Click on the mini slides to go to the March 2008 Album!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
MyGym Special Needs Class
I am really excited to share this with everyone with a special needs kiddo in our area!
MyGym in Mechanicsburg is starting a Special Needs class! Here is what was in the recent newsletter:
**************
In our non-competitive environment children have fun as they gain strength, balance, coordination, fine and gross motor proficiency, agility, flexibility, and social skills. The most important benefit we offer, however, is the building of confidence and self-esteem through individual accomplishments.
Our structured 45-minute weekly classes will include a warm-up, games, gymnastics, manipulatives, swings, big adventures, and other original activities.
This unique class is offered only to children with special needs. Children with moderate to severe pervasive development disorders and children with moderate to severe verbal and gross motor delays will find this class most beneficial. This class is so great because we focus on the child's abilities, not their disabilities.
Class will be held on Thursday evenings throughout the summer, beginning in June, from 5:30-6:15pm. Pending expressed interested in the class, we may form a class as early as April on Monday evenings, from 6:00-6:45pm. Parent participation in this class is optional.
This class is being offered at a rate of only $52 for 4 weeks! Scholarship money can be applied for. Call us and ask to speak with Susan Bartak for additional details and/or to express interest in the class.
717-737-1936
5103 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg
e-mail: mygympa@aol.com
Visit our website
**************
I am very interested and will be contacting them to sign up for the class!!!! I hope to see some of our friends there too! Email me if you're interested in attending!
MyGym in Mechanicsburg is starting a Special Needs class! Here is what was in the recent newsletter:
**************
In our non-competitive environment children have fun as they gain strength, balance, coordination, fine and gross motor proficiency, agility, flexibility, and social skills. The most important benefit we offer, however, is the building of confidence and self-esteem through individual accomplishments.
Our structured 45-minute weekly classes will include a warm-up, games, gymnastics, manipulatives, swings, big adventures, and other original activities.
This unique class is offered only to children with special needs. Children with moderate to severe pervasive development disorders and children with moderate to severe verbal and gross motor delays will find this class most beneficial. This class is so great because we focus on the child's abilities, not their disabilities.
Class will be held on Thursday evenings throughout the summer, beginning in June, from 5:30-6:15pm. Pending expressed interested in the class, we may form a class as early as April on Monday evenings, from 6:00-6:45pm. Parent participation in this class is optional.
This class is being offered at a rate of only $52 for 4 weeks! Scholarship money can be applied for. Call us and ask to speak with Susan Bartak for additional details and/or to express interest in the class.
717-737-1936
5103 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg
e-mail: mygympa@aol.com
Visit our website
**************
I am very interested and will be contacting them to sign up for the class!!!! I hope to see some of our friends there too! Email me if you're interested in attending!
Monday, March 24, 2008
An Award for ME?
Thanks Diane -- totally made my evening!!! Now to those really deserving of this rating...
The Rules: By accepting this Excellent Blog Award, you agree to award it to 10 more people whose blogs you find Excellent Award worthy. You can give it to as many people as you want but please award at least 10. You deserve this! Feel free to recognize blogs that have already received this award:
Jenelle's Journey
Chewing the Fat
Looky Daddy
Micro Preemie Twins
Whitterer on Autism
Mel's Thoughts
The "Hull" Munchkins
Terrible Palsy
Bird on the Street
Mama's Diaries
Friday, March 21, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
Monday in Pictures...
Jack's a good kisser!
The "I'm FIVE" smile...lol
Morgan's First Ponytail!
FUN in a shoebox!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
American Idol -- Top 12...Season 7
So I am glued to my tv once again! It's IDOL time!! I love this part of the competition...down to "serious" singing and performances...the big stage...the nerves, the great songs, and the heartbreak of being sent home!
I applaud all of these kids (and yes, I can say that seeing as I am not of eligible contestant age, lol). I think this year we have outstanding performers! Okay and the Lennon/McCartney songs were absolutely perfect for THIS top 12!
Here is where I stand on this year's top 12...
Amanda Overmyer
The "rocker" chick...I really haven't connected with Amanda. I think she lacks something (the girl won't smile for anything!) and half the time I think she's out of tune...but the judges love her and America must too because I've thought she was going home week after week!
Brook White
She's really, really grown on me. I like what she's done with her song choices and think she could have a career beyond idol. I am not ready for her to go home yet!
Carly Smithson
I think Carly can really sing...last night's performance was my favorite of hers. I don't love her, but do admit she's really talented! I don't think it's her time to go yet!
Chikezie
I absolutely LOVED Chikezie last night. He's really taking what Randy, Paula and Simon say and MAKING it WORK! Surprisingly, I am a sucker for bluegrass (ala "O Brother Where Art Thou" or "Cold Mountain") and really got excited when he started with the small band on the stage...I hope he stays and continues to totally break the mold!
David Archuleta
Poor David. He was really nervous last night and I was surprised! We can't be perfect all the time...and last night it was David's turn to be "unperfect." To me he has the voice of an angel and I can see him performing contemporary music like Josh Groban. I don't want to see David go yet either!
David Cook
Another "rocker" -- I am not the biggest fan of David Cook's, but would like to see him stick around because I do think he's a better performer than some of the others!
David Hernandez
Okay, DID NOT LIKE IT! I agree with Simon...over performed, a little cheesy, and not at all what I would expect at this stage in the competition! I am afraid, although he can sing, his performance on stage will not stand up to some of the others. He's my pick to go home this week...Sorry David!
Jason Castro
I love this guy! He seems soooo sweet and down to earth. I admit though, this is more my style of music so I may be a bit biased. I don't think he has the most amazing voice -- but I want to see more from him. His version of Hallelujah last week gave me chills! That is one of my all time favorite songs...and I was so glad when the judges "got" the performance.
Kristy Lee Cook
No....no, no, no. It didn't work last night. I think she's trying too hard to become a country singer...either you are or you aren't and I really am not buying the country gal performance. She's ready to go home in my (very humble) opinion!
Michael Johns
He's been stellar since day one! Again, this is really up my ally -- and I think he could have a career today even without idol! I hope he stays!!
Ramiele Malubay
She's a beautiful girl with a great voice, but she's another one I am having a hard time connecting with. I don't think she should go home, but if I need to get up at all during idol, it's usually during her songs!
Syesha Mercado
She's a cute, spunky thing but I am not sure she's got what it takes when you compare her to other contestants this year. I think she'd be great on stage (maybe in a musical -- where she could act and sing) but I don't see her winning this thing.
I applaud all of these kids (and yes, I can say that seeing as I am not of eligible contestant age, lol). I think this year we have outstanding performers! Okay and the Lennon/McCartney songs were absolutely perfect for THIS top 12!
Here is where I stand on this year's top 12...
Amanda Overmyer
The "rocker" chick...I really haven't connected with Amanda. I think she lacks something (the girl won't smile for anything!) and half the time I think she's out of tune...but the judges love her and America must too because I've thought she was going home week after week!
Brook White
She's really, really grown on me. I like what she's done with her song choices and think she could have a career beyond idol. I am not ready for her to go home yet!
Carly Smithson
I think Carly can really sing...last night's performance was my favorite of hers. I don't love her, but do admit she's really talented! I don't think it's her time to go yet!
Chikezie
I absolutely LOVED Chikezie last night. He's really taking what Randy, Paula and Simon say and MAKING it WORK! Surprisingly, I am a sucker for bluegrass (ala "O Brother Where Art Thou" or "Cold Mountain") and really got excited when he started with the small band on the stage...I hope he stays and continues to totally break the mold!
David Archuleta
Poor David. He was really nervous last night and I was surprised! We can't be perfect all the time...and last night it was David's turn to be "unperfect." To me he has the voice of an angel and I can see him performing contemporary music like Josh Groban. I don't want to see David go yet either!
David Cook
Another "rocker" -- I am not the biggest fan of David Cook's, but would like to see him stick around because I do think he's a better performer than some of the others!
David Hernandez
Okay, DID NOT LIKE IT! I agree with Simon...over performed, a little cheesy, and not at all what I would expect at this stage in the competition! I am afraid, although he can sing, his performance on stage will not stand up to some of the others. He's my pick to go home this week...Sorry David!
Jason Castro
I love this guy! He seems soooo sweet and down to earth. I admit though, this is more my style of music so I may be a bit biased. I don't think he has the most amazing voice -- but I want to see more from him. His version of Hallelujah last week gave me chills! That is one of my all time favorite songs...and I was so glad when the judges "got" the performance.
Kristy Lee Cook
No....no, no, no. It didn't work last night. I think she's trying too hard to become a country singer...either you are or you aren't and I really am not buying the country gal performance. She's ready to go home in my (very humble) opinion!
Michael Johns
He's been stellar since day one! Again, this is really up my ally -- and I think he could have a career today even without idol! I hope he stays!!
Ramiele Malubay
She's a beautiful girl with a great voice, but she's another one I am having a hard time connecting with. I don't think she should go home, but if I need to get up at all during idol, it's usually during her songs!
Syesha Mercado
She's a cute, spunky thing but I am not sure she's got what it takes when you compare her to other contestants this year. I think she'd be great on stage (maybe in a musical -- where she could act and sing) but I don't see her winning this thing.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
So far so good...
Jack had a good weekend -- no seizures on Sunday or Monday (that we saw). We are still on edge -- but it's always that way for a week or so following seizure events.
Jack's neurologist increased his Valproic Acid to try and get his levels up a little higher....he hasn't raised his Tegretol because starting late March we were going to try to wean him from it so that he's only on one seizure med. We are NOT going through with that plan and will discuss all medication levels and options at our next appointment in April.
We had a wonderful birthday dinner and birthday party for Jack this weekend. He wasn't 100% himself, but I think he enjoyed himself!
We have a VERY SPECIAL GUEST from Sesame Street visit our house!!
Check out the pics...
Jack was more interested in the Balloons and Morgan LOVED our special guest...
Thanks for thinking of us. I hope you all have a good week.
Jack's neurologist increased his Valproic Acid to try and get his levels up a little higher....he hasn't raised his Tegretol because starting late March we were going to try to wean him from it so that he's only on one seizure med. We are NOT going through with that plan and will discuss all medication levels and options at our next appointment in April.
We had a wonderful birthday dinner and birthday party for Jack this weekend. He wasn't 100% himself, but I think he enjoyed himself!
We have a VERY SPECIAL GUEST from Sesame Street visit our house!!
Check out the pics...
Jack was more interested in the Balloons and Morgan LOVED our special guest...
Thanks for thinking of us. I hope you all have a good week.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Seizure...
Jack was sleeping in my bed taking a nap and I just happened to go in and check on him (mommy instincts maybe?) and I found him with his eyes open and jerked to the right, not blinking and dusky, teeth grinding and chewing/tasting movements with his mouth. Since I had NO IDEA how long he'd been having the seizure I went for the diastat and when I returned he was coming out of it. He didn't really acknowledge me, but I've seen him like this after seizures before. He fell back to sleep and is cuddled on the couch not out of my sight.
I called neuro and am waiting on a call back. He has no signs of illness (yet) so we'll see what the weekend brings...and to top it off his bday party is this weekend. I hope it stays at just one and that he's not getting sick...
Siezures STINK...BIG TIME.
I called neuro and am waiting on a call back. He has no signs of illness (yet) so we'll see what the weekend brings...and to top it off his bday party is this weekend. I hope it stays at just one and that he's not getting sick...
Siezures STINK...BIG TIME.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACK RILEY!
Jack is 5 years old today!
Happy birthday to my dear, sweet, boy. I love you so much!
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Growing up...
Jack is really growing up. I can't believe he will be FIVE years old tomorrow. What an amazing journey. I have been blogging for FIVE years...that is quite a lot! I would love to hear from you in a comment. I would love to know who's out there! In honor of FIVE years...please reply to this thread!
Oh, and the whole growing up thing. Perhaps it's because he knows he's going to be five....but for whatever reason, just last week he decided to no longer call me "Ma Ma" I am now "Mom." In perfect form, clear as a bell, "Mom." Also, I stopped in to observe his PT session at school this afternoon and instead of being happy to see me, he walked over to me with his walker pushed on my leg to stop me from coming in and said "BYE!!!" He didn't want me at school! He didn't want to go home with me...he wanted me outta there!! And yes, that makes me happy (and okay, a little sad too) but it really says a lot about his independence and confidence and how moms can totally cramp your style...lol
PS -- sorry about the vent yesterday. It will get fixed, some how, some way. We are starting with the seating clinic at CHOP and are going to test out power chairs, one arm drive manual chairs and perhaps anything else that we can. Mel, I am still working on that email back to you. Thanks everyone for your thoughts!!
Oh, and the whole growing up thing. Perhaps it's because he knows he's going to be five....but for whatever reason, just last week he decided to no longer call me "Ma Ma" I am now "Mom." In perfect form, clear as a bell, "Mom." Also, I stopped in to observe his PT session at school this afternoon and instead of being happy to see me, he walked over to me with his walker pushed on my leg to stop me from coming in and said "BYE!!!" He didn't want me at school! He didn't want to go home with me...he wanted me outta there!! And yes, that makes me happy (and okay, a little sad too) but it really says a lot about his independence and confidence and how moms can totally cramp your style...lol
PS -- sorry about the vent yesterday. It will get fixed, some how, some way. We are starting with the seating clinic at CHOP and are going to test out power chairs, one arm drive manual chairs and perhaps anything else that we can. Mel, I am still working on that email back to you. Thanks everyone for your thoughts!!
Monday, March 03, 2008
Wheelchair Woes...
THUMP.
THUMP.....
THUMP!
That was me banging my head against the table. Seriously, I am so FRUSTRATED.
It turns out that insurance will not cover the e-fix add on for Jack's chair. The sticker price? Over $8000.00 -- that is MORE than what a new wheelchair, even a power chair would cost. Since insurance will only cover a new wheelchair every 5 or so years....we're basically stuck with a wheelchair that Jack cannot use.
So back to the drawing board and back to square one. I am trying to look into customizing a manual one arm drive for the chair (Kuschall does not have one commercially available). I don't know how far I will get with this idea.
I had Jack at the eye doctor this morning and he wheeled the best he could (in large circles, and backing up) all the way into the toy room! Imagine what he could do with the proper wheels. I HATE this...wheelchairs are supposed to provide independence -- and here's a little boy who wants nothing more than to be independent but has everything stacked against him. His little legs don't work how he wants them to...his one arm doesn't work at all...and now we're limiting him further by making him use a chair that's impossible to use! Can you feel my mommy heart breaking?
So what to do...what to do...I would like to fix his current chair if we can. It's perfect in how it fits him...it's light weight, and stylish....we may end up getting a new chair all together, but do we go for another manual chair? A power chair? How on earth do people pay for this stuff? If we get a power chair will I be able to lift it in and out of our car?
I think, like I said first I want to try to fix what he has....then if we can't, I will start over again.
THUMP.
THUMP.....
THUMP!
THUMP.....
THUMP!
That was me banging my head against the table. Seriously, I am so FRUSTRATED.
It turns out that insurance will not cover the e-fix add on for Jack's chair. The sticker price? Over $8000.00 -- that is MORE than what a new wheelchair, even a power chair would cost. Since insurance will only cover a new wheelchair every 5 or so years....we're basically stuck with a wheelchair that Jack cannot use.
So back to the drawing board and back to square one. I am trying to look into customizing a manual one arm drive for the chair (Kuschall does not have one commercially available). I don't know how far I will get with this idea.
I had Jack at the eye doctor this morning and he wheeled the best he could (in large circles, and backing up) all the way into the toy room! Imagine what he could do with the proper wheels. I HATE this...wheelchairs are supposed to provide independence -- and here's a little boy who wants nothing more than to be independent but has everything stacked against him. His little legs don't work how he wants them to...his one arm doesn't work at all...and now we're limiting him further by making him use a chair that's impossible to use! Can you feel my mommy heart breaking?
So what to do...what to do...I would like to fix his current chair if we can. It's perfect in how it fits him...it's light weight, and stylish....we may end up getting a new chair all together, but do we go for another manual chair? A power chair? How on earth do people pay for this stuff? If we get a power chair will I be able to lift it in and out of our car?
I think, like I said first I want to try to fix what he has....then if we can't, I will start over again.
THUMP.
THUMP.....
THUMP!
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Just WHAT are my kids LISTENING to???
And I thought I'd have to worry about MTV...nope, a cd of 100 silly songs had me raising an eyebrow and quickly changing to the next song...
What on earth??? lol!
Found a Peanut
Tune: Clementine
Written By: Unknown
Copyright Unknown
Found a peanut, found a peanut,
Found a peanut just now,
Just now I found a peanut,
Found a peanut just now.
Cracked it open, cracked it open,
Cracked it open just now,
Just now I cracked it open,
Cracked it open just now.
It was rotten, it was rotten,
It was rotten just now,
Just now it was rotten,
It was rotten just now.
Ate it anyway, ate it anyway,
Ate it anyway just now,
Just now I ate it anyway,
Ate it anyway just now.
Got a stomach ache, got a stomach ache,
Got a stomach ache just now,
Just now I got a stomach ache,
Got a stomach ache just now.
Called the doctor, called the doctor,
Called the doctor just now,
Just now I called the doctor,
Called the doctor just now.
Penicillin, Penicillin,
Penicillin just now,
Just now I took Penicillin,
Penicillin just now.
Operation, operation,
Operation just now,
Just now an operation,
An operation just now.
Died anyway, died anyway,
Died anyway just now,
Just now I died anyway,
Died anyway just now.
Went to heaven, went to heaven,
Went to heaven just now,
Just now I went to heaven,
Went to heaven just now.
Wouldn't take me, wouldn't take me,
Wouldn't take me just now,
Just now Heaven wouldn't take me,
Wouldn't take me just now.
Went the other way, went the other way,
Went the other way just now,
Just now I went the other way,
Went the other way just now.
Didn't want me, didn't want me,
Didn't want me just now,
Just now they didn't want me,
Didn't want me just now.
Was a dream, was a dream,
Was a dream just now,
Just now it was a dream,
Was a dream, just now.
Then I woke up, then I woke up,
Then I woke up just now,
Just now I woke up,
I woke up just now.
Found a peanut, found a peanut,
Found a peanut just now,
Just now I found a peanut,
Found a peanut just now.
Found a Peanut
Tune: Clementine
Written By: Unknown
Copyright Unknown
Found a peanut, found a peanut,
Found a peanut just now,
Just now I found a peanut,
Found a peanut just now.
Cracked it open, cracked it open,
Cracked it open just now,
Just now I cracked it open,
Cracked it open just now.
It was rotten, it was rotten,
It was rotten just now,
Just now it was rotten,
It was rotten just now.
Ate it anyway, ate it anyway,
Ate it anyway just now,
Just now I ate it anyway,
Ate it anyway just now.
Got a stomach ache, got a stomach ache,
Got a stomach ache just now,
Just now I got a stomach ache,
Got a stomach ache just now.
Called the doctor, called the doctor,
Called the doctor just now,
Just now I called the doctor,
Called the doctor just now.
Penicillin, Penicillin,
Penicillin just now,
Just now I took Penicillin,
Penicillin just now.
Operation, operation,
Operation just now,
Just now an operation,
An operation just now.
Died anyway, died anyway,
Died anyway just now,
Just now I died anyway,
Died anyway just now.
Went to heaven, went to heaven,
Went to heaven just now,
Just now I went to heaven,
Went to heaven just now.
Wouldn't take me, wouldn't take me,
Wouldn't take me just now,
Just now Heaven wouldn't take me,
Wouldn't take me just now.
Went the other way, went the other way,
Went the other way just now,
Just now I went the other way,
Went the other way just now.
Didn't want me, didn't want me,
Didn't want me just now,
Just now they didn't want me,
Didn't want me just now.
Was a dream, was a dream,
Was a dream just now,
Just now it was a dream,
Was a dream, just now.
Then I woke up, then I woke up,
Then I woke up just now,
Just now I woke up,
I woke up just now.
Found a peanut, found a peanut,
Found a peanut just now,
Just now I found a peanut,
Found a peanut just now.
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