Blogging by Danz

Back to START

2009-12-07T14:19:00.000-08:00

More from START today! I have been looking forward to more learning all month and I was not let down today. Our theme for this unit is Positive Behavior Support and implementation and Functional Behavior Assessment. All of the information below is pretty much quoted word for word from the PowerPoint presentations so remember this is not my info, it's coming from the great people at START. Oh, and I know this is a TON of info, but this is only scratching the very surface of what we learned today. SO MUCH info we are just inundated with - I love it!

Components of PBS
PREVENT Challenging Behaviors (proactive and frontloading)
-creating supportive environments

TEACH new skills (educational)

TEAM (collaborative) Problem-solving approach
-uses a variety of perspectives
-increase implementation and accountability

DATA-BASED Decision Making
-use of functional behavioral assessment
-using data to guide decision-making

Use of Evidence-Based-Practices (EBPs)

Bear with me here, it gets more interesting and less technical and totally worth the read.

Old thinking Vs. New-Thinking
Old thinking:
views the PERSON as the problem
attempts to FIX the child
emphasizes REDUCING the behavior
relies on NEGATIVE consequences
has expectations of a QUICK fix
designed by an d"EXPERT"

New thinking:
views the ENVIRONMENT&SKILL DEFICIENCY as the problem
adjusts SYSTEMS/SETTINGS & improves skills
emphasizes INCREASING behavior
primarily relies on POSITIVE approaches
goals of SUSTAINED results
focus on TEAM approach

These are the new NON-NEGOTIABLES that our Special Ed Director plans to implement
as Universal supports for students with ASD:
- Visual strategies and supports
- Functional Communication System
- Peer-to peer support
- Accommodations/modifications
- Appropriate adult support (correct use of the Parapro aide)

The best thing I learned today, which I already knew, but want EVERYONE to know, is this:

Consequences do not necessarily mean punishment. And you cannot "punish the Autism out!"

From MBLSI:
The purpose of correcting student misbehavior is to prevent the escalation of problem behaviors while preventing or minimizing rewards for problem behavior.

Functional Behavior Assessment
-Problem-solving process
-Two Promary goals
- Identify variables associated with and influecing the behavior
-predict - ANTECEDENT
-maintain - CONSEQUENCE (reinforcement)
- Determine FUNCTION of the behavior
If we know this, then we can teach a socially appropriate behavior to use in place of it.
- Establishes a foundation for the development of a behavior intervention plan

Understanding behavior
Because ASD kids lack reciprocity, they are not purposefully trying to ruin your day or upset you. If they have reciprocity, likely chances are, they are not on the Spectrum.

All behavior has a function.
Some behaviors are to GET something (positive reinforcement)
Internal: relaxation, self-stimulation, justice/fairnes, sensory input, enjoyment
External: attention, choice, objects, praise, preferred activities
Some behaviors are to AVOID something (negative reinforcement)
Internal: failure, embarassment. boredom, anxiety
External: task, sensory input, peer/teacher, homework, chores

So do we blame the student and absolve ourselves from accountability?
Do their behavior functions mean they are:
manipulative
non-compliant
must be sensory
get attention
they are not motivated
can't have what they want
doesn't WANT to do it
or is that an adult BIAS of their behavior? Ponder that.

Great Resources!

2009-11-25T13:29:00.000-08:00

This was passed on to me by Jessica Crampton, Director of Student Services
Grandville Public Schools. She received it at the November PASE (Parent Advisors of Special Education) meeting. Scroll through to find some really cool learning resources!

http://pase.pbworks.com/November+PASE+Meeting+-+Assistive+Technology+Resources

Recent Photo

2009-11-11T15:43:00.001-08:00

Wow it's been too long!

2009-11-11T13:42:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged in a VERY long time and when I was blogging I really wasn't much for words, but now I have something to talk about! I recently was asked to be a part of this super awesome intensive training course through Grand Valley State University. It is the START Program http://www.gvsu.edu/autismcenter/ which stands for STatewide Autism Resources and Training. If you keep up with me on Facebook at all, I am sure you have seen my status updates about this. Each month from Sept-March, a group of us will get together for 2 full days to learn more about Autism. September was orientation, October was what Autism and Asperger's Syndrome looks like and this month, my favorite, was educational strategies for these kids. Oh, I should mention, I was NOT hand-picked for this - Pieter was. He is our target student and thus I am in the Grandville Schools group. Each group contains different members but for the most part it is like ours: parent, teacher of the student, special ed teacher who may have this child in the resource room for part of the day, OT, speech pathologist, social worker and special ed director for the district.

Wow, that's already more than I wrote for all last year blogging I think! Well maybe not, but these is so much more to come. Try not to get overwhelmed, it's exciting as fireworks!

So like I said, the last two days were all about educational strategies to help these kids work towards independence and socialization - the two most important things they need to learn. Here is a photo of the binder we worked from that had the info JUST for this month's topic.

I should measure it but it is about a 2" binder pretty darn full of GREAT information!

I really wish this training was open to more people, specifically all the teachers my son will ever encounter ;) and all of the parents in my autism support group (hey you MIT ladies, are you reading this?) I'm typing this all up for you!!! So I emailed START and requested permission to blog about the info we are learning and they said GO FOR IT! Just make sure to cite the info that came from them. Well, of course I am MORE than happy to do that. So basically everything from here on out is information that START taught us, not information I wrote or came up with on my own. A few things here and there my group came up with and I'll cite those as they come along but otherwise assume all this great info comes from the AWESOME, AWESOME people at START, and a specific shout out of thanks to Maureen who was our speaker for the last two days. She is HILARIOUS and so creative and has been around the block you might say, with these kids. Our whole group LOVES her.

One of the first things I learned this week was to not sweat the small stuff. To focus on what we want these kids (Pieter in our test case) to be doing at age 21 or 25 or whatever. That the main focus, for any student really, is independence and socialization. What will lead to Pieter's independence and learning correct social behavior.

The second thing that hit me hard was the sensitivity awareness training we "suffered." Again, I cannot stress enough how much I wish EVERYONE knew this info. As parents of special needs kids, I can tell you, almost every time we are in public, we get the disapproving eye from at least one person. One person who has no idea what my kid is dealing with. One person who doesn't know how hard my kid is trying. One person who HAS NO CLUE. I used to dress Pieter in this shirt that said, "I am not tired, it is not a tantrum, I have a sensory processing disorder." Now I just plain tell whomever is disgusted by my parenting, "He has Autism, we are so blessed to have him." And dangit we ARE! I would not trade him for the world, OR CHANGE HIM. What I would change is others around him who can make his life more difficult by not understanding him or caring to.

So back to this sensitivity awareness training. This was great! We had to listen to a spelling test of 15 words muffled through background noise, pencil sharpener noise, kids writing, all of this amplified the way many kids with auditory processing issues hear everyday life. None of my group got all of the words down, let alone spelled them all right. It was very eye-opening. Then we did a timed math test, sitting on our dominant hand and having to write our name on our paper as well. This was even MORE difficult. It made me realize how hard Pieter really does work to TRY to write neatly. A huge number of kids like him have poor handwriting skills no matter how hard they practice.

We learned that in the next 10-15 years handwritten will be outdated. Really, in high school. almost all work is on the computer and printed anyway. So does it REALLY matter if his handwriting isn't perfect? I promise not to give up and helping him practice writing, but for some things, we're implementing new accommodations.

Each target student was given a PTouch labeler that s/he can use for typing out answers and then sticking them on their papers. Easy peasy. And for his journal, where currently each student has a mini composition book, Pieter now has a 3 ring binder where he can type up his journal, print it, and place it in the book. No more pushing and prodding and fighting him over having to write his three sentences just to get it over with. Now he can calming and thoughtfully share his ideas.

More great info from the first day was that these kids really need to start in the general education classrooms as the least restricted environment and then add supports from there. If need be, move back into a resource room for certain periods, but not just throw them all into a self-contained classroom like has been done for so many years. This didn't really apply much to us and Pieter as he doesn't spend any time in the resource room but is functional enough in the gen ed setting to be there full time. But it was interesting information to know. Also, the special ed kids need to be learning the gen ed curriculum. If they need supports, then work in the supports, as many or as few as needed, but teach them real stuff, not just how to sort and count blocks!

For awhile then we spoke about kids who were non-verbal and that didn't really apply to us but if you want more info on that you can mark so in the comments and I can email you. We really were focusing on the high-functioning ASD kids, specifically Pieter.

We then talked about paraprofessionals and when and where they are needed or not needed. Pieter has had a parapro since he was in gen ed in kindergarten (he was in a special ed classroom for PreK.) And, Pieter has had a new parapro each year. As much as we have loved each parapro, we learned it really is a good idea to have them switched often. We don't want the children to become dependent on these great "helper teachers" as Pieter calls them, we want the parapros to promote independence.

OK that is about all I can do for now. Have to finish up dinner for the family. Next subject matter will be the difference between accommodations and modifications and not using these terms interchangeably.

New photos of the kids :)

2009-05-21T10:01:00.001-07:00

New Jewelry 5.10.09

2009-05-10T11:59:00.001-07:00

Necklaces:

Anklets:

Wow I have been lazy!

2009-04-28T12:05:00.000-07:00

I need to keep up better with this! We've had a lot going on the last 3 months, pneumonia, flus, bronchitis, ear infections and ruptures, lots of sick germs. But things are on the upswing now - hopefully!

Today Aubrey (almost 6 years old) is mad at me because I didn't take her to the mall and instead brought Pieter in to the doctor's office as his right ear ruptured. The left ear did last week. Poor buddy. I woke up this morning to this:

Later this was found on her bed....

New Pieces

2009-02-02T16:44:00.001-08:00

Anklets and More

2009-01-23T08:26:00.001-08:00

New Jewels

2008-12-29T15:42:00.000-08:00

I have not been in the jewelry-making spirit for awhile but here are a few things I have made lately.

Snowstorm

2008-12-29T15:40:00.001-08:00

Hey we had a snowstorm. Surprised? Not us, we do live in Michigan after all. But look at Pete's car!

Working on Christmas pics

2008-11-22T12:27:00.001-08:00

Coming soon on Necessitae.com

2008-11-13T12:30:00.000-08:00

More Leaf Photos!

2008-11-12T11:11:00.001-08:00

Family Visit

2008-11-12T07:09:00.000-08:00

We recently celebrated Thanksgiving a little early. Gary and Rachel, and Jen and Johannes with Little Hannes came to visit. We were sad that Traynor and Tricia and T4 couldn't make it, but maybe in the spring. Otherwise I will just have to fly out there to meet my newest nephew.

Halloween

2008-11-07T10:47:00.000-08:00

It's Definitely Fall

2008-10-30T11:15:00.001-07:00

Haven't Made Much Jewelry Lately but here are a few

2008-10-27T18:29:00.001-07:00

Jacob and Molly

2008-10-18T08:45:00.001-07:00

Our friends :)

Micah and Molly

2008-10-17T12:34:00.000-07:00

Aubrey

2008-10-17T08:45:00.000-07:00

Jewels 9.28.08

2008-09-28T12:59:00.000-07:00

Our One Day Pet - George

2008-09-24T16:12:00.001-07:00

2008-09-24T15:49:00.000-07:00

...Jewelry of course

2008-09-18T10:47:00.000-07:00

More Jewels ... Bored Yet?

2008-09-07T07:49:00.000-07:00

Back to School

2008-09-02T12:02:00.000-07:00

Pieter in 1st Grade, Aubrey in kindergarten and Micah in preschool!

Camping 2008!

2008-08-30T18:49:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun camping at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park! Hoping to visit many more times.

New Photos of the Kiddos

2008-08-30T18:30:00.000-07:00

More New Jewels

2008-08-30T18:12:00.000-07:00

On a Roll...

2008-08-24T16:59:00.000-07:00

I have been on a creative roll this week. I think I am making up for lost time in July when I hardly made anything. Boy did I miss this!

More Jewels...

2008-08-18T17:23:00.000-07:00

More Summer Photos

2008-08-18T11:56:00.000-07:00

Pieter and Micah with Minnie

2008-08-16T16:23:00.001-07:00

I'm back!

2008-08-13T17:34:00.000-07:00

Don't these squarish pendants rock? They were made with Scrabble tiles by Mark and Stefani of HomeStudio on Etsy. It only took one order and I was addicted to them. I love them!

Did you miss me in July? Doubtful since I have all of maybe 5 readers ha ha but anyway, I am back and here are some new jewels I have made.

Micah and Minnie

2008-08-13T11:26:00.000-07:00

Introducing... Minnie!

2008-08-12T14:13:00.001-07:00

Our newest family member :)

New Pieces

2008-07-01T16:24:00.000-07:00

We had the cousins over!

2008-06-26T13:52:00.000-07:00

We spent the afternoon in the sun with our cousins and had a great time! Here are some photos!

And Micah got a new haircut too :)

Mom Goes Banzai!

2008-06-06T14:37:00.000-07:00

Another Banzai video:

http://doodles.thoughtline.com/videos/waterslidemomandmicah.wmv

Banzai!

2008-06-02T13:23:00.000-07:00

When we got home from the YMCA today, Pete said, "let's buy a waterslide." Huh? Yes a waterslide. So we did. Happy Summer kiddos! It almost dwarfs our backyard and doesn't look right behind our little house, but our kids are loving it and it should be great OT for the boys this summer. Also a fun place for neighbor kids to play :)

And a video:

http://doodles.thoughtline.com/videos/banzaislide.wmv

Beach Pictures

2008-05-26T14:17:00.001-07:00

Just because there were a lot, I put them in a new post :)

Whew What a Weekend!

2008-05-26T13:46:00.000-07:00

Let's see, Memorial Day weekend FLEW by! Friday Pete took the day off and we went to a park to play and then out to eat. Then he took Pieter and Aubrey fishing and Micah and I napped.

Saturday we had Pete's mom, his brother Kevin and his wife Angela and our nephew Connor come over to test our our new charcoal grill/smoker. Mmmmmm

Sunday we drove to Gun Lake where we fished and swam. Pieter caught his first fish and did so wonderfully. Then we grilled again - well smoked - delicious pork shoulder.

Monday we fished, swam, napped and played in the backyard. Busy but memorable!

Pieter's First Play

2008-05-26T13:39:00.000-07:00

Video:
http://doodles.thoughtline.com/videos/PietersFirstPlay.wmv

Pieter was the narrator! Sitting with him is Linda, his inclusion aide. We LOVE her and so does Pieter. She is amazing as you can see. Pieter did so well and everyone loved him. He was a knight in the second play.

Pieter Did GREAT at Field Day!

2008-05-26T13:31:00.001-07:00

Pieter had Field Day on Tuesday and Thursday during gym class. They decided it was easier on the kindergarten kids to do it that way. He had a blast and we were so proud.

Video of the Tire Relay
http://doodles.thoughtline.com/videos/TireRelayPieter.wmv

Aubrey Graduated Preschool

2008-05-26T06:10:00.001-07:00

Not that we are shocked or anything. We have some smart cookie kiddos definitely. But can you believe my little redhead is starting kindergarten in the fall? Wowee!

Video Links:
Walking in
http://www.dropshots.com/danzarooni#date/2008-05-26/08:10:51

Singing
http://www.dropshots.com/danzarooni#date/2008-05-26/08:33:33

Another Song
http://www.dropshots.com/danzarooni#date/2008-05-26/08:39:18

Pieter Joined her on Stage (all the older siblings did)
http://www.dropshots.com/danzarooni#date/2008-05-26/08:43:33

Diploma Time!
http://www.dropshots.com/danzarooni#date/2008-05-26/08:55:48

Redoing the Backyard

2008-05-26T06:07:00.000-07:00

Time for change! I tore down the rotten fence with a hammer and my bare hands - yes pride again - and busted out all the rusty nails so we could use the boards as firewood on my new firepit. Lots of work yet to go on the backyard but it is looking a lot nicer :)

Working out Like Mad

2008-05-16T19:13:00.000-07:00

Not so many posts from me lately - why? Because I have been working out at the YMCA Mon-Sat 45 minutes a day. I am pretty darn proud of myself, especially of Wednesday when I did 4.5 miles and burned 600 calories on the crossramp. My new favorite workout. I am alternating between the treadmill, the elliptical and the crossramp now. I haven't lost even one pound in the 4 weeks I have been doing this - I actually gained 4! But I hear it is all muscle so we'll see. I am definitely NOT giving it up. I am enjoying the workout with my iPod, the quiet shower with no kids screaming and knowing they are having fun in the KidZone. It's totally win-win even if I lose no weight (tho I am trying for 20 lbs.)

Going Green

2008-05-16T19:11:00.000-07:00

Well we cloth-diapered the kids, we used cloth tissues, and now we bought... a cordless battery-powered mower and weed whacker. Yes, we are hippie greenies and proud of it! Actually they are so cool! Easy to use, easy to charge and work awesome. You should check them out. We got a Black and Decker weed whacker and a Homelite (Home Depot) mower.

My Scarf

2008-05-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

I am knitting again just for my own relaxation. I just knit a Prayer Shawl for my grandmother and will photograph it soon. Right now I am working on this scarf, which I knit using some awesome Cilantro yarn. It was $7.95 per 50gm ball so it's a $24 scarf and it is super simple but it is mindless knitting and enjoyable for getting back into knitting. I made up the (super extra baby simple) pattern myself.

Pieter's FauxHawk

2008-05-13T10:53:00.000-07:00

We did it just for fun on Saturday but now he wants it that way every day ha ha!

Jerri's Custom Order

2008-05-08T18:52:00.000-07:00

First Try/Second Try

An Amethyst anklet, Amethyst and Moonstone necklace, and a Carnelian necklace :)

Happy Birthday Aubrey, from all of us to You!

2008-05-01T11:42:00.000-07:00

Aubrey got her own Fisher Price digital camera for her birthday. Here she is being goofy in her crown from preschool. Also her taking a photo of the dollhouse gifts she got from Uncle Traynor, Auntie Tricia, Uncle Gary and Auntie Rachel - they go together and she loves them! THANK YOU!
.

Oh What a Night!

2008-04-30T08:53:00.000-07:00

Friday night, we were going to take Aubrey and 3 of her best friends to Libby Lu http://www.clublibbylu.com/ - her choice for a birthday party. Unfortunately one friend was sick and I just took 3 girls to the mall. About halfway through our session of makeup and hair, Aubrey's best friend, Emmaleigh, had a seizure. She let her head back, screamed, and then her eyes rolled back into her head. She couldn't respond to me for almost 2 minutes. I called 911, Pete, Emmaleigh's mom and held her trying to get her attention. She then threw up and came to a little bit but was very lethargic and out of it. An ambulance and Em's mom came and they took Em to the hospital. She'd doing ok now but they are not sure what happened so they will be doing an EKG and EEG to see if they can find anything. All prayers for this little 4.5 year old sweetie are much appreciated!
Here is Em, with Aubrey opening her gift.

And a post-makeover shot of Aubrey and Lauren... (yes EEK!)

http://crackle.com/c/Flip_Video/Apr_26_2008_VID00043/2267281#tra=clickthrough&cmp=taf

Pete Sent me 100 Roses

2008-04-30T08:38:00.001-07:00

Yes, there really are 100 blooms throughout this vase. It is hard to tell from the shots. I am still shocked!

A Video - Aubrey and Micah Sing the ABC Song

2008-04-30T08:37:00.000-07:00

This turned out really cute :)
http://crackle.com/c/Flip_Video/Mar_10_2008_VID00011/2267276#tra=clickthrough&cmp=taf

Poor Micah is Having Such a Rough Time

2008-04-29T14:02:00.001-07:00

He's really going off the deep end lately. Thank God Pete took him for a few minutes and is trying to make him happy with tickles and cuddles. It's not working but a few minutes with no whining in my ear is nice.
Now Micah:
won't walk on rugs in the house, only the floors, won't wear short sleeve shirts of shorts, wants his elbows and knees covered, had to wear a hood or hat any time he goes outside, only can drink from blue cups, can only hold one hand when walking, not 2 (mommy on one side, kids on other), can't stand his head washed, can't stand any even medium loud noises, often when he is upset says, "I can't hear anything" or "I can't see anything" and a whole list of stuff. Transitions are hard, any change at all throws him for a total loop. We are on a waiting list to get him tested for autism like Pieter but it is the busiest time of year and it could be a bit. My poor baby is having it so rough :(

Mother's Day is Coming

2008-04-14T16:57:00.000-07:00

Some recent customs

4 Years!

2008-04-13T11:44:00.000-07:00

Four years ago this month I began making jewelry for friends. I can't believe how much I enjoy it and I am pretty proud of the fun pieces I have come up with. I plan to stock all of these pieces by the end of the month, to celebrate my anniversary!

Twinkies!

2008-04-09T07:13:00.000-07:00

Aubrey LOVES to match clothes with me, and I love my patchwork pants. So these were made by Aly of Kreative Mindz, custom for us. We are twins! :)

New Family Photos!

2008-04-04T13:31:00.001-07:00

Been Busy!

2008-04-01T17:44:00.000-07:00

Latest Jewels

2008-03-24T12:14:00.000-07:00

I'm Still Alive

2008-03-22T14:33:00.000-07:00

Just busy with "stuff." :) Hope to be posting more pics soon :)

I Need to Stop Feeling Sorry for Myself

2008-03-11T15:13:00.000-07:00

I've been following this blog for awhile, and a link on it to this blog challenged other moms to write a list of things we're looking forward to Tricia being able to do. Here's mine, counting my blessings as I go.\

Great moments as a parent:

Cleaning up endless toys just to find the last room you cleaned already looks like a tornado hit again.
Finding your 6-year-old trying to get out of bedtime by reading in the bathroom (since she's allowed to go pee)
The first time your child dials a random phone number on accident.
Telling your child how sweet and kind they are as they thank you and begin picking boogers.

I am definitely one lucky mama!

Still Feeling Like Crap

2008-03-10T15:10:00.000-07:00

Nothing new. Not much to say. I'm still sick, sore throat, exhausted. Too bad life doesn't stop. I haven't made any new jewelry to post.

I had a parent/teacher conference for Aubrey at preschool yesterday. They said she is definitely ready for Kindergarten in the fall. I am very proud of her! They said she excels in her manners and self-confidence.

I have Mono

2008-03-06T13:19:00.001-08:00

Explains a lot, doesn't it? *yawn* I am blaming Pete. :)

Slow Going

2008-03-05T17:43:00.000-08:00

Not much new to say lately. Aubrey is eating a little better and that is great! I think I have strep throat and have been taking it pretty easy. I made a few more pieces tonight to stock on http://www.hyenacart.com/RetroFemme on Friday night and one custom.

Not Sure What to do with Aubrey Lately

2008-03-03T12:12:00.000-08:00

She has decided she will only eat a handful of foods like mac and cheese, spaggetiOs (ew) and cereal. Or sweets of course. But we are not allowing this as healthy stuff for her. It's ok for once in awhile but not every day.

Example: Last night at dinner I made taco salad. She sat and screamed (literally) for about 10 minutes about it. I finally got her to stick some in her mouth and she just sat there with it in her mouth, screaming. She only had maybe 4 more bites in her bowl but WOULD NOT eat it and spit out the bite in her mouth. She kept saying, "yuck" and got Micah saying "yuck." This is almost every single night at dinner time lately and I just don't know what to do anymore. We have been trying to eat a lot more healthy lately but not crazily so and she is fighting it tooth and nail. After we talked I told her that would be her meal until she ate it. If she didn't eat it for dinner, it would be breakfast. No other food until she finished it. So she threw it across the table onto the floor.

I took away every toy in her room and locked them up and put her to bed (an hour early.) HELP?!?!

Today she just got home from school and first thing asked for a treat. I told her she could have a snack but not a sweet treat. I offered her Chex Mix which she enjoys. She cried and wanted blueberry muffins to which I said that was okay and she ate that and then asked for sweets again. I said no, no more food until dinner. She first crawled up onto the counter to get something anyway and I told her to get down and go into her room for a time out. She started screaming more and is now there. I am just at a loss.

About her toys, I told her she could earn one box back for every day she ate all of her meals well. One box = all her My Little Ponys or all of her Polly Pockets etc. I am afraid she won't be earning any back tonight as we are having rice, tilapia and a fresh vegetable salad.

On the Upswing

2008-02-28T11:40:00.000-08:00

We're FINALLY getting over this nasty flu and feeling better. I actually drove today and took both Aubrey and Micah to the store while Pieter was at school. Yay! I still feel ok too. :) I did take an Ultram this morning but doing ok on that.

Here are some latest pieces, 2 customs and one to stock.

SO SICK!

2008-02-22T08:29:00.000-08:00

Pieter is better but Aubrey, Micah and I have influenza. Coughing, fevers, body aches, fatigue, runny noses. And Micah has been throwing up. We're all weak and exhausted. Just praying Pete doesn't get sick because he has been doing a great job of caring for us!

And the Verdict is...

2008-02-20T09:12:00.000-08:00

Yippee, hooray, YES! The bone growth inside my titanium rods looks AWESOME, exactly as it should. I get to continue weaning out my brace and strengthening my back muscles by doing so. We will not start PT as that could actually make me backslide a bit he said, but I can swim and walk and do a treadmill or elliptical machine. So we are looking into getting a YMCA membership. I am down to 1 Vicodin a day and as soon as I use those up we are going to try Ultram. I have tried to go med-free a few days and every time I seem to be in quite a bit of pain, but 1 Vicodin is doing it for me so that is good. We'll see how the Ultram goes and go from there. He was surprised how much arthritis I have in my SI joints (think the joint inside each buttock) and I am having more pain in those areas than in my disc area (woo hoo!) I never knew you could see arthritis on Xrays and MRIs but it showed right up he said.

Anyway, great news! I have my next appt on May 19 which will be 6 months post op and I should be able to be pretty much at normal by then. If I have pain still, we will do some PT, otherwise I can get back to my regularly-scheduled crazy life!

Date Night!

2008-02-18T09:30:00.000-08:00

We finally got a date night and went out on Saturday to Kobe Japanese Steakhouse. It was entertainment and food in one, and I highly recommend it :) http://www.kobesteakhouse.com/ It was a bit different to sit at a table with 8 other people we did not know, but the food and atmosphere were otherwise enjoyable.

Fun in the Snow

2008-02-15T11:44:00.001-08:00

Update on Pieter

2008-02-15T08:35:00.000-08:00

Pete took him to the pediatrician for the results of his bladder and kidney ultrasound today. They also did another urinalysis and the urinary tract infection is still all better (which is great!) Unfortunately the ultrasound showed an enlargement near the right kidney and blockage there. The pediatrician is unsure exactly what that means or what to do about it, so we have been referred to a pediatric urologist. They are pretty hard to get into and the first opening was April 2. So obviously he is not in immediate danger or anything. We'll make sure to let you know when we know more.

A Custom I am Working on

2008-02-14T15:34:00.001-08:00

I really like it!

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T15:28:00.000-08:00

It was a long day for Micah who fell asleep on the couch at 5... uh oh!

And Pete shaved his 2 weeks of a beard into a goatee because I asked him to. But I am sure he'll shave it back clean tomorrow. He doesn't like it.

Thanks Ivar!

2008-02-12T09:52:00.000-08:00

The kiddos LOVE their football shirts. So thoughtful of you! They like to play it in the house tho... Anything you can do about that? ha ha ha

A New Piece for Today

2008-02-11T17:48:00.000-08:00

I am pretty proud of it and have to decide whether to keep it or sell it :)

Feb 11 is Finally Here!

2008-02-11T11:43:00.001-08:00

But thanks to an insane amount of snow we have been getting lately as well as below zero temps, my doctor appt today was postponed until next Wed, Feb 20. Which will interestingly enough, be just a few days after the 1 year anniversary of my hurting my back shoveling snow. Oh the irony!

But here is the good news... I told the nurse on the phone point blank, "darn Ang, I was hoping to hear I could stop wearing this brace." She said, "well maybe you can , let me check your chart." She's a NP, so she can make SOME calls for me, which is nice. She said I could start weaning down on the brace, have it off 1-2 hours today and see how I do, same tomorrow, then the next two days 3-4 hours off etc. Then report to the dr next Wed at my appt how that is going/went. So not horrible news even though I don't get to go see my back xray and know for sure. Hey, it's possible I could even have to wear it 3 more months, but at least for today I get it off for 1-2 hours or until it hurts if that comes first. Pray for good here!

Oh, and before I knew I was not going to my appt, I was getting all dolled up to leave the house, and Aubrey wanted to as well. So here is a great photo of us ;)

BUMMER!

2008-02-09T14:56:00.000-08:00

We had plans to go out this afternoon and evening and just spend time the two of us. But our babysitter called last minute and said she was worried about the snow that was coming (a whole 2 inches!) and canceled. Guess what? It is 6pm and not a flake has fallen. I am so sad! I just wanted to do something special for our anniversary. 10 years is huge! Our friends went to Mexico. I am so bummed.

Wow 10 Years!

2008-02-08T05:56:00.000-08:00

So the 5 of you, or so, who read my blog know by now that I don't sit and write long, drawn-out posts of my life. You just get short snippets and lots of photos. Hope that's ok!

Yesterday was the 10 year anniversary of Peter and I getting married. Wow! NOW I feel old... Photos of then and now:

Latest Project Photos!

2008-02-06T15:26:00.000-08:00

Previewing things to come :)

I meant to post these photos earlier

2008-02-05T15:27:00.000-08:00

Some photos of my newly-converted "beading room" which used to be our guest room, as my family can tell :)

Grumpy Today

2008-02-03T11:49:00.000-08:00

I am sure the biggest part of it is that Micah woke up at 5am, asking for socks... But *yawn* I am sooooo grumpy today! And that alone is depressing me. Add that I have 5 orders to work on, Pieter's hard drive crashed :( and it's only 13 months old, and I didn't take any pain meds this morning = not a good combination! Just one week from tomorrow is my 3 month post op checkup, when they really would love me to be off all meds. But I am hurting still and taking it once a day in the morning. Around about 4-5pm I definitely hurt enough to take it again but push through the pain counting the hours down until bedtime.

Ahhhhhhhhhhh! Is it bedtime yet? Ugh, no it is only 3pm.

So there is my whine for today! enjoy...

Happy February!

2008-02-01T06:48:00.000-08:00

I spent a lot of last evening making jewelry for some custom orders :) I have enjoyed journaling on here what I make, as I make it, so here are a few of the items :)

Shots from today

2008-01-31T10:43:00.000-08:00

Can you believe tomorrow is February already? I cannot. It seems like January just started! But, as you can tell from my last post, I am definitely ready for spring any minute now.

Daddy brought home gifts from Chicago for all three of the kids. Pieter was overjoyed with three new workbooks, and Micah with a kazoo. Aubrey received a craft photo frame that she will be able to decorate with Daddy and put up in her room. So today we took photos to put in it. Let me tell you, it was only a minor struggle to get the little princess NOT to wear her play makeup for the photo shoot, nor her plastic play shoes, or her hand-chosen un-matching outfit. But now I wonder if I should have just let her be and shot her like that. Oh well, another day. She's certainly not changing any time soon! :)

So here are the photos. She decided on the one with her brothers in the shot too, and is quite happy with it.

It's been a long day

2008-01-28T19:06:00.000-08:00

From Norah Jones CD:
Feeling tired
By the fire
The long day is over

The wind is gone
Asleep at dawn
The embers burn on

With no reprise
The sun will rise
The long day is over

http://youtube.com/watch?v=S22n1VVZ6g8

Photo taken by me, this morning.

Enjoy the listen, it's helping ME relax at least. One more day with no husband at home, and finally, after almost 2 years of him working out of state Monday-Friday, Pete will be home. ALL THE TIME. Working from home. (shh, I am a little worried about this lol) but oh so happy!

Is winter over yet?

Monday Monday

2008-01-21T06:59:00.000-08:00

First off, Pieter is feeling a bit better today, and is kind of happy there is no school as he gets a bit more computer time that way. ;) Lucky boy. I am anxious to hear what the culture results tell us.

Secondly, I took some new shots for my Facebook page now that I am another year older. I do that about once a year so help me decide which is best?

And one last photo, showing off my turtle shell brace, which I cannot WAIT to stop wearing 24/7!!

Third, I got my birthday gift from Pete - a BRAND new laptop battery, which is EXACTLY what I wanted! My old one was having issues and out of warranty, only down to lasting 30 min and wouldn't recalibrate. So this new 8 cell lithium has so far lasted over 3 hours this morning and still says 57 minutes remaining! Wowza!

Super special news saved for last, I was graciously invited to join one of the most talented group of work-at-home-moms on the 'net, the other two most talented I am already a part of ;) This amazing group of moms is located at http://randomeclipse.com/ You'll have to watch for our next stocking. Only rare, limited edition items will be listed there, unlike any pieces we list elsewhere. I was shocked to be invited to join them but am feeling mighty proud ;)

And of course don't forget my other great groups of wahms: http://www.hyenacart.com/eclectic-earth stocking 1/22 at 8pm Eastern and
http://www.hyenacart.com/retrofemme stocking 1/25 at 10pm Eastern

Poor Pieter

2008-01-19T19:36:00.000-08:00

Poor Pieter had to come home early from school yesterday and head to the doctor as he has some sort of infection - leukocytes in his urine - we'll have more results on Monday. But he is so sad and not feeling well and I feel awful for him. And even worse, he lost 5 lbs! :( and is down to 45lbs. That is 30th percentile :( Down from 90th, then 75th, he just keeps losing :(

So Proud - I Stood up for Myself (and it paid off!)

2008-01-18T05:23:00.000-08:00

Last night I was ordering some beads from a fairly large supplier who, as I checked out, I learned had changed their shipping policies substantially, making it not cost effective at all to order from them any more. At first I just started looking elsewhere for beads, but then I decided to email them.

I have to say I am saddened by your new policies and the $5 handling charge for orders less than $50. I have ordered from you quite a few times and have sent many customers your way for more beads, but with these new overwhelming shipping fees, your prices are no longer better or even comparable to other online retailers. In fact, another shop I rarely purchased from has just reduced it's $50 small order limit to $25. And their handling charge was only $2.50 before.

I thought you would like to know what your customers think about your new prices, and why some of your business might be dropping off.

Thank you,
Danielle
Design Artist ~ DoodlesJewels.com
http://www.doodlesjewels.com

I was pleasantly surprised when I had an email reply from them in my inbox:

Dear Danielle,

Thank you very much for your feedback. We have changed the requirement to $25 and the handling fee to $2.5. If you have any questions, please let us know.

Regards,

Isn't that amazing? I so rarely ever stand up for myself, and when I do it seems to backfire. I am so happy about this I had to share. I immediately placed my order with this company as my order was already $30, and emailed them a thank you and that I will be back. WOW!

You say it's your birthday!

2008-01-17T16:14:00.000-08:00

I say it's MY birthday too ooo! I am singing and my day got better. It didn't help that Micah had gotten up for the day at 5:30am. Blech. But friends came over at 10 with a huge frosted cookie that said, "Happy Birthday Danielle" and chatted for awhile. Then my cousin and kids brought over lunch around noon - from my favorite sandwich shop! And my mom helped with the kids as she has so wonderfully done for my weeks of recovery now and I took a nap from 1-4pm! Needless to say, I felt much better, although a bit disoriented, when they woke me up. A great friend from church brought us enough dinner for an army - pot roast, carrots, potatoes, mm my faves, and squash, fruit salad and a homemade angel food cake (also my fave!) with whipped cream. After dinner my mom and dad came over and we ate the cake with fresh strawberries on top. Now it's 7:20, the kids are in the tub (as I sit here watching them on my handy dandy laptop) and they will be in bed soon and I plan to zone out on a book or watching tv and knitting. A surprise birthday gift is coming in the mail from Pete, and I have no clue what it could be, but I am excited he will be home tomorrow and just a few more weeks of him working in Chicago before he will have a home office and work from here ALL THE TIME! YeHA!

A MUCH better day that I had even let myself hope for! Here's to being 31!

31

2008-01-17T06:29:00.000-08:00

Officially "in my thirties" today. Wow. I still feel about 18 other than my energy level. Birthdays are not so special when you are the adult, which is really a bummer. But I am happy to have my kids surrounding me in love today, and enjoying their company, and the warmth of our house. Maybe the sun will come out and my mood will change to match it. Come on spring!

dumb. dumb. dumb.

2008-01-15T15:18:00.000-08:00

Remember how I hadn't taken my painkillers in days? Well my smart mom asked me if I was going for a medal or something. Really I was just trying to be done with them, but this morning when I woke up I really could hardly move for a few minutes. I hurt so bad. I finally got up enough energy to get out of bed, even though it hurt so badly, and took a Vicodin. Only one today though. I could take another now, am hurting again, but not as badly as this morning and I figure weaning down to one a day is good for now. I am a month out from my next (3 month post op) appt anyway which would be the earliest they would see enough bone growth to ditch the brace, start PT and be done with pain meds. So I am stopping trying to prove something, at least for now. I am jut so tired of not being able to say I am doing awesome when people ask!

Latest Jewels

2008-01-14T17:50:00.000-08:00

My current project is converting some jewelry into pieces the owner will actually wear. She sent me 8 or so necklaces and so far here is what I have created that we both like :)

And here is a piece I did in 24kt gold and Swaroski crystals for a friend's mother. It shows the mother and father's birthstones on the outside, my friend and her siblings as the middle sizes and the grandkids in the middle :)

Over 72 hours drug free!

2008-01-14T05:56:00.000-08:00

Yes, that is right! I haven't taken any Vicodin since Friday morning at 7am! Now,don't get me wrong, I am in an ok amount of pain - maybe a 5 on the pain scale - but I am making it with no narcotics! I have taken Tylenol once and might again this morning but I am trying to hold off. I have been feeling so darn exhausted, I wondered if some could still be from the meds. Though I have been on them almost a year now. I hurt my back last Feb so about 11 months. YUCK! I don't seem to have any more energy since stopping the Vicodin, but I am pretty proud of myself for dealing with the pain without meds. A nurse friend of mine told me I was pretty much a wimp when it came to pain LoL so I took matters into my own hands and weaned cold turkey. I was only taking one Vicodin (5/500 - the lowest dose ones) at breakfast and one around 4pm so it wasn't crazy but still! Be proud of me, willya? I am! Now back to laying down *yawn*

Cute Kids

2008-01-09T13:48:00.000-08:00

Look who I found snuggled in Pieter's top bunk yesterday :)

Not Much New Here

2008-01-07T18:35:00.001-08:00

Trying to take it easy when I can, slowly but surely healing. I am horribly tired lately so we're going to do some bloodwork to check my hemoglobin levels.

Snow Day

2008-01-03T13:49:00.000-08:00

Aubs and Micah in the snow. Pieter hasn't wanted to go out in it lately and I cannot say I blame him ;)

Aubs and Micah in the snow. Pieter hasn't wanted to go out in it lately and I cannot say I blame him ;)

More Jewels

2008-01-03T13:41:00.000-08:00

A few more items I have made lately :)