The Cabbage Patch

7 Quick Takes ~ Austim Awareness

One

I grieve occasionally.  At times I might even get jealous.  Jealous, but not so that I wish others didn't have it.  Of what you might wonder.  Well, conversation.  I want to hold a conversation with my son.  A real one.  Okay, well all of ours are real.  I want to talk about him.  Not about facts.  Not about trivia.  Him.  I want to know how he is.  What he's thinking.  Everything.  I read books with sons as characters.  I want those types of conversations.  I wonder if I'll ever get them.  Then I feel badly because, well, my son is verbal.  There are many who are not.  Don't get me wrong.  We do speak and have conversations.  But, I'd really like to delve deeper with him.  Because he truly is a neat and interesting character.  He's funny.  

Two

Baseball.  Wow.  He's playing well.  However, he won't start.  And, because of his age, he is not in the recreation league where everyone HAS to play.  I hope he gets a shot.  I want this to be a good experience for him.  He got one of the better coaches.  He is suited to coach a guy like Brother.  The other coaches are pretty hardcore.  The other teams even have a team shout out after practice.  Not Brother's.  Unless they developed one since last week.  Oh, he's playing as a Ranger.  I'm so happy he's not a Yankee.  It'd be hard to cheer for the team.  

Three

School.  We are constantly working on reading with him.  He can't comprehend much in the way of a story.  He reads facts and will remember them.  Great mind and memory there.  However, give him a story, and he gets lost.  Sometimes he gets lost reading.  The words I think are too much on that page.  Also, he can't make a picture in his head so following what's happened is difficult.  He also can't pick out the main idea so every detail is important.  When everything seems important, it's hard to follow a storyline.

Four

Piano.  He loves music.  It is one of the few things that actually calms him.  He needs to listen to it at high volume.  I try not to wince at the damage I'm sure it's causing his hearing.  He plays the piano well if not always with the proper placement.  He tends to remember music instead of following the sheet music.  I think he tends to lose his place.  It's about the same as reading a book.

Five

Math.  Sigh.  He's behind in math.  But, he's doing well at what he is learning.  And, I'm pleased.  I want him to be able to write smaller when he does math, but he says he can't see the numbers.  It's not that he can't see the numbers.  I think it's that his brain doesn't process it well when he looks at a column of numbers.  So, he needs to write big.  Well, that's an easy accommodation.

Six

College.  Will he go?  He wants to.  I really wish the local Texas A&M Central Texas campus would have an autism center of sorts.  This area has a lot of special needs children.  I think it would be so nice that have that available so that he can live with us and attend college.  These are all things that are looming in the future.  Near more than far.  How did that happen?  

Seven

My dream.  My dream is that he will live independently.  Okay, here's my real big dream.  I want to buy a big-ish piece of land.  Build a house on it.  Then build a smaller house on it for Brother.  He can be independent but near.  I've heard of high functioning adults with autism doing this.  They're independent but close by to family so they can be watched over.  

I need to win the lottery...

7 Quick Takes ~ When It Rains It Pours Edition

One

Rain.  I've been loving the rain.  However, I was a bit annoyed with it when it arrived on Wednesday, the day after I had 6 cubic yards of topsoil delivered.  Perhaps I should've waited to have it delivered.  Luckily, my dad was still around and we were able to cover it with tarp.  I don't think we lost but a handful.  

Two

So, on Tuesday night, I went into the garage.  It must've been the blessed silence in there, but I heard a drip.  A drip...drip...drip.  I feared looking in the corner.  But, I had to.  Alas, it was the hot water heater.  Darn!  The plumber came out.  The hot water heaters are under warranty.  I guess I'll be getting the same kind.  But, do I want to?  Well, I don't really have a choice as I don't necessarily want to shell out more money than I have to.  So, almost $800 to install the water heaters.  Did I mention I have two?

Three

Thursday night.  The refrigerator.  Darn it.  

Four

Gas prices keep rising.  I'm not pleased.  That means EVERYTHING will go up.  And, they say the economy is getting better?  Really?  Because I'm not seeing it.  Even here where the economy must be pretty good as a great deal of the citizens are employed via the armed services.  Ben makes a decent amount of money.  But, I'm getting stressed.

Five

I need a vacation.  It's no longer a want.  I NEED a vacation.  Beach anyone?  But, see above.  How will we afford it?  

Six

I'm afraid to find out what else will break.  I shouldn't ask.

Seven

Hunger Games.  Have you seen it?  It was awesome.  I had some issues with it.  Main one?  These people are supposed to be half starved.  None of them looked half starved.  Isn't that one of the big points of the book?  Keep them hungry and control them with food.

7 Quick Takes

One

We went strawberry picking at Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls.  We left at 7:30 arrived at the farm at 9 and finished picking by 10:30.  There have been some  years where we don't even finish one box in an hour because there weren't any strawberries.  One time we had only the bottom layer filled in.  I think that was the year Pumpkin was a toddler.  We have all matured and grown since then.  

Two

Our spring performance season is about heat up.  I've started working on patterns.  I know the girls are very excited to find out what they will be.  The name of the show is "The True Jewel".  As always I know it will be spectacular.  It will be bittersweet as we are losing many of the company girls and friends to PCS (permanent change of station) moves.  

Three

Ben received a Bronze Star last week.  It is the 4th highest military honor.  We are all very proud of him and were happy that his mom flew in for the award's ceremony.  The children all had a great time with Gramma.  A very good, fun visit as always.  

Four

As we were driving away from Marble Falls, Brother asked if PFC Payton Jones was famous.  We told him that sadly, no.  Then he asked what famous meant.  Ben replied that famous is when lots of people know who you are.  So, my first thought was, well, why isn't he?  Why don't we know his name?  Why did I not know that he was one of the two soldiers killed by an Afghan soldier they were mentoring when that soldier turned a weapon on them?  Instead, all we hear about is that woman.  That person who elected to go out in public to talk about her personal life.  It's an upside down world we live in.  This young man was 19.  My heart just hurts for his family.  I had to fight the urge to kneel right there and sob.  As it was I was weeping quietly.  

Five

The Patriot Guard rode as an escort for the return of PFC Jones.  I really love these volunteers.  They ride at the invitation of the families.  They were there at the funeral of my friend, Dave.  That awful "church" group was there as well yelling during the funeral.  Someone came out with hymnals and they sang to drown out them out.  When I read that I became an instant fan although I would've been a big fan anyway for what they do.

Six

Brother is going to play baseball at the local rec center.  I'm very nervous for him.  His love of baseball came from nowhere last year and it's been going strong.  I'm not worried about his skills because I know he can catch and throw.  I'm worried about him socially.  Prayers (for me and him)?

Seven

Pumpkin has a stye the size of a pea.  It's awful.  I'm waiting for it to pop.  Ewww....she's still really cute though.

7 Quick Takes

One

My mind is filled with tutus.  Ideas for bodices and decorations.  Styles of bodices.  Fabrics.  

Two

One of my favorite cooking shows is "Worst Cooks".  Oh, my goodness.  I'm not a great cook but a not a bad one.  Makes me feel better.  It's awful, but...

Three

I'm an alum of Boston University.  I recently learned that the hockey team has been working to raise money for autism awareness.  Their uniforms have a blue puzzle piece on their shoulders.  I am so proud of them.

Four

I have to say, I love Texas weather.  At least in the winter.  It was 86 degrees Thursday.  Short sleeves!  

Five

I need a trip to the beach.  Preferably at a beach house where I can walk down to the water.  It's been years since we've been down to the Gulf.  Pumpkin has never even been.  The last time was when Honey was not yet one.

Six

The children are all too young to fast for Ash Wednesday.  We worked on fasting from snacks.  You would've thought we'd starved Pumpkin for days.  We then had a discussion about how some kids go without meals constantly.  And, for them to think about how they felt.  I saw the words hit Pumpkin.  She was keenly feeling hungry.  And, she felt sad.  I could see the sadness go over her face as she processed the information.  

Seven

Honey learned to ride a two wheeler on Thursday.  I'm so proud of her.

7 Quick Takes ~ No Number Edition

One

Raising a child with special needs is a challenge.  Often, I think, "Oh, we're finally making headway."  Then, I get a report.  An evaluation.  The latest one marks Brother at a 7 year old level on some things.  I won't get into what items here, as I don't want to violate his privacy too much.  It's not a HUGE thing, but it's enough to see it in writing to make me want to weep.  He struggles on a daily basis to navigate in the world while we neurotypical people just breeze on through.  I've shed many a tear for him.  I worry incessantly over his future.  He is a wonderful boy.  A teen.  New challenges keep cropping up.  Sometimes I worry that I won't be able to keep up with them.  

Two

In case you haven't heard, the Obama administration has mandated that the Catholic church and affiliated organizations should provide for free, contraceptives via their health insurance for their employers.  I am incensed that the President of this great nation would do this.  How could he?  Or as one article says, "How dare he?"  This is not about contraceptives.  If you think so, you are a blinded.  This is all about taking away rights.  If this right to our freedom of religion is trampled on now, it will be worse later.  There will be more and more taken away.  

Three

Doom and gloom, huh?  That's how I've been feeling.  Sometimes I feel the walls are crumbling.  What walls?  The walls I've erected to keep all the stressors compartmentalized.  Brother, deployment, car accident, grief unexplored, reintegration.  Just lots and lots of stress.  I'm afraid of it all boiling over.  Pray for me?

Four

The spring ballet season is in full swing.  I know that company rehearsals start next week.  I'm excited about what will be coming.  We're discussing costume ideas.  I'm doing research.  This is the FUN part for me.  Besides seeing my beautiful girls dance.  I just love it all.

Five

I have a special intention that needs prayers.  Saint John of God, please pray for us.

Six

Ben is off for the next three weeks.  It will be good for the children to have him home.  I'm sure they all thought they'd be off from school the whole time, but I had to disabuse them of that notion.  I did tell them that if they worked extra hard and did extra stuff each day, they could take the last week of his leave off from school.

Seven

I am actually making a craft from something I pinned on Pinterest.  Are you on it?  It's a wonderful world of visual yumminess.  I'll post pictures once I'm done.  I didn't get enough stuff to finish it.  That's on tomorrow's agenda.

7 Quick Takes ~ Home Again Edition

 

One

Ben returned on Sunday around 9pm.  The children were kept in the dark until about 7 when my dad hung up the welcome home sign.  They were very happy.  Sister was too but you could see in her face that the past six months had been painful for her.  A suffering of sorts.  It was written all over her face.  And, Brother.  He broke down after processing it.  

Two

Reunions are great.  Reintegrations are not.  Enough said, right military wives?

Three

It's upsetting to learn that a young girl's heart has been hurt repeatedly for a year as she was bullied in what is considered a pretty safe environment.  But, the adult leader is not able to be near every child as she teaches.  And, can't hear the mean words being said.  I know once she finds out what's been happening she'll be upset.  Words can hurt.  And, this beautiful soul has been carrying the pain silently for too long. 

Four

So many people need prayers right now.  Please pray for them all.  

Five

The ballet school had open curtain today.  It's always so fun to watch my girls.  Sister and Pumpkin both had their classes on Thursday.  Honey will have hers on Friday.  They've all gotten much stronger.  Sister and I stuck around and watched a little bit of the advanced group of gals.  I felt sort of sad watching them because I knew we were going to lose a few of them to PCS moves this summer.

Six

It's tax season.  I need to get our taxes done.  I also take care of my parents' taxes and one of my brothers.  My parents are going to visit Patrick and pick up his tax information for me.  I wish he lived closer so I could see him more often.

Seven

Sunday is the Super Bowl.  I need to dig out my Patriot bows.  Go PATRIOTS!!!  

7 Quick Takes ~ Hoping to be Back in the Saddle Edition

~1~

I'm trying to get back in the saddle on various things and blogging is one of them.  I want to continue to blog here and to blog more at The Seemly Seamstress.  Now, the key word is "try".

~2~

Ben comes home soon.  I'll leave it at that.

~3~

It is not Nutcracker season.  It seems odd to have Saturday afternoons off, but it's nice.  

~4~

Parenting older kids is exhausting.  It was so much easier to parent toddlers.  They were physically exhausting, but older kids are more mentally taxing.  And then, there's the constant worry that I'm ruining my children for the rest of their lives.  

~5~

Can I say how thankful I am for my parents?  They've been such a great help to me this deployment.  It's still very hard because well, see number 4, but the house hasn't been this neat during a deployment.  And, well, the house has never been that neat or clean during Nutcracker season.  Well, it's never really neat, but neater than it would've been without my parents around.

~6~

The presidential election is coming up.  I'm really worried.

~7~

Very worried.

 

7 Quick Takes ~ September 30, 2011

~1~

Nutcracker season is starting soon.  It's an exciting time of the year.  We are so busy we don't always know if we're coming and going but we just LOVE it.  Sister never wants to leave the ballet studio and frankly, I just love watching it come together (when I am able to sneak in and watch).  I'm trying to work on a sample for one of the roles.  

~2~

All my shows have started up again.  I love crime shows, but I'm not sure if I can handle some of the stress.  Luckily, I have a DVR so I can fast forward.

~3~

So, I have an itinerary to plan, hotel reservations to make, packing to finish, a few tutus I want to make.  However, what am I doing?  Watching the shows I DVR'd.  The new season has started for all my shows and my DRV is getting filled up.  I don't want to miss any episodes so I'm watching TV shows to empty out my storage space.  Priorities, huh?  

~4~

Facebook.  So, there's quite an uproar about the new things coming out as well as the lack of privacy.  I post on a blog.  I enter this freely knowing that my family is out there in cyberspace.  I know.  I have done this knowingly.  Just as I did with Facebook.  I'm not anonymous.  And, no place on the internet will be completely private.  That's just the way it is.  

~5~

My niece, Ruby, doesn't like me.  But, I'm determined to make her like me.  She likes Brother though.  

~6~

We leave on Sunday.  Yes, I'm putting it out there.  My parents are staying home.  The house won't be empty.  We're headed to Memphis first, then to Bristol, TN/VA, then to the Dulles area.  Then we will drive to Long Island.  I think I might visit MacBeth on the way to the aunts' house.  Then we'll be on Cape Cod by Thursday.  I'm looking forward to seeing everyone, but not looking forward to the endless hours of driving.  I just hope my children's bladders can hold more than last year.

~7~

I am going to try to blog the trip.  I'm looking forward to the cooler temperatures and the change in color of the foliage.  And, green!  Everything here is just brown.  And, dry.  And, crunchy.  

~8~

I know.  One more thing.  Who orders just one windshield wiper?  Apparently me.  I'm waiting on the second one to arrive tomorrow.  The ones on my car stink.  And, I'm sure we will have rain on the way.  I hope.

7 Quick Takes Friday ~ September 16, 2011

~1~

The biggest news of the week:  I ordered bifocals.  Yes, my eyes are getting old and tired.  I have trouble reading with my distance glasses on.  So, I had to get bifocals.  It stinks.  I spent an exorbitant amount of money so I could have reading glasses and a pair of bifocals.  I spend a lot of time reading or doing close up work like knitting and sewing so I thought the reading glasses were worth the investment.  I sure hope the bifocals come in before I have to leave for Massachusetts.  I was able to pick up my reading glasses from the eyeglass place.

~2~

I think I have sewing ADD.  I keep hopping from one project to another.  I'm going to have to slow down and finish one before moving on to the next.  There are so many that I want to do.  Where did all of this come from?  I'm anxious to get started on a tutu for Sister.  Mainly, I want to practice on making a tutu so I'll use Sister as my model.  Besides, when I want to take the photos, I can use her.  She's quite photogenic so it should be a breeze.

~3~

I took my CHL class last week and did pretty well.  I missed two questions out of fifty on the written exam.  I rocked the range portion.  243 out of a possible 250.  I am certified to receive a CHL once the background check goes through.  

~4~

Brother's OT has left the therapy clinic to a military clinic where she will work with soldiers with brain injuries.  It's a noble job but we are quite saddened by her departure.  She had a farewell party so that the kids she works very closely with in a sort of social group could say goodbye.  It was very nice.  The tears were flowing.  After the party ended, Brother couldn't get out of there fast enough.  He didn't want to face it.  He did very well.  I know next week will be a bit difficult for him when he starts with his new OT.  It'll be even more interesting because it's a man.

~5~

Isn't it interesting how we end up here.  How did I end up as a homeschooling mother of 4, near Fort Hood, TX?  As a ballet mom who sews costumes?  As the owner of a new startup home business?  I don't quite know.  The best laid plans...

~6~

I'm very picky about charities.  I like to hear that 100% of the proceeds go to the needy.  However, what if it's only 2% of the gross proceeds?  I'd rather send the whole amount to someone in need than know that the measly percentage went to them.  I usually do this at church.  

    ~7~

We are headed to Massachusetts to celebrate the nuptial mass of Ben's goddaughter and Pumpkin's godmother.  We will be driving from Texas going through Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island.  I think that's all of them.  I'm not looking at a map and could have added or left one out.  I don't know.  We'll be stopping by in Long Island to visit the aunts who live there.  There are so many people I'd like to meet up with there, but we only have a very small window to visit.  

I'm looking forward to seeing fall in New England again.  I remember vividly how beautiful the foliage was at our wedding (the same day as this wedding).  I just can't wait.

 

7 Quick Takes Friday

~1~

I'm back.  I hope.  Things just never seem to slow down around here.  I know I should be used it by now, but I'm not.  Anyway, I hope to continue to blog on Fridays with the Quick Takes.  

~2~

As all of you probably know, there are fires all over the state of Texas.  We are bone dry.  The lakes and rivers are drying up.  When I read that the aircraft were getting water from lakes, all I could think was WHERE?  Which lakes have water left in them?  

The weather did break on Monday.  It was a glorious 57 degrees when I woke up.  I actually got up earlier than normal so I could sit outside with my coffee.

Now, if we could get some rain.  We are desperate.

~3~

Nutcracker season is upon us.  We signed up today except for Honey.  She demanded last year that this year I allow her to physically sign her name on the signup sheet.  This year is bittersweet.  My Pumpkin is old enough to participate.  Where has the time gone?  When Sister started at Newcomb School of Ballet, Pumpkin was still in her infant carrier.  Now, she's six.  And, so big.  

~4~

I sold a tutu!  I'm so happy about it.  It's a little girl tutu in purple.  I also have a Facebook page that I started for the business.  I will be getting a website up after my trip to Massachusetts.  

~5~

We are headed to Massachusetts in October.  I am trying to minimize absences in ballet without killing myself during the drive.  Ben's goddaughter who is also Pumpkin's godmother is getting married.  On our anniversary.  Pumpkin is a flower girl.  She's going to be precious.  New England in October is gorgeous.  

~6~

School is slow out of the gate this year.  We didn't school as much this summer because our first priority was spending time with Ben.  Then he left, and it was hard to get the kids moving.  That's okay.  We read.  We learned.  It just wasn't all seat work.

~7~

I'm teaching a Latin class to any middle and elementary students who are interested from our homeschool group.  After class, I heard more than once, a student exclaim, "This is the first time in my life I've had homework!"  It was hysterical.