338 / 365: Concerned....

He's smart, creative, funny, helpful and caring. At the same time he's disorganized, sloppy, scatter brained, active, impulsive and easily distracted and frustrated. His behavior has deteriorated at home and school, and his grades are reflecting his inability to focus on his work.

I think the lovely ADHD Monster is rearing its ugly head. We've been observing the increase in symptoms as he gets older. He has always been "busy", but now, with increased expectations at school and home, it's painful to watch him attempt to focus and complete tasks. What's a mother to do?

Part of me plays back my thoughts as a childless teacher: "All he needs is a good smack!", "A little structure at home wouldn't kill him!", "If you didn't give sugar everyday, he may be normal.", etc.

Well, we've tried the punishments (his butt cheeks' imprints are on the bottom step / timeout area), we've tried the written routines (some have worked), and we do not give him huge doses of sugar (we joke with people, "If you sugar him up, he's yours!"). Sadly, very few strategies are working and MGR and I are at our wits' end.

We are making the doctor's appointment this week.

I am so worried about this procedure of evaluation, medication, more evaluation, tweaking medicine, ad nauseum, because I have seen what it does children. One week they come in all happy and peppy, the next week they're in a catatonic state. Yes, I know meds need to be "tweaked", but I am not looking forward to the horrible side effects of lethargy and appetite suppression for which ADHD meds are known. If you know my SRR, you know that's not him. I also hope the meds will not dampen his beautifully creative spirit. He's extremely artistic and musical and it's sad enough that school, through it's cookie cutter curriculum, kills creativity. I don't want his medicine to do that as well.

MGR has tried to assure me that everything will be fine. He should know. He, too, was diagnosed with ADHD when he was SRR's age. MGR knows that the meds will probably help his creativity, as he will be able to focus on projects longer. He will also be able to get other things done, so he can spend time on his art or music. I am hoping that once these synapses are under control, the world can see what I see: a wonderful soul.

Until next time....control away!

337 / 365: A little bit of fun!

In my effort to get in the Holiday Spirit, I took the 3 boys to the Main Street Station downtown. There was a "Polar Express Open House" there complete with yummies, an awesome jazz quartet, free books and craft activities and a kiddie train ride around the parking lot. We walked around the historic building and watched Amtrak trains go in and out of the station. Afterwards, we took in the sights, sounds and smells of the 17th St. Farmers' Market. They were having a night of craft and food vendors. We really enjoyed walking around checking out everything. The cost to the evening? The price of gas. Even the parking was free! It really worked into our budget.

As we were leaving, I was almost apologetically telling the boys that this was just a little outing to enjoy the holiday season. My JOR then proclaimed, "Mom, it's the simple stuff that makes life fun!" This is why I keep trying to get into the holiday spirit.

I had tears in my eyes as I tried to navigate out of the parking lot and onto 95.

Until next time....enjoy away!

336 / 365: Whining foul!

Yes, I know, "Life is Good". But I need to vent tonight.

Ten Things I'm NOT liking right now:
-people who don't use their turn signal
-wikileaks
-Qatar got the World Cup
-the neighbor's dog and her "recital" every night
-micromanagement of all kinds
-not having two nickels to rub together
-haven't finished shopping or cards
-my aunt is showing signs of dementia
-Stevie Nicks singing "Silent Night" (Yes I've mentioned this before....)
-blogging about yucky stuff

There, I feel better. Thanks for reading.

Until next time....vent away!

335 / 365: Dr. Nice Guy

I had a check-up with "that" doctor today.

Dr. R. is a wonderful man. This superb OB / GYN has guided me through two pregnancies and deliveries with his professionalism, kindness and great sense of humor.

Today we chatted about his children and grandchildren, boys and football, music and e-readers, and fabulous people we know (as well medical stuff). We also reminisced about how he and MGR welcomed JOR into the world: I pushed him out during an "I Love Lucy" marathon, so the two men at the receiving end felt the need to start singing, "O Ricky you're so fine, you're so fine you blow my mind, hey Ricky...." As they he-hawed JOR's entrance, I couldn't help but giggle. What a happy way to come into the world!

I am truly blessed to have such a special doctor!!

Until next time....laugh away!!

334 / 365: Broke...a haiku

I hate being broke
Many bills, little moolah
Makes for sad, sad time.

(So much for my "To Me, Love Me" gift. Maybe next week....)

Until next time...pay away!

333 / 365: So young.....

Sad news today. God took a young man this weekend. This sixteen year old's leukemia caused his high school to rally around him and bring about awareness of bone marrow donation. Sadly, he did not live long after "Team J" was created.

New "To Do" list:
1. Love the husband...check.
2. Hugs and kisses for the boys...check.
3. Be a friend and a positive colleague...check.
Repeat tasks 1-3.

Until next time...live and love away!

332 / 365: A Fresh Start

My weight loss journey has been in a holding pattern the last few months. While I haven't gained (much), I haven't lost enough to hit goal yet. A plethora of factors (excuses) have been factored in: no time to prepare healthy meals, no time for frequent exercise, and Weight Watchers on the back burner.

No, I didn't quit. Due to finances, I cut back to WW Online. It's a great tool, but it's not a weekly meeting. Yes I'm holding myself accountable: tracking (sort of), weighing myself (every other week), and reading blogs and message boards, but it's not the same as going to that Saturday morning meeting. I miss my great leader!

The shot in the arm I really need arrives tomorrow. WW is unveiling its new PointsPlus program. While it has some similarities to its old program, it appears to be even healthier. Since it is not being released online til tomorrow, I've been reading reviews of people attending today's meetings and those who have been "secretly" testing it the past few months. While some were not pleased, most found the plan more flexible, more healthy, and in some instances, more simple. Hmmm...flexible, healthy, simple. This is what I need!!

Besides going online tomorrow morning, I'm also going to give myself a "To Me, Love Me" gift of going to Saturday's meeting and purchasing the materials I need to motivate me through this holiday season. I'm hoping this mental game will help my body, mind and soul get through my annual "funk" with a better frame of mind. And who knows....maybe I can lose a few pounds along the way. A true Holiday miracle?

Until next time...lose away!