*copied from elsewhere on the internet cuz I just don't wanna type it again*
Have I mentioned I love my Dr? He's great. He didn't understand any more than I did why the teacher changed her position on the ADD testing thing. I forgot to bring her letter with me so he didn't get to see it (I'm holding onto it in case I need it in the future). But he agrees that ADD testing would be a good idea, based on Jaben's history. We've been to him before about things with Jaben and he knows this is an ongoing problem. He did ask about things going on at home, but aside from the everyday things everyone deals with, things are on a pretty even keel at home, so that's not it. I understand his asking this tho - the last time we saw him about issues was when I was pg with Kyan and yes, things were changing at home and stressed and I thought that was to blame. I know better now.
He told me I needed to talk to the Mental Health clinic in our town because he believes they do thorough ADD testing and see what the procedures are and let them know we're considering having my son evaluated. I've got the first evaluation sheets for his 3 teachers and myself to fill out. I need to get ahold of his homeroom teacher and let her know this is going forward whether she thinks it's necessary or not. Both Dr C and I have known Jaben for 10 yrs - I think we know him way better than she does. Once everyone gets their evaluations filled out, they need to get sent back to the Dr. He put his fax number on all of them so the teachers have a choice of faxing them back, mailing them, or sending them home in a sealed envelope with Jaben so I can send them. Doesn't matter to me what they do as long as they do it. Once he's got the evaluations and can go over them, he'll talk to us again. We have another appt in a month and at that time we'll determine what to do.
Today he has an order in at the hospital for a blood draw to check Jaben's thyroid. He doesn't think that's it, but agrees with me that, based on family history, it's a good idea to check it anyway. I've got problems, my mom's got it now too, and I've found out my great-grandmother had problems, so it wouldn't be unusual for Jaben to have a thyroid problem. Like I said, he doesn't think that's it, but better to be safe.
Okay, now this is the part where he scared me. If, once he sees the evaluations, he decides that ADD is unlikely, or we do testing and that's not what's going on, we need to do other types of tests. Specifically, brain-wave testing. Based on what I said, there's a possibility, albeit small, that he's got some sort of seizure disorder. This had NEVER crossed my mind and honestly I wish he hadn't mentioned it. But, with the types of things Jaben is experiencing he could be having petit-mal seizures. The way he explained it to me was, say he's sitting in class and the teacher begins explaining something, like an assignment. He hears, "tonight you need to take home your math book and ---------- Okay, everyone got that?"
If he's having these small seizures, it would explain why he's missing bits of things, and that would definitely affect his memory and recall, concentration, etc. I never would've thought of that. I was talking to my friend later while I was working on her computer; I told her about this and said, "The thing that gets me is, I've seen this. He stares like he's not quite there but if you repeat his name or wave your hand in front of his face he comes back. I never thought it could be something like that." Well, she got this "look" on her face and it hit me - she's seen it too. She's known him since birth too. So I asked her and she nodded and said she's seen it herself but wow, never, ever would've thought seizure. I wish he hadn't put this in my head, because even tho it's "worst case scenario" it's still there and I keep thinking of things that could point to it. I hate that feeling.
So that's where things stand with Jabe right now. We'll get the thyroid testing done today and send the evaluations to the teachers on Monday. Then in a month we'll see what the Dr thinks. Until then, we wait.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Haven't you people ever heard of closing the goddamn door?!
And no, the title has nothing to do with anything. I just like it.
Anyway, just when I think the school system is going to work in our favor, they let me down again.
They’ve changed their minds and refused to test Jabe for ADD. I’ve been told by a few people (teachers, 1 special ed) that this is illegal.
Huuuuuge sigh here…
I don’t really want to fight the school system. I don’t want to get into all of that. I just want my boy to get what he needs to have a good time with school, to not feel “less than” the other kids again. It really makes me wonder what in the world his school records say that the teacher would decide not to test him because of them. Especially if it’s illegal for her to do this?
So, we go to the doctor on Friday and talk to him about it. See what he thinks. One way or another I feel like I need to get something done. I did take some initiative and have begun a “behavior chart.” Basically it’s a calendar (I’ve only got September done so far and we’re past halfway in this month!) with spaces to mark behavior problems or triumphs. At different intervals I will be putting special rewards – yes I will be rewarding this child if he does well! This month, since there’s so little left, has only got a reward on the 29th. If we have little to no problems before then, he’ll get a small reward – rent a video game, out to dinner alone with mom, out to see a movie, etc – something relatively inexpensive. After that, there’ll be different levels of reward for more time with no issues. Yeah I know, but do you have a better idea?
Me either. So we’ll see how this goes. Heck, last night he volunteered to do the dinner dishes for me! That’s a definite first and earned him a +1 on the chart. Whatever works.
And as if I didn’t have enough to think about, Kyan’s got a cold. Nasty runny nose, croupy sounding cough, slightly elevated temp on Monday (didn’t go over 101.5) and he’s just not feelin’ good. Poor baby!! I tried giving him infant’s cold medicine but he spits about half of it out, so it really doesn’t seem to do much good. There’s just not a lot you can do for a cold…. He’s just gotta suffer thru it. Poor little guy. It’s just really pathetic hearing that hoarse little cry and knowing there isn’t a damn thing you can do to fix it.
Hopefully this weekend will bring better news on all fronts. Stay tuned!
Anyway, just when I think the school system is going to work in our favor, they let me down again.
They’ve changed their minds and refused to test Jabe for ADD. I’ve been told by a few people (teachers, 1 special ed) that this is illegal.
Huuuuuge sigh here…
I don’t really want to fight the school system. I don’t want to get into all of that. I just want my boy to get what he needs to have a good time with school, to not feel “less than” the other kids again. It really makes me wonder what in the world his school records say that the teacher would decide not to test him because of them. Especially if it’s illegal for her to do this?
So, we go to the doctor on Friday and talk to him about it. See what he thinks. One way or another I feel like I need to get something done. I did take some initiative and have begun a “behavior chart.” Basically it’s a calendar (I’ve only got September done so far and we’re past halfway in this month!) with spaces to mark behavior problems or triumphs. At different intervals I will be putting special rewards – yes I will be rewarding this child if he does well! This month, since there’s so little left, has only got a reward on the 29th. If we have little to no problems before then, he’ll get a small reward – rent a video game, out to dinner alone with mom, out to see a movie, etc – something relatively inexpensive. After that, there’ll be different levels of reward for more time with no issues. Yeah I know, but do you have a better idea?
Me either. So we’ll see how this goes. Heck, last night he volunteered to do the dinner dishes for me! That’s a definite first and earned him a +1 on the chart. Whatever works.
And as if I didn’t have enough to think about, Kyan’s got a cold. Nasty runny nose, croupy sounding cough, slightly elevated temp on Monday (didn’t go over 101.5) and he’s just not feelin’ good. Poor baby!! I tried giving him infant’s cold medicine but he spits about half of it out, so it really doesn’t seem to do much good. There’s just not a lot you can do for a cold…. He’s just gotta suffer thru it. Poor little guy. It’s just really pathetic hearing that hoarse little cry and knowing there isn’t a damn thing you can do to fix it.
Hopefully this weekend will bring better news on all fronts. Stay tuned!
Friday, September 15, 2006
And now the bad news....
I've got an admission to make. I haven't been completely honest about my incredible 10-yr old. There are problems, and not easily solved problems either.
Ever since 1st grade, Jaben has had trouble in school. Not necessarily the work, but listening, following directions, focusing, paying attention. It's been a pretty constant battle, with the exception of 4th grade and I still believe with my whole heart that went so well because the teacher was amazing. In my naivete, I thought we'd gotten things right and he'd be fine now.
Ohhhh how wrong I was.
I got the first phone call from the teacher on the 6th day of school. That same day I got a note from another teacher in the team. And things have been in a constant downward spiral from there. This week alone he has lost a recess and today he served his first detention. I was beginning to think I was raising a juvenile delinquent.
So I decided to put the internets to good use... for something other than messing around and I began looking for solutions, options, ANYthing that would help my son. That's when I came across this:
* Pays little attention to details; makes careless mistakes;
* Has short attention span;
* Does not listen when spoken to directly;
* Does not follow instructions; fails to finish tasks;
* Has difficulty organizing tasks;
* Avoids tasks that require sustained mental effort;
* Loses things;
* Is easily distracted;
* Is forgetful in daily activities.
WOW! A checklist that describes my son!! COOL!
Oh wait... that's the Primarily Inattentive ADD checklist.
*gulp*
Now just so you know, I never once imagined Jaben as having ADD. Never would've even thought about it. But I can't look at this and think he doesn't. The scary thing is, it makes me feel a little bit relieved. I mean, if this is what's wrong, then we can work with this, we can get him the help he needs (I'm pretty much against meds for children so we'd go the behavioral modification/therapist route first and foremost), we can get him classified special needs at school so that he can get the help he needs!!
Oh God what if it's NOT Inattentive ADD?
I'm covering all my bases on this one. Today I saw the teacher - she read the list and listened while I explained his history since first grade (including a visit to the school therapist I was NOT informed about until after the fact, in second grade). And she agrees with me that ADD is definitely something we should explore. So -- she's going to begin filing the paperwork to have him tested thru the school.
The reason I say I'm covering all my bases is that I also made an appt with his doctor for next Friday. I want him to have a full physical, I want his thyroid checked, blood sugar levels, pee test (he'll love that) because I want to be SURE there isn't something physical going on that has his chemicals out of whack and makes all this difficult. Since I have to have the school do the ADD test to get him classified, I'm going to inform the Dr of what's going on and that I want him involved if at all possible. I trust him, he's with me on the "no unnecessary meds for kids" thing, he's known Jaben since the day he was born, and he cares about his well-being. Who wouldn't want someone like that on their side??
I just want to do what I can to make my baby's life easier. It wasn't easy calling the teacher to get an appointment to discuss this, it was even harder talking to her, it's not going to be easy talking to the Dr about it next week... it's like admitting there's something wrong with your child but he's beautiful and smart and perfect... so that can't be right.
But there is... there is something going on with my son that I can't fix.
I hate like hell to admit that.
But I'm going to do everything within my power to make it right for him. When you look in his big brown eyes you can see that he's frustrated too, he wants answers too... and dammit, I'm going to get them for him.
No matter what, I am going to get some answers for him.
Ever since 1st grade, Jaben has had trouble in school. Not necessarily the work, but listening, following directions, focusing, paying attention. It's been a pretty constant battle, with the exception of 4th grade and I still believe with my whole heart that went so well because the teacher was amazing. In my naivete, I thought we'd gotten things right and he'd be fine now.
Ohhhh how wrong I was.
I got the first phone call from the teacher on the 6th day of school. That same day I got a note from another teacher in the team. And things have been in a constant downward spiral from there. This week alone he has lost a recess and today he served his first detention. I was beginning to think I was raising a juvenile delinquent.
So I decided to put the internets to good use... for something other than messing around and I began looking for solutions, options, ANYthing that would help my son. That's when I came across this:
* Pays little attention to details; makes careless mistakes;
* Has short attention span;
* Does not listen when spoken to directly;
* Does not follow instructions; fails to finish tasks;
* Has difficulty organizing tasks;
* Avoids tasks that require sustained mental effort;
* Loses things;
* Is easily distracted;
* Is forgetful in daily activities.
WOW! A checklist that describes my son!! COOL!
Oh wait... that's the Primarily Inattentive ADD checklist.
*gulp*
Now just so you know, I never once imagined Jaben as having ADD. Never would've even thought about it. But I can't look at this and think he doesn't. The scary thing is, it makes me feel a little bit relieved. I mean, if this is what's wrong, then we can work with this, we can get him the help he needs (I'm pretty much against meds for children so we'd go the behavioral modification/therapist route first and foremost), we can get him classified special needs at school so that he can get the help he needs!!
Oh God what if it's NOT Inattentive ADD?
I'm covering all my bases on this one. Today I saw the teacher - she read the list and listened while I explained his history since first grade (including a visit to the school therapist I was NOT informed about until after the fact, in second grade). And she agrees with me that ADD is definitely something we should explore. So -- she's going to begin filing the paperwork to have him tested thru the school.
The reason I say I'm covering all my bases is that I also made an appt with his doctor for next Friday. I want him to have a full physical, I want his thyroid checked, blood sugar levels, pee test (he'll love that) because I want to be SURE there isn't something physical going on that has his chemicals out of whack and makes all this difficult. Since I have to have the school do the ADD test to get him classified, I'm going to inform the Dr of what's going on and that I want him involved if at all possible. I trust him, he's with me on the "no unnecessary meds for kids" thing, he's known Jaben since the day he was born, and he cares about his well-being. Who wouldn't want someone like that on their side??
I just want to do what I can to make my baby's life easier. It wasn't easy calling the teacher to get an appointment to discuss this, it was even harder talking to her, it's not going to be easy talking to the Dr about it next week... it's like admitting there's something wrong with your child but he's beautiful and smart and perfect... so that can't be right.
But there is... there is something going on with my son that I can't fix.
I hate like hell to admit that.
But I'm going to do everything within my power to make it right for him. When you look in his big brown eyes you can see that he's frustrated too, he wants answers too... and dammit, I'm going to get them for him.
No matter what, I am going to get some answers for him.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
fouw… fie…. sis…
I had it in mind to write an amusing post about the return of the skinny jean (I mean really?? Are they serious?? WHO looks good in those? Please, ladies, let’s do ourselves a favor and not buy them – never wear things simply because the Fashion Gods say you should! There are very few things that make your ass, hips, and thighs look bigger than skinny jeans! Yes you end up with petite, pretty ankles, but at the expense (expanse??) of what? Looking like you have a gigantic ass?? Please. Ladies. Just say no to skinny jeans. ‘Nuff said.) but then I decided I had something more exciting to say.
KYAN IS A BABY GENIUS!!!!
Okay maybe genius is too strong of a word. But here’s what happened… we were counting last night…
Me: One… two… three…
Him: fouw… fie…. sis…
Me: OH MY GOD YOU JUST COUNTED!!!!!!
Yup, it went just like that. I did get him to say “seven, eight, nine” once too, but then he gave me that “Mother… I am not a performing monkey, here for your enjoyment” look, so I stopped. I DO have a witness tho. He counted for Jaben this morning – and Jaben freaked too! Okay, the kid will be 20 mos on the 22nd… only 20 mos….
That counts for baby genious-ness, right? If not, I don’t wanna know.
(but seriously -- don't buy the skinny jeans)
KYAN IS A BABY GENIUS!!!!
Okay maybe genius is too strong of a word. But here’s what happened… we were counting last night…
Me: One… two… three…
Him: fouw… fie…. sis…
Me: OH MY GOD YOU JUST COUNTED!!!!!!
Yup, it went just like that. I did get him to say “seven, eight, nine” once too, but then he gave me that “Mother… I am not a performing monkey, here for your enjoyment” look, so I stopped. I DO have a witness tho. He counted for Jaben this morning – and Jaben freaked too! Okay, the kid will be 20 mos on the 22nd… only 20 mos….
That counts for baby genious-ness, right? If not, I don’t wanna know.
(but seriously -- don't buy the skinny jeans)
Monday, September 11, 2006
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Wow what a week!
Okay so to continue...
Jaben is still in football. Barely. He had a BAD week at school (I mean really, who gets a phone call from one teacher AND a note from another on the SIXTH day of school???)so he's been on serious notice. He was hardcore grounded this weekend, which means no bike, no friends, no tv, no computer, no video games - in his room cleaning, cleaning around the house (hehe, I made him do the bathroom!!) and generally being my whipping boy. So I wasn't all that sure, adding on what was going on in school, that he could handle football and everything else. I figured if he didn't get to play today then we were done.
So of course he played today.
A lot.
So yay!!
Of course Coach Jackass was with the other half of the 5th grade team (playing a different team on a different field in a different city) and wasn't directly controlling who went in, and there were fewer boys because of the split, but dammit -he played. And he had fun.
Good. But boo.
Have I mentioned that I hate football?
For now, I've decided to let it ride. He's got a clean slate starting tomorrow (Monday) with both school and sports. I've been communicating with both teachers and we've got something worked out -- he's gotta do his part, but at least this way I can keep tabs on him, somewhat, while he's out of direct reach of me. If he works hard at everything, he's fine. If not, it's gonna suck to be him.
Also, we got a new fridge this weekend! Yay for cold milk and things that freeze and actually stay frozen! It's huge, we got a great deal on it, and I love it. Is being excited about a new appliance a sign that you're a grownup?
Bummer.
But oh it's so nice!!
Also, we had our first play practice this week for A Christmas Carol. I'm even more excited about this one because I get to be in it! It's going to be a LOT of fun! More on that another day...
Jaben is still in football. Barely. He had a BAD week at school (I mean really, who gets a phone call from one teacher AND a note from another on the SIXTH day of school???)so he's been on serious notice. He was hardcore grounded this weekend, which means no bike, no friends, no tv, no computer, no video games - in his room cleaning, cleaning around the house (hehe, I made him do the bathroom!!) and generally being my whipping boy. So I wasn't all that sure, adding on what was going on in school, that he could handle football and everything else. I figured if he didn't get to play today then we were done.
So of course he played today.
A lot.
So yay!!
Of course Coach Jackass was with the other half of the 5th grade team (playing a different team on a different field in a different city) and wasn't directly controlling who went in, and there were fewer boys because of the split, but dammit -he played. And he had fun.
Good. But boo.
Have I mentioned that I hate football?
For now, I've decided to let it ride. He's got a clean slate starting tomorrow (Monday) with both school and sports. I've been communicating with both teachers and we've got something worked out -- he's gotta do his part, but at least this way I can keep tabs on him, somewhat, while he's out of direct reach of me. If he works hard at everything, he's fine. If not, it's gonna suck to be him.
Also, we got a new fridge this weekend! Yay for cold milk and things that freeze and actually stay frozen! It's huge, we got a great deal on it, and I love it. Is being excited about a new appliance a sign that you're a grownup?
Bummer.
But oh it's so nice!!
Also, we had our first play practice this week for A Christmas Carol. I'm even more excited about this one because I get to be in it! It's going to be a LOT of fun! More on that another day...
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Football sucks.
It’s no big secret I don’t like my son playing football. Or maybe it is, maybe I’ve done a much better job of hiding my feelings than I thought. Possible but I doubt it.
But right now, how I was feeling before no longer matters. Football positively sucks and I can’t wait until this stupid season ends. If it were possible, he’d be done now. Yes, now.
The reason is very simple. He did not get to play in the game on Sunday. Yep, that’s it, he didn’t get to play. Okay that’s not the full reason, that just started it. I realize that in kids’ sports some kids get to play more than others. I realize that the less athletic kids are the ones who spend more time on the bench or sidelines. I get that and I am fully aware that my son is one of those kids. Got it, but he wants to play so let’s move on.
The coaches (who I would love to name but will not) of this league (that I would love to name but will not) have told the kids from day 1 of conditioning that the point right now is to play and have fun. They have stressed that this is a learning league and that they will teach them everything they need to know. GREAT!! Especially for my son. This is something he NEEDS, in order to learn the game and maybe have more of that fun they were talkin’ about.
But apparently it’s not working out quite the way they said… at least for the 5 or 6 boys who stood on the sidelines hoping, waiting for their turn on the field this past Sunday. And my problem with this is that I don’t know how to handle it. He’s not a baby, he’s not even a very young child. But he’s not a teenager or an adult either. Do I say something? Do I do something? Or do I just seethe quietly and let him be left out? What the hell do I do???
Monday was Labor Day and the boys and I were at Walmart picking up a few things we needed when we ran into another football mom. She’s kind a joiner mom and her son, I believe, plays for the 6th grade team. She stopped us and asked how the game was on Sunday, and asked how Jaben did. When we told her what happened, she was in shock. She said that, knowing Coach Namewithheld, she couldn’t imagine he knew there were kids who didn’t get on the field and that I should call him so he knew. Maybe that would keep it from happening again. At least, she said, that’s what she’d do.
To be honest, I did want to approach the coach because I really did think it was a simple mistake. So when we got home, got settled, and it was quiet, I called him.
The guy is a jerk.
First of all, he was incredibly rude on the phone. I think I had a legitimate concern and… Well, have you ever had the “pleasure” of talking to a man who looks down on women and talks to them as if he has better things to do? Yeah, like that. Very. Unpleasant. Conversation. But the gist of it was this: he purposely left 5 or 6 boys out of the game because he didn’t want to lose. No, he did not admit that outright. He talked in circles quite enough to get to that. At first it was that he thought the other team was tough (they were smaller than the boys from last week) and he didn’t want these boys to get hurt. Then it was that it was a tight game and he needed to use the starters. Then it was that these boys don’t work hard enough in practice and don’t deserve to play in tough games. Are you following?
Yeah, he kept them out because he was afraid to lose.
And this man is supposed to be a role model for boys.
Worse, he lied to me outright. He said that after the game he grabbed all the boys who didn’t play, told them he was sorry and explained the situation. Now I know for a fact that was untrue because as soon as the game ended, I came down off the bleachers and watched my son. I expected him to be upset and needed to see. As I was standing, waiting for him, I saw another boy and his mother walk by and I heard her telling him that she would guarantee he would play in the rest of the games. Bearing in mind that Jaben left the sidelines AFTER this boy and not one coach approached MY son, what are the chances this boy received any attention either?
Slim. Quite slim. So why did Coach Namewithheld lie to me? Why did he tell these boys that this league was about playing and having fun if he wasn’t going to keep his word?
Why is this man working with children? If winning a game is more important to him than his own word and the developing egos and self-esteem of pre-teen boys, does he even have any business working with children? Leaving out the fact that he lied to ME… what are these boys learning from him?
Starting this week, Jaben will be missing all Thursday practices. I wasn’t worried about this because I discussed it with Coach Namewithheld earlier in conditioning and he said not to worry about it, that Jaben was doing fine (oh really???) and there was nothing to worry about – if he wanted to play, he’d play. But now that I know how he really is, I’m having trouble trusting what he said and I wonder if I’m going to take my son to every game only to see him standing on the sidelines wondering why he’s not playing. I am not willing to put my child through that.
It’s probably fortunate that I have to go to Open House tonight and won’t be picking Jaben up from practice. This gives me another day to decide how to approach the situation. I need to talk to Coach Namewithheld again to remind him about the Thursday dilemma and to find out how game days will be handled now that the boys have split into 2 teams per grade. Will we miss receiving directions or plans to travel in groups to games if we’re not there on Thursday? Is there any way I can get this information on Wednesday? I don’t know where ANY of these schools are so I will NEED this information or we will not get there. Somehow I doubt he’s going to go out of his way to help me out.
So yeah, football sucks. I really can’t wait for this blasted season to be over so we can move on to things my son enjoys, that I think will actually benefit him. Because other than physically (he’s getting in such good shape, I will give football THAT), I don’t think there’s much positive to be learned here.
And THAT really sucks.
But right now, how I was feeling before no longer matters. Football positively sucks and I can’t wait until this stupid season ends. If it were possible, he’d be done now. Yes, now.
The reason is very simple. He did not get to play in the game on Sunday. Yep, that’s it, he didn’t get to play. Okay that’s not the full reason, that just started it. I realize that in kids’ sports some kids get to play more than others. I realize that the less athletic kids are the ones who spend more time on the bench or sidelines. I get that and I am fully aware that my son is one of those kids. Got it, but he wants to play so let’s move on.
The coaches (who I would love to name but will not) of this league (that I would love to name but will not) have told the kids from day 1 of conditioning that the point right now is to play and have fun. They have stressed that this is a learning league and that they will teach them everything they need to know. GREAT!! Especially for my son. This is something he NEEDS, in order to learn the game and maybe have more of that fun they were talkin’ about.
But apparently it’s not working out quite the way they said… at least for the 5 or 6 boys who stood on the sidelines hoping, waiting for their turn on the field this past Sunday. And my problem with this is that I don’t know how to handle it. He’s not a baby, he’s not even a very young child. But he’s not a teenager or an adult either. Do I say something? Do I do something? Or do I just seethe quietly and let him be left out? What the hell do I do???
Monday was Labor Day and the boys and I were at Walmart picking up a few things we needed when we ran into another football mom. She’s kind a joiner mom and her son, I believe, plays for the 6th grade team. She stopped us and asked how the game was on Sunday, and asked how Jaben did. When we told her what happened, she was in shock. She said that, knowing Coach Namewithheld, she couldn’t imagine he knew there were kids who didn’t get on the field and that I should call him so he knew. Maybe that would keep it from happening again. At least, she said, that’s what she’d do.
To be honest, I did want to approach the coach because I really did think it was a simple mistake. So when we got home, got settled, and it was quiet, I called him.
The guy is a jerk.
First of all, he was incredibly rude on the phone. I think I had a legitimate concern and… Well, have you ever had the “pleasure” of talking to a man who looks down on women and talks to them as if he has better things to do? Yeah, like that. Very. Unpleasant. Conversation. But the gist of it was this: he purposely left 5 or 6 boys out of the game because he didn’t want to lose. No, he did not admit that outright. He talked in circles quite enough to get to that. At first it was that he thought the other team was tough (they were smaller than the boys from last week) and he didn’t want these boys to get hurt. Then it was that it was a tight game and he needed to use the starters. Then it was that these boys don’t work hard enough in practice and don’t deserve to play in tough games. Are you following?
Yeah, he kept them out because he was afraid to lose.
And this man is supposed to be a role model for boys.
Worse, he lied to me outright. He said that after the game he grabbed all the boys who didn’t play, told them he was sorry and explained the situation. Now I know for a fact that was untrue because as soon as the game ended, I came down off the bleachers and watched my son. I expected him to be upset and needed to see. As I was standing, waiting for him, I saw another boy and his mother walk by and I heard her telling him that she would guarantee he would play in the rest of the games. Bearing in mind that Jaben left the sidelines AFTER this boy and not one coach approached MY son, what are the chances this boy received any attention either?
Slim. Quite slim. So why did Coach Namewithheld lie to me? Why did he tell these boys that this league was about playing and having fun if he wasn’t going to keep his word?
Why is this man working with children? If winning a game is more important to him than his own word and the developing egos and self-esteem of pre-teen boys, does he even have any business working with children? Leaving out the fact that he lied to ME… what are these boys learning from him?
Starting this week, Jaben will be missing all Thursday practices. I wasn’t worried about this because I discussed it with Coach Namewithheld earlier in conditioning and he said not to worry about it, that Jaben was doing fine (oh really???) and there was nothing to worry about – if he wanted to play, he’d play. But now that I know how he really is, I’m having trouble trusting what he said and I wonder if I’m going to take my son to every game only to see him standing on the sidelines wondering why he’s not playing. I am not willing to put my child through that.
It’s probably fortunate that I have to go to Open House tonight and won’t be picking Jaben up from practice. This gives me another day to decide how to approach the situation. I need to talk to Coach Namewithheld again to remind him about the Thursday dilemma and to find out how game days will be handled now that the boys have split into 2 teams per grade. Will we miss receiving directions or plans to travel in groups to games if we’re not there on Thursday? Is there any way I can get this information on Wednesday? I don’t know where ANY of these schools are so I will NEED this information or we will not get there. Somehow I doubt he’s going to go out of his way to help me out.
So yeah, football sucks. I really can’t wait for this blasted season to be over so we can move on to things my son enjoys, that I think will actually benefit him. Because other than physically (he’s getting in such good shape, I will give football THAT), I don’t think there’s much positive to be learned here.
And THAT really sucks.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Attempt #2
Okay so I tried typing a post earlier and my fabu mac froze up and of course I hadn’t saved anything yet so POOF! Gone.
And it’s not like I’ve posted recently, either. For that, I apologize to my… what? 5 readers? So sorry! But seriously, I have been SO BUSY lately it’s not even funny. It’s program time at work and trust me, that takes a lot of work, and then of course I don’t want to get online when I get home so no posty from me!
Anyway, the kids are doing really well. Kyan is doing GREAT at his new babysitter. I swear the woman is amazing! He eats, he naps, he plays! And he’s been talking more and more every day! Her little boy, I think, is kind of advanced (potty trained at 21 mos and he talks like you would not believe!) so Kyan is picking up a lot of great things from him. Of course this also means I have to be * very very * careful about what I say! I’ve been made very aware of which swears are most commonly said in my household and I need to make a very concentrated effort * not * to say them! But otherwise it’s a good thing… he really is blossoming right now being with them. I’m so glad and so lucky we found them!! This really is working out to be a beautiful situation for Kyan. And I’ve got to say, I really just like L. She’s so very very nice (especially to me, flake that I am) and her oldest son plays on Jaben’s football team, which is way cool.
Oooh! I just heard from Jaben! Well okay, I called him. I wanted to know how his first day of 5th grade went. See, where we live schools are set up a bit differently from what I imagine most other places are. We have elementary (K-4), intermediate (5-6), middle (7-8), and then high school (9-12), and this year of course he started (TODAY!) at the intermediate school. They’ve got lockers and different periods for classes – so they switch some. He said most of his classes are held in his homeroom, but they do switch for a few – and he thought that was confusing! LOL… he’ll get used to it. When I was in school, we started middle school in 6th grade and switched for every class. It’s weird at first, but he’ll like it. It’s more freedom… and more responsibility.
His first football game was on Sunday too! And they WON!! I KNOW! I couldn’t believe it either, but it was a blowout!! 25-0! I’ll be the first to admit I know jack about football so I spent most of the game watching Jaben on the sidelines (he played 5-10 mins total) wishing for him to get on the field. And then when he was on the field I kept praying for him not to get smeared. Hehehe…. He was fine tho. His next game is an away game, so we’re going to have to find directions to the school it’s being held at and hope we don’t get lost. That’s one thing about a travel team at this age….. I’m very directionally challenged so it’s going to be an adventure for us! We’ll get to see * all kinds * of new places – and not necessarily on purpose! Wheeeeee!!!!
So that’s my update for now. Not overly exciting, not terribly amusing. Maybe next time I’ll get into Kyan’s new Spongebob fixation and my psycho next door neighbors. Yeah, that one is * definitely * a post for another day!
And it’s not like I’ve posted recently, either. For that, I apologize to my… what? 5 readers? So sorry! But seriously, I have been SO BUSY lately it’s not even funny. It’s program time at work and trust me, that takes a lot of work, and then of course I don’t want to get online when I get home so no posty from me!
Anyway, the kids are doing really well. Kyan is doing GREAT at his new babysitter. I swear the woman is amazing! He eats, he naps, he plays! And he’s been talking more and more every day! Her little boy, I think, is kind of advanced (potty trained at 21 mos and he talks like you would not believe!) so Kyan is picking up a lot of great things from him. Of course this also means I have to be * very very * careful about what I say! I’ve been made very aware of which swears are most commonly said in my household and I need to make a very concentrated effort * not * to say them! But otherwise it’s a good thing… he really is blossoming right now being with them. I’m so glad and so lucky we found them!! This really is working out to be a beautiful situation for Kyan. And I’ve got to say, I really just like L. She’s so very very nice (especially to me, flake that I am) and her oldest son plays on Jaben’s football team, which is way cool.
Oooh! I just heard from Jaben! Well okay, I called him. I wanted to know how his first day of 5th grade went. See, where we live schools are set up a bit differently from what I imagine most other places are. We have elementary (K-4), intermediate (5-6), middle (7-8), and then high school (9-12), and this year of course he started (TODAY!) at the intermediate school. They’ve got lockers and different periods for classes – so they switch some. He said most of his classes are held in his homeroom, but they do switch for a few – and he thought that was confusing! LOL… he’ll get used to it. When I was in school, we started middle school in 6th grade and switched for every class. It’s weird at first, but he’ll like it. It’s more freedom… and more responsibility.
His first football game was on Sunday too! And they WON!! I KNOW! I couldn’t believe it either, but it was a blowout!! 25-0! I’ll be the first to admit I know jack about football so I spent most of the game watching Jaben on the sidelines (he played 5-10 mins total) wishing for him to get on the field. And then when he was on the field I kept praying for him not to get smeared. Hehehe…. He was fine tho. His next game is an away game, so we’re going to have to find directions to the school it’s being held at and hope we don’t get lost. That’s one thing about a travel team at this age….. I’m very directionally challenged so it’s going to be an adventure for us! We’ll get to see * all kinds * of new places – and not necessarily on purpose! Wheeeeee!!!!
So that’s my update for now. Not overly exciting, not terribly amusing. Maybe next time I’ll get into Kyan’s new Spongebob fixation and my psycho next door neighbors. Yeah, that one is * definitely * a post for another day!
Thursday, August 24, 2006
*sigh* Word verification enabled
Well, thanx to the spam-bots, I have now turned on word verification for comments. I didn't want to do that, but I really don't like the spam, so there ya go.
Beyond that, Kyan is doing AMAZING at the new babysitters! He's napping early in the afternoon so he's not wanting to nap (most days) at 4:30 pm so he's going to bed at around 8:30pm!! YAY!!! He's a MUCH happier baby. He's still crying when I leave in the morning, but according to L, he stops as soon as I leave, so it's not too bad. He's had a pretty good week so far - hopefully today will go well too. She's amazing tho, and he's really pretty happy there and that makes ME very happy!
In other news, Jaben is kickin' ass and takin' names in football! He's losing some weight and getting in shape and he's really starting to enjoy it! I think he likes seeing and feeling his body respond favorably to that type of exercise and that's wonderful!!! It's really so very good for him. His first game is on Sunday so we'll see then how it goes.
Long wait for a short entry, I know. But I've been SO busy lately it's unreal!! I'm trying to get caught up on things, but it's not easy right now. I'll write a longer entry hopefully in the next day or two... in case anyone is interested. ;-)
Spam-bots -- BEGONE!!
Beyond that, Kyan is doing AMAZING at the new babysitters! He's napping early in the afternoon so he's not wanting to nap (most days) at 4:30 pm so he's going to bed at around 8:30pm!! YAY!!! He's a MUCH happier baby. He's still crying when I leave in the morning, but according to L, he stops as soon as I leave, so it's not too bad. He's had a pretty good week so far - hopefully today will go well too. She's amazing tho, and he's really pretty happy there and that makes ME very happy!
In other news, Jaben is kickin' ass and takin' names in football! He's losing some weight and getting in shape and he's really starting to enjoy it! I think he likes seeing and feeling his body respond favorably to that type of exercise and that's wonderful!!! It's really so very good for him. His first game is on Sunday so we'll see then how it goes.
Long wait for a short entry, I know. But I've been SO busy lately it's unreal!! I'm trying to get caught up on things, but it's not easy right now. I'll write a longer entry hopefully in the next day or two... in case anyone is interested. ;-)
Spam-bots -- BEGONE!!
Friday, August 18, 2006
So
We survived the first week at the new babysitter.
Monday went well. Tuesday went well. Wednesday? Not so much.
First he screamed when I left. Do you know how hard it is to leave a baby who is holding his arms out to you and screaming "Mommy!! Mommy!!" It's awful. He was a total cling-on for L all day long but did, eventually, take a nap. That's a biggie for Ky... he's not much of a napper. So yay for L!
Thursday he screamed when I left but apparently just long enough for me to get out the door. Then he stopped and had a wonderful day, complete with another nap! He eats for her, he naps for her - he's doing great! So yay for Ky!
Today I took the boys to the fair. It was hot - no, strike that - it was hellishly hot. But we still had fun. Jaben rode a few rides, we looked at all the displays, strolled thru the animal barns and told Ky what all the animals were. I tried to take Kyan on the pony ride, but while he thought the horses were really cool from the safety of his stroller, actually sitting on top of one was just not acceptable and he let the entire world know it. Loudly.
Um, yeah, I got my money back.
Kyan fell asleep in his stroller and I bought him a hat the says, "I'm in charge" and it looks SO cute on him! I have to get a picture! The guy at the arcade games followed me around and talked to me the entire time I was in there. Creepy much? We ended up bringing home 4 helium balloons (BOON!!) for Kyan and I've so far had to untangle them about 8,000 times and replace the strings once due to an unworkable knot. So... I'm broke (nothing unusual there) but the boys had a blast and so did I. I'm calling that as worth it. Totally.
I'm not sure what's going on for the rest of the weekend, but I'm thinking it's not much. Gotta get Kyan's crib taken down (I SO need to post a picture of him sleeping in his big boy bed!)(Okay so he hasn't made an entire night yet, but baby steps, right?) and more work done in my room, Jaben's room needs done BADLY, and I really should work on the front and back hallways. Heh... so much for not much.
School starts soon and then things will really go crazy!
And did I mention... I get to be in A Christmas Carol with Jaben?!? I'm so excited!!!
Monday went well. Tuesday went well. Wednesday? Not so much.
First he screamed when I left. Do you know how hard it is to leave a baby who is holding his arms out to you and screaming "Mommy!! Mommy!!" It's awful. He was a total cling-on for L all day long but did, eventually, take a nap. That's a biggie for Ky... he's not much of a napper. So yay for L!
Thursday he screamed when I left but apparently just long enough for me to get out the door. Then he stopped and had a wonderful day, complete with another nap! He eats for her, he naps for her - he's doing great! So yay for Ky!
Today I took the boys to the fair. It was hot - no, strike that - it was hellishly hot. But we still had fun. Jaben rode a few rides, we looked at all the displays, strolled thru the animal barns and told Ky what all the animals were. I tried to take Kyan on the pony ride, but while he thought the horses were really cool from the safety of his stroller, actually sitting on top of one was just not acceptable and he let the entire world know it. Loudly.
Um, yeah, I got my money back.
Kyan fell asleep in his stroller and I bought him a hat the says, "I'm in charge" and it looks SO cute on him! I have to get a picture! The guy at the arcade games followed me around and talked to me the entire time I was in there. Creepy much? We ended up bringing home 4 helium balloons (BOON!!) for Kyan and I've so far had to untangle them about 8,000 times and replace the strings once due to an unworkable knot. So... I'm broke (nothing unusual there) but the boys had a blast and so did I. I'm calling that as worth it. Totally.
I'm not sure what's going on for the rest of the weekend, but I'm thinking it's not much. Gotta get Kyan's crib taken down (I SO need to post a picture of him sleeping in his big boy bed!)(Okay so he hasn't made an entire night yet, but baby steps, right?) and more work done in my room, Jaben's room needs done BADLY, and I really should work on the front and back hallways. Heh... so much for not much.
School starts soon and then things will really go crazy!
And did I mention... I get to be in A Christmas Carol with Jaben?!? I'm so excited!!!
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Yes, I'm still blogging...
Not that I got any emails or anything asking me that. I just got busy.
Jaben has football every minute it seems like from now until the end of Oct. Add school and play practice (which I get to be in, yay!) and he's way busy. And I haven't even figured out yet how we're going to manage Cub Scouts. Think maybe he does too much???
Ky started at the new babysitter this week. Up until today he's been great. However (better than a but right?) this morning he cried and screamed and reached for me when I went to leave. That sucked so bad I can't even say. I have never had to leave a baby screaming for me like that before -- that is so rough. I hate it and I hope he gets used to it REALLY soon and gets over that because I have no options. He's got to be in daycare, he's got to learn to be with other people, he's got to learn to deal and that's all there is to it. And I don't think there's a whole lot I can do to help him with that. I just don't want to leave him screaming and crying every morning. And when I called (of course I called!) she said he's been a cling-on all day, which doesn't help matters.
So maybe next time around I'll write an amusing, fun post. For now, stressed out, worried about both kids (one having a rough transition, the other far too busy) and we haven't even bought school clothes for Jaben yet! Thank God we got the supplies already - and OMG were THOSE expensive!!
Jaben has football every minute it seems like from now until the end of Oct. Add school and play practice (which I get to be in, yay!) and he's way busy. And I haven't even figured out yet how we're going to manage Cub Scouts. Think maybe he does too much???
Ky started at the new babysitter this week. Up until today he's been great. However (better than a but right?) this morning he cried and screamed and reached for me when I went to leave. That sucked so bad I can't even say. I have never had to leave a baby screaming for me like that before -- that is so rough. I hate it and I hope he gets used to it REALLY soon and gets over that because I have no options. He's got to be in daycare, he's got to learn to be with other people, he's got to learn to deal and that's all there is to it. And I don't think there's a whole lot I can do to help him with that. I just don't want to leave him screaming and crying every morning. And when I called (of course I called!) she said he's been a cling-on all day, which doesn't help matters.
So maybe next time around I'll write an amusing, fun post. For now, stressed out, worried about both kids (one having a rough transition, the other far too busy) and we haven't even bought school clothes for Jaben yet! Thank God we got the supplies already - and OMG were THOSE expensive!!
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
The last day…
Today is officially Kyan’s last day at the only babysitter he’s ever been to.
He’s been staying with my cousin since he was 4 weeks old. Yes, 4 weeks – it was all the time I could take off work. Over there, he’s got his slightly older second cousin to play with and he’s been pretty much as happy as Kyan ever gets.
Ooh, that sounds bad. Don’t get me wrong, I love the kid to bits, but ohmylord he is not the happiest baby in the world. There are more difficult kids than Ky, for sure, but there are a lot more ‘easy’ kids. Just trust me on this one.
But, starting Monday, he goes to a new babysitter. She’s a nice lady, very-very friendly, obviously a good mom and seems to like Kyan quite a bit. He actually seemed to like her too… the last time he was there he gave her a kiss before we left and that’s pretty unusual for him. So I think it’ll be fine. I just don’t know it’ll be fine. And not because of L, the sitter, but because of Kyan. She’s got a boy who’s 2 mos older than he is for him to play with, so that will help a lot. But he doesn’t nap. Or eat. And he um…. screams. A lot, sometimes. Especially now that he’s trying to get his incisors to break thru. The kid hates teething, but I can’t say that I blame him.
He is going to spend 2 hrs there tomorrow (I have the day off) and again 2 hrs on Saturday. Then come Monday, it’s full-time all the way, baby!
Please-God-let-him-do-well-and-not-be-too-difficult.
Kyan is the reason they will tell you not to expect your second child to be like your first.
Not that Jaben was always easy, but he slept. He ate. He screamed, sure, but not incessantly.
Like last night. When I pulled in the driveway from work I knew something was wrong. I could hear him hitch-crying in the drive. When I got into the house he was sitting in his booster at the table, dinner untouched, weeping like the world had moved on and left him behind all alone. But there sat my mom, poor, exasperated grandma, with no idea why beautiful-yet-difficult baby was crying. Again.
And no, my arrival didn’t help matters any.
He just started screaming and crying uncontrollably again. There wasn’t anything wrong, he just wasn’t happy with life, for whatever reason, and was not going to be comforted no matter what. So after assessing the situation and talking to him for a few minutes, I unhooked him from the booster, carried him into my room (where he sleeps too) and plopped him on the bed with the instruction that he could come out when he calmed down. Yes he’s only 18 mos old, but what choice did I have?
A couple of minutes later I heard him come sniffling into the living room, and then closer, into the kitchen where I was sitting trying to eat my dinner. Once he got there, the sniffling turned back into the full-blown screaming cry, so once again I carried him into my room and plopped him on the bed with the instruction that he could come out when he calmed down.
But this time, it worked. Yeah I know, I was shocked too!
When he came out, he was still hitching but no longer crying. He was relatively calm. So, I picked him up and put him on my lap. He even ate the piece of meat I offered him off my plate. After that, he was content to sit on my lap and eat the asparagus he refused just 10 minutes ago off his own plate.
Yes, he was still on my lap, but progress is progress. And hey – he ate.
This, and other similar stories are why I worry about Kyan at a new babysitter.
He’s been staying with my cousin since he was 4 weeks old. Yes, 4 weeks – it was all the time I could take off work. Over there, he’s got his slightly older second cousin to play with and he’s been pretty much as happy as Kyan ever gets.
Ooh, that sounds bad. Don’t get me wrong, I love the kid to bits, but ohmylord he is not the happiest baby in the world. There are more difficult kids than Ky, for sure, but there are a lot more ‘easy’ kids. Just trust me on this one.
But, starting Monday, he goes to a new babysitter. She’s a nice lady, very-very friendly, obviously a good mom and seems to like Kyan quite a bit. He actually seemed to like her too… the last time he was there he gave her a kiss before we left and that’s pretty unusual for him. So I think it’ll be fine. I just don’t know it’ll be fine. And not because of L, the sitter, but because of Kyan. She’s got a boy who’s 2 mos older than he is for him to play with, so that will help a lot. But he doesn’t nap. Or eat. And he um…. screams. A lot, sometimes. Especially now that he’s trying to get his incisors to break thru. The kid hates teething, but I can’t say that I blame him.
He is going to spend 2 hrs there tomorrow (I have the day off) and again 2 hrs on Saturday. Then come Monday, it’s full-time all the way, baby!
Please-God-let-him-do-well-and-not-be-too-difficult.
Kyan is the reason they will tell you not to expect your second child to be like your first.
Not that Jaben was always easy, but he slept. He ate. He screamed, sure, but not incessantly.
Like last night. When I pulled in the driveway from work I knew something was wrong. I could hear him hitch-crying in the drive. When I got into the house he was sitting in his booster at the table, dinner untouched, weeping like the world had moved on and left him behind all alone. But there sat my mom, poor, exasperated grandma, with no idea why beautiful-yet-difficult baby was crying. Again.
And no, my arrival didn’t help matters any.
He just started screaming and crying uncontrollably again. There wasn’t anything wrong, he just wasn’t happy with life, for whatever reason, and was not going to be comforted no matter what. So after assessing the situation and talking to him for a few minutes, I unhooked him from the booster, carried him into my room (where he sleeps too) and plopped him on the bed with the instruction that he could come out when he calmed down. Yes he’s only 18 mos old, but what choice did I have?
A couple of minutes later I heard him come sniffling into the living room, and then closer, into the kitchen where I was sitting trying to eat my dinner. Once he got there, the sniffling turned back into the full-blown screaming cry, so once again I carried him into my room and plopped him on the bed with the instruction that he could come out when he calmed down.
But this time, it worked. Yeah I know, I was shocked too!
When he came out, he was still hitching but no longer crying. He was relatively calm. So, I picked him up and put him on my lap. He even ate the piece of meat I offered him off my plate. After that, he was content to sit on my lap and eat the asparagus he refused just 10 minutes ago off his own plate.
Yes, he was still on my lap, but progress is progress. And hey – he ate.
This, and other similar stories are why I worry about Kyan at a new babysitter.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Strong but dumb
My son, my amazing sweet wonderful rotten son, is now a football player. He's going to be a lineman, who the coach said need to be strong but dumb...... I'm pretty sure Jaben got the joke.
I think.
I'm excited for him because I think it'll be good for him and I hope he enjoys it. Conditioning isn't so great, but he'll survive. I just think playing will be a good thing for him, he'll get in better shape, make friends and learn something.
I'm not going to think about him getting hurt.
I'm just not.
If he can play soccer for years without getting hurt, he can play football - they wear more pads!
I'm not even going to think about the mom who told me her son knocked another kid OUT his first game and put him in the hospital.
Nope, not gonna think about it.
Right outta my head.
Yep.
*ahem*
Actually, the boys have all been very tough, showing up for conditioning and working their little hineys off during the over-100-degree-heat-index days. I think, even tho the coaches will be working them harder now that it's cooler, it'll be easier all around because of the lower temperatures.
But, um... I said that last night and Jabe looked at me like I grew another head.
So maybe not.
He sure does look cute tho…
Monday, July 31, 2006
Because I said so.
I wouldn’t have thought an 18-mo old would be in the “why” stage yet, but somehow Kyan has caught on that he can keep Mommy’s attention and keep Mommy talking by saying “why?” after everything I say. I can’t imagine he can understand every answer I give to his whys, but I answer him anyway. To a point. Then it becomes, “Because I said so.” Sometimes that satisfies him, sometimes it doesn’t.
So the other night I tried to turn the tables. He said why, I explained. He said why again, I expounded on my explanation. We continued this way until I finally said, “Because I said so.” And again he said, “why?”
Being the smart (stop laughing) Mommy I am, I said “why?” back…. And this incredibly smart 18-month old child of mine said, clear as day… “Said so.”
So the other night I tried to turn the tables. He said why, I explained. He said why again, I expounded on my explanation. We continued this way until I finally said, “Because I said so.” And again he said, “why?”
Being the smart (stop laughing) Mommy I am, I said “why?” back…. And this incredibly smart 18-month old child of mine said, clear as day… “Said so.”
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Blogging without a purpose
I have no idea what’s going to come out here, so bear with me. Kay? Thanx.
Jaben is now in possession of his first… um… athletic supporter. Yay to M for taking him!! I know it was more comfortable for him this way… and it was more comfortable for me, too.
Kyan has begun calling my mom by her first name. Hehehehe!! I know he gets it from hanging around all day with my cousin’s little boy, but that doesn’t make it any less amusing. It does kind of bother her, but I think even she thinks it’s kinda funny… until he came into the kitchen with his cup and said, “D – MILK!” HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
My car still isn’t finished. They thought they had it yesterday and I would’ve had it back last night, but then they discovered something wrong with the compressor (don’t ask me, I still don’t know), which requires another part, more money, and more time. This. Really. Sucks. sIt’s going to take me forever to pay back the money I have to borrow to have this done, I have to use my mom’s car and I know this is a real pain in the ass for her, and I really just want my car back. I know why it’s taking time, I understand, and it still stinks. I wish they’d make a car that wouldn’t break. Disposable vehicle, anyone??
Oh and … Who watches Big Brother All-Stars? Did anyone else want to hand Jase a binky last night? Or was that just me?? YES, James was a dillhole for the way he did things, but SO WHAT? It was KAYSER who just haaaad to tell Jase he was going up and why. And then to attack Marcellus for it? Um…. Marci had NOTHING to do with it! Get over yourself, Jase. You’d have done the same thing. Also, you’re not being backdoored! No wonder you can’t win this game! You don’t even understand the terminology! Backdooring is when you’re the target, but are not put up so you can’t win the veto and remove yourself. The group who is targeting you wins the veto themselves and removes one of the people on the block so YOU’RE put up and cannot save yourself. You are NOT being backdoored – you’re a replacement nominee because YOU HAD A CHANCE TO WIN VETO YOURSELF but instead of sucking it up you all – except Kayser – basically handed it to Chicken George. None of you who were in that comp have any right to bitch. Except Kayser. And interestingly enough – he’s not complaining… he’s just trying to work with what’s left. Dr. Will might not be even remotely as amusing as he was on season 2, but he’s a HELL of a lot better than Jase… if I want to watch temper tantrums, I can take candy away from my 18 mo old.
Hm… that was an interesting rant. I don’t think I normally get so worked up about reality tv. Maybe… but I don’t think so.
I think I’m going to try and update my blogroll again. If you want added, let me know. And if you’re reading this and have a blog, or request a link, please add me to your blogroll too. Thanx, everso!
Jaben is now in possession of his first… um… athletic supporter. Yay to M for taking him!! I know it was more comfortable for him this way… and it was more comfortable for me, too.
Kyan has begun calling my mom by her first name. Hehehehe!! I know he gets it from hanging around all day with my cousin’s little boy, but that doesn’t make it any less amusing. It does kind of bother her, but I think even she thinks it’s kinda funny… until he came into the kitchen with his cup and said, “D – MILK!” HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
My car still isn’t finished. They thought they had it yesterday and I would’ve had it back last night, but then they discovered something wrong with the compressor (don’t ask me, I still don’t know), which requires another part, more money, and more time. This. Really. Sucks. sIt’s going to take me forever to pay back the money I have to borrow to have this done, I have to use my mom’s car and I know this is a real pain in the ass for her, and I really just want my car back. I know why it’s taking time, I understand, and it still stinks. I wish they’d make a car that wouldn’t break. Disposable vehicle, anyone??
Oh and … Who watches Big Brother All-Stars? Did anyone else want to hand Jase a binky last night? Or was that just me?? YES, James was a dillhole for the way he did things, but SO WHAT? It was KAYSER who just haaaad to tell Jase he was going up and why. And then to attack Marcellus for it? Um…. Marci had NOTHING to do with it! Get over yourself, Jase. You’d have done the same thing. Also, you’re not being backdoored! No wonder you can’t win this game! You don’t even understand the terminology! Backdooring is when you’re the target, but are not put up so you can’t win the veto and remove yourself. The group who is targeting you wins the veto themselves and removes one of the people on the block so YOU’RE put up and cannot save yourself. You are NOT being backdoored – you’re a replacement nominee because YOU HAD A CHANCE TO WIN VETO YOURSELF but instead of sucking it up you all – except Kayser – basically handed it to Chicken George. None of you who were in that comp have any right to bitch. Except Kayser. And interestingly enough – he’s not complaining… he’s just trying to work with what’s left. Dr. Will might not be even remotely as amusing as he was on season 2, but he’s a HELL of a lot better than Jase… if I want to watch temper tantrums, I can take candy away from my 18 mo old.
Hm… that was an interesting rant. I don’t think I normally get so worked up about reality tv. Maybe… but I don’t think so.
I think I’m going to try and update my blogroll again. If you want added, let me know. And if you’re reading this and have a blog, or request a link, please add me to your blogroll too. Thanx, everso!
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Some things require a male touch…
Jaben begins football on August 1st, so we went the other night to have him fitted for his uniform. Size medium helmet, size medium pants, size LARGE shoulder pads (he takes after his mother on this one). Being a non-football kind of girl, I asked a lot of questions, mostly regarding the likelihood of my little guy getting hurt. I’m trusting the coach on this one and expect my little gridiron star returned no worse than bruised and banged. I was told to buy several mouth guards… preferably the kind that attach to the face guard because kids this age tend to lose them. They can be bought at Wal-Mart and apparently are surprisingly cheap. Cleats are not required, but c’mon… the kid’s gotta have some cleats.
And then he said it.
“You also might want to buy him a jock strap. You know, for protection.”
Me: “Uh yeah… that’s a good idea. Um, yeah we’ll do that…”
Coach: “I don’t require it, but if he doesn’t have one he could get hurt so he’s gonna want one.”
*gulp *
I don’t remember much of the conversation after that.
You know, you think you’ve got it down… I’m the mom of a little boy. We’ve survived circumcision, knocks to the privates, toy trucks, dirt, guns, and other things he’d probably kill me for mentioning here. But now… only now do I truly understand greatest hurdle to the single mom of a boy. The first jockstrap. I wouldn’t know where to buy one, how it would fit…..
Okay, this requires a male. So on the way home, we “chatted.”
“So Jabe… you want me to take you to buy a jock strap?”
Him: “I don’t know, what’s it for?”
Me: “It protects your privates, in case you get hit there.”
Him: “Wouldn’t a cup do that?”
Me: “Um… the cup fits into the jock strap and holds it in place…” (I think?!?)
Him: “Um…. Okay…. Do you have to do it?”
Me: “No, we can find somebody else. Would you rather have a guy take you?”
Him: “YES.”
Me: Oh thank God.
Wait, I didn’t say that part out loud.
So, after some discussion, it was decided I would call my cousin and see if her new husband would be willing to take Jaben on that all important shopping trip for his first jock strap. I wonder if it’s anything like a girl’s first bra-shopping trip?
“Hello?”
“Hey, how’s it going?”
Her: “Good. What’s up?”
Me: “Well… I wondered if your new husband, of less than a month, would be willing to take my son shopping for his very first jock strap?” Welcome to the family…
Her: * laughs * “Well… I could ask him….”
Best. Conversation. Ever.
So it was decided. My cousin’s brand new husband, the only adult male in the family who lives close enough to do this kind of thing, will be welcomed into the family by taking his brand-new 10 yr old second-cousin-by-marriage to buy his first jock strap.
But like I said… some things require a male touch. I think he married in just in time.
And then he said it.
“You also might want to buy him a jock strap. You know, for protection.”
Me: “Uh yeah… that’s a good idea. Um, yeah we’ll do that…”
Coach: “I don’t require it, but if he doesn’t have one he could get hurt so he’s gonna want one.”
*gulp *
I don’t remember much of the conversation after that.
You know, you think you’ve got it down… I’m the mom of a little boy. We’ve survived circumcision, knocks to the privates, toy trucks, dirt, guns, and other things he’d probably kill me for mentioning here. But now… only now do I truly understand greatest hurdle to the single mom of a boy. The first jockstrap. I wouldn’t know where to buy one, how it would fit…..
Okay, this requires a male. So on the way home, we “chatted.”
“So Jabe… you want me to take you to buy a jock strap?”
Him: “I don’t know, what’s it for?”
Me: “It protects your privates, in case you get hit there.”
Him: “Wouldn’t a cup do that?”
Me: “Um… the cup fits into the jock strap and holds it in place…” (I think?!?)
Him: “Um…. Okay…. Do you have to do it?”
Me: “No, we can find somebody else. Would you rather have a guy take you?”
Him: “YES.”
Me: Oh thank God.
Wait, I didn’t say that part out loud.
So, after some discussion, it was decided I would call my cousin and see if her new husband would be willing to take Jaben on that all important shopping trip for his first jock strap. I wonder if it’s anything like a girl’s first bra-shopping trip?
“Hello?”
“Hey, how’s it going?”
Her: “Good. What’s up?”
Me: “Well… I wondered if your new husband, of less than a month, would be willing to take my son shopping for his very first jock strap?” Welcome to the family…
Her: * laughs * “Well… I could ask him….”
Best. Conversation. Ever.
So it was decided. My cousin’s brand new husband, the only adult male in the family who lives close enough to do this kind of thing, will be welcomed into the family by taking his brand-new 10 yr old second-cousin-by-marriage to buy his first jock strap.
But like I said… some things require a male touch. I think he married in just in time.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Explanation of 12 of 12 n stuff
I promised to explain what 12 of 12 was and didn’t do it, so now I am. I read about 12 of 12 at Erik’s blog, My Year of New Things in this post. I love Erik’s blog because the well… I just do. Go check him out and you’ll see what I mean. Basically, a 12 of 12 is where you take 12 pictures during the course of your day on the 12th of the month, and post them with short captions of what each picture represents. It’s pretty interesting, really!
So anyway, I thought I’d do a 12 of 12 myself and let everyone in on the mind-numbing routine that is often my life – during the week. Unfortunately, I thought I’d use the camera (digital) I got at Wal-Mart for $20 instead of the nice, expensive one my mommy bought me for Christmas a couple of years ago. The cheapy camera looks just like a small film camera… in other words, it doesn’t have the handy screen on the back to you can see your picture immediately. Which is why most of my pictures that day didn’t come out. If they had, I was going to be all creative and do a 12 of 12 of my life this month, then maybe next month have Jaben do 12, then the next month have someone else do it, and eventually have a 12 of 12 each month by a different poster. It’d be cool, I think.
I’m probably going to still try that… IF I can get my stupid pictures to come out! So don’t steal my idea, okay? ;-) It’s probably not an original idea as it is, but guest 12’s would still be cool. So maybe down the line I’ll still have a bunch of guest 12’s. So if anyone who knows me (does anyone read this??) wants to volunteer to do 12, let me know and we’ll hook you up! Pics and descriptions can be emailed – for anyone out of town.
In other news, I cut my hair off. It was bugging me, it was too long, it was out of control, and in short – it looked bad. It’s about shoulder length now, many layers on the ends, and the pain in the ass bangs are blended so they can now grow out – out of my way!! Who knew that with a toddler I’d be too time-crunched in the morning to mess with them?
And, Cub Scout day camp is Thurs and Fri for Jaben, then we have the overnight on Saturday (I think!!) so busy week. Tonight we go to have him fitted for his FOOTBALL uniform – I can’t believe he’s going to be playing tackle football. I’m very conflicted about this in so many ways, so let’s not talk about it anymore. Also on Thurs we’re going to meet with a potential new daycare provider for Kyan… fingers crossed. He’s a fussy-boy, so whoever takes him has to be special. 2 phone calls and I like this woman already… I hope we click and we like her and she likes us and can/is willing to handle a fussy-boy.
And my car is sick. My friend’s husband thinks he can fix it… I hope he can. I hope it doesn’t break down on me before it gets fixed… I don’t want to get stranded on the side of the road!! I hope it doesn’t cost as much as I’m afraid it’s going to cost. I’d be willing to take donations! (just kidding)(sorta)
And that about does it for today’s update. I managed to only start 3 paragraphs with and…. Not to bad. Ha!
So anyway, I thought I’d do a 12 of 12 myself and let everyone in on the mind-numbing routine that is often my life – during the week. Unfortunately, I thought I’d use the camera (digital) I got at Wal-Mart for $20 instead of the nice, expensive one my mommy bought me for Christmas a couple of years ago. The cheapy camera looks just like a small film camera… in other words, it doesn’t have the handy screen on the back to you can see your picture immediately. Which is why most of my pictures that day didn’t come out. If they had, I was going to be all creative and do a 12 of 12 of my life this month, then maybe next month have Jaben do 12, then the next month have someone else do it, and eventually have a 12 of 12 each month by a different poster. It’d be cool, I think.
I’m probably going to still try that… IF I can get my stupid pictures to come out! So don’t steal my idea, okay? ;-) It’s probably not an original idea as it is, but guest 12’s would still be cool. So maybe down the line I’ll still have a bunch of guest 12’s. So if anyone who knows me (does anyone read this??) wants to volunteer to do 12, let me know and we’ll hook you up! Pics and descriptions can be emailed – for anyone out of town.
In other news, I cut my hair off. It was bugging me, it was too long, it was out of control, and in short – it looked bad. It’s about shoulder length now, many layers on the ends, and the pain in the ass bangs are blended so they can now grow out – out of my way!! Who knew that with a toddler I’d be too time-crunched in the morning to mess with them?
And, Cub Scout day camp is Thurs and Fri for Jaben, then we have the overnight on Saturday (I think!!) so busy week. Tonight we go to have him fitted for his FOOTBALL uniform – I can’t believe he’s going to be playing tackle football. I’m very conflicted about this in so many ways, so let’s not talk about it anymore. Also on Thurs we’re going to meet with a potential new daycare provider for Kyan… fingers crossed. He’s a fussy-boy, so whoever takes him has to be special. 2 phone calls and I like this woman already… I hope we click and we like her and she likes us and can/is willing to handle a fussy-boy.
And my car is sick. My friend’s husband thinks he can fix it… I hope he can. I hope it doesn’t break down on me before it gets fixed… I don’t want to get stranded on the side of the road!! I hope it doesn’t cost as much as I’m afraid it’s going to cost. I’d be willing to take donations! (just kidding)(sorta)
And that about does it for today’s update. I managed to only start 3 paragraphs with and…. Not to bad. Ha!
Thursday, July 13, 2006
[insert foul word of your choice here]
Okay, so most of my pictures didn't come out. So much for 12. But, I'll post the ONE picture of Kyan eating that came out. Except he's not eating, he's posing. But he's still cute as hell.
Oh, and while I'm at it, how cute is this...
AND... so nobody thinks the 10-yr old isn't JUST as cute (in a different way), take a look at this cool kid...
Oh, and while I'm at it, how cute is this...
AND... so nobody thinks the 10-yr old isn't JUST as cute (in a different way), take a look at this cool kid...
I'm so hungry right now!
Tonight I’m planning to post a 12 of 12, which I will explain later and should’ve probably been posted yesterday, but I didn’t get around to it. I’m actually just amusing myself while I wait for it to be lunchtime. Not that I have a designated lunch time or anything, but it seems weird to eat lunch before noon since that’s when everyone else eats. But I’ve been hungry since like 10!! I know, I know, I could’ve eaten something, but since I’m trying to eat less and get used to feeling a bit hungry sometimes I’d really rather not do that. And please don’t anyone tell me how you should eat when you’re hungry… that’s not really the best thing for me, personally. It’s a process and this is how I reduce how much I eat.
Anyway, so I’m starving and I have a lovely chicken sandwich sitting in the fridge waiting for me to come eat it. Or dreading for me to come eat it. Except I’m sure chicken sandwiches don’t have thoughts… or feelings. Well, maybe they once did, but…
Okay, now I’m just going to gross myself out, thinking about food-chicken vs. animal-chicken and I really, really don’t want to go there 5 mins before I plan to eat. Ew, ew, ew, ew!!
Oh – you know who’s really cute when he eats? KYAN. It is absolutely adorable to watch him eat – seriously. He’s at the table now, in a booster seat and he just sits there with his little (strong) paper plates with little designs on them, fork in one hand, fistful of food in the other and just…. eats. I know, I know, only his mom could think watching him eat his dinner is * that * cute – or even cute at all probably, but it IS! I took a picture of him last night for 12 of 12 and if it came out I plan to post it later and everyone can see how cute Ky is when he eats. It’s just plain adorable… I promise!!
Ooh! I can eat now. Time to post and have my lunch!!
Anyway, so I’m starving and I have a lovely chicken sandwich sitting in the fridge waiting for me to come eat it. Or dreading for me to come eat it. Except I’m sure chicken sandwiches don’t have thoughts… or feelings. Well, maybe they once did, but…
Okay, now I’m just going to gross myself out, thinking about food-chicken vs. animal-chicken and I really, really don’t want to go there 5 mins before I plan to eat. Ew, ew, ew, ew!!
Oh – you know who’s really cute when he eats? KYAN. It is absolutely adorable to watch him eat – seriously. He’s at the table now, in a booster seat and he just sits there with his little (strong) paper plates with little designs on them, fork in one hand, fistful of food in the other and just…. eats. I know, I know, only his mom could think watching him eat his dinner is * that * cute – or even cute at all probably, but it IS! I took a picture of him last night for 12 of 12 and if it came out I plan to post it later and everyone can see how cute Ky is when he eats. It’s just plain adorable… I promise!!
Ooh! I can eat now. Time to post and have my lunch!!
Monday, July 10, 2006
The one where I talk about Jaben
I love my son.
No, amend that – I love my sons. Both of ‘em. And I’m sure I’ll have something about Ky when it gets closer to the time his daycare is switched, but right now I’ve got Jaben on my mind.
I’m happy he’s got friends and is, for the most part, doing well. This weekend he had 2 buddies sleep over and I know that at one point he felt left out. They were playing with the Playstation2 the one boy brought with him and they never gave Jabe a turn. I’m not sure why or what they were thinking, but they wouldn’t let him play. Now I know they’re 10-11 yr old boys and fair doesn’t really factor… but it was our home, our tv and even if it wasn’t his Playstation2 – I still feel like it was crap that he didn’t get a turn. I know it bothered him because he mentioned it to me. He also said he was just trying to get me to buy him a Playstation2 (not happening). So I’m not sure how he was feeling about it.
But I’m also very sensitive about this kid. I do NOT want him to go thru what he did in the third grade. I can’t let him have to live thru that again, and next year he’ll be at school with some of the kids who tormented him that year. I’d like to think that better teachers and a better principal will make sure that doesn’t happen. But what if it does? I’m sure all of that stuff that went on is what makes me worry so much about how he’s doing, socially, and probably why I say yes to practically every sleepover… but it’s not unfounded and I don’t want to see his self-esteem plummet again, I can’t hear him begged to be homeschooled every day, I don’t want him to think or feel that he’s not as good as the other kids or to think less of himself.
So how do you help that not to happen? I have absolutely no idea. It’s not as if it’s not hard enough to be 10 yrs old as it is, but to have all that in your past, and to worry about going to another new school where kids from the school you left to stop being bullied will be going… it’s a lot to deal with. I don’t think he’s really thinking about that now, but I am. I just want him to be happy and have 3-4 good friends he can rely on. I’d like to think that’s what he’s got now, but I honestly don’t know for sure. There’s no way to be sure about anything. I guess all I can do for now is hope, and make sure he continues to have a great summer.
But if anyone has any suggestions, I’m listening.
No, amend that – I love my sons. Both of ‘em. And I’m sure I’ll have something about Ky when it gets closer to the time his daycare is switched, but right now I’ve got Jaben on my mind.
I’m happy he’s got friends and is, for the most part, doing well. This weekend he had 2 buddies sleep over and I know that at one point he felt left out. They were playing with the Playstation2 the one boy brought with him and they never gave Jabe a turn. I’m not sure why or what they were thinking, but they wouldn’t let him play. Now I know they’re 10-11 yr old boys and fair doesn’t really factor… but it was our home, our tv and even if it wasn’t his Playstation2 – I still feel like it was crap that he didn’t get a turn. I know it bothered him because he mentioned it to me. He also said he was just trying to get me to buy him a Playstation2 (not happening). So I’m not sure how he was feeling about it.
But I’m also very sensitive about this kid. I do NOT want him to go thru what he did in the third grade. I can’t let him have to live thru that again, and next year he’ll be at school with some of the kids who tormented him that year. I’d like to think that better teachers and a better principal will make sure that doesn’t happen. But what if it does? I’m sure all of that stuff that went on is what makes me worry so much about how he’s doing, socially, and probably why I say yes to practically every sleepover… but it’s not unfounded and I don’t want to see his self-esteem plummet again, I can’t hear him begged to be homeschooled every day, I don’t want him to think or feel that he’s not as good as the other kids or to think less of himself.
So how do you help that not to happen? I have absolutely no idea. It’s not as if it’s not hard enough to be 10 yrs old as it is, but to have all that in your past, and to worry about going to another new school where kids from the school you left to stop being bullied will be going… it’s a lot to deal with. I don’t think he’s really thinking about that now, but I am. I just want him to be happy and have 3-4 good friends he can rely on. I’d like to think that’s what he’s got now, but I honestly don’t know for sure. There’s no way to be sure about anything. I guess all I can do for now is hope, and make sure he continues to have a great summer.
But if anyone has any suggestions, I’m listening.
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