Summer School/Home School - Homeschool Blogger

Its been a long time!

Wed, 6 Dec 2006 23:57:00 -0600

Things have been so busy I have not had the time to keep up on blogging.

Briefly, for those of you who were keeping track of booboo's testing, she was diagnosed with Dyspraxia and NOT Dyslexia. She has some memory issues and some motor planning defecits. However, her IQ was average. In fact, as far as verbal IQ goes, she scored very high. The visual issues and memory brought the score down to the average level.

New visual issues were detected and she is about half way through her 2nd go at vision therapy. She had developed a focusing problems with her eye muscles and her visual perception abilities had not progressed at all since she was last tested in March (?) and so while she was age appropriate back then, she is now almost a year behind in these skills.

Rather than two weeks, it took over 2 MONTHS to get the final report on the testing done in August. I am not completely satisfied with the report, but there is a lot of good information I can use to help Hayley here at home.

I have not yet called for a meeting with the school because we haven't decided whether to leave her in or pull her out. I did talk things over with booboo's teacher and she is wonderful, but there is only so much she can (or will) do without an IEP or 504 plan. Neither she nor the school psychologist had even heard of dyspraxia, which I found discouraging.

I am seeing some improvement from booboo this school year. Her grades are a little worse than last year, but she loves her teacher and is really working hard. I know each year it will grow harder for her.

We had all but decided to pull her from school over Christmas break, but some other issues have come up and since her teacher really does seem to motiviate Booboo, we have yet again put homeschooling on the back burner.

We will try again over the summer and we are still considering homeschooling next fall.

The big problem with homeschooling is this: I am in school part time myself. We were really counting on my income to start coming in soon. These kids are getting more expensive every year, not to mention everything else as well!

The plan was that since the kids were older and in school I would go back to school and slowly finish my degree so that when Booboo (the youngest of three) hit junior high school I would be working full time and putting my salary away to pay for college, cars, and three weddings! Yes, I know plans change. Try telling my husband that!

So, as usual around here, things are still up in the air. At least now with the diagnosis, I know of Booboo's strengths and weaknesses.

It has also opened my eyes. So many things would aggrevate me about the way she does things. After researching dyspraxia, I have found that so many of the odd things she does and ways she acts are typical of a dyspraxic child. I am learning patience, (she really is trying) and sympathy (she gets upset because she too is frustrated with herself) Of course if you don't know what dyspraxia is, none of this will probably make much sense.

There are all kinds of characteristics that have to do with speech and gross motor, but Booboo's is focused on fine motor, memory, and executive planning in her brain. It wasn't diagnosed, but I think she has some sensory dysfunction as well. Rather than being overly sensitive to stimuli, she is under. Everything must be extreme...Loud music, deathgrip on her pencil, heavy handed, invading other people's personal space, running in overdrive, bouncing off the walls, yelling, singing louder than everyone else, and the oddest is that she likes to chew on things. Straws, rubberbands, latex gloves...C'mon the kid is almost 10!

In spite of it all, she is still a truly awesome kid! Very smart, very pretty, very funny. Just like her mommy! ;-p

Anyway, its late, I'm sleepy and its time to wrap this up.

Testing Complete

Sat, 12 Aug 2006 00:27:00 -0500

Booboo finished her testing today. We will have to wait about 2 weeks for the report to be completed.

The last two sessions focused on memory. Booboo complained that these tests were very hard. Before we left today the clinicial asked to speak privately to ask a couple of questions about Booboo's behavior. She is having major anger issues, making our home a virtual powder keg of tension.

My last question for her was more of a plea. After four years of listening to the school tell me there is nothing wrong with Booboo I asked if she was under the same impression, or if she saw some legitimate concerns. Without giving me any details she did say that she saw some patterns that were of concern.

Relief and anxiety filled me. Of course I want my child to be fine, but I feel very strongly that something IS wrong. So while it is a relief to find that someone "in the know" has validated my concerns, it deeply troubles my heart that there is indeed a problem.

She did not elaborate on specific concerns. Scores still need to be interpretted and compared. Everything still needs to be reviewed by the Psychologist in charge and then a formal report and/or diagnosis will be given. (It is a training clinic and the tests are given by the students.)

My mind runs wild with possibilities. Is my child low IQ? Is she dyslexic? ADHD? Some other disability I haven't even considered? How will we remediate? Can we afford treatment? Will she respond to it? Can she be helped? Will there be a happy ending?

Of course all that can be done now is wait, pray, and trust that God will not give us more than we can deal with. To anyone reading please say a prayer for peace over our family. Right now I feel like we're sinking in quick sand.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.

Church Picnic

Tue, 25 Jul 2006 22:54:00 -0500

Saturday was the Highland Hope United Methodist Church picnic.

I didn't want to go. I just wasn't in a people mood. Hubby was working so it would be just me and the kids. I didn't want to go. Still, I had made the rsvp and rather than be a "plan changer" I would have to go. I told the church secretary we would be there. But I didn't want to go.

We arrived on time. I immediately sought out the pastor's wife who has a knack for making people feel welcome. We made small talk about the storm and other happenings with a few other women. I began to relax a little. The girls found some of their friends and soon it would be time to eat.

I had made my appearance. All I had to do was eat, round up the girls and head home. During the meal I sat with my girls and their friends and found myself enjoying the conversation. I mostly listened. Talk about teachers, friends, and the upcoming school year. Funny, I feel more comfortable with the kids than I do with the adults. I like these kids. Kids are so honest, so easy going. I decided to hang around a little longer.

I had forgotten the pastor had planned a rededication/baptism ceremony down the small hill at the lake. He laid a plastic runner from the edge of the bank into the water. We did our typical Methodist recitations and the pastor then asked if anyone would like to be baptized. First was a father, next two of his daughters came in followed by his oldest son. How heartwarming to see a father and his children rededicating their lives together. It touched others too. Pretty soon there was a whole stream of kids ages 7- 17 and another dad taking their turn being baptized in the muddy lake. 14 people in all were baptized that evening.

To my astonishment all three of my daughters made their way down to the bank to be baptized. There was no prodding on my part. In fact, I talked to each one before they went in to explain what it was they were doing, and that they should not do it if they were just trying to fit in with the other kids or be noticed. Each one answered without hesitation that no, it was not to be recognized, it was something they wanted to do.

This was so surprising to me. Earlier each had stated in no uncertain terms that the lake was dirty and disgusting. No way they would ever get in there. In fact, the whole idea of being even sprinkled with water in front of the congregation at church was something that terrified them. It was something they were just too shy to do.

My three girls, Booboo, Miss Kitty, and then Bookster each took their turn being baptized fully dressed except for their shoes in brown water, surrounded by weeds, much the same way John the Baptist baptized our Savior himself!

I really wish Hubby could have been there to see it. I don't know why God staged things the way He did that evening.

I only know that I'm really glad I went.

A Good Story

Tue, 25 Jul 2006 22:53:00 -0500

Stuart Hamblen Story

Back in the 50's there was a well known radio
host/comedian/song writer in Hollywood named
Stuart Hamblen who was noted for his drinking,
womanizing, partying, etc.

One of his bigger hits at the time was
"I won't go hunting with you Jake,
but I'll go chasing women."

One day, along came a young preacher holding
a tent revival. Hamblen had him on his radio show
presumably to poke fun at him.

In order to gather more material for his show,
Hamblen showed up at one of the revival meetings.

Early in the service the preacher announced,
"There is one man in this audience who is a big fake."
There were probably others who thought the same thing,
but Hamblen was convinced that he was the one the preacher
was talking about (some would call that conviction)
but he was having none of that.

Still the words continued to haunt him until a couple
of nights later he showed up drunk at the preacher's
hotel door around 2 AM demanding that the preacher
pray for him!

But the preacher refused, saying, "This is between you and God
and I'm not going to get in the middle of it."

But he did invite Stuart in and they talked until
about 5 AM at which point Stuart dropped to his
knees and with tears, cried out to God.

But that is not the end of the story.
Stuart quit drinking, quit chasing women,
quit everything that was 'fun.' Soon he began
to lose favor with the Hollywood crowd.

He was ultimately fired by the radio station when
he refused to accept a beer company as a sponsor.

Hard times were upon him. He tried writing a couple
of "Christian" songs but the only one that had
much success was "This Old House",
written for his friend Rosemary Clooney.

As he continued to struggle, a long time friend
named John took him aside and told him,
"All your troubles started when you 'got religion,'
Was it worth it all?"
Stuart answered simply, "Yes."

Then his friend asked, "You liked your booze so much,
don't you ever miss it?" And his answer was,
"No." John then said, "I don't understand how
you could give it up so easily."

And Stuart's response was, "It's no big secret.
All things are possible with God."
To this John said, "That's a catchy phrase.
You should write a song about it."

And as they say, "The rest is history."

The song Carl Stuart Hamblen wrote was "It Is No Secret."

"It is no secret what God can do.
What He's done for others, He'll do for you.

With arms wide open, He'll welcome you.
It is no secret, what God can do...."

By the way... the friend was John Wayne.
And the young preacher who refused to pray for Stuart Hamblen?
That was Billy Graham.

Update on Booboo

Tue, 25 Jul 2006 12:18:00 -0500

Yesterday Booboo went for her post surgery check up. Everything is fine. She is complaining about her other ear and tonsils, but they were fine. Must be allergies. And for some reason she is convinced we should have her tonsils removed. I have NO idea where this idea has come from. My guess is she saw the Brady Bunch episode where on of the Brady's gets theirs out and gets to eat all the ice cream they want.

We don't get cable or satellite, so The Brady Bunch is a popular show at our house on one of the smaller networks. I grew up on the Brady's and frankly, I never get tired of them. As magical as they seemed to me in the 70's, they are still fascinating to my kids in spite of the fact that they "dress funny." And yes, kids today still think Marsha is "so pretty."

Uh-hemm. I've gotten side tracked...

I am still waiting to hear from St Louis U. on scheduling Hayley's testing. Its been about three weeks and I haven't heard back, so I will give them a call today. I'm not sure if they have power in that part of St. Louis or not. I would think so.

We have slacked on the schooling since vacation. Which makes me think I would not be a very good teacher for her. I do try to work things into our daily stuff.

Last week we were scrapbooking and Booboo asked me how to spell "The." I told her but she argued that I didn't understand what I was asking. She was trying to spell, "Up up up to [the] Arch." She decided that it was either t-h-e-e, or t-h-e-y, but couldn't figure out which. At any rate t-h-e wasn't even up for consideration, and she was very aggrevated that I would even suggest it.

We were also playing a rhyming game. She was cold. I relplied, "Your old?" ''Your bold?" etc... The game ended with her response. "I'm cold! C-o-u-l-d Cold!"

Then just last night she was writing a song. (She loves to sing and dance) She had forgotten how to spell Jesus. I don't know how a child can know how to spell these simple words and at some point just completely forget?

I know its frustrating for her and I don't mean to play those frustrations down. But all of you also know how gut wrenching it is as a parent to see your child struggling, and feel powerless to help them.

That's how I feel today, beaten down, overwhelmed, powerless. Kids have been fighting, hubby working late because of the storm damage, dog ran off this morning and rolled in something dead, dishwasher broke, and my 9 year old can't spell "the." Calgon take me away!!!

But tomorrow will be a better day, because where there is faith there is hope!

Heart of Reading

Tue, 25 Jul 2006 12:05:00 -0500

I've added something to my side bar for a Yahoo group called, "Heart of Reading." Tina, who owns the group is a very sweet lady who puts a lot of time into creating and downloading files to help kids with reading struggles.

I've found many great ideas on there to use with Booboo. The other members are very friendly and always ready to offer suggestions and support.

If you've read my blog before, you'll see that my Booboo has reading problems and I suspect she is dyslexic. Heart of Reading is not limited to dyslexic kids, or any particular age though. Its a private group, so no spam and junk bombarding you either.

Didn't mean to make this a commercial. Tina looks to have put a lot of effort into the group and honestly, there are some great files and resources there if people only knew about them.

Soooo....Until next time...buh bye!

Who turned out the lights?

Tue, 25 Jul 2006 11:57:00 -0500

Its been incredibly busy around here since vacation. Band camps, art classes, library activities, Sunday School, church picnics, piano lessons, family get togethers and STORMS!

Thankfully the storms seemed to skip over our area but parts of St. Louis and nearby Illinois areas are a mess.

Hubby works for the phone company so he's getting lots of of overtime, ($$$) but I wish our benefit was not under these circumstances. Many in the area are on day 6 of no power. My sister and her family are on day 4, as are my mother & father in law. Our house is always open for them to come to for relief, but the old saying, "There's no place like home" is very true. Sister came over for dinner on Sunday, and did laundry here on Monday. In laws are staying with another family member. Thankfully, there has been a slight break in the heat, but its on its way back by the end of the week.

Headed Home

Thu, 13 Jul 2006 00:34:00 -0500

Our previous family vacations have been to Branson several times, (Hubby's Dad lived down there) and Myrtle Beach, SC to see the ocean. As fun as those vacations were, we were always ready to come home.

This vacation was not that way. We were not ready to come home. I think we could have stayed in that cabin forever! BooBoo wants to move to the mountains, and Hubby is not far behind her.

The only regret I have is wishing we could have had one "quiet" day to just hang out with each other in the cabin. We packed our favorite games anticipating quiet family evenings in the cabin. There was just so much going on we didn't get to.

We drove straight home. We stopped at a Burger King and had lunch, hit several rest areas where we would walk around a bit, and stopped in a small town near our home where hubby looked at a car for sale.

We made it home about 9pm that night. We all slept in the next day, except for Hubby. He was up bright and early to pick up our puppy from the kennel. Talk about one happy dog!

Thankfully, for the first time ever, I actually left for vacation with a clean house. It was nice to come home to "nothing much to do." The washer & dryer at the cabin even made the laundry an "it can wait" thing.

The rest of vacation was pretty much quiet. Hubby took the girls fishing several times. They watched a movie at the library one day, and we had a family birthday party for Miss Kitty and Hubby over the weekend. I picked up my photos from vacation yesterday and have already started my vacation scrapbook. I hope we can go back to the Smoky Mountains again, but even if we don't, we'll always have great memories!

Wonderworks!!!

Thu, 13 Jul 2006 00:24:00 -0500

This museum is awesome! We all had a blast! What made it even better is that everyone must have been watching the fireworks because the place was nearly empty! No waiting in lines for any of the exhibits!

Wonderworks is a hands on museum for just about any kid. We experience an earthquake, hurricane winds, pedaled a bicycle 360 degrees (upside downways!), laid down on a bed of needles, and the best was a virtual ride where we designed a roller coaster ride and then got to climb into this box with a tv screen and experience the ride! It turned all sorts of ways. Hubby doesn't do well with spinning. The ride did him in, but I personally have not had such uncontrolled laughing in a lonnnggg time!

Shortly after that Hubby headed again to the van to regain his composure and recover from the ride. How does one get sick on a virtual ride??? I guess he wasn't kidding when he said he "doesn't do spinning." Miss Kitty was a bit smarter than Dad. She put her foot down she was not doing the roller coaster ride and she held her ground. BooBoo and Bookster were a bit hesitant, but did the ride anyway. They both came out of the box with huge smiles.

Before heading to the van, Hubby gave the kids $5 each to spend in the arcade. That lasted about 5 minutes, so we wrapped up the evening in the gift shop where Bookster and BooBoo picked up some trick chewing gum to "get" dad.

It was after midnight when we got back to the cabin. Too late for the hot tub. We were all too tired for that anyway. The next day we would be heading home.

4th of July!

Thu, 13 Jul 2006 00:09:00 -0500

The fourth of July is also Hubby's birthday. The previous night while he was outside grilling, Miss Kitty baked turtle brownies for his "cake" compliments of Betty Crocker. When he woke up we fired up 40 candles, sang happy birthday, and gave him his present. (The book)

He wasn't up for sweets for breakfast, so he fried an egg while we munched on his birthday brownies. (We are ALWAYS up for sweets!)

This was his day. His plan was to spend the entire day exploring the Smoky Mtn. National Park. I was still thinking about the outlet stores but kept quiet and ended up having a marvelous time in the "wilderness." We stopped several times along the river, skipping stones and wading.

We found a campground with a store and bought peanut butter, bread, and chips for lunch. I don't know why we didn't pack a lunch???

We took a driving (some walking) tour of Cade's Cove, a valley enclosed by mountains in which there was a community from the early 1800's until the 1930's. There we saw a bear with her cub about 20 yards off the road. We stayed in our car but filmed it on the video camera. We stopped at various points in Cade's cove to see original log cabins, churches, barns, and cemeteries. At one stop, we walked through a mini village. There Boo Boo estatically spotted a rat snake. There was also a great spot to wade in the river, creek, stream, not really sure what it was.

On the ride back we stopped at a swimming hole the local people refer to as the "Y" People were jumping off the side of a cliff, wading, and floating in tubes. It was very crowded, but the mom in me felt much safer from the wildlife in this congested area, than in some of the previous secluded parts we had stopped.

We made it back to the cabin that night around 6pm. We through some burgers on the grill and made corn on the cob. By 7 pm we had caught our breath and decided to forgo searching out a fireworks display and head into Pigeon Forge for...