Occupational Therapy

An Occupational Therapist (OT) "incorporates meaningful and purposeful occupation to enable people with limitations or impairments to participate in everyday life." Translated, they help learn, or re-learn your job when there's been an injury or something. For kids, thier job is to play. When the sensory feedback interferes, be it too much, not enough, or of the wrong sort, then they need help overcoming that so they can do thier job-PLAY!
Our first visit with Ms. Celeste was technically an "evaluation" but they spent the entire time playing! She started with the most dificult area- Shane's mouth- by blowing bubbles. Starting with a wand and advancing from there. Shane and I both learned that to override unpleasant experiences in or round his mouth, he needs an immediate stronger sensation that he associates positively- like a raspberry! Shane loves the idea!
Next was the rice bin. At first, Shane wouldn't even touch it. Butwith lots of encouragement, he got to gingerly playing in the rice with his hands. Ms. Celeste would actually press his handful into his palm to give him the strong sensation he could understand. It didn't take long for him to be okay with the softer sensations the rice had to offer too.
But the big fun started when they got to the tunnel. There was noone to get in his personal space, so Shane was VERY excited to explore. That was matched with the excersize ball (Shane's core balance was excellent!) Shane got to be Superman! And finally, the scooterboard!
After all that, Shane was tuckered out (he'd already done a full "day" at school) but he was able and willing to put his own shoes on for once. It's a step in the right direction.
Ms. Celeste was very enthusiastic and optimistic that with a little fun/work, Shane will be able to become far more comfortable in the world around him, and a bit more self-sufficient.
We are very excited to see what comes next. It will take a bit of juggling to keep from tireing Shane out what with school 4 days a week, speech classes 2 days a week (when the education plan goes through the insurance company), and then OT however often that is needed.

Night Out

Tuesday, I finally did it. I dropped the kids at a friends' house, kidnapped his wife, and ran away! No, a bunch of friends all met for dinner and a movie. It was thoroughly needed- I was on the verge of insanity and I'm not joking around.
We saw, you guessed it, Twilight. After reading mny reviews, and being a bit let down by the Harry Potter movies, we didn't want to keep our hopes to high for this one. But I thought it was pretty good.
You could tell they stuck to thier budget. And adjusted a few things from the book to fit a movie. The actors were a bit furry for marble, but I can imagine the reaction that would have come from asking someone to shave his chest and arms in addition to his face-repeatedly, every day... fight that 5'o'clock shadow! I hadn't pictured the character of Jacob to be quite the pretty boy they had in the film, but the actor was alright. The Dad and Billy were utterly perfect and were at times the best part. I'm still wondering about the Bella character, I don't know exactly what it is, but something is off about her in my opinion. All said and done, it was very fun. Definately one I'd see again. One or two of the ladies there hadn't read the books and they were getting into the story as much as the rest of us dorks. We were told that we were acting like a bunch of teenage girls, which was the whole point and idea of the night- to escape reality for a split second. I guess we succeeded.

Food, Glorious Food!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! HAPPY THANKSGIVING! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

It's been a year full of blessings. Each of you are counted in that!

Cooking dinner this year was an undertaking in itself. It wasn't terribly difficult, just a flurry of fuss, trying to make sure everything got done. I even attempted gravy, though there wasn't much to put it on, the mashed potatoes were seasoned (someone else brought them). Things turned out pretty durned good if I do say so myself. The table was packed to overflowing- but I made sure that we actually sat AT the table for once.

The turkey was perfect- even without a thermometer. I was very grateful, it was the one thing I was stressing about- Thank you Mom for the last-minutes tips. And thank you Dad, for making me do it that last year I was home.

In memory of the Thanksgiving afternoon we used to spend at the Overson's, I declared the first annual pie party. One extra family showed up, in the middle of dinner and chose not to stay and munch pie while we ate. Other than that, we enjoyed quite a spread. I look forward to needing more pies in the future. For now, I'll be putting together sampler plates for people and eating leftovers for awhile.

Salmon berry pie- before

and after.

I used twice as much sugar as called for and it was still VERY tart, and very juicy.
The Apple Foldover- the running-out-of-time-and-pie-pans pie

After dinner, we sat around and talked and played. Our friends were lots of fun, though it seems like all the kids have decided to stop napping recently, so the consequences of that was felt by all.

Some of our friends that came for dinner- thier daddy is a police officer and had to work. Heidi is doing a chipmunk face for me, complete with stuffed cheeks.

Eating Pie with Daddy...
Shane's way of eating pie- er... whipped cream anyway- one finger at a time.


Mason is Austin's friend- about 6-9 months younger though.

and of course, as soon as all the company left, Brett checked out too. I repeatedly asked him to resist this once (he does this everytime I actually cook dinner so it's getting old) and help me clean up and wrangle the kids. That was at 7-ish. Now it's getting close to 10 and the kids are fussing at me- finally ready for bed. Goodnight all! Make the coming year one to be thankful for!

All Growed Up

Monday, November 24th

Shane's first day of school

It was an interesting day all around. I had to work, but Brett picked me up to come along dropping Shane off. We met a few more of his teachers, put his stuff in his locker/cubby aand helped try to get a picture of his face for his cubby label. Shane immediately started playing with the toys, though he kept his vacuume piece close at hand.

After I returned to work, it seemed like everyone was betting on when I would break down in a panic. I did not. Though there were times when I felt like it, those moments passed quickly. Brett thinks he's going to like having time with just Austin- mostly because he doesn't like juggling both boys. Personally, I think Shane is easier.

Maybe a little overwhelming for him at first, but so far so good.

It's Decided

It's finally been decided- for the first time in my married life I will be cooking Thanksgiving dinner all my one-sie. We're inviting a few friends over, just to make it a bit more official. Our other option was to go to the CG Galley like we did last year. But with the boys as rambunctious as they are and with Shane getting anxious in crowds and new settings, Brett thinks (and I agree) that taking them out in public would be a bit much for just the 2 of us. My little 8+ pound turkey is defrosting in the fridge. I got part of the other supplies today: dressing, cranberry sauce, pumpkin, etc. Only a few things left, and a bit of planning and things will be ready to kick off. Now if I could just remember how Dad used to do his turkeys, I'll have my deal done. Wish me luck!

The Big Meeting

Today was THE day! (until next week that is)
We had our big meeting at the school with Shane's education "team". Ms. Margret, the teacher was there. Daddy got to come for most of it, as was Mr. Steve, the school's speech therapist. Ms. Suzan, the speech pathologist from the beginning and Ms. Celeste, who will be Shane's Occupational Therapist as soon as the new and corrected authorization papers arrive, both joined us as well. We went through alot, alot of stuff. It was cool to kind of have everyone there, comparing notes and bringing up things I'd told one but had forgotten to tell the other. Brett added a few things I hadn't thought of too- Shane's policing habits (if he's told to do or not do something, and he sees others disobeying that rule, he can get very upset and tries to make them listen and sometimes physically force them into submission- a good warning for the teacher!)
By the end both Shane and Austin were very tired. But they'd both made friends with the adults there and had some good play time. Then we got a special "tour" of the fish tank that Shane loves so much (I've posted pictures before). Ms. Celeste's husband is the one that created it and manages it for the school. They are in the process of adding an infant skate to the tank. (*skate- type of fish that looks like a ray- look it up.) They have a little vented box that the little guy is sitting in, with his "eggshell" which is called a mermaid purse, that they suspend on the inside of the tank, just in the water. This is so the temperatures can adjust and the resident sea creatures can get used to the new guy. It was very cool, Shane just wanted to count the starfish and run up and down the halls (which he does to wind down and after stressful experiences- run!)
Shane starts school on Monday. It will be a short week because of Thanksgiving, which was part of my plan, and I'll have to take time off work off and on that whole week, but I think it's going to be ok. If anyone has any pointers or thoughts on easing the transition, let me know! The plan is to eventually get him riding the bus (the driver is a member (I think) and Shane LOVES busses- for now). But for now, I knew the mommy in me needed to be able to be there and drop him off and pick him up for a while. What a wuse (how do you spell that? woose? wuse?) I am!
Wish me luck! I'm sure it will be harder on me than it will be on him. At least that's what I keep telling myself... over and over... and over...

Bet You Didn't Know I Could Ride a Goose

Really quick, 'cause it's late. We got a new Netflix movie the other day, The Wild. It features the voices of William Shatner, Keifer Sutherland, and a couple insane British guys. It's full of funny lines and encouraging story lines. Shane really has been enjoying the new "Lion King", as he calls it. Well, from the previews, some of you might recall a squirrel (who's in love with a giraffe by the way) riding a Canadian Goose (yes, they say 'eh' and 'Bob's your uncle' (which he really is)). Wouldn't you know, it's that one line that Shane latches onto. The squirrel, trying to impress the target of his affection, says, "Bet you didn't know I could ride a goose... bareback." >smacking his own rump- full of innuendo< So now Shane goes around the house, smacking himself on the tush- or the leg (his aim is off sometimes) yelling "Bareback". Keep in mind, he spends 80% of his time in just unders or noode (yes, he says noode, it's very cute) so he's giving himself a bruise. THEN, just tonight, we were (me and Shane) cracking up as Shane did his 'Bareback' bit over and over, and Austin started doing it too! He hasn't quite got the word completely down (he's got the double 'b') and he smacks himself with both hands, but he and Shane both laugh hysterically while doing it.
LOL they always find a way to make a day better!

Toughing It Out

The Relief Society here had a sleep over this weekend- I know, crazy huh. It gets better. I'd planned to drag my boss/friend Christiana out with me since we wouldn't be staying the night and would be missing the spiritual stuff. But at the last minute her husband flaked out and she opted to stay home with the kids. Just as I arrived at her house, in the middle of a doozie of a storm... thier power goes out. When we finally haul everyone back to my house where there was power, i was an hour and a half late for the fun. The house that we were "partying" at was on the side of town that had no power, so I spent the drive out there trying to reach someone- anyone who could tell me if the location was going to change or what.
Nope, talk about mmaking out pioneer heritage proud (well I don't have any, but you know what I mean.) I arrived to find them cooking the pizzas in Dutch Ovens on the sister's propane stove. We made "scones" with the left-over pizza dough, with honey and butter- and ate until most of us were sick, then the lights came on!
It was lots of fun. I lost track of time and literally ran out at 10 when someone pointed out how late it was. Austin hadn't nursed all day and I got to feeling that on my way home. It was a whirlwind bed time but I wouldn't have missed the few stolen hours away.

Haircuts

I've been trying to get everyone set to get the yearly Christmas photo done, so I can get on our Christmas cards. First, Brett delayed because he wanted to get his own hair cut. Then Shane was looking rather shaggy, so I nabbed him and trimmed is locks. Austin was so interested in the noise of the trimmers, that I sat him down and did his head as well. It's winter full-blown here (blowing and cold more often than not) so I'm keeping it longer than usual. Brett's looking forward to the day when both boys will ask for haircuts like his- yikes! Or maybe they'll want hair like Uncle Pat's- double yikes!
I didn't get his pony tail- he doesn't like pictures and will jump ya if he knows you're gunning for him.

Housing Inspection Week

This week is one to be dreaded in the halls of military housing units everywhere. Espeically when the kids (and husband) are playing with being sick. And work has been nutters with one of our happy little bunch moving on and I'm training all I can to take over more of the work-load. To say the least, the house was a bit a-shambles. But I had high hopes to get it squared away before our Thursday appointment. When I got home from work Monday afternoon, Brett got to use that famous line "Do you want to know what went on in this house today?!" (Bill Engvall for those that were wondering who made it famous.)
Apparently, afer I left that morning, Shane kindly went back to sleep... and Austin woke up- crabby. So when the 10 men that make up the housing inspection team showed up unexpectedly, they found Brett with a screaming Austin in just a diaper (Austin was, I believe and hope that Brett had on more than that.) Paco barking his head off because someone knocked on HIS door. The house looking like Tornadoes Shane and Austin had hit en force (which they had.) And Shane snoozing- testing the fire alarms is NOT the best way to wake up a boy with sensitive ears! There were fathers in the group so they understood when Brett asked if they could come back another day.
Today was that day. So I spent ALL of Monday afternoon cleaning. I woke up early today to get to work on the kitchen. But Shane and Austin had other ideas for me. When the Housing Inspection team arrived I was only part way through refilling the dishwasher and Austin was refusing to let me put him down. Gratefully, the one in charge has a little one at home that just turned one and has recently started walking. He repeatedly told me how hard he thinks the job of a mom is. And how everything looked fine and I shouldn't worry about it. I got the feeling that I looked tired and frazzled there in my sweats. What do you think?
Brett says we're determined to keep the house neater. To translate that (I asked for more specific clarification on the "we") as long as I don't go to bed with the house remotely mussed, he will make sure that the boys don't make a mess while he's in charge. That needed translation too, in my mind. It comes out that while I'm at work he will give Shane all the milk he can drink, only let Austin eat goldfish and Nilla wafers; and they will not play,but all sit around naked on the couch snoozing and watching movies. Keep in mind I don't get home until after 2 in the afternoon.
WHAT am I going to DO with this guy?!

Sorry

I know it's been a while since I've posted anything fun to read. I do have a few pictures for y'all. But Austin is fussy and I don't really feel like bloggin' today. See you soon!

Tagged A Bit Differently

Tagged!
8 Places I like to eat:
1. Olive Garden (there isn't one here)
2. Pizza Express
3. IHOP (none here)
4. KFC (none here)
5. Taco Bell(again, none here)
6. Subway
7. Home- I like to cook sometimes too.
8. Shirley's- Yumm! (a friend's house)


8 TV Shows I like to Watch: we don't have TV, so it's DVD or old seasons we've seen
1. M.A.S.H. (DVDs)
2. Smallville (DVDs)
3. House
4. Monk
5. Meduim
6. Ghost Whisperer
7. Most any cooking show
8. Dukes of Hazzard (DVD)


8 Things that happened yesterday:
1. Trip to the doctor
2. Phone calls
3. Cleared out half the living room (to prep for washing the carpet thanks to Austin's symphony in BLUE)
4. Family e-mails
5. Dressed the kids (always a big production)
6. Went to the Library
7. Welcomed home the mighty hunters
8. Tried to rest and get rid of my "migraine"


8 Things I love about Fall:
1. leaves to jump in
2. apples with carmel sauce
3. Leaves changing colors
4. Baking
5. frost on the windows
6. warm blankets
7. Hot cocoa
8. late mornings

8 Things on my wish list:
1. Earlier bedtime
2. more days in the week (rather than hours in the day)
3. Friends who could/would hang out
4. That there weren't so many worries for my children when they grow up.
5. That the economy would recover faster.
6. That grandparents would live forever!
7. We lived closer to all of our family.
8. That I had a firmer stomach- It's hard to get a good walk going at the pace of a 3 year old or a 1 year old.

8 People that I am tagging:
1. Jocelyn
2. Christie (yes, you ought to start blogging! Mrs. Quiner!)
3. Benjamin
4. Tonya
5. Rochelle
6. Angie
7. Angeline
8. Heather

Insane Sicko

Yeah! I'm not insane, and I'm not sick,, so that's good.
I got into the doctor's office again today (poor kids getting dragged in there so much).
I didn't get to see my regular doc (yesterday I only saw the PA, I discovered- usually not much different than a doc), but another one that I trust pretty well. Dr. Merris (I know I'm spelling that wrong) listen to everything I had to say, including the bit where I just didn't feel right about the original disgnosis. She took her turn poking and peeking in my eyes and everything and said that though she could see how the first idea of shingles was reached, but didn't agree. Her decision was equally odd, but made a lot more sense. It's an alternate migraine... Sometimes, there are additional symptoms that go along with some people's migraines. Rarely, the additional stuff comes on it's own. Makes sense, it's been pretty stressful the last week or two. I don't know, what do you think Mary and Tim? Is there a history of migraines in our family? Pat says he had them when he was little, but not since then.
All this craziness... I just am looking forward to losing the funny feeling out of my face.