Ten on Tuesday

1. Tomorrow we start another new AVT (auditory verbal therapy) adventure. We will still see Dr. Don every 2-3 months, but due to not being able to see him weekly (he's 2 hours away and if you haven't noticed, gas prices are CrAzY - especially with a SUV), we are starting weekly teleconferencing sessions with a new AVT and tomorrow we're heading to Akron so Aiden can meet his new friend and get everything set up. As Aiden said tonight, "It not Dr. Don." No buddy, not Dr. Don, but I'm sure it'll still be a lot of fun!

2. I am very excited to get this going. There is something about weekly sessions. I thought that once to twice a month would be okay, but there truly is something about the whole accountability thing. I'm really hoping the teleconferencing thing works for us, because between all of our kid's crazy schedules, this seems to fit in so much better.

3. To prepare for tomorrow's session with our new AVT, I made up a packet of information on Aiden, similar to the booklet I put together for our first IEP. I added in recent language samples, a chart of past language test scores, and all of his most recent evaluations (mainly from JTC). 

4. As I went through Aiden's audiograms and made copies, I couldn't believe how much he has fluctuated from map to map. At one point last year, he tested at 65 in the low frequencies! That's insane. His maps have had such huge fluctuations in the past two years, it's no wonder my baby is still behind expressively. We have had a pretty stable map about nine to twelve months now, but still not consistently at 20-25db across all frequencies as I'd like to see. He still drops to 35-40db here and there, hence the reason of seeing our audiologist every three months. 

5. He is still making good strides this year in all areas, but he definitely still has his off days. There are some days where he consistently loses his balance and those same days I can barely understand a word he says. Something's missing and I just can't put my finger on it. I voiced my concerns with his PT, SLP, and OT and all three of them agreed with me and suggested he be seen by a neurologist, "just to see and rule everything out" to make sure nothing else is going on. They all see both sides of him. So the referral was sent in and the appt made - for MAY. wow.

6. Do any of you/your children have a map with a higher pulse width? I don't fully understand it, but at Aiden's last mapping appointment (in December), a wider pulse width was needed to obtain NRTs on his right ear (which we've always had trouble getting NRTs on). His audiologist then proceeded to create and try out a new map with this slight increase in pulse width (increased to 37). As she adjusted it, Aiden was fine, but by the end he was burying his head in my chest and not liking it what-so-ever. We immediately turned it off and went back to square one (pulse width of 25) and adjusted based on phoneme repetition. Just curious. We go back next month for booth testing.

7. I LOVE this picture of my silly boy.

8. I CHERISH our "therapy Thursdays" together. We start out with an OT session and then the rest of the day is just ours. I really need to blog his OT sessions (and AMAZING therapist) - I have so much to share. We have noticed though that when he comes in with "slush mouth" (jumbled speech), within fifteen minutes of heavy work, he's speaking a lot crisper. He LOVES his OT and is quite the performer for her!

9. Took this picture of a beautiful sunrise the other morning from K's bedroom window. Bliss.

  

10. that's it. hope you enjoy your week. i will. i get two days with my boy ... tomorrow and thursday! As Aiden says, "No school tomorrow. Stay home mommy!" Ya buddy!!! i.love.it!

ten on tuesday

1. I can't believe I'm up past 10 pm. On the nights I lay with Aiden to get him to go to sleep (don't judge, bad habit, third child) I'm out right with him. On the nights I have off, once I say goodnight to K, I'm crawling in bed myself.

2. cRaZy past couple of weeks ...

3. We had my SIL's wedding a couple weekends ago. She was stunning, absolutely beautiful. Selfishly, one of my favorite parts was watching Aiden dance the night away. I've never seen him dance so much. Actually, outside of Laurie Berkner or mimicking his sister here and there, I don't think I've ever seen him truly GET DOWN . I was in Heaven.

4. Ryan had been complaining about his belly the past few weeks. I blew it off to "teenage boy eating habits". He came home from his Lacrosse game last Tuesday, scarfed down two bowls of chili, and went into complete pain mode. After giving him antacid type of meds, the pain kept getting worse and worse to the point I took him to the ER (last thing I wanted to do because I swore it was his teenage gut and at this point it was past 10 pm and WAY past my bedtime). Glad I listened to  him. He had his appendix removed early the next morning and spent two days in the hospital.

5. The day Ryan got home from the hospital, Aiden got the flu. In three years, the boy has never really puked. All.night.long - he puked. Of course he did.

6. With #3 & #4, I had to cancel Aiden's IEP, which was just fine since I wasn't completely prepared. I know what goals he needs and I (hope) they won't fight me, but we (mom & dad) just have other thoughts in mind that we're still trying to work through. For now though, we forge forward with what we have, and know it's always nice to have options. It's now this Friday. Guess I know what I'll be working on tomorrow.

7. I need a vacation. then again, who doesn't?

8. Next weekend (yep, Thanksgiving weekend), I'm heading to Chi town with one of my favorite chics, my niece, and my all time favorite daughter for a girl's weekend. I think my mom may even join us. I am BEYOND excited (see #'s 3 & 4 above).

9. I'm pretty sure we're heading to my mom's for Christmas. I cannot wait to see my grandma & grandpa. I missed them this summer and I'm way overdue for morning coffee/gossip time with the best grandma in the whole.wide.world AND for 4pm Miller time with the most amazing man ever. and of course, i'm so excited to see my mommy too (and maybe actually get date night with another amazing man I know)!

10. It's almost 11 pm. Way past my bedtime, yet this peace and quiet time is beautiful.

10a - I have so much to catch up on with Aiden ... OT, speech, his bossy language, incidental learning ... so much to say. Guess I need to stay up past 8pm more often!!

Ten on Tuesday

1. My sister-in-law is AMAZING. She's married to my husband's "Irish twin" (they're 14 months apart). We share the same birthday. She's a teacher-of-the-deaf. She has been such a blessing in this journey and I cherish the relationship we've built and all her advice to me. I'm lucky to have her insight, her knowledge/expertise, and her love for Aiden all in one.

2. I spoke with this CI momma today. I love all the friendships I've built over the years. I've never had such close relationships with people without actually ever meeting them. There's something about talking to someone about that certain something and they just get it. One day, we will meet and our boys will play. We have that "cheese-head" link, there's no way we can't!

3. Today I sat and observed Aiden's class again - for a good two hours (he didn't know I was there). I'm preparing for his upcoming IEP and I want to fully understand what his classroom experience is and see him in action. Then I was invited to sit in a speech session with him. He didn't know I was coming, and when he walked in, his face lit up and he ran right to me with a big ol' "MOMMY!" Needless to say, we spent the rest of the afternoon together after that session.

4. Fall is here. I'm bummed though, because all the leaves started changing colors, which I absolutely LOVE, and the next weekend they were pretty much gone after the big wind storm we had. I was hoping for a lot more time of their beauty. I am looking forward to my upcoming field trip with Aiden's class though to the pumpkin farm! Fun times! Living in Texas for so long, I forgot how much I LOVE fall!

4. Parent-teacher conferences for Ryan = complete success. All of the teachers raved how respectful and what a nice young man he was. A few said their class was too easy for him and he needed to be bumped to honors. One said he was their favorite. One asked if he was on "a program"?!?  Last year I would've understood this more, but when further questioned if he was talking about an IEP, the teacher answered, "Well ya, have you seen his handwriting?" So proud of my messy handwriting son who is kicking butt and taking names!

5. Kailyn's volleyball season is over. What an amazing program they put on. And by the end of it, she had a handful of serves that made it OVER the net - scoring a point, many bumps over the net - and scoring a point, and even a couple sets. AND she's become quite the defensive player this season in soccer. Best thing about all of it, she loved every minute of it.

6. Any day now I'm going to start a photograph of the day blog (or just add a tab to this blog). I LOVE photography and I've been playing around with my camera a lot. My dream is to have a successful photography business, but want/need to get some more practice under my belt. SO, I thought what better motivation than to take, edit, and post one picture a day. This way I figure I'll practice a certain technique every couple weeks, without feeling so overwhelmed with it all.

7. I'm having a hard time with this full day of school five days a week thing. I miss my baby. The other night he told me, "Mommy, Aiden's sick." (he has a cough), "stay wit mommy. No school." Okay.  (heart melting and such a sucker).

8. OT has been AMAZING! I have so much NEW knowledge I never understood and so many NEW ideas to work with him on and so much NEW faith in the whole OT program. Miss Amie ROCKS. Aiden loves her. I love her. I have so much to share about it all.

9. Aiden is going through a monkey phase. Last night he insisted on "monkey top and monkey pants" for pjs. This morning he fought me to put on his shirt because he wanted a monkey shirt. So during our afternoon together, we ate pizza then went shopping for monkey shirts. Thanks to Old Navy's character shirts and Curious George, we didn't have to look far.

10. We live in the country. The few people who drive by, fly. Even with kids outside playing. We live on the corner. Today they pounded in the pole to put up our "Deaf Child in Area" sign. Our little po-dunk town had AMAZING turn around with no argument about putting up the sign what-so-ever. One of the five has a girlfriend who is Deaf. Aiden and I will be delivering some homemade goodies this week. So thankful.

Ten on Tuesday (ok, eleven)

I have so much catching up to do. All three kids start back to school tomorrow, so hopefully I'll get in more blogging time and able to catch up on our summer journey.

For today's "ten", I thought I'd post ten of my favorite photos from our three week journey at the John Tracy Clinic. Truly though, they are all priceless.

my partner.

I love this picture for many reasons, foremost, it screams - WE MADE IT! all after:

getting to the airport at 5:30am in Cleveland;

to taking the tram to switch planes in Dallas;

to arriving in Burbank then having to tote two suitcases, a car seat,

four carry-ons, and a 3-year old to the rental car bus to the rental car place;

to navigating our way in LA (first time there) to the apartments and,

having to make an extra go around in lunchtime traffic through LA before finding it.

This girl was my ROCK! She didn't complain once, she helped out without being asked,

she kept Aiden entertained, and she gave me many smiles and hugs throughout.

She kept me grounded and calm.

and we celebrated our success together - this girl is AMAZING.

lifelong friends.

I remember the day I called up my friend Kat and talked to her about JTC.

We met each other right before I left Texas.

We talked on the phone MANY times after I left.

We became best buds through all our hour plus long conversations -

like we'd known each other for.ever.

We met a third time and experienced a once in a lifetime journey together at JTC,

and tightened our bond even more.

and while there,

our kids created that lifetime bond as well.

one day, our kids will look back at this picture and laugh at how small they were,

then provide a "cheers" at how far they have all come.

a smile.

Ahhhh, Kathleen, the perfect way to begin and end everyday,

with her welcoming, heart warming smile. If you needed something,

she'd do her best to have it to you by the end of class.

She is beyond amazing.

quiet time.

This reminds me of the down times we had.

no tv in the apartment, electronics were limited,

and we could only bring so much. when we weren't outside,

Aiden did a lot of "reading". here he decided to read to

his new horse, which was given to all the kids

the day of orientation.

best buds.

It was hard to choose between the two above.

As Aiden would say, this is "Monden" (London).

He was the first name Aiden knew from his class;

they were buds the whole time.

Both were more quiet around others,

but sure did chat it up to one another.

i LOVE these two pics.

the path.

this was our walk every morning to school.

aiden, always the "lolly-gagger", would take his sweet ole' time

down this path, having to stop and check everything out.

to the right was the "never-ending"

gathering lawn and the apartments, and

if you asked Aiden which way to school (once out the gate),

he'd point to the left, and say, "Dis way!"


harmony.

We all know the (out in public) "stares and looks".

here, our children were unified.

not just our hoh/deaf children, but our hearing children as well.

and not just the children, but just as much, the adults.

being around people who truly "get it",

learning from one another, realizing,

we're not climbing this mountain alone.

forever.friends.

The sibling program at JTC was one of the largest they've ever had,

nearly 20 siblings coming together,

and it was purely phenomenal.

Kailyn made life long friends with girls and boys

from around the world.

she made crepes with Armelle and Clarence from France;

had sleepovers with Sydney from Texas;

ran the lawn (and tv room) with Debi, OJ, Christian, Gregoire, Louise, Owen, and Cole;

became a "big sister" to many of the younger ones,

and adopted her own big sister, Alyssa from Alberta.

the relationship and memories these kids built together,

was priceless.

family.

the first two weeks was Kailyn, Aiden, and I.

By week three, we were missing "our boys"

and ready to reunite as a whole family.

I am so grateful that Aiden's daddy and brother got to experience

a piece of this life changing journey with us.

it takes a village.

each person in this picture has touched my life in some special way -

through words, hugs, tears, smiles, lessons learned, listening.

relationships were built, life-long friendships were made.

each with our own journey, yet

together. united.

with similar goals and hopes -

to overcome obstacles, to obtain services our children NEED,

strength and knowledge to forge on & fight for what WE know best - OUR CHILD,

for our deaf/hoh children to LISTEN and SPEAK.

and together, we will make it.

and this list wouldn't be complete without:

the infamous tree.

and just like the John Tracy Clinic,

you have to be there to truly experience all it has to offer.

Ten on Tuesday

NUMBER ONE on the list - My little monkey is potty trained! Can I get a woo hoo! He's still having an accident or two during the day, and I still have to stop him and tell him to go potty, but by golly, we're doing lots of happy dances throughout the day! The trick that finally worked - the sticker chart and m&ms!

2. I have emailed nearly everyone I know who has gone to JTC and am meeting with another local mom who went last year to see all her pictures. (and if you haven't heard from me, and you've gone, umm excuse me, please let me know, I need to get in contact with you asap). With all this great advice (and my little OCD), I have made a plethora of lists, including: what to pack, what to buy there, recent speech samples, thoughts/questions, aiden's reports to bring, to do before we leave, places to visit while there - I think I need to make a list of what lists I need to make ... just kidding (maybe not), seriously, I'm really not that bad.

3. Aiden's favorite book right now is, Poor Puppy. I used this for a writing lesson with my fourth graders. I LOVE(d) this book. It's been part of our nightly reading for the past many, many, many weeks. What drives me crazy, it's been excellent in helping him with his /p/ and he can say "poor puppy" perfectly; but pig is still "kig" and potty is still "hotty".

4. Aiden's speech therapist from early intervention was able to fit him in for six sessions around our busy schedule this summer. I'm so excited because 1) Aiden loves playing with Ms. Cheryl and 2) it's only 5 minutes from my house.

5. For a good week, my niece becomes my fourth child in the summer (besides the fact that I love her, she keeps Kailyn busy which is huge). She came to go camping with us in Wisconsin, but after all that fretting of whether to go our not, I had to cancel our trip. Aiden had the flu, then I got the flu, and now Aiden has a cold. Sure, why not. I am so bummed, but already planning a possible August or Labor Day trip AND so glad all this ewwy sickness is hitting us before we leave to California.

6. and, we're still having fun. We've been to the zoo, the park, eating ice cream nearly every.single.day, praying it doesn't rain so they can swim and ride bikes, and of course, staying up late giggling to the wee hours of the morning (the little girls anyway).

7. and since we didn't head to Wisconsin, and I'm single-momming it right now, one of my SILs and her two boys are coming in for the rest of the week. we're going to try canoeing, find some state parks to venture through, grill it up, swim, sit around the fire drinking our favorite cocktails, and stay up late giggling to the wee hours of the morning (now add in the big girls) : ).

8. last night the girls asked if they could have ice cream for dinner. at first I laughed, but why not? it's summer and I really didn't feel like cooking AND how fun is that!

9. Summer yumminess to me is all kinds of fresh juicy fruit, anything grilled, and a delicious salad to go with it. I'm looking for new ones to add to my list. I made a three bean salad for today, making taco salad for tomorrow, and bought the stuff to try this one and this one. What's your favorite summer salad? Do share!

10. With all these kids in my house, I'm also looking for refreshing summer cocktail recipes. I bought the stuff to try this one. What is your favorite ... and yes, do share, and hurry, kids are about to overtake my house.

Ten on Tuesday

1. Aiden had his last day of school last week and my oldest two have one more day. Is it just me, or was this the FASTEST school year ever?!?

2. I am in the process of putting my resume together again. With Aiden heading to preschool full time next year AND the possibility of Ryan heading to a Catholic high school, it's time to go back to work. I wouldn't mind teaching again, but truly, I was busier when I taught than when I worked sales. I'm going to look into both, and am hoping to find something flexible enough to work from home. I refuse to give up being here for my kids before and after school - especially my teenager. ; )

3. For two straight days, Aiden's speech seemed jumbled. So was his walking. We go through these bouts here and there. Lo and behold, we head to Cleveland to see Dr. Don (AVT), and his speech was clear as day, including many blends!

4. Dr. Don finished up a big round of testing with him too. I was shocked at some of the words Aiden understood, but we also got a nice list of words we need to work on over the summer. A lot of synonyms - such as Aiden didn't know "different" but knew "not the same", or "alike" vs. "same" or "beneath" vs. "under" etc. He also wanted to see how Aiden did on the WIPI (Word Intelligibility by Picture Identification). This test has six pictures from which to choose, but before Aiden could see the pictures, he had to repeat what he heard. At our normal voice level, with background noise, Aiden repeated and identified 10 out of 10 words. Great listening buddy!

5. Speaking of listening in background noise, as my carpets were being professionally cleaned next to us, I checked Aiden's lings. I spoke the lings in my regular voice, about 2-3 feet away, and he repeated each one back bilaterally. Then on his own, he wanted to test each ear separately. This time he missed the /s/ and /sh/ on both ears, until I came closer and spoke a tad louder. I don't think I'll ever stop being amazed.

6. I miss Wisconsin. I miss my mom. I miss my grandparents. I'd love to meet a couple moms whom I feel like I already know through this wonderful hearing loss community. Kid's summer activities are C-R-A-Z-Y, including extra speech therapy for Aiden the school district is providing, and I'm already going to be away from my husband for a total of FIVE weeks throughout the summer. Do I skip a soccer camp and one of Aiden's speech therapies for the month for the fun?

7. In addition to the speech therapy mentioned above, Aiden's preschool teacher is also hosting a small play therapy group. This will be once a week, for three hours a day, for six weeks. We will be able to make three of them, if we go to Wisconsin, four if not.

8. Oh, and have I mentioned this awesome place we'll be at for three weeks?!? ; ) Speaking of which, I am in the process of finishing one list of preparations (all the lovely medical to dos) and about to make the packing list!! YIPEE!

9. Ok, I think I just talked myself into Wisconsin. Yes, Aiden could benefit from the extra speech therapy, but see #10 below and I think you'll agree, we ALL just need a break.

10. It' been one helluva a school year - all around - and tomorrow I'm celebrating it's end. We finally got Kailyn on an IEP just in time for the state tests (ewww) to be read out loud to her and identified things we definitely need to work on this summer. Now I have two IEPs to keep up with (yay me - did you hear that sarcasm?). It was a rough year, but thank God she had a teacher who modified for HER needs without something in writing. Imagine that! (a lil' more sarcasm). Ryan is 14. enough said. very rough year all around and I can't say how glad I am that it's over. limits were tested. He's a wonderful kid, who hit some pretty rough spots which turned my hair gray. I'm not a fan of this age, YET. BUT, I'm a fan of his and we're both learning as we move forward; definitely the hardest age to parent so far. I learned that sometimes tough love is exactly that - TOUGH - on everyone - especially mom. aiden's aiden, and truly as hard as we worked this year, he was the least of my worries, and he deserves a break right along with the rest of us. he's doing great, he's smart, and moving along on his path to success.

11. ya, I think I just wrote myself into canceling one of the extra therapies and going to Wisconsin for a bit. We could all use it. and even more fun, my grandpa will be 87 this month - and THAT'S reason enough to go, all in itself.

Ten on Tuesday

1. I seem to start all these posts with "It's been a crazy week", so I won't this time. This month HAS BEEN INSANE and it's not going to stop until summer break gets here. My calendar is screaming out in pain with the heaviness of all the ink! (YAY me though for actually getting this out on Tuesday!)

2. I'm busy finalizing odds and ends for the "Royal Princesses", I mean, my niece's and Kailyn's First Communion party this Saturday. When it's all said and done, we will have celebrated three Confirmations (two of my nephews' and Ryan's) and two First Communions, all within two months. Things Remembered has become my best friend.

3. Last week Aiden had AVT on Thursday and then audiology on Friday. Not a big deal if we didn't drive over an hour to AV and two hours to audiology. Gas prices + an SUV = one stressed out momma. Thank God we have family close by to camp out at.

4. Speaking of insane gas prices, I'm trying to cut down on my errand running and do more online. What is your favorite online (and practical) place(s) to shop?

5. Write it down in the baby book! Aiden cooperated for the whole audiology appointment! This was our last appointment until we head HERE, so I was SO thankful we got across the board results on the left, right, and bilaterally with a very cooperative three year old! (more to come on this in a separate post).

6. My mom will be here this week for Kailyn's First Communion and I cannot wait! She'll be with us for a whole week after. This will be the first time ever that I get to spend time with her A-L-O-N-E! I've either always worked while she visits OR one (or all) of the kids are home with me. Hmmm .... wonder what room we can redecorate/paint? (hint-hint)

7. Two field trips with Aiden's class are in my near future. Tomorrow we're visiting all the new babies at the farm and next week we're heading to the zoo. Fun fun!

8. I'm in the process of building an ark. Yes, an ark. This rain has been non.stop.and.I'm so.over.it! Yesterday we were given a 70 degree clear skies teaser day. I was so excited until I looked at the ten day forecast: rain, thunderstorms, repeat.fortenstraightdays. I thought I moved to Ohio, not Washington. Bright side - our grass is very green!

9. and with all this rain, brings all these weeds (in a field by our house), in which Aiden has become the official weed picker ... in his sister's shoes ... and jammie bottoms ... with crazy hair.

10. In the midst of all my craziness, I decided very last minute to take a mental health day (yes, I need these as a stay at home mom even more so then when I worked for a paycheck). and after those "oh so fun" state standardized tests last week, I let my daughter take one too. We started our day with a pedicure, had lunch at her favorite restaurant, then came home and enjoyed the sun as we prettied up the driveway with chalk. It was AWESOME and our piggies are flip flop ready!

Ten on Tuesday (or Thursday - late again!)

C'mon Spring!

1. I am right in the middle of cleaning out the kid's winter clothes to see what they need for Spring/Summer. I am so blessed that my mom is a wonderful end of season shopper and all the loot she gets the kids for the next year. Aiden is totally set with tons of outfits, Kailyn just needs a few pair of shorts, and Ryan, well, he's another story.

2. Ryan's getting at that age where I don't even want to buy him anything because I usually have to bring it right back. I did buy him some nice cargo shorts and polos the other day and was surprised to see him wearing them to school. He's such a basketball shorts with t-shirt type of kid. He looked so handsome and I choked up at how much my first born is growing up (and has now surpassed my height - oh my).

3. Less than 7 weeks left of school until summer break. Where did this year go?!? Do you realize I'm going to have a 10th grader, a 5th grader, and a preschooler next year?!? Where does the time go?!? I'm not old enough to have a 10th grader! lol

4. IEP #2 is on the way. We won our fight with Kailyn's school and they finally tested her. We're thankful she does not have a learning disability, but the tests did reveal some other areas of struggle, which I'd been trying to tell them about all along. Why do some districts assume they know your child better than you?!? So effin' frustrating.

5. We had a beautiful Easter! Aiden had so much fun finding all the eggs. Unfortunately though, the Easter Bunny hid Kailyn's basket in the oven and in my hurry to get brownies in before church and before the kid's got up, I turned the oven on without realizing the basket was in there. Thank God Kailyn's daddy turned it off before it was totally preheated and nothing caught fire, BUT in the end, Kailyn's big 'ol chocolate bunny looked like the Wicked Witch of the East and was nothing but feet. Not cool (literally).

6. Funny story #2: The day before Easter I took the kids to the mall and stopped to see the Easter Bunny. While waiting, Kailyn whispers, "So mom, are you and dad really the Easter Bunny?" to which I tried to ignore in a line full of little kids and nonchalantly changed the subject and started talking about the cute baby in front of us. Kailyn then asks, "So mom, how do babies get in your belly anyways?" No more long lines with this girl.

7. Bella has an ear infection. Do you realize how NOT fun it is to try and put drops in a puppy's ears? She bit the vet. Thank goodness she worships me enough not to bite when I put them in. Guess the old saying is true, "Never bite the hand that feeds you."

8. We are loving Aiden's school! After a few weeks there, Aiden knows his days of the week (we've also been doing them in AVT and at home)! He recites them from Sunday right up to Saturday and when asked to find one out of order, he points right to it! Also, everyday when we leave he'll tell his teacher (Mrs. J), "Bye-bye J!" So cute!

9. In a couple weeks Kailyn will be making her First Holy Communion. This is a sacrament that is typically made in the second grade, but with all our moving the past couple of years, Kailyn's making it a little late. It has worked out perfectly though, because my niece (and Kailyn's BFF) is making hers this year too. SO my SIL and I are in the process of planning a nice celebration for our gals and their special day! It's going to be amazing!

10. I've been watching the horrible news about the weather down south and keeping all the families there in my thoughts and prayers. The weather everywhere lately has been insane and I can only hope it calms down for a nice peaceful summer.

Hope all of you have a beautiful weekend!

Ten on Tuesday (or Wednesday)

1. So I've skipped a few Tuesdays, but like I said, I'm not too great at keeping up with things like this ... just like I haven't posted a Wednesday Workout in awhile either. I do like these though because I feel I can summarize so much in one post. In the same breath, it takes away from me sitting and writing a more detailed one too. With our schedule lately though, these are great!

2. I'm throwing this post together quickly as I have so much to do (who doesn't?) Details below.

3. I talked to one of my sister-in-laws on the phone this morning for TWO HOURS! We talk nearly everyday. Everyone needs someone like this in their life - where you can talk and talk and talk (and laugh), and typically about nothing at all, and before you know it, two hours have passed. I can say though, while I talked, I also got two bathrooms cleaned, the downstairs dusted, and all beds made. Multi-tasking baby.

4. My mother-in-law and another one of my sister-in-laws are coming in today for Ryan's Confirmation tonight and then on Friday my SIL from #3 above and her family are coming in for the weekend (hence all the cleaning). Which is really why I should get off this computer and finish cleaning this house; but that two hour conversation wore me out and I needed a break. ; )

5. Have you heard of Pioneer Woman? Well, I found her photography blog looking for tips and am in awe with her talent. I couldn't find my mom's sheet cake recipe this morning, so as I looked up a recipe for Chocolate Sheet Cake (Ryan's favorite, and it is his special day so he gets a BIG OL' SCRUMPTIOUS CHOCOLATE CAKE - damn I need to get off this computer!) low and behold, I found out that this amazing photographer cooks too! I'm really going to love her site! (her recipe is similar to mom's yet a little different and they're both from Wisconsin so I'm sure it's just as DELISH!)

6. Aiden has finally figured out that he will not win our morning wrestling matches and has taken a completely opposite stance. Now he can't get enough snuggles or kisses. It makes our mornings so much prettier. All other behaviors are still the same, except he's added performing skateboard like tricks while in the bathtub like the walls are a half-pipe (is that what skaters call it?). On the plus side, the kid's bathroom floor gets wiped down every night. He's a maniac.

7. This is Baby. He is HUGE. His brother Bonesy (or Bonz) is just as fat (and believe me, it's not all fur, the cats have "muffin tops".) I really need to get these tub-a-lards on a diet now that winter is over. Especially with mousing season coming up.

8. I can't believe there is only NINE MORE WEEKS of SCHOOL! I'm not ready for summer! Although, I am getting very excited about our upcoming trip HERE. More to come in a separate post.

9. I was going to write a bit on Aiden's school, but I'll save that for another post. Who knows when I'll get to it, so I'll just say his teacher tells me he's talking all the time. Love it. This Friday they're putting on a little program for the parents. His class is singing "Five Little Monkeys Swinging from the Tree". He's going to be one of the monkeys - imagine that!

10. Do you ever have one of those moments where you feel God throws something in your lap right at the time you need it most? Yesterday I was driving along thinking about my dad (his birthday is coming up) and how I wished he was here for Ryan's Confirmation (and next month for Kailyn's First Communion). He was a very proud Catholic. He loved his religion and he'd be so proud of his grandkids. and I cried. and cried. and cried. and I got ANGRY he was taken from us so early. I was feeling sorry for myself. I miss him. TERRIBLY. Then last night, I was looking around the Internet and found this photography website (again in search of tips and ideas). What I didn't know is that I'd stumble upon the other blog she writes. She lost her brother and her baby. Her strength is amazing. Her words are amazing. Her FAITH and BELIEFS are AMAZING. This woman.IS.amazing. Her story gave me that boost I needed - cherish what you have (and I truly do, it was just one of those days). After I read her blog (and cried throughout), I went upstairs and gave each of my kids the biggest kiss on their head - you know the kind you just sorta hold on to and don't want to let go. I'm so blessed to have what I have. Enjoy today, kiss your kids and your husband, call your siblings, mom/dad out of the blue and tell them you love them, just because, you never know what tomorrow will bring.

I hope you enjoy your week.

Ten on Tuesday

1. We're on VaCaTiOn! It is Ryan's and Kailyn's Spring Break so we headed to Myrtle Beach. Weather is absolutely nasty, icky, blah, BOO. As bummed as I am, it's still nice to walk outside and hear/see the ocean (even at 40 degrees outside) and even nicer to have family time with no schedules, appointments, or practices.

2. Today is supposed to be a high of 61 and completely sunny. Can you say BEACHBOUND?!? I need my sunshine fix.

3. and even with the cold rainy weather, Kailyn and her daddy are such T-R-O-O-P-E-R-S. They are not letting this weather ruin their vacation. My daughter is a fish and weather is not a factor. On a 40 degree night she "dared" her daddy to jump in the outside pool, which of course he couldn't back down on, and she was right in after him. Insane.

4. I'm upset with myself that I didn't plan better and get Aiden the aLOKSAK for the beach. I've read on many people's blogs, like here, and here, and here, who have used this so their child can still wear their CIs to hear while they swim. It scares me. In the same breath, I want Aiden to HEAR and learn the sounds of the beach as he plays in the sand and runs through the waves. Next time for sure.

5. Simply Amazing Moment #1114 - Aiden's daddy turned the radio on and as he turned it up, Aiden, smiling that lovely shit eating grin he has, covered his ears and yelled, "IT'S TOO LOUD!" LaUgH aNd LoVe!

6. I luuuuvvv my coffee in the morning. I love it even more when everyone is still sleeping and it's only me, my coffee, and my computer. Complete peace.of.mind. Now if I can just figure out how to bottle up the sounds and view of the ocean and take it home with me.

7. My mother-in-law is with us on our trip. She is AMAZING and what I consider the ultimate mother-in-law. I'm lucky to have her. Selfishly, it's fun having her to ourselves (remember, my husband has 11 siblings which = 20 grandkids).

8. As I watched the news last night I was saddened by the fact that the LAST thing they showed was one of our U.S. soldiers, returning home from the Middle East, surprising his five year old daughter whom had no clue her daddy was about to walk through the doors. These moments are priceless. Why wait to the end? Don't they know that by the end people have already changed the channel sick of hearing all the "bad"? I think we need a channel dedicated to nothing but "happy" news. Who's with me?

9. I really enjoyed THIS book. I see they're coming out with the movie yet have no intentions of seeing it. The book was so good and I'm scared the film will ruin it for me.

10. I love everything about vacations - spending good quality time together, exploring new areas, playing games, laughing, building our relationships and FoReVeR memories - TOGETHER, as a family - with NO distractions. Pure bliss.

Ten on Tuesday (a day late)

1. One of my newest favorite pics - I am in LOVE with those baby blues. My dad, who was a die hard Michigan fan, would cringe though seeing his grandson in an Ohio State hat.

2. Aiden got his baby blues from both his grandpas. I've been missing my dad "extra" this week. I've never lost someone so close to me and when you do, it gives a whole new perspective of life. I miss our conversations the most - even if he drove me crazy with his million phone calls a day - not a doubt in my mind though how much he loved us. He'd be so proud Aiden, even in that Ohio State hat.

3. Aiden starts school in five days counting. I started Monday and Tuesday off crying just thinking about it. By the end of the day yesterday, I was counting the hours ... the boy was out of control. Needless to say, no tears this morning, OK, just a few. What is up with my emotions this week!?!?

4. With Aiden starting school, I dedicated this week as a week of fun. No ABCs and 123s. We still have formal therapies, but I decided no at-home therapy. Our time together is going to be spent at fun places with friends, building towers, and I think we'll check out THIS place too.

5. My list of things to do during my ALONE TIME (don't those two words have a beautiful sound to them), is growing - paint the kid's bathroom, start a morning workout program (ideally a cheap, local yoga class), organize the basement, learn the insides and out my newest purchase (a digital SLR camera with hopes to achieve a goal I've always wanted to pursue, but have always put off) ... first though, I think this mama deserves a spa day!

6. Taxes. I procrastinate them EVERY.SINGLE.YEAR. I don't know why, we've never had to pay, and all I have to do is organize our information. Why on earth would someone procrastinate doing something that's going to put money back in their pocket? Drives me insane. Guess I should add that to my to do list above ... right after the spa day.

7. I miss my mom and grandparents. TERRIBLY. (I think it has a lot to do with #2 above). If we didn't have a vacation already booked for Spring Break, we'd road trip it to Wisconsin. As soon as the kids are done with school though, we're there and I cannot wait. Everything about Wisconsin makes my heart warm and my stomach giddy - it's part of my definition for L-O-V-E.

8. Aiden's articulation is really coming along. He's starting to firm up some words, for example, mommy. It started as a good "mama", then went to "mahee", then to "mannee", and just recently I'm hearing a perfect "MOMMY" and it makes my heart melt. Yesterday, I sneezed and he said, "Es you mommy", my eyes watered - just one of those moments (and see #3 above).

9.We took a roadtrip to Cleveland this past weekend to celebrate my nephew's Confirmation, my husband's and SIL's birthday, and Aiden had an audiology appointment . Fun times as always. I need to remember though, that being out until 3am doesn't work for me anymore.

10. Aiden's audiology appt. went well. He is finally starting to somewhat participate in the booth again. Stickers are key. His audiogram was nice - between 20 to 30 db across all frequencies, so they fine tuned him and gave us a new program to work with. I'm sure it was better though because throughout the testing we had to keep telling him, "Shhh, listen", because he wouldn't quit jibber jabbering or humming and singing. Seriously, how can I get upset at my deaf child who won't quit talking or singing long enough to get a good audiogram!?! LOVE IT!

Ten on Tuesday

1. I started my morning advocating for my daughter for the umpteenth time at a meeting with the district preschool/elementary psychologist (who looks like he just graduated from college and has NO kids), her very accommodating teacher, and team. As the principal shared the two page letter I wrote, he called me "very organized and detail oriented". I walked out of there like Ray's wife from Field of Dreams after confronting town hall and winning. Testing will start today.

2. Potty training. Not going well. Four days and nothing, not even a tinkle in the pot. So thankful though for the multiple pairs of Hanes sweat pants my mom bought Aiden - easy to pull up and down, wash well, and very absorbent. Perfect for potty training.

3. Everyone's finally healthy in the family - except mom. I guess I'm glad it saved me for last. It's hard to take care of a sick family when you're sick yourself. Between coughing and Aiden still not sleeping through the night (like since he was born), I got little to no sleep last night. If I could only call in sick and lay on the couch all day finishing this great book I'm reading.

4. Ryan is shaving. Not like once every couple weeks, but like a couple times a week. Seriously. It's more than puberty stubble, and since he has such dark hair you notice every little bit. If it were up to him, he'd let it keep growing. He says he's going to grow a beard. Gotta laugh at that, but he probably could. He's 14. *deep breath* My baby is growing up way too fast.

5. Kailyn has decided she wants to be, as she calls it, "a sports chic". This is my very girly-girl talking. When she was younger, we tried t-ball (in which she'd walk clear across the field to go "talk" to a boy on her team in the middle of a play), we tried soccer (in which she said, "there's so much running, and I sweat!"). So what's changed? The CUTE BOY at school plays soccer at recess, so she's joined in and has decided she LOVES soccer and has begged us to sign her up. So we did. I hope she continues with it, it'd be so good for her all around.

6. Where did February go? I can't believe it's already March. March has many celebratory dates for our family - hubby's birthday, Aiden's hearing birthday, Aiden's birthday AND St. Patty's Day, four extended family birthdays, Spring Break, a Confirmation, and something I'm sure I'm forgetting. Guess I need to start a spending budget just for this month.

7. Speaking of birthdays, I cannot believe Aiden is almost three! In 8 days we'll celebrate his SECOND HEARING BIRTHDAY, in 13 days he'll start PRESCHOOL, then in 16 days he'll be THREE! Lots of happy tears anticipated for this month.

8. Spring is almost here and my fever is burning hot. I'd really like to plant a garden this year. I never have before and have no clue where to start. I'm becoming VERY picky with what fruits and veggies I buy at the store and feel like everything I look at is grown outside the US. How can that be fresh and I can only imagine what is keeping them looking so. Plus, there's nothing better than homegrown veggies! Suggestions on where to start?

9. Now that we only have two weeks left with our county therapists, Aiden has decided he's finally going to show them what he has to say. For the last few months he has been completely silent during therapies, listening to what they ask, but not responding verbally at all. The last two sessions, he's been showing them he can speak. Of course he is, he knows he's on his way out, and he's going to leave them wanting more. That's my boy.

10. During our "fun work" time yesterday, Aiden and I were playing a game with the alphabet flash cards practicing the letters and their sounds. Out of the blue he quit TELLING me what the pictures on the cards were, and instead started SIGNING them, watching my reaction every time he did a sign. I gave him none. I was actually shocked how many signs he knows because we sign very little with him. Oh the power of Signing Time AND my two year old. Little stinker.

Ten on Tuesday

Okay, so I'm joining the bandwagon of a few of my favorite blogs. I love reading posts like these, just not good at keeping up with a weekly theme. So if it's here again next Tuesday, "Yay me!", but good chance it won't be two Tuesdays from now.

1. I can't believe I completely forgot to write a blog post about "THE BINKY!" Aiden has been binky free for nearly a good month now! CAN I GET A WOO HOO! We were losing them left and right and I refused to buy new ones. So after the last one disappeared (and believe me, I had NOTHING to do with it, although I'm sure "the other parent" may have), he was done. I found two of them within a week and immediately threw them in the trash (well actually, I stashed one for emergency purposes, but it hasn't been needed). How 'bout my little man going cold turkey?!? I think I miss it more than he does.

2. I am a list maker. I run in circles if I don't have my list. There could be 1001 things needing to get done, but if I don't have a piece of paper with every.little.thing written down, I start on lots of little things, but accomplish ZERO. ZILCH. NOTHING. I also like the physical (and very mental) aspect of crossing things off my list as they're completed. I know, OCD/ADD/whatever ... yep, a little (ok, maybe a lot) of each, but someone needs to take control and get things done.

3. Aiden starts preschool in 12 days and counting. Secretly, I am so excited. I hate to lose my little sidekick, but the boy is becoming quite unruly these days and listens to ZERO. I've had to come up with a timeout chair - which he sits and laughs at me as he sits there. I have seriously thought of telling him to take all his clothes off and run around naked just for the mere fact that he would then let me dress him without going 10 rounds. Anything I say, he goes completely against. I think aliens have taken over my son's mind and body.

4. Kailyn and I had the best girl's day this weekend. We started with each of us getting an eye exam (I know, not so fun, but poor honey has my bad eyesight and she needed new glasses and I needed contacts to keep others safe on the roads - from me), a trip to Barnes and Noble, and then a movie. We saw Just Go With It . LOVED IT! and I was so excited to actually laugh at practically all the previews. It's about time a bunch of good flicks were on there way out.

5. This is the year my first born, Ryan, will surpass me in height. I'm a good 5' 8" and he's right there by me - at 14 years old - and in a size 11 shoe. He walks past me and pats me on the head with that shit eating grin on his face (yes, the same one he passed on to his little brother). I told him though, beware, growing taller than me just means if you make me mad, I get the broom.

6. Bella has made a good adjustment into our family. We all love her to pieces, except two people - the man who didn't want a dog in the house to begin with (although even he says she's a good dog, which is HUGE) and the girl who cried all year long that all she wanted for Christmas was a dog. Ya. Go figure.

7. That same little girl mentioned in #6 above, asked for a HORSE today. Are you kidding me?!? You know, because they're so much less responsibility. Oh my. I feel for her future husband. lol

8. I am trying to make do with my biweekly grocery shopping items and cook with what I have in my pantry, fridge and freezer and NOT run to the grocery store every.single.time I need one ingredient. Because that ONE thing typically ends up being TEN things. Our monthly grocery bills have been outrageous because of impromptu trips like these. So tonight I needed a can of tomato soup, but instead pureed up some tomatoes with some tomato sauce and added in my own spices. The recipe actually came out better and I'm sure I saved myself $50 plus easily.

9. Many prayers are being said to St. Anthony again lately, who is the Catholic Patron Saint of lost things. My stomach is sick. We have not been able to find one of Aiden's beige CIs for nearly a week now. I KNOW it's in this house as it was discovered missing in the morning, and Aiden hadn't been out of the house the whole day before. One of those, Aiden's daddy thought I put it up and I thought he put it up, but come to find out in the morning, neither of us put it up. The only thing I can think of is it is clung onto some metal contraption. I'm getting nervous I may have to use my one time lost replacement card. Ugh.

10. and a little humor to end - while choosing which movie to see with Kailyn, I said to her, "You know honey. This movie is PG-13 (she's 10) and there may be things I'm not sure you should see or hear." Kailyn, "Like a bunch of swear words?" me (thinking more along the lines of what kind of sexual content a pg-13 could have) "Exactly honey, the swear words." Her, "Don't worry mom, I've heard them all from you. I'll be ok." Lovely. ; )