Trey's IEP meeting was today. He's been working from 8th grade text books and will be going into the 9th grade next year at Buckeye Local in general classes with accommodations.
He scored 396 in math and 427 in reading. 400 is proficient.
Next month, he'll start working for pay through the Bridges to Transition program.
Everyone at the meeting agreed that after he graduates, he will be able to live on his own, go to college, go into the workforce, and pretty much do whatever he wants to do!
What a long, long way he's come in the last eight years from when we weren't sure if he'd ever even be able to properly bathe himself. Now he's talking about college and the Army, a family and so many wonderful and BIG dreams and goals.
When a child is diagnosed with Autism, there is a sense of grief and loss over the dreams a parent has for that child. We all have dreams for our children and when we know, for a fact, that there is a real chance that NONE of them will ever happen it's very, very scary. I personally definitely went through a period of mourning over the loss of the dreams I had for him.
Then came the acceptance and I put aside the "big" dreams and found pure joy in the little accomplishments. There were so many nights, in tears, that I'd pray to God, "Please, God, please, just let him be ok. Please just guide us through one more day." Now, today, I find that God has not only answered my prayers, but gave way more than I could ever dare to ask for.
I sit here writing this, finding myself daring to dream those big dreams again. Picturing him in his own little apartment cooking a dinner date for his fiance'. Flashforward and he's looking over his bills after work and discussing wedding plans. Flashforward again and he's with his wife, saying bedtime prayers with their babies. Flashforward one more time and he, my beautiful young man, well adjusted and happy is walking in my front door with his wife as little ones run in the door ahead of them yelling, "GRANDMA!".
My big dreams have been resurrected today. How beautiful those dreams are. How free it feels to allow them back in. How wonderful life is. <3
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Summer's Over :(
We all seem to live such peaceful, joyous lives when summer starts. Then school time comes around and the stress jumps in and kicks everything up a notch.
Yesterday:
-I had to drive to Rayland to pick Cory and Jessicah up from school then drive to Steubenville to pick Trey up from school then drive to Wintersville to Dr. Shabab's office then to the mission to drop off 17 bags and one box of clothes to donate.
-All the kids had to get two shots.
-Trey screamed and cried and it took four of us to hold him down.
-Brinxx hurt his foot.
-Jessicah caught a bad cold.
-I forgot to send forms back to the high school.
-I forgot the medical forms to give to the doctor for the school.
-I forgot to drop the clothes off.
Today:
-I slept in and didn't get up until the time I normally leave to take Trey to the bus stop. Five minutes later, the bus people called to tell me his bus was there early.
-The kids are all sore from the shots.
-Jessicah's cold is a nasty one.
-Jessicah had a terrible bloody nose.
-Jessicah had to miss school.
-Cory missed the school bus.
-Brinxx's foot is still tender.
-Cory went to get Trey off the bus for me and they wouldn't let him have him. I had to give permission over the phone.
-Found out that Trey isn't allowed to get on or off the bus unless I'm there with him.
-I was supposed to take the medical forms to the doctor to be filled out then take them to the school. I gave up and took the day off and didn't go anywhere!
Those are just the things I can remember right off hand and just for the last two days! Insanity.
The shots were awful! Cory and Jessicah did very well with it, but poor little Trey cried and screamed. It was heart wrenching. He always did great with shots and blood drawing before he had to have stitches in his leg over the summer. They gave him the numbing shot right in the cut and that must've been what scared him so bad for the shots yesterday. Poor Jessicah didn't cry when she got her own shots, but the tears flowed freely when her little brother got his. It was so sad. Thank God he won't need another one for a couple more years.
Cory is 5'7" and weighs 163 pounds. Dr. Shabab said he needs to lay off the carbs and get more active. I'm just glad he's not under weight like he was when he was younger. I used to worry about that so much. He also has a pulled muscle on his side so he's sore and isn't allowed to lift anything heavy.
Jessicah is 5'5" and a half and weighs 97 pounds and is finally no longer under weight. Thank God! I've been worried about her too. If she hadn't caught up by this visit, I was going to talk to Dr. Shabab about it. She has a nasty cold and had to miss school today. She had a terrible bloody nose earlier this evening.
Trey is 4'6" and weighs 76 pounds. His weight was always good for his height, but he was always short for his age. He'd normally average about two years behind in physical growth, but he's finally within the "normal" range! Barely, but he's there! I was so excited to hear it!
It's very upsetting to know that all of your children have been under weight. It's always troubled me so much. My mom was always like that too when she was growing up so Dr. Shabab says it's most likely genetics because they're all obviously very healthy. I understand what he's saying and I believe him, but it's still something that's hard for a mother to accept. I'm just so extremely glad that they're all on target now!
Cory's actually enjoying school this year. I don't think he ever gave a specific reason other than mentioning that he likes all of his teachers this year. Thank God! Maybe this year I won't have to complain about them so much. Now if he'll just behave and figure out when to stand up for himself and when to keep his mouth shut and if he'll do his work when he's supposed to, maybe we'll actually finally have a good year!
Jessicah's not so crazy about school this year because she's taking honors classes so her work is harder this year and she has some classes with kids a grade ahead of her. She'll do great with it though as long as she doesn't let the stress get to her.
I finally got Trey into an Autism school. It's the Jefferson Regional Spectrum Center in Steubenville and I love it! More importantly, he loves it! There is one teacher and three aids and only seven students! At the most, there will only ever be eight students in the class! Excellent teacher/student ratio! He hasn't had a single homework assignment since school started last Tuesday, he's made new friends, likes his teacher and looks forward to going to school! I still get nervous about him being gone, but not nearly as bad as it was before. This school has already made a tremendous difference for us all.
Yesterday:
-I had to drive to Rayland to pick Cory and Jessicah up from school then drive to Steubenville to pick Trey up from school then drive to Wintersville to Dr. Shabab's office then to the mission to drop off 17 bags and one box of clothes to donate.
-All the kids had to get two shots.
-Trey screamed and cried and it took four of us to hold him down.
-Brinxx hurt his foot.
-Jessicah caught a bad cold.
-I forgot to send forms back to the high school.
-I forgot the medical forms to give to the doctor for the school.
-I forgot to drop the clothes off.
Today:
-I slept in and didn't get up until the time I normally leave to take Trey to the bus stop. Five minutes later, the bus people called to tell me his bus was there early.
-The kids are all sore from the shots.
-Jessicah's cold is a nasty one.
-Jessicah had a terrible bloody nose.
-Jessicah had to miss school.
-Cory missed the school bus.
-Brinxx's foot is still tender.
-Cory went to get Trey off the bus for me and they wouldn't let him have him. I had to give permission over the phone.
-Found out that Trey isn't allowed to get on or off the bus unless I'm there with him.
-I was supposed to take the medical forms to the doctor to be filled out then take them to the school. I gave up and took the day off and didn't go anywhere!
Those are just the things I can remember right off hand and just for the last two days! Insanity.
The shots were awful! Cory and Jessicah did very well with it, but poor little Trey cried and screamed. It was heart wrenching. He always did great with shots and blood drawing before he had to have stitches in his leg over the summer. They gave him the numbing shot right in the cut and that must've been what scared him so bad for the shots yesterday. Poor Jessicah didn't cry when she got her own shots, but the tears flowed freely when her little brother got his. It was so sad. Thank God he won't need another one for a couple more years.
Cory is 5'7" and weighs 163 pounds. Dr. Shabab said he needs to lay off the carbs and get more active. I'm just glad he's not under weight like he was when he was younger. I used to worry about that so much. He also has a pulled muscle on his side so he's sore and isn't allowed to lift anything heavy.
Jessicah is 5'5" and a half and weighs 97 pounds and is finally no longer under weight. Thank God! I've been worried about her too. If she hadn't caught up by this visit, I was going to talk to Dr. Shabab about it. She has a nasty cold and had to miss school today. She had a terrible bloody nose earlier this evening.
Trey is 4'6" and weighs 76 pounds. His weight was always good for his height, but he was always short for his age. He'd normally average about two years behind in physical growth, but he's finally within the "normal" range! Barely, but he's there! I was so excited to hear it!
It's very upsetting to know that all of your children have been under weight. It's always troubled me so much. My mom was always like that too when she was growing up so Dr. Shabab says it's most likely genetics because they're all obviously very healthy. I understand what he's saying and I believe him, but it's still something that's hard for a mother to accept. I'm just so extremely glad that they're all on target now!
Cory's actually enjoying school this year. I don't think he ever gave a specific reason other than mentioning that he likes all of his teachers this year. Thank God! Maybe this year I won't have to complain about them so much. Now if he'll just behave and figure out when to stand up for himself and when to keep his mouth shut and if he'll do his work when he's supposed to, maybe we'll actually finally have a good year!
Jessicah's not so crazy about school this year because she's taking honors classes so her work is harder this year and she has some classes with kids a grade ahead of her. She'll do great with it though as long as she doesn't let the stress get to her.
I finally got Trey into an Autism school. It's the Jefferson Regional Spectrum Center in Steubenville and I love it! More importantly, he loves it! There is one teacher and three aids and only seven students! At the most, there will only ever be eight students in the class! Excellent teacher/student ratio! He hasn't had a single homework assignment since school started last Tuesday, he's made new friends, likes his teacher and looks forward to going to school! I still get nervous about him being gone, but not nearly as bad as it was before. This school has already made a tremendous difference for us all.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Busy, Busy, Busy
It's been exactly a week since my last entry and a few exciting things have happened since then. Cory was voted into the fire department so now he's officially a junior fireman and he passed his permit test! He only missed one question. I'm so proud of him!
Saturday, Grandma and I had a combined birthday party at the Legion and we both had a really nice time. Jerry bought us a cake and Jojo chose the decoration. It was really pretty. She also bought us a meat and cheese plate. She, Dave and Miss Emma also gave me a watch, fingernail polish, body spray, lotion, bubble bath and all kind of wonderful goodies! Buddy and Theresa were there too and they got me a beautiful sweater and a super cool skull cap for when I go out on the Harley. Even Carri and Mike came! Carri got me a huge black purse and I just love it! It was a really great evening.
After the Legion closed, Jerry, Carri, Mike, Buddy, Theresa, Ronnie and I all went to Cross Creek. It was after 1:00am so there were only a few other people there playing pool and singing, but it was still fun. Ronnie even danced with me! Jerry and I didn't get home until 3:00am! It was definitely a birthday to remember and Jerry's the one who set it all up, that really meant a lot to me.
This week I have 35 hours at work again and tomorrow and Wednesday are my days off. Kinda crappy days to have off, but at least I have two days off in a row and they're right after payday. I got paid $386 today so tomorrow Jessicah and I are getting our nails done and going out to eat and then we're going to WalMart so I can get her and her friend Bethanie each a Twilight t-shirt. Wednesday, I'm taking Cory out for supper then shopping for new jeans and to let him drive for a while and one evening this week I'm taking Trey uptown to buy him supper and to let him buy something. I'm looking forward to having one on one time with each one of them.
Saturday, Grandma and I had a combined birthday party at the Legion and we both had a really nice time. Jerry bought us a cake and Jojo chose the decoration. It was really pretty. She also bought us a meat and cheese plate. She, Dave and Miss Emma also gave me a watch, fingernail polish, body spray, lotion, bubble bath and all kind of wonderful goodies! Buddy and Theresa were there too and they got me a beautiful sweater and a super cool skull cap for when I go out on the Harley. Even Carri and Mike came! Carri got me a huge black purse and I just love it! It was a really great evening.
After the Legion closed, Jerry, Carri, Mike, Buddy, Theresa, Ronnie and I all went to Cross Creek. It was after 1:00am so there were only a few other people there playing pool and singing, but it was still fun. Ronnie even danced with me! Jerry and I didn't get home until 3:00am! It was definitely a birthday to remember and Jerry's the one who set it all up, that really meant a lot to me.
This week I have 35 hours at work again and tomorrow and Wednesday are my days off. Kinda crappy days to have off, but at least I have two days off in a row and they're right after payday. I got paid $386 today so tomorrow Jessicah and I are getting our nails done and going out to eat and then we're going to WalMart so I can get her and her friend Bethanie each a Twilight t-shirt. Wednesday, I'm taking Cory out for supper then shopping for new jeans and to let him drive for a while and one evening this week I'm taking Trey uptown to buy him supper and to let him buy something. I'm looking forward to having one on one time with each one of them.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Playing Catch Up...Again
Not much has happened in the last few days, just mostly work. I worked front window (taking orders) for my whole shift yesterday and it was good. It's my favorite place to work so that went well. The only thing frustrating was that Jerry and Dave had the Harleys out and rode out to see me and I couldn't get away long enough to even go have a smoke with them. We were crazy busy.
One of the managers, Jimmy, said that he thinks I'm doing really well. I wasn't so sure at first because I still feel so dumb sometimes because it's frustrating to realize how little I know now about working there compared to all I knew before. After I talked to him though and then thought about it, I think I'm doing ok afterall. In three weeks, I re-learned, and can do comfortably, first window (taking orders and money), second window (handing out the food), runner (bagging the orders and taking it to second window), and front counter (taking orders inside at the counter). All I need to do now is get more comfortable in backing counter (gathering orders for frong counter) and in grill (assembling the sandwiches). Then I'll be able to work in any area and be that much more likely to get a promotion! :D
Today I was off and Jerry, Jessicah and I went to see Angel and the baby, Nevaeh. She is so adorable! I really enjoyed being able to see her and hold her. It's been a long, long time since I've been able to hold a tiny baby. I wish I could have even just one more.
I found out a little more about the Autism center. It's actually in Steubenville in the School of Bright Promise building. It's called the Jefferson Regional Spectrum Center. I found out that I can set up an appointment for a tour. I have to go to Steubenville on Thursday anyway to get my drivers license renewed so I'll see if I can get a tour that day unless Jerry decides he wants to go too.
This week's going to be another busy one at work. I work 10:00 - 5:00 tomorrow and I have 32 hours this week. I only have Thursday and Sunday off, which are kinda crappy days to have off but at least it'll be a nice paycheck.
Grandma Tate's birthday is Monday so we're trying to set up a surprise birthday party for her at the Legion on Saturday. She thinks we're taking her just to get out for the evening and hopefully won't expect a party since it'll be after her birthday. I'd love to get her something really special for her birthday, I just don't now what yet. I'll have to think on it.
One of the managers, Jimmy, said that he thinks I'm doing really well. I wasn't so sure at first because I still feel so dumb sometimes because it's frustrating to realize how little I know now about working there compared to all I knew before. After I talked to him though and then thought about it, I think I'm doing ok afterall. In three weeks, I re-learned, and can do comfortably, first window (taking orders and money), second window (handing out the food), runner (bagging the orders and taking it to second window), and front counter (taking orders inside at the counter). All I need to do now is get more comfortable in backing counter (gathering orders for frong counter) and in grill (assembling the sandwiches). Then I'll be able to work in any area and be that much more likely to get a promotion! :D
Today I was off and Jerry, Jessicah and I went to see Angel and the baby, Nevaeh. She is so adorable! I really enjoyed being able to see her and hold her. It's been a long, long time since I've been able to hold a tiny baby. I wish I could have even just one more.
I found out a little more about the Autism center. It's actually in Steubenville in the School of Bright Promise building. It's called the Jefferson Regional Spectrum Center. I found out that I can set up an appointment for a tour. I have to go to Steubenville on Thursday anyway to get my drivers license renewed so I'll see if I can get a tour that day unless Jerry decides he wants to go too.
This week's going to be another busy one at work. I work 10:00 - 5:00 tomorrow and I have 32 hours this week. I only have Thursday and Sunday off, which are kinda crappy days to have off but at least it'll be a nice paycheck.
Grandma Tate's birthday is Monday so we're trying to set up a surprise birthday party for her at the Legion on Saturday. She thinks we're taking her just to get out for the evening and hopefully won't expect a party since it'll be after her birthday. I'd love to get her something really special for her birthday, I just don't now what yet. I'll have to think on it.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
A Nice Day
It was chilly and rainy all day and I had to work, yet somehow it was still a good day. I worked 10:00 to 4:00 and was in second window until 3:00 when a manager had me be runner. She said it was because I do it better than a girl that was coming in at 3:00. That was really nice to hear, it made me feel good. It gives me hope that they'll notice how much better I'll be doing after being there a little longer. This is only my third week.
After work, I did some laundry, helped Trey with his homework and uploaded some old high school pics to Facebook. Trey's going to do much better with spelling now that he's only getting 10 words a week. I can definitely see an improvement already. I'm sure he feels better about it too which will boost his confidence and definitely make things a lot better for him.
Nothing exciting happened today. Nothing in particular to make it a good day, in fact, I even broke two of my nails and have to wait until Friday to get them fixed, but yet, it was still a good day. I even felt good today except for my back hurting off and on and even then it wasn't bad except for this morning. Odd how sometimes it can be a bright and beautiful day where nothing goes wrong and it feels like a crappy day and how other times, it can be just an average day with little things going wrong and still feel like a good day. Oh well, I'm certainly not going to question it. I'm just going to say, "Thank You, God, for another beautiful day."
After work, I did some laundry, helped Trey with his homework and uploaded some old high school pics to Facebook. Trey's going to do much better with spelling now that he's only getting 10 words a week. I can definitely see an improvement already. I'm sure he feels better about it too which will boost his confidence and definitely make things a lot better for him.
Nothing exciting happened today. Nothing in particular to make it a good day, in fact, I even broke two of my nails and have to wait until Friday to get them fixed, but yet, it was still a good day. I even felt good today except for my back hurting off and on and even then it wasn't bad except for this morning. Odd how sometimes it can be a bright and beautiful day where nothing goes wrong and it feels like a crappy day and how other times, it can be just an average day with little things going wrong and still feel like a good day. Oh well, I'm certainly not going to question it. I'm just going to say, "Thank You, God, for another beautiful day."
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Surprise!
Jerry took the day off work and didn't tell me! It was a total surprise! He decided yesterday that he'd take today off so he could go to Trey's IEP meeting with me today. I am so glad he did that, I was really surprised. Before I was even out of bed he was out grocery shopping, then came home and started cooking breakfast! Eggs, toast and sausage! Yum! Then later, he's going to Trey's IEP meeting with me. I'm so glad I don't have to go alone! I'm totally spoiled today! :D
Jessicah's home sick today. She had a bit of a fever so Jerry told her to take some Tylenol and go back to bed. I think she has what Cory had last week. Jerry said it might be the flu though because her stomach hurts too. Poor kid. I hate it when they're sick like that. I can't wait for cold/flu season to be over.
2:00pm
Jerry and I just got back from Trey's IEP meeting. It went pretty well. It turns out that his teacher had the same idea as I did about giving him less spelling words. He has 20 now and I suggested giving him 15 instead. Her thoughts were that next year she'd give him 10 one week and the other 10 the next week. I think 10 might be too easy for him though and I wanted to start it this year (especially since he won't be there next year, although I didn't tell them that). So she said she'll start giving him 10 words the next nine weeks and if it seems too easy for him then she'll give him 15.
What we found very odd about it all though is that the principle said we shouldn't worry so much about his spelling and handwriting. He said that with all the technology, he won't need it as much because of computers and spellcheckers. wtf? Yeah, ok I see his point, but I'd still like my son to know how to spell and write properly. He said we should focus more on studying math and less focus on spelling and writing. Weird. I was sure I wasn't understanding him right, I was just sort of stunned.
I'm glad Jerry went with me, now he sees first hand the people and issues I've been dealing with. I think he understands a little more now.
Jessicah's home sick today. She had a bit of a fever so Jerry told her to take some Tylenol and go back to bed. I think she has what Cory had last week. Jerry said it might be the flu though because her stomach hurts too. Poor kid. I hate it when they're sick like that. I can't wait for cold/flu season to be over.
2:00pm
Jerry and I just got back from Trey's IEP meeting. It went pretty well. It turns out that his teacher had the same idea as I did about giving him less spelling words. He has 20 now and I suggested giving him 15 instead. Her thoughts were that next year she'd give him 10 one week and the other 10 the next week. I think 10 might be too easy for him though and I wanted to start it this year (especially since he won't be there next year, although I didn't tell them that). So she said she'll start giving him 10 words the next nine weeks and if it seems too easy for him then she'll give him 15.
What we found very odd about it all though is that the principle said we shouldn't worry so much about his spelling and handwriting. He said that with all the technology, he won't need it as much because of computers and spellcheckers. wtf? Yeah, ok I see his point, but I'd still like my son to know how to spell and write properly. He said we should focus more on studying math and less focus on spelling and writing. Weird. I was sure I wasn't understanding him right, I was just sort of stunned.
I'm glad Jerry went with me, now he sees first hand the people and issues I've been dealing with. I think he understands a little more now.
Monday, March 23, 2009
It's Going to Be A Long Week
Today I worked 10am to 6pm. It was a long day but not bad. My feet didn't even hurt all that much today. I guess I'm finally starting to get used to it. I worked first window most of the day today which I really enjoyed. I'm a lot more comfortable there now, I just need to get more used to it so I can speed it up a bit.
I got home around 6:20, we had pizza, I had Trey take his bath then I took a shower while he started his homework. I picked Cory up from the fire department, helped Trey finish his homework and got him tucked in and that was my day. Uneventful, but not bad.
Tomorrow is Trey's IEP meeting. I was just looking over his grades and it turns out he must be doing better than I realized in his Science and Social Studies classes because as of right now, he has a B+ average in Social Studies and a C average in Science. I'm not going to insist they take him out of those classes and put him back in the LD ones, but I am still going to push for 15 spelling words instead of 20. He failed another spelling test today.
It's going to be a busy week though. Tuesday and Sunday are my only days off this week, I'll be working 35 hours. At least it'll be a nice paycheck.
I got home around 6:20, we had pizza, I had Trey take his bath then I took a shower while he started his homework. I picked Cory up from the fire department, helped Trey finish his homework and got him tucked in and that was my day. Uneventful, but not bad.
Tomorrow is Trey's IEP meeting. I was just looking over his grades and it turns out he must be doing better than I realized in his Science and Social Studies classes because as of right now, he has a B+ average in Social Studies and a C average in Science. I'm not going to insist they take him out of those classes and put him back in the LD ones, but I am still going to push for 15 spelling words instead of 20. He failed another spelling test today.
It's going to be a busy week though. Tuesday and Sunday are my only days off this week, I'll be working 35 hours. At least it'll be a nice paycheck.
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