Rough day

Well today was the day I needed to dig out the NVCI (non violent crisis intervention) training I had a few weeks back. It's been a long week at school. We have a female student that is really struggling with what we think is some mental illness and gets mad really easy when she is pushed to do something she doesn't want to do. We have tried numerous strategies with her and she is a tough cookie to figure out. She goes into episodes of rage in an almost out of body experience. The week started off with this particular student acting out on Monday and Tuesday and eventually ending up in a rage that resulted in a 2 day suspension from school and the police called in to assist my coworkers. I work closely with this girl and have developed a bond with her in just the 1/2 hour a day I am with her. It so sad to see her hurting herself and others and something that a girl her age shouldn't have to be dealing with. I am just hoping they get her the help she needs. Today I thought would be better seeing as she was gone. However, I ended up having to assist my coworkers in the restraint of a autistic student twice today. The first situation I had no choice but to jump in and help a coworker that was getting slapped and bit. At that particular moment the other teachers and staff were busy calming another student that had escalated to the point they had to take him to our "time out" room. Being involved in this situation was surely eye opening. I still don't quite know what my feelings are of this situation. I am glad that I am there to be able to help assist in keeping my fellow coworkers and the student(s) safe. On the other hand I feel like this sort of behavior doesn't belong in our schools. It is so unsettling for our other students. But then the question arises as to where is the right place for these kids. Its not fair to them to be shipped off and stuck in a institution somewhere away from the real world. Just like the other students they have to learn how to survive in the real world and be around the general public. It is hard enough to find these kids the counseling and resources they need to learn how to lead a somewhat normal life. Our female student has already been turned away from one of the local counseling agencies in town because they deemed her too violent! Its all so sad. It also makes you think about why we have so many of these special needs students now days? Looking back I can't remember having anyone in my school with a mental or even physical need. It amazes me as to how many forms and levels of Autism there are. Each student is so unique in their disability. What is causing this influx of special needs students? I feel like there is still so much research and learning that needs to be discovered to be able to understand and help these kids better. I knew this job wasn't going to be easy and I will admit that in the first month I didn't think I was cut out for this. But, as the weeks have gone on I have grown to love it. Call me crazy! I never in a million years thought I would be in a teaching role with other peoples kids. However, these kids have crawled into a very special place in my heart. I feel proud that I am able to find the patience and understanding to give them the assistance they need to make their day just a little bit easier and help them to succeed. Even if it calls for a "therapeutic hug" to keep them safe and make it through the day.

Snow

Today we got our first big blustery snowfall. It's nasty out there!  Owen came home from school and asked if he could shovel the driveway. So funny to watch him out there as it's a heavy wet snow. Every time he throws a shovel full it just about takes him over with it 😊

Today was also the first day I had to leave grace at home alone when she was sick. It was kind of sad thinking about how our world has changed with me having a M-F job and not just being home for these times. Also the fact that she is old enough to be home and take care of herself is still so crazy! She wasn't too sick just a sore throat and cough but with it being a short week with not a whole lot going in school I figured it wasn't a lot missed out on by staying home. 

It's times like these I feel life is just moving too fast. Looking forward to the holidays to be Able to take a step back and enjoy time together!

Giant Leap!

Just today I had seen a great deal on Facebook for a one night stay at The Great Wolf Lodge in the Dells that included water park passes and a $25 voucher and pretty nice room. I mentioned to Aaron that I thought this would be a fun Christmas gift for our family to do while we were on Christmas break. We looked at the calendar and came up with a Sun-Mon that we could make work. Therefore I went ahead and bought the offer. I then went on Great Wolf's site to book the room with my voucher only to find the dates we wanted weren't available. I searched a couple more dates during the week and no luck. I did find that Christmas day till the next was available. Of course Aaron was at bball practice with Owen. I decided to make the executive decision and go for it. My thoughts were that Aaron would be off for sure Christmas day and how much business could be going on the day after?? So, as of right now he doesn't know I booked it yet :) It will be a great surprise when he gets home tonight!!! I am actually really looking forward to it, I think it will be a perfect surprise Christmas morning for the kids!

Just one of them days

A bit of a stressful day today.  Feeling the effects of starting a new job. Start to wonder if I chose the right path and feeling overwhelmed with what goes along with a new job. I know every new venture has a learning curve and it's just a matter of time before you catch on. 

Grace brought home the stressful school day and lots of homework on a dance class night. This always brings on a big dramatic act with her laying on the floor moaning about it going on and on about how the iPad technology is messed up and it's not her fault if she misses something. This goes rolls into a tough night at dance with a sore ankle and a teacher that is "too hard". This leads to a discussion about pushing through when times get tough. Followed up by a pep talk, a big stress relieving hug from Mom and encouragement to get back at it. She starts homework again only to have the wifi crash. Thank goodness mom could reset it so she could watch her YouTube video of a guy she can't understand talking about the Mayan calendar and having to guess on the answers to finish her worksheet!!!

Blahhhhlahhlahh, thank god this day is done!

Ohh ya did I mention Aaron is gone all week?!?!?

Side Note: It made my day to receive a nice card and gift certificate for dinner out for kids and I from Aaron's boss! We will look forward to that tomorrow night!

I also had a football dad offer to bring Owen home from football tonight knowing Aaron was out of town so one less trip for me tonight!

My kiddos

Caught some candid pics tonight of these two gems. Sure am one lucky Mommy :)

Chinese Exchange Student

Last night we welcomed in the new member of our family for the next 3 weeks! She is a 7th grade student from Far East China School outside of Beijing China, her name is JingYu Ye or her American name, Shirley. We didn't have a whole lot of notice of her arrival maybe 2 weeks. In those few weeks we prepared by cleaning Grace's room and making a bed for her. We also shopped for a few gifts which we got her a Wisconsin Tshirt, photo frame and some tea. Upon her arrival yesterday they kept us updated via text on their pending arrival into OHare airport. They landed about 5pm and got into Janesville via coach bus service about 8pm. She seems to be a very shy modest girl. Not sure if the shyness is due to her overwhelmed feeling of being in a new place or the language barrier. She seems to understand us fairly well but has a hard time communicating to us in English. After getting her settled into Grace's room I spent some time trying to find a good translation app on my phone. She wanted to ask us a question but was having a hard time finding the words. After playing with Google Translate I was able to figure out that there is a note pad that she could write the Chinese symbols on and it would translate to English. She told us she would like to have our wifi hookup so that she could contact home! Later on as I was showing her how to use the app she told me she likes me very much. That made me relax a little bit and know that it will all come together and that she was happy to be here! She brought me a couple of gifts one of which was a Chinese fan that has an old photo of her home town the other was a bottle type thing that you drink out of. This morning her and Grace are still asleep. I may try and rouse them about 11am to have some lunch and take Shirley with us to the grocery store. I am happy we ended up on this adventure, I think it will be a fun one!

Growing up

She's catching up to me fast! Not the greatest pic but I wanted to take one with her to show how she is growing up to me :)

Emotions running high

* I had meant to post this yesterday *

The school year is coming to an end and I have been through a field of emotions today. It all started with my drive into work and being excited I was going to be done. Even more so when in the first 10minutes of being there I have boys beating each other up and having a very difficult time diffusing the situation. After school I see a fee posts of friends that talk about their daughters graduating and how far they have come and grown up. Started feeling like I am on the fast track for that and it makes me feel sad and overwhelmed! Thinking of how grace is only 5 years away is crazy and it will be here in a flash. Later that evening I run her to a last minute event she has to be at and find myself grumbling that I have to run her. However, as I drop her off I pull away and think about how I only have a short amount of time to have this time with her and how some of our best moments and conversation are in the car together. What am I going to do with out that time??  

This evening I see a post on Facebook from a neighbor/friend who has a son that is autistic and goes to the school I work at. She tells about how sad Parker is that it is the last day of school and he is so sad because he has so many friends at school and he won't see them again for a long time and will miss them. She then proceeds to say that he has a lot of friends at school but never gets a call from them to play outside of school. This makes me so sad for him. I love Parker, he is one of my favorite students and the most polite and well mannered kid at school. This makes me think about my job and what I will miss if I don't return. The wonderful students and all the fun times we have had! It's sad that the difficult students so over shadow the good ones. Unfortunately with the nature of the job I spend most of my time with the difficult ones and it doesn't make for an enjoyable time. Anyhow, Parker made me think of the good ones and how my job is so bitter sweet. 

The emotions always get me this time of the year as I look back and see how the kids have grown and how fast time passes by. Just hoping the much cherished summertime slows just a little bit to have some time to stop and smell the roses!

Rhino Report

Here is Owen reading his Rhino Report and research paper for school :)

http://youtu.be/I4kpBtMfG8k

Band concert

Grace's last band concert tonight here is a video of her Jazz band performing. Not much to see but great to listen! Grace is last on the right

http://youtu.be/86nBSxo0dsA

Smokey the Bear

We checked out Smokey the Bear from the nature center in the park yesterday and Owen got to keep him overnight and write about Smokey's adventure with us in the traveling journal. He also got his own Smokey Bear (Pharrell) hat ;)

The life....

The day doesn't get much better than this! Lazy morning with bacon on the campfire, eggs and toast. Drive into Devils State Park and do a 2.5 mile hike up to the peak overlooking the lake and what seems to be the entire state from up that high!! Chilling out by the beach and wading in the cool water which feels heavenly on my tired feet and legs. Back to the campground for dinner a game of cards and frisbee. Now, just lounging with my feet up and a beer in my hand watching the world around me go by and listening to the birds chirp over my head! Makes for one happy family :)

Boy Scout

Owen got his Tiger Cub and Bobcat patches tonight!

Overnight

Grace is at her friend Emma's house for her first 13th birthday party!  They went bowling earlier today and then all the girls are sleeping overnight in their camper at the house.  

I realized this is the first sleepover she has had in quite a while and the first group girl sleepover with this group of friends. I have to say I have thought about her all night and wish I could b a fly on the wall to see what they are up to! Grace is a outgoing girl but as she has come into the teen/middle school years she tends to hang back a bit and keep to herself.  She hates to get involved in any of the crazy drama that some bring to school so I think she picks her friends wisely.  It's funny because one of the moms that was at the house when I dropped her off said the same thing about her daughter.  I have also talked with a couple of the moms and the consensus seems to be that none of us will put up with the mean girl drama and all agreed that if we see any of it to not be afraid to give each other a call to discuss it.  

I really feel like this is a good group of girls for her. All the girls seem to be on the same page. Each of them have different interests but they all seem to come together and enjoy a lot of the same things. Maybe that's why it works from them? A lot of the drama kids have been attached at the hip all through school with being on the same athletic teams and I think that causes a lot of drama and competition against one another.  

She's a smart girl and I feel she is making good decisions. I just pray it all works out for her and she has a great time tonight! Yikes. My baby is growing up!

Brothers and Sisters

It's spring break here for all of us. No big plans other than giving the house a good ole spring cleaning.  Kids were SO excited when they heard that was the plan!  We made the first accomplishment this weekend when we made over graces closet with a new shelving system.  

As we have gone into the vacation I can't believe how well my kids have been getting along!  Grace and O have been attached at the hip since school has let out on Friday! Grace had a sleep over on Saturday and all day Sunday Owen hung out with grace and Becca.  Today they have been playing school all day with some intermittent stops for small chores here and there. On a side note upon emptying the dishwasher was a cause of a bit of tiff between the two. Not sure what it is about that job but that is the one time they do seem to fight! Anyhow, after a long day yesterday of playing and hanging out they asked if they could have a week long sleepover  , together!!!  We said maybe not week long but could do so throughout the week. It's so cute cause they cuddle up together in graces bed!  It just baffles me how a 6 and 12 year old girl and boy siblings can be so great together. Don't get me wrong there are moments but nothing too awful.  I talked with a lady at the salon the other day that has a 8yr old boy and 14yr old daughter and they fight like crazy all day long!  Who knows, give it another 2 years and maybe the tables will turn but for now I am just sitting back and enjoying the peace and quiet, most times that is unti they start wrestling one another :)

Tooth fairy -1

Grace lost her tooth at school today. We had a bit of a discussion about the tooth fairy on the way home but Owen was in the car. As I am getting ready for bed she comes in and hands me her tooth!! I looked at her with a slight pause and then the frown formed on my face. She then says, "if u really want I can put it under my pillow".  Sniff, sniff I guess it has come to that point in time. Wow.

Competition day

The day didn't turn out as we hoped it would. Sort of dissappointing to say the least :( graces jazz dance was all over the  place and not real put together. The group still needs a bit of work to get all coordinated. I thought grace did a good job for her first time back after a year,

despite the fact that her first step onstage her knee started to bother her, poor thing was in tears afterwards.  Not sure what the problem is it just seems to act up sometimes. About 2 hours later she was fine.  

The group took home a high silver which was one of the lowest awards given out that day :(  it was a really tough competition being in IL and pulling in all of the big talent from suburban Chicago studios. It was an awesome one to watch with a lot of great talent!!

Needless to say the girls were bummed but sounds like they felt as if it wasn't out of line that they got a low score.  Just means they have to work hard before the next event and figure out where they went wrong.  Like they say, you win some and you lose some. That's just the name of the game!!

Proud Mama

Grace took high honors for the second quarter of school!!! I am so very proud of her :). She is doing such a fantastic job keeping up with school and a busy schedule! It sure is a crazy one right now, dance 3 nights a week, jazz band early thurs mornings and stage crew after school. She also finished up with solo ensemble where her and Gabby performed a duet and got a 1st!!  She has also been working on coreographing her own dance for the school talent show. However, she says she is getting cold feet and not sure she wants to do it :(

Our first dance competition is this weekend in Rockford and we are both excited to kick off the dance season!

As for O, he is about to finish up with bball and has been asking to do dance again. Honestly the only way I am willing to do that now is if it fits into graces time there!  He is also doing fantastic in school and really enjoys it. He is also doing cub scouts and aaron is leading his group.  

Aaron and I are of course keeping busy with all the kids functions. Aaron has been busy at work and settling into his job. It is kinda nice having him around more!  I am finally back to full weeks at school after all of our crazy weather ;) although next week is short with conferences! I am glad the weather has started to get a bit better and we can enjoy recesses outside now!  I am starting to get a handle on my job now as well but still not convinced I am cut out for this. I hate having to parent other peoples kids.  

Looking forward to spring time but would still like to get a few more winter activities in before the nice snow is gone!