Not doing so great keeping up with this blog. Over labor day, we went to visit my brother and his wife and their new baby. I have some great pictures of Xavier holding little Bianca but when we got back our computer crashed. When that was done I loaded the pictures from the camera onto the computer to discover that the camera wasn't reading the memory card so the Biana pictures weren't uploaded. I think I have fixed that problem but still haven't gotten the pictures off the camera and it put me horribly behind. I promise to share those pictures but in the meantime - so much has happened.
Our trip on Labor Day was not the most perfect trip. Xavier did well in the car for most of the trip over but the last little bit was more than he could stand. He was sitting in the backseat with his Dad and soon it was like have two little kids with all the "he's touching me". It set the mood for the weekend. On that Sunday we went to Bellevue Square and did some serious window shopping. Xavier wasn't super crazy about the whole shopping with no money. But it wasn't so bad. He was feeling pretty bummed that he hadn't got to hold his new cousin. I made sure that Monday before we left he held the baby and I got pictures. He was also bummed that JW lived right next to the river with full schools of fish swimming by and I wouldn't let him fish (his pole needs to strung properly and I wanted it done right and not in a hurry).
Before we left, we stopped by this amazing park not far from my brother's house to visit with my best friend Vanessa and her family. Xavier loves playing with little Nadia (forgot the camera in the car, darn) and Rob had a great time talking shop with Noah.
We got home in time for Xavier to work on his lego creation for the fair. Entries were Tuesday but we waited until Sunday to see how all our hardwork played out. The boys went to the WSU football game on Saturday. They had fun but the heat was so bad that Xavier had a hard time. Rob said next time it's this hot, he won't take Xavier. Several times they had to take to the bathroom and hose him down. The boy is so fair that it doesn't take much heat to make him sick.
Sunday, we went to the fair. Xavier's lego creation took home a best in show. Tonight we're taking all the stuff to the Moscow fair to see how well it does. I can't remember if I have talked about the art table but we've turned our dining room table into a creative space to paint or do other projects. It's been fun doing stuff for the fair. Next we're working on Christmas gifts.
That's a quick over-view of the past two weeks. I'm sure I am missing some valuable information but there's always more posts to come.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Nothing new
Things are going really well with Xavier in school. He did get sick on Monday, however. We suspected it was from a lack of sleeping and sent him to school anyway. The school sent him home and he proceeded to spend the day with his head in the toilet. Poor baby. Rob did the best he could to take care of the boy.
When I got home at dinnertime, Rob was trying to convince a starving teenager to eat slowly and in small increments. Xavier inhaled two bowls of spaghetti in reply. He kept them down but Rob watched over him like a hawk.
He missed the FFA meeting due to being sick but has been getting the information from the teacher in charge. He's so excited about participating in the activities. He's decided to try trap shooting as his project. Next month they are going to play miniature golf at the golf course on the airport road. I'm excited for him.
He has met a new friend who came over last night. Vince is another teenage boy who like zombie games. The boy seems nice and polite but two teenage boys are more than I can stand, Rob and I ended up hiding in the bedroom until it was time for Scouts.
Xavier is debating whether to do Spirit Club or Chess Club. He thinks he would prefer Spirit Club but we'll see. He missed the first meetings of both because of a schedule conflict that I didn't quite understand. (He was too busy fighting zombies with Vince to really pay attention to me and we didn't get time to talk after scouts).
He's enjoying high school so that's something. Now to get all our ducks in a row and a good routine down.
This weekend we're going to see my brother in Auburn and the new baby. Xavier is really excited.
Next week is the fair so there will be plenty to share about that. September promises to be a busy month.
When I got home at dinnertime, Rob was trying to convince a starving teenager to eat slowly and in small increments. Xavier inhaled two bowls of spaghetti in reply. He kept them down but Rob watched over him like a hawk.
He missed the FFA meeting due to being sick but has been getting the information from the teacher in charge. He's so excited about participating in the activities. He's decided to try trap shooting as his project. Next month they are going to play miniature golf at the golf course on the airport road. I'm excited for him.
He has met a new friend who came over last night. Vince is another teenage boy who like zombie games. The boy seems nice and polite but two teenage boys are more than I can stand, Rob and I ended up hiding in the bedroom until it was time for Scouts.
Xavier is debating whether to do Spirit Club or Chess Club. He thinks he would prefer Spirit Club but we'll see. He missed the first meetings of both because of a schedule conflict that I didn't quite understand. (He was too busy fighting zombies with Vince to really pay attention to me and we didn't get time to talk after scouts).
He's enjoying high school so that's something. Now to get all our ducks in a row and a good routine down.
This weekend we're going to see my brother in Auburn and the new baby. Xavier is really excited.
Next week is the fair so there will be plenty to share about that. September promises to be a busy month.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Back to School
I had meant to post this Wednesday but I was waiting for Xavier to report how school was going. He asked me to wait until his second day so he would actually have something to share. The picture is from his first day but it took a lot of begging to get him to hold still for it. He didn't want his picture all over facebook and what not. We may still get it up on facebook but for now family can enjoy his smiling face here.
For all his anxiety about high school, Xavier really likes it. He has six classes - Freshman English, Math Essentials, Agricultural Science, Resource, Information Technology and Food and Nutrition. He hasn't decided which is his favorite yet.
Xavier shared that his math teacher is trying to help him get through Algebra 1 so he can catch up with his class. It will be nice for him to actually advance. We'll be talking with the teacher about math testing to catch any issues with him understanding math. He's got a good math brain and has loved it but I get the feeling the real problem is the way he processes math problems. He's got a good problem solving ability but I fear it doesn't match the way his teachers want him to process it. At this point in time no one cares that he can tell them the right answer - they want him to be able to demonstrate their process for solving the problem. The teachers focus so much on this because the state tests focus on this. I never realized what a disservice this is to the children. It doesn't play to their strengths nor does it support using different methods for solving a problem. I wonder what effect it has later in life when the children are confronted with a problem - will they get stuck because they have been taught there is only one way to solve a problem? Who knows but so far his current math teacher seems great. She told Rob that they will have little homework because she prefers to work with the kids. That's a blessing for us and Xavier since he's so resistant to doing the work at home.
I didn't get a lot of information about English or Science. Xavier knows that his science class is agriculture based but couldn't tell me more than that. I think it's a physical science which Xavier is really good at. He's excited to see how the class goes.
Information Technology sounds like a real technical class but from Xavier's description - it's keyboarding with a fancy title. Xavier's not a bad typist so he should do rather well.
Xavier loves his Resource Room teacher who is this huge guy (who looks like a kid himself). They're getting things ready for Xavier's IEP which comes do in November.
Food and Nutrition is the class I am most excited about for Xavier. He just loves being in the kitchen and loved his "home ec" class last year. Right now the students are getting to know each other and Xavier likes that. He says it's almost half boys and half girls (with just a few more girls than boys) and it's a small class with less than twenty students. I'm so excited for him.
I haven't gotten any reports about clubs or whatnot but that will come in time. He joined the chess club which meets during lunch but I don't know if they have met this week.
Last thing I want to share is that Xavier has started writing. He shared his work with Rob who encouraged me to ask to read it. I got to read it yesterday. It's amazing. Xavier has a great imagination (for a child who absolutely hates imaginative play) and a good voice for writing but he never has really pursued it. This piece has lines that are better than many writer's who have professional careers. I have permission to share a line with you so you can see how great he is.
"Here I'm bound in the chains of destiny, trapt in a living hell wondering how I'd free myself and break away from the fear and hurt that's been put on me." (No editing was done on my part).
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Getting Ready for High School
I haven't posted much lately because things have been really quiet around here. Xavier starts school next week and he's really nervous but there's not much to share. So I thought I'd share a little story.
Monday was school registration. It's an important time to go up to the school for lunch program information, bus passes, school pictures and anything else. Many school clubs have sign-ups as well. I left the task to my capable husband who did a wonderful job making sure everything was taken care of.
Later I got a chance to sit and talk with Xavier about how it went. I'm trying to get him excited about his first day of school because he's so worried about it. He told me he signed up for chess club. So I asked if he saw any other group he was interested in. He replied that there weren't that many groups there - chess, cheer, athletics were about it. Then with great enthusiasm he says "Where was FFA? I really wanted to sign-up. I didn't plan my schedule that way not to do FFA." (Xavier is doing the agricultural science/math track with the idea it would help him with FFA - I let him because I think it will interest him more). Then he says, "I really want to do FFA. I want one of those swanky jackets." That's my boy - always got his priorities straight.
Monday was school registration. It's an important time to go up to the school for lunch program information, bus passes, school pictures and anything else. Many school clubs have sign-ups as well. I left the task to my capable husband who did a wonderful job making sure everything was taken care of.
Later I got a chance to sit and talk with Xavier about how it went. I'm trying to get him excited about his first day of school because he's so worried about it. He told me he signed up for chess club. So I asked if he saw any other group he was interested in. He replied that there weren't that many groups there - chess, cheer, athletics were about it. Then with great enthusiasm he says "Where was FFA? I really wanted to sign-up. I didn't plan my schedule that way not to do FFA." (Xavier is doing the agricultural science/math track with the idea it would help him with FFA - I let him because I think it will interest him more). Then he says, "I really want to do FFA. I want one of those swanky jackets." That's my boy - always got his priorities straight.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Getting Ready for High School, pt 1
We had our last official session with the home therapist last night. Dennis said he'll probably pop in now and again just to check on how things are but Xavier made huge strides this summer. Dennis and Anna both question Xavier's diagnosis of PDD because he's quite bright but they don't believe he doesn't need the extra support so there's no challenges to the official diagnosis. I wonder if we should look into re-testing but I don't know.
One thing Dennis has been working on with Xavier is a serious face. Xavier greets the world with a big goofy grin and Dennis wanted him to work on a more serious, mature face so that making friends and dealing with peers will be a little easier. Xavier's serious face only lasts a few seconds before the grin breaks through but it's a start. The idea behind the face is to help Xavier realize that some situations require a more serious approach.
Xavier is so nervous for high school. Last night, he and Dennis discussed growing up and being mature. Xavier doesn't want to grow up, he wants to be a kid for as long as possible. That's not a bad thing but he does have to grow up some. We compromised by saying Xavier is moving from a young child to an older child (instead of a young adult).
It's going to take some work but I think he'll do okay. Registration is Monday and Rob will be taking Xavier. This will be Rob's opportunity to tour the high school and Xavier's chance to learn about school clubs. His classes have already been determined and he'll pick up his schedule.
We're working on getting school supplies. The only thing he's short is a flash drive so if anyone has an extra one - we'd love to have it. He's got all the other stuff including a scientific calculator (I still had mine from high school). I don't think he needs it yet since he'll be working on Pre-algerbra again but we have one just in case. I think I'll have him wait to take it to school though.
I met the Special Ed teacher back in May - he's a big football playing kind of guy (didn't surprise me when he shared that he was also the football coach). He's young and fun so Xavier should have a good time with him. Maybe he can be successful where the other female teachers weren't (and that's getting Xavier to take homework seriously).
I'm starting a plan to help Xavier be more successful with homework. I still have the bingo card idea in the works. I should probably work on that some more so the cards are in place when school starts - where did the summer go? WSU starts on the 22nd which is just over a week away and PHS will start a couple days later - meaning I have less than 2 weeks to get all his stuff in place (ACK!!!!).
One thing Dennis has been working on with Xavier is a serious face. Xavier greets the world with a big goofy grin and Dennis wanted him to work on a more serious, mature face so that making friends and dealing with peers will be a little easier. Xavier's serious face only lasts a few seconds before the grin breaks through but it's a start. The idea behind the face is to help Xavier realize that some situations require a more serious approach.
Xavier is so nervous for high school. Last night, he and Dennis discussed growing up and being mature. Xavier doesn't want to grow up, he wants to be a kid for as long as possible. That's not a bad thing but he does have to grow up some. We compromised by saying Xavier is moving from a young child to an older child (instead of a young adult).
It's going to take some work but I think he'll do okay. Registration is Monday and Rob will be taking Xavier. This will be Rob's opportunity to tour the high school and Xavier's chance to learn about school clubs. His classes have already been determined and he'll pick up his schedule.
We're working on getting school supplies. The only thing he's short is a flash drive so if anyone has an extra one - we'd love to have it. He's got all the other stuff including a scientific calculator (I still had mine from high school). I don't think he needs it yet since he'll be working on Pre-algerbra again but we have one just in case. I think I'll have him wait to take it to school though.
I met the Special Ed teacher back in May - he's a big football playing kind of guy (didn't surprise me when he shared that he was also the football coach). He's young and fun so Xavier should have a good time with him. Maybe he can be successful where the other female teachers weren't (and that's getting Xavier to take homework seriously).
I'm starting a plan to help Xavier be more successful with homework. I still have the bingo card idea in the works. I should probably work on that some more so the cards are in place when school starts - where did the summer go? WSU starts on the 22nd which is just over a week away and PHS will start a couple days later - meaning I have less than 2 weeks to get all his stuff in place (ACK!!!!).
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Media Deprivation
I've been working my way through The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. It's a great book that is supposed to help you work through things that prevent you from being creative or artistic. I'm not really having a problem but I find that this time (this is my second time working through her book) that I am learning so much about myself and really want to share with everyone.
What does this have to do with Xavier? Well, as part of her program, Julia Cameron asks that each participant give up one week of reading. To me that wasn't going to work. I barely have time to read what I need to as it is but I know that I waste time watching TV and playing video games. I decided the only way this could be successful is to get the entire family involved. Starting Sunday, we have gone without TV or video games (for the most part).
It's amazing how much time we now have. I kind of miss TV but not really. I am filling up my time with so many things. Sunday, we put up different shelves in the spare room (which we call the craft room). That room, Xavier and I share for various projects. He gets a personal media space with a tv, dvd/vcr, and a video game system and I get a sewing/crafting space. It's been a mess for a long time because we have too much stuff in the smallest room of the house. It's not perfect but I can see that once we get rid of all the little furniture bits that are being stored in there after rearranging that Xavier and I will have a really nice place to be. Once we get rid of those items at our upcoming yardsale (in the works but no date set), we'll have room to put in a bean bag chair or two for Xavier.
Also on Sunday, we played a round of Spiderman Monopoly - Xavier completely kicked butt. After his Dad went bankrupt, Xavier started cheating so I wouldn't lose. I did end up going bankrupt but many turns around the board later instead of right away.
At Papa's we played aggravation and then Xavier found this multi-game set. Out of that we played 3 rounds of Snakes and Ladders and 2 rounds of pickup sticks. We had so much fun that no one missed watching tv.
Last night, Xavier could not wait until I was home so we could play Milles Bornes. I won both games and Rob feels like he still doesn't get how it's played. I suppose we'll have to play it all week until he gets it.
I hope to actually leave the house a couple times this week to do fun things but the week looks like it's going to be busy. Tonight we have therapy but I am looking forward to sharing all the wonderful strides Xavier has been making lately. He's growing up so fast and is really trying to think things through before reacting. It's not always successful but the truth is - he's a step ahead of so many "normal" people with the fact that he's trying.
What does this have to do with Xavier? Well, as part of her program, Julia Cameron asks that each participant give up one week of reading. To me that wasn't going to work. I barely have time to read what I need to as it is but I know that I waste time watching TV and playing video games. I decided the only way this could be successful is to get the entire family involved. Starting Sunday, we have gone without TV or video games (for the most part).
It's amazing how much time we now have. I kind of miss TV but not really. I am filling up my time with so many things. Sunday, we put up different shelves in the spare room (which we call the craft room). That room, Xavier and I share for various projects. He gets a personal media space with a tv, dvd/vcr, and a video game system and I get a sewing/crafting space. It's been a mess for a long time because we have too much stuff in the smallest room of the house. It's not perfect but I can see that once we get rid of all the little furniture bits that are being stored in there after rearranging that Xavier and I will have a really nice place to be. Once we get rid of those items at our upcoming yardsale (in the works but no date set), we'll have room to put in a bean bag chair or two for Xavier.
Also on Sunday, we played a round of Spiderman Monopoly - Xavier completely kicked butt. After his Dad went bankrupt, Xavier started cheating so I wouldn't lose. I did end up going bankrupt but many turns around the board later instead of right away.
At Papa's we played aggravation and then Xavier found this multi-game set. Out of that we played 3 rounds of Snakes and Ladders and 2 rounds of pickup sticks. We had so much fun that no one missed watching tv.
Last night, Xavier could not wait until I was home so we could play Milles Bornes. I won both games and Rob feels like he still doesn't get how it's played. I suppose we'll have to play it all week until he gets it.
I hope to actually leave the house a couple times this week to do fun things but the week looks like it's going to be busy. Tonight we have therapy but I am looking forward to sharing all the wonderful strides Xavier has been making lately. He's growing up so fast and is really trying to think things through before reacting. It's not always successful but the truth is - he's a step ahead of so many "normal" people with the fact that he's trying.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Party Time
We had a super busy weekend, starting on Friday. Friday we went to the Hamilton-Lowe Aquatic Center in Moscow, ID. Every year we go as a family to celebrate Rob's birthday. Joining us was my dad and my brother, Josh (Josh's birthday is on the 2nd and Rob's is on the 4th). I forgot my camera so there are no pictures.
Xavier loves the "water park" since the Aquatic Center has two big slides, a lazy river, a water structure and various swimming areas. He did really well, sometimes when there's too much activity he has a hard time shutting off. We had a small issue when it was time to leave for dinner (we said we'd try to come back but no promises). Xavier laid down to dry off and refused to acknowledge anyone, especially his dad. It's not the worst moment he's ever had so I wasn't overly concerned. When we were ready to leave, he got up and left. He returned to normal by the time we were in the van to go to A&W. We came back and he played for another hour. He had no problem leaving when the lifeguard told him it was time to get out (the park closes at 7:30).
On Saturday, Xavier and I went with my dad to Silverwood in Coeur d'Alene. It's a long drive and we left just after nine and got there about noon (lots of traffic just getting out to the park so the last hour was trying to get the last 20 miles). Xavier was so excited but we had a talk before going in. He had to let me know when it was time out time. He did really well and only had one moment when we had to threaten a time out. That particular moment happened late in the day and we were in this really long line (we managed to miss most long lines) and he was just antsy. He kept picking at me and I asked him if he needed a time out - he replied "no, thank you" and tried to find something more constructive to do with his energy. It wasn't perfect but there was no kicking or screaming so I felt we had a great success.
I want to share that Xavier is an incrediably brave soul. He did rides all by himself that made me nervous just knowing he was on it. I watched the panic plunge while he waited in line so when he asked me if I was scared, I could honestly answer no because it was really short and we were all there within view. The other rides - not so easy on momma. He did miss one ride he really wanted to try because the line was way too long but we left for home at ten feeling like we had the best day of our life. We crawled into bed after 1 and spent Sunday quietly enjoying being home. I'll share more about what we're doing this week but our weekend was so busy and we are so tired.
Arrival at the park.
Train ride - car 3 got wet so Xavier wanted to be there. Papa and I sat under cover a car back.
Xavier enjoying the train show.
That blue and green structure is The Aftershock.
Papa paid for Xavier to try the shooting gallery - he got 18 out of 18 shots.
Xavier psyching up for the Panic Plunge.
Way up to the top.
Landing
Water slide
In line for The Aftershock.
Safely on ground.
Xavier loves the "water park" since the Aquatic Center has two big slides, a lazy river, a water structure and various swimming areas. He did really well, sometimes when there's too much activity he has a hard time shutting off. We had a small issue when it was time to leave for dinner (we said we'd try to come back but no promises). Xavier laid down to dry off and refused to acknowledge anyone, especially his dad. It's not the worst moment he's ever had so I wasn't overly concerned. When we were ready to leave, he got up and left. He returned to normal by the time we were in the van to go to A&W. We came back and he played for another hour. He had no problem leaving when the lifeguard told him it was time to get out (the park closes at 7:30).
On Saturday, Xavier and I went with my dad to Silverwood in Coeur d'Alene. It's a long drive and we left just after nine and got there about noon (lots of traffic just getting out to the park so the last hour was trying to get the last 20 miles). Xavier was so excited but we had a talk before going in. He had to let me know when it was time out time. He did really well and only had one moment when we had to threaten a time out. That particular moment happened late in the day and we were in this really long line (we managed to miss most long lines) and he was just antsy. He kept picking at me and I asked him if he needed a time out - he replied "no, thank you" and tried to find something more constructive to do with his energy. It wasn't perfect but there was no kicking or screaming so I felt we had a great success.
I want to share that Xavier is an incrediably brave soul. He did rides all by himself that made me nervous just knowing he was on it. I watched the panic plunge while he waited in line so when he asked me if I was scared, I could honestly answer no because it was really short and we were all there within view. The other rides - not so easy on momma. He did miss one ride he really wanted to try because the line was way too long but we left for home at ten feeling like we had the best day of our life. We crawled into bed after 1 and spent Sunday quietly enjoying being home. I'll share more about what we're doing this week but our weekend was so busy and we are so tired.
Arrival at the park.
Train ride - car 3 got wet so Xavier wanted to be there. Papa and I sat under cover a car back.
Xavier enjoying the train show.
That blue and green structure is The Aftershock.
Papa paid for Xavier to try the shooting gallery - he got 18 out of 18 shots.
Xavier psyching up for the Panic Plunge.
Way up to the top.
Landing
Water slide
In line for The Aftershock.
Safely on ground.
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