Better than expected

LJ has been a real champ with his night splints.  I figured it would be a battle each night to get him to keep them on, but he has surprised me.  He doesn't wake up during the night and take them off.  I'm so proud of him.  Wednesday we are supposed to pick up his SMOs.  Hopefully he'll be as good about keeping those on.

I snapped this pic at Mom and Dad's this past weekend.  

PT and Splints

LJ has been seeing Jim Capps in Thomson for several weeks doing PT.  He's stretching his leg muscles and hips and strengthening his core muscles.  It's tough to remember to do the stretches everyday and some days he just doesn't want to do them.  I haven't been as diligent about it the last couple weeks  as I need to be. 

Yesterday we picked up his night splints.  Allen, the Orthotist from Hangar Orthotics, suggested night splints to help prevent plantar flexion during the night.  LJ was also casted for SMOs to wear during the day.  We are going to slowly transition into using the night splints all night but we started out small yesterday.  He wore one splint on his left foot for about an hour while he worked on his homework and then put it on when he got in bed.  He ended up falling asleep just fine with it on and when I woke him up, it was still on.  Hoping this means that he will cooperate with the process.  We are supposed to pick up his SMOs next Wednesday.  Then we'll have to find shoes that will fit over them.  That wasn't such an easy task when he had his AFOs. 

New struggles for LJ

The other night I was sitting on the couch.  LJ was looking out the front door and was up on his toes.  I told him to stand on his heels and when he did, I noticed that he was pronating.  He stand on the arches on his feet.  I've never really noticed it before.  You can see it when he walks flat footed if you're looking for it.  I've been wanting to get him back into PT and this was the push that did it.  I called Dr. Cannady and he saw us yesterday (6/20)  He asked when he met his milestones and if he had any complications during the pregnancy or delivery.  He mentioned that toe walking could be from autism/sensory processing or it could be from things like CP, MD, or tethered cord.  He wants to do either an ultrasound or an MRI to check for any complications with the spinal cord or brain.  If those come back normal, then we're looking at intensive PT.

I'd kind of like an MRI done to completely rule out any issues with his brain given his autism/developmental delays.  The only thing I'm worried about is that they'll put him to sleep to do it.  I'm guessing we will be looking at serial casting if we just venture back into PT.  The previous PT had mentioned casting before we quit going.  We would definitely do that during the cooler months.  It would be pure torture to do it during the summer.  Especially since it's already almost 100* during the day and it's only the 1st day of summer today.

He's a little nervous about the MRI.  Not knowing what it involves but I keep assuring him that he'll be fine.  That he'll be asleep and he won't know what's going on.  And I'm a little nervous that they might actually find something else going on with him.  After the mention of CP and MD I started Googling and started worrying.  Having that much information at your hands and days to wait to hear from the Dr. isn't a good combination.

The Dr. said I would hear back from him on Monday so we'll see what route we will be taking.  He was supposed to find out if the radiologist thought he could do just an ultrasound to check for tethered cord.

Easter

After so much time looking, we finally found a church in town that we all feel comfortable in.  Thomson First United Methodist.  LJ is in the Cub Scout group there so I've gotten to know several of the members.  The girls know a lot of people there, both kids and adults, from school.  And Andrea tells me that Taylor attended the Youth group when she was younger and absolutely loved it.  I have to check into that for the girls.  We are attending the Cafe Praise service.  It's their contemporary service.  I can't get Joe to go with me.  He says it's because he likes a traditional service, but I think it's just his excuse.  

The girls are in their room resting now and LJ is watching TV.  The service starts at 9:15 so they didn't like getting up early on the weekend.  We are heading out to Mitchell to celebrate Easter with Joe's family at Steph and Reid's house.  The sun looks like it's starting to come out so I'm hopeful for a beautiful day.  The past 2 days have been cold, rainy and gloomy.

Day of with Alyssa

After Alyssa's appointment last week we spent the day hanging out. We went to the mall and she picked out some new summer clothes. We had lunch and a milkshake for dessert. It was really nice to spend some one on one time with her. I plan to do this with each kid once a month. Next month the girls want to pick an outing instead of just hanging out. Alyssa wants to go ice skating and Trinity wants to go roller skating. 

Hard Times

Some things are going on.  I'm worried and stressed.  I've reached out for help and we have things in motion.  Praying hard and praying often and trying to remember that God is in control. 

Fun Weekend

Hannah G. came to spend the night with Trinity on Friday and I took the kids to see Divergent.  Leah met the girls there and they all sat by themselves while LJ and I sat elsewhere.  The movie was great and it was fun to hear all the excitement and laughter from the girls after the movie. 

On Saturday we just hung around the house for most of the day.  I went and picked Alyssa and Alexis up and then took all 4 girls to a classmate's bonfire birthday party.  Those crazy girls got in the pool.  It was cold last night!  Had to pick them up at 10:00---past my bedtime.  But more giggles and excitement on the way home.  I let Hannah stay another night.

I love to see my kids excited and not so gloomy and bored.  But everyone has to leave before lunch today.  I have to clean the house up and paint the kids' bathroom. I'm itching to see it finished so I can decide what to do about decorating it.  If there's enough paint left over, I think I'll use it in the laundry room as well.  Or I have another gallon of a similar color that I may use.  I'd love a pop of color in that awful room.  :) 

I only work 2 days next week so I'll have plenty of time for Home Improvementing. 

Spring = Home Improvement

I've gotten bit by the home improvement bug.  I'm in the process of re-vamping the kids' bathroom.  I've finally picked out a paint color and I'm planning to go by Ace and pick up some paint this afternoon when I go to get Alyssa from chorus practice.  I chose a color called Lucky One.  It's a bluish color.  It'll go with the print I picked up for only $7 at Family Dollar.  I pulled down the two long batten strips on the main walls and spackled the joining boards.  I'll be easier to hang artwork and/or shelves once I paint.  I'll have to decide on a shower curtain once I finally get the paint on the walls though.
I'm contemplating painting the vanity top as well.  I've looked at tons of videos and blog posts about doing it and I'm about ready to give it a shot.  I'd picked up some spray paint this morning, but then decided not paint the bathroom gray but instead stick with the neutral earthtones I've done in the living room and go with tan and coordinates, so I'll need to decide on a different counter color.  I suppose it would be fairly simple to replace the laminate top if it messes up, or altogether replace the vanity if I needed to.  I've found some at Lowe's/Home Depot for $50-150.

--I started on the bathroom walls!  I spackled the holes earlier and after I got the kids to bed I started cutting in.  I'll have to do a second coat of cut in and then two coats with the roller.  I think it's going to be so cute.  I couldn't get on the ground to cut in around the floor though.  I busted my knee on the door frame walking out of the bathroom earlier today and it's hurting something awful!  It hurts to bend it or put force on it to stand up so I'm going to have to get that done later.  Phooey.  Maybe tomorrow it'll be feeling better.  I'd like to finish cutting in and do at least the first coat with the roller tomorrow.  Then I can completely finish this weekend. 

I want to repaint the kitchen as well.  It's a huge job though with the cabinets and all to work around.  But I only work 2 days  next week so maybe I can get some things done during my time off.  I also want to re-paint LJ's room.  I never did get the train painted on the rolling hills part of the wall, but after I'd finished it, it always seemed too high and I'm thinking of just starting over with the whole thing.  He desperately needs new bedding, so when I find something affordable that I like I'll choose a new paint color and re-paint.

And I'd really love to paint the laundry room with some pop of color.  I wish it was a separate room because it'll be strange to have one wall with two colors.  I may have to extend the kitchen wall color into the laundry room on that one wall and use the pop color on the other two walls.  That would work.  Probably be cute too.

Downfall

I was so good at updating and then I slacked off.  Typical--so gung ho for something and then I dwindle down.

I took LJ to the Pediatrician last week armed with my concern and a letter from his teachers.  Dr. Cannady upped his dosage on his Concerta to 54mg.  He's gotten a smiley each day since the new meds started.  I'm praying this isn't just a fluke.  He was really well behaved over the weekend though so maybe it's the meds working better.  Dr. C said he'd been on the 36mg since Sept. 2012 and he'd gained 10 pounds since then so he agreed that the higher dose would be okay.

Alyssa has really been enjoying soccer.  They've played 4 games and one (scrimmage) game against CMS.  They won against CMS, Wrens (both home and away) and GMC (home).  They lost the game against GMC (away).  Yesterday's game was cold and rainy but I stood there with my umbrella, freezing, and watched every minute of it.  My poor fingers were numb when I left, but I can only imagine how cold those girls were out there.  Wet and in shorts/t-shirts.  She has a game this Thursday at Oglethorpe Cty. 

Bella has been better behaved too.  I'm starting to tolerate her more.  And she's had several nights of sleeping in the living room outside of her crate.  I put her in her crate last night though because she was hyper and I needed a good night sleep.  I don't have to work tomorrow so I'll probably let her sleep in the living room tonight.

The cub scouts met at the fire station last week and Joe led the meeting.  It's weird to see him up there instructing the kids.  I don't know why.  It went great.  He'd had dispatch do a test call at the beginning of the meeting so the boys would all know what it sounded like if a real call went out during the meeting.  Then, when we were in the bay, and after the "friendly fireman" routine, the tones really did go out.  The boys immediately jumped up and ran over to the wall as they'd been instructed to do.  They got to watch the two firemen on duty get into their gear and jumped on the truck.  Then the truck rode away running lights and sirens as the boys watched.  I'm never glad tones go out because it means some type of bad situation, but it sure was interesting for the boys to experience actually seeing the truck leave after learning about the life of a fireman.

I have pictures...I need to get them on my computer to post here.  Mom has my camera because Ben wanted to borrow it, so I'll have to add them soon.

I've discovered the trick!

The trick to peaceful mornings that is.  If I can get LJ's medicine to him early and if he will go back to sleep afterwards, then we'll all have a peaceful morning.  The last couple mornings he's been great!  He gets his meds before 6:00 and then I let him sleep until 6:30.  It's like he's a totally different kid.  (Insert extremely toothy grin here)

Catch up

In cub scouts last week, the boys learned about Courage and First Aid.  Then they practiced First Aid procedures on each other. 

On Saturday morning, the Kiokee District held their Pinewood Derby Race.  There were 34 Wolf Scouts who participated.  In LJ's 3 runs he placed 2nd, 3rd, 2nd.  He was so excited to see his name up there on the screen for 2nd place.  Overall, he placed 24th.

We visited the Station on the way home.  And a visit to the fire station is never complete without trying out the trucks.  Colton wouldn't get inside, so I had to snap a pic of him on the front.

And Trinity got this cute pic of Colt doing his duck face!

 

  When we dropped Colt off, Bub was cleaning up storm debris so the little guys decided to pitch in and help.

Life

...has been busy!  After the ice storm mess was gone and work resumed it seemed like life was just hectic.  LJ was acting out really bad in the mornings and I was stressed to the max.  Today was better, but I realized that I haven't been writing so I thought I'd update.

Joe and I decided that he would give LJ his meds before he left for work so that they would be in his system before it was time to start getting ready.  I'm going to really try to wake up earlier (I'm so not a morning person) so that I can go ahead and give his meds.  I purchased a set of routine cards to try.  Chrissy recommended a morning routine chart.  I've tried that before, but it was more stressful trying to get him to look at the chart and mark off what he's done on top of actually doing the stuff.  So, I am going to try putting the cards on a keyring and then on a lanyard.  That way he's got it right there with him and it'll be easy for him to flip to the next card after he finishes something.  I pray this works. 

Bella started a couple days before the ice storm with accidents.  She'd pee in her crate and just sit in it.  She'd pee in her bean bag and just sit.  And even just standing in place, she'd pee and not squat.  I knew something was wrong.  The next day I was going to take her in during the lunch hour, but when I went home to check on her she seemed fine so I didn't take her.  Then the ice storm happened and we couldn't take her in.  She didn't have as many accidents over the next week but I made Joe take her to the vet yesterday to find out what was wrong.  $115 later we found out she's got a UTI.  They gave her two meds (The same Rx but different doses).  She takes 1 in the morning and the other at night with her food.  I hope this clears up.  This is the second time she's been on antibiotics.  Once this clears, she'll be scheduled for spaying.  I DO NOT want to deal with a dog in heat.

LJ has been having a hard time with spelling and that is one of his strong points.  I just can't seem to get through to him on the words.  I need to try to come up with a different routine for him to learn the words.  Last week it was OU words and this week OI.  I'm getting frustrated and that's not going to help anyone.

Alyssa had her first soccer game last week.  They played Columbia Middle.  It was a great game.  Thomson won 3-2 in a shoot off.  The game was scored 2-2. The first five girls went up for a shoot off and the game remained tied.  The coach sent five more girls out and the first person to kick won us the game!  The girls were ecstatic!  This is the first time TMMS has been Columbia County.  Alyssa talked about it all night long.  I'm so proud of her.  And her math grade had gone way down due to her not doing well on some homework assignments and quizzes, but her teacher gave her the chance to re-do them for a better grade.  She went from a 45 to a 74.  The away game at GMC was cancelled for today so she was able to stay after and re-do her bad quizzes.  Hopefully she can get it up to a B before report cards.

I took the kids out for dinner tonight after scouts to Zaxby's.  They enjoyed it and it was nice to not have to cook.  I've made myself a "household binder" to hopefully stay more organized.  I'm going to make myself sit down and make a meal plan for each week.  When I did this before, I didn't have such a hard time cooking.  And I've moved the chest freezer out to the storage building so now I have tons of room in the laundry room.  And Bella now resides in LJ's room.  Now I just need to pick up some more shelf pieces for the laundry room wall and get my house back in order.

This is hard

Confession:  Raising an autistic, defiant son is hard.  Every weekday morning, when I wake up, I get myself a cup of hot coffee.  I make it just right and sit on the couch enjoying each sip.  I constantly watch the clock.  I know I have to wake LJ up by 6:30 in order to start the daily battle of getting him ready for school.  I dread this.  Every weekday morning; I dread this.  I've tried waking him calmly and slowly.  I've tried waking him quickly and standing him on his feet before he can realize I'm waking him.  I've tried being sweet.  I've tried being forceful.  I've tried schedules and rewards.  I've tried everything.  No matter what, the mornings are the same.  If I don't dress him, then he walks around with his pajamas on all morning.  He's only interested in eating.  I try to help him get dressed and all the while he's yelling, jumping around, pulling the covers back over him in an attempt to go back to sleep.  Most days I finally get him dressed and then make him take his meds.  This morning, I gave up.  He's got his jeans on and one sock.  I walked into the bathroom, slipped to the floor and cried.  I can't take it anymore.  And the tears came knowing it didn't matter if I wanted to give up; I couldn't.  I know I have to do this all over again tomorrow.  And the next day and the next.

It's now 6:56.  The only thing he's accomplished is getting his jeans and one sock on, eating a pop-tart and taking his meds.  We leave in 25 minutes and it'll take all of that to finish getting myself ready, pack a lunch, finish getting him dressed and ready to go and getting out the door.

ETA: I was going to go back and edit this before posting, but I decided to just post as is.  I figure going back and reading exactly what I was feeling at the time would be better for me.

And another...

Apparently around 3:30 this afternoon another earthquake shook the ground. I didn't feel or hear this one. Kind of wish I had. This one wasn't as bad but its crazy that we keep experiencing this bizarre stuff in this area. I'm scared to see what the summer holds for us. 

What a winter!!

Snow storms, ice storms, earthquakes!  Yes an earthquake!  Seriously crazy!  

The kids and I were sitting in the living room watching a movie when I heard a rumbling and them all of a sudden the entire house shook. It only lasted a few seconds but it had my heart racing. 

This winter has really been one to remember. 

Schlanskers visited

I was holding Piper today and she fell asleep. When she woke up I moved her off my shoulder and then LJ and I had this conversation:

LJ: Why is her hair like that?

Me: Like what?

LJ:  So nappy?

Hehe!  You never know what that kids is gonna say. 

Caroline thought LJ was a girl because he had long hair. She seemed flabbergasted when Marie told her that LJ was a boy with long hair. 

And Mr. Howie Man kept losing his pants. Poor guy has such a skinny waist that his pants won't stay up. 

I was so glad to finally see Marie and the kids. I was beginning to think the visit would never happen. 

I didn't get any pics of Caroline and Howie on my phone but LJ took some on the camera so I need to upload them. 

ICE

Well the weathermen were right again. 

Ice everywhere and it's still coming down. Really praying we don't lose lower but Aiken, SC already has something like 4,000 people without power. 

Adding some more pics. Joe and I took off down the road on the 4 wheeler to check out the ice conditions. It's pretty thick slush on the road.  Tonight all of that will freeze and it's going to be a dangerous icey mess. 

Update: 7:40 pm. Power went out about 7:00 so joe got the generator going and plugged in a lamp. We have a space heater for later if we need it. Somewhere behind us there was a flashing light. Joe said it was a transformer. He just left to run a call for the same reason. About 5 minutes after he left he called to tell me he watched a tree fall right in front of him. I'm officially scared. We have trees all around us and a power pole and transformer right next to the house. I'm so worried something bad is going to happen. The rain/ice is still falling and the temps are dropping. The wind is blowing pretty strong. It's going to be a long and stressful night. Praying for Joe and all the other emergency workers out in these dangerous conditions. 

10:30 pm:  It's getting worse and I'm scared. Joe is out and I just heard him call dispatch to say he needs someone from road crew to get a tree out of the road on Salem Rd.  He called and said a power line was down at the sharp curve to the left of us and then the tree down on Salem. He said he was going to try to at least get one lane open. He's got his chainsaw. He sent this pic:

And earlier he came back from cutting up a fallen tree just up the street at Salem church with this:

The ice on those pine needles is at least 1/2 inch thick. This is crazy. 

Wow

They're predicting more bad weather. We are supposed to have ice starting around midnight and continuing through tomorrow. Then a possibility of either more ice or snow on Thursday. It's crazy that we are experiencing this much snow/ice in one season. 

They've cancelled schools for tomorrow and I'm expecting that Thursday will be cancelled too. I'm looking forward to relaxing at home with the family. 

Purple for Piper

I'm still going strong on my knitting spree. I had knit Piper an off white newborn sweater but then got worried that it wouldn't fit her since I still haven't seen her and she's 8 weeks old. So, I knit another one. This one in a beautiful light purple. Trinity helped me decide on the darker purple buttons to complete it. I can't wait to see her and Caroline and Howie and Marie. 

Scout Sunday

The scouts of Troop 125 had Scout Sunday today at First United Methodist Church in Thomson. I was very anxious about going because the last time I went I left in tears. I got a very ugly look from a lady in the congregation because LJ was not being quiet in church. 

He got all dressed up in his Class A uniform and we headed out. My anxiety was all for nothing. He did GREAT this morning. He was very well behaved and quiet. I'm so proud of my little Wolf. 

My turn at the doctor

I was at work Thursday and as I was walking out of the room to get more instruments, my right ankle hit the door frame.  HARD.  It was quite painful.  During the morning I had experienced some slight dizzy spells.  These have been happening like this over the past week or two.  I went on about my day on my hurt ankle.  Around 3:00 we had a break in patients, so I was setting up the room for the next procedure when I suddenly felt much dizzier.  I decided I better go up front and sit for a bit.  As I was walking up the hall, the dizziness got worse.  I felt drunk and honestly thought I was about to pass out.  It was really scary.  I walked a little faster and sat down.  I took some deep breaths and rested for about 10 minutes.  The dizziness passed and I felt fine the rest of the day.  I told Joe about it and he said I should see the doctor, so he called and scheduled me an appointment.

I told Dr. Patel what I had experienced and she suggested I see an ENT.  I'd been to see Dr. P a few times for sinus/allergy/ear ache issues and she thinks there may be a connection with the dizziness.  I'm waiting on Augusta ENT to call me and set up an appointment.  While I was there I had her look at my ankle and she suggested icing it, keeping it elevated and compression.  She said it would be a couple weeks before it was fully healed.  So I've got it in a compression ankle brace and trying to stay off of it.  It's not as painful as it was Thursday but I can barely touch it without it hurting.  I'm so afraid someone is going to hit it. 

I had another dizzy spell while sitting in my car waiting in line to pick up Trinity.  I was looking down at my phone and when I looked up I experienced it.  Also, Fred took us out to dinner last night to Bob's Cafe.  When we got there we sat at our table and the waitress brought out our drinks.  After a few sips of my drink I started feeling dizzy.  Thought it was pass quickly like they usually do but it lasted a bit longer.  I decided to take one of the pills the Dr. prescribed.  It passed after a minute or two.

8 year check up

LJ had his check up today. He did great. He was so proud of himself for not crying during the finger prick. He liked the pink camo bandaid they gave him. He told the nurse it was like Duck Dynasty. 

Dr. Cannady said LJ was in the 50th percentile for weight but he's only 25th percentile for height. I always thought he was tall but lately I've been noticing that he seems short. Guess I was right. Doc said in a couple years he should hit a growth spurt and catch up. 

Soccer Mom

Alyssa made the TMMS soccer team!  So proud of my baby girl. 

Finished more knitting

Sweater for Baylee. Just need to find 2 buttons. 

Lj's vest he wouldn't stand still for a good picture. 

Baby hat. 

Basket weave washcloth. I love trying new stitch designs. 

I've found a love for DPNs. I enjoyed using them on the sleeves of Baylee's sweater.