Graduation

Blake graduated from preschool today. I am proud of him, because he did a really good job. He was nervous when we got there. I was to drop him off with his class, but he clung to me. I stayed with him a couple minutes and left him with his class aide. He switched to clinging to her for awhile. After a couple minutes, though, he sat down in a chair next to his teacher and sucked his thumb.

When they started presenting diplomas, he really liked cheering and clapping for his schoolmates. He was especially excited when it was time for his class to go to the back of the gym. When they called his name, he ran down the aisle into his teacher's arms for a hug. Then he got his diploma and headed over with the rest of his class.

He was quite excited about the "Get Your Wiggles Out" song, and did some of the motions that went along with it. He was not interested in wearing his graduation cap, but that was no biggie.

They had a slideshow with a picture of each child, and finished with a rendering of "This Little Light of Mine" sung in the dark while shining flashlights around. It was pretty cute.

In the van before we went into the building
Blake and Pam, his classroom aide
Receiving a hug and his diploma from Laura, his teacher.
This Little Light of Mine

Blake with Laura and Pam
Eric, Blake and me

Eric came straight from work. My dad rode with us to the ceremony in case Drew had any difficulty with the crowd. When we were walking in, Eric's mom came in, too. My mom showed up when she got finished working. Drew had a great time at the graduation, and seemed interested in what was happening. He liked the songs and clapping for the graduates. He kept saying, "Daddy--clap!" because Eric was not applauding. He had the camcorder in his hand.

After the ceremony, Eric had to go back to work, but the boys and I went with my mom and dad and Eric's mom to Wendy's for lunch. It has been an altogether pleasant day!

Right to Read Week

Today is Pajama Day! Yesterday was Crazy Sock Day. He thought it was pretty funny being able to wear his PJs to school. I thought it was good, because otherwise, he PJs don't get much use. He never sleeps in them.

Tomorrow is Hat Day. I am doubting he'll want to participate in that one.

Transition IEP

We had Blake's transition IEP today. You know, the big one, where he goes from being a preschooler to being a kindergartner? That one. We met the team at 2:30 this afternoon. We got out at 4:00. Not too long, for us, that is.

The meeting went well. By the way, do you know how many adults it takes to get one child into Kindergarten? Seventeen. Yes, SEVENTEEN!

Anyway, next year, Blake will be going to Kindergarten all day every day. He will spend part of the day in the resource room two of the days. He will have a full-time personal aide. They are working out the transportation issue, but they said not to worry.

Our district is building a brand new school, and it is not expected to be finished until the first of August. The principal said that as soon as it is complete, we have free reign over the building. He said we should bring Blake and show him around as often as we want, so he gets used to his surroundings. He even suggested we show him the way from his classroom to all the places he'll need to go.

We think the principal is AWESOME. And, he was recently given the superintendent position. We are excited for him, of course, we'll miss him in his current position.

We took pictures of all the therapists and his teacher for next year. We're going to make a book with everyone in it, so they are a little bit familiar to him.

Weekend in Review

Ok, so I don't think we did anything Friday. If we did, my brain has not retained the information. Oh! I know. Drew got a green card on Friday! Woo-hoo! That is the highlight of Friday, and a good one.

Saturday night, my niece Ashley watched the boys while Eric and I went to a fundraiser at Drew's school. It is a formal affair called Evening Under the Tent. It was so cold in the tent when we got there. I admit we did get there kind of early. Eventually, they turned on heaters that blew hot air at ground level. Our table was positioned well, so we warmed up pretty well. I did keep my sweater on for the most part. They had a silent auction and a live auction. Thre were hors d'oeuvres, and a three station buffet, where they had beef tenderloin, baked chicken and crab cakes. I may be missing something, but if so, it was seafood, which I don't eat, and wasn't paying much attention to the seafood table.

My cousin Annie and my sister Kelly

Steve and Michelle, a couple whose daughter attends the school

Our auction paddle and several half-consumed glasses of Amaretto Sour.

Kelly and me


And Kelly was telling people that I always post bad pictures of others, and good pictures of me (not true!) here is a lovely I took of myself after a few of aforementioned amaretto sours.



Sunday we went to the Oktoberfest parade in Minster. Blake was unhappy, and fell asleep on me for the majority of the parade, and Drew stood behind our chairs flapping and talking to an elderly lady who didn't particularly want to chat with him. We had planned to go to the picnic to listen to the German band and do the chicken dance with the boys, but they both were getting agitated, so we went to McDonalds and home instead. I brought my camera with me to the parade, or so I thought. But actually, I left it in the van. So no pics of that. Sorry. :)

School pics

More School Pictures

I have been getting pictures sent home from school, so I thought I'd share them on my blog.
His teacher said today that he loves gym class (he did last year, too) and laughed and ran the whole time and got very sweaty. lol. I can just imagine.

I am well-pleased with both boys and their attitude about going to school. Drew is happy about going to school this year, and whenever I mention going to school to Blake, he nods his head and says, "Ah-kay, Mommy!"

Check it out!

Woo hoo! I am always glad to hear how he did. He doesn't tell me, but he seemed happy, so I assumed everything was going well. But this is nice confirmation.

Drew seems to be doing well at school, too. He is happy to get ready in the mornings, and yesterday he told his dad, "I like Mrs. H's car!"

off to school

Drew was not nervous at all today about going to school. I thought he might be, but he was quite calm about the whole thing.
Talking with Daddy about going to school and Daddy going to work.Waiting for Mrs. H.
Here she is!Buckled in and ready to go. I hope he has a good day. Today is Blake's first day at the babysitter. He'll be there for four hours. I'll report on that later.

Thursday Update

Ok, so I survived my job interview. It was the first one I've had in thirteen years or so. Yikes. Anyway, they will make their decision next week and let me know.

I had Blake's IEP today. I got there ten minutes early, and they were running behind. I waited for a half hour. But they were apologetic and got me finished up rather quickly. They knew about my interview and didn't want me to be late. Good thing we have a lot of IEP experience. They got me out of there in time to make it to my interview.

I was worried about not getting back in time for the boys to get home from school. Drew's aide Carol kindly said she'd stay with the boys if I didn't make it in time, but the interview only lasted 20 minutes or so. Not sure if that is bad or good. Oh well, it will work out as God intends it.

It figures!

Drew before school this morning

So, last week Eric and I went to parent teacher conferences. They told me that Drew is doing really great in aquatic therapy. They said I really need to come in and see him and all that he can do. They go in the pool on Monday afternoons. So, I met the principal in the school lobby and she snuck me into the office of the instructor. They didn't have an observation window, but I was planning on peeking out the door after the class got started. Jason, the instructor told me I'd have a better vantage point if I hid in one of the dressing areas until it started. So I did. I heard the class of four come in. I heard my boy say, "Hi Jason!" And Mrs. H took him into a dressing room to help him get changed. Soon he was dressed and waited on a chair beside the pool while Mrs. H got changed. Jason talked to the kids. When everyone was ready, they went into the pool one by one. Drew started saying, "I have to go potty! No pool!" Mrs. H reminded him that she took him to the bathroom right before they changed their clothes. He didn't want to get in the pool. I snuck to the corner and peeked around. Drew was sitting on the steps of the pool. They coaxed him, and did what they could to get him to remember how much he likes swimming. Nope. He was not having it today. At one point he got out of the pool and went back toward the changing rooms. I didn't have enough time to hide, so he ran right into me. He stopped dead in his tracks and said, "What are you doing?!" to me. He said, "Look, swimming!" I said, "Yes, you are supposed to be swimming. Why don't you go back in and do your work?" Well, he really wanted to go in, but was anxious. He stood by the pool and flapped his hands. He kept yelling, "Jason, woo-hoo!" wanting Jason to repeat it. Eventually, Drew got back in the water, though he didn't do much work. He did wade across the pool to where cold water sprayed in. And he pinched his nose and tried to dunk his head.

I wasn't too disappointed, as this type of thing is typical. When you want to see him do his work, for some reason he won't do it. That's ok, though. I still found it interesting to see what they do, and I got to hear him interact with Jason and Mrs. H.

Goodbye Mrs. Maxwell

Today was Mrs. Maxwell's last day at the Nicholas School. She is the classroom aide in Drew's kindergarten room. Drew picked up her catch-phrase "Woo-Hoo!" He says it a lot. Drew just loves her. And I think she likes him pretty much, too. I was sad to find out that she was leaving the Nicholas School. Drew asks for her every morning before he goes to school. He says, "See Maxwell today?" We talked about how she won't be coming back to school next week. His notebook said he spent a lot of time with her today. I was glad for that. Tonight I showed Eric the picture they sent home of Drew doing "Woo-Hoo" with Mrs. Maxwell today. Drew said, "I love you....Maxwell" Poor kid. He is really going to miss her.

Blake's "Homework"

In Blake's backpack today was a bag which contained a book called The Little Old Lady Who Wasn't Afraid of Anything, a pack of microwave popcorn, a box of crayons, and some paper. Included were instructions for Family Fun Night. Eric wasn't home, but Grandma V. was over, and Drew wasn't interested in Family Fun Night, so we improvised.

First we popped the popcorn. Blake adores popcorn, and could hardly wait for it to be done popping.



Next, we settled in on the sofa with the book and the popcorn.


I am doing a scary voice (at least that's what it looks like) while Blake waves to Grandma, who is wielding the camera.


Next we moved to the kitchen where we talked and drew a picture. Actually, Mr. Independent drew a picture.


And thus ends Family Fun Night. We ended it with a bath and bedtime.

A home visit

Blake's teacher and classroom aide came for a visit on Friday. Blake was excited about them coming, but I think it confused him a little. We waited outside for a while, and he said, "Where's the bus? Allen, where ah you?" I told him that he didn't have school, but Barb and Linda were coming to our house to play. He said, "No!"

When they arrived, he hid under the couch cushions. They drew him out quickly and we moved to the toyroom. We talked and they played with blocks, cars, and of course, Woody. They also played with the pile of blankets. I have some great pics of Linda with a blanket on her head, but I'll keep it to myself.

They took pictures to document their visit, and I said I was grabbing my camera too. Barb said, "As long as we don't end up on your blog!" lol. Sorry Barb. I limited you to one pic. Love ya!

Blake had fun with them, and later, after they were gone he played with his cars and garage. He pretened they were playing with him. He said, "Barb. Look at this!" And, "Linda, what you doin'?"

I was as excited about their visit as Blake. I swear, I need more adult interaction. lol!

Back to School

Today was the first day of school for both boys. Drew was nervous. He was excited about it last night, and kept asking, "Mrs. Ruhenkamp's class? Mrs. Hoehne be there? I go in the fun room?"

This morning, he said, "I can't wanna go to school. Sorry." And when Mrs. Hoehne showed up to take him, he said, "Hold you me, Mommy?"





Blake was excited to go to school today. He was mad when Drew left and he had to wait. His preschool is in the afternoon this year.

Drew School Update

So, as I have previously posted, we got our local district to place Drew in the Nicholas School. It is a special ed school with a neurological program. He was supposed to start this summer with therapy there, but with the seizures he was having, we decided to wait until they were under control. He was doing really well, going on almost two weeks without one, but he's had two in the past two days. Anyway, back to the school stuff. We received paperwork that explained that they are going to have a dress code this year. Modified uniforms, if you will. They will require navy pants, a white or cream colored shirt, and tennis shoes. The modified part--the pants can be sweatpants or chinos, and the shirt is not to have any writing or buttons on it. I actually kind of like the idea. I won't have to think about what to put on him. The strange part is they are allowed to wear regular clothes on Fridays.

They do what is called self-patterning, and spend some time on the floor doing these exercises every day, hence the reason for the "no button" rule. This is their first year for a dress code.

He will take part in an aquatic therapy class at their cool indoor pool.

We're excited about the upcoming school year!

Drew's New School

This past year has been rather stressful where school is concerned. First we had to fight the school to mainstream Drew in the classroom instead of putting him in a Multi-handicap unit. Then the regular ed. teacher was scared to have him in her class at first. She didn't know what to do with him, but was willing to try things we suggested. We ended up doing all of his classwork modifications because the special ed. teacher said she "just didn't have time" to do them herself. The bright spot in the year has been his paraprofessional. She has been wonderful. And everything Drew has learned in school this year has been because of her. At the end of the year, Drew had only reached 39% of his IEP goals. And this is not because they were unattainable. Many of the goals had never been implemented.

Yesterday, we had a meeting with the school district requesting a change of placement for Drew. We asked that he be placed at the Nicolas School, a special ed school that my nephew with FXS attends, and is doing great. We had sent a letter to the school ten days ago with the request, and they came to the meeting prepared. They agreed to pay his tuition, provide transportation, and a full-time aide for him. The meeting was over in twenty minutes. We thought we'd have to do some fighting, but we didn't have to at all. What a blessing. Now, if we could just get his seizures under control....

Back to School

But just for a visit. We went to see Barb and Linda at Blake's school. Barb is the teacher and Linda is her assistant. Drew used to be in their class and has been asking to see them. So, today was the day. They were cleaning their classroom, so we stopped in to say hi. It took Drew a few minutes to warm up to them, but he was really happy to have seen them. And I think they were happy to see him, too. They were surprised how big he's gotten. When his daddy came home for lunch, Drew told him that we saw Barb and Linda. I am posting a picture from Drew's graduation from preschool at the end of last year. Linda is holding him, and Barb is on the left.

From "Crud" to "Yay"!!!

Blake's teacher called me this morning, and said that she has been lobbying the director of the preschool to allow her to keep Blake in her class. She got the director to agree. Yay!!! I am so happy. She said she thinks Blake will benefit from being with the older kids. I am just glad we're keeping her.

Drew's First Day of Summer

Today is Drew's first day of summer vacation. The first thing he said to me this morning was, "Gotta get ready for school, huh?" I said, "Nope, not today. School is over for the summer." To which he replied, "Tomorrow" I said, "You are going to stay with Mommy for lots of days" He said, "Is today Saturday?" lol. It is going to be a long few weeks until he gets into the new routine. He's definitely not going to like it next week when Blake goes to school. He has another week to go. Funny kid.

Drew's Evaluation

We took Drew to a private special education school today for an evaluation. He was a little nervous when we got there, and wanted to play with the door a lot. After paying for the eval, we headed to "Mrs. Mike's" office. She has a difficult last name for kids to pronounce, so she shortened it for them. Drew wanted to play with the door again. We tried to get him to sit in a chair to start the test, but he wasn't having it. She had a flip book and wanted him to identify different pictures. He found a bus picture and kept flipping back to look at that. When she asked him to do something, he said, "Wait a minute!" She followed him all over. They were on the floor together, and at one point, Drew was sitting in her chair and she was sitting in his! It was chaotic. It lasted about two hours. She recommended we start a summer program of therapy, and wants us to consider sending him there for school next year. We took Drew to McDonald's for lunch for survivng the eval. Then, we picked up Blake and dropped Drew off at school. When we got there, the kindergarteners were on the playground. Two boys came running up, yelling, "Drew's here!" and pulled him off to the playground. It did this mama's heart good.

Today is our wedding anniversary and we are going out to dinner tonight sans kids. My parents are watching them. Yay us! Eight years.