Seeing Stars

I talked with Dr. C. today. She has been sick for the past couple of weeks, which is why I haven't heard from her. She made up for that by offering to loan me the "Seeing Stars" program for Jared. It's a reading, spelling, phonemic (ever heard of that word?) program for children like Jared. She believes it will work for him. In fact, she told me to buy it.

When I researched it, I saw the lovely price tag of $400. That is sarcasm. There's nothing lovely about that price. But, I'm speaking as someone who has never had to purchase a learning program, so maybe more experienced folks might actually find the price lovely. She also said that, following Seeing Stars, he'll move on to another program she recommends. I've yet to see the price of that one yet. So, the fact that she's willing to loan me the program for a while definitely makes up for the fact that I hadn't heard back regarding Jared's evaluation.

I am still praying for a breakthrough and hopefully Seeing Stars will provide that. Here's the description:
       The Nancibell® Seeing Stars®: Symbol Imagery for Phonemic Awareness, Sight Words and Spelling Program successfully develops symbol imagery and directly applies that sensory-cognitive function to sight word development, contextual fluency, spelling and increasing the speed and stability of phonemic awareness. The program begins by visualizing the identity, number, and sequence of letters for the sounds within words, and extends into multisyllable and contextual reading and spelling.
       This new program may be a missing link in literacy development. Developing symbol imagery directly stimulates dual-coding (the integration of imagery and language) for the reading and spelling task. Long overlooked, this important function can now be assessed and developed.
       It is common for individuals to gain years in reading, reading fluency, and spelling in just weeks of intensive instruction.  Developing symbol imagery is necessary to become an independent reader.
 
Unfortunately, that description sounds daunting to me, as I've never even had an urge to teach someone to read, much less stimulate someone's dual-coding. In fact, if I were asked if I'd rather learn Russian, I might prefer that. Lord, help us!

We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. Psalm 33:20 (NIV)

Gus vs. Sooge

Another day, another day not hearing results: Today I sent emails to both Dr. C. and the evaluator from the county school district. I still haven't heard from either of them regarding results.

My main concern is that the kids in Jared's class are reading and I can definitely see that the program is definitely not working for Jared. I shouldn't be shocked. Last year, he wasn't reading like the other kids in his class in March, either. To give you an example of how he thinks, say there's a "G" on the page. Jared sees it and makes the "g" sound. Then he sees "Gu" and makes the appropriate sound - "guh". Then he sees "Gus" and he says "Sooge", "Sad" or "Some". He can even repeat, "guh uh sss", like he's sounding it out. It's wild to see his brain work. Today he said, "Look, mom, I'm reading! Guh uh sss. Sooge!" {crush} {shatter} {my heart}

So, I'm anxiously awaiting the details on the phonics program that Dr. C. has that CAN help his random, scattered brain to read. My plan is still to start teaching him at home... constantly. My goal is to have him so confident in reading words like a 1st grader before school begins in August. Now, that may require a miracle, and I'm praying for it. In fact, my mom has offered her money to pay his teacher to tutor him in this new phonics program this summer a couple days a week. The reason that this is thrilling to me is because A) I cringe at the thought of me being a home school teacher, even for a summer and B) this lady will be his new teacher next year and she will know how his brain works before he even enters her class in August. I will still be teaching Jared at home, but I may actually have some help. What a blessing!

Glory in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad. 1 Chronicles 16:10 (NASB)

Totally Transformed... Almost

Last month I mentioned a program Dr. Champagne suggested we order. It's called the Total Transformation Program, by Dr. Lehman. I admit I was skeptical, as it sounded like an infomercial that didn't relate to us. But, I must say... "Sign me up for an infomerical interview! I'm a believer!"

 

I haven't even made my way through the entire program and there are already so many golden nuggets of good stuff. A majority of the information seemed like it was geared for older kids who were already abusive or disrespectful, but it's not. It's training for all parents! It would probably take many, many blog entries to share all that Ray and I have learned. We felt that all the other parenting books and videos we've watched over the years had different instruction from Dr. Lehman's, yet his make so much sense. We have often thought, "Duh! Why didn't we think of that!?"

If you go to the website, it truly doesn't look like it's geared toward normal, "good" children. But, it is! Even though our child isn't shoplifting or cursing, it has really given us fantastic tools to help us with both our boys - now, and in the future.

Here’s a look at some of the things we have learned:

• How to Stop Any Argument with Your Child INSTANTLY
  This is a powerful technique parents love because it pulls the plug on any argument with your child. You’ll be stunned at how quickly it works—even if your teenage son is 6’2" tall and you’re just 5’4"!
• How to Eliminate "Acting Out" in Public
  If your son or daughter acts out even more when his or her friends are around, this strategy is something you need to know!
• Stopping the "Blame Game"—For GOOD
  We’ll give you a word–by–word script to use with your child to get him to take responsibility for his own behavior and stop blaming you and others.
• Consequences 101
  How to give them, which ones work and which ones don’t, including specific consequences for kids in all age groups.
• Preventing Future Issues—Before They Even Start!
  Instead of talking back, screaming or blaming you, your child will now have a way to solve his problems that gets him better results and better reactions from teachers and other adults.

Obviously, we have a long way to go before we've reached total transformation. However, we now feel that our entire family can be transformed, even during long drives to Louisiana or hectic mornings before school.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 (NASB)

The Wait

We are waiting. Dr. Champagne said that she is finished evaluating Jared and is filling out her report to submit to us and the school. She told me this Tuesday. It's Thursday. I'm impatient. I want to know. She did tell me that he knew more than he let on for some of the testing, so the scores will most likely reflect more of a deficit than he might actually have. I don't like that, but how do you force a little boy to answer the questions? I wish it was as easy as telling Jared to just answer the question. {This is where Ray would insert the movie line, "Answer the question, Claire!" (The Breakfast Club)}  But, the poor child had weeks of questions and was sick of them. 

So, we're waiting. I'm anxiously awaiting the information to help my child learn how to put numbers in a sequential order. I'm waiting for the right tools to help him read. I'm waiting for the tools to correct his dyslexia. I'm waiting for all the therapeutic workbooks and sheets to help his brain turn his upside-down world right-side-up.

We are waiting.

Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14 (NASB)

About Kat

This week I had to write a bio and provide a head shot for an upcoming race in San Antonio. I'm singing the National Anthem and the race coordinator is really serious about this event. It's a race to remember the military, fire fighters, etc. My name has been on the Internet and the newspaper for the past few months. It's actually kind of funny. When I think of this short song - about 1 -2 minutes, I don't think it's head shot and bio worthy. Nevertheless, my wonderful photographer friend, Sally took some photos and I wrote a bio. 

It was hard writing this bio. I've written biographies before, usually for work. But, when I think of who I am now, all I think of is a mother of a child with a neurological disorder. This is most likely because our weeks are filled with tests and issues. It has nearly consumed us. I really had to get my mind out of "APD life" and focus on the military aspect and past singing experiences. This was the hardest part. I can tell you who I have been the past 5 months more easily than I can in my 36 years. Still, I had to meet my deadline and I delivered the requested information for the race.

Here is the final product:

Kat is a devoted Army wife to her husband, Ray, a battalion commander who recently returned from his third overseas tour. As a battalion Family Readiness Group Advisor, she took care of her family, as well as 600 other families needing encouragement, direction, a helping hand or an indirect word from the commander leading their soldiers abroad. On an even larger scale, she wrote for the Houston Chronicle, blogging “The Home Front”, the official blog for the brigade in which her husband was serving.

Singing publicly since 1988, Kat has led worship in churches and ministry events in Israel, Turkey, Mexico and the United States.  Vocalist, composer, choral director, and musician, Kat has lent her voice in studio recordings and played in numerous bands, as well as with the Billy Graham Evangelical Association.  When not caring for her two sons, she is usually playing the piano and teaching piano students in the San Antonio area.

She currently sings and plays the keyboard for the Waters Church in Schertz, TX (www.waterschurch.com). A tremendous patriot, Kat sings the National Anthem on a consistent basis, often supporting many Run in Texas race events.

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

The Great Space Coaster, Get on Board

Chopped All Stars is a celebrity chef competition where they compete for bragging rights and $50,000 for their chosen charity. Why am I writing this? Well, last night's competition had a chef who was playing for "Space Coast Early Intervention Center". This caught my attention. While the popular charity choice seems to be St. Jude's hospital, my ears always perk up when I hear something I've never heard. Besides it sounding like "Space Coaster" (remember that show/song?), the name caught my attention because it is something near to my heart - detecting developmental issues EARLY.

Throughout my research in this city, most folks don't detect things early. In fact, you can't even be tested for dyslexia until the 2nd grade. Why? Dr. C. shows unbelievable amount of proof that you can thicken some part of the brain to actually stop the dyslexia. Why wouldn't you want to do that as soon as possible? She can also start testing kids for cognitive/neurological delays at 2-3 years old. I couldn't find anyone else in the region who could do this. Why isn't anyone else on board? I am not in need of testing my 3 year old, but I think of the future possibility of adopting a 2-3 year old from the state. I sure would like that child tested to try and help him/her before he/she enters school and starts putting up walls like Jared has. Even catching Jared's "invisible" disability at 5 years old was too old, in my opinion. He already has his coping mechanisms and boundaries.

I didn't really linger on Space Coast's website, but I did briefly read one of the programs I liked:
Handwriting Without Tears: Certified teachers instruct this afterschool program to pre-school and school aged children on learning how to write and enjoying it.

So many parents take this for granted. But, once you see enough backward letters and you're told your child can never learn to read at school, you like the idea of a certified teacher helping your kid write, without tears.

God stretches the northern sky over empty space and hangs the earth on nothing. Job 26:7 (NIV)

Obedience, Cleaning Up and Loving Everybody

OK. I'm going to have to watch what I say about Jared's cast helping him become right dominant. I met with Dr. Champagne today and she said that having a cast on his left arm can be detrimental to his learning, if he truly is left dominant. In fact, she said that it can create comprehension problems. Great. That's not what I wanted to hear.

In other news, today's testing went well. He was able to speed through 10 subtests regarding language, numbers, letters, etc. He was definitely not in the mood to be there. In fact, he said that he "can't stand homework." His words (I recorded the conversation because it was making me laugh) were, "I don't like homework. It bums me out. I have done it 49 days in a row. I do it at school. Daddy does it with me. You do it with me. I don't want to anymore. I'm done!" When I explained to him that he's going to have homework for a very, very long time, he was upset. I told him that he will always have some form of work. That is what life's about. You want to know what he said? This part really cracked me up. He said, "No. Life is about obedience, cleaning up and loving everybody." Hmmm....

We are hoping to complete all the subtests this Wednesday. After that, we get the results. Dr. C. will meet with us and the school to review and map out a plan.  Then Jared starts therapy at Dr. C's office and we start home therapy.

For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. Deuteronomy 30:16 (NIV)

It's Red

Jared has a new cast. He chose to make it red. It's always been his favorite color, so I'm not shocked with his choice.

We did, however, receive the bad news that he won't be able to play soccer. I hadn't even thought of that! They don't want a kid out there, swinging around a hard object at other kids. It makes sense.  I'm a little bummed that he won't have that "confidence booster" at this time. So, instead of a soccer match tomorrow, he'll have another appointment with Dr. Champagne. After the past few days with no schedules or appointments, I wonder how he'll do with her tomorrow.  I guess we'll see.

Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? Exodus 15:11 (NIV)

Right Dominant

Well, I guess Jared may not be able to choose which hand is dominant. He may have chosen it today. He fell at the playground. He was on this zipline thing (below):

And he fell. We went to the Hill Country Memorial Hospital in Fredericksburg. It was the best Emergency Room I have visited. He fell around 12:10pm. We left the park at 12:20pm. He was admitted at 12:30pm. His X-Rays were at 12:45pm. The doctor showed us his wrist fracture. He was discharged at 1:15pm. My friend Karen took her kids and Zane while Jared and I were in the ER. They went to a fun park down the road. Our adventure was the ER in Fredericksburg!

 

So, even if he leaned more toward left hand dominance, he will now - at least for a few weeks - be right handed.

But as for me, afflicted and in pain— may your salvation, God, protect me.
Psalm 69:29

More Results

This afternoon, Dr. Champagne tested Jared with the WRAML2 test. I heard Jared answering her in the other room and he really didn’t feel like doing it. I knew he understood and could give her answers, but he was more focused on playing outside or doing anything other than giving answers. When they stopped for a break, I had to remind him that I could hear him and he needed to concentrate. Of course, when he went back to test, there was a dramatic change.

The cool thing about a WRAML2 test is that it can be graded and reviewed immediately. Dr. C. was able to go through the results and I must say, they are much better than that last test. In fact, the average index of children is 90-110 and out of 8 summaries, he had seven of them over 90! He received an 82 on attention/concentration. I’m actually surprised he did that well on that particular one! She called his skill, “random meandering”. Here are his other scores:

• Verbal Memory (ability to think and reason with words) = 91
• Visual Memory = 134
• General Memory = 102 – this one should have been higher, considering his visual memory. Maybe he wasn’t concentrating as much.
• Screening Memory = 114
• Verbal Recognition = 91
• Visual Recognition = 96
• General Recognition (yes, no, multiple choice questions) = 92 – it’s hard for him to do fill in the blanks because of his random meandering.

The main thing the test showed was that there is a big weakness in his auditory processing. His verbal learning scores were low, because she said he can’t learn auditorily. His verbal learning recall was very low. She said that if you teach him auditorily, “he won’t get far”. We all know that is how schools teach children. Hmmm… right now I’m going to try very hard to not let that reality bring me down. I’m going to focus on his 134 score… at least for the rest of the afternoon. 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  John 14:27 (NIV)

Babysitting

Today, I am reminded that we are blessed. We have another ½ day appointment with Dr. Champagne and it’s Spring Break. What does that mean? Slim babysitting options. Or, in our case, no babysitting options. Ray had to take off work today because this appointment falls in the middle of his 10 hour work day. He is babysitting Zane. I am saddened that Ray had to use one of his vacation days to merely babysit, but I feel so blessed that he has a job that he can take time off to help.

This made me think of all the families out there who don’t have the hundreds or thousands of dollars to have their children tested and helped, much less have babysitting options. Dr. C.’s office is very quiet. You can’t have any background noise during the tests and my 3 year old is a barrel of background noise!

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

1 Chronicles 16:34 (NIV)

It's Brain Awareness Week!

March 14-20 is Brain Awareness Week. Bet you didn't know that! I laugh as I type this because I can think of many times I have often wanted to ask someone, "Are you aware that you have a brain?"

In all seriousness, I saw it advertised on one of the websites I visit for my APD research. 35% off During Brain Awareness Week. I just had to Google it and find out more about it.

Brain Awareness Week (BAW) is the global campaign to increase public awareness about the progress and benefits of brain research. Every March BAW unites the efforts of organizations worldwide in a week-long celebration of the brain. During BAW campaign partners organize activities to educate and excite people of all ages about the brain and brain research.  Events are limited only by the organizers’ imaginations.  Examples include open days at neuroscience laboratories; museum exhibitions about the brain; lectures on brain-related topics; displays at malls, libraries, and community centers; and classroom workshops.

It sounds like BAW falls during our Spring Break each year. Maybe that's why I haven't heard of any classroom workshops... or anything brain related.

Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind. Psalm 26:2 (NIV)

Brain Break

Jared woke up with a headache today. We don't know what is wrong with him, but he's definitely not feeling like himself. We took a day off from "brain work". However, his head didn't hurt him enough to miss a fishing trip!

 They both rested on the way back to the boat launch.

 

We sure do love our boys!

I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. 

1 Samuel 1:27 (NIV)

Age 4, 5, 6, 7?

Wow! I feel like so much has happened in the past 24 hours, I don't even know where to start.

First of all, the school administrator, counselor and dean had a GREAT meeting with Dr. C. They could have stayed there all day. I met with the administrator this morning and she was overwhelmed with Dr. C.'s knowledge. She wants to start sending kids her way. In fact, she actually said that she's surprised no one has "snatched her up". She also said that she's afraid, once more people find out about her, she may be harder to schedule. She was able to talk with Dr. C. about Jared, in particular, and got a current plan to help him in the class. Obviously, with Dr. C.'s final evaluation, we'll know even more how to help him. She said that you can tell how Dr. C. truly believes that each child is uniquely created and cares about them each so much. Yes... we're in the middle of a Dr. C. lovefest! {haha} Nah... but she is the most unbelievable blessing from God for us!

Another thing I learned was that my friend, Lisa, found out the results of her daughter's test. The test stated that she has all those APD issues we know about, but overall, her intelligence is so high... so she's "fine". Yep! Man, have I heard that before!! As we've discovered throughout all this research, APD kids have a higher intelligence so they look "fine", even when there are neurological issues. It sounded similar to Jared's test with the school district. Poor Lisa definitely feels like she wasted a whole lot of money. Dr. C. is going to run through the diagnosis, as a courtesy, to see what she can do to help.

And, finally... how did Jared do? Well, the first cool thing about yesterday's test is that the man giving the test - Mr. Simms - is well known for his knowledge. In fact, my mom has worked with him. He has written Bible curriculum that many people use. He even played the piano in my good friend, Cherith's wedding! All that aside, he is so nice. Jared liked him. Since I observed the test, I was able to see how my son learns. Fascinating.

Jared had to perform a series of tasks and then at the end of the evaluation, Mr. Simms was able to classify him into an age group, based on his performance.  For example, if he built a tower of blocks, does he use both hands, intermittently, to build it exactly like the facilitator said? Yes. he was "age 6" for that. I was completely impressed at how well Jared was doing... so much better than he does on his homework from school. He saw a shape and had to draw it on his paper. Unfortunately, he drew it the size of the entire paper and used a bunch of paper. I guess, if he were a grown-up, we might wonder if that has to do with his ego. Unfortunately, in this particular task, he was "age 4 1/2". He answered a question about his birthday party at "age 7". Then, he finished a drawing of a man and was at "age 5". Overall, he was around "age 5". Mr. Simms said that it confirms why we held him back in school, but it's still hard to hear that your son is delayed. He just turned 6, and he tested at barely 5 for most things. Crush. Shatter. I guess I should have expected it, but it was still hard to hear.

"So what happens now?" Mr. Simms replied, "That's why Dr. Champagne is here. She's doing her tests to determine why he's delayed and figure out how to fix it."

He who forms the mountains, who creates the wind, and who reveals his thoughts to mankind, who turns dawn to darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth— the Lord God Almighty is his name. Amos 4:13 (NIV)

Tomorrow's Possibilities

Tomorrow is a big day. The administrator, the school counselor and the dean from Jared's school are meeting with Dr. Champagne. They want to discuss various curricula and what would be beneficial for the school. As I mentioned before, the school currently uses a pretty tough curriculum that doesn't necessarily work for kids with neurological disorders. What a blessing to know that the school is willing to look into possibilities for change! They haven't even seen Dr. C.'s formal report regarding Jared (he still has many more subtests until it's complete), yet they want to meet with her... based solely on what I have told them!

Also, Jared will be meeting with a gentleman, who's name escapes me. It's at Dr. C.'s office, so it's someone she works alongside. It's a one hour test, primarily to target neurological deficiencies. I was told I could sit in on the test. I'm a little nervous. What if he's wired from "clown day" at school and doesn't do well? What if he's too tired by 2pm and doesn't answer all the questions? Is this the one test that classifies him for the rest of his life?  My mind is swimming, yet again.

I am hoping for many good things tomorrow.

Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. Isaiah 26:4 (NIV)

Uncomfortable Eye

Because I'm a piano teacher, I have seen many ways that children respond to hard or uncomfortable situations. If a song gets tough, one might stop to use the restroom. Another might ask for water. Another might start popping her wrist joints, or even her chin. I've seen kids start playing with their noses. I have seen the occasional fist pounding, but most of the "tells" are subtle... or at least the kids think they are.

At Jared's first appointment with Dr. C., he started rubbing his eye. I wondered if she had a cat and he was allergic. She said she didn't have a cat. His eye got so bad, I had to flush it with water and hold a compress to it. The next time at Dr. C.'s his eye started reacting the same way. My mom noticed his eye a few days later, and wondered about the big purple bruise-like area. I said that was from him rubbing it a lot. I figured that he must be allergic to something at Dr. C.'s office. That was my belief, until yesterday's meeting with the school district.

The school district evaluator said, "He kept rubbing his eye. He's never done that before. I wondered if he was allergic to something in my office." Interesting. When the testing gets too uncomfortable for Jared, does he rub his eye?

Look at the crossing of the hemispheres!

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Bringin' APD Awareness to the 'Hood

Jared has an appointment with the evaluator at the school district today. Why? Aren't his weeks already filled with half day appointments with a real doctor evaluating him? That is the question. Here's my answer.

I have been waiting for the evaluator's assessment of Jared for weeks. But, since we mentioned APD to her (a disorder that she is not familiar with), she decided to do some research and delay it. I think that's pretty cool. To me, that means she could possibly help other children in that school if she knows about this disorder... the disorder that most experts believe 1 in 10 kids have. Therefore, she has brought the "first ever" processing test to that school's campus. She said she received it from a speech pathologist and wants to run through it with Jared. She said that, according to public school standards, Jared is within normal parameters with his verbal, listening, spelling, and everything-else-she-tested-him-in skills. Isn't that crazy? I know something is wrong. His teachers from preschool to now know that something is wrong, but our school system says he's fine, for his age.  I mean, Dr. C. told us our child can never even learn how to read without a very specific phonics program for children with neurological disorders! And, I believe it! To the person who doesn't know about other processing disorders, Jared seems like he has dyslexia. Can you imagine teaching a kid with dyslexia how to read?

My second answer is that it's only an hour and it's about a 1/2 a mile from my house. The evaluator is one of the nicest people I've ever met. She's a joy to see. Jared loves her. What will it hurt? If it can bring awareness to the school district, I'm in!

This past weekend we were in Corpus Christi at a conference. I met a mother of an 8 year old autistic boy and she and I had a nice conversation about special needs children. When I mentioned that Europe seems to be unbelievably more advanced in research than the US, she said "everyone is". She would know! She started noticing her son was different 6 years ago and she's constantly researching ways to help. She said the US believes in incorporating special needs children in with all the others... just go with the flow. But that doesn't usually work for those children. She's noticing that now.  You could hear the sadness in her voice.

So, maybe there are 3 reasons... probably many more. The main one is that I want to bring awareness to those around me. And, if I can help bring awareness to my school district, bring on today's test!

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. Jeremiah 17:7 (NIV)

Log Jam

Good news! Jared’s tests with Dr. C. went really well yesterday. He completed 9 subtests! I don’t know how many subtests, of the 36, we have left. I heard some of the tests and quietly cheered him on from the other room. Yesterday was the most hope-filled day of tests I’ve had. Woohoo!

Dr. C. explained it this way: When she was in Alaska, she saw this stream that was jammed by a whole bunch of logs. She watched a man go up to a hill and stare down at all the logs jamming up the flowing water. He stood there for 2 hours. Then he came down and removed one log… one specific log… and all the other logs freed up and the stream was free flowing again. She compared this to Jared. She said that all these things she’s bringing up with us (i.e. he can’t sequence, he mixes up his letters, he can’t hold information, etc.) are symptoms. They are just a bunch of logs that are blocking the flow. We don’t heal everything we see. We don't heal every symptom. Just like if you were to merely start picking up logs, the water wouldn’t start flowing. There won’t be any change. You have to find the right log.

She said that many kids in schools are diagnosed with spelling problems. The school helps them work on their spelling and they are 90% helped. But the spelling is not the root problem. Spelling problems are caused by a root issue like visual and memory processing. We are trying to find the root issue within Jared. What a relief that we don't have to fix all his symtoms, just find the right log! I truly believe we can do that with Dr. C. She is such a blessing to us!

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. Jeremiah 17:7 (NIV)

The Clown’s Behavior

Today is Jared’s third appointment with Dr. Champagne since last Thursday.  And, for some reason, he has been horribly misbehaving this week. A behavior notice was sent home with him yesterday. He was not respecting another child’s personal space. If you know Jared, that’s not hard to imagine. He’s a hugger. He also gets up close to say, “What?” and “Huh?” But, the teacher told him to move away from the other child and he kept doing it. Also, he was ugly to another child. Apparently, this other child made fun of him because he was wrong about one of his letters being a “G” (that part of the story is Jared's version) and Jared said, “You’re a baby. I’m a big boy, I’m 6” and kept saying the other child was a baby.

For this 9 weeks, his behavior has been the best ever… until this week. I don’t know what’s going on with him. I talked with his teacher this morning, and she doesn’t know either. We’re not on new medication. His diet hasn’t changed. I don’t know if it’s spending 11 hours with Dr. Champagne this week or if it’s the unspoken stress in our household. We try to act like everything’s “normal”. We had a wonderful birthday party for his brother and he had a blast, as you can see:

Jared is the class clown. He has taken on that role. I believe it’s one of his coping mechanisms with his disability. This morning, I heard three kids call him “Silly Jared”. When we were in carpool, with the windows down, I heard a little girl tell her mom, “That’s crazy Jared over there”. He does these weird faces, which results in laughter from the other boys and girls. Yet, he mentioned again today that the other kids are making fun of him and laughing at him. When I talked to Jared about him seeking their reactions and laughter, he didn’t seem to get it. If he’d be less silly, he’d get less laughter. The other kids might think he’s being “silly” when he doesn’t say his words correctly or names the wrong letter. Who knows? I’m really hoping his behavior improves and we can all have a much better week next week!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Stress and the Emergency Room

This week is a highly stressful week of meetings and travel. You don't want to see our schedules. They're insane. Both Ray and I are constantly rushing from meeting to meeting and city to city. If I add in our unexpected financial obligations, it can definitely bring me down. Just yesterday, a friend and I were discussing financial woes. Her family has some financial hardships, as well, and we were wondering what God was showing us through this time. Just after that conversation,  I found out that Ray would not be furloughed this Friday, which had been originally anticipated. He will be receiving a paycheck for (at least) the next 2 weeks. I thought, "Woohoo! That's right! We're going to get through this! Things could be worse."

Yesterday I had 2 serious health episodes. For the past 16 years I have had intestinal issues. I don't know what causes them, but my doctors have always believed they were stress related. I experience a severe pain in my lower intestine which immediately drops my blood pressure and usually results in losing consciousness. Yesterday morning was my worst episode yet. I don't even know how long I was passed out. I just remember a period of 40 minutes that I was conscious one moment and unconscious the next.  I was drenched in a pool of sweat and it was the longest episode I've had, thus far.  About 20 minutes later, I had another one. I've never had more than one a year, and sometimes, only one every 3 years. They usually don't last long, so I just figured this is my life. I feel them coming and I know to drop to the floor and suffer through. However, my dad's brother died of an intestinal aneurysm a couple years ago and I recently found out his son, my cousin, just had part of his intestine removed. Therefore, I've decided that, even if it relates to stress, I really need to see a specialist. That's on my list of things to do.

As I was driving to Austin today for an Army meeting, I couldn't seem to reach Ray on his cell phone. I wanted to meet up with him before the meeting. When I finally reached him, he told me that a couple hours earlier, he had experienced some chest pains and went to the medical facility on Camp Mabry. They immediately rushed him, by ambulance, to the Seton emergency room because they thought he had a mild heart attack. Yes. Heart attack. When I was with him in the ER this afternoon, the doctor said that he didn't think it was a heart attack, however, his valve could be 90% blocked and then became totally blocked and then went back to 90% block. Nevertheless, he'll be meeting with a cardiologist in the morning.

When the doctor was talking to us about schedules and possibly admitting Ray for the night, we both were so stressed. No, this is Ray's only night home... he can't stay in a hospital. He has to pack for the next 4 days - 2 ceremonies, commander conference, etc. After interviewing 4 people that must be interviewed tomorrow, he has to rush back to SA and then drive to Houston in the afternoon and then on to Corpus on Friday. And, I have an early appointment tomorrow, then rush to pick up Jared and spend 4 1/2 hours with Dr. Champagne and then pick up and drop off Ray and then rush the boys to soccer practice. It was like our heads were saying, "You don't understand! We don't have time for a heart attack! Are you crazy?" I know that sounds ludicrous but it's hard enough to keep our schedules going this week.

You would think that our serious health issues during the past 35 hours would slow us down. We do plan to slow down. Unfortunately, it may have to wait until Monday. I am definitely trying to slow my mind down and focus on Someone much more important than our crazy schedules.

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life^? Matthew 6: 25-27 (NIV)

Celebrating Life

There is nothing like seeing the joy in your kids' faces when they blow out their birthday candles. It's nice to know that, through all of this, I can still feel so blessed!

Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him. Psalm 34:8 (Mes)