our relationships. It seems everyone is a little more willing to spend time with me. "Want to come to the market with me?" I get a yes when in the past it would have been no.
I still feel an urge to "help" all the time but I am working on controlling myself.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Happy 13th Birthday Little Miss M!
So much has been going on this past month. Little Miss was called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah. She chanted her Haftorah beautifully and read Torah as if she had been doing it all her life. She also led most of the service. The Cantor had a nice break. She was amazing and I am filled with pride and joy over her accomplishments.
A large part of the last month was spent in preparation. Planning the party, making sure she practiced, making sure Mister B practiced his Torah portion, getting the dress, getting my dress, making sure Mister B and hubby had suits that fit, following up on response cards from people who neglected to respond, and so on. Needless to say-school light. Summer school this year.
As my daughter enters this next phase of growing up I can't help but wonder what the future will bring. There is the obvious-make up, more intense school work, clothes. Then there is the more subtle-boys. Continuing to instill in her a strong sense of self so she can always remain true to who she is and not go changing just to make some boy happy.
I see a bumpy road ahead. Or perhaps I should say hilly. A ride that will be filled with twists and turns and ups and downs. One that will move super fast at times and other times slow down. Hopefully, there will be pleasant valleys full of joy and laughter and few dark woods. Will I be able to think of some more cliches to describe this journey?
Happy 13th Birthday!
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