We had a meeting Monday that really got under my skin and for me to say so is big. Long and short of it, we were being discourage to register Sean for a Boy Scout event for fear of him misbehaving as he has done in the past. Now when I say in the past, I mean more than a year ago (from what I can piece together).
I have never denied the fact that Sean has obedience issues. He was diagnosed with Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD) 3 yrs ago, along with his AD/HD (I). But he has made GREAT strides in recent months, more so outside the home, but improved none the less.
This trip is a big deal because the scouts worked to sell trees at Christmas to pay most of their way. Sean worked really hard and the adults supervising while he was there have commented many times on his positive presence on the lot. But they STILL keep bringing up the past. It is very irritating that they refuse to see the present. And this was one of 3 major events over the last 9 months that have marked improved behavior from Sean.
The scout troop adults "voted" that they would not prevent ANY scout from registering for this event, the decision for him to go was left to us. One parent was particularly attacking and kept pressing us for an answer, saying that we were already beyond the deadline....... Then she proceeded to say that she would not let her child go if we registered Sean! Of all things??? Is she trying to say that Sean is a direct threat to her son's safety? I was floored.
Rick and I had not made a decision up until this, but our hesitation was due to current financial constrains, not Sean's behavior. We went to the meeting, asking that the adults who had expressed concerns tell Sean about how they feel so that he could understand that his past behavior was damaging. We wanted him to understand from them what he had done to frustrate them. We felt it would be good for him to face the truth of his actions in our presence so that the facts were clear to us all. We were in hopes this would be a powerful tool to impress upon him how it's not just about the moment - his misbehavior has consequences. We were hoping this would help him to understand that he must consider this while he is on the trip.
The group refused to talk directly to Sean, or at least the parents voicing most of the concerns did. (Two of the male leaders did talk to Sean after the meeting, but more about what this event entails rather than how his past behaviors are a concern.) At the tail end of the adult meeting, the tables were turned to us and we were being "attacked" in how we were handling this. It was all too completely unreal.
The committee chair and his wife did talk to us alone after the group dismissed, they were very encouraging. Sean's Aunt and Uncle (who are adult leaders) talked to Rick at their home afterward and they felt that Sean would not be a problem. Tommy even talked to Sean and told him about the concerns and what he could do to help the adults see his better side and that he had changed. These are the things that helped Rick and I decide to find the funds so that we could send Sean on this "once in a lifetime" trip.
Please pray that over the next 3 months, we are able to implement some plans that will help encourage Sean to build some good habits in dealing with authority figures. Improvements in this one area will go a LONG way for Sean on this trip.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Life has been BUSY!
Well, I've been away for awhile, as you can tell. I got busy with The Grocery Game and right on the heels of "getting it", Girl Scout cookies came in!!! Not only am I busy as we usually are trying to sell enough cookies for Cait to earn a week at camp (600 boxes), but this year I am trying my hand at managing 8 troops in cookie sales.
Each has their own cookie chair who work with me to get things moving. On Feb 14th, I was supervising the movement of over 20,000 boxes of cookies from the warehouse for these 8 troops. What a day! I had several of parents from my troop and (despite the advice to the contrary) we moved all cookies in under 5 hours. We were told to expect it to take 7-8 hrs, and I set my mind that it'd be done MUCH faster, and so we did!! It's amazing what can be accomplished with some help!
Things are going well at the home-front too! Cait seems to have settled into a groove and school is going much better this term. Rick and I have really seen some maturing (in some ways) which has been nice to witness. She has also been INUNDATED with lots of contacts from colleges. She asked tonight if Rick and I can sit down and help her go thru things. Now that's a change I liked hearing - she initiated something with us to do!
We still struggle with Sean, but I keep reminding myself to be aware that some of this IS normal for 14 yr old boys. He's showing much improved behavior, etc in the classroom these days. But we are still struggling with evening homework, chores and some behavior. It's moving forward, but sometimes feels like at a SNAIL'S pace!
Shopping has been going REALLY well. This week's purchases resulted in saving almost 50% (I paid close to the same amount of my savings!!!) We are still trying to make some other improvements, but we are doing MUCH better and we have groceries instead of struggling to get by until the next check! Now that's a great deal.
Each has their own cookie chair who work with me to get things moving. On Feb 14th, I was supervising the movement of over 20,000 boxes of cookies from the warehouse for these 8 troops. What a day! I had several of parents from my troop and (despite the advice to the contrary) we moved all cookies in under 5 hours. We were told to expect it to take 7-8 hrs, and I set my mind that it'd be done MUCH faster, and so we did!! It's amazing what can be accomplished with some help!
Things are going well at the home-front too! Cait seems to have settled into a groove and school is going much better this term. Rick and I have really seen some maturing (in some ways) which has been nice to witness. She has also been INUNDATED with lots of contacts from colleges. She asked tonight if Rick and I can sit down and help her go thru things. Now that's a change I liked hearing - she initiated something with us to do!
We still struggle with Sean, but I keep reminding myself to be aware that some of this IS normal for 14 yr old boys. He's showing much improved behavior, etc in the classroom these days. But we are still struggling with evening homework, chores and some behavior. It's moving forward, but sometimes feels like at a SNAIL'S pace!
Shopping has been going REALLY well. This week's purchases resulted in saving almost 50% (I paid close to the same amount of my savings!!!) We are still trying to make some other improvements, but we are doing MUCH better and we have groceries instead of struggling to get by until the next check! Now that's a great deal.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Grocery Deals
Ok, I am very new at this but I am already having fun. Rick got the Sunday paper on his way home from 1st service and I started cutting out coupons when I got home. We had let our cupboards get VERY slim, so we were having to really restock alot. We bought ALOT of groceries (needed 2 carts), but I stuck to the list, only buying BOGOS and what I had coupons for - we spent $274, saved $86! Granted we ran out of some things before the week was half over, but I was excited. I had seen in WD ads that chicken breasts and pork loin was BOGO, but I didn't get by there until Tue evening on the way home. They were out of both, so I got a "rain check" from customer service - unlimited quantities and I have 30 days to use the coupon!!! WOW, that buys me some time, so I requested 4 of each (only paying for 2 ea). Since we do not get weekly checks, I am planning to hold the coupon until after the next payday!
I also discovered (I said I was new at this) that sales run Wed- Tues. The kids LOVED V8 splash, but went thru it REALLY fast. It was no longer BOGO at Publix, so I bought Juicy Juice BOGO on Wed. Guess what, V8 Splash is BOGO this week at another store, so I'll go there tomorrow, maybe Monday. I just bought a few things on the BOGO tables at Publix Wed, spent $32, saved $26 AMAZING!
Looking forward to another week of "The Game".
I also discovered (I said I was new at this) that sales run Wed- Tues. The kids LOVED V8 splash, but went thru it REALLY fast. It was no longer BOGO at Publix, so I bought Juicy Juice BOGO on Wed. Guess what, V8 Splash is BOGO this week at another store, so I'll go there tomorrow, maybe Monday. I just bought a few things on the BOGO tables at Publix Wed, spent $32, saved $26 AMAZING!
Looking forward to another week of "The Game".
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Presidential Campaign rally!
Well, when Faulkner announced that the Mike Huckabee campaign had been granted permission to hold a campaign rally at the Multiplex I was abit surprised. I told Rick about it and he wondered if the kids should go. I thought "When do most people get a chance to go to a Presidential Campaign rally?" I know I never had been to one, so I thought "Sure, the kids should go!"
Well, they were not too thrilled about it. We actually had to force Cait to get dressed. When we got there, they saw several folks they knew, so they must have decided it wasn't all THAT bad. We were able to go up to the balcony and really get a good view of the stage and everything. That was pretty cool.
When I decided we should all go, it never occurred to me that Chuck Norris was a big supporter of Huckabee. Well, he was THERE! I've always been a big fan, especially of W,TR series, but never considered the fact he'd be there - how cool is that!
Well, I won't get into the politics of the day, but it was a unique experience. Caitlin admitted that she had a good time (which almost killed her to admit!) and Sean got his ball cap signed by Chuck Norris. Not bad for a Saturday afternoon in Montgomery.
Well, they were not too thrilled about it. We actually had to force Cait to get dressed. When we got there, they saw several folks they knew, so they must have decided it wasn't all THAT bad. We were able to go up to the balcony and really get a good view of the stage and everything. That was pretty cool.
When I decided we should all go, it never occurred to me that Chuck Norris was a big supporter of Huckabee. Well, he was THERE! I've always been a big fan, especially of W,TR series, but never considered the fact he'd be there - how cool is that!
Well, I won't get into the politics of the day, but it was a unique experience. Caitlin admitted that she had a good time (which almost killed her to admit!) and Sean got his ball cap signed by Chuck Norris. Not bad for a Saturday afternoon in Montgomery.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
I got tagged!
I was tagged by Jen, so here we go:
The Rules: Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog. Share 5 random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog. or Share the 5 top places on your “want to see or want to see again” list. or Share 5 things you never pictured being in your future when your were 25 years old. Tag a minimum of 5, maximum of 10 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog. The tagees have a choice of which they want to do.
1. I was in the Navy for almost 5 yrs, which is where I met my wonderful husband, Rick.
2. Rick proposed to me while we were in Italy (the exact location has been disputed for over 20 years) He says it was on a train from Rome to Naples, I say it was under a street lamp not far from the train station in Naples. After 20 years, does it REALLY matter - fact is, there is no dispute that I said "Yes!!"
3. I was also in the flag corp in High School just like Jen and Robyn!! Who knew! I also played the flute in High School band. Holcombe Pryor was our band director, who lead very accomplished bands over the years. For those of you who may not know the significance, Holcombe's son (who graduated in my sister's class) is Bill Pryor, 11th Circuit Federal Judge (my brush with "fame"). I thought the lawyers in my circles would know him, anyway!!!
4. I LOVED softball as a kid and always have!!! I played 8 years as a child and 2-3 years since Rick and I have been married. My back issues have forced me out of the game, but I still ache to be back on the field. It was not until I came to Montgomery that I was exposed to fast-pitch!!! Man, that would have been fun to learn to play!!!!
5. I claim to be a chocoholic, but my kids are not convinced. I can have chocolate in the house and not DEVOUR it, but.........when the craving HITS (and they always do!!) if my chocolate is not where I left it, I can be VERY difficult to pacify.
6. I love anything mechanical! In that respect, our marriage is reversed. I love to fix things and Rick LOVES to cook. I have replaced brakes, done tune-ups, replaced garbage disposals, a water heater, and completely gutted the sink/vanities in our old house and replace it all (starting at the pipe coming out of the wall, everything!!!) I love making things work!!
Ok, these were very weird, and very random. Enjoy. Trying to find someone in this loop who has not been tagged is tough, so let's try Rick, Cait, Brett and April, and......wait a minute, everyone else has been tagged!!!! Oh, well. I may have to e-mail the tag to other friends that have not joined the world of BLOG!!!!
The Rules: Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog. Share 5 random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog. or Share the 5 top places on your “want to see or want to see again” list. or Share 5 things you never pictured being in your future when your were 25 years old. Tag a minimum of 5, maximum of 10 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog. The tagees have a choice of which they want to do.
1. I was in the Navy for almost 5 yrs, which is where I met my wonderful husband, Rick.
2. Rick proposed to me while we were in Italy (the exact location has been disputed for over 20 years) He says it was on a train from Rome to Naples, I say it was under a street lamp not far from the train station in Naples. After 20 years, does it REALLY matter - fact is, there is no dispute that I said "Yes!!"
3. I was also in the flag corp in High School just like Jen and Robyn!! Who knew! I also played the flute in High School band. Holcombe Pryor was our band director, who lead very accomplished bands over the years. For those of you who may not know the significance, Holcombe's son (who graduated in my sister's class) is Bill Pryor, 11th Circuit Federal Judge (my brush with "fame"). I thought the lawyers in my circles would know him, anyway!!!
4. I LOVED softball as a kid and always have!!! I played 8 years as a child and 2-3 years since Rick and I have been married. My back issues have forced me out of the game, but I still ache to be back on the field. It was not until I came to Montgomery that I was exposed to fast-pitch!!! Man, that would have been fun to learn to play!!!!
5. I claim to be a chocoholic, but my kids are not convinced. I can have chocolate in the house and not DEVOUR it, but.........when the craving HITS (and they always do!!) if my chocolate is not where I left it, I can be VERY difficult to pacify.
6. I love anything mechanical! In that respect, our marriage is reversed. I love to fix things and Rick LOVES to cook. I have replaced brakes, done tune-ups, replaced garbage disposals, a water heater, and completely gutted the sink/vanities in our old house and replace it all (starting at the pipe coming out of the wall, everything!!!) I love making things work!!
Ok, these were very weird, and very random. Enjoy. Trying to find someone in this loop who has not been tagged is tough, so let's try Rick, Cait, Brett and April, and......wait a minute, everyone else has been tagged!!!! Oh, well. I may have to e-mail the tag to other friends that have not joined the world of BLOG!!!!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Everything is Good!
Mom's exam went well yesterday - the doctor said her valve leak did not warrant open heart surgery. She was released and told to see her heart doctor in a few weeks. I want to thank everyone for your prayers. Please continue to pray for my Dad as he tries to battle his pneumonia/pleurisy. His ribs were very sore yesterday,
Friday, January 18, 2008
Sandwich Generation - update
Ok, here's the latest. Dad is home with pneumonia and pleurisy, but not productively coughing like he needs to in order to clear his chest. While it's painful to cough with the pleurisy, it is a necessity in order to clear the pneumonia. It's a process he must endure.
As for Mom, when she was in the hospital, one of the tests revealed she had a heart murmur (which had not been identified before now). She saw her doctor yesterday and it was confirmed that she has a leaky aortic valve. She is schedule for a TEE (Trans esophageal echocardiogram) Monday at 10:30am. She has asked me to come down, which I will do.
Please keep both of my parents in your prayers as well as my travels. Rick and the kids could also use prayers as they adjust while I'm away. If all goes well, this will only be a day trip, but I am packing a few days' clothing just in case.
As for Mom, when she was in the hospital, one of the tests revealed she had a heart murmur (which had not been identified before now). She saw her doctor yesterday and it was confirmed that she has a leaky aortic valve. She is schedule for a TEE (Trans esophageal echocardiogram) Monday at 10:30am. She has asked me to come down, which I will do.
Please keep both of my parents in your prayers as well as my travels. Rick and the kids could also use prayers as they adjust while I'm away. If all goes well, this will only be a day trip, but I am packing a few days' clothing just in case.
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