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We are all alive around here and doing well. Chase is almost done with summer school. He is also almost 8yrs old! July 13 is his birthday and he can't wait. His wraparound team finally got the funds to get his weighted vest. Its a form of occupational therapy that is supposed to soothe kids or even just reduce their anxiety. It works great for him at school so our wraparound team is paying so we can have one at home too. They are about $100.

Chase went to the fair with his cousin this week. He came home exhausted but talking about all the fun he had. He really loves rides and sweets so he was in heaven. Mmmmmm. And they even brought me home some cotton candy!

I've been busy with work and two wacky kids who can't get enough of the sunshine. My 10 year high school reunion is in September and I can't decide if I want to go. It would be nice to see some old classmates but I hate feeling awkward. In high school I was awkward and uncomfortable and I really don't want to re-live that experience. It could just end up causing a lot of unnecessary stress. On the other hand, I have many things to be proud of (kids, career, house etc) and I should share that with people who knew me and put up with me as a teenager.

I hope you are all enjoying the summer.

NON day off

Chase had an ok day today. I had a rough day at work. I'm hoping tomorrow is better for the both of us. But sometimes I get overwhelmed with the constant therapies, sessions, doctors and groups.

Wednesday (My ONE day off):
6:45am Chase bus
8am Aimees Preschool
9-11am Wraparound Meeting (I am going to shorten it to 10am if he lets me)
11am Take Howie out to go potty at Mere's house
1pm Going to the IEP for Tamara's son, A.
3:30pm Chase's bus
4pm Pick up Aimee

Guess with all of this, its time for me to go to sleep.

learning, homework and Rick

Rick goes home tomorrow. Makes me sad to think we may not see him until Halloween. The kids will miss him. Not only did he have fun with the kids, but also helped me get a little break from cleaning/cooking etc. There aren't many people that I'd feel comfortable to let help like that.

We had a meeting on wednesday that I didn't write about. Basically the WrapAround team is brainstorming ways to lessen the rages and frusteration around homework. He's been getting so much homework that he feels overwhelmed and defeated before he even starts. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated. See the following ideas:

1. Still complete the nightly 2 pages of language arts and 2 pages of math.

2. Decrease the number of weekly spelling words from 10 to 3.

3. Provide SOME flexability regarding the nightly homework due to his mood issues on some days.

One big problem is that Chase has bad days. Days where I'm just thankful that no one got hurt. Even looking at homework on those days is nearly impossible. However, the homework that doesn't get done should be added on top of the next nights homework. Either way, he gets the work done but without as much pressure.

I went with my neighbor to her son's (Chase's buddy A) IEP today. I feel like my presence there helped a little since the guy from the school district in attendence knows Chase and I very well. I pushed the team to put in a referral so A can get the AB3632 services. I also got hit with the idea that just as A has a hard time with writing, Chase is very delayed in his writing skills. I wonder if there is extra help provided for that. Even just an extra person at school to sit one on one with him when it is time to write. He needs constant encouragement and reminders.

Going to sleep now. Hopefully.

pictures of...me. sorry.

I know that 99% of the pics I post are taken by me. So here are some pics of me just because. The lighting is awful, the facial expressions are weird and I couldn't give a shit. I mean I don't care. Yeah. Thats what I meant to say.

Oh and the dark circles under my eyes are just side effects of having a bipolar son....

As far as an update goes, another rough day at school but I really have no clue what happened. We worked on his homework and finished about half without too much whining.

Dave from the wraparound team and Oscar, a "mentor" came over this morning for our weekly meeting. Our main focus today was that Chase needs to be in some sort of social activities besides school. As a mentor, Oscar could take him to sport practices etc and help him socialize appropriately. He also wants to take Chase to meet new people and practice his "boundary skills." For anyone that hasn't met Chase, he has no concept of boundaries or personal space. This freaks out a lot of kids and even adults.

Aimee has my allergies. Of all the fantastic traits to get from me, she got my stupid allergies. Go figure. Benedryl and Claritin here we come!

That's all folks!