School?

The little man pops off with "when do we go back to school?".  Not like hoping it is a long time away.  He was upset that it is a three day weekend.  He is ready and wanting to go.  What a change from the last year. 
Too bad we weren't camping this weekend as that would have given him a distraction. 

Library Trip

Amazing.  The little woman asked earlier in the week if we could go to the library.  Yes, yes we could.  So it worked out for us to go.  The little man stayed home with Daddy. 
The little woman immediately went to the electronics in the kid section.  I reminded her that she wanted a book and she said she was going to in a bit.  And then I left her to it.  I went to the grown up section (omg by myself) and found a serial killer book.  I just got done binging "Mindhunters" and was fascinated. 
Went back to the kid section and found a couple of books to maybe read to the little man.  Then she finally got up and choose a couple of kid books.  The next thing I know she comes and tells me she is in the teen section and to move over there.  She picked out about four manga books.  Okay then.  I'm not going to tell her the story may be above her, because it might not be.  It just surprised me that we left the library with eleven books.  I'm just happy that it was her suggestion to go and that we followed through. 

The Skinny

The little man has decided that he really likes the SLC room now.  He likes the teacher.  He likes the changes that have been implemented.  And while all of that is good, my goal is still to see him back full time in normal classrooms.
The therapist ended up having a meeting with the school psychologist later in the afternoon yesterday.  And she had told him about the changes and her thought was a lot of our issues from last year were due to the teacher last year.  That teacher obviously is not there anymore. 
We have an IEP meeting scheduled in a couple of weeks.  That gives them some time to see how he is doing and they are encouraging him to spend time in his gen ed classroom.  That will work better next week when his teacher is actually there.  He did not like going when the substitute was there.  I guess that is still an issue for him. 

What Will Be

The therapist went to the school today to introduce himself.  He wanted to get things started including his seeing the little man at school.  He had a positive experience.
The little man told me that the new teacher is all right.  So forthcoming with information.  That is the story of my life and I wonder if it is a genetic trait.  Mike was the same way as a kid.  Only told me what he thought I needed to know.  Anyway.....

Second Day

So we got accosted as soon as we got to school by one of the aids from the SLC room.  She took us over to be introduced to the new SLC teacher.  It's a man and he shook my hand but didn't say anything, nor did he say anything to the little man.  Which naturally sets me on edge as my little man is very relational. 
Then we went to the cafeteria to have breakfast.  Afterwards the aid had told us to check back in with them so he could go to the SLC room.  And that is where he spent all day.  No recess, although he said he was suppose to have one.  I have no clue. 
During the day I was having a texting conversation with the therapist.  We are now working on getting that team meeting soon for updating the IEP.  I would hate for all the hard work we have done to go down the drain because he gets bored in the SLC room.  At least there must be a different feel there this year since he isn't coming home hating it like last year. 

First Day

The morning went so smoothly.  The little woman whined a bit, but I think it was just her anxiety showing.  She went to the bus early and good thing.  The bus was early.  Guess that made up for it being late after school.  With all the boundary changes and school time changes, busing is thrown for a loop.
I did  not get a real answer on how her day went.  But at least she didn't hate it.
I had breakfast with the little man.  We had to have help finding it as they keep the front door to the commons locked.  Then we got in line for his gen ed class.  And off he went.
When I picked him up he was walked out by one of the aids from the SLC room.  Turns out he spent half a day in his class and the last  half in the SLC room.  He did manage to tell me a few tidbits about the day.  He made two friends and he had lunch and recess with his class.  Said he yelled at some girl because she yelled at him during wall ball.  And someone gave him a snack.
Guess I need to remember to send snacks with both kids every morning.  ;p They both have really late lunches.  All in all it was a smooth transition back to a school routine.
Then the little man and I went and saw "The Lion King".  The little woman did not want to go so she didn't.  The remake is exactly the same as the original just not animated.

Team Meeting

It was time again for our team meeting yesterday.  We talked about the good stuff.  The little man was able to figure out why he was so angry the other day and fix it.  We have come so far since our days of crisis.  He is using words to communicate his feelings. 
Our big task this month will be helping him be successful at school.  Both the therapist and the home specialist will be reaching out to the school this week to set up seeing him at school and having a team meeting that includes the school.  His IEP mostly dealt with safety and we are mostly past that.  So we need to update it and make sure he has any supports that he needs to help him be successful in the gen ed classroom. 
I love this wrap around program.  The home specialist also suggested Mike meeting with the therapist himself for some counseling on parenting.  She also thought I could do with some support...either a support group for someone in my situation or an actual counselor. 

Ready?

I think we have everything we need for the beginning of school.  Backpacks, new shoes, some new clothes.  The district provides the school supplies again this year.  Got to like that.  I'm sure we will have many expenses later in the school career that will more than make up for the $20 that doesn't get spent now.
The little woman is enjoying her new pretty smelling shower stuff and had no qualms getting a shower taken.  She also willingly let me comb her hair out afterwards.  I keep telling her it will make it a lot easier in the morning if we get rid of snarls now.
The little man, on the other hand, is resistant.  So he has opted to have his in the morning. Most days that is not going to work, but it will this week.
We have lunch items and snack items.  We are all set up for the free lunch and breakfasts.  The little woman will never have the lunch, but she does on occasion have breakfast.  ;p
I think we are ready.   And I know I am.

Just a Day

Just an ordinary day today.  I gave Mike my phone since his was broken and he was having a tough time finding a used one that works on our plan.  Then I spent a good chunk of the afternoon trying to get a new phone.  I didn't take the old phone with me and that just created a problem.  Anyway I did finally manage to get a new phone after going home to get the broken one. 
The little man spent the afternoon at Uncle Pat's house.  Playing games, watching TV, just doing guy stuff.  He really likes that. 
The little woman went with Daddy for awhile.  Gave her some one on one time with him.  He seems to handle her better as a one on one. 

Going Fast

The kids only have two days left of summer break after today.  Today I picked up some socks for Mom, dropped them and Mom didn't want to do anything, picked up the little man from his sleepover at Pat's, ran Mike around and bbqed steaks. 
The little man had asked for steaks a few weeks ago.  It takes me awhile to bring that all together.  Usually it means I don't think about it when I'm at the store to buy the steaks.  Well they were delicious and so was the corn on the cob that we picked up to go with them. 
I don't think we have any plans for the last two days.  We do have a plan for Tuesday.  After school if everything goes well we will go see a movie on Tightwad Tuesday.  The little man wants to see "The Lion King" again. 

Shopping

The little man went to Pat's house for the night.  The little woman and I took Mom to the nurse treatment to check her infection.  She is still infected.  But they were able to take the stitches out and clean up the wound.  She got another script for antibiotics and we took her home.  She is feeling better because she was cranky.  Not in a loop other than what her crank gave her.  She was mad at me because I didn't tell her when they were going to take the stitches out or clean up the wound.  She told me I just should have left her at home since she wasn't needed or wanted.  I had to laugh a little bit....not out loud.  I had taken pictures for her of all that was done.  It is hard to have her leg be in a place where the nurse can work on it and have Mom watch.  The wound is on the back of her ankle.  Anyway.....she is getting better.  We did talk about a family care home and about Phoebe.
Then the little woman and I went shopping.  She is just not fun to shop with.  If I tried to show her something I thought was cute she would stop me and tell me she is doing the shopping.  She was aware of how much stuff costed so I guess that is a good thing.  We managed to get enough clothes to start off the year.  And then we got some girly stuff.......nice smelling shampoo and conditioner and body wash.  Trying to entice her to hop in the shower once in awhile on her own without any struggle. 
We got home with enough time for me to binge on "Mindhunters" and her to play with a friend. 

Back To School Night

It is that time again.  We zipped over to the little man's school and met his teacher.  He is at least at first starting off in the normal classroom.  His teacher told him she would look at his IEP to see what it says.  Yeah I see a meeting in the very near future.
Then the kids got ice cream sandwiches and they liked that.
After that we went to the little woman's school to meet her teacher.  Both kids had to visit their old teachers and look for friends.  I only recognized two names in her classroom.  That may be a great thing for her.  An almost fresh start. 
We are almost ready for the first day on Tuesday. 

New Gal

So the new guy, the home specialist, had to move on.  We got a new gal.  She came today by herself and started her work.  She talked with Mike and I quite a bit and explained some things to Mike.  That was good and I think he heard her.  Natural consequences and other things.
Then she and the little man went for a walk/bike ride to the little park and back.  They were on a mission to find a place that he could walk to if he got angry and needed to get away for a few.  Great plan.  I don't know if they found a spot but they talked about some different breathing exercises.
The little man has come so far.  He is much more mature.  We talked about what may have to happen to get him back in the mainstream classroom.  Found my IEP paperwork for her to peruse.
One day at a time.  Every one liked her.  So that is a positive.

Ready

One child is ready to go back to school.  The little man and I had a shopping trip.  We got his backpack, new shoes, one pair of shorts and some shirts.  That was all that was on his list.  He is cheap this year.  Maybe.
We got the stuff put away and taking better stock.  Hmmmmm, he has definitely outgrown most of his socks.  Hadn't thought about them since we have not worn any in months.  We also need to pick up some new boxers.  But we have enough to start the year.
Either way he is a little excited even if he is disappointed about having to go to Daybreak.

Brain Tired

Spent about three hours with Mom.  Had to take her to the nurse treatment room at Kaiser to see if her infection was getting better. 
When I first arrived at 1 p.m. she wasn't dressed yet.  No lunch.  So I had to help her.  We managed with a lot of coaxing to get dressed.  And she was already in her loop.  Someone had gotten hurt (her?) and she was going on and on about someone having to take better care of themselves and responsibility for their own actions.  And she was not going to be responsible for taking care of any of it.  This went on for the whole three hours.  The same thing over and over and over. 
I know trauma throws dementia people for a loop and man that is where she was.  Somewhere along the line she told me it was her friend Myrna.  And she shouldn't go out drinking and carousing after having this happen.  And there should be no more motorcycle rides. 
She told the nurse at Kaiser that she was a nurse.  Then a few minutes later she changed it to a nurse in making and she is a lay person and needs things explained in layman terms.  We are definitely further back in time. 
Anyway the infection is looking better but not healed yet.  She goes back on Friday and maybe then they will take the stitches out.  The stitches are not dissolveable and good thing since she got the infection.  She got a new bandage and I was told it wouldn't need to be changed for three days unless it came off or got dirty. I relayed that to her place of living.  Then I got a voicemail later telling me they need doctor orders to change the bandage every three days. 
We were going to talk today about moving.  I brought it up and she put it right in the loop and off she went.  Oy.  We then grabbed some Burgerville and had a late lunch.  She really enjoyed that. 

An Adventure

The little woman was suppose to go to the Ape Caves yesterday with the girl scout troop.  Last minute she opted not to go.  She felt it was too long away from home.
Jeremy wanted to go to the caves.  He wasn't sure what or where they were.  Well the only ones I can think of locally are the ape caves.  So after much hemming and hawing, I said let's do it. We put gas in his car and he followed me up past Cougar to the ape caves.
I have never been to the caves so had no idea what to expect.  We brought the little woman's head light and we used our phones for flashlights.  It is very dark in those tunnels.  And I now the head light is bright.  Blinds me well.  The cave just absorbs the light.
The caves are amazing.  We only did the lower part.  We never saw any bats and that disappointed the little woman.  She wanted to bring one home.  She wants to bring one home of everything we might come across.  I just keep saying...wild animals.  Nope.  Nada.  Not happening ever.
By the time we went down and back I was especially warm.  The little woman was cold and I know it was cold in the cave because we could see our breath.  But I worked hard going down and back up.  Took a two minute breather on a bench and I was fine.  Thank goodness.  Everyone wants to do the upper one next time.  I think I will sit on a bench and wait.  I saw the girl scout pictures and there is a ladder.  I don't like ladders.
So we got out in nature.  It was a great adventure for all of us, but especially the kids.  They needed an adventure.  Reconnects them to the earth and wears them out a little too.

Ilani

Jodi and I took a trip up to the casino.  She has been a few times.  I've never been.  What I had heard was the food was very expensive and the casino takes your money fast.  Well here is my take....
The casino is beautiful and there are a LOT of slot machines.  I love penny slots.  And I actually did find a machine that you could play one penny at a time.
We played for awhile and I won okay right away.  I had put $20 on my card.  When we went for dinner I had $36.  We ate at Smash Burger and it was a pretty good hamburger.  Hamburger and tots for both of us was $21.  I thought that price was right in line with every other place you could get a hamburger.  Now if we would have ate at Michael Jordan's.....that place was expensive.  Each restaurant had a menu out front so you knew what was there and how much it costs.  I actually love it when places do that.  We sat and gabbed a bit more before going back and playing some more.
We got to listen to Tony Orlando and I was disappointed that he never sang any of his old songs.  A lot of covers of other people's songs.  But hey it was free and we played while we listened.  Jodi's luck changed and my luck changed.  She went home with more than she came with and I left $10 down.  Not bad for three and a half hours of entertainment.

Two Done

With a bit of frustration.  The person from the district told me to enroll him at Daybreak.  And then the team would have a meeting to decide if he needs the SLC room or what.  That is the meeting that our team comes with for. 
So I go through the whole online form process.  Within minutes I have a call from Daybreak.  Well they are not sure that he can go there.  It takes a boundary exception, etc.  She would call me back when the district decides where he will go.  Totally different than what the district told me.  Oy.
Well she called me back again later and he is enrolled at Daybreak.  No word on a meeting.  Just a quick tell of back to school night. 
I'm already a tad frustrated.  First of all I don't want him at Daybreak.  I want him back at Maple Grove. But I understand that that may not happen.  They may agree to put him in a mainstream class at Daybreak....hopefully.  I guess time is going to tell. 

One Done

We do a whole bunch of stuff online now.  One of those things is school enrollment.  Naturally I have to call to ask how to get started.  Last year they were already part of the district and just needed updating.  This year they are new students. 
So I fill out the whole form for the little woman again.  These forms just annoy me and I don't know why.  Maybe because I have to fill out the immunization form and then also upload a copy of it.  That seems really redundant.  Anyway the little woman is enrolled and approved to go back to school.
The little man is a tad more involved.  Since he had an IEP last year and was in an SLC room that is where they would want him.  I do not think he needs that anymore, nor does his therapist.  But nothing moves quickly.  I have to talk to someone from special services with the district.  And naturally no one from that dept was in today.  So now we wait on getting the boy enrolled. 

And It Begins

I was talking with the therapist about running out of time for a move before school started.  I had found two mobiles that I liked and would have worked.  But they didn't work out.  So I am back to everything is too expensive or needs too much work.  I have learned a lot. 
The therapist suggested not moving.  He said there is a way for Mom's bills to still be paid and we continue to live in her house.  He explained it a bit.  He had some personal experience in it.
So while the little woman was at Girl Scouts, the little man and I went to Pat's.  Talked with Pat about it to get some input.  We agreed I would broach it with Mom about possibly moving to an adult care home.  Maybe where Aunt Cris lives.  Where she is now does not take medicaid at all.  So she would have to move. 
We know that change is not good for dementia patients.  But we are hoping that perhaps a familiar face may help.  We may be putting the cart before the horse.  Have to talk to her first. 

Working Towards Newness

Trying to make decisions.  I went and saw two mobiles yesterday.  The agent was great.  Here is the link to her page on Facebook.  In my year of looking I have dealt with four agents.  The first one would not take me to view a property because he didn't feel like I had my financing in order.  My brother got mad and contacted his office only to be told they never take people out that they haven't done a background check on.  Too much crime.  Wait...what??? That agent still sends me emails and calls.  I don't know why. 
The next agent for some reason couldn't be bothered.  One of my high school classmates went into realty.  She has done well and has an office.  So I contacted her and asked not for her, but one of her other agents who deal on a smaller scale.  Remember I'm looking at mobile homes and condos at that point.  Someone from her office got ahold of me and we made a plan to meet at a condo.  On that day an offer was accepted, so we didn't.  I commented on wanting to see two more condos in the same general area.  She wanted the addresses and would get back to me.  She didn't.  I contacted her and she apologized saying she was sick.  I added a mobile on my list and explained my financing plan.  This is back around July 4.  Holiday puts everything on hold.  I never heard from her again.  And at this point I'm just done. 
This cute little mobile was on zillow and I contacted the listing agent to see it.  That was my mistake.  She told me a couple of things that needed to be replaced according to the owner of that park.  Then she told me I could get a complete list from the park owner.  Which I then did.  Ha.  As soon as the park owner said siding...I was done.  Siding, skirting, windows, belly wrap stuff, decks, water heater installation, dishwasher installation, a bathroom in the process of being remodeled, repiping, etc. 
Took my viewing to a FSBO and found a great mobile.  Lost it because I will not do a bidding war on a mobile.  Just about done.  Completely.  Stuck. 
Went to an open  house on a mobile that was really just a tad out of my price range.  It was beautiful.  An offer was put on it close to asking and I'm still not having a bidding war.  However that is where I met Samm.  And when I contacted her to see the mobiles in BG she was right on it and there on time.   She restores some of my faith in people in customer service.
The two mobiles I looked at had a little promise, but one still needed a lot of work and the other seemed a little high in price considering how old it was and the remodel that it had....there was flooring on the counters.  So I am still working towards newness. 

Shooting Stars

I could not believe it. There was not a cloud in the sky.  And so the littles and I got to lay out in the backyard for the Perseids Meteor Shower.  The neighbors behind us did not turn on their back portch light this time.  
And it was slow.  We are always early for the best part of it.  But the littles are kids and have to get to bed.  So we laid there and pretty soon they saw one.  Naturally I didn't see it as I was looking in a different direction.  Then we all saw one and then they saw one.  The little woman gave up at that point.  It is hard to lay quiet in the grass when your little brother insists on bugging you.  
The little man and I stayed a bit longer and he managed to see another one.  His total was four.  Hers was three and mine was 1.5.  I'm pretty sure I caught a glimpse of one in my peripheral vision.  They are cool.  I'm glad the littles do like to do some of the stuff I like to do.  

You Mad?

And it seems they were.  Our cats seem to take long weekends in stride.  They don't get mad.  But when we are gone for a week it becomes a different story. 
We were home for a whole day before we even saw them.  And we only saw two.  Turns out after a week we still haven't seen the third one, so I think she has moved on. Either voluntarily or not.  So we have been seeing them and they let us pet them outside and even a little inside, but not overly friendly.
And then last night Sunset finally deemed herself to be over being mad and she came in and slept with us.  Thank goodness. 

Coffee

So the best cup of coffee was from a roadside farmer's market on Maui.  Absolutely delicious.  I wasn't expecting it.  Thought it would just be coffee.  Naturally I did not ask what kind it was.
I found some k-cups that had Hawaiian coffee in them.  Brought them home and they are all right.  Not bad.  But not anywhere near as good as that roadside stand.
Now to be fair.....I had been several days without any coffee when the little woman and I hit that stand.  So it could just be having some coffee.  But I think it was just good coffee.

Zillow

I peruse Zillow all the time looking for that next place to be.  So this wonderful mobile came on.  I went and looked at it and it called to me.  However it also called to some other people.  So their Grandma was there the same time as I was.  She was buying it for them.  And so we went back and forth a couple of times and the Grandma got it. I was not going to do a bidding war for a mobile.  I hope the seller got a good price.  She did not share what the final price to be paid was. 
So it was an up day and a down day.  But there will be more I'm sure.  Just have to keep looking.  And at this point I'm pretty sure that we won't be moving by the time school starts.  :(

Fair Day

We looked at our calender and we looked at the weather forecast.  And today was the perfect day to go to the fair.  First day in years where it wasn't in the 90's when we went. 
We got our milkshakes first thing as there was no line.  Got to like that.  Then we bought wrist bracelets and off they went to do rides.  The littles rode enough rides that more than paid for the three bracelets I bought.  They got face painting done.  They played a couple of games....at $5 a pop.  Yikes.  We had a pretty good lunch. 
By the end I hurt.  Ankles, knees and hips.  The littles were tired but at that antsy stage and not wanting to really leave.  But leave we did.  We had spent eight hours at the fair with the majority of that time being the rides. 
They had a good time and have some new memories. 

Well That Explains That

"Promise you won't be mad."  Oy.  That is a dangerous statement.  So the little man tells me he didn't take his pill the night Grammy was in the ER.  He wanted to stay up and listen to music, so he faked taking it.  I actually thought he took it and that is why he couldn't fall asleep for hours.  That is why I normally try to give him his pill a few hours before bedtime.  But we were at the ER instead and I hadn't refilled my pill bottle for my purse after vacation. 
And then he wasn't super overly aggressive but he was a little bit.  I was watching him at the park and wondering what was up.  He wasn't being as careful with littler kids like he had been.  He got into a wrestling match with some other boys.  The up side was he did stop and followed me when I told him to.  Six months ago that would have been a struggle. 
One day at a time. 

Appointments Cancelled

After we got home last night it took the little man hours to fall asleep.  That means it took me hours to fall asleep.  I woke up at 9:30 and realized we were not going to make the little woman's therapy appointment.  So I called and cancelled her appointment and the little man's appointment with the home specialist.  And then I rejoined the littles in slumber. 
So weird to sleep in till 11.  I haven't done that without being sick in years and years.  Sure hope we get to sleep earlier tonight.   

The Joys of Getting Older

We were at the park burning off a little energy as it cooled down.  My phone rang.  It was where my mom lives.  She had fallen in the dining room and they were sending her to the hospital via the ambulance.  They thought she hit her head but were mostly concerned with her ankle. 
I was almost to Legacy when they called again and said she had been diverted to Southwest.  At least it is just a freeway shot from there. 
I found her.  She was not happy.  Very very unhappy.  They told her she fell and she did not believe them. She was mad at the EMT's for taking her all the way to Skamania County and back.  They had not.  She was sure someone was just padding the bill. 
The doctor wanted her to have a CT scan since she said her head hurt.  Funny how it is only hurting in the spot that she has rubbed raw and kept hairless for a couple of years now.  She also claims that happened from a fall, but she had it before she ever had a fall. 
Then she had a nice wound on her ankle.  I can only think it came from twisting her ankle and somehow catching her shoe.  She received five stitches for that.  She still insisted she did not fall unless I told her so.  She only trusted me.  It is kind of weird not being the person she is mad at. 
Anyway, then we took her home and we came home.  Made for a long night. 

35 Years

Happy anniversary Dave.  We got married 35 years ago today.  And I have felt him the whole last week.  Every time we do something that I know he would have been happy about I see dragonflies.  And we saw several dragonflies at the condo all week. It's the trip we planned to take the littles on. 
Today 35 years ago I married my best friend.  He never faltered in that.  Addiction made a lot of changes over the years, but he was always my steadfast mate.  We always connected.  I have never had another person like that in my life.  I miss him all the time. 
Light and love Dave. 

Best Day On Maui

Amazingly enough the best day on Maui was the day the hurricane went by.  It went to the south of the islands but it brought a good amount of rain.  The island needed the rain and it brought the temperature down to the mid 80's.  It was a great day in the pool after the rain stopped.  The clouds still covered and that kept the temperature down.  It was glorious.  But then I like the rain. 

Last Day

The last day we had to be out of the condo by 11.  And we had to return the rental car by 4:30. First we went down to a little park down the way for some snorkeling.  Pat was the only one who wanted to.  You can see turtles there if you are at the right time.  We were not.  The little woman did get in the water though.  So she did enjoy two trips to the ocean. 
After we left the condo we still had lots of time to kill.   We visited a couple of places and they met a boy from England.  Loved listening to him talk.  He told them how he could converse with dogs and wolves.  They thought that was pretty cool. 
Then we got the rental car back on time and caught the shuttle to the airport.  We spent a good amount of time there and the littles were really pretty good.  We watched planes land and leave.  They found a few kids to play with. 
And then it was time to board the plane and head home.  Good bye Maui.  We had a good time.  Even if a weeks vacation is a bit too long for us. 

Friend

The little woman finally made a friend as we are leaving.  Matilda just got there.  She is from France.  The little woman sure did enjoy the time she had with her.  More pool time and time swimming with Pat.  Kids seem to enjoy pool time with men in the pool. 

Other Things

We didn't spend all our time in the water.  We did find a nice park with a great tree in it for climbing.  We found a big banyan tree in Laihana that they could not climb in.  The little woman thought she could catch a wild chicken, but never managed it.

More Playing

Kids seem to always enjoy being thrown in the pool.  And so Uncle Pat was good for that.  They enjoyed doing cannon balls even though the pool rules said no cannon balls.  They played with other kids.  They got sun burnt and they had fun.  And then we catch the little man watching a movie.  I think all that swimming wore him out.