Medieval Times - Eli Amazes Me

Elijah had an AWESOME time at WCBVI - Fairy Tales and Fantasy Camp. He went bowling, threw an axe and knives, went to a Renaissance Fair, went fishing, and so much more. They definitely kept the kids busy. We have tons of craft project that he made. He enjoys Art so much.

I was so excited to pick him up on Fri. It felt like I hadn’t seen him for 20 years. He has been filling my brain with educational information from the medieval times. It’s crazy how much he learnt. Did you know that if someone was being accused of a crime, they would place their hand in boiling water and if the hand did not blister they were found innocent. Gee, betcha alot of people were guilty!

The teachers all enjoyed working with him. They stated he was very well liked and they loved his enthusiasm.

He was even interviewed for their local newspaper. He most definitely was super-duper excited about that.

Elijah and I are thinking that the school has spooks in it. HA! He left his shower gel in the shower and went back to get it right away and it was gone. He left a bracelet in one room and went back to get it and it was gone. He also left his white cane in a room, went back to get that and that was gone. None of these items have shown up. Our only explanation is…there are friendly spooks that enjoy taking things to confuse the students. - He got a brand new cane out of the deal! His other one was stuck together and couldn’t be folded up, so we were pretty happy!

Update: Just spoke with the DPI dude that I had dinner with a few months back (Yeah we still talk, he was in town so he stopped to visit PooWee and I) Well, I told him about the spooks. He said we weren’t the first to say that and he believes the school is haunted. He said he wouldn’t want to sleep there. Sounds like they are friendly spooks though, they just hide your stuff!

I took him off to the Lion’s Camp yesterday. He saw some of his friends from the WCBVI. I told him I think he going to find out that he will spend much of his summers with the same kids. We called them his summer family. Its so great that he spend time with kids like him. He’s got friends that are younger than him up to 1 years old. One boy at WCBVI is 17 and Eli and him really connected. How great is it that he has someone like him to look up to.

I also find it so heart warming to see Eli assisting kids that have more of a vision loss than him. You will often see him guiding them as they walk. When it comes to these camps, Elijah is actually more fortunate in his vision than so man of the other kids. Last year at Lion’s Camp he was nominated for “Future Camp Counselor” because he assisted so many of the other kids.

I am just overwhelmed how far Elijah has come to terms with his blindness. Yeah we had our spout of depression close to a year ago. He picked up the pieces well and has moved on. I think the future will bring ups and downs for him. I know when it comes to his sports, like soccer, there may be a time that he just won’t beable to play on a team because it get more competitive. I’ve already warned him of this, but gave him the thought that he could manage the team and play during practices and such. He understands what I’m saying. I just hope at that time he will accept it.

Andrew came with to drop Elijah off at the Lion’s Camp too. Andrew too has come along way in excepting Elijah’s vision. At first I don’t think he believed Elijah was blind. Oh the arguments that went on because Elijah was too close to the computer screen, or Andrew couldn’t see a corner of the TV. I think it’s hard because Elijah’s disability isn’t visual to the rest of us. As I learnt about it I tried to teach Andrew. Once I found the color test with a number hidden in the circle on the computer and had Elijah tell Andrew the number. Because of his color blindness he couldn’t do it. I think this was an eye opener for him. He’s more respectful as to allowing Elijah to take something for a few moments and hold it close to his face to where he can actually see it.

It’s hard to envision Elijah’s way of seeing. Imagine only using your peripheral vision, mess up the colors some and then have some block out areas. Too much for me to figure out. When I lay in bed and watch TV at night I look at the wall and try to figure out what is on the screen. It’s not too easy. When I walk down the long quiet hospital halls I look off to the side and try to find my way. I don’t live this way every minute of my days, my son has to. I want to give him my eyes and take his. I can’t. But I can try to encourage him to continue to live life to it’s fullest and not let his vision bring him down.

I’m so happy he has these camps, because they allow him to be with others kids like him. He loves the camps and has made so many friends. I love that he is with a wide age group too. He has some very good influences to look up to.

I thank all the volunteers and those that drop their change into the blind camp donation box at the check out. You are the ones that make it possible for my child to feel “normal” even if it is only for a week or two out of the year.

One Year!

I stayed up way too late last night playing on the computer. My head is killing me this morning because of it. I feel like I have a hang over, but I didn’t even have a drop of alcohol.

While scooping out the blog some, reading old posts and all I realized I’ve been blogging for ONE YEAR! I was kind of excited. (YEAH, it doesn’t take much.)

I was super excited too because there is another mommy that same on the forum and announced her daughter was in foster care for the past week, she has an adoption plan, but since the moment her daughter was born she fell total in love with her. All of a sudden all of her reasons for the adoption didn’t matter anymore, she wanted to parent her daughter. (Don’t I know that one.)

Of course I replied screaming, GO GET YOUR DAUGHTER!!! I also PMed her and she replied back that she was going to talk with her councellor today and was 100% sure she would be getting her daughter. YAY!! I hope she lets us know how it went.

Elijah called me at work on Saturday from camp. He is having so much fun, however there was a sadness in his voice. There were people in the background so he was also speaking very softly, he doesn’t like others listening to him talk on the phone.

He’s been busy with craft projects. I guess he made a really big castle out of cardboard and is worried he won’t get it home. Anybody got a truck I can borrow? I told him I would leave the stroller at home so maybe there will be enough room in the trunk. He been playing a lot of chess, but is frustrated because he hasn’t won any games. They have have gone bowling and he won 2 games. He’s learning how to cook and said he’s going to make us some almond pudding and gingerbread cookies when he gets home. MMMMMM!

He expressed how badly he was dieing for a soda, but didn’t have 50 cents. I reminded him of the 10 dollar bill in his sunglasses case. He said he knew, but nobody had change. I asked him if he asked one of the adult. “NO! Why would I ask THEM?” was his reply. I had to laugh, guess he figures adults NEVER have any money. He went to the Renaissance Fair on Sunday, so now he has change.

Yeah-he called on Sunday too. This time he had an opportunity where nobody was around and he confessed, “I want to come home!” My heart broke, I want to just hop in the car and go get him, but I knew that he would have fun this week and he could hold out. We talked about all the fun he was having. His attitude got a bit negative, everything was “stupid and boring”. YEAH RIGHT! When he had to get off the phone I promised to call him Monday night.

Talked with him last night and he is fine. Yes, he’s homesick, but he had another fun day and was happy he stayed. He stated it was getting hard to wait to see me and PooWee though. He’s just so excited to see us he can’t wait much longer. He also had his first soda and said it was, “GOOOOOOOD!!”

I have strict orders to call him again tonight at 6:30. I sure do miss him! PooWee and I are trying to keep busy. Last Thurs. evening I didn’t know what to do, so PooWee and I headed to Elijah’s soccer game that he is missing. The coach had to chuckle at me for showing up and my son wasn’t even there. Hey! I’m BORED, and PooWee loved watching the kids play.

I got back downtown yesterday morning to finish shooting the rest of the chalk drawings. I was excited it didn’t rain. I wanted really bad to get a better shot of PooWee on Aaron’s work too. We got down there and the drawings were washed out! I was so disappointed. Mom and I debated back and forth if it did rain, she thought some kids may have gone down there and destroyed them, or that possible the morning dew had washed them out. Then a lady answered our question. Here someone forgot to shut of the timer for the sprinkling system. Yep-someone got in trouble at work yesterday! It’s a real bummer too, because so many people come down to look at them. Betcha this won’t happen again.

Aaron is coming over tomorrow to hang with PooWee and I. It’s been awhile since he’s come over during the week. Usually he picks him up from the sitters on Sundays for a few hours. I guess he has off and seeing he was doing the chalkfest this past Sunday he didn’t get PooWee. I’m thinking I’m going to take advantage of Aaron being here and take a shower when he’s here. WOW! I’m excited, I will get a shower without a lil guy pulling open the curtain and throwing toys in by me! YAY!

Bruce is growing…well…like a weed. I have to laugh, I just can’t pull him out. Bruce has become apart of our family. PooWee truly is proud of him. He walks up to Bruce and says, “WOW” and give him a kiss.

Today I have to do laundry, clean up the apartment and wash PooWee’s pool. I was lazy and never ran to get a tarp to cover the pool and there lots of debry and bugs that found their way in. So we drained it last night and today we will wipe it out and put new water in. Yes, I bought a tarp yesterday.

Andrew’s dad ended up in the hospital yesterday. I took him up there for awhile. Mike was in super bad pain, I believe he had a bowel obstruction. They were waiting to see they results of the CT Scan were and if he would need surgery or not. Of course I had to make sure he had a good doctor and care. His doc is top of the line awesome, so he had my approval to continue on with him. Right after we left Mike got rushed off to surgery. I called Andrew at 11 last night he hadn’t heard anything yet. This morning I got Andrew out of bed at 10:30 and he didn’t know anything yet. I told him to get up and find out! Still hasn’t called back.

Well, I guess I better get going on my chores for the day or they will never get done!

Happy day to all!!

Meet Bruce…and lots of pics!

Bruce is a huge weed that grows in our driveway. In the past years Bruce has been unable to thrive due to us constantly pulling him out. He was always determined to win and constantly grew back. This year Bruce has a friend, PooWee. PooWee loves Bruce and takes good care of him. I believe Bruce may have even gotten a few kisses now and then.

It all started with me watering our berry bushes,

  

or the flowers that grow behind our garage. It’s somewhat sad they hide behind the garage by the alley where no one sees them.

  

PooWee then needs his turn to play with the garden hose.

And as you can see, he waters what I neglect. The weeds truly love him! I’ve pulled them out only to get “yelled” at by him. He truly scolds me for doing so. I have left them alone and he takes care of them.

Bruce…Bruce is his favorite. I think Bruce is a very happy weed this year, thanks to PooWee!

Moving on…

We are missing Elijah. Took him to Janesville on Sun. Here’s a picture of his bed for the next two weeks. It’s the only picture I took when we dropped him off.   

 

 

There’s four beds to a room, however only one other boy in with him. His group that he will be with actually only has three kids. One is a girl, poor thing having to deal with two boys for 13 days!

He took his journal along in hopes to write in it each night. OH-I hope he does, I can’t wait to hear what he all has been up to! When I checked him in I had to sign a permission slip for him to learn how to throw knives and an axe! (Yes, you read that correctly!) Being the theme of the camp in Medieval Times he gets to learn these “skills”. He thought that was just awesome! I however am, worried he’ll want to practice at home!

Bought PooWee a pool. Seeing Elijah’s gone I’m not going to spend $5 to go to the local pool for a few hours.

And let me tell you…PooWee OWES me BIG TIME! He will be 16 years old and I will remind him of the day I pumped up his pool…

WITH a LITTLE FOOT PUMP!! I should have timed myself. Let’s just say, I started in the living room at night when he was sleeping, carried downstairs and finished the following afternoon.

HE LOVES IT THOUGH! Anything and everything he finds has been thrown into it. He’s tried to throw rocks in, was successful twice and then learnt, NO ROCKS IN THE POOL!

See that yellow foot pump on the right? YEP! That’s what I used.

Grandma went strawberry picking. She brought some over for the Poo-meister and he LOVES ‘em!

He ate so many, she gave us another bowl full for him. Don’t tell, but I snuck some too! THANKS GRANDMA!

One of PooWee’s favorite games is hiding within the clothes hanging on the line. Isn’t he just so adorable?!

Andrew popped in the other night. He ended up spending the night.

Teddy Bear made himself comfortable. Teddy must have gotten a call on Andrew’s cell and PooWee was gracious enough to hold the phone for him. Sure hope he didn’t rake up the bill on me!

Well, I guess that’s enough for today. It is Thursday, so I want to finish up on this weeks chores and get ready for the weekend, before PooWee wakes up from his nap. Once he wakes up, I promised him a bike ride to the park.

Hope everyone is having as much fun this summer as we are!

Elijah’s New Friend

So, Elijah has a new friend. We’ll call him Bill. This friend lives by my substitute sitters, (Shelly) house. My regular sitter has taken a few weekends off this summer, so Elijah has become pretty good friends with Bill.

Bill worries me. I don’t believe he is a good influence for Elijah. Actually, I know he can be a negative influence on Elijah. They can however play very well and have lots of fun.

Bill slept over one night. We went swimming, out to eat and rented movies and video games. The boys had a blast and didn’t have one little disagreement. When it was time to clean up the living room the following day, Bill just sat there. I asked him a few times to help Elijah pick up the mess both of them made, he still just sat. I did tell him that at my house, you need to pick up the mess you make. He then just wanted to go home. He lives about 15 blocks away and I wouldn’t let him walk. I had been planning on taking him home shortly, when Andrew came back with the car and PooWee woke up. He called his mother and she said it was OK for him to walk home by himself. Personally, I wouldn’t let my 9 year old walk that far by himself.

I talk with Elijah about Bill coming over again. Bill needs to respect my rules. I also had to talk about Elijah’s sassy mouth. He sure was a sas-bucket. He stated that he was only joking, but I made it clear I did not like it.

Last weekend Elijah wanted to spend the night at Bill’s house. I agreed. Well, Elijah has confided in me that there were some “not so good” things that accrued.

Bill’s older brother, John babysat them because Bill’s parents went to the bar. (And came home drunk.) Shelly has informed me that John has just gotten back home from being away for a year. Not sure if he was in Foster Care or a detention center.  Now, IF my kids had a friend sleep over and I went out and had some else babysit, I would make the parent aware I was not going to be home and someone else was going to be watching the kids. So, I was somewhat shocked, but everything was fine. Elijah said John was pretty nice.

The part that worries me the most is Elijah and Bill were able to rome the neighborhood all they wanted without informing anyone where they were. They ventured to a fireworks tent and BOUGHT some. This is illegal and I have spoken to the police that minors were sold fireworks at this place. 

I am very concerned that Elijah told me Bill also STOLD some fireworks. Elijah stated Bill said he was going to take some and Elijah told him not to. Then as they were walking to Bill’s house Bill pulled some out of his pocket. Elijah wanted to ask him for them, so he could sneak them back to the dealer, but feared the dealer would think he took them.

I talked with Shelly about speaking to Bill’s parents about him stealing. She told me not to bother, “they wouldn’t care anyways.”

Bill stold a lighter from his parents and was lighting the fireworks off without supervision. Elijah said he was worried Bill was going to start a fire, but did admit it was “fun too.” Bill’s younger brother told his parents he was lighting off fireworks. The father just yelled at him to stop, but NEVER TOOK THE LIGHTER AND FIREWORKS AWAY!!!!

Elijah stated that John taught Bill to steal. He also taught him to smoke last summer, but Bill doesn’t smoke anymore. (Yes, he’s only 9!) Bill really likes John and it’s obvious John is an influence on him.

I did meet Bill’s mother prior to him sleeping over. She came outside and we chatted some. Her appearance seemed dirty and she appeared to be very tired. She did mention that she was cleaning and had no sleep the night before. Now, I have the thought that possible she was “high” and hadn’t bathed for sometime. I hate to judge though.

When I went to pick up Elijah after he slept over, I met Bill’s father. He was a “ruff” looking man. Didn’t speak to me at all. He just yelled, “BILL GET YOUR D*MN A*S IN HERE, ELIJAH’S MOTHER IS HERE! NOW!” I waited in the car.

I’ve discussed the negatives of this friendship with Elijah. He argues he’s not going to do the “bad stuff Bill does”. I trust him, but am aware he can be influenced to do them. I also see Elijah as being a POSITIVE influence on Bill. I fear risking Elijah positive behavior, by letting him hang out with Bill.

I have agreed to let the friendship continue under the rule he does not go to any type of store without an adult with them. He is to play with Bill at Shelly’s house or our house ONLY. Elijah is anger at me for this decision. He INSISTS he’s not going to steal. I’ve explained that even if he doesn’t know Bill stold something, he could get into trouble for being with Bill. It hasn’t helped much, Elijah still sees it as a negative. I have basically told him, he either excepts my decision or I end the friendship entirely.

I think Bill is growing up in a household that doesn’t monitor him as much as I monitor my kids. His parents don’t seem do do much disciplining, hence him doing whatever he wants. I don’t want to label the family as being trouble makers, but that what appears to be the case.

So…what would you do?

I somewhat feel I’m risking Elijah’s good behavior to try and give Bill some positive influences. I don’t want to jeopardize Elijah in anyway. Right now I trust him with his choices and will watch the friendship closely. He has agreed to communicate issues with me. Though I do fear he may not tell me something in fear of me ending the friendship.

Elijah leaves on Sunday for two weeks. He’s home for two days and then leaves for another week. I’m happy to say that’s three weeks of not having to worry about them hanging out.

 

 

 

Ahhhh Summer

We are having the time of our lives…just enjoying summer. I love summer, I love being outside and I find my boys are the same.

Andrew just returned from a biking (pedal) trip with his dad and stepmom. (He whined and whined about going. I told him he could stay home with the boys and I would go.) They went to Michigan and biked about 35 miles a day and then camped for the night. Overall he pedalled 250 miles. He still says it was boring, but he’s enjoying his tan legs. I passed down my wonderful genes of being either white or red. I DO NOT tan. Now he knows the secret to being tan…bike all day for a week.

Elijah had his sports camp and loved it. He earned a medal at the track meet. His favorite part was sneeking out of his dorm room at night to knock on his friends’ doors and was all excited that he didn’t get caught. Next year he plans on doing it BOTH nights. Oh, why does he tell me this stuff.

He learnt how to flip someone as he was taught some Judo. So far nobody has volunteered to let him show us. ANYONE…SOMEONE…PLEASE - I’d really like to see him do it! (Obviously, I haven’t volunteered either.)

We only have this week left to goof around and then he’s off to his two week camp in Janesville. I take him down on Sunday. The theme is Fairy Tale, Fantasy and Medieval Times. Should be fun. They may even make it to the Renaissance Fair.

PooWee LOVES being outside. He throws a fit whenever we need to go in the house or in the car. He’s learning his boundaries. I should say HE KNOWS his boundaries and LOVES to test me. He walks right up to the neighbor’s yard and watches me, if I turn he’s takes a mad dash for their cool pond with a waterfall.

He is so into balls. I think he has 100 of them. Andrew is turning him into a lacrosse player. PooWee walks around constantly with a lacrosse stick in his hand.

Swimming is pretty cool to him too. We’ve spend many days at the pool. He’s made new friends. His favorite is to stand out of the pool and throw his balls in the water. Then other kids will retrieve them for him and he gets to throw them in again.

Me…I haven’t used the dryer once since the weather has been nice. I love hanging clothes out. Especially bedding, ahhh that fresh air smell as I fall off to dreamland.

I enjoy cutting the grass as well. Infact, the girl downstairs wants me to give her a chance to mow. HA HA HA I’m home more than she is and I get at it first. Although I ran our of gas yesterday and the front yard is only half done.

I’ve been knitting a new purse for myself. My current purse is getting quite rugged looking. I’ll have to take a few pics and post it. I think it’s going to nice. I don’t get too many chances to work on it, but it is coming along. I usually get the most work time during tubby time. PooWee plays and I knit. HHHMMMM-wonder how many baths I can get him to take in one day?

Well, Elijah is harassing me to get ready for swimming. He’s got some friends meeting him at the pool at 1:00. I better go, I’ve got so much to get ready yet.

 

 

Monday Morning Thoughts

This weekend I was once again targeted by someone needing to remind me that J & P have adopted twin boys. There was an email sent out by C inviting people to a “Finalization” party this past Thurs. Someone decided to place a copy of this email in my mailbox and highlight a few sentences. Those highlighted were meant to hurt me….I guess!

- It is to celebrate the finalization of the adoption of the most beautiful boys…

-Its been a long hard journey…

MOVE ON PEOPLE!!!!

If I were given the chance to reply to this particular person I would probable inform them that I already knew about this party. I may live in a city with about 40,000 people, but it’s still a small world. J & P and I know many of the same people. I could get sarcastic and tell them some of the things I have heard about this party.

1- “We are so sick of hearing about the adoption. It’s crazy! First there was a Welcome Home Party then there was the Adoption Party then the boys turned 2 years old and now a FINALIZATION party.”

2-”I’m not going….I bought them enough stuff.”

I believe C is organizing all these things. People are starting to feel that she is going overboard. Knowing J, my gut reaction would be that J would feel the same. She often talked to me about C making issues much bigger than they are. I’m sure C is just so happy and excited for J & P, but it’s starting to get a negative response from others.

I didn’t have any emotional issues this time. I simple took the email and made a copy, put a sticky note on it that said, “FYI Found in my mailbox this weekend.” and put the copy in my director’s mailbox. Haven’t heard from my director yet.

The person who put this in my mailbox could be anyone. I guess C had copies all over the unit this past Mon. Our shift leader took them all down saying they will only bring trouble. Well, I guess she was right. Someone took it upon themselves to share with me.

What I don’t understand is why this person feels I need to know this stuff. Does she/he think it will tear me apart? Do they just like shoving the adoption in my face? Are they doing it to make me react? Why would they do this? I really don’t understand. J & P have obviously gone on with their lives, why can’t this person. J & P are happy, I am happy, why isn’t this person happy unless they involve me in things I don’t need to be involved in?

Moving on…..

Karen (VI teacher) emailed me Fri. Got more to add to that WONDERFUL IEP! Here. Eli will be transported to and from school. The bus will pick him up right at our front door. Yes-you heard me I don’t have to take him or pick him up from school anymore. This means, I don’t have to wake PooWee up, I don’t have to get dress, and best of all, I don’t have to go out in below zero weather! I’m feeling guilty, I am fully capable of transporting him. But, K told me to think of it as a form of independence for Eli.

PooWee has an ear appt today. It’s his check up from the tube placement. Since the tubes he has had an ear infection. Actually ended us up in the Emergency room one late Friday night with a 14.7 fever that wasn’t going down. So, I still worry about more ear infections.

Andrew’s Lacrosse team has their last game in the semifinals tonight. If they win they will be off to state. It looks like rain out there, I hope it doesn’t. This will be the last game I will be able to make. The state championships are on the weekend. His team is currently rated 3rd in the state. They team has actually only been around for four years too. They have come along way.

Chad has given one of his jobs his two week notice. He’s going to take a short break from working so much, but will be trying to find another one. He really couldn’t stand the job he quite, so he’shappy to be leaving. He’s still goneall the time. Either working, school or by Ella. Truthfully, I kinda miss him. I usually know he was home to shower because of his clothes on the bathroom floor.

He called one night to see if I had any formula they could use for Ella. Here they ran out, it was late and no one really felt like running all the way to the store. I unfortunately did not, but I did offer some frozen breastmilk. He declined and ran off to the store.

I finally got a new camera! LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!! Got a 12X zoom, and sound on the video! (My last camera didn’t have sound and that bummed me out.) I’ve been taking pictures like crazy. Guess maybe I’m making up for the four months that I was camera-less.

I’ve got a 10 minute video of PooWee playing in his sandbox. He loves watching it. He eventually wonders out of the sandbox and attempts to walk towards the road. I even got him throwing his fit, because I won’t allow him to go. He gets a real confusing look on his face when he watches himself cry and throw himself to the ground.

I wish I could share some of my pictures with you, however…my computer is still not fixed. We are using Andrew’s and he’s pretty stubborn when it comes to downloading onto his computer. I’m begging him everyday though. PPPLLLLEEEEEAAAAASSSSSEEEEE Andrew!

 

 

Another Exciting Day for Elijah

I’M SO EXCITED!!!

I had Elijah’s IEP meeting this morning for next year, 4th grade. After all the ranting I’ve done this past year, next year is looking so positive. After today’s meeting I think I have the best IEP team there is! Here’s a run down.

-Karen-VI teacher will be visiting Elijah twice a week. She is going to start to teach him Braille. Now, according to the ladies at the Low Vision Clinic, Karen is rated top notch in the state for Braille teaching. Only the best for the E-man!

-Jeanne-Mobility Specialist willbe visiting Elijah once a week. She will be exploring the community more withhim, continuing with the long white cane, as well as a guided walk (such as when they hold your elbow). She sternly told me he is touse the cane EVERYTIME he leaves the house. Oopps! My BAD-I let him use only when he decides to. Eli’s current teacher, Jane also got “the look” when Jeanne found out he doesn’t take the cane on field trips. HA-I wasn’t alone.

-Elijah’s teachr for next year is Mr. S. (Not sure of his first name.) He appeared very interested in Elijah and was taking notes like mad. I warned him that I like to email to find out how Eli is doing. He said that was great and that he encourages parents to do so. —Although, he was young and quite cute, so…I’m think dinner and a drink may be a better option for me! HA! Just kidding!

Jane and Mr. S had to leave early to attend to their classes. I was actually happy about this because I didn’t have address my concerns for this past year infront of Jane. I didn’t want her thinking I was nit picking her. There was just alot of work sent home or even done at school that wasn’t appropriate for Elijah’s vision. Like word find puzzles. Try a whole packet on dark blue paper. Craft projects that need cutting and the lines are very thin. Homework that most definitelyneeds to be viewed on his CCTV at school. Karen and Jeanne both agreed with my concerns and were even shocked at some of the stuff I was talking about. I expressed that I understand Elijah’s disability is not visual to the rest of us, so I think it’s easy to “forget” about his needs.

When I got home I had an email from Karen asking me what I thought about her aid sitting in Elijah’s Math class next year. She was concerned with so many little things that were over looked this year and she is not able to be with Eli all the time. I thought it was a SUPERB idea. This aid will surely help Elijah get what he needs. And she will be able to assess work that he just can not do, like word finds.

YAY!!!   YAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!!!!   YAY!!  YAY!!!

I am just so thrilled that all went so well. Some amazing things have happened for him these past few weeks and I am so grateful! 

Jane acknowledged what an amazing kid Elijah was. She told Mr. S not to worry that Elijah will definitely surprise him.

Our goals are to make sure Elijah does not fall into another depression like he did this past year. We think with all the extra visits and support he will do just fine. He really enjoys working with Karen and Jeanne. i told them when I pick him up from school he doesn’t even say Hi to me. First thing said is, “I’m hungry!” then he tells me Miss S or C came for the day. Jane stated Elijah’s excitement as well, when she relays that they will be coming.

He will continue learning about his eye condition. We would like for him to be able to define his condition. Explain what the purpose of cones and rods are in our eyes and what causes his not to work properly.

We are hoping he will improve on being a self advocate for himself. He tends not to voice when he can not see. He will be in charge of assessing his homework for enlargement. Marla the principal stated he could even learn how to run the copier and do it all on his own. First he’ll have to determine if he can see the buttons on the copier screen.

Yes, I think 4th grade is going to be a good year!

I’m Tempted…

to disconnect the internet for the summer. Not only the internet, but unplug the TVs.

We live for summer around here. It’s not that we waste alot of time on these things, it’s just that sometimes it’s easier to watch a video in the evening than sit outside under the stars.

I’d like to take the money I’d save and go camping, take a day trip, whatever we feel like doing.

Andrew’s by his father for majority of the summer. He comes home 1 week a month. He doesn’t like the idea, because he wants the internet when he is here.

Elijah, well we all know how busy he is. He actually stated, “I don’t care, I’m not going to be here anyways.”

PooWee, I don’t think he’ll notice too much. Although, Andrew did find him Fisher Price Infant Online Games. Which he does love. He is rather cute playing them too. He’s quite insistent when it comes to “his turn” on the computer. But overall, I think he will survive any serious withdrawals.

Then there’s me…I’ll miss checking up on all you. I’ll miss writing my post and checking for new comments. And then there’s my email. I’ll lose my account with my internet server, but could set up a free account elsewhere. I’d have to change over alot of my bills. I could check in now and then from work. Oh, all the good stuff I’ll miss. BUT it’s only for 3-4 months!

PLUS-my internet company is always offering a deal…basic cable, internet and phone for only $9.00 more than what I pay for just internet. I’ve called and can’t get the deal because I am an EXISTING customer. WHATEVER…but I was told if I leave and come back then I can.

This is a bonus for us because Andrew and I have cell phones, but no home phone. We do only get 1 channel. Well, actually 2, but the second one is so fuzzy we don’t watch it. And when winter rolls around again and we are home bodies, we have more options on TV.

HHHMMM what to do…

My E-Man

It’s been a busy week for Elijah. We have learnt so much more about his vision and are preparing for the next school year already.

First last Friday he went on a field trip with other VI kids in our area to the University. An adaptive Phy Ed class was holding a gym class for VI kids. He had a lot of fun. I guess he is the Goal Ball champ. Goal Ball is somewhat like soccer. Those that have some vision must be blind folded. There is tape on the floor to mark out boundaries and everyone is on their hands and knees. The ball has a beeper in it, so you hear where it is. He loved it.

Monday was ruff for him, he had a nasty head-ache which lead to an upset stomach. He often gets head- aches from eye strain or strain his neck muscles by holding his face so close to his work. I picked him up early from school. The head-ache went into Tuesday as well.

Tuesday night we had a Visually Impaired Family gathering. It was nice to get together with other families and just chat. It was sponsored by the Wisconsin Center For The Blind and Visually Impaired (WCBVI). The ladies that hosted it were a blast. There was alot of laughter going on.

Wednesday morning WCBVI held a Low Vision Clinic that assessed Elijah. We chatted how his vision affects him. We talked about more testing in the future. His doctors at the University Hospital want to do more exams to “rule out” Stargardts disease. It was interesting to find out that for some reason in the eastern side of the state Stargardts is common. Researchers are trying to find out why, whether it is from the Great Lakes in the fish or what. Elijah’s father’s mother grew up over there. Sometime within a year we will have these exams done.

There was a doctor that did a vision exam. For me I was able to see what Elijah couldn’t see. He sat in a chair about 6 feet away from numbers and he was unable to see them when they got to about 3 inches tall. She also did a color exam. Which we know he is color blind, but it was crazy again to actually see what he could not. We’ve all done these color test. A colored number hidden inside a different colored circle. I’m sitting in my chair thinking, “13, Eli, 13!”  But, he’s just staring at the picture, trying to find the magic number.

I knew his vision was 20/200. Meaning what we “normal sighted” people can see at 200 feet he can see at 20 feet. I knew he was colored blind, but never truly saw how badly. (He does see some color and normally only goofs up on blues and greens, oranges and reds, colors that are close in comparison.) It was very “shocking” for me to learn more of how he sees.

His next assessment went over his magnification. He currently uses 7X. L the visually tech. decided he could get away with a 4X. This will allow him to have a bigger magnify glass and able to view more at one time. (The bigger the magnification the smaller the lens.) With normal font size in text books 4X should be sufficient. He was able to take 3 magnifying glasses home for a few weeks to try. We will purchase the ones he like the best.

L was such a great support for Elijah. She was funny and spoke to him at his level. She told him that he is fortunate with his condition that he can always “block” me out when I am yelling at him. Which, I told her he has already figured out. (Because he has central line of vision loss, he uses his peripheral. So, when he looks at you it looks like he is looking to the side of you.) Elijah expressed that he thinks it “cool” that he can stare at someone and they don’t know he is staring at them.

I had to share with L how Elijh likes to use his vision to embarrass me. - When he first got his white cane, we went out to eat. I got glares because I wasn’t helping him. Well, we laughed at these glares, but Elijah has taken it one step further. When we go shopping he likes to take his cane in the stores. Then the little sh*t will run into things ON PURPOSE, just so people really think I’m a HORRIBLE mother. I told them I just continue walking and pretend I don’t know him. Boy, did they laugh. L figured out what a STINKER Elijah truely is! 

L asked Elijah what other good “tricks” he has. Elijah stated that Mineral Oil in Andrew’s drink is always funny! (See what I have to put up with!) 

L went over his reading. K, his VI teacher assessed his reading at 48 words per minute. Which is slow, we know it’s because of his vision that he can not read faster. L expressed that for now, this is acceptable, however as he gets older this will become a problem. She talked to him about Talking Books and Braille. She asked him how he felt about Braille and reassured him that it’s not just for people who can not see at all. It sounds like Elijah will start to learn Braille next school year.

If any of you recall, afew months ago I suggested Braille to his Individulized Education Program (IEP) team. My suggestion was blown off. Now, I will hold my head high and NOT say, “I told you so!!!” I guess having a professional say it, is stronger than a parents word. Now K has more power to take to the school board. Braille is very time consuming and costs the school lots of money. I am happy to say that K is rated top notch in Braille. She loves it and loves to teach it. She seems kind of excited to teach Elijah.

Next we headed off to sunglasses. As we all know EVERYBODY should be protecting their eyes outside!!! YES, THAT MEANS YOU!!!! With Elijah’s eye condition it is even more important that he protect his eyes. He has light sensitivity and certain lights hurt his eyes, yet he needed extra light at times. He got to try on many different lens colors. They walked outside and he decided which ones worked and which ones didn’t. Different colored lens let different light rays in. Some really hurt his eyes. He went with the copper lens. He now has a pair that he can try for a few weeks. If they work the best I will buy him a pair.   

Sunglasses have been a battle. He admitted to not wearing them because the other kids don’t. L snuck on in and had another great conversation with Elijah on wearing his sunglasses. At school Elijah was asked why he was wearing them and he said, “because my doctor said I have to wear them outside to protect my eye. The sunlight hurts my eyes and these glasses help.” YAY!!_Way to go Eli! I hope he continues to be so strong!

Unfortunatley, the gentleman that bring technical devices like CCTVs and electronic magnifiers could not be there. However, next fall when the clinic comes back, we will sneak into check out the technical aids that will assist him.

Again, this clinc was AWESOME. These ladies were EXCELLENT. I took so much out of it. My mom came as well and was very happy she did. I wish I would have pulled Andrew out of school to come as well. I think it would hve helped Andrew understand his vision better too.

Well, I’m now off to send a Thank You to the WCBVI for this wonderful (FREE) clinic.

WAIT! Must tell you all about his summer…

June 20 - 22 he’s in Milwaukee for a Sports camp. Sponsored by the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes.

July 6 - 18th he’s at Folk Arts, Fables and Fantasy Camp

July 20 - 25 it’s off to the Wisconsin Lions Camp.

Did you notice…he’s only home for one day between the two camps! Almost 3 whole weeks away, I hope it’s not TOO much. He really wants to do it, so we’ll give it a try.

Plus, he’s has a Cross  Country camp, swim lessons, gymnastics camp, soccer and then football at the end of summer. BUSY, BUSY, BUSY!!!! I really want to get some FAMILY camping in there too! HHMMM-any ideas on how to get more time?!!

Monday morning

Mondays for me are like most peoples’ Saturdays. I’m done with my work week and so happy to have off. Normally I get the kids off to school and then PooWee and I get breakfast and start the cleaning. Well, I clean he makes a mess.

Andrew and Chad do not have school today, so their both sleeping yet. Elijah was hacking up his lungs as he got ready for school. He’s not feeling so well so he crawled on the couch and is watching a movie. I let PooWee sleep, so he’s still out like a light.

I’ve already put my phone call in to Dr. B to see what she wants me to do about my lil stone friend. Originally the plan was for a CT Scan today if I didn’t pass it. Well, I haven’t passed it, but I’ve had a CT Scan already.

At work on Fri I was having severe pain. My friend, Vic*din, not so friendly anymore, it wasn’t touching the pain. I had a phone call into my doctor to see if I could take more Vic*din than she prescribed. I was talking with Dr. B’s nurse and she asked me to rate my pain. I did and then stated I just wanted to cry. And that was it, I started bawling. I went to the breakroom and laid on the couch. My supervisor came in, she suggested I go to the Emergency Room. I declined and said I would just wait for Dr. B to call back. I figured I’d be going to Radiology for a CT Scan. I really wanted to stay away from the ER bill. Eventually, she insisted I go to ER for pain control. She got a wheelchair and I was off.

Got to ER, they threw an IV in and gave me some M*rphine. Didn’t touch the pain. Then I got a dose of Dil*udid, this atleast made the pain tolerable. Plus, I was able to take a little snooze, well until they took me to CT Scan.

My stone is sitting right by the entrance of my bladder. It’s 5mm and it has lodged itself into a nice cozy spot. I was sent home with some Oxyc*done and told to follow up with a Urologist.

Oh yeah, this whole time my mom has had Elijah at the Walk-In clinic because he hurt his knee at daycare. Turns out he is OK, probably just twisted it.

My mom is with me and my friend, Ann(abanana) when the nurse is discharging me. Thank goodness Ann was there because there was NO WAY I wold have been able to figure out how to run the “drug vending machine”, I could barely stand straight. And Mom, she would have been way overwhelmed with all the instructions.

So…today I have called Dr B’s nurse to find out what I should do. I’m so hapy to say that I am comfortable. I really don’t have anymore pain. I am sick of peeing in a strainer though. This stone is becoming  an annoyance that’s for sure. It definitely is stubborn. If one more person tells me to drink lots of water and/or cranberry juice I may just be forced to shove a sock in their mouth. I’m a walking water/cranberry juice balloon!

PooWee has his ear appointment with Dr. S today. There is NO WAY I will cancel that to accommodate this stone. Plus, I think his ears are bugging him again, he’s got his fingers in them constantly. PooWee’s needs will come before mine.  Oh that was such a “mom statement.”

Elijah will need his baby-in as he is feeling ill. We’ll blame this one on G-ma. She’s had a sore throat and cough for about 2 weeks. Elijah is good at sucking in the “sick-lovins.” He’s got the look and tone of voice down perrrrrfectly. “Moooom, can yoooou get me a new mooooovie, pppllllleeeaaasssee!”

I can’t wait for Andrew and Chad to wake up and find out we are all home to irritate them on their day off. Or that he may need to do some babysitting for me while I go to PooWee’s appointment or an appointment for myself.

It’s going to be a WONDERFUL Monday!