Mimi the Labradoodle Chicken?!

When my brother was down visiting last time, I gave him some of Daisy Mae's old Halloween costumes for his labradoodle, Gigi.  One was a chicken costume...see pic!  Mimi had better use for it then for the dog!

Halloween 2012

Grace - Flash (with a purple cape)
Ry - Where's Waldo
K - 80's chick
Bug - Green Lantern

Add them all together and they equal one giant dork!

Drew didn't go out because he is sick.

Hiking - Sanborn

Last weekend Marty and I went hiking with the dogs to Sanborn Park.  We walked about 3 miles uphill.....then had to come down hill.  Poor Murray is not built for stamina and had to lay down a couple times during the hike!  The wiener - who is made for stamina - ran the whole way!  She probably covered 5 times the distance we did.  Daisy was just a happy lab....happy to be with her master and her friends!

New Office

I moved across the building to a new office at work.  I now look right out to the main entrance of our campus.  So I can see all the comings and goings.  Today I saw:

*  A dog barking in a Volkswagen Bug for an hour while an older mom went to lunch with her son.
*  Four very important looking businessmen get out of a black Suburban limo
*  12 "where's Waldos" - it's Halloween!
*  A bus of Japanese tourists taking pictures

What a crazy place!

Sharing the Journey

You may remember that last year I worked to get Parents Helping Parents (PHP) a grant to help with implementation of their "Sharing the Journey Program"

The Sharing the Journey program brought families together to better understand the resources and services, to learn that the highs and lows of grieving states are a normal part of adjusting to having a child with special needs. These parents were taught how to navigate complex systems of care while feeling more knowledgeable and less alone.

PHP just sent me a final report on the sessions and this was some feedback from one of the attendees:

“Thank you so much for conducting the sessions and giving my husband and
me the opportunity to meet, connect, learn, and enrich ourselves with
knowledge. Most of all, thank you for creating a place where we could share
and hear and know that we are not alone. "Sharing the Journey" is a great
journey and each family with children with special needs should experience it.”

Makes me so happy that I could do a little bit of work to help a bunch of families!

Jack -o- Lantern

The Screwtop Family showed up to TNDC with this Jack-o-Lantern carved out of a giant lemon!  They got the creativity award for the nite and it made the kitchen smell great as the candle burned.

Suspect Dyslexia

 

This is an awesome article for parents who just starting to think that their child might be dyslexic.

Suspect Dyslexia? Here are some tips to prove it.

By Kelli Sandman-Hurley, Ed.D. Special Education Articles Add comments

You’ve suspected it since your child was three. You were quite sure of it when your child was five and now your child is in school and you are convinced and unwavering about it. The school is not quite as convinced and they are slow to react to your suspicions. Be prepared; the road to the diagnosis may not be easy or cheap, but in the long run it will be worth it. The steps to diagnosis below make the assumption that you have done your research about dyslexia and you understand the symptoms. If you are still at that stage, you can visit www.interdys.org for more information.

Step One: Start collecting data and buy a notebook
Does it take your child an inordinate amount of time to complete homework? Is the classwork of homework too difficult for your child’s current level? Is your child being kept in at recess or after school to complete work they cannot complete during class? Document all of this. Keep a chart of the homework assignment, how long it takes and why it took so long, as well as what grade or comments they received from the teacher.

Stop doing your child’s homework. Many parents will help with homework so that their child does not fall behind or come home with a paper filled with red marks. In order to prove that dyslexia is present, the school needs to see how the child is truly performing independently. If they continue to receive completed homework they will not have any evidence that an intervention is needed.
Keep every report card, every test, every written assignment, spelling test and note/email from teacher and place into the notebook you are going to buy.
Start a conversation with the school. Let them know you are collecting data and that you are concerned. Do everything via email and document their responses.

Step Two: Request an assessment from the school
Remember all that information you gathered for the step above? Now you are going to take that information and write a compelling letter to the school requesting that your child be evaluated. You can find a template at http://www.specialeducationadvisor.com/request-for-special-education-assessment-including-sample-letter/. Do not be afraid to use the word, dyslexia, and use it often. Under IDEA, dyslexia is listed as one of the eligible conditions under Specific Learning Disability, so do not back down from this term. If they tell you they do not test for dyslexia, then without removing the word, just agree to have his academic skills tested. This is not to time to argue about terminology, you are just trying to get the testing. There are two directions this can go: they can test and they can deny. The next two steps deal with both scenarios.
If the school tests: how to interpret the results and how to find dyslexia (if it is present).
Most schools will test all areas of concern and this usually includes (but it not limited to) cognitive testing (aka intelligence testing), visual processing, auditory processing and reading and writing skills. If you learn nothing else from this article, learn this, dyslexia is not an auditory processing problem nor is it a visual processing problem, it is a phonological processing problem that often shows up in the subtests of the reading and writing assessments.
Scenario One: They deny services based on test results. When the IEP team reviews the test results with you and states your child does not qualify because his or her reading, writing and/or math scores are in the average or low average range, ask to see the subtests. Dyslexia often hides in the subtests. Many times the child will have done very well in the comprehension or writing of ideas and that score is pulling the composite into the average range. Yet, almost every time, a look at the subtests will reveal significant difficulty with word reading, spelling, and fluency – all signs of dyslexia. We already know these children are smart enough to comprehend, but how difficult is it to get them to that point? Pay particular attention to any writing samples that you bring with you – they often tell the story all on their own. A knowledgeable advocate will point this out (if it exists) and usually be able to get services. The final step is to have the term dyslexia noted in the notes at the very least.
Scenario Two: They agree with you and offer services. Wonderful news! Now it is time to make sure the goals are responding to the needs. Recently, I have seen far too many IEPs with three or less goals. Just last week I saw a goal that included decoding, fluency and comprehension. This is absurd and highlights the lack of knowledge not only about dyslexia, but about the reading process. There should be a separate goal for fluency, decoding and comprehension. Also often left out are spelling and sight words. These also need goals. Don’t be shy; ask for as many goals as the child needs to succeed. Because we are talking about getting a diagnosis, in this scenario, the term dyslexia also needs to be in the IEP somewhere. If need be, bring a copy of the definition of SLD and highlight the word dyslexia.
The bad news: Although this is an article about diagnosis, it is very important to keep in mind that even if your student is identified by the school or another professional, they are often not equipped to remediate it. This is beyond the scope of this article, but important to remember.
Advocate Involvement: If it is possible, it may be extremely important for your advocate to also be knowledgeable about dyslexia. If they are not, if will be difficult for them to make the case that dyslexia is present. Check with your local branch of IDA for advocates in your area.

Step Three: The Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)
Unfortunately, all roads usually lead to an IEE in the case of dyslexia. You may be able to have the school financially sponsor this evaluation or may need to pay for it out of pocket (fees range from 800.00-2000.00), but either way, it is worth its weight in gold – if done correctly. In order to make this a solid evaluation, you must do your homework. The person you choose to do this evaluation needs to be completely independent of the school district. A Ph.D. or Ed.D. is not enough; they need to have expertise in the area of dyslexia. They should test ALL of the following areas:

• Phonological Processing
• Oral Reading
• Silent Reading
• Single word reading
• Processing speed/rapid naming
• Spelling
• Vocabulary
• Writing sample
• Evidence of cognitive ability
• Review of school records
• Thorough review of family and school history

This person should provide a very thorough report and be available for IEP meetings to discuss the results. Once you have this report in your hands, you can go back to the school to discuss a review if services were previously denied and insist it is placed in the student’s educational record. If the testing is done correctly, it is very difficult to repudiate these evaluations.

Do you really need a diagnosis?
In my experience a diagnosis does three things: 1) gives the child the evidence he or she needs to know he or she is not ‘stupid,’ and removes that emotional stress, 2) places evidence in the student’s file so that he or she can receive accommodations in high school and college, 3) gives everyone involved a clear path to the correct intervention so everyone can move forward.
Last but certainly not least, a child only needs to be diagnosed with dyslexia once.

Dr. Kelli Sandman-Hurley is the co-founder of the Dyslexia Training Institute (www.dyslexiatraininginstitute.org and www.dyslexiadr.com.) She is currently writing Putting the D in to the IEP and you can read excerpts at www.dyslexiadr.blogspot.com. She received her doctorate in Literacy with a specialization in reading and dyslexia from San Diego State University and the University of San Diego. Dr. Sandman-Hurley a Certified Special Education Advocate assisting parents and children through the Individual Education Plan (IEP) and 504 Plan process. She is an adjunct professor of reading, literacy coordinator and a tutor trainer. Kelli is trained by a fellow of the Orton-Gillingham Academy and in the Lindamood-Bell, RAVE-O and Wilson Reading Programs. Kelli is the Past-President of the San Diego Branch of the International Dyslexia Association, as well as a board member of the Southern California Library Literacy Network (SCLLN). She is a professional developer for California Library Literacy Services (CLLS) as well as a Literacy Consultant for the San Diego Council on Literacy. She was awarded the Jane Johnson Fellowship and the Commission on Adult Basic Education (COABE) scholarship. Kelli has presented at numerous conferences as well as provided professional development for k-12 teachers. She is currently working on her book, Putting the D in IEP: A guide to dyslexia in the school system. Join the Dyslexia Training Institute at www.facebook.com/dyslexiatraining

Pilates

Pilates was so hard today at lunch that I could almost not carry my lunch back to my office with me.  And my lunch was half a sandwich and a small bowl of soup!  I was not sure which was going to give out first - my arms or my legs.

Basketball - 1st game

I know this is a hard pic to see but that is Grace behind #23 in the middle of the photo.  It was her first basketball game and she did great - even made a basket.  They won 33 to 13.

I love this pic because the two girls closest are Gracie's soccer team mates!  One plays with Grace on the school team and the other was on the opposing team.  In fact, the gal on the opposing team scored all the 13 points for her team.

Later in the season, they play other soccer team mates from other schools.  It is fun to see them doing something different than soccer.

Random Thoughts

1.  There is a gal at the gym at work who has giant angel wings tattooed on her back.  It makes me wonder why she has them.  I am not judging, just wondering.

2.  I cleaned out my closet this weekend and I noticed I have a pair of jeans that are size 6, a pair of jeans that are size 12, a skirt that is size 8 and dress pants that are size 10.  Really???  They are all Ann Taylor Loft clothes too and each of them fit.  Can't they get the sizes narrowed down a little closer?  I am not a 6 and not a 12.....probably somewhere in between.

3.  Daisy Mae likes to lay in the bathroom because it is cool and quiet.  This morning, she walks out and looks at me and this is what I see:

Apparently, when she stood up and walked out, the towel came off the rack and got stuck on her back!

4.  Last nite we had one of my favorite meals - home made pea soup and grilled cheese on sourdough.  YUM!

5.  I don't like it when my friends or family travel.  It is ok if I go somewhere, I just don't like it when they go places.  I don't like them to be far from me!

New Knives

Tina is tired of cutting with dull knives at the cabin so she just donated this set of knives!  YEA!  Sharp and pretty!

New Shoes

Time for a new season and new shoes!  Love the blue suede loafers.

His mama raised him right!

Today I held open a door at work for an older black gentleman because his hands were full holding his lunch and drink.  As I was holding it open, he tried to hold it open for me - I had nothing in my hands.  And I told him, "No, no, you go ahead, your hands are full, I have the door."  He hesitated and then said, "ok, but don't tell my mother that I didn't hold the door for you!"

I chuckled and told him that I didn't have his mama's phone number so I think he is ok!

Basketball

We have a new basketball player in the family. 

WAIT - we have our FIRST basketball player in the family. 

You would think that with the height my family has, they would play basketball.  But we don't have any experience. 

So Grace tried out for her school team yesterday and made the team!  These are her new shoes - it's all about the gear!

Stay tuned for updates.

Lacrosse

Grace tried lacrosse for the first time this weekend and "beasted it up"!  She said it was fun and she wanted to keep trying it.  She is doing a skills camp thru the fall and will consider joining a team after the new year.  Apparently lacrosse is the fastest growing sport in California and has great opportunity for college scholarships!

Pokemon Tournament

Jackson was in town this weekend for a pokemon tournament.  He came in 11th place for the first day but only the top 10 moved to the second day!  Darn!

The kids and I went to watch and check out this event.  It was really cool to see something so different than what we are used to and it was awesome to see Jack so excited!

10th Birthday

Jackson and Brian were here for the weekend and we took the opportunity to celebrate Jack's 10th birthday with a nite at Ariakes and a red velvet bundt cake.

Master Bath

Jim has been working on the master bathroom at the cabin.  It is more difficult than most because it is small and the vanity size is not standard...and because we don't want to spend a lot of money buying custom stuff.  Here is what we have so far and it cost about $350 dollars!  Granite top:  $100 (it was scrap)  Sink:  $79  Faucet:  $150.  I think the whole bathroom will come in around $1000!  Jim and his skill sets are worth their weight in gold!

A good dog day

That wiener loves to sun herself.  While working from home today, I left the door open so she could come and go as she pleased.  A good dog day.

Roy's 76th birthday!

We went to Ariakes for Grandpa Roy's 76th birthday.  The celebration was complete with saki bombs.  At one point a woman walked by and looked at all of us whooping it up and then said "I wish I had a grandpa or dad like that!"  That statement says it all!  We are all lucky to have Grandpa Roy and the rest of our awesome family and friends.  What a blessing!

Free food

I love free food at work. 

I go from station to station and get all the veggies.  Today it was roasted brussel sprouts, steamed spinach, cooked tomatoes, buttternut squash and mashed potatoes!

I don't know what I like more - when they cut up my fruit for me or when they cook 6 vegetable for one meal!

Rabbit Food

We had a bunch of bunny food leftover from when Bunny died.  So I put it on the for sale alias at work (for free).  I got a couple takers.  But when one the guys came to pick his up, he asked me if the food was natural!?!?!  He said his wife was really weird about only buying natural food for their bunny.  He wanted to see the original packaging.  That packaging is long gone because I put 20 lbs of food in ziploc bags to keep in the freezer.

So I told him not to take it if they wouldn't use it because I would just give it to the other employee who wanted it or take it to the humane society.  He said the would use it and took three bags.

It was a weird interaction.  I get the whole natural, organic, local food thing for humans.   But for bunnies?!?!?  Is it really going to give them a longer life span?  Improve their quality of life?  Especially after I asked him if it was an indoor bunny or a free roaming bunny.....NOPE - lives in a cage outside.

Weird!

Pasta, Pesto, and Peas

I made this last nite and it was delicious!

Pasta, Pesto, and Peas

Copyright 2001, Ina Garten, All Rights Reserved

Ingredients

• 3/4 pound fusilli pasta
• 3/4 pound bow tie pasta
• 1/4 cup good olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups pesto (packaged or see recipe below)
• 1 bag steamed spinach
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 1/4 cups good mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• 1 1/2 cups frozen peas, defrosted
• 1/3 cup pignoli (pine nuts)
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Cook the fusilli and bow ties separately in a large pot of boiling salted water for 10 to 12 minutes until each pasta is al dente. Drain and toss into a bowl with the olive oil. Cool to room temperature.

In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade, puree the pesto, spinach, and lemon juice. Add the mayonnaise and puree. Add the pesto mixture to the cooled pasta and then add the Parmesan, peas, pignoli, salt, and pepper. Mix well, season to taste, and serve at room temperature.

Sick Weiner

Over the weekend, Ahi got really sick.  So sick, we thought she might die.

I had given the dogs a bone on Friday and I think it was too much for her delicate chiweenie system.  So by Friday nite she was getting up every half hour to go outside.  And by the morning she was walking all hunch backed and would fall over. 

Last time she was this sick, she needed a chiweenie enema...so off to the vet we went.  The vet checked her out from head to toe and thought that she was not plugged up but instead had her system in turmoil from diarrhea!   So he gave her some colitis meds and antibiotics and we took her home.

She was pathetic the rest of the day.  She would barely walk and we had to bring her water bowl to her and hold it up to her mouth.

By the next morning, she was feeling a little better and by two days later she was much better.  Last nite when I got home from work, she literally did 10 laps upstairs because she was so excited I was home.

Safe to say, she is back to her sassy self!

Grace is 13!

We had a weekend of celebration for Grace's 13th birthday!

We celebrated at TNDC. 

We celebrated on Friday nite, which was her birthday, with Chinese food. 

We celebrated on Saturday with Thai food lunch and a movie with her friends. 

We celebrated on Sunday with the Grandparents with a big spaghetti and meatball dinner.

The best part was the red velvet cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes!  WOW - yummy!

Pitch Perfect

Grace and I went to see Pitch Perfect with her girlfriends for her birthday and it was HILARIOUS!  I would totally recommend it.

http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/pitch-perfect/