It has been almost a year since I have blogged. Even though I am a very busy bee, I miss blogging and the ability to go back and remember things we have done.
I will do my best to blog more often and hopefully entertain you along the way. Here is a sneak peek at what has happened in the past year:
SaveOnBrew is doing well
The Hubby is still writing and has had some sucess
Bruiser has me well trained
We made two trips to CA, one trip included Disney Land and the second trip was just The Hubby and I.
Miss Maddy has started a day program
The Hubby and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary
I attended a 70th wedding anniversary
Miss Maddy fell at a track meet, but persevered and still won first place
I attended a Partner wedding
Miss Maddy was cast for a movie that will start filming soon
Our neighbor has become a big part of our lives and is teaching Maddy how to do stained glass
During the next few weeks I will address these topics and keep everyone informed on the adventures on hand for this summer.
Showing posts with label The Kiddo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Kiddo. Show all posts
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Friday, February 18, 2011
Never a dull moment
Some stuff you just can't make up. This morning I heard Maddy get out of bed and do her usual stomp around upstairs morning routine. I am at my computer working and then I get this text:
Mom, can you come upstairs and help me? I have my bra stuck in my hair.
Mom, can you come upstairs and help me? I have my bra stuck in my hair.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Fishing for answers
Now that Maddy has the full time BF we are getting to see a few new behaviors from her. Most are good but a few are about to wear me out. They will get an idea about how to see each other and just like little kids they are gonna work every angle to try to see if they can get the result they want.
Last week I was able to enjoy the independence streak from Maddy and on Monday for the first time in our lives we sent off an application to camp. A true away from home 4 day camp this summer. I am very excited and extremely nervous about that.
We don't live near the BF or where most of her Church and Girl Scout activities are. Most things are about 25-35 minute drives one way for me. Since I stay home full time I tell people the one thing I have plenty of is time. We want Maddy to have a good social life and I am happy to spend the time to take her places.
The BF goes to a YMCA three times a week that has a really good day program for special needs kiddos. When I first learned about it, I considered it for Maddy. But then I had to factor in that it is 45 minutes one way from the house. I am not sure about the cost and honestly I have a lot I am working with Maddy on around the house. Then we started full force on our website business and that really cut down on the massive amounts of free time I had. When I look at my calendar and I see that Maddy already for this year has at least something once a month on the calendar until June, I don't worry about her not participating in a day program.
This week Maddy and the BF decided it would be great, wonderful and perfect if Maddy could be at the YMCA in the day program with him. Maddy comes down the stairs all smiles and that look of mischief in her eyes. Hey Mom, she asks, do you think it would be a good idea if I could get out of the house more often? She proceeds to tell me how I could get my work done and she would be out of the house with friends, having fun and learning things. I explained to her that it just was not feasible for her to attend the day program at the YMCA. Needless to say, she did not care for my answer.
A few minutes later I hear her in the computer room. "Hey Dad, do you think it is better for me to be stuck in the house all day or to be out somewhere having fun and learning stuff?" I am not sure everything she pitched to Mark, but I am sure she gave it her best. After she left the room, I explained to Mark why I had not pursued the day program and what the hold ups were. As always Mark had a few helpful things for me to look into and a possibility of making it happen that would work for all of us.
The next morning my phone rings and it is my Mother-in-law. She wanted to talk to me briefly to let me know about a conversation that she and Maddy had and did not want Maddy to use the Grandmom said routine on me. Evidently in their daily phone conversation Maddy asked her Grandmom if it was better for a girl to be stuck at home having to watch TV all day or would it be better if she was out of the house three days having fun, spending time with friends, going on field trips and learning things. Thankfully the MIL did not fall for the trap and knew that Maddy was up to something.
Maddy and I had a very LONG talk about how it is good to be persistent if you want something, but it is not good when you make other people look bad in trying to get what you want. I had to explain to her when she tells people she does nothing all day or that all she does is watch TV then it makes me look bad. We went over all the stuff she does and that we work on to let her know that she does in fact have plenty to do here at home.
Last week I was able to enjoy the independence streak from Maddy and on Monday for the first time in our lives we sent off an application to camp. A true away from home 4 day camp this summer. I am very excited and extremely nervous about that.
We don't live near the BF or where most of her Church and Girl Scout activities are. Most things are about 25-35 minute drives one way for me. Since I stay home full time I tell people the one thing I have plenty of is time. We want Maddy to have a good social life and I am happy to spend the time to take her places.
The BF goes to a YMCA three times a week that has a really good day program for special needs kiddos. When I first learned about it, I considered it for Maddy. But then I had to factor in that it is 45 minutes one way from the house. I am not sure about the cost and honestly I have a lot I am working with Maddy on around the house. Then we started full force on our website business and that really cut down on the massive amounts of free time I had. When I look at my calendar and I see that Maddy already for this year has at least something once a month on the calendar until June, I don't worry about her not participating in a day program.
This week Maddy and the BF decided it would be great, wonderful and perfect if Maddy could be at the YMCA in the day program with him. Maddy comes down the stairs all smiles and that look of mischief in her eyes. Hey Mom, she asks, do you think it would be a good idea if I could get out of the house more often? She proceeds to tell me how I could get my work done and she would be out of the house with friends, having fun and learning things. I explained to her that it just was not feasible for her to attend the day program at the YMCA. Needless to say, she did not care for my answer.
A few minutes later I hear her in the computer room. "Hey Dad, do you think it is better for me to be stuck in the house all day or to be out somewhere having fun and learning stuff?" I am not sure everything she pitched to Mark, but I am sure she gave it her best. After she left the room, I explained to Mark why I had not pursued the day program and what the hold ups were. As always Mark had a few helpful things for me to look into and a possibility of making it happen that would work for all of us.
The next morning my phone rings and it is my Mother-in-law. She wanted to talk to me briefly to let me know about a conversation that she and Maddy had and did not want Maddy to use the Grandmom said routine on me. Evidently in their daily phone conversation Maddy asked her Grandmom if it was better for a girl to be stuck at home having to watch TV all day or would it be better if she was out of the house three days having fun, spending time with friends, going on field trips and learning things. Thankfully the MIL did not fall for the trap and knew that Maddy was up to something.
Maddy and I had a very LONG talk about how it is good to be persistent if you want something, but it is not good when you make other people look bad in trying to get what you want. I had to explain to her when she tells people she does nothing all day or that all she does is watch TV then it makes me look bad. We went over all the stuff she does and that we work on to let her know that she does in fact have plenty to do here at home.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Miss Independence
I had a Dr. appointment today and since it was close to the house and early in the morning I let Maddy stay home. Things ran late (big surprise at a Dr.'s office) so I was much delayed in getting home.
When I could finally check in on her she let me know she was doing her laundry and cleaning the house. When I got home her laundry was going like gangbusters, she had dry mopped the floors, cleaned the kitchen counters, dust busted the stairs and was dusting the wood on the stair case. She had also taken her medication.
I mentioned to her when I got home how nice the house looked and smelled. She told me I was most welcome and she loved having chances like this to prove to me that she can live away from home and keep a nice clean place.
When I could finally check in on her she let me know she was doing her laundry and cleaning the house. When I got home her laundry was going like gangbusters, she had dry mopped the floors, cleaned the kitchen counters, dust busted the stairs and was dusting the wood on the stair case. She had also taken her medication.
I mentioned to her when I got home how nice the house looked and smelled. She told me I was most welcome and she loved having chances like this to prove to me that she can live away from home and keep a nice clean place.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Decisions Decisions
Maddy came downstairs the other day so very excited. She could not wait to show me the very in depth 4 question quiz she took from one of her many teen magazines. Within 4 questions they had determined that she was the perfect girl for Justin Bieber.
Maddy took her time to walk me through each question, how she answered, why she answered that way and with each step she assured me that she had not peeked at the bottom to find how to get the answer she wanted. After we finished the 4 questions, amazingly enough, right there in print it stated she was perfect for Justin Bieber and should be the one he marries.
With her goal firmly in mind to get a marriage proposal she informed me that we just needed to find a way to get her close to Justin and it would be a done deal. She pondered out loud how she could get him to notice her. She wondered how long it would take for him to propose. She knew it would be difficult because of all those other silly girls thinking they were the one for him. Too bad they had not taken this quiz then they would know Maddy was the one. After a few minutes we decided it might be better to attack this problem the next time he would be in town.
Once the joy of envisioning this marriage proposal was over reality hit. Oh my! "Mom what should I tell the BF?" He would be crushed if I left him to marry Justin! Should I tell him this? He is such a good BF, I don't want to hurt his feelings.
Thank goodness after after a few minutes of how great the BF is we decided to keep the Justin marriage proposal a secret and worry about the BF after she was engaged to Justin. This way she could have both her men. She swore me to secrecy and then went upstairs to tell her Grandmom all about it.
Maddy took her time to walk me through each question, how she answered, why she answered that way and with each step she assured me that she had not peeked at the bottom to find how to get the answer she wanted. After we finished the 4 questions, amazingly enough, right there in print it stated she was perfect for Justin Bieber and should be the one he marries.
With her goal firmly in mind to get a marriage proposal she informed me that we just needed to find a way to get her close to Justin and it would be a done deal. She pondered out loud how she could get him to notice her. She wondered how long it would take for him to propose. She knew it would be difficult because of all those other silly girls thinking they were the one for him. Too bad they had not taken this quiz then they would know Maddy was the one. After a few minutes we decided it might be better to attack this problem the next time he would be in town.
Once the joy of envisioning this marriage proposal was over reality hit. Oh my! "Mom what should I tell the BF?" He would be crushed if I left him to marry Justin! Should I tell him this? He is such a good BF, I don't want to hurt his feelings.
Thank goodness after after a few minutes of how great the BF is we decided to keep the Justin marriage proposal a secret and worry about the BF after she was engaged to Justin. This way she could have both her men. She swore me to secrecy and then went upstairs to tell her Grandmom all about it.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Date Night
Last night Maddy went out on her first real date. She has been out with the boyfriend before, but I was always there and it was always for just an hour or so. For Christmas the BF received tickets to Monster Jam and an extra one to take whoever he wanted. Big surprise he wanted Maddy to go with him. For those who don't know what Monster Jam is, it is not a rock concert, it is a Monster Truck Rally. My pop music, celebrity watching, girl was headed straight into the mouth of madness know as Man/Boy world!
I had the normal worries that any parent will have when your child is spending the evening with other people. Maddy might be 17 but she still has no filter and will pretty much say what she thinks. Most of the time it is sweet and endearing, but other times, oh my. I worried about the crowds as Maddy has no sense of direction and I hoped that the noise would not be too much for her. My biggest fear is the fear I always have when I am not near her, and that is the fear of a seizure. I am happy to report that Maddy was polite, did not get lost and no seizures.
The BF and his Dad picked Maddy up at 5 and off to the event they went. It was an interesting feeling as they drove off, it was mixed with happiness for her and anxiety for me. It makes me so happy to see Maddy being able to do something like this. Anytime she gets to do "normal" type things I think about how much it means to me when everyone else takes things like this for granted.
Even though most Saturday nights she is squirreled away in her room on the phone while listening to music and watching TV at the same time, the house felt empty without her. We were not sure when she would get home, but the best guess was around 10:30. Of course I started the clock watching at 10:00. She arrived home just after 10 so I did not have to stare at the clock too much.
Her first comments on the evening were that is was okay and the noise was not bad since the BF brought along the headphones they use when shooting guns. She told me proudly that she did not complain at all! I had spent some time with her earlier in the week showing her clips on You Tube so she would know some of the names of the trucks and what to expect. I was informed that she did see both Gravedigger and Monster Mutt. Her favorite part of the evening was the motorcycle exhibition. It will be interesting to hear as the week goes on what she tells people about Monster Jam.
When I asked would she go again she gave me a huge smile and said you bet I would! I have a funny feeling that Mark and I are going to have more free evenings in our future.
I had the normal worries that any parent will have when your child is spending the evening with other people. Maddy might be 17 but she still has no filter and will pretty much say what she thinks. Most of the time it is sweet and endearing, but other times, oh my. I worried about the crowds as Maddy has no sense of direction and I hoped that the noise would not be too much for her. My biggest fear is the fear I always have when I am not near her, and that is the fear of a seizure. I am happy to report that Maddy was polite, did not get lost and no seizures.
The BF and his Dad picked Maddy up at 5 and off to the event they went. It was an interesting feeling as they drove off, it was mixed with happiness for her and anxiety for me. It makes me so happy to see Maddy being able to do something like this. Anytime she gets to do "normal" type things I think about how much it means to me when everyone else takes things like this for granted.
Even though most Saturday nights she is squirreled away in her room on the phone while listening to music and watching TV at the same time, the house felt empty without her. We were not sure when she would get home, but the best guess was around 10:30. Of course I started the clock watching at 10:00. She arrived home just after 10 so I did not have to stare at the clock too much.
Her first comments on the evening were that is was okay and the noise was not bad since the BF brought along the headphones they use when shooting guns. She told me proudly that she did not complain at all! I had spent some time with her earlier in the week showing her clips on You Tube so she would know some of the names of the trucks and what to expect. I was informed that she did see both Gravedigger and Monster Mutt. Her favorite part of the evening was the motorcycle exhibition. It will be interesting to hear as the week goes on what she tells people about Monster Jam.
When I asked would she go again she gave me a huge smile and said you bet I would! I have a funny feeling that Mark and I are going to have more free evenings in our future.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
What we do for love
Today I am going to to do something I really, really, really don't want to do. But for Maddy, I will.
She and BF have not seen each other in 3 weeks. He was out of town hunting (rumor has it I might score some deer meat today!!) and then he had to go to the wedding. Typically they see each other once a week and of course they talk on the phone every day. When you are that age 3 weeks seems like 3 years.
About week 1.5 into their being apart they started in on spending time after church today. What they really wanted to have happen was for the BF to come home with us and go to the in laws. (We pretty much spend every Sunday afternoon with the in-laws.) However, the BF has Special Olympics basketball practice today so that was not an option.
I really despise going to a mall on the weekend. Why should I ever go on a Saturday or a Sunday when I can go on a Tuesday when it is nice and quiet. Because I know how much they want to see each other and how much they want to hold hands. (We are mean parents and we don't let them hold hands in church.) I told them both I would take them to the mall today.
So after church I get to go eat at the mall food court , then walk either in front of or behind two teenagers and try my best to not embarrass them. Thank goodness the BF has to be home at a certain time before practice or I think they would have me there all day.
Next week is the big date..I am still not sure I am ready for it, but oh well. More information on that coming soon...
She and BF have not seen each other in 3 weeks. He was out of town hunting (rumor has it I might score some deer meat today!!) and then he had to go to the wedding. Typically they see each other once a week and of course they talk on the phone every day. When you are that age 3 weeks seems like 3 years.
About week 1.5 into their being apart they started in on spending time after church today. What they really wanted to have happen was for the BF to come home with us and go to the in laws. (We pretty much spend every Sunday afternoon with the in-laws.) However, the BF has Special Olympics basketball practice today so that was not an option.
I really despise going to a mall on the weekend. Why should I ever go on a Saturday or a Sunday when I can go on a Tuesday when it is nice and quiet. Because I know how much they want to see each other and how much they want to hold hands. (We are mean parents and we don't let them hold hands in church.) I told them both I would take them to the mall today.
So after church I get to go eat at the mall food court , then walk either in front of or behind two teenagers and try my best to not embarrass them. Thank goodness the BF has to be home at a certain time before practice or I think they would have me there all day.
Next week is the big date..I am still not sure I am ready for it, but oh well. More information on that coming soon...
Sunday, January 9, 2011
The most interesting wedding I did not attend
The boyfriend attended a wedding of a cousin this weekend. It has been a most interesting experience for me through all the accounts of the event through Maddy. I must say before you read any further, all information has been passed to me via Maddy and what she has heard from the boyfriend.
A few months ago:
Maddy: "The Boyfriend" has to attend his cousin's wedding in Jan. He gets to be an usher.
Me: Cool
In December:
Maddy: Don't forget that "The Boyfriend" won't be at church that one Sunday in January because his cousin is getting married and they have to go out of town.
Me: OK
A few weeks later, and pretty much at least once a week a reference is made to the wedding.
This Friday:
Maddy: Wow, the wedding is tomorrow, big day, did you know that the wedding is tomorrow?
Me: No way!! So is "The Boyfriend" excited about getting married?
Maddy: NO MOM!! He is not getting married his cousin is.
Me: Oh, ok, guess I was confused
Saturday Morning:
Maddy: Oh no Mom! The wedding might not happen.
Me: What??
Maddy: His cousin is throwing up.
Me: Are they sick or just nervous?
Maddy: I don't know just know he is puking.
Saturday Late Afternoon:
Maddy: MOM!!!
Me: What????
Maddy: Oh NO! Do you want the good news or the bad news first?
Me: The bad news
Maddy: "The Boyfriend" got hurt so bad he saw the light!!
Me: What??? What happened and why did he see the light?
Maddy: He fell down and he has a black eye and all kinds of cuts and bruises.
Me: Well, what is the good news?
Maddy: We think he will be ok and I think his cousin did get married.
Saturday Late Evening:
Me: So what happened to "The Boyfriend"? How did he fall, where did he fall?
Maddy: I don't know, but he fell so hard he passed out.
Me: Did he have to go to the hospital?
Maddy: No, there was a Dr. there
Me: So did he fall before the wedding, during the wedding or at the reception?
Maddy: I don't know, but he is still bleeding!!
Me: Well did his cousin get married?
Maddy: I don't know
Me: Wow this sounds like quite the wedding
Saturday Night before I go to bed:
Maddy is on the phone with "The Boyfriend" so she puts him on speaker phone
Me: How are you feeling?
BF: Ok, I guess, did you hear I fell down?
Me: I sure did.
BF: Yeah, I have a black eye, and my hands are all bleeding and scratched up and I broke my glasses.
Me: OUCH! I am glad you are ok.
Sunday Morning:
Maddy: Mom, I am really worried about "The Boyfriend" is still bleeding from the cut on his hand, I think he has lost a LOT of blood.
Me: I am sure he will be fine, his family loves him and will make sure he gets the care he needs.
Maddy: Ok, I guess you are right.
Me: So did you ever find out how he fell, and how was the wedding?
Maddy: I don't know, but he still has a black eye!
I am most interested to hear an adult version of the events. This was quite the wedding!
A few months ago:
Maddy: "The Boyfriend" has to attend his cousin's wedding in Jan. He gets to be an usher.
Me: Cool
In December:
Maddy: Don't forget that "The Boyfriend" won't be at church that one Sunday in January because his cousin is getting married and they have to go out of town.
Me: OK
A few weeks later, and pretty much at least once a week a reference is made to the wedding.
This Friday:
Maddy: Wow, the wedding is tomorrow, big day, did you know that the wedding is tomorrow?
Me: No way!! So is "The Boyfriend" excited about getting married?
Maddy: NO MOM!! He is not getting married his cousin is.
Me: Oh, ok, guess I was confused
Saturday Morning:
Maddy: Oh no Mom! The wedding might not happen.
Me: What??
Maddy: His cousin is throwing up.
Me: Are they sick or just nervous?
Maddy: I don't know just know he is puking.
Saturday Late Afternoon:
Maddy: MOM!!!
Me: What????
Maddy: Oh NO! Do you want the good news or the bad news first?
Me: The bad news
Maddy: "The Boyfriend" got hurt so bad he saw the light!!
Me: What??? What happened and why did he see the light?
Maddy: He fell down and he has a black eye and all kinds of cuts and bruises.
Me: Well, what is the good news?
Maddy: We think he will be ok and I think his cousin did get married.
Saturday Late Evening:
Me: So what happened to "The Boyfriend"? How did he fall, where did he fall?
Maddy: I don't know, but he fell so hard he passed out.
Me: Did he have to go to the hospital?
Maddy: No, there was a Dr. there
Me: So did he fall before the wedding, during the wedding or at the reception?
Maddy: I don't know, but he is still bleeding!!
Me: Well did his cousin get married?
Maddy: I don't know
Me: Wow this sounds like quite the wedding
Saturday Night before I go to bed:
Maddy is on the phone with "The Boyfriend" so she puts him on speaker phone
Me: How are you feeling?
BF: Ok, I guess, did you hear I fell down?
Me: I sure did.
BF: Yeah, I have a black eye, and my hands are all bleeding and scratched up and I broke my glasses.
Me: OUCH! I am glad you are ok.
Sunday Morning:
Maddy: Mom, I am really worried about "The Boyfriend" is still bleeding from the cut on his hand, I think he has lost a LOT of blood.
Me: I am sure he will be fine, his family loves him and will make sure he gets the care he needs.
Maddy: Ok, I guess you are right.
Me: So did you ever find out how he fell, and how was the wedding?
Maddy: I don't know, but he still has a black eye!
I am most interested to hear an adult version of the events. This was quite the wedding!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
No, I can do it
We have been working on Maddy doing things for herself and taking initiative. Last night Mark and I were watching a movie and Maddy came in the room. She stated that she was hungry and was going to make herself a sandwich. We both asked her if she needed help and she stated that she could do it herself.
A couple of minutes later she returns to the room with the meat saying she just needed help opening the container. I opened it and asked if she needed help. "No, MOM I can do it myself".
A couple of minutes later she returns to the room with the bread needing help with the twist tie. I open the bread for her and ask if she needs help. "MOM, I already said I don't need help".
A couple of minutes later she returns to the room with the cheese because she could not get the package open. I begin to laugh so hard she won't even acknowledge my presence in the room. Mark gets up and helps her finish making the sandwich.
I guess once I can find Maddy friendly containers she might not need a little help with making sandwiches. Until then I guess we will have more "No, I can do it" moments.
A couple of minutes later she returns to the room with the meat saying she just needed help opening the container. I opened it and asked if she needed help. "No, MOM I can do it myself".
A couple of minutes later she returns to the room with the bread needing help with the twist tie. I open the bread for her and ask if she needs help. "MOM, I already said I don't need help".
A couple of minutes later she returns to the room with the cheese because she could not get the package open. I begin to laugh so hard she won't even acknowledge my presence in the room. Mark gets up and helps her finish making the sandwich.
I guess once I can find Maddy friendly containers she might not need a little help with making sandwiches. Until then I guess we will have more "No, I can do it" moments.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Learning to behave
Yesterday Maddy and I were out and about and decided to pick up some lunch to bring home. Maddy told me she would pay for lunch. She did not want to go inside so she handed me her wallet to pay for lunch. The wallet is covered with cut out and taped on pictures of Justin Bieber.
Maddy: Ok Mom, if they ask why you have pictures of Justin...
Me: I am gonna say "He is SO dreamy"
Maddy: NO, really Mom, let me finish. If they ask why you have pictures of Justin all over the wallet just explain that it is your daughters wallet.
Me: No way, I am gonna make googly eyes and say he is dreamy
Maddy: MOM! I am serious, that would just be weird. Explain the wallet is mine.
Me: Ok, so I am gonna go inside and if they ask me (insert very stern look from Maddy) I am gonna explain that my very sweet daughter offered to buy me lunch and this is her wallet.
Maddy: Wow, Mom, that was really good, better than I expected.
I go inside, buy lunch, do not get asked about the wallet. As soon as I am back in the car...
Maddy: Where is my change? Did they ask about the wallet?
I gave her the change, explained there were no questions about the wallet. One day I might grow up and behave so I won't have to be told what to do when I buy lunch!
Maddy: Ok Mom, if they ask why you have pictures of Justin...
Me: I am gonna say "He is SO dreamy"
Maddy: NO, really Mom, let me finish. If they ask why you have pictures of Justin all over the wallet just explain that it is your daughters wallet.
Me: No way, I am gonna make googly eyes and say he is dreamy
Maddy: MOM! I am serious, that would just be weird. Explain the wallet is mine.
Me: Ok, so I am gonna go inside and if they ask me (insert very stern look from Maddy) I am gonna explain that my very sweet daughter offered to buy me lunch and this is her wallet.
Maddy: Wow, Mom, that was really good, better than I expected.
I go inside, buy lunch, do not get asked about the wallet. As soon as I am back in the car...
Maddy: Where is my change? Did they ask about the wallet?
I gave her the change, explained there were no questions about the wallet. One day I might grow up and behave so I won't have to be told what to do when I buy lunch!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Life with Seizures
I find myself making little adjustments to my daily routine. I know the reason why, but it is interesting to see how the routine changes because of Maddy's seizures. Lately the seizure activity has occurred after a shower and I now find myself either showering first, or waiting about 20 minutes after she is out before I will take mine. Time goes by much slower now after she showers and I find myself being thankful each minute that goes by seizure free.
Looking for patterns has been a constant for us since the seizure activity first began. When she has a seizure the first questions are:
Was it the same time of day? Same weather?
Did the seizure last the same amount of time?
Was the seizure the same as the last one or different? How was it different?
How long has it been since the last seizure. Are we entering a consistent seizure cycle?
Did she do anything unusual? Was she extremely tired, upset or excited?
Could I have noticed something and I didn't?
I have to make sure and take a step back sometimes because if I don't then I can become to afraid to let her do anything. That is not fair to any of us. Even though it is very difficult we let Maddy stay at home if she wants when we zip out to dinner or run a few errands. We are never very far from home, but it always lingers in the back of our minds.
Until there is a permanent cure for fix for her seizures we will continue to adjust our lives to allow her the most independent life she can have.
Looking for patterns has been a constant for us since the seizure activity first began. When she has a seizure the first questions are:
Was it the same time of day? Same weather?
Did the seizure last the same amount of time?
Was the seizure the same as the last one or different? How was it different?
How long has it been since the last seizure. Are we entering a consistent seizure cycle?
Did she do anything unusual? Was she extremely tired, upset or excited?
Could I have noticed something and I didn't?
I have to make sure and take a step back sometimes because if I don't then I can become to afraid to let her do anything. That is not fair to any of us. Even though it is very difficult we let Maddy stay at home if she wants when we zip out to dinner or run a few errands. We are never very far from home, but it always lingers in the back of our minds.
Until there is a permanent cure for fix for her seizures we will continue to adjust our lives to allow her the most independent life she can have.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
I think...
Yesterday while in the car Maddy had this conversation at me and with herself.
I like Avril Lavigne because she is cool. Do you know why she is cool? Because she does what she wants, she dresses like she wants and she does not care what other people think. She does her own thing and that is cool. That is why she is so cool and why I like her so much. Yeah it is cool to be able to do your own thing and not worry about other people.
I think??
She was so forceful in saying the first stuff and then I could see her processing everything she had just said. I found it interesting that she decided to end on a less powerful note.
I like Avril Lavigne because she is cool. Do you know why she is cool? Because she does what she wants, she dresses like she wants and she does not care what other people think. She does her own thing and that is cool. That is why she is so cool and why I like her so much. Yeah it is cool to be able to do your own thing and not worry about other people.
I think??
She was so forceful in saying the first stuff and then I could see her processing everything she had just said. I found it interesting that she decided to end on a less powerful note.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Blonde Joke that is no joke
Today Maddy and I spent about 3 hours at the beauty college. I love that we get to help students, get a good product and we don't break the bank. I got all over color and Maddy got highlights, cut and blowdry/style. It was a bargain!
Maddy's highlights are blonde and so now she is more blonde than brunette. Once we got home she ran right upstairs to text the boyfriend about the new hair color and I returned a call to my aunt.
While I am talking to my aunt, Maddy comes downstairs because she needs help with her text message. She needed to know how to spell blonde. After writing it down for Maddy I return to my phone call where my aunt is laughing.
She said only a blonde would need help spelling blonde!!
Maddy's highlights are blonde and so now she is more blonde than brunette. Once we got home she ran right upstairs to text the boyfriend about the new hair color and I returned a call to my aunt.
While I am talking to my aunt, Maddy comes downstairs because she needs help with her text message. She needed to know how to spell blonde. After writing it down for Maddy I return to my phone call where my aunt is laughing.
She said only a blonde would need help spelling blonde!!
Rah Rah Ree
Recently Maddy started in a cheer program at church. She has always wanted to be a cheer leader and she is so happy to finally be able to do this. Last week was our first week and she did well. Most of the time she just looked a bit shy and embarrassed. She remembered all the cheers and did pretty good on the arm movements.
This week is cheer pictures after the game. I am hoping for a real smile and not the I am trying to smile are you happy look.
Last week all my pictures had girls that I don't have permission to post so I promise after this weeks game I will post a picture for ya!
This week is cheer pictures after the game. I am hoping for a real smile and not the I am trying to smile are you happy look.
Last week all my pictures had girls that I don't have permission to post so I promise after this weeks game I will post a picture for ya!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Communion
Recently Maddy has started going to the mainstream Senior High service at out church. This change occurred because this is the service "the boyfriend" attends. I like that she is around more kiddos her age and that she gets a bit more message out of the service.
A few weeks ago they had communion for the service. After church that day I was asking Maddy about it and the following conversation occurred.
Me: I heard you had communion during church today.
Maddy: What? I did not do anything, I was well behaved!
Me: I am sure you were well behaved, but did you participate in communion?
Maddy: Where are you hearing this stuff? I told you I did not do anything in church, I was good and followed all the rules just like I am supposed to!
Me: When you were in church today did you eat a piece of bread?
Maddy: Oh yeah we did that today.
Me: Honey, do you know what communion is?
Maddy: No not really.
On the way home we talked about communion, what it was, what it meant.
A few weeks ago they had communion for the service. After church that day I was asking Maddy about it and the following conversation occurred.
Me: I heard you had communion during church today.
Maddy: What? I did not do anything, I was well behaved!
Me: I am sure you were well behaved, but did you participate in communion?
Maddy: Where are you hearing this stuff? I told you I did not do anything in church, I was good and followed all the rules just like I am supposed to!
Me: When you were in church today did you eat a piece of bread?
Maddy: Oh yeah we did that today.
Me: Honey, do you know what communion is?
Maddy: No not really.
On the way home we talked about communion, what it was, what it meant.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
See Mom!
Today while we were at the park Maddy wanted to know what her birthstone was, what color it was and how to say it properly. I told her it was Opal and that opals have a lot of different colors in them. She then informed me that for Christmas the boyfriend was going to give her a ring with her birthstone in it. I told her that we needed to make sure to get something nice for the boyfriend since he has spent so much money on her. (While he was on vacation he bought her a very sweet rhinestone heart necklace.)
Later when we were in the car she was telling me that he liked the zany band heart bracelet she gave him and that he loved the zany band dog shaped ring she gave him last weekend. I could almost hear the light bulb go off in her head. Hey MOM!! I do give him stuff! I gave him the zany bands and I always give him the posters from my room when I don't want them anymore.
Uh..huh..used posters vs. jewelry!
Later when we were in the car she was telling me that he liked the zany band heart bracelet she gave him and that he loved the zany band dog shaped ring she gave him last weekend. I could almost hear the light bulb go off in her head. Hey MOM!! I do give him stuff! I gave him the zany bands and I always give him the posters from my room when I don't want them anymore.
Uh..huh..used posters vs. jewelry!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Why Maddy is so awesome
I am constantly amazed and amused by Maddy. She has a sweet and unique personality and a lot of that showed this past Thursday.
Unfortunately Thursday afternoon was most unpleasant here at the house. Maddy had multiple grand mal seizures that required a call to 911 and a trip to the hospital. (For those who don't know, Maddy has suffered seizures for most of her life and thank goodness we only have to do a hospital run every couple of years.)
Because she was having a difficult time they had to drug her up pretty good. They also gave her some medicine for the migraine after as well. Once she started coming to she looked around and slurred to me "Mom, am I in the hospital?". When I said yes, she said, "Oh man! This sucks! I don't get to go to Granmom's house now."
While I was waiting for the hubby to come get us from the ER I kept stepping towards the end of the room to look for him. One time Maddy told me not to leave her alone. When I told her that I had been with her the whole time she very quickly told me that I had in fact not been with her the whole time. She was not pleased that I had chosen to stay in the room instead of going with her when she got the Cat Scan!
On the way home we stopped by the in-laws so that she could see them and they could see her. She was still pretty loopy and while they were asking her questions about how she felt, she proudly announced to them that she puked while in the hospital. Talk about TMI.
Once home she slept for several hours and when she finally wandered out to find us she noticed that we had already eaten. She looked at me and said "Wow, you guys went ahead and ate dinner? What about me? What do I get for dinner?"
The next morning when she woke up after a nice night of sleep she quietly asks me from upstairs if she can finally get up or will I make her go back to bed yet again.
I did let her get up and we went on to do all our Friday and weekend plans. Thank goodness all is back to normal around here.
Unfortunately Thursday afternoon was most unpleasant here at the house. Maddy had multiple grand mal seizures that required a call to 911 and a trip to the hospital. (For those who don't know, Maddy has suffered seizures for most of her life and thank goodness we only have to do a hospital run every couple of years.)
Because she was having a difficult time they had to drug her up pretty good. They also gave her some medicine for the migraine after as well. Once she started coming to she looked around and slurred to me "Mom, am I in the hospital?". When I said yes, she said, "Oh man! This sucks! I don't get to go to Granmom's house now."
While I was waiting for the hubby to come get us from the ER I kept stepping towards the end of the room to look for him. One time Maddy told me not to leave her alone. When I told her that I had been with her the whole time she very quickly told me that I had in fact not been with her the whole time. She was not pleased that I had chosen to stay in the room instead of going with her when she got the Cat Scan!
On the way home we stopped by the in-laws so that she could see them and they could see her. She was still pretty loopy and while they were asking her questions about how she felt, she proudly announced to them that she puked while in the hospital. Talk about TMI.
Once home she slept for several hours and when she finally wandered out to find us she noticed that we had already eaten. She looked at me and said "Wow, you guys went ahead and ate dinner? What about me? What do I get for dinner?"
The next morning when she woke up after a nice night of sleep she quietly asks me from upstairs if she can finally get up or will I make her go back to bed yet again.
I did let her get up and we went on to do all our Friday and weekend plans. Thank goodness all is back to normal around here.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
We survived the birthday
This past week Maddy turned 17. She was very excited about her birthday. Technically she is excited every year for her birthday. It is never to early to start planning. I already know that next year her birthday is on Saturday. It won't be long until we are discussing the cake and theme. Wonder where she got the planning ahead genes??
This year was a bit different and special because her boyfriend came over to the in-laws with us. She and the boyfriend are just too darn cute together. They both just light up when the see each other. Maddy had very specific plans and ideas for her party this year. I guess she decided that the adults could not be trusted on our own to get it right.
Maddy came down the stairs the other morning all happy and told me that she had just talked to Grandmom. Grandmom had gotten her a cake with Justin Bieber on it, she only got two candles, a 1 and a 7. Grandmom had talked to the younger nephew so he would not blow out the candles since it was Maddy's special birthday. She went on about a few other things and about how awesome Grandmom was.
I get a call the next morning from Grandmom and have the funniest conversation. It seems that Maddy called Grandmom and laid down the law. These were the rules that had to be followed at the birthday party!
1. I must have a Justin Bieber birthday cake. I want white cake and if you don't have a picture for the cake store, then go buy a magazine and pick one. Make sure you pick a good picture that I will like.
2. I don't want a bunch of candles!! Don't put on those candles that won't blow out! I want a 1 and a 7 candle.
3. You can't let my cousin blow out my candles this year. I will have my boyfriend over and I need to blow out my own candles. this year.
4. When we arrive you need to stay in the kitchen. Pop has to answer the door, meet my boyfriend and not tease him. Then I will bring him to the kitchen to meet you.
5. When it is time to eat the cake Pop can not eat the piece of the cake with Justin's nose on it and he can't make any nose jokes.
Thank goodness we were all able to follow the rules and it was a rousing success. Who knows maybe she could be a party planner one day!
This year was a bit different and special because her boyfriend came over to the in-laws with us. She and the boyfriend are just too darn cute together. They both just light up when the see each other. Maddy had very specific plans and ideas for her party this year. I guess she decided that the adults could not be trusted on our own to get it right.
Maddy came down the stairs the other morning all happy and told me that she had just talked to Grandmom. Grandmom had gotten her a cake with Justin Bieber on it, she only got two candles, a 1 and a 7. Grandmom had talked to the younger nephew so he would not blow out the candles since it was Maddy's special birthday. She went on about a few other things and about how awesome Grandmom was.
I get a call the next morning from Grandmom and have the funniest conversation. It seems that Maddy called Grandmom and laid down the law. These were the rules that had to be followed at the birthday party!
1. I must have a Justin Bieber birthday cake. I want white cake and if you don't have a picture for the cake store, then go buy a magazine and pick one. Make sure you pick a good picture that I will like.
2. I don't want a bunch of candles!! Don't put on those candles that won't blow out! I want a 1 and a 7 candle.
3. You can't let my cousin blow out my candles this year. I will have my boyfriend over and I need to blow out my own candles. this year.
4. When we arrive you need to stay in the kitchen. Pop has to answer the door, meet my boyfriend and not tease him. Then I will bring him to the kitchen to meet you.
5. When it is time to eat the cake Pop can not eat the piece of the cake with Justin's nose on it and he can't make any nose jokes.
Thank goodness we were all able to follow the rules and it was a rousing success. Who knows maybe she could be a party planner one day!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Fashion Tips from Maddy
Today Maddy and I were at the mall just walking around and checking everything out. We wandered into Victoria's Secret Pink store and were browsing at all the undies and such. When we got back to the sale section we saw a cute shirt. Then I noticed that the entire back of the shirt was black lace. The following conversation took place.
Me: Ooo wow..the whole back of this shirt is lace
Maddy: Well I guess I can't have this shirt then
Me: Probably not
Maddy: This happens all the freaking time!!
Me: What do you mean?
Maddy: When Grandmom and I go shopping we always find the cutest things and then there is always lace or it shows to much and I can't have it.
Me: Do you really want to wear a shirt that would let everyone see your bra or omg, what if you were not wearing a bra at all!!
Maddy: No mom, only hookers dress like that
Me: *Silent and mouth agape*
Maddy: Mom, what is wrong, heck I don't even really know what a hooker is.
Me: Where did you hear the word hooker?
Maddy: Duh, from Family Guy.
Me: *leans over and whispers to Maddy what a hooker does for a living*
Maddy: Yeah, no shirt with lace for me.
Me: Ooo wow..the whole back of this shirt is lace
Maddy: Well I guess I can't have this shirt then
Me: Probably not
Maddy: This happens all the freaking time!!
Me: What do you mean?
Maddy: When Grandmom and I go shopping we always find the cutest things and then there is always lace or it shows to much and I can't have it.
Me: Do you really want to wear a shirt that would let everyone see your bra or omg, what if you were not wearing a bra at all!!
Maddy: No mom, only hookers dress like that
Me: *Silent and mouth agape*
Maddy: Mom, what is wrong, heck I don't even really know what a hooker is.
Me: Where did you hear the word hooker?
Maddy: Duh, from Family Guy.
Me: *leans over and whispers to Maddy what a hooker does for a living*
Maddy: Yeah, no shirt with lace for me.
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