Making Alex happy

"Of all the Alexes in the whole world, you are my very favorite. There must be well over a million and even if there were billions, you would still be my very favorite."

"Thanks Mommy!" GRINNNN

And when Andrew photographs his favorite subject

You see what I would look like in the dark.

This is what gets snapped when Seany sneaks the camera

A dirty spoon -- very important to the twix as its a fight everyday as to who will get the spoons.

I belive he was going for the dvd case. But who really knows?

And Ryan's bare backside. I actually heard Sean say, "Ryan say cheese!" Which made me check on their antics.

Quail

Andrew had the letter "Q" this week in preschool. This was brilliant as not much fun starts with "Q" and he got to learn all about an animal, a bird, a quail.

Andrew, so excited about his quail explained with arms pulled up and flapping fingers "Quails have little teeny tiny wings. So they can't fly."

And making an upside down peace sign, "They're little teeny tiny legs run super fast -- whoosh!"

And finally, "They like to live in bushes, so when we put our new trees and bushes in our yard, then we can have a pet quail and he can make a nest in our bushes. Quails are so cute."

Andrew shared all this, first with me, then with the twix, next Alex, and finally Mark. He loves birds and has carried his quail picture around in his backpack all week.

Basketball

Last Saturday, Mark and Alex went to the BYU basketball game.

And that morning, we attended Alex's game. Alex with his coaches.

And waiting for something to happen with the ball.

Ironman

When you have lots of chicklets, lots of chicklets all the same gender, lots of boy chicklets, you know you love them all but sometimes one of them does something that just makes you feel, "Oh, my gosh, you are so cute. I heart you so much that it pains me."

Tonight, Alex decided to clean up his toys without asking just as I was trying to tuck him in. He gathered the mini cannons into a shooter thing and let them drop into their drawer one at a time. He collected all his army men having them crash, die, and burn their way into their bucket. He sorted Andrew's toys (kept in Alex's room- safe from twix) into their own area, "This is where Andrew likes to have his toys." He just about broke my heart.

And then, he picked up a little tiny cargo box about an inch long and a quarter inch deep. "Oh, this is actually my Indiana Jones' son's box, but I like to pretend its Ironman's instructions for his red and gold suit being down loaded when I play Ironman," he explained with massive gesturing to and fro.

"I didn't know you had an Ironman toy," I said, quickly running through the inventory of gifts he'd received last month.

"Oh, I don't. Its in my imagination. You know when we saw the Ironman suit at Wal-Mart for $11 and I decided to get my bike tires instead..."

Broken. Heart. Broken. I heavily influenced that decision thinking practically.

"....But, its ok. That's why its good to have an imagination."

I'm going to Wal-Mart tomorrow and if they still have it, he's getting it for Easter.

I know that God blessed me when he gave me, my Alex.

2009 getting to know you

1. What is your occupation right now?
Domestic Diva

2. What color are your socks right now?
White but in cute pink lettering so as to be different from my 5 male loves, H-A-N-E-S

3. What are you listening to right now?
Mark's Christmas Present on the 360: Call of Duty SOMETHING WAR

4. What was the last thing that you ate?
Chicken, carrot, red bell pepper quesadilla with a delicious glass of Pinot on ice (Ta! Mark)

5. Can you drive a stick shift?
Um, no. Have I ever? NO!

6. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
My momma, please pray for my parents. My dad is very sick and my mom is stressed. I love them very much.

7. Do you like the person who sent this to you?
LOVE her.

8. How old are you today?
31!

9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV?
I don't watch sports on TV. I watch sports that my chicklets play -- right now, basketball, baby!

10. What is your favorite drink?
Margarita, blended. Followed closely by a Kahula deliciousness Mark creates from time to time (it involves ice cream of the vanilla variety and chocolate)

11. Have you ever dyed your hair?
Yep, blonde highlights in high school and was so embrassed that denied doing it, when EVERYONE noticed.

12. Favorite food?
What's Mark making me for dinner?

13. What is the last movie you watched?
Traitor starring Don Cheadle. Ok folks, very intense. ONLY watch if you're ready for a moving story. He was already on my favorites list, but its hard to believe that the same guy blowing stuff up in the Oceans is THIS GUY blowing stuff up. EXCELLENT! Was he nominated for anything? He should of been.
14. Favorite day of the year?
Christmas. Wait until you have 4 boys giving each other gifts and see how touched you are.
15. How do you vent anger?
Blog or Poor Mark

16. What was your favorite toy as a child?
My Barbie. Yes, I was a girlie girl

17. What is your favorite season?
When its not winter, I say winter. Right now I could go for a tropical island paradise.

18. Cherries or Blueberries?
Blueberries. I make an awesome pancake, ask Alex.

19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back?
No pressure. (But secretly, YES!)

20. Who is the most likely to respond?
Mark, because he's my hubby and knows it matters to me. I'm lucky in my love.

21. Who is least likely to respond?
I don't put that kind of pressure on my friends.

22. Living arrangements?
Share my abode with 5 charming men. As a queen, I'm living it up. (If you believe that, I've got this bridge....)

23. When was the last time you cried?
Today, finally read the Nie Nie Updates. A blogger who blew up in a plane, survived with 80% of her body burned, and is slowly sharing her new life. If you want the link, I'll email you. But be prepared to cry.

24. What is on the floor of your closet?
A bin with our bed sheets, a bin with our tolietries, a bin with an old blanket we can't part with, a guitar hero controller, a unknown pile of clean laundry....

25. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to?
My daddy

26. What did you do last night?
Read "All Aboard the Dinotrain" to Andrew after playing Tic-Tac-Toe with Alex, after kissing my twix good night.

27. What are you most afraid of?
Something or someone awful happening to my chicklets.

28. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers?
Cheese, with teriyaki and pinapple, made by my Grill King.

29. Favorite dog breed?
What am I not allergic too? Hair breeds? I guess a poodle.

30. Favorite day of the week?
Saturday

31. How many states have you lived in?
2 -- How lucky for me that they're both pretty -- Cali and Utah

32. Diamonds or pearls?
Diamonds are a girls...

33. What is your favorite flower?
I can't pick just one -- rose, hibicus, magnolia, tulip, fressia, lavendar, and so many more. I love you all.

A couple additions to MY 25

26. There is no greater way for me to relax than with a bottle of wine and a bubble bath (Hint, hint, VERY STRONGLY HINTING).

27. I am unusually good at removing snow, especially after my hubby and neighbor do all the hard bits. I just had to do the berm created by the snow plow and then did one entrance to our street (Mark come the mailbox way home, trust me).

28. Snow taught me who the selfish are as opposed to the generous. Not that I'm judging certain folks that choose to allow others to maintain their sidewalks, just something handy to know in the future.

29. I have to get new snow boots (they are both split on the sides). I have very cold feet (they were very wet).

30. I love love love a nice bottle of Pinot Grigio or White Zin to relax with after shoveling much snow (NO PRESSURE!).

Another reason to love Mark

I have a wonderful husband. Sometimes, I feel like he feels taken for granted. I try not to let him feel that way. But sometimes, there's just life tiring me out and falling asleep...

This morning, it snowed a LOT -- 6 to 8 inches of very heavy snow (wet). He got up at 7 and came out and helped me shovel the driveway and the street out to where the plow comes through. Our neighbor with a snow blower came over and helped me at 7:30 so Mark could get dressed for work.

When I came in, Mark asked what time Alex could be dropped of at school. I thought 8: 30 was the earliest So Mark drove Alex to school for me.

Playhouse Disney Live

Playhouse Disney Live is coming to SLC, Sat 1/31. I really really want to take Andrew, Sean, and Ryan. The twix love Mickey and his gang, Little Einsteins especially Rocket, and Handy Manny. They'd get to see all their heroes.

Problem: The cheapest tickets I can find for 4 peeps: $91 before tax.

That is too expensive to take 3 pre-ks to see a 90 minute show.

So if anyone hears of any 4 tickets TOGETHER for $50 or less, give me a heads up!

Andrew and cookies

Andrew stayed clear of the kitchen while Alex made his 'cub scout cookies.' At bedtime, Andrew asked who the cookies were for.

"They're for the Devlin 4 -- Alex, Andrew, Sean, and Ryan," I answered.

"No Mommy. That's not very nice. When you make cookies, you are so supposed to make them to share with your friends. When we make my cookies tomorrow, we're making them for my catechism class."

Didn't know I was making cookies again, 'til he told me.

---

The directions on Andrew's cookies said to bake 8 to 12 minutes. I set the timer for 12 (it's usually the long end of the timer at our house). Burned 2 of the 3 sheets. So we didn't have enough good cookies for his class. And when we got there, only 3 kids were in class.

Basketball

Today at Alex's basketball game, he did really well. Alex actually follows the rules, so he doesn't make as many plays.

At one point, he had the ball in shooting zone and a kid guarding him was supposed to be on someone else. So Alex, dribbling said, "Hey! You're not my guy!" The kid disappeared, left Alex all clear and he made his first in game shot and most important to Alex "nothing but net!" The crowd went wild as most of the parents at that game know Alex and therefore made a little more noise than usual.

The woman next to me asked, "Is that his first basket ever?"

Later, he made a second shot, bouncing it off the rim. Although happy he got it in, he was disappointed it wasn't a 'swoosh.' Again the crowd made a thundering noise and the lady said, "Wow everyone must really like him."

During the game Alex also made 5 assists so he figured himself responsible for 14 points. Although he only got credited with 4...

Baking Cub Scout Cookies

Here we see Alex's cookies (peanut butter, chocolate-caramel chip). Baked to sign off cooking. He's quite a little chef lately, constantly wanting to help in the kitchen.

This is what I like about the scouting program. After Alex does an activity, he feels confident in it and continues to do said activity.

The Bald Eagle Report

Alex showing off his Cub Scout poster about Bald Eagles. He's working on Bear Achievement #5 (about sharing the world with wildlife). He wanted to do #5 because a Bear must complete #5 to get the coveted Conservation Award. And being environmentally conscious, this is prestigious to Alex.

I won a prize!

I won a blog giveaway for a Progresso kitchen utensil set, recipe box, and progresso broth. Alex showing off my new utensils (some of which we've never had before).

And Andrew was VERY excited that he got his very own "5 year old's rolling pin!" (Sean and Ryan have rolling pins, so he was excited to see one his size -- even if it is really a recipe holder.)

Bath fun

Ryan, Andrew, and Seany playing in the tub.

National Geographic Kids Team Member

Alex was selected to be a National Geographic Kids Team Member. Every month he'll get to log on to their website and participate in surveys, give his ideas for stories, what he'd like to see more of, etc.

And all this because he said, "Mommy, can I be a Kids Team member?"

"What?" and then I read the article pushed under my nose. On the computer, we went, and for a 9 year old, he gave well thought out answers to their sample questions. I love it when he puts himself forward.

Now I've just got to get him to do the wildlife contest -- he could win a trip to Peru!

Ouch

About an hour ago, I heard a crash (sounded like a toy) and Ryan began screaming. He limped a little and had me kiss his knee. For the next 45 minutes, he low-volumed whined about his leg hurting and wanted a bandaid. I ignored him. We went to the grocery store, came home and I examined his leg more thoroughly.

He is not favoring it. His knee looks ok. There's a small bump under his knee but I can touch it, he cries not like he's dying. I put a bandaid on it and now he seems ok with it all. But the problem is with Ryan's legs, they don't look exactly the same, so I'm trying to go by how that leg usually looks.

Also, its almost nap time and usually the twix are grouchy before nap time.

Do I take him to the doctor? Do I wait and see? What would you do?

Ok, now he's bossing me around again, but not up close, from afar.

Heavy

For Ryan, there is no greater compliment to his being than "Wow, Ry you're really heavy!" or "Oh, Ryan, I can barely pick you up, you're so heavy."

To which he responds, "Yeah, Mom, I real heavy!"

Today at the store, he kept fussing with my hand on the shopping cart. Finally he grunted, then smiling with delight at his own thoughtfulness, "Wow Mom! You real heavy, Mom! You heavy MOM! You so big! AHHH!"

Yes, Ryan thought that describing me and 'heavy' and 'big' would do wonders for my self esteem.

Sean did it!

Seany, that great big 3 year old boy, pee-peed in his potty chair!

3 cheers for Sean!!!!!!!!

In the back of a truck

Haven't watched it yet. Hope it turned out cute.

Cars and Drivers

Less interested in driving, Ryan explored cargo areas.

Alex stepped up to drive.

Seany pushed and pulled on every button and lever.

And the poser, Andrew smiled wide for me.

Alex fixing up his ride

With his gift cards from Uncle Vince, Alex bought solid rubber tire tubes for his bike. He'll never have a flat again. Ryan and Sean brought their tool boxes out and attempted their own repairs and customizations.

A Bored Sean Sean

Sean thought if he hid UNDER my chair, I would not notice that he had my purse.

Chess & Chinese Checkers

Mommy Andrew and Alex playing Chinese Checkers.

Alex making a move.

Mark trying to set up a game of chess with some helpers.

Sleepy Twix

I had some chores to do before naptime, so I turned on Mickey Mouse. When I came back 15 minutes later to put them down for their naps, this is how I found them.

My 25

1. I cannot start the day without at least 1 cup of coffee -- its not the caffeine, its the ritual -- except on Sundays when I feel guilty about consuming anything before Communion.

2. I find uncleanliness disgusting but am not as bothered by clutter (so long as the floors are clear).

3. I hide vegetables in dinner meals so as not to listen to Andrew whine (doesn't work, but at least I give it a go).


4. I love to take the kids places, even if its just to the park. I try to take them somewhere every week (v. hard in January in snow country).

5. Rarely do I go a whole day without eating chocolate, even if its just 3 mini-m&ms. Its necessary to my well being.


6. I hate having to squeegee the shower and will take baths to avoid it.

7. I am afraid of ice and therefore, you will find no snow or ice in our driveway or sidewalks or on
the street in front of our driveway that I must walk through to get Sean and Ryan on & off the bus. I remove it all. Yes, my neighbors think I'm crazy.


8. I put Mickey Mouse or Phineas and Ferb on TV so I can have 24 minutes of no crying/whining before dinner.

9. I only 'rent' movies when they are free with a promo code or gift card.


10. I have changed diapers for the last 9 years of my life (with a break of 9 months between Alex at 3 and Andrew's birth).

11. I cleans up new messes at least 4 times a day (most, not all, courtesy of Seany).


12. I hate cutting the boys hair at home, but to save moo-la we do it.

13. I love the twix's nap time everyday -- the only 1 - 2 hours where neither of them is
crying/whining or getting into trouble. I love them but I enjoy the break.


14. I married a great man -- he excels as a father and husband.

15. I love puzzle games and reading -- I need to do one or the other everyday.


16. I have to check email/facebook/blogs before I can relax.

17. I have been on a diet since I was 12 years old.


18. I have never had a passport -- though have left the USA (Mexico & Canada in the days when a birth cert would do).

19. Sometimes I stay up late flipping channels even though I don't want to watch anything, because I can't stand to listen to video games any longer (the 360 is in our room).


20. I love to get the mail. Love it!

21. I feel guilty when I get something for me, even though I know it will be highly used or is much needed. Example: I got a thermos and 2 travel mugs at Wally World for $5 in the Christmas clearance, obviously VERY useful, but it cost us $5.


22. I take naps, sometimes while the chicklets are snoozing and sometimes when Mark's home.

23. My ears are very sensitive to loud noises, certain pitches, high tones -- I feel physical pain from certain twix's crying.


24. I had great parents growing up and so did my sister. i.e. we were not raised by wolves.

25. I love children's literature -- Potters, Narnia...Its all good...

Now, this took me all day long. So I'm tagging anyone reading this (who wants to play).

SCATTERGORIES
Rules: It's harder than it looks! Hit forward, erase my answers and
enter your own Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each
question….no made up answers send it on, (including me) Don't use
your name for the boy/girl name Have Fun!

1. What is your name: Kathryn

2. A 4 Letter Word: Kale

3. A Boys Name: Kevin

4. A Girls Name: Kaitlyn

5. An Occupation: Kite maker

6. A Color: Khaki (had to google it, really)

7. Something you wear: Kimono (didn't want to use Khakis)

8. A Food: Kale (should I change my 4 letter word to Kilt)

9. Something found in the bathroom: Kleenex

10. A place: Kilamajaro

11. A Reason for being late: Kids Killed King Kong

12. Something you shout: KIDNAPPED!

The hardest part is finding 10 people that will play with you!

Donalds

Last night, we were very short on time before parent teacher conferences. We were bad parents and took the kids to McDonalds. They were over the moon with excitement.

On our way out of the parking lot, the following conversation occured:

Ryan waving madly, "Bye Donalds! Bye Mickey! Bye Minnie! Bye Foofy! Bye Puto!"

Sean also waving madly, "Bye Mickey! Bye Mickey! Bye Minnies! Bye Donalds! See ya' real soon!"

Andrew, "Bye McDonalds!"

Alex, "Why are they saying goodbye to the Mickey's gang?"

Parent Teacher Conferences

The twix and Alex had parent teacher 'student' conferences tonight. I wanted Mark to come and therefore all the chicklets came.

Sean and Ryan are making good progress -- by the end of the school year they should make it to the 3 to 5 years old chart (currently hanging out on the birth to 36 month scale).

Alex had another excellent report. He excels in all subjects and is making marked improvements on focusing. His teacher is very pleased with his improvements and suggestions for goals were to continue learning cursive and playing video games AFTER completing homework.

Very proud, I am.

Depressing

When Mark's parents were here for early Christmas, we were talking about Sean's hospital stay and how expensive it was. His mom talked about hospital loans. Which reminded me of the hospital's help in 2006 paying some of the twix's viral stays.

So, when the bill came I called and asked about it. The very nice lady sent me the info with instructions to apply for Medicaid as they'd need a denial from Medicaid before looking at our application. Applying for Medicaid took days (on the computer, digging up facts about every cent we've ever earned).

We were denied. So last night I had to write up our "we're pathetic please assist us" letter. The sad thing, no facts were exaggerated, no stories embellished. I felt sorry for the chick after I reread it. By the time I'd finished I wondered where we'd find the strength to go on. (Mark commented that a quick drive out to Nebraska would take care of our problems.) Things that hurt us, saving for retirement (you'd lose more than 1/2 the funds taking it out, but too bad counts fully as an asset), having paid off the cars (and not buying new ones), carrying no credit card debt.

Last year:
-Alex's 4 weeks of casting
-Ryan's spina bifida appointment, bladder study
-Sean's viral-related hospital stay, ct-scan, xray, etc.
-Somebody over the summer went for an xray I'm sure of it
-My tonsils surgery in October
-Mark's ER visit
-My ER visit (both of which are being billed as out of network, i.e. we pay it all)

Upcoming:
-Andrew's pre-cancerous skin removal under anesthesia
-Ryan's spina bifida clinic plus whatever additional testing he may require
-Alex may need the toe walking surgery this year

And in a dream world:
-Mark's pregnancy preventing snipping (Yeah, not happening again this year, based on what's coming).

Now we wait and see, everyone please pray the financial assistance peeps take pity on us...

Sword fighting

Wolf Scout

Alex earned his wolf scout badge. He's now working on his bear as he aged out of wolf just after earning his badge. Mark couldn't make it (works late on Tuesdays) hence the video.

Bear Cookies

Andrew decorating his bears.

Alex was all about 'designs' with his paint.

Sean just drew a couple lines on each cookie (food markers -- I haven't lost my mind).

Ryan made a couple mini lines on his cookie concentrating so hard. Then two seconds later, he smushed his cookies together, made a bear sandwich and started with an ear.

Twix and the big moon

Playing with their wardrobe in the morning, Ryan in the backward overalls above. Seany, below, was disappointed I cut his hair off in the picture.

After dinner, I took Sean and Ryan for a walk to see the biggest moon of 2009. Sean was very into his flashlight and following its light. Ryan finally came over to him, pulled Sean around and pointing into the sky said, "Sean! Sean! WOOOK! UP THERE! Moon!"

Ryan marching through the street.

Seany carring the mail in one hand and his light in the other.

Ok

My dad's surgery went well. He's in recovery then up to his room for a day or two. I felt so tense that I made the kids go outside and swept the garage. Then I cleared some snow out of the street. I just needed a physical task to focus on. Somehow folding laundry does not take one's mind off anything....

Good news

My coffee maker made coffee in a normal time frame this morning. Hurray!

In other news, my dad is in surgery as I type. Please pray all goes well. He should be getting out any minute and I'm anxious to hear how he's doing.

Coffee Maker

I seriously think my fabulous coffee maker is dying. It took 45 minutes to make 8 cups.

This will be the 9th coffee maker in 2 years. Coffee makers 2-8 died at the hands of Naughty Seany.

Any trouble shooting ideas for my Mr. Coffee Coffee Maker? Do we even have the manual for this guy?

Chip

Yesterday, lunch for the chicklets was a bit of scrounge around (when is it not). I made pb&js (which Andrew is again eating, thank you). And Mark passed out the dregs from the corn chips left over from my parents stay.

I sat between Andrew and Sean and ate my sandwich. Sean was very concerned that I had no chips. I insisted it was ok, I was perfectly happy with no chips. But Sean could not be swayed. He gave me a half a chip and said, "Here ya go Mommy. El-come. Mommy."

I thanked him. Not to outdone by a 3 year old, Alex (who had mostly crumbs) gave me 2 eighths of a chip. Ryan jumped in with a crumb of his own. And then Andrew gave me a speck. A speck that stuck to his finger and he rubbed into the table in front of me.

"Geee! Thanks! Andrew! I don't know if I'd of enjoyed my lunch without my speck!"

Giggles in sued. "Mommy, I love you."

Later that night, "Mommy, that was so funny when I gave you my smallest chip of all!"

Thank you notes

Old school etiquette requires thank you notes for gifties and thoughtful gestures. I have my chicklets 'write' them -- ok for 3 of the 4 I write them and for the 4th, I heavily assist. This year after Christmas, I was pretty much a zombie for weeks. I was fighting off a cold, I was tired, I had all 4 boys trapped indoors.

So I'd decided we'd just do e-cards this year and cut the number way down to just 1 to great-grandma. That very day, in the mail came a check for the boys to have a day out courtesy of Mark's (grand) aunt in Arizona. I began to feel like a heel, could I justify being green and sending e-cards when someone whose only met 2 of the 4 boys remembers them every year and asks us do something so nice for the chicklets? I could not.

So down we all sat at the table. I cut paper down to manageable sizes. I got out the thank you notes. I wrote them all out, except for Alex who had to decorate and write out his own. Sixty thank you notes later, my hand ached, my chicklets were whining, but I felt like a better person than before sitting down.

At one point, Alex announced, "Mommy, I'm going abstract of these thank you note. I'm just throwing color on the paper." Markers in each hand, he did just scribble-scrabble all over a few before I insisted on a bit more effort.

Andrew said, "Mommy, who is this one for?" "Where does it say Transformers?" "What is Uncle Adam's favorite color?"

Last night, I read The Last Lecture. Everyone should read The Last Lecture. He does a whole chapter on the importance of hand written thank you notes. I already knew I needed to do them, that it was important. It was nice having my opinions validated in such an unexpected way.

Gingerbread bears

After Christmas, Target always has tons of Crayola Baking Craft kits 1/2 off. I don't know what happens when things get down to 75% off - I just know we've never seen them. At 1/2 off, they're about $2 a box.

This year I got Gingerbread bears, bake and decorate. Alex and Andrew got to 'paint' their bears and Sean and Ryan got to use the edible markers to decorate their bears. After about 2 minutes, Ryan squashed his two cookies together making a bear sandwich (iced in the middle) and chowed down.

Shortly following his example, Sean, then Andrew, and lastly Alex.

Dinner will have to wait -- those were some big cookies.

For the record

Describing Andrew as 'perfect' does not mean I think Alex is substandard in anyway. I meant it in terms of going to the doctor and being pronounced perfectly healthy. Alex is never pronounced that -- he is under weight, super hyper sensitive to stimuli, unable to do simple motor skills without difficulty and frustration, toe walks with extremely tight tendons, etc.

I don't want to change Alex, medicate him, etc. But if there are therapies out there that would help him, I'm all for it. And I'm not trying to label my kid. I love him just as he is. But I believe when you see a person struggling, you should try to make their life better.

He has ADHD. He hates how he feels AT school without his meds. I don't insist he take them on his breaks unless it will be a school like day or we're running errands and I need to know he can follow directions FOR HIS OWN SAFETY. Medicating for ADHD is not a simple decision. It doesn't have anything to do with wanting the kid to be a different person. Alex can't get through the school day without his meds. On days that we've forgotten, I've been called to the school to bring it to him, calm him down, etc. He can't handle all the stimuli at school, it completely overwhelms him.

I'm not a bad mother. I'm not a mother seeking fake illnesses/diagnosis' for her kids. I'm a mother concerned about my child's quality of life. And if I didn't care about him at all, I wouldn't have mentioned any of his symptoms, quirks, and ticks. I probably wouldn't bother with the ADHD appointments, etc.

Nobody argued Ryan's spina bifida with me. Why? Because there's a deformed place on his back, there was an open whole filled with fat tissue. Now there's a 3" scar. I'm the one that talks to the MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS. I'm the one that get the facts not off random internet sites, but from people educated in these particular fields.

I love all my children. I feel pain when I see Alex struggle to do what should be simple tasks. WE as a family have found ways to deal -- we moved to a house that would allow him his own space AWAY from the screaming, destructive duo, we don't buy Alex shoes he has to tie, we live by a schedule that allows him to know what comes next and after that, we understand his needs and do our best to make his days easier for him. I know Alex can't handle a bunch of chores. I know he needs to be left alone to play with his toys or read his books or play a video game. I know he feels physical pain if he doesn't eat at certain times.

Vegas, Baby

Back in September, Mark's boss gave him a 2 night stay at a hotel to use during our trip to Disneyland. Since we'd already booked a package, we couldn't take advantage of it. The certificate expires at the end of Feb and you have to give so many days notice. We were at the deadline.

We booked a 2 night stay in Vegas for us and the chicklets -- originally I wanted to just go with Mark but we don't really have people that can watch our kids for us to go off for pleasure. We have help when we need it, which is more important.

So we need some family friendly fun ideas and especially some CHEAP dining options.

For fun:
-Lied Children's Museum
-Some kind of petting zoo/wild west experience in Henderson
-Chocolate factory with tours and a sample for the chicklets
-M&M World
-Flamingo has an aviary/zoo exhibit

We need some more ideas for fun. And we have no clue about dining with them. Where are there cheap family friendly buffets? What about diners? Etc?

Asperger's update

So Alex's doctors believe that he probably has Asperger's Syndrome (a sort of mild form of autism). However, if he received a diagnosis of Asperger's, insurance companies have a tendency to deny him benefits, refuse to insure him, etc. So, he may have a more serious neurological problem or he may have the more likely mild form of Asperger's.

Since, we've made changes (moving, his own room, etc) that seem to have helped him function very well, they're suggesting doing nothing at this time. They are doing some research to find out if he can get evaluated at another place (and it not effect his insurability) or if we should discuss it again (yep you guessed it), next year at his next well check.

"Stickers"

While at Alex's & Andrew's doctors' appointments, the twix got very bored. At one point, Ryan left the room and was escorted back wearing nine stickers. Sean saw this, "Mommy, I don't want 'sickers.' Mommy, I want one 'sickers'." He said this scowling with his brow furrowed while holding up one index finger.

"Ok, Sean. BUT just one!"

"Ok, Mom."

He returned with four stickers -- less than Ryan had and insisted he only had one 'sicker'.

Ow-X

For a long time, Ryan has called Alex, "Al-way." I even found myself referring to Alex as "Al-way" when talking to Ryan. I stopped myself and correctly pronounced his name going forward.

Today, instead of saying, "Bye Al-way" when we dropped him off from school, Ryan said, "Bye OW-(hesitant) X." I made a big deal out of Ryan's attempt to say Alex correctly. To which Ryan responded, "Ah, Mom. I wuv OWWW-XX! HA HA HA"

Basketball

I need this. Alex had his first basketball practice this evening after the horrid doctor's visit.

He was one of the best out there. He 'won' one of the games and he made at least 7 baskets in a row. The coach actually had the kids pass the ball to Alex to shoot during their practice game. And he was the only kid who understood where to go, what to do, how to do anything.

I am proud of him. And I am delighted to see him excel after such a dreary afternoon.

You ROCK, Alex!

Well Checks

Other parents couldn't care less about well checks. I know this because they tell me so -- "Its no big deal." "You stress out about them." Etc. Other parents don't have kids with issues. Sean has typical premmie issues -- as much as one would like them to go away, premmie issues can last for a long time. Ryan has premmie issues as well (though fewer than Seany) and a whole different set of issues that come with spina bifida. Andrew is blessedly 'normal' except for the skin on his scalp we're removing this year, he's an average in every way 5 year old. And I thank God that he is so lucky. Then we come to Alex.

Alex's problems present in all variety of ways. He's at the top of his class academically -- his teachers have always stressed how absolutely SMART his is. He's kind, sweet, empathic -- unusually so. He is hyper-sensitive -- emotionally and to stimuli (touch, fabric, sounds, sights, etc). He toe walks. He is never still -- not in his sleep, not ever. He stutters and stammers, though not all the time. He's self esteem isn't great. He is never silent -- he hums or breathes loudly. He almost has a tick with his shoulders. I could go on.

For at least the last 3 years at his well check, hemming and haing, the doctor tries to decide if he should be evaluated for something neurological, suggestions of Aspergers (a type of autism as far as I know), or an unknown thing besides the ADHD are thrown around during his hour and a half well check. (Andrew's well checks last 20 minutes, he's pronounced perfect and we move back to Alex.)

This year, a new doc saw Alex and saw something after spending 2 minutes with him. She is sending him to a developmental specialist to evaluate him for autism or a neurological condition. She said the usual its border line. Its like they never know what to do with his menagerie of symptoms. Then he did his shoulder tick thing and his weaker right side presented itself and she determined something is going on.

The kicker, sometimes if something is found, its hard to get insurance for the kid. Fabulous. Do nothing and do nothing to possibly improve Alex's quality of life. Do something and possibly have to foot the bill ourselves. This is why an person with a child needs a job with health benefits -- the kid qualifies automatically.

So, right now, I feel relieved that I'm not crazy to be concerned. That all these hour and half long doctors visits that I dread may lead to an actual evaluation. I don't want something to be wrong with Alex. But if there is, the sooner it can be tackled and treated the better off he'll be. I've learned that early intervention is the key.

Wacky Wednesdays

I hate Wednesdays. For some reason they are the day that FEEL like everything happens on -- although not really true, Wednesdays stress me out.

Take today:

-Alex to school by 9 am. (Not super early so why feel rushed?)
-Sean and Ryan on the bus at 11:25 am.
-Andrew to school at 12 noon.
-Fold 3 loads of laundry.
-Unload dishwasher (resolution to get dishes done in timely manner, not leave in sink to stink and be gross overnight -- so far unsuccessful)

Here is where I get stressed.
-Pick up Andrew at 1:55.
-Pick up Sean and Ryan at 2. (Normally returned home by bus.)
-Sign Alex out of school at 2:05. (Same building as the twix. Normally driven home by very nice neighbor.)
-Drive to the doctor's office in Provo. (Yes, I know there are doctors' offices closer, but this office is connected to the hospital and labs, etc. And this doctor believes me when someone is acting like death is on the horizon.)
-Take back cracked beer mugs to Target and exchange for not cracked beer mugs (hopefully still have as were 75% off).
-Go to the bank and deposit kids' Christmas money into their savings accounts.
-Feed kids dinner. (Free kids meals at Del Taco, from their flu shots visit, will redeem through drive thru.)
-Get Alex to basketball practice at 6:30 and will take all cardboard to recycle bin as will be there with only 1 chicklet.
-Bathe chicklets.
-Read nigh-nigh stories to 3 youngest chicklets (resolution to make a habit of it again).
-Have Alex do a token amount of homework and must do his reading for the day.
-Spend some time with hubby.

Costumed twix

Dino Cave

New Year's Eve Outing to the Dino Musuem

We hit a dig.

Alex tried to teach Andrew and the twix about dams, erosions, and the power of water.

Sean and Ryan matched dinos and prehistoric creatures to their openings. (While Alex and Andrew used the computers to play dino games).

And we built a T-Rex as best you can with worn out velcro and the twix in charge.

Christmas Jammies

Christmas 2008, each boy had matching brand new super soft jammies (see Christmas Eve and Morning posts for pictures). Since Christmas Alex, Sean, and Ryan have worn them on occasion in general jammie rotation. Not Andrew.

Last night, I was helping Andrew change into his jammies. "How about your Christmas jammies, Andrew?"

"No. Mommy, put those back. I'll just wear these ones." (Very old, from Alex's days, hardly fit Andrew and all pilly.)

"But Andrew you haven't worn your new jammies once since Christmas. Do you like them?"

"Mommy, those are my CHRISTMAS jammies. I'm saving them for next Christmas."

After much discussion, Daddy-kins had to be called in. He promised the kid new Christmas jammies. That they get new Christmas jammies each year. Its a tradition. The last 3 years in a row my parents have gotten each kid jammies. But they never match all the kids -- its nearly impossible with that age spread.

Actually this was the first year we bought them jammies. And only because way back in March, Kids on the Move had a fundraiser where they were $3 a pair. So for $12, I outfitted them with jammies for what I'd imagined was going to be a photo shot at Penneys. That never happened.

Must now ask everyone to be on the look out for matching winter jammies for next Christmas. Sizes 8, 5, and 3T (times 2).

Alex is Green

Part of being a good Cub Scout is being environmentally aware aka green. So a few days ago we were discussing all the ways we try to be a green household.

Alex came up with the list (with some nudges and some all on his own):

-We turn water off when we brush our teeth.
-We take baths when we can because showers use more water (unless they're super quick). FYI, last night he chose to take a bath.
-We leave lights off even in rooms we're in unless we need the light on.
-We turn on the light switch with fewer bulbs on it, unless we need more light.
-We recycle paper and cardboard at his school. There is no recycle pick up here in Payson.
-We reuse plastic containers, bags, etc.
-We walk instead of drive to close locations, weather permitting.
-We use few paper towels and if we do use them, we don't wad up a whole bunch, we pull one off...
-We reuse the back side of papers to be thrown away before putting them in the garage to be recycled.

We probably came up with 20 more, but my absolute favorite he shared all on his own.

-We only buy clothes when we need them and then we pass them down and then we freecycle, donate, or sell them so that the clothes can be used again. We do this with other household and usuable goods also.

-He never throws away excess drink, even a cup of water, he'll save to finish later in the day.

Alex is very concerned that energy is not wasted. He likes to reuse things in other ways. Shoe boxes, coffee containers, etc. I told him to make them more special that we can start painting them or decorating them with favorite pictures.

What was that alarm?

One of the perks in living in Utah (especially Utah County) and being a non-LDS person, the shopping is fabulous on Sundays. No lines. No crowds. As Alex would say, "Seriously, we're the only people in the store."

After church, we went to Costcotopia. And as a treat for the chicklets, we had lunch in the food court. (This is like Chuck E Cheese happiness for them. $1.50 hotdogs and sodas and we're the greatest parents ever. We try deliberately not to do it every time, but lately its been quite often.)

As Andrew (half sitting and standing on his bench) was expounding on the fabulousity that is Costcotopia, his elbow came down to rest not of the table but on nothing. In a sort of slow motion he backward somersaulted off the bench and landed on his noggin. BOINK! Oh, the scream. (Andrew in general is a loud talker, he has a hard time turning the volume down to reasonable. So, when he is going to scream, the whole world is going to hear it.) Before he got quarter way through the scream to end all screams, before I reassured him that all his parts were working fine, before I kissed his head, I ordered firmly, "Andrew! You have to stop screaming right now."

Hiccuping cries commenced, head was examined, it was determined that Andrew would survive such a harrowing 1.5 foot fall. When, the loudest alarm in Costcotopia sounded, Ryan began to quake in his seat, "AH! What?"

I reassured the chicklets, "Its ok, Ryan. That's just the 'kid fell down and hit his head alarm."

Andrew asked, "Where is it coming from?"

I pointed off into the distance, "From that alarm box over there. The girl pushed it after you screamed."

The alarm stopped. "Is it from where those red letters are?"

Mark said, "Yes."

"Where the box comes out and the red letters are?"

Mark again, "Yes."

Alex interrupts, looking toward Mark, caught my sarcasm and wanted a real answer, "What was that alarm for?"

Andrew took this one, "It was the a kid fell and boinked his head alarm, Allllllex."