The Culprit
I bought one of those plastic shoe organizers that hang on the door for my downstairs closet. It’s working out fairly nicely, except I noticed that some of the pockets are already ripping. Disappointed in the poor quality of my shoe hanger, I wondered at how it could possibly be disintegrating so quickly.
That is until today.
Just a moment ago I heard a small voice squeaking “Help! Help!”
So I peeked around the corner to find my middle daughter stuck halfway up the shoe organizer. She’d climbed up to get some shoes that were out of her reach, and managed to stick her foot in a pocket on the way down!
Living with sensory processing disorder
My eldest was officially diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) over a year ago. It didn’t come as a surprise, in fact, we had some very strong suspicions about it before we ever took her in for an evaluation. SPD effects people in different ways. For my eldest, she is hyposensitive to a lot of things. As a result, she tends to be whirling, crashing, bumping… a very much on the go kind of kid. The deeper the sensory input for her, the better she registers it, and the better her body processes it. As a result, she seeks input that she understands. Unwelcome or unanticipated soft touches drive her insane. In fact, she’s more likely to react strongly (fight, flight, freeze) to a sensation that is soft and doesn’t register well, than to a more firm touch.
We try hard to meet her sensory needs through a lot of different sensory related activities. Rice play, water sports, tumbling, swinging… Even without conscious effort we can help her. A heavy backpack or a basket of laundry can be really effective tools for getting proprioceptive input ino her body. Proprioceptive input helps balance serotonin dopamine, which in turns will help DD1’s brain regulate and keeps her in a neutral and relaxed state of learning.
Our biggest challenge to date, has been figuring out how to advocate for her at school. Two weeks ago she started Kindergarten and absolutely LOVES it. She loves her teacher, her fellow students, and comes home everyday with new stuff she’s learning. Unfortunately, there are specific points to SPD that can make out-of-home learning difficulty. In DD1’s case, she struggles with sitting quietly. This can become an issue during lunch and nap time. (Areas we’ve always seen as “hard” for her.)
I’m hoping to be able to get together with her teacher or a counselor to talk to her school about what they offer for kids with SPD. In an ideal world she would be allowed to do her body brushing (ie: The Wilbarger Deep Pressure and Proprioceptive Techinique [DPPT]) and her teacher would work with her to do some deep pressure activities before being expected to do quiet seat work. (She LOVES jumping jacks and crab crawls.).
However, there are things we’re working on here at the house. We’re doing a walk in the a.m. before school starts. She likes the walks. We walk backwards, we skip, we do bunny hops across the street, and she wiggles her way sideways. By the time we get in the car to go to school, she’s ready to sit for a while. We’re also eating high protein breakfast and working to provide her with a high protein lunch. After school we do a half an hour of big muscle work and a snack.
I’m hoping that as we get into the rhythm of things, and as we settle into the new year, that we find a system that works best for her.
Office Space
For a while now I’ve been meaning to pack up my office, convert it into an extra bedroom, and change the formal dining are into an office space. It’s been on my million long list of “to do’s” for quite some time. I haven’t ever gotten around to it because there is always something more important.
Well, yesterday we started the conversion process. I packed up my office/craft area and bought a desk for the new office space. Today I relocated all my electronic equipment (phew!) and will sweep and mop the old office before we move a bed into that room.
Meanwhile, I’m not sure how I like the new space. My new desk digs into my wrists while I type, my mouse grits across the desk surface (what is that about?) and because of the cord situation the printer is in my navigation area for my right hand. I can tell that I’m going to have to work on a few things before this new office area feels like “home.”
Add to all that, this moving has kicked up dust I never new existed. My poor DFD5 (here as a respite placement) has gotten her pretty white socks all gross with dust and dirt. And her right knee (which she drags around as she scoots) looks like it could use a serious bath. LOL.
I know, I know. It sounds like I’m whining. I promise I am only sort of whining.
Truly there are some real advantages to this new set up. I have better desk space for both computers. I have better storage for cords and the computer consoles and once the conversion is complete I’ll have a FANTASTICALLY organized library and craft area. Not to mention, we’ll have a fourth bedroom again!
Finding our groove
August is barreling through and I am fighting to keep up. Both of my two eldest girls had their well baby visits (belatedly.) My middle daughter got a referral to an audiologist as well as a child development specialist. I’m hoping to finally get to the root of her speech delay.
My eldest walked away from her well baby with a referral to an optometrist and ultimately glasses!! I had no idea her vision was anything less than 20/20. We picked up her frames yesterday and today is her second day wearing them. She seems really excited about it and is happy to grin at anyone willing to look at her new specs. Meanwhile I’m adjusting to seeing her with glasses. Don’t get me wrong. She’s gorgeous. It’s just new for me, and taking a little bit of mommy adjustment.
My youngest daughter doesn’t have her well baby until after her second birthday (mid Sept.) There isn’t much to report on that front, except the fact that she’s doing a fantastic job of keeping up with her sisters. We went out on Friday to get some sibling shots at the Arboretum and DD3 absolutely refused to cooperate. Her independence is reaching new heights recently. It’s both a blessing and a hurdle.
DFS3 is doing well. His first tooth appeared this week. Quickly following it is a second tooth. Both are on the bottom in the middle. Add that to his recent rolling skills, and well, we’re proud as punch for him.
A week ago we provided respite for a 12 month old little guy and this week (starting today) we’re doing respite for a 20 month old. We’ll be a family with five under five for most of August. Just in time for DD1 to start her first day of Kindergarten tomorrow!
Phew!
As far as things go for myself. I’m busy keeping up with the house and family. Even managed to sneak in some crafting and reorganizing. I’ve been mid-project for a while now on the girl’s new comfort corner. Partially because I’ve been wanting to spraypaint it with glitter. It took me a week of hunting to finally find a can of glitter spray! My plan is to work on that as soon as I’m done here.
I’ve got a few other last minute projects to complete today before our respite arrives. Things that include organizing DD1’s school uniforms (all $600 worth!!) and figuring out what I’m going to pack for her lunch tomorrow.
My older sister often comments on how busy I keep things here. I’ve come to realize that I love it when it’s busy like this. I like having lots to do. 
Even still, if you think of us the rest of this month, send up a prayer for our sanity. We’re going to need it as we round out the rest of August.
More projects…
It’s been my goal, for quite some time, to move the girl’s comfort corner to a place that is more quiet. I want a place where they can go to read and sit without being disturbed or feeling over stimulated.
I was thinking about doing something under the stairs in the crawl space (Ala: Harry Potter. LOL.) But knew that in order to accomplish that, I would probably have to switch out my closet door with one of those split doors. Plus, there is no wired lighting in the crawl space, and the added issue with buying batteries or wiring lighting has prevented me from pursuing that option too ambitiously.
So then, three weeks (or so) ago, I switched all the girl’s clothes out of their closet and put them in the master closet. I did this mainly to cut down on impromptu dress up sessions. Not that I mind “dress-up” I just can’t stand the mess that ensues when an entire wardrobe of clothes is pulled off hangers and strewn around the playroom. Having their clothes in my master closet has really helped cut down on that kind of clutter.
As a result, their closet has sat empty.
My intention, now, is to convert their closet into their new comfort corner. I’ve already installed shelving and will hopefully paint sometime today. If I can get the painting finished, then I will move the girl’s books onto the shelves, put up some vinyl stickers I purchased at the dollar tree, and then start work on a foam sofa that will fit neatly on the other side of the bookcase.
The closet has wired lighting. Although, I’m considering the option to bring in something a little closer for more intimate reading.
Debbie, if you are reading this, I think I will take you up on the offer to have one of those chandeliers that your scrapping. Don’t you think that would be cool?
I’m going to go take some “before pictures” and hope to have those posted sometime today.
Moving forward.
We’ve had a ridiculous string of appliance break downs in our home right now. Off the top of my head, this last week we’ve had problems with the garbage disposal, Dh’s car, and our home phone. This does not include our currently defunct dishwasher or the other lengthy lists of “honey-do” items I have mentally tallied.
It’s honestly wearing me down.
So, today Dh took the bull by the horns. He took his car to the shop and he fixed the garbage disposal. (After taking it apart we found a quarter had wedged itself in the disposal.) We also figured out, after a week of not having a home phone, that the culprit to our phone situation was that someone had unplugged the base from the electrical outlet. Of course, we only made that discovery after spending $50.00 on a new phone. Doh!
But still.
Things are beginning to come together.
And I’m feeling more optimistic. August is starting on the right foot.
For those who missed it, July was a bundle of events. Over 10 doctor appointments for DFS3 (not including GAL, family or caseworker visits.) My youngest daughter fought off a horrible case of canker sores, we took a whirlwind vacation to Houston for a wedding, the fourth of July, and to visit with DFS3’s mom. In July my folks packed up their house and moved to Nebraska, and Dh and I have spent more than a few afternoons organizing things for them on this end of the country. Not to mention I’ve wrapped up a wedding, helped my sister with a cake(s), and continued to help my two eldest work through their ongoing therapies during the summer.
August is shaping up to be just as busy. Currently DFS3 only has four appointments (not including occupation therapy, GAL visit, and caseworker visits.) My girls each have a well-baby scheduled. I have a dental appointment. DD1 begins Kindergarten, and next week we have Kindergarten orientation. Also, starting Thursday both of my two eldest begin fall Gymnastics.
August also kicks off a new Sunday school series as well as a couple confirmed portrait sessions, two referrals for weddings, and a week long respite placement that is coming on Monday. Somewhere in all that mess I need to start going to Zumba again. After a month off, and copious amounts of soda, I’m feeling like it’s time to get in charge of my weight.
Again.
I’m tired just thinking about it.
2008 In Pictures
January 2008
February 2008
March 2008
April 2008
May 2008
June 2008
July 2008
August 2008
September 2008
October 2008
November 2008
December 2008
The Advent Season
This year, 2008, the first day of Advent is Sunday, November 30th. Just a little over a week away! I’m intending to re-use the scriptures I set up last year. So, thankfully, I’m almost ready. I just need to sit down and make a list of family activities. I’d like to come up with one activity per day. Whether it’s a Christmas movie, a family craft, a special reading… I’m really excited about it.
My intention is to use this entry to update ideas and links.
~Homemade Advent Calendar – Using toilet paper rolls and tissue paper.
~Advent Themed Coloring Pages
~A Paper Advent Wreath – Perfect for Sunday School and for explaining Advent traditions.
~Make some Christmas Potpourri.
~A “This Day In History” to correspond with each day leading up to Christmas.
~A list of discussion starters. This list is Catholic in tone, but translates easily for Protestants. Plus, it includes a great list of fun activities to do together as a family.
~A list of books and movies that are Christmas/Christian themed.
~Create Cinnamon Ornaments.
~Make a Tin Can Luminary.
~Gingerbread House Decorating
~Create a Prayer Chain. (source)
Activity: Create a prayer chain out of construction paper. Using red and green paper, cut strips 8 inches long for each day of advent. Using a dark marker, write names on each of the strips for people that you would like to pray for during advent. You can also pray for groups of people or missions. Staple the first strip end to end. Looping the next strip through the first ring, staple it’s ends together. Repeat until all strips are linked and your prayer chain is complete. Some families like to make the last strip a prayer of thankfulness to Jesus.
Closing Prayer: Close by thanking God for giving us this wonderful season surrounding the birth of Jesus. Thank Him for your family and all the blessings in your life. Ask him to help you keep your focus on HIM for the next 25 days.
~Reindeer Food (from the same source as Snowman Soup. I couldn’t resist.)
~Snow-globe Craft from babyfood jars and miniature ornaments.
~Homemade Carmel Corn.
~Use a decorative hole punches to create luminaries out of white paper sacks. Additional supplies needed: Sand and votive candles.
~Homemade Garland:
Using Fruitloops Using Paper Chains. Using Popcorn.
~A 3-D Manger Scene.
Maybe you forgot
but NaNoWiMo starts in just a couple short weeks. It’s been at the back of my brain, niggling my thoughts and prompting me to compose lengthy paragraphs in my head. Unfortunately, all this dreaming about actually writing a novel is not nearly as constructive as a person might imagine.
So, tonight I decided to do some research on how to go about writing a novel. Mainly because I’m scared I’ll start this thing, and never actually finish. Which, in my own opinion, is worse than having never started. (Although, I’m sure that sentiment does not mesh well with the “it is better to have tried and failed, then to have never tried at all” mentality. Go figure.)
Anyway, I ran across a site that talks about preparing to write a novel. He uses what he calls “the snowflake method.” In many ways, his method is very similar to the written plot/time-line approach I was taught in eleventh grade literature. Call me nostalgic, but it appeals to me to do something familiar.
The down side to it all is that his approach takes pre-planning and lots of time, and frankly I’m not sure if it’s within the rules of NaNoWiMo to do all your planning before November. Having said that, if I do all the pre-planning now, by November all I will have to do is the actually writing of the novel. Everything will be ready and the chances of me actually succeeding skyrockets.
But then, it’s my novel. I get to set the pace, and I get to set the rules. So I say all this snowflake-book-planning can be done before NaNoWiMo kicks off.
And that’s that.
I think.
Remind me later to tell you about the crash pad I’m building. It’s not related to writing a novel, and feels inappropriate to really get into within this entry.
Remodeling.
It’s official. I’m pooped. This has been an incredibly productive and exhausting weekend. Beginning with my Grandma, Mom, and I painting the girl’s bunk-beds and then later that same day my Dad and I installed an extra shelf in my laundry room. Saturday, DD1 had her first dance class, and then today we resumed our remodeling efforts after church.
The plan is to tile the downstairs half-bath, install wall paper and trim as well as wainscoting. We even made some great headway. Dh and Dad primed the wainscoting, removed the existing tile, and my Mom and I hung the wallpaper. Tomorrow we’re installing the moulding around the ceiling and will lay the tile. Once the tile is down we’re going to add the grout, install the wainscoting and then put the trim around the doors. After that we’ll put the toilet, sink, and mirror back.
The goal is to have all this done before Dh goes back to work on Thursday. I’m keeping my fingers crossed, but know it’s no simple task to do these types of projects when four “littles” need lots of mama and dada attention.
Did I mention I’m exhausted? This project took on a life of it’s own. And now something simple promises to be quite consuming.
manda