Why Do IEP Meetings Make Me so On Edge?

Today was Frankie's 3 year re-evaluation to see if he qualifies for services. Wow, did those 3 years fly, it seems like just yesterday he was 2 1/2 and we were having his first meeting. How far he has come!

All of his teachers and specialists were glowing about him; academically and his happy, laid back personality. He needs more work on asserting himself to play with other kids and approach them. He does learn primarily through his vision, and needs to learn to use it even more. So he still qualifies for O&M, vision services and OT. He does not need the school psychologist working with him anymore or the special education teacher. They were all amazed about the progress he has made, and I can see it too! It makes me happy and proud!

Part of me still just has a hard time with these meetings, though. It is emotionally draining and it gets me thinking about the future and issues he may have. I know I need to focus on the present and I will feel better, but I do feel nervous for a few days, even after these meetings. Do other sped. parents feel this way??

Great story, though, we were discussing the Carroll Kids summer program at the Carroll Center for the Blind in Newton, and the school has to find out more to see if he qualifies for services there. Frankie's TVI said if he does not qualify, she would go to the Westwood Lions meeting to see if we could get some assistance, as the camp is quite expensive. Tonight, I get a call from someone who is a member of the Westwood Lions Club! I was so shocked when he called! So I gave a donation and he gave me the information of the person to contact about meetings and assistance. I am still smiling how it all worked!

So, all in all, a good day!

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012!!

Last year I wrote down my goals for the year:
Updating my blog more reguarly. : )
Joining the gym at Frankie's school and going at least 4 times a week!
Walking outside on good weather days.
Eating healthy!!
Figuring out a part time job for next fall
Finding happiness in each day, even when it is hard!

I will continue to blog more, exercise and eat healthy. I have a part time substitute teaching job, and I am still exploring possibilities for a more permanent position.

I have been better at finding happiness in each day, lately! I truly enjoy spending as much time as I can with my family. I have really loved spending time with my kids off from school and doing fun activities and just hanging out at home playing games and baking!

So my goals for 2012:
Exercise, eat healthy and reach a healthy weight!
Continue to find a part time job.
Think of myself less, and others more!
Help other people who are less fortunate.
Be patient, kind and forgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am most thankful for:

My precious family; John, Lizzy and Frankie! They bring me joy everyday and it is an honor to be a mom.

My parents for helping me become the person I am today and for all they still do.

John's family for becoming my 2nd family.

All of my friends, who have become like my family!

My 3 God daughters; Jessica, Michelle and Carly.

My new job, I love to teach children.

Thank you to God!

Off to Kindergarten!

Wow, that was hard for me to send Frankie off to Kindergarten, on the bus! I didn't cry, as I thought I would, but the tears are forming as I write this! The last child going to "big kid", full day school is tough, and I will miss him and Lizzy.

The past few years have been rough for our family, but I have learned that time is precious and to enjoy each moment with my children!

So a few back-to-school bits of advice. : )

Spend some time really enjoying your children each day; playing games, reading, walking, biking, to name a few.

Really listen to them and what they have to say about their day.

Enjoy the moment, try not to worry about the dishes, bills, laundry; at least for a little while.

Try to schedule in "fun time", that isn't rushing to a sport, activity and where you can just "hang out" with your kids.

Remember that the time does go by so fast and they will only be this particular age for a short time, enjoy it!!

Park-a-Palooza

I read this idea of a "park-a-palooza" in a magazine last summer and loved it! It entails mapping out playgrounds, in the same general area, and then "playground hopping" all day!!

Last year we mapped out playgrounds in Brookline, and played at 7 or 8 of them. We went with the kids' cousins, and fun was had by all. It was a cooler day, so we did not do any of the sprinkler parks, but played on the structures, rolled down a big hill and walked through a rose garden. We had a picnic lunch and enjoyed playgrounds in the beautiful weather of Labor Day weekend!

This year, we choose Labor Day weekend again for park-a-palooza and went to Cambridge! It was a much warmer day, so the kids wore their bathing suits and had fun at many of the sprinkler parks! We again visited about 7 parks, had a picnic and enjoyed many unusual pieces of equipment. One of the playgrounds had a huge climbing structure with a tunnel slide coming down. Another had a seesaw that was quite tall and had weights to balance the 2 people. : )

My sister-in-law has started a website with ratings on playgrounds, pictures, etc! www.playgroundpalooza.com

The Beauty of the Vioiln

The bow gliding over the violin, producing a melodious sound, reminds me of my childhood. My grandfather, "Pa", played the violin since he was a boy, and I remember hearing him play when I was young. It was always so mesmerising and brought me a feeling of contentment. He didn't bring it out too often, so it was a special treat.

Friday, Elizabeth had her violin recital at the Westwood High School, where she and the other students each played a solo. She played "Bingo", and did very well. All the children were impressive in their skills, some playing a solo for the first time. Others songs included, "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star", "Michael, Row the Boat Ashore" and "Snake Charmer". The finale, which included all the students, was "Frere Jacques". I was impressed, as always, with how well each student does, and how much hard work takes place to prepare.

Elizabeth's violin teacher puts in a lot of hard work all year, as well. I could see her routing for each student and willing them to hit each note! After the recital, everyone brought snacks and enjoyed the food and the good company!

As I was sitting listening to all these young students play, I was taken back to my childhood and thought of Pa playing his violin all those years ago. Since he has passed away, it is comforting to have Elizabeth playing to remind me of those wonderful memories.

If you get a chance to see a Westwood musical performance, please do. I have been impressed with all the concerts I have attended. There will be an "All Strings" concert on Wednesday, June 1st at 7 p.m. at Westwood High School.

Westwood PMC Kids Ride!!

Wow, what a great morning! The rain held off for the 4th annual Westwood PMC kids ride! Over 500 kids came to ride and raised over $48,000 for the Dana Farber and Jimmy Fund clinic for cancer patients and research!! This is such a great accomplishment for these kids!

My children, Elizabeth, 9 and Frankie, 5 rode their bikes today! Elizabeth did the 6 mile ride and Frankie did the 1 mile, with the second lap all on his own. : ) They collectively raised $500.

From the moment the Star Spangled Banner is played, I start to get choked up by how much everyone cares! It is amazing to see so many people come together for a common cause to help other people; and hopefully soon, we will live in a world without cancer. My aunt passed away from a brain tumor a year ago, and I think of her every day. The kids wanted to ride in her momory, as well as riding in honor of Mrs. Moody, Martha Jones School librarian.

Elizabeth said the bike ride was fun, the popsicles were good too. : ) She was impressed that there were so many people, and raising over $48,000 made her happy. She thought it was extra special that the kids were riding for Mrs. Moody, too.

Frankie also said the ride was good and had a lot of people. He liked riding his bike and seeing the kids on the obstacles course as he came back!

Now that the rain is pouring down, I am happy so many people were able to ride this morning and get that much closer to a cure!! Thank you to all!!

New Westwood Patch post!!

I have started blogging on Westwood Patch,

http://westwood.patch.com/blog_posts/kindergarten-orientation
This is my first post there, just a bit revised from my Kindergarten post on here!

Let me know what you think!

Kindergarten Orientation

On Friday, Frankie and I went to Kindergarten orientation! I remember going 4 years ago with Lizzy, with Frankie in tow in his stroller, throwing Cheerios on the floor. : ) Really does not seem that long ago!!

He was excited to go and lined up with the other kids to walk to the classroom, while the parents went to the library. He looked so small to me, still my baby. : ) But he went right along happily. When we did go to the classrooms, he was happily playing with 2 other boys in teh block area. He was talking to them and the teacher, initiating play with them. Makes me so happy, he has come so far socially!

We then got a tour of the school; library, other K classroom, lunchroom, gym, etc. Finally we got to go on the bus and look around. He had been on the day before with his O&M teacher, so he showed me where he would sit, and the emergency exit.

Great visit, but I know I will be sad to see him go off to school, come September!

Frankie is 5!!!

Happy birthday to my sweet boy!! I cannot believe it was 5 years ago yesterday that he was born! We enjoyed the day by opening his gifts, early, and then going to Toys R Us for a special birthday balloon and crown, and picking another toy! He also got his own library card, now that he is a big kid!

He asked for a special meal of turkey burgers and helped me make and decorate cupcakes with soccer balls!

Tomorrow is Kindergarten orientaion for my big boy, so it is quite a week! He is growing up, but he still likes to come sit on my lap! : )